Nikon Zf Takes On Fuji X-T5 .. my highly unscientific comparison…

I have been shooting these two cameras side by side for months now so it was time for me to share my feedback. Hope this helps anyone trying to decide on one of them or between the two. Cheers!

[@SugarySnack]

You hit the nail on the head. I recently switched from a fuji x-e4/x-t2 to the Nikon ZF and the autofocus is just amazing. Nothing made me more frustrated with Fuji than seeing the eye AF jump on and off the subject. The ZF locks on a can find faces in such a small percentage of the frame. The iso dial issues have become a non-issue for me once learning how it works and setting up my function buttons to quickly turn it on/off.

[@TCinSoCal]

Agree 100%. Thank you for your comment.

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

Great video. Absolutely love what you had to say. Felt honest and practical. The 30 minutes didn’t bother me. Keep it up. I liked it.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you.

[@ChaseMoreLight]

As someone who has been shooting a Z9 since 2021 and Z8 since summer 2023. Over 50 weddings. I’ve shot all the systems. Sony. Canon and Fuji. Z9 and Z8 are Sony AF with Nikon Colors. Outstanding cameras. Zf is on the way. 💪🏼 Great comparison. Welcome back! 🫡

[@foshan]

Love my Zf! It's just amazing. And I am keeping my D750, which is still going strong.

[@TCinSoCal]

It truly is. I never had the D750 but did have the D7500 and D500. I remember them metering really well also. I have this memory of being at BB & seeing this girl come in with $ she had saved and FINALLY getting a D750. It was so cool to see her excitement.

[@claytonsmith1906]

Great job, love the information I flip flop back and forth between Fuji and Nikon a lot as well and I think my strategy now is to have a lower end Fuji body and most of my higher end gear will be Nikon. I think the gap between a 6 year old Fuji and a brand new one is so insignificant outside of AF that it makes the most sense to have like an x-pro 2 for fun/walking around and a Nikon zf or z8 for professional work or times where you need stuff in focus.

[@TCinSoCal]

This is my current strategy.

[@johnyoung1606]

But try a NIKON Z50 !!! For a walk around Carry Amazing everything and light weight !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TCinSoCal]

@@johnyoung1606.. if you look at some of my early videos you’ll see how much I like the Z50. Great little camera. Perfect for walk around.

[@claytonsmith1906]

@@johnyoung1606 I'm kind of hoping for an updated version of that or the z5. Honestly I wish they'd pull off something like the A7C. I feel like they could but I know it's unlikely.

[@danielcoburn7696]

Thanks I’ve been wondering if I would cross from Nikon to Fuji X system because of the colour and the compactness. You hit the nail on the head. Nikon colour is better for real life colour (what the eye sees). I just wish the Zf was a little more compact and lighter. As soon as you put a bigger lens on it it’s a chore as an all day carry

[@TCinSoCal]

The Zf is chunky.. beefy boy.. with a Voigtlander on it it’s an experience but man it isn’t grab and go like an X-T5 or A7Cii.

[@mikefoster6018]

I love my X-T5 and its lower weight and better buttons than the Nikon Zf are enough to make me not switch to the Zf. There are a few other things the Fuji does better too (battery life, two full size memory cards, higher resolution, ergonomics etc). But I AM envious of the benefits of the Zf's bigger sensor, mainly for low light. Sounds like the autofocus is better too on the Zf, but I still like my X-T5 autofocus.

[@TCinSoCal]

I didn’t even mention the Zf doesn’t have a thumb stick. I don’t miss it. Nikon implemented this into the rear display really well. When looking through EVF I can drag the square by dragging my finger across the rear LCD. I get 300-400 shots on average per battery. I always have an extra battery on me no matter what camera.

[@shy-guy5544]

As a Fuji owner, I found your video to be very frank, informative, and interesting. It would have been nice if you had shown side-by-side comparisons of pictures taken by both cameras. I hope that the Zf will encourage Fuji to get their act together. Thanks

[@TCinSoCal]

I added a video with some. It’s a ‘quick and dirty’ .. would think I could make a slideshow video but the portrait vs landscape orientation threw me a wrench. I’m open to advice on how to make those. Thank you.

[@shy-guy5544]

@@TCinSoCal Thanks

[@Rockofaz]

Great perspective. Thank you!

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you!!

[@karlbratby4349]

pro or not but your opinion is very very valid, I have 30 years skin the pro game and I listened. thankyou. its super cool, but as a pro tool I am on the fence. currently use a pair of XH2s's and and XH2 and what keep s me is those lenses you mention. If Nikon had launched a few aperture ringed primes 23/35/85 even f1.8 ish then would be easier but they dont and cant see them doing so, a retro inspired camera needs lenses to match. Agree with fuji metering, it ios way off, colours are subjective as you say but Nikon colours have always been good, for me canon wins this as I prefer the warmer skin tones, fuji is good though. At present the XH2 line has amazing ergonomics for my work. Love what nikon tried and have the ZF on trial at present and lots to like but also some silly things they seemed to have not thought about. Thanks for the video

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. You are so right .. especially about the lenses ‘missing’ with Nikon. Even Sony has those little 2.5 primes.

[@MrRafalEn]

@@TCinSoCal I've heard that AF adapters do a pretty good job with Sony lenses. It was Megadap or Techart but results were almost as with native lenses so you can have those nice little Sony primes with aperture rings on Nikon.

[@ScaleDreamsStudio]

I used the Voightlander manual focus lenses on the Zf and man! I'm loving it. Great review!

[@TCinSoCal]

Which one? I was looking at a Voigtlander 35 but it said for APS-C .. even though it was Z mount. I’d love to get a little 35 or 40 Voigtlander..

[@ScaleDreamsStudio]

I bought the 50mm f2.0 APO full frame

[@Jwitherow1964]

I have both of those cameras too, thanks for the video

[@EugenePalomado]

New to the Fuji system. Thank you for your video and comparison. I know it's not apples to apples but I thought the Zf was way more than in price but it isn't. Now I don't know if I regret my decision to go Fuji. Maybe in the future when Nikon makes better lenses on the Zf platform.

[@TCinSoCal]

No rush. Fuji is a great system.

[@ju2705s]

I like this video and your opinion a lot. Thanks for your work 👍

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you

[@just_A_Hack]

What a great video and comparison. I really appreciate the way you presented everything and your casual delivery. You make the point in the beginning that it isn't apples to ales comparison, but I think the big point for me is the price. I like both Fujifilm and nikon, but fujifilm is getting very expensive. If you bought and x-t5 with one of the new f 1.4 lenses, you are spending more than the Nikon zf with 40 f2. That makes it really tough when deciding in that regard. Hope you have a great one

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you for your comments. The new Fuji 1.4 lenses are $$$ but honestly for most of us that aren’t worth double the price of the little f2 lenses. The 35 & 50 f2 ‘Fujicrons’ are amazing. X-T5 on the used market right now is plummeting.. seeing them go for $1,100. You can now get an X-T5 & 27 2.8 WR combo for around $1,500. That’s a steal IMO. I’m still loving the output from the Zf but the ergonomics and how beefy it is doesn’t make for a grab & go stealthy setup. I have another camera on the way I’ve been wanting to try. Still a big issue for me with Nikon is outside of the 40 f2 there isn’t a lot of Nikon lenses I want to try. The Voigtlander is amazing but if I feel a drop of rain I feel like I have to pull it.. it’s fun though.

[@just_A_Hack]

​@@TCinSoCal that's a great point about the f2 lenses. I can't believe the x-t5 is falling that low. If I see that deal, I'm 100% jumping on that. There is something about Fujifilm that I just really love and keeps me coming back to. Can't wait to see what you are covering next. Have a great weekend my friend

[@rvpcqp]

Man you really hit on the important aspects for anyone trying to decide between these two. Would have loved to see a few sample photos but appreciate the in depth descriptions. Been shooting with an XT3 since its release and loved the design & form factor but been I’ve really frustrated since getting more into pet portraits & wildlife. So tired of losing 65% of my shots… the Zf has the internals I wish Fuji had. At this point why would I pay $500 more for an XH2S with a DSLR style body and still subpar autofocus & IBIS? Also been disappointed with many of the Fuji lens releases. Sigma & Viltrox primes are on par while Sigma & Tamron zooms have almost as good if not better IQ at lower cost, only lagging in build quality. It seems with the Zf I can reduce my overall kit while maintaining or improving low light, subject isolation, magnification ratio by essentially replacing my 16 f1.4, 18-55, 50 f2, 70-300, and Tamron 150-500 with the 24-70 f4, 40 f2, 70-180 f2.8, and 180-600. Seems like the Zfc was a bit of a flop, but as the Zf catches on, I’m sure Nikon will make better quality f2 / 2.8 compact primes. That’s one thing Fuji excels at with their Fujicrons & 1.4 primes. And with access to the Z lens lineup, at least I have the option to rent a 400 f2.8 & 800 f6.3 for that African safari lol I’d say Fuji can still make sense for street & portrait photographers who appreciate the aesthetics more than anything or want giant megapixel files to crop / print huge but otherwise can’t think of a good reason to shoot Fuji at this point. Thanks again for the review.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. I have to say the AF of the X-H2S is really good.. it’s the X-H2/X-T5 AF that’s weaker comparatively.

[@TCinSoCal]

The Z 24-70 f4 is really good but not sure it would hang with the Fuji 16 1.4.

[@Ryos_]

Thanks for an amazing comparison video, it's so hard to find comparison's like this that doesn't compare specs but real life practical impressions. I'm curious if you were to go on a family vacation to a city and can only bring one of these cameras, which would you take? (or would you bring a different camera?)

[@TCinSoCal]

Out of these I would bring Zf with 40 f2 and 24-70 f4. I just recently took A7Cii and 40 2.5 on a trip and loved it. I would have liked having the 24-105 to supplement it on that trip.

[@soulopticc]

I was so tempted to get the Zf but I didn't realise it was that big. I always use spot metering so I think I'll keep xt-5. Great video though.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. Zf is chunky. X-T5 rocks.. hard decision for me.

[@nethbt]

The ZF is Nikon's breakthrough mirrorless camera, it was like the second coming of the D750 when it was released.... people were slowly losing their faith on Nikon because the Z9 and Z8 were too expensive for the average enthusiast....When I got my ZF I couldn't stop shooting with it, it will probably the camera that I will never outgrow and I never thought that shooting with that top dial ISO control would make my shooting much faster! and that B&W switch is just genius. I'm glad I held on because a year back I was dead set on selling my Z6ii system for a SONY because it was frustrating and missed a lot of shots. The ZF I believe is the best camera for the money right now with all those tech packed right in that will cater most pros and enthusiast happy

[@TCinSoCal]

Absolutely agree. Thank you for sharing.

[@torb-no]

Question: I love using the aperture ring on Fujis (shutter dial too, though I use auto ISO still) as I love being able to tell my settings without looking into the viewfinder. Is this way of shooting also viable with the Zf? Is having the LCD window for aperture and side dial help have this sorta way of taking photos? Anyway, thanks for making the video! It was very helpful! Not only is this by far the best comparison of Fuji and Zf, the best video I've seen on Zf, it's one of the best (if not the best) camera KZbin video I've ever seen. I almost have no questions after this, because you answered them all (and are completely clear about which parts are subjective). Very useful!

[@TCinSoCal]

Yes. The top left dial is the ISO dial and SS dial is on the right side.. far right side is EC dial… just like Fuji. The little window shows your aperture. Unlike Fuji, you don’t put the ‘other’ settings in Auto to select a priority mode. There is a switch on the far left side to choose M, A, S, P, Auto modes.

[@skipmersereau1014]

Helpful video. AF and dynamic range are the attractions for me. I have a Nikon F4 which was hated in its day, and it weighs a ton, but that weight somehow makes it easier to handle than some of the lighter weight Nikons. Decided to rent a Nikon Zf before a next step. Still have AF-D Nikon lenses.... so we'll see. I like lenses with aperture rings, depth of field, etc. on the lens barrel MORE than focus-by-wire so may one day look at Voigtlander primes.... especially if the come out with an 85mm or 90mm and a 24 or 28mm.

[@jonesnax]

Brilliant comparison. I'm so similar in camera journey. Had years of Nikon DSLRs, loved the colours, ergo, but so big! Morphed to Fuji, love colours, size, jpegs... just feeling FF FOMO now....errrgggh😬 I've always said: "If you have enough light + nothing moves, Fuji is perfect system!" But... always been disappointed with Fuji DR, low light+ AF. (Have XE-2, like you, that I can forgive!) But new fuji's should be better !! Maybe time to dip back into Nikon...Thank you 😊 Subbed

[@TCinSoCal]

Even when we ‘leave’ Fuji it’s hard to FULLY leave.

[@ju2705s]

I bought a Fuji X-H2 with 16-80 and was first shooting on a dance Party. I shoot 500 Photos and 90% was so out of focus, that I can't use them. I am not new to Fuji and shoot nearly every Camera except X-T5. The AF just sucks... even more with new FW and even if I switch in menu on AF-C to fucus priority. Even than the camera release immediately without focus confirmation. I am so p.o. that I sell it and go back to Nikon. For a Year I had the 6ii and 7ii but both focus are also bad as Fujis but since Z9, Z8 and now Zf they improved AF really good. Thx for your video - now I know my next one 😉

[@TCinSoCal]

So sorry to hear that. The X-H2 isn’t known for fast/tracking AF. The X-H2S is much better. The X-H2 is great for being able to crop and not-moving subjects. With that said.. the X-H2 should be able to handle some movement.. how high was your SS? I’m guessing with that lens your ISO was creeping up.

[@ju2705s]

​@@TCinSoCalHey... I trying some settings and found a real Fuji bug! When I press fast the shutter button the camera release immediately without focussing at all. What? Ok...then I changed AF-C release/focus priority to focus and.... same behavior...what?!?...I switch to AF-S and try again to press the button direct full...camera shot without any focusing. What's going on? It should wait till focus is confirmed but it didn't. Then I switched AF+MF from "on" to "off" and now the camera focus first and release not before focus is correct. Wtf...Fuji. That costs me 300 Fotos Out of focus on my son's school end dance party.

[@yucongzhang4264]

Appreciate the detailed sharing. Do you have any experience on last gen Nikon Z body Z6II/Z7II autofocus? How far are they behind ZF, and how they compare to Fuji X-T5 autofocus? Thank you.

[@TCinSoCal]

I owned the Z6ii. Amazing camera and colors. If you’re not birding, sports or want best eye AF it’s fine. Very similar to X-T5. Zf is significantly better with eye AF.

[@eonon1757]

The Zf is my first full frame camera. Having fun with a manual focus 40 mm Voigtlander for Z system. Coming from an XH1 and X100 V, I agree with all your points. The camera is lovely but heavy. I’m going to keep mine.

[@TCinSoCal]

How are you liking that Voigtlander? I really want to try it.

[@eonon1757]

I’ve shot an old 28 mm Nikkor ai on my XH1 and have a lot of keepers. The Voigtlander Z 40 mm on the Zf gives me the same field of view with all the perks of the Zf autofocus system and better quality . Really cool! This is my therapeutic camera set up. Hope you get a chance to test it out.

[@n1ngnuo]

I have the Nikkor 26mm pancake and it’s amazing. It smokes the 40 mm (which I also have), and it makes the setup so much smaller.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you! I will check it out.

[@TCinSoCal]

From the tests I read it seems the 26 smokes the 40 & 28 wide open but then falls off at f4-f8… especially outside of center. I know ‘tests’ aren’t the end all be all. When I compared charts it looks like the Z 24-70 even hangs with 26. I love a good pancake. Hoping Nikon makes a little 40 at higher quality.. I’d buy it.

[@jharrelphoto]

The 40mm is fine. I have the 26mm pancake and the 40mm f2 se. Currently i am preferring the 40mm. The 26mm is really sharp. But I like the 40mm rendering more. There is more than sharpness to me.

[@rafielpastor866]

Have you tried the 40mm se for the Nikon? If I understand correctly it’s optically the same as the one you have but has that more vintage aesthetic

[@TCinSoCal]

I haven’t. It does look a little better IMO.

[@TCinSoCal]

I have now. Looks good on Zf. I made a video about 40mm. I like the 40 so much (and it’s so cheap) I’m taking a backup to London and then will sell the non SE when I get back.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great comparison. I went from Fuji to Leica and never looked back. My first Leica was an SL with a Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 Nokton an amazing combination… manual focus so nothing to break. Interestingly Voigtlander are doing lenses for the Zf mount.

[@TCinSoCal]

I REALLY want to try that Voigtlander 40.

[@youssefhamidi8152]

I had both and after testing both out I went with the Fuji. It was lighter, felt better in hands and tilt out screen. The 1.4 fuji primes are exeptional and I had a very hard time seeing any difference between the Nikon 1.8s lenses.

[@TCinSoCal]

@@youssefhamidi8152 all true! Zf is a chunky beast. The new Fuji 1.4 lenses are stunningly good. Thank you for your comments.

[@MikePGuitars]

I appreciate your even handed approach to this stuff. I use an X-T4 and it works for me. Was initially excited about the prospect of the Zf but like you mentioned, the lenses. Ugh. Compactness is important to me. If they had a whole compact line of f2-2.8-ish primes like the Fujicrons or Sony compact G primes it would be a whoooole different story for me.

[@TCinSoCal]

Well said. I just recommended the X-T4 to someone today. It’s more robust than the X-T5 and still an amazing camera. Yeah… those little Sony 2.5 lenses are fun!! .. and the Fujicrons are timeless. Thank you for your comment.

[@JSturr]

What’s you thoughts on the XT3 - I like that up down flip out screen and battery grip as a consideration - yet the AF is 2 generations behind - still trying to decide … but I’m born bred Nikon with the D3s ?

[@TCinSoCal]

@@JSturrThis won’t be popular but I I didn’t like the X-T3. I didn’t feel the build quality matched the X-T2 or X-T4.

[@mr02gixxer1000]

For me with my XT3 is the auto focus is so unreliable, you of to shoot manually if you want to have better hit rate.

[@johnyoung1606]

any lens can be put on a Nikon ,,, Fuji, Sony ,,,, Look at YT vids about 3rd party (amazing, inexpensive, light weight) HAVE FUN :) :) :)

[@edc5338]

Great video. I was always a Nikon shooter but I did switch to Fuji and the X-T5 and X-S20. My favorite lens is the 16-55 2.8, However, I still use Nikon DSLRs particularly the D700 and D4. The colors from the D700 are incredible. I am not sure I will move to the Z system.

[@johnyoung1606]

But try a NIKON Z50 !!! For a walk around Carry Amazing everything and light weight !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donnakeeley4531]

I love this comparison. I am an XT2 user needing to upgrade now. Its the XT5 or the Zf as I love dials v menus. I do landscapes and bird photography {NZ). I want more dynamic range as tired of having to stop down to not blow highlights. Weight could be a problem as I have smaller hands than you but the Zf is seeming very compelling for the DR alone.

[@eliaspap8708]

Thanks for the great review and comparison, I switched from Canon to Fuji a few years ago and found you really need to avoid auto iso and also the extra dynamic range 200% and 400% settings on the Fuji, the APSc smaller sensor is less forgiving and I believe requires a higher skill set to get similar results as a Full frame sensor, especially with dynamic range and understanding your ISO and lighting scenarios, personally its made me a better photographer as now im actually achieving similar results as the Canon FF R6 i used to own but without all those heavy cumbersome lenses. The Auto Focus is a but better on the XH2s along with the buffer and for me I prefer the smaller 26mpx file sizes, not saying 40mpx isn’t good just would be over kill for me.

[@TCinSoCal]

I do avoid the DR 200 & DR 400 settings. First thing I do with a Fuji is DR 100 & NR -4. Indoors I’m likely under ISO 6400 and outdoors likely under ISO 1000. I could get Fuji files close via edits but it was so nice when the Nikon just handled the ‘balance’ of light & shadows so much better SOOC.

[@eliaspap8708]

@@TCinSoCal Ok, yeah that DR setting is rather counter intuitive. But thats interesting your struggling with your Auto Exposure, i have never really had an issue with either my previous XT3 and currently XT4 & XH2s. The other things you may want to check is 1) turn off the “Interlock spot AE & Focus Area”in the AF/MF settings, 2) change the photometry to “Average” the bottom one, this will help in controlling your exposure from over exposing/blowing out a bit better. 3) and Keep in mind when face detection is enabled it will ignore the photometry settings and make the exposure decision based on the subject not the surroundings which is annoying and something you cannot change at the moment, hopefully Fuji will update this as an option for users to decide in future firmware releases, so with this you may need to turn face detection off when the auto exposure is a bit erratic due to tricky lighting scenarios, especially backlight or if you have time to adjust, adjust your exposure comp but thats not always practical in a fast pace environment.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. I never use DR ‘help’ on any camera and have been using these settings for a decade. I don’t know that I would have noticed how much more ‘exposed’ the Fuji looks had I not done this comparison. The Fuji images don’t look bad.. they just look less balanced to me.

[@sapiidol]

Great take on the comparisons..

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you!

[@mike_qbik]

Excellent overview. Thanks. Subbed.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you!!

[@hpaula1946]

That was a great video! Thank you! I have an X-H2, which I enjoy, but it's not great in low light when I film the grandkids indoors and try to avoid using flash. I still have my Nikon D750, which I upgraded from a D300, which was an upgrade from a D200, and I upgraded each time because of the better ISO performance, as I used to shoot school plays and games in a gym setting. I have quite a few Nikon lenses, 28-300, 24-120, 50, but I realize that I would need an adapter to use them with the digital Nikon cameras. I was just wondering if you chose to keep the Zf instead of waiting for a Z6ii because of the esthetics, and do you have other cameras that you use on a regular basis. I was also considering if you considered the Canon r6ii, which is almost the same price as the Zf, has great autofocus, probably better than any Nikon, and is supposedly great in low light.

[@TCinSoCal]

The Canon R6ii is also a beefy thing but the AF is ridiculous good AND it’s great in low light. I have ISO 12,800 images from an R6ii that retained great detail. I’m likely not keeping the Zf as I love it but it’s just more chunk than I want to carry around everyday. I may regret it.

[@martinsmyth5580]

Hi, Thank you for the great video. Now, question where in the menu does it have deep tone monochrome cheers

[@TCinSoCal]

@@martinsmyth5580 can find in i menu Picture Controls. If you switch to B&W with the switch you will only get B&W options. Tip.. if you press down on d-pad/wheel you get more options for each PC.

[@MsFxtrdr]

I thought it was just me. I bought the xt4 with the 16-55 for my high altitude expeditions. For what it offers it's a great package and for someone coming from a D850 it was a lot easier to carry. Landscape photos? Great. I have a 2 year old son and took the combo on holiday to the beach for a couple of weeks. He started running like the little rocket he is and I've tried every AF combination out there. I've watched hours of youtube videos trying to really understand how that AF works on Fujis. My keeper rate is around 60%. I see confirmation that AF has locked on the eye and when playing back, the eye is soft. I love the size of the Fuji kit, I love the sims but what's the point if I'm missing shots. I have a Z9 that I use for wildlife photography and it's unfair to compare the XT-4 with Nikon's flagship however I have to accept a couple more hundred grams to get my keeper rate somewhere between what I'm getting now and the Z9.

[@annarakannan6620]

Great review and comparison. I think Fuji’s best is the X100vi with built in nd filter, leaf shutter and 1/4000 flash sync with ibis. Very unique offering like no other. I was looking at how to isolate colors in Zf meaning retain B&W with say added blue or red etc. could not figure it out and find any info on it. Thanks.

[@TCinSoCal]

I do not know how to do the color isolation.

[@RBRowe7]

Thanks for this very helpful, thoughtful review. Given how heavy and beefy the ZF is, you mentioned you can enjoy toting it around for everyday carry using a small sling bag. I'd love to see a whole video showing how well the ZK fits in the PD 3L and 6L slings, with various small lenses. The whole portability and "easy access shooting" issue is the main concern I have about the ZF. I'd love to be able to carry the ZF, the Nikon Z 24-120 mm f/4 zoom, and a small prime in the 6L.

[@TCinSoCal]

I’ll try to make a quick video on that soon. Great comment. Thank you.

[@TCinSoCal]

Made a Short for ya. 24-120 is an inch longer so could be close…but I think possible. Return policy on the bag? 😬😎

[@RBRowe7]

@@TCinSoCal Super helpful short--thanks so much for showing this PD 6L bag fit with two lenses. Do you also carry the ZF in the smaller 3L sling as an even smaller carry, with maybe two tiny lenses ( 40mm and 24 mm muffins?), or maybe just the 24-70 f/4 kit zoom? I suspect the 24-120 f/4 will be too big for the 6L since it doesn't collapse down the way the 24-70 f/4 does.

[@TCinSoCal]

@@RBRowe7 the Zf with 24-70 f4 (or 40) works but it’s tight. No room for a second lens if using 24-70 and even then only a small second lens if using 40

[@RBRowe7]

@@TCinSoCal Thanks loads, @TCSoCal. The Wotancraft Pilot 3.5L I see is is a little bigger and taller and might be a a more flexible alternative to the PD 3L, especially with a side pouch strapped on as needed.

[@erniechang2915]

The 40mm f2 is very poor performing for me. what aperturs and distances do you use it to find acceptable results?

[@TCinSoCal]

Here is the chart. I often stay between 3.5 & 7. At those apertures I don’t think you have to be far from subject. www.lenstip.com/620.4-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_40_mm_f_2.0_Image_resolution.html

[@jfphotoandlife8287]

Nikon made the ZF for us Fujifilm camera users. Nikon user can't understand this.

[@TCinSoCal]

It’s a fun camera. Definitely more chunky than most Fuji bodies.

[@bigd7696]

Great video. I have a question for you as I am considering a ZF. How is the AF for capturing fast pets? A dog running? A cat moving? I ask because I currently own an X-H2S that loves to miss focus no matter what settings I use. It's great for stationary subjects, but I get a lot of dog butts (blurry at that) instead of what I am clearly getting a focus confirmation on (the eye). I want something that can give me at least a 50% clear focus hit rate.

[@TCinSoCal]

Great question. I wish I could help you but can’t. The Zf was great at getting eyes in focus of my dogs & cat but I didn’t do any active tracking. It was casual shots. I made sure to get SS up high and it did well in this situation. The X-H2S is really good so I can’t say the Zf is better. How high of a SS are you using with X-H2S? Do you have SF-C set to focus priority instead of release? Maybe try lowering the burst rate a little.

[@bigd7696]

@@TCinSoCal I'm going to keep playing around and THINK I tried most things (I could live with a blurry photo from slow shutter speed as I could explain that, but pictures of anything but the dogs head is annoying), and yes, it's always on focus priority. But when I was shooting two midsize dogs moving pretty quick I kept getting missed focus no matter what I was trying. I am hoping I find that I am doing something horribly dumb and it comes to me soon. Thanks TC.

[@shamCD]

Okay. I only shot with the X-T5 for two days. I borrowed it from my friend who admits he has camera regret. At times tough to get clear shots. I bought the Zf and love it. No I don't miss the extra mps.

[@TCinSoCal]

It’s a great camera but I don’t think it excels at moving things .. or high ISO.

[@pauljennings1466]

Really helpful - thanks

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you!

[@Getoffmycloud53]

Love my Zf Don’t care what other people think 😊 I only wish it had an F mount. XF27mm is a disgrace… Optics are ok, but the AF is archaic! We are talking 25-30 year old coffee grinder tech (in plastic) in an age of cheap STMs!

[@snowhite1qazse4]

In terms of what aspect the 40 f2 is bad when is it up close? Sharpness, etc?

[@TCinSoCal]

Great question. Yes. Significant loss of sharpness up close and wide open. The Fuji 23 f2 is known for having this same issue.

[@snowhite1qazse4]

@@TCinSoCal I see... thanks

[@johnlocke8389]

I really liked the visual quality of this video. What equipment did you use to shoot it?

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. iPhone 15 Pro Max on a tripod.

[@jonlockwood1291]

@@TCinSoCal That's amazing!

[@user-pg8qe3zs8h]

first of all thaks for this video . what do you say about battery life for the nikon Zf? Thanks - Mauro

[@TCinSoCal]

I think the battery life is fine. I always keep an extra battery no matter what I’m using. I don’t take 300+ photos a day.

[@user-pg8qe3zs8h]

thanks for taking the time to reply. Maybe for me is not good enough I usually spend whole days out and battery can be an issue even though the camera looks good. Principally I'd like to stay with nikon since I already have quite few lenses. Anyway - Thanks again and all the best - Mauro@@TCinSoCal

[@Cotictimmy]

"Heavy"? I'm a D3S & D3X shooter: you don't know what 'Heavy' is LOL. Great video btw. The ZF sounds like a future camera for me, but I'll wait a while until they're on the used market at more affordable prices. I agree with you about the weakness of the 40 f2 up close. I shoot faces so I test everything up close in the studio with flash and I was disappointed with the 40mm wide open at head shot distance with my Z6 mk1. I find the Z6 focus works fine for me because I never use anything else but single point focus. I tested the eye-AF and found it pretty unreliable (but as I mentioned, I don't care.)

[@TCinSoCal]

I knew it!! ‘Do you even lift?’ .. kidding. Heavy relative to other cameras in its category… small casual… I love the heft but it has to be mentioned for this camera IMO for this comparison. It’s a little brick.

[@Jgheiler]

Ok. Xh2s with the xf23mm f1.4, or the nikon zf with the 35mmf1.8 for street, travel, and family? Thanks!

[@TCinSoCal]

Oh that’s a close call. Both great. Myself, I chose the Zf. I actually sold my Zf and just bought it again. Beyond the AF and colors.. it does well with low light/ISO & I just love the B&W from it.

[@Jgheiler]

@@TCinSoCal did you sell the xh2s?

[@TCinSoCal]

@@JgheilerI did. I try a lot of cameras.

[@Johnatlanticism]

It’s funny you mention the side by side comparisons and how the Nikon nails exposure. I shot Fuji for 10+ years and ALWAYS had to use my exposure compensation. Everything was exposed so dark on the viewfinder and the back screen. Drove me nuts. Keep in mind, this was on full auto. Yeah the Nikon is a brick, it’s heavy, but DAMN is it a powerhouse Fuji can’t touch a flame to.

[@TCinSoCal]

You are so right. I’m USED to having to ‘add’ light but with X-T5 I have to remove it.

[@lorseyjones4807]

My ZF is Nikon’s answer to we hear you, I’m using Nikon’s z 40mm F2, z 26mm 2.8, z 50mm 1.8 and Voigtlander 58mm 1.4, oh I have Nikon’s z 16-50mm 3.5!!! I really like prime lenses.

[@TCinSoCal]

I agree with you. I’m so glad they loaded it up with features.

[@stevenj2380]

Love Zf. Yes, best AF as it has good (if not the best of best) EVF and screen. No more issues I could not deal with being off in my focusing, and feeling I had to try not-so-good practice of AF fine tuning on the fly, Af best part is discovering how the advanced tech makes MF good uses possible, for me for fist time. Adapted F mount Voightlander 58.4 on ZTFii. Magnication on a push button, with peaking is great. They have contacts, so control wheels are used for A and shutter! So good I bought the Voightlander Ultron 40 f/2 SLii for F - mount, as I still have FX and DX DSLRS to use it with, and happy to adapt to ZF. Some handling quirks and compromises in the body. I have paid more if better.

[@TCinSoCal]

The AF is amazing.. even for MF lenses .. you get the green square confirmation of focus. I have the Voigtlander 50mm f2 APO Lanthar but I’m not good enough to use a MF lens with my boys. They move too much.

[@Pianoplayer710]

Great video. I donˋt own the Nikon but the Fuji x-T3. You adressed the points I judged as poor with the Fuji, autofocus and dynamic range. The exposure is rather poor. So, it must be great to use the Nikon. However, it is sooo big and heavy, no fun at all for me. Nevertheless, I liked the comparison very much and I am looking forward seeing some photos of both. Stay safe.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you. It is heavy for sure. I walk 3-5 miles a day with a camera bag so I pull it out to take shots. Walking with it in hand all the time would bf different. I wonder how it would be around the neck.

[@lorseyjones4807]

I don’t carry a bag with my Zf, I have a Peak camera strap and the Smallrig grip and it’s fine.

[@hansformat]

Nice job on this video

[@jaegerschtulmann]

The absence of joystick on the zf baffles me though😢. Anyways if you want some incredible lenses that match your zf try voigtlanders, the apolanthars are incredible even if they are only f2. I hope sigma brings their I-series too, those are a perfect match for the zf and even the x mount (no clue why they haven’t done so yet)

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you for those lens recommendations! Also baffled by lack of joystick but in practice it hasn’t been bad without it. The implementation of using thumb on LCD to move the focus point .. then fine tune with d-pad if needed.

[@shadowrevival]

Love your videos! I am planning on a Japan trip on February, and i've been a Nikon D800 user. I want to buy the ZF there cause it is cheaper, but it is back ordered for I don't know how long. So, I have been looking at other camera like the Fuji XT-4 Used. Will I regret not buying the ZF and settling for the X-T4 Instead? I want to go mirrorless specifically for the weight savings(the D800 is 2.2lbs) and better autofocus of mirrorless. Will me shifting from the D800 to X-T4 be a downgrade in Image Quality? I know the X-T4 is cropped and smaller in megapixels (24mpvs36mp). I am concerned if i trade in my old D800 and my lenses to buy the Fuji, I might be unsatisfied with Crop sensor limitations, and later down the line buy the ZF anyways and that would cost me a lot of money. What do you think, is there a similar camera like the ZF that I should buy or should I just get the fuji X-T4? Oh, and I mainly shoot portraits and street. Thank you!

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you oh man.. lot to unpack. I don’t know the D800 well but it’s like 8 years older than the X-T4..which could matter or not.. I think the main difference will be kit size and weight. An X-T4 and a few lenses will be much easier to travel with but you could be giving up dynamic range.. focusing.. I don’t know. If you know you want the Zf I don’t know that I’d do an interim system switch. Maybe pick up a used old Fuji in Japan like an X-E2 with a 27 or 35 to complement your Nikon system. The X-T4 is a great camera but I’m guessing it will get out-resolved by the Nikon. I took a lot of Fuji lenses and an X-T2 to Italy and after a day used the X-T2 with a 27 for majority of my shots. Will be in London in a few months and I’m taking only Zf, 40 f2 and 24-70 f4. My $0.02 is don’t rush into a decision that you may regret and cost you $$.

[@shadowrevival]

@@TCinSoCal True, my top priority is weight savings and then Af. I like to travel light on my shoulder bag to do run and gun shooting. I also am looking at the a7c and I'm surprised that it is lighter and cheaper by about 100 $. The ibis and AF is better, but i don't know why I just like the retro look from the xt4 and nikon zf. My brain says choose the a7c, but my heart says the xt4/zf

[@thomas9884]

Can you do a video about the Nikon 40mm?

[@TCinSoCal]

What would you like to know?

[@YouTuber-lb9ot]

How on every video so many people have both the cameras?? Are you guys professional or amateur? For amateurs, how do you afford all these?

[@artsilva]

What people [especially ones newer to cameras post DSLR age] don't understand is that the Zf is a straight homage to the Nikon FE/FE2 in shape, look and handling. The negativity to its grip is a moot point... Oh and FF lenses will traditionally be bigger than crop sensor lenses all things equal.... Btw, Nikon makes the SE versions of the 28 and 40mm lenses that match the traditional look of the Zf.

[@TCinSoCal]

Love it!

[@michall6376]

I bought the xt-5 as an all purpose camera but mostly I want to take pictures of my black dog running and the Fuji completely fails at that. Literally I’d say I have like 2% of the photos in focus. The eye af shows it’s working but all it does it manages to get the tail in focus. Plus it blows up the image (due to his black fur} to iso 6400 which really is no better than my smartphone.

[@TCinSoCal]

The only Fuji that has a shot in this scenario is the X-H2S IMO. X-T5 is a great camera but AF/tracking isn’t its forte.

[@michall6376]

@@TCinSoCal your argument is valid but on the other hand if you pay an average yearly wage of India (look it up) for an equipment that is solely purposed to make pictures and you can’t do it because your dog is black, I think you might have the right to be disappointed.

[@jasonvaldez718]

Nikon ZF even with the grip is hard to hold. Also with everything on the camera it was over 2 pounds.

[@TCinSoCal]

This cannot be overstated. I’m not a small guy and have no issues lifting heavy weights.. the Zf is absolutely a beefy chunker in the hand. The X100 line you can carry almost uncommitted to it.. the Zf.. you KNOW it’s in-hand.. around neck. I can’t imagine wearing it around my neck actually. It’s also more of a chunk in people’s faces. My boys don’t notice my X100V but almost always reacted to the Zf. Valid comment.

[@71co0k]

How did you get rich? *looking at your house interior

[@71co0k]

The color science and "look" that I get out of Fuji sensor will ALWAYS override the features and offerings of other bodies/systems. It's incomperable. That's what it comes down to for me.

[@TCinSoCal]

Fuji colors definitely have the feels.

[@ronald7482]

Always had the Nikons and the Z series. Than I sold my gear for leica and fujifilm xt5 I love the fujifilm more than the Nikon, images, Colour and sharpness are better and it's lighter.. Give me the Fujifilm

[@ki001]

Difference is in the sensor, APSC 40MP vs Full-Frame 24MP, for starters….

[@TCinSoCal]

FF advantage with dynamic range.. color retention.. is real.

[@Montekos86]

i hate video comparisons that they dont show not even one images out of those cameras

[@TCinSoCal]

I have posted comparisons. Even when shot side by side with same settings it’s subjective.

[@ju2705s]

Why you watch it then?

[@noremacbeez]

You bought the wrong 40mm fot the Zf ...... the 40mm f2 SE is the same lens but the better aesthetic choice..

[@douglasfarringdon3165]

What about the IBIS on the Nikon??

[@TCinSoCal]

The SE version just has that ‘knobbed’ focus ring. It wasn’t available when I bought my Zf so I grabbed the normal version.

[@TCinSoCal]

@@douglasfarringdon3165I think the IBIS is rated pretty high. It even has IBIS that can center on the focus point. I haven’t done a lot of slow SS shots so can’t speak to it personally.

[@jaydeepjaria8696]

​​@@douglasfarringdon3165 Ibis, Auto focus, and low light capability, on ZF are too good. It is the best camera with tons of pros with few cons in this price range.

[@alanjcravophotography4149]

I have the XT5, i will sell it. I use z8 and ziti for my professional work, i live the look of the ZF, but the big and only really that i will not buy the ZF is because it does not have a joystick…for me is a deal breaker. I use single point , and i would hate to rely on the AUTOFOCUS…such a shame

[@Jgheiler]

What will you get instead of the xt5.

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

The Zf made me a Nikon fanboy again. I shot a D750 for years, but I got rid of it because the autofocus was so beyond terrible, tracking focus for video was non -existent, and as a DSLR it was insanely huge and heavy. Tried Fuji because it was small and mirrorless, loved the retro design, but dynamic range, autofocus and low light performance were pretty bad. Settled on Sony, with great size and weight in a full frame mirrorless, great autofocus, decent dynamic range…..but TERRIBLE colors. I just lived with that. But Nikon really came out of the gate swinging with their new mirrorless offerings! The Zf shocked me with insane dynamic range and color metering so good that it cut my editing to a fraction of what it used to be. The most shocking of all is how otherworldly the autofocus is now. It’s just 100% dead on perfect in my 6 month experience with it, and the tracking for video is also insanely good! All in a nice retro-film-style full frame mirrorless that is maybe borderline on size and weight, but not too heavy and feels extremely tough and well made. They really outdid themselves.

[@jtes1442]

I have the XT5 and tried the ZF. The ZF is horrible in the hands but has excellent AF. I also have a Z7 that I pair with the 40 F2 for travel, and it's great. I thought about selling the XT5, but I have the Zeiss 32 1.8, and the colors and character obtained from that lens make it nearly impossible to get rid of the Fuji. Lastly, the Nikon 105 2.8 and the 35 1.8 are the favorite lenses from the Z system. Nice video.

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you

[@TCinSoCal]

I agree it isn’t great in the hands. A grip helps. It’s interesting that the Zf takes so much flak for no grip but the X100V becomes internet famous. 😎 .. I know the Zf is much heavier. I think for many of us FINALLY having great AF in a small Nikon has us overlooking some things. Also, it messes with your brain in that the lack of grip is real but damn it feels so robust.

[@MarcAdesso]

The X100V is way lighter so it only needs a little grip, the Zf is like a brick of brass, so it feels like it needs a Z7 grip

[@PCB-dr5vu]

If the Fuji never took a focused picture. You said that it's never on spot. That means the Nikon would be better hands down and you just throw the Fuji in the trash.

[@TCinSoCal]

I was speaking to specific circumstances and why X-T5 wasn’t good for that.

[@Ben_Stewart]

Of course it’s heavier. It’s full frame lol.

[@TCinSoCal]

X-H2S weighs more than A7C, A7IV, Leica M11, Canon R8 .. lol.

[@FeRoOOo71]

i like how this man refuses to scream in his own house and how calmly he talks

[@TCinSoCal]

Well Thank you.

[@anatolstepanets6855]

Nikon is much more sharp.

[@josecolon8143]

😂

[@Eliehbk]

I have both and prefer using the X-t5! The ZF is a brick.

[@TCinSoCal]

It definitely is.

[@nivin3]

Do you regret buying ZF?

[@Eliehbk]

@@nivin3 Not at all. It's a beautiful camera, but heavy with a non-existent grip. That said, I've bought and sold over 50 cameras and the truth is that none of them made me a better photographer, they just made me poorer as I took a it each time I sold a camera. I currently, have a Leica M11, and Q3, the ZF and the X-T5 and like using the Fuji the most. It's small, well built with great results. The only thing I have to watch out for is keeping my ISO low. I am just an amateur and don't have the need for a super fast camera, or the latest and greatest video specs. Any camera would do. Your mileage may vary, of course!

[@nivin3]

@@Eliehbk well I'm a Fuji user too but not sure ZF is a vast improvement. It's heavy and big...and daily carry? I don't know...

[@TCinSoCal]

@@nivin3also do not regret. I do a lot of buying/selling of gear and it looks like I may have an X100V on the way via a trade.. but don’t see it displacing the Zf.

[@laranitasantana]

Bad sound. You have to speak stronger and more clear

[@TCinSoCal]

Thank you for the feedback

[@brucemercer8441]

Sorry dude, whether you’re right or wrong, you sound like a used car salesman….instant turn off…… see ya!!😊👋👋👋👋👋

[@TCinSoCal]

👋🏼

[@robertbland5131]

Why do you not show comparison photos cause you’re just doing a lot of talking put them up against one another so that we can see her being honest you’re doing a lot of talking seems like you’re pretty much is a Nikon fan boy…!!

[@TCinSoCal]

I posted comparison. I’ve shot Fuji for a decade. I’m fanboy of no system.

[@rarograr]

You can’t compare full frame to a cropped sensor. Tskkk tskkk

[@TCinSoCal]

@@rarograrwe can compare anything we want.

[@StellarPhotography]

@@TCinSoCal Thank you for comparing. That's what we are here to see :)​