Nikon Zf vs Fujifilm X-T5

[@creamynessification]

Nikon ZF is a mini beast!! Loving mine

[@victorlim5077]

The Nikon Zf looks beautiful. Never tire looking at it. Mount a Voigtlander lens on it and you're done.

[@mrlau630]

it's huge, what do you like about it?!?!

[@victorlim5077]

@@mrlau630 It's smaller than my DSLR. Any smaller and it feels like a toy.

[@BrianT175]

@@mrlau630 About as compact as a full frame gets without being Leica or a couple niche pocket cameras without controls.

[@oc2phish07]

Interesting video and I do understand the dilemma. I have quite a collection of cameras going right back to a Kodak No 2 Box Brownie of the early 1900s. Until 2018 I had been using primarily Nikon SLR and DSLR cameras then after seeing a KZbin video of the soon-to-be-launched Fuji X-Pro2 I pre-ordered one. I still have, and love using it. I then became a real fan of Fuji and added an X-T2, X-T3 and X-T4. Last year I added an X-T5 and X-H2. Both great but for different uses. Then Nikon came back on the scene and announced the Zf. I pre-ordered, and then collected, two of them. So, I am in the happy and privileged position of being able to indulge my hobby and am able to directly compare the cameras. Of my three latest purchases, the X-T5, X-H2 and Zf, if I had to choose just one, it would be the ZF. The pure ease with which I can get great SOOC images leaves me free to concentrate on the subject, and not camera settings. And as to the grips, I have a SmallRig on my X-T5, the Fuji battery grip on the X-H2 and on one ZF I have a SmallRig and on the other, a Neewer. I like the Neewer as it has slightly better protection for the front of the camera where my fingernails tend to dig into the faux leather, and it has the famous vertical Red Nikon stripe. Love your channel and magazine am subscribed to both.

[@MrAntpre]

Very interesting. I would have thought that fuji with their film simulationd would be better for sooc jpegs. Can you elaborate on this ? Thanks

[@AlexA-UPPT88]

You also have the ability to customize your monochrome modes in the Z f just like the xt-5.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Thank you for the tip. This is very important to us B & W shooters.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@Ndpurc]

It’s the combination of the range of glass, the size and weight of the camera, plus the quality of the images and, of course, the cost, makes Fuji my camera of choice.

[@adriannasanchez468]

Nikon has larger lens library, slight increase in weight is a major increase in build quality, zf has higher IQ, and you’re getting way more for your money with Nikon.

[@71co0k]

Incredibly cost prohibitive though. @@adriannasanchez468

[@marcosarg1]

@@adriannasanchez468 Let him pick the fuji and you pick the Nikon, how about that?

[@ChrisLImaging]

10:10 You can set the Zf to use back touch screen instead of joint stick.

[@mjr333]

Yes! and is very well implemented. Custom Setting f4

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for pointing that out. Though as a left eye shooter my face is still in the way!

[@awake780]

@@AmateurPhotographerTVthat is my concern also… accidental nose focus point selection.

[@mjr333]

@@AmateurPhotographerTVI’m a left eye shooter and you can configure what part of the lcd is touch sensitive. I have tried using my nose and it seems to reject it nicely.

[@TheMishupo]

I use FUJI, and I always hear about the inferior AF. I don't think this is an issue for the average user. The "fun factor" of FUJI in film simulations, old school dials, primes selection, size and price are much more important to me.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Agreed. But I wanted to point it out.

[@Mw02veg]

How do professional photographers using the Fujifilm system manage? Photographers like Kevin Mullins shoots documentary wedding photography the hardest I think of all, manages to capture split second moments in time in focus and then charges the customer

[@adriannasanchez468]

If you shoot RAW the fake film jpegs are irrelevant, Nikon zf has a more retro look, better build quality, larger lens selection, better af, manual lens af, will shoot better at night, etc.. its a no brainer

[@JackShen-vq6gv]

​@adriannasanchez468 😂 film simulation still applied in Lightroom or capture one, it provides a nice starting points 😂 you got the colour shift and curves, plus the dynamic range from RAW, shooting raw in Fujifilm also nice❤

[@christianpetersen1782]

I’d prefer the larger rear screen of the Zf. If they make 40mpx version, for serious cropping, I buy one in an eye blink. Voightlander are making superb MF lenses for the Zf with the same green focus confirmation. Thanks for the excellent comparison.

[@mikefoster6018]

For me it's the X-T5, almost entirely because the extra lightness (and ergonomics) of it outweighs the Zf's advantage in low light. In ok light, both focus well enough and produce beautiful pictures. If I didn't walk around for so many miles with a camera in my hand (on a wrist strap), I'd prefer the Zf. Given that people have been producing amazing photos for more than a century, I do find it a bit weird when people talk about 'older' technology from less than two years ago XD.

[@Fresno1199]

Please, no background music.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Noted, we will keep this in mind in future videos.

[@blade1535]

Yeah it was pretty loud. Could be about 1/3 the volume if you do use any.

[@Steve_Xue]

Thanks for the video. I am a loyal Nikon and Fuji user. I own both . Your analysis is right, both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want portability, use Fuji XT5 ; if you want image quality, use Nikon Zf. The retro style fascinates me.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@andretim75]

This background music-loop was getting more and more unbearable -- sorry i really needed to quit after half the video, which was actually really good comparison. Please 🙏 -- refrain from using this kind of stupid music loops 🙏 It is not a good idea i think ! ( in my humble opinion -- it is like putting garbage on ones mind !! all the time -- and that is not necessary really ! )

[@marcel9568]

I came to the comments to say the same. Rest of video is good. Maybe re-upload without the music?

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Noted.

[@eduardolee4180]

I have both and they are fantastic cameras. My ZF is the fullframe version of my XT 5

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Its interesting that you have both!

[@KibbitUpIt]

I absolutely love my ZF

[@irtheLeGiOn]

What about the Nikon Zfc vs X-T5? AP-C vs AP-C

[@gerryhardman9060]

What about the Nikon Zfc, same size sensor, uses smaller lenses and is much lighter? It’s also a retro style body, and looks great as well with a grip. There’s also lots of cheap DX lenses?great review though. Regards Gerry 😊

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

The Zfc is very close to the FM in size and weight, but not in build quality. The Zf is a vastly superior in every way, though of course a lot more expensive.

[@petermartin9494]

@@AmateurPhotographerTV If the Zfc was built like the ZF it would be a huge hit.

[@jimmazurek5589]

Great video, but please, please get rid of the background music.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

This has been noted for future videos, thank you for the feedback.

[@desoriordan9515]

A very helpful video, I'm a Fuji user but haven't yet upgraded to the XT5. The form factor and weight are two plus points for me. Also for anybody thinking of buying a Fuji in Europe there's a significant price reduction on most of newer bodies at the moment, including the XT5.

[@giuseppegrimaldi19]

Honest review and comparison, the best I've seen so far.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@vincentj3093]

After watching the video I have determined that I must have both. Ok so that settles that. Thank you.

[@craigcarlson4022]

I'm watching TOO many videos trying to decide if I should buy the ZF. Have a # of Nikon FF lenses right for it. But when I've tried it in stores, I've been very put off by the poor ergonomics, even with the SmallRig grip. And with grip, we are well above 800 grams. Have owned Fujis in the past, and not keen in getting into a second camera system, but features-wise and ergo's-wise, the X-T5 looks compelling.

[@dbean5174]

Did you decide?

[@bjmoose1]

You seemed to have missed the point that older manual focus lenses CAN also be adapted to the Fuji X-mount system. I have adapted several Canon FD lenses to my Fuji X-T3, and they work beautifully. There are also quite a few third party X-mount lenses (both auto & manual focus) that are available.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thats a good point. I've never done though so I can't comment on how well it works, compared with using Nikon's FTZ adaptor.

[@golftester]

Great content ! No need for background music !!!

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Noted for future videos, thank you for watching!

[@warrickcoe5576]

Best video I have seen comparing the 2.

[@stephenfranklin8258]

No joystick on the Zf, true, but no mention that you can position the focus point on the rear touch screen using a finger - that’s actually quicker than a joystick when you get used to it.

[@theleakingpot]

I moved from Nikon to Fuji. First XT3 and now XT5. It’s the best.

[@stanleygabrel1045]

Can you elaborate why did you switch?

[@John-p3i7m]

‘The lenses are all smaller and lighter” (Fuji vs Nikon) except of course the two you demonstrate. This is what has always disappointed me with APSc - their lack of focus separation, needing a large f1.4 lens to have similar focus separation to the FF f2 lens. Look how neat and small the Nikon is.

[@awake780]

It’s purely physics, and you are absolutely correct. It really all comes down to your needs. Quite frankly, there’s a case to be made to own both these cameras. Fuji for longer focal ranges and compact prime lenses that will be stopped down (I.e., street lenses), and Nikon for all things portrait and low light.

[@karlbratby4349]

As a left eye shooter also the ergonomics just failed for me and mine went back to Nikon. It was a lovely to look at camera but to use in action as a pro tool it was just annoying even with the grip attached, starting with the grip it adds form to the front but still the fingers get tired as no thumb support so all on the fingers, Nikon have made a grip that has the front grip but also wraps around and gives a thumb stop, BUT only available in Japan 😢. As a lefty the AF-ON button is way to far over towards the eye piece and poorly thought through same as the d pad right under the nose and annoying to use. The flippy screen is silly on a photo centric camera and although can release from the base of the screen why put the actual release hole at the top of the screen!! Again silly imho. Evf is nice though, holds together very well at 100% for manual focus and image review which the XT5 is just awful at, even my XH2 is poor at this with a so called flagship Rez EVF so Nikon did a great job there. The lens issue for me was also a huge issue, why develop a camera aesthetic they did and ruin it was bland boring z mount lenses with no tactile feel of a aperture ring and this lack of makes the handling of camera worse as have to flip flop the dial to aperture and iso as realistically not many pro’s will faff about with the iso dial on top plate, this is where Fuji win hands down. ZF maybe FF but when I tested I only had the 40mm se and images were nothing special, colours were also not that pleasing compared to Fuji or my canons. I’m sure it will sell very well but also I’m sure many will return or sell it when they realise it’s a pain in ass to use as a pro tool, as a toy it’s fine though LOL. Maybe the ZFll will be a more thought through camera not designed by geeks or monkeys who put form over function.

[@awake780]

Nikon colours didn’t wow me either. Fuji film simulations are unbeatable if you utilize JPEGs a lot, which I do.

[@danielvilliers612]

Lol a pro who shoots jpeg and nothing about the much superior AF and lowlifh/dr advantage. I mean both of those camera are not the best for pro work unless you need to go into discreet mode. Since about 40 years ago, ergonomics have changed to be much faster to use. This is why bodies have moved to the nikon z8/9 or canon R5/r3 bodies. Can the zf be used professionally, for sure. Contrary to its appearance it is packed full with technologies, in many ways with the xspeed 7, it has very very good autofocus, new innovation like 7 stops of VR, vr base autofocus point, manual focus subject detect focus assist etc. Which makes it a better camera that even the z6ii, but it is not meant ergonomically to compete against modern bodies, and I would say the same about the Xt5.

[@karlbratby4349]

@@danielvilliers612 who shoots jpeg ? Not me except for backup but I do know some very well respected photographers who do shoot jpegs and nail it and it works well for them and their clients. zf has a lot to like but for me will stick to either my Fuji kit or canon kit. Nothing at all wrong with jpegs, just have to get it right like shooting tranny's. Hopefully your comment is not meant to ridicule 👍💯

[@mathisdolle4266]

Joystic Handling lenses Fuji for me Fil simulations are a big deal too

[@nespressoman]

I wish the Nikon showed the focus distance and blinking highlights in the EVF.

[@christophergibbons8748]

Having used both, the XT5 is a lot nicer to handle and carry around. The Zf is a lot bigger then people realize, its not comparable.

[@petermartin9494]

I find the Zf to be stupidly big to be honest.

[@DarioCanadaPhotography]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you can adapt the same Nikon lenses on the Fuji and do the same???

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

You can with a third party adaptor.

[@ALWH1314]

Love my Zf but I like that Fujifilