Nikon Z f Review

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

Nikon continue to show they have form when it comes to appealing to the nostalgic streak in so many photographers. Thus it was with the diminutive APS-C format retro design Zfc and so it continues to be with the new full frame Z f. However, gorgeous as the Zfc was it still emerges as a largely plastic camera. The Z f is the same concept grown up, so APS-C is replaced by Full Frame and, while making sure that under the skin all the power of the best current technology quietly supports it, the plastic construction is replaced by durable Magnesium alloy. We have the ingredients, so let’s see if the mix results in another fine example of Nikon magic.

Nikon Z f Features

The Nikon Z f takes the basic form of the film-era Nikon FM2, a well-respected and well-loved design from the peak of film camera technology. Whilst retaining the basic feel and appearance, using brass to ensure a great traditional feel to dials and anticipating that wear over the years will wear the black paint finish, revealing a gradually ageing patina that will complete the illusion.

The result is a top plate resplendent in solid-feeling analog dials and other controls. From left to right as we look down on the camera the mode is selected by a lever that lies underneath the ISO dial. The generously sized ISO dial covers the main range of ISO 100-64000 and can be locked into a C setting that gives access to the extended range of 50-204,800 (51200 in video).

Crossing over the 1.27cm (0.5 inch) 3.69M OLED EVF another large analog dial controls the shutter speed. Using the dial we can directly set speeds from 1/8000s to 4s plus B, T and X. We can also set the camera to control the shutter speeds in one-third of a stop increments from 1/8000s to 30s.

Under the shutter speed dial is a small lever that selects Video, and, its piece de resistance, monochrome. The Monochrome setting can be set up as Monochrome, Flat Monochrome or Deep Tone Monochrome, so there is plenty of choice of style. Add the use of filters and considerable control is available. There is currently a renaissance of interest in monochrome images, and indeed Leica and Pentax offer monochrome-only versions of some of their cameras. It is worth pointing out that this Nikon option is not quite as purist as a dedicated mono camera, simply because the Bayer filter is still in the optical path, subtly different to having a luminance-only response at each pixel. However, this does not diminish the usefulness of this simple choice for those who wish to shoot in mono but perhaps cannot justify a camera totally dedicated to it.

Touching on pixels, there is also a pixel shift high-resolution feature that has a large range of options within it and can produce immense 96MP files. This feature takes advantage of the pixel shift VR system and indeed it can give incredible levels of definition to the fine details within an image. To make the most of this, subjects should be static and the camera should be set up on a tripod. Yes, manufacturers suggest we can use such features handheld, but if we are looking for the ultimate precision then arguably we should be looking at using a solid tripod and precise technique.

Continuing our review of the top plate, the shutter release has good response and is conveniently surrounded by the on/off lever. Behind this is a small plastic window that indicates on an LCD panel the aperture value in use. Frankly, as previously noted, this is so small and indistinct as to be totally useless. Finally, there is an exposure compensation dial, similar to those found on some compact cameras, and this is a really useful feature.

The other controls on the front and back of the camera are pure Nikon and hold no surprises for Nikon users. The vari-angle rear LCD is excellent as always. The base plate houses the battery compartment, and the battery provides up to 380 shots using the monitor and 360 shots using the EVF. This is not particularly generous and it may well be a good idea to carry extra batteries. In the same compartment are the memory cards, and very unusually we have one SD slot and one MicroSD. Why would be a valid question and nothing really leaps out as any sort of advantage to this.

Nikon Z f Key Features

• 24.5MP CMOS FX format full-frame sensor
• Classic design in the form of Nikon FM2
• 8-stop 5-axis VR
• Pixel Shift high-resolution files 96MP
• ISO range 100-51,200 (expandable to ISO 50 – 204,800)
• Meter range -4 to +17 EV
• AF range -10 to +19EV
• 3” Vari-angle TFT monitor 2.1M dots
• 1.27cm OLED EVF 3.69M dots
• Monitor touch-sensitive
• 4K Video 30p FX format, 60p DX format
• Video FHD up to 120p
• Built-in stereo microphone plus external connector
• WiFi (2.4 GHz)/ Bluetooth 4.2
• Battery life 380 shots (Monitor)
• Battery life 360 shots (EVF)
• 1 SD card slot (UHS-II compliant)
• 1 MicroSD slot (UHS-I compliant)
• 7.8fps, 30fps burst
• Shutter speeds 30s – 1/4000s
• Picture Control System
• Dust and drip-resistant
• 710g with battery and card
• Operating temperature 0C to 40C
• 144mm x 103mm x49mm

Nikon Z f Handling

This is the third retro attempt by Nikon, starting with the overpriced Df, then the crop format Zfc and now the full frame Z f. Like the Zfc, it hits the spot regarding the retro design and, also like the Zfc it offers a range of colours apart from the classic black. All this does not directly affect the handling, but it does affect the way we look at the product initially and rekindles the feel of how we might have used the film camera version. New users familiar with the standard layout of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras may be less moved.

