Is the Nikon Zf Good Enough for Landscape Photography?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

So, I made a mistake. I am pretty sure I knew that the Z8 and Z9 shared the same sensor back when I was researching them. I was just being forgetful. Thanks to all of you that pointed that out!😊

[@jvkrause]

These videos are very enjoyable and well produced. Thanks for all the good stuff

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I just seen that you are putting up content again! Glad to see you back. I'm looking forward to watching these newer videos and seeing you finally hit that 1k subscribers mark.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Thank you! Yes, I am wanting to hit that 1k mark for sure. That is the first goal of many, right? Yeah, I am back and doing it pretty much full time right now while working on the new (to me) house here in Maine. Stay tuned!

[@craiginthemud7086]

Great video thank you. I just picked up a bargain z7ii to venture into landscape and portrait photography and was contemplating a zf to compliment it. It's just a shame is so expensive in the UK at £2149 (2712 us) but that probably explains why its in stock everywhere.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Yeah, the exchange is messing it all up. You'll love it though! Thanks for watching!

[@pleasevans6394]

I've been learning on a Nikon D70 and when I upraged I definitely may land on this camera. Beautiful photos!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Thank you so much! As for the camera, I don't think you can go wrong with it. It really is an astounding piece of equipment.

[@williamm.3981]

Excellent video, great content! Looking forward to your opinion on the Zf for Bird and wildlife photography! Thanks 🙏🏻 😊

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I'm working on that video as we speak. Soon... Thanks for watching!

[@nik0wat]

Great video. You’ve actually helped me make up my mind to keep my Z 6II. No doubt the Zf is a great retro camera which I would love to have have but that extra money is hard to come by. It the same sensor as my Z 6II and since I don’t need the benefit of the new processor or better focusing for the work I do I feel very confident in my choice. I will use the savings to get the 24-120mm f4 lens.

[@stevelink3]

Beautiful images and excellent video, Thomas! As a Z8 landscape, product and occasional wildlife photographer, I am quite pleased with the sharpness and detail I get in large prints (30" x 40"). It's reassuring to see that the Zf's 24 MP sensor is also capable of large prints! Regarding you mention of an L bracket, I heard that Really Right Stuff makes a "Universal L bracket" that would work with the Zf and the SmallRig grip, but I have no direct experience with it. Thanks again sir!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Thank you for your kind words! The L-raker thing is weird. It looks like universal l-brackets are the only way if you want an l bracket. Thanks for watching!

[@BobHochmuth]

I enjoyed this informative video Tom. When you were speaking about sensors I detected some indifference towards Canon cameras. Having one I have found it not so easy to have affordable good lenses. Thanks again for the presentation of this new camera.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Thank you for watching! I think that Canon trying to develop their own sensors, (or at least they did in the past) has hurt them as a company. I think of the big four are going to be great cameras no matter what though so no insult intended to Canon.

[@vikas7726]

Hi sir , please tell which focus area mode you’ve used( Nikon zf for landscape).thanks for sharing such a great information ❤

[@skygayle]

Thanks just purchased this camera. Anxious to learn more about it and appreciate your positive and honest opinion.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Hope you enjoy it and thank you!

[@GirdHerd]

I have my camera equipment insured through USAA as well. Thanks for serving.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

As much as I wish I could say I did serve, alas, I did not. The best I have done is being a fire fighter. My wife’s family was the military side. Thank YOU for serving however!

[@mirceagavan7046]

Excellent video Thomas! Thank you!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Thank you for watching!

[@erikbergman5810]

Would you prefer this one over the XT-5? I am leaning towards the xt-5, but not quite sure yet. Weight/mp/recipes/ ( and also the 35mm 1,8 )

[@douglasritchie2836]

Nice video and some really nice shots, Thomas, I dont think their was any question if it was going to be a good Landscape camera. I remember getting lovely 20x3o inch prints from my D3X and if you ran them through Topax Gigapixel you could have gorgeous 60x40 inch prints. Look forward to hearing what you think about the Pixel shift images, I would love if that was possible in the Z8 with a firmware update, probably not as the Zf has a completely new Ibis setup.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Ah the D3X. That was a wonderful camera. At least in memory. I remember picking up a D850 recently thinking it was one of the best cameras I've ever owned and being horrified at how it felt. LOL Yes, Topaz is a wonder and even Lightroom now has a scaling facility that is quite good if you need to use it. As for pixel shift in the Z8, I think the resolution alone would make it somewhat prohibitive. With so much more density on the sensor, getting the ibis to be that precise may be problematic and the files would be monstrous. LOL Who knows though. I am pretty much speaking out of school on this one. I don't really know what the tech is capable of. Thanks for the comment!

