Nikon ZF - The Z6 Upgrade ??? + Shock News!

[@rotvonrat]

Perhaps you have the best reviews of all. They are simple, straight forward, funny and informative and without BS, thanks.

[@RussandLoz]

Thanks. We try 😊

[@photographydiscourse1185]

It is literally a Z6III without the grip and without 4k60 in full frame - other than those two things (and the card slots) it is what a Z6III needed to be. That said, I am now encouraged that the Z6III is going to be even better than we expected - I think it will have some surprise features to make it even better - Nikon seems to be in a massive innovation period. I think the Z6III is going to slay it. If money were no object, I would get both the Zf and the Z6III, but as it stands I'll likely be wating for the Z6III which I expect will come out in April next year to kick off Nikons next fiscal year. -PD

[@RussandLoz]

I agree. Nikon really are releasing a great line of products

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

OH MY, how the hell did I used a film camera that had no hand grip at all, the pain of it.

[@exert2020]

I'm upgrading to the Zf from the Z6. 1, because I'm an amateur. 2, I've been waiting for a full frame digital version of either my old FM2 or F3 for ages. 3, the latest processor along with far better autofocus system is a winner for me. My Z6 was struggling again today with some real basic stuff. I want confidence when I turn to AF. Also, while it's kind of the same sensor as the Z6 and Z6ii, it's also not. Apparently a revamped version and lots of testers have remarked on just how lovely the shots out of this camera are.

[@RussandLoz]

Yes maybe they have upgraded it without upgrading it. But like we said we like the z6 images anyway.

[@bigboi36]

For those that that keep saying the camera does not have a better grip I understand. However it took me about 2 weeks to change my mind set on how to handle bigger lenses on smaller bodies. I did this with my z50 and Z24-70|2.8s. I changed my habit of picking camera up by the body first to now picking it up by the lens first using the scoop method. My left hand scoops under the lens as I pick up body my right hand comes up and wraps camera strap around wrist before gripping the body. I discovered this method after starting streetphotography. I came from DSLr (D3,D700,D300) w/ vertical grips. I do have large hands (palm a basket ball easily). But I now use this technique religiously. Even on the occasion I do pick up camera with the right hand I scoop under lens first and then bring up to shoot 😊

[@RussandLoz]

Sounds like a good idea. But it would be better to have a bigger camera so it’s not an issue maybe

[@steffen_a]

For me the Zf is the perfect camera because it exactly fits my needs. The grip is actually an advantage for me. I can use the camera without the grip with small primes as a small package for my street photography and everyday friends and family pictures. But I can also use it with the grip and bigger zoom or prime lenses for my landscape photography or longer portrait shoots. And then I‘m also a sucker for the high-quality tactile feel of a tool I use and the Zf ticks all the boxes in this regard as well. This camera actually made me switch systems after 15 years and I ordered mine in an instant.

[@RussandLoz]

Sounds like it’s perfect. I’ll have to go to a shop to see how it handles

[@israelmacario3853]

Love the look. Definitely getting one

[@Kenmcfarland001]

I love my Z8 and I love my Z6ii but I also love the idea of the ZF but would also like a Z6 and Z7 iii

[@RussandLoz]

My dream was thye put a zf in a z6 body, but then I guess they can't sell two cameras then

[@timgimbert3073]

Even though I wanted a Z6iii, I have the Z6 and Z6ii, I was ready to bite the bullet and buy a Z8 to help with some events I have coming up. Then the Zf was released and I have preordered it so that will be my low light main camera, and general camera for fun, until the Z6iii comes out. I will have to change my focus technique though.

[@Karanja59]

retro look isn't for me but great entertaining video. will be interesting to see where Nikon place the ziii prices

[@RussandLoz]

Yes it will. Probably a better grip and stacked sensor too

[@SpaklesDr]

Tempted to trade in my Z7ii for a Zf. I just cannot abide the horrendous focusing on the z7ii. It cannot capture a snail in motion for me.

[@mlai2546]

What are you shooting that you keep missing focus? Sounds like there is a problem with your camera. I have a Z6 and when shooting portraits, kids running, soccer, etc,, I have no issues with AF. Usually >80-85% sharp images. I even tried shooting eagle fly by at the bird sanctuary and was getting most of them in focus using wide area mode.

[@lim2001burger]

The Zf is a beautiful camera, but i think its Nikon's attempt at getting a piece of the prestigious/aspirational camera pie, vs building a tool for professionals. I definitely thought about getting one, but can't justify it as an amateur. Great to hear you discuss the pros and cons with it, and refreshing to hear Loz giving reasons for staying with the kits you have

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah I am thinking it's out of reach budget wise for people, where as the zfc was half the price new. But sure this ZF is much better

[@Digmen1]

Thanks for designing the Zf!

[@andikunar7183]

I also was somewhat tempted to trade either the Zfc or the Z7ii because of AF,… - but then I heard about Nikon Plena, them releasing a new nice lens next week. So now I‘m waiting, hoping and saving + thinking how to justify a probably VERY expensive 135 … For me, lenses are more decisive than (all the quite good) bodies.

[@mrdarryljones1]

I get paid for the occasional gig, weddings, birthdays, portraits shoots. I have the Z6ii and as much as I like the ZF, I’ll wait for the iii.

[@RussandLoz]

For the same reasons as mine?

[@brooker_7883]

I think the Nikon ZF is priced fractional a little bit too expensive. At £2299, that is the price would of been willing to pay for the (fingers crossed) Nikon Z6iii. With the potential mega pixel bump I predict the Z6iii will now be £2500

[@RussandLoz]

Yes. I did think it’ll be more like the price you suggest. Which isn’t good for most people. But it’ll be fully new with a stacked sensor etc. so maybe worth it

[@dunnymonster]

I'm pretty excited over the new Zf, not because I have any interest in buying one but because this hints to what we can expect in an upcoming Z6III. I've been pretty happy overall with my z6II but for sure I'd like it to have the AF performance that my Z9 gives me. I expect the Z6III to be announced relatively soon, no doubt it will be built around the innards of this Zf with a more contemporary body design. That is to say it'll visually look like the current Z6II in so much that it will offer a battery grip option, dual card slots ( CF Express and SD ) and top display. Perhaps the Z6III will also get the flip out screen too. 😉

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah that's what we think, a proper tool and cool camera in one! Can't wait!

[@nightowlnzab]

It's a good sign that we're finally seeing some of the improvements (related to the processor) from the Z8/9 begin to trickle into other models. I think it will be interesting to see if the Z6III gets a new sensor (I don't think it'll be stacked) to additionally differentiate it from the Zf.

[@RussandLoz]

@@nightowlnzab Yes I wonder how it’ll be better than the ZF but not as good as a z8. Maybe just the body size? But Nikon have fully speced their cameras lately so who knows

[@alexsteiner7544]

I dont get people complaining about autofocus on the z6ii or even original z6 system. Unless you are using the 'want camera to do everything' mode when it isnt as good as the competition. Similar to the comment in the video I use single point, and either move the joystick or use my judgement to guess where to point based on movement and fire off the shot. Never missed and that's for weddings, sports, wildlife. I find newer systems is definitely breeding lazier photographers who are now expecting the camera to do the work and they just point and shoot. I would argue where is the fun in that? We are spoilt with technology but also we are being dumbed down because of it too. I see so many comments from amateurs jumping from a z6ii to a z9 because of autofocus and its insane, the z6ii is plenty good enough, maybe work on your skill as a photographer. Great video guys, im tempted by the zf purely because i wanted a full frame zfc however the price is what puts me off, the difference between the zfc and the zf to me doesnt justify the difference between full frame and apsc and I have the z6ii for performance so dont feel the need for upgrading for that reason. Maybe once the price drops to around £1500 ill be interested.

[@RussandLoz]

Thanks for your good points, though I used the z6ii as my second camera on single point and it missed a few fleeting moments when I had the focus point on the subject. That’s not ability that’s bad tech.

[@alexsteiner7544]

@@RussandLoz that's fair enough if it's your experience however I personally have never found that issue. Although I accept every shooting scenario is very different but having shot now over 200 weddings with a pair of z6ii I have never missed a shot except maybe those that were more due to my slowing down due to age.

[@lozzom]

👍👍👏

[@RobOK_BTC]

@@alexsteiner7544you’ve *never had a missed focus in 200 weddings, that sounds hard to believe for any camera

[@ozweddingphotography9688]

Same here I’m wedding photographer in Australia 🇦🇺 using 2 z6ii cameras for past 2 years never had any problems it just perfect 👌

[@Digmen1]

Now can you design a Z6iii for me

[@RussandLoz]

On it, I'll get Nikon to make it for me again

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Nikon really needs to release the Z6III soon. KZbin photography influencers and commenters may like this operational setup, but I think most Nikon users prefer what has generally been done for 35 years, since the N8008 [N801]. To your question, "If you've got something smaller and heavier, is it harder to grip?" [4:30] The answer is yes. [And I *am* good at physics. 🤣]

[@RussandLoz]

Yes I agree. Hopefully soon

[@Gualdo007]

I have a z8 and Zfc and like to use the Zfc when walking in the city trying to be low profile. The z8 with eg z 24-120 is too bulky. I fear the Zf will also be too big compared to the Zfc so most likely stay with the Zfc.

[@Mr09260]

No CF Express Card = a Waste of XSpeed 7 Power >> 24 M Pixels >> not enough. Astro Photography how do you Dial in 20 Sec Exposures without going to Bulb after 1 Sec ?? >> Nah as much as its a great nostalgic camera I will wait for Z7 III

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I do hate the flippy screen so I guess I must be a purist. But I did pre-order the Zf despite the wretched screen. I couldn't pass up eight stops of IBIS and subject detection with vintage manual focus lenses. Hardly retro stuff.

[@RussandLoz]

Why do you hate the screen? You can even turn it all the way round for no screen? I’m sure you’ll love it

[@morgankarno7335]

Right tool for the job the zf is not meant to be coupled with large lenses it is meant for street and everyday carry it is made fordocumentery and art.

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah, my dream was to have a z6 size handling with some retro design too

[@vinliberato9218]

Zfc and Zf would be a nice combo 😊 it’ll all depend on what the z6iii will bring. BTW, anyone else getting audio out of sync watching these videos?

[@lozzom]

Russ will explain the out of sync audio ! 😊

[@RussandLoz]

Yes, many technical issues with the weather and failed mics and audio recovery to mask the hedge trimmer noise

[@lozzom]

@@RussandLoznot to mention that someone didn’t charge up the Rode receiver 😂😂

[@picturetony9567]

Perhaps a 33MP z63 is more needed than this ZF, when I think about all those users of z6/7's the missing link was mainly down to very poor AF and 33MP sits nicely in that 45MP is at time too much for many computers and 24MP is too few for where we are now with Z lens for say wildlife photography...!

[@RussandLoz]

Yeah I agree, mainly faster response time with autofocus, 24 is plenty for most uses.

[@bigboi36]

Here is a prediction. The Z6iii will be higher Mp camera. Over the 24mp threshold. The video will be superior than zf. The zf however will be Nikons low light demon Like the Df. With the release of the Plena lenses, Nikon is moving to higher MP territory. The Z7 iii will be a new camera, new large format sensor or a higher 61 mp full frame sensor

[@RussandLoz]

Could well be. But I think it won’t be much different from the ZF apart from a new sensor and biofeedback build

[@Mr09260]

I would also cancel my Z8 back Order as it feels plasticky compared to my Z7 .. so my upgrade will be either Z7 III or Z9

[@RussandLoz]

the Z8 feels very well made to me, but sure i'd prefer a z6iii

[@SmartCaster]

ZF is one of those products which people say great / beautiful / awesome....BUT...!

[@RussandLoz]

Maybe it is great. But I need one in the hands to know?

[@SmartCaster]

@@RussandLoz I dont't think, that you need to get camera in your hands to realiize, that this camera for small lenses, that it doesn't have a joystick (it won't work with gloves) and that the AF-ON button is far away and that if you're used to the two buttons on the front panel, you'll have to wean yourself off (sorry about my english).

[@jeffreytaveirne]

6:17 why do you want that 😅 🤣

[@RussandLoz]

It is a gimmick but shows Nikon have put a lot of thought into the camera? Lol

[@lozzom]

He’s such a poseur 🙄😂

[@jeffreytaveirne]

I completely agree, but she thought her reaction was funny 😉

[@mikelyon5595]

Silly flippy screen; everything else cool!!

[@RussandLoz]

You can reverse it completely so it’s blank!