The well-made brass analog dials and switches are a bonus point, making it easy to access the most commonly used features. The lack of a sculpted grip may not suit everyone, but this is how cameras used to be. It may seem heavy in relation to its size. The balance to this is the very high quality of manufacture, the stylish retro design, the excellent video quality and a very appealing overall handling experience. There is no price penalty, the cost being almost identical to the closely similar specced Z6II, so the Z f becomes a viable straight choice in handling styles. There is a lot to be said for it.

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Nikon Z f Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
 

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Nikon Z f Sample Photos

Lens Performance – The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8S prime lens was supplied with the Z f for review purposes. This has been previously reviewed and the conclusions in terms of performance were:

“Sharpness centrally is outstanding from f/1.8 right through to f/8 and excellent at f/11 and f/16. The edges are excellent at f/1.8 and f/2, outstanding from f/2.8 to f/8, excellent at f/11 and very good at f/16. This is another outstanding result.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is measured with any in-camera corrections switched off, as far as we can know. Both centre and edge, the CA values are as close to zero (and sometimes actually zero) as makes no difference. Only at the edge at f/1.8 do we find a slight amount of CA, but one-tenth of a pixel is not going to show.

Distortion measures at -1.32% barrel, a good result for a 35mm lens. Further correction can be undertaken in software if required, although this is unlikely to be needed in most images.

Bokeh is pleasantly smooth, with good gradation in those out-of-focus areas of an image.

Flare is also almost non-existent, the design and coatings combining to allow the lens to see past the most demanding lighting situations.

There is some vignetting present, correctable in software if necessary. In most images, this will not show up in a major way, and in portraiture in particular the slight corner darkening at wider apertures can be turned into a virtue, concentrating our attention on the subject.”

The conclusion was an award of 5 stars and the accolade of Editor’s Choice – a superb lens.

Nikon Z f ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance – Performance in terms of noise is excellent right up to ISO 1600, with only the slightest amount creeping in at ISO 3200 and 6400. Noise does become slightly more obvious at ISO 12800 and 25600, but sharpness is well maintained. Softness creeps in at ISO 51200 and at this point the noise level is quite obvious. This is equally true at ISO 64000, the top of the standard range. Moving into the extended values, ISO 102400 is very noisy but usable if the subject matter is important enough to accept the drop in quality. ISO 204800 is a step too far, with horrible worm-like noise and low sharpness. Overall, however, a very impressive set of results.

Nikon Z f White-balance test images

White Balance – There is a fair selection of white balance choices, Nikon giving us Auto, Natural Light Auto, Direct Sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Colour Temperature and Preset manual. Each setting can be adjusted further. Cloudy is especially useful when desiring a warmer image, similar to the effect of an 81A filter. Shade combats the purple cast often found in woodland shadows. Use of Direct Sunlight instead of AWB can help to preserve the quality of ambient light, especially where single colours dominate, such as sunsets.

Nikon Z f Digital filters

Digital Filters – For those who like to experiment with JPEG capture, Nikon offer a dazzling array of Picture Controls. The first group of these are Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Flat Monochrome, Deep Tone Monochrome, Portrait, Rich Tone Portrait, Landscape and Flat. The second group are labelled as Creative Picture Controls and are 01 Dream, 02 Morning, 03 Pop, 04 Sunday, 05 Somber, 06 Dramatic, 07 Silence, 08 Bleached, 09 Melancholic, 10 Pure, 11 Denim, 12 Toy, 13 Sepia, 14 Blue, 15 Red, 16 Pink, 17 Charcoal, 18 Graphite, 19 Binary and 20 Carbon. This is an expansion of previous options, with particularly the addition of new monochrome variations. We also now have three levels of Soft Skin. Whilst the rationale for some of these descriptions may still be a little obscure, they are certainly worth experimenting with and sometimes offer a style that will suit a particular subject. There are also settings such as HDR. Each and every alternative can have its parameters changed as well, so the range of options is truly vast.

Source: Photography News
Nikon Z f Review
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