[@GirdHerd]

I love that grip but I always buy an L-Bracket for each camera. You just made me think that Small Rig should make a "U" bracket with the grip on one end and the ARCA Swiss L-bracket on the other end.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I’m looking to get an L bracket as well. This was the early in option for the Zf. I believe there are L-bracket potions now however.

[@zest5977]

thank you very much for sharing your experiences. it helps a lot.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you for watching!

[@Nobrainer19073]

I have been shooting on APSC camera since DSLR days. Recently bought a ZFC. Wondering if it’s worthwhile to upgrade further to a full frame ZF.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I think you can’t go wrong with the Zfc. I have both and I use the Zfc which is a really really good camera to shoot the videos. It’s an excellent stills camera as well but, if you can manage it, the ZF is a pretty large step up. Thanks for watching and hope to see you again!

[@Nobrainer19073]

@@ThomasPetzwinkler thanks Thomas

[@sibasishmohanty7871]

Nice video how about the noise in raw in low light long exposure photography. And also how about noise in raw in normal indoor photography with ambient lighting . In jpeg may be no noise as camera already processed. But how about in raw. I was having bad experience in Z7ii raw photo noise.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

So another viewer suggested using camera import in Lightroom and he says it solved the noise issue. I’ve given it a try and will report back.

[@dudewelder1756]

I haven't used my cannon 35mm in over 25 years, after some research the time is NOW and i think the Zf is the camera!! Great video though I'd like to see it with smaller glass.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I just haven’t bought anything smaller for it since I primarily use it for landscape work. I am thinking that 28mm 2.8 Z looks pretty nice though.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Oh and awesome that you decided on this beauty. You won’t be sorry.

[@laika25]

Is that a cool Kodak instamatic lil box jewel of a cam on back? (On your right shoulder...)

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

No, it's not. I believe you might be seeing my white polaroid SX-70. Maybe? Thank you for watching though!

[@DineshSharma-jv8nj]

Helpful inputs from u thank u for that

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I'm happy that I provided useful info! Thanks for dropping in.

[@D.Trider]

Did you try pixel shift? Also this looks like Maine. My home state!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I did. Pixel shift works well as long as there is no movement at all. I need to find a good landscape situation where it will work well. I will cover that in a future video. Yes, Maine looks like nowhere else! I love it here.

[@kathatiekahun]

Thank you very much such a nice video.Will you pl share what was the lens used by you for landscape shots?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I believe that is the Nikkor 24-120 F4. Its an excellent lens! I have a review for it here on the channel. Thanks for watching!

[@laurelb8372]

Wonder whether Silence Corner make an Atoll bracket to suit Zf saves taking off tripod. Also any chance of video trying focus stack for landscapes.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I will be covering focus stacking on the next Zf video. Stay tuned. I have a video or two coming out in between but fear not, I will be covering it.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

So I went and looked in to it. The atoll for “select mirrorless cameras” should in theory work fine with the Zf.

[@Jwitherow1964]

First timer!! I have the Zf too here’s the one thing I had problem with for landscape long exposure I couldn’t get it to go over 30 seconds I need 2 mins with the ND on. Can you help

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

So, this is a little different from some other brands. You want to go in to the custom settings section of the menus and then go to d6. That setting is called “Extended Shutter Speeds (M)” set that to on. Then set your shutter dial to “1/3 STEP” and now you can select up to 900 seconds shutter speed. Hope this helps! Thanks for dropping in!

[@eisenschweinchen5354]

She is my new camera, after the D810 and D3s :-)

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I got a Small Rig grip from their website for about 37 dollars, the grip that is made more for video is more like a cage style and that goes for about 6o dollars. Nice photos of Owls head light, the farthest that I got on the Mane coast was Pemaquid light house, hope to get back to Portland Head light.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Yeah, the video cage is quite nice. I do wish that Small rig would figure out a way to make them so that you can mount the camera vertically. The added benefit would be that if you shot vertical content for any of the social media sites or KZbin shorts, it would allow for that as well.

[@notarealperson2001]

The Z8 and Z9 share the same stacked sensor which has worse dynamic range than the Z7 sensor. Great video BTW.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

My mistake. I swear I knew this when I was looking at the Z8. LOL ah well… Thanks for the feedback!

[@johnyoung1606]

I saw a L-Mount Bracket I saw on another YT Channel.... ThankYou :) :) :)

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

You are welcome! Thank you! I need to track that L-Bracket down!

[@pauka13]

Not just a great camera but look gorgeous too. Still couldn't make my mind to retire my trusty old z6, but maybe someday I'd get a zf or z6lll if it sees the sun in the future...

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I believe the Z6III will come. Nikon has a pretty long cycle so I expect to see it next year I hope.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

My years of photography has though me you can use most any recently made camera for landscapes regardless of sensor size, matching the proper lens to what you are photographing is important, subjects, composition, lighting and exposure are far more important to a good landscape photo.

[@natedagreat90]

Nikon said it's the same basic sensor with tweaks from the exspeed 7 processor that's straight from an ambassador who's not Richie. Someone higher up

[@Jwitherow1964]

Last thing I couldn’t find out how to hook up my shutter remote am I the only one with this problems?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

So, on the Zf, you are out of luck for a wired shutter release unless you want to use the screw in release on the shutter button. Nikon and third party producers are selling a blue tooth remote that takes care of shutter release. The model is ML-L7 from nikon. Thanks for dropping in!

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I can confirm now. I have 4 different cables and not one of them will trip the shutter. I guess the hole is just for a screw in shutter button. Seems odd doesn't it?@@jerryinsc

[@natedagreat90]

You don't have to be a nikon, fanboy to appreciate that beautiful piece of technology only main complaint. People have are from people who don't like the retro style in ergonomics but you can't go out in the rain and complain about getting wet it's just the nature of this kind of camera nikon cameras so far cannot record video redundantly to the second card, and that's all of their cameras

[@superphotocam]

The z8 has the same sensor as the z9. The Z7 has a different sensor but also the same 45 resolution as the Z8 and Z9. Nikon Zf has the same sensor as the Z6II and Z6

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Yeah, I think I knew this to begin with. Its been a while since I looked at the Z8 again. Anyway, thanks for the feedback! My bad.

[@superphotocam]

@@ThomasPetzwinkler Only he who does nothing makes no mistakes.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

The problem with the ZF screen is that i have several cameras with the same type of screen and i can't find a L bracket than won't intefer with the movements of the screen, i have a Nikon Z6Ii that has an L-bracket on it and because the screen tilts behind the camera the L-bracket does not interrupt with the screen, but if you're Vlogging the screen on the ZF works best, every thing is a trade off . Don't hold your breath with Fujifilm making a camera with a full frame, from what I have read is that don't feel that there is a big difference between APSC and full frame at this point in time and that is why they make the medium format because the difference between the APSC and Medium format is larger enough to justify the expense of developing a sensor size that requires different glass. Happy New year.

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Yeah, I agree with you on all fronts. I know in the past there have been L-Brackets for flip out screen cameras that had a cut out on the side but I can’t see that working on this body so using an L-Bracket will mean either off axis mounting or not opening the screen 100 percent. We will see what come. Thanks for watching!

[@Jwitherow1964]

I like my ZF so much I am selling my Z9 my wrist is thinking me already

[@eisenschweinchen5354]

Then why did you buy the Zf...or borrow it?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I don't know what you are asking this about. I think I said I really liked this camera. Refresh me because I cannot see what you are responding to. That said, I bought (yep, I do own this beauty). this camera for a bunch of reasons. I wanted another 24MP camera to replace my Z6 which I had sold. I loved that Nikon finally had a retro styled camera. I wanted a class leading video camera from Nikon. I wanted a camera that had the crazy good autofocus of the new Z cameras. Those are the four main reasons. I did the landscape video because so many people love to claim you can't shoot landscape with a 24 MP and I wanted to show them how wrong they are. Anyway, I look forward to hearing what you are asking this question about and why. Thank you for watching!

[@darenaubiephotography8570]

What an odd question. Any camera is good enough for landscape photography. What would make you think it wouldn't be?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

Did you watch the video?

[@darenaubiephotography8570]

@@ThomasPetzwinkler absolutely. I understand sensational and controversial titles suck in views, but come on. Any modern camera can be good enough for landscape photography or any other type of photography. And we all should know as professionals or amateurs that any print is good viewed at the proper viewing distance. Do you pixel peep billboards along the highway?

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

​@@darenaubiephotography8570 I'm not sure why you are offended by a quality video based on an idea that people have. Not everyone knows as much about the subject as you and I and therefore appreciate a video that lays out why megapixels are not important for quality photography. Assuming people know this and will make good decisions based on such wisdom is plain wrong. Just look at the sales of Z8 and Z9 cameras for people that are not professionals and are likely using them to photograph their kids sporting events. No one needs that sort of camera for that activity. Its massive overkill. In the landscape realm, look at the amount of people that are buying a Z8 because they think its the most expensive with high megapixels so it must be best are completely unaware that the Z7II has better image quality and is far better suited to landscape work. I don't think my video mislead or even sidetracked anyone in to thinking otherwise. I include the print section as a way to show the results of that finding. Thank you for your concern however and I hope you have a nice weekend!

[@terrytong8665]

Are u good enough to not talk about fake topics on photography and still make a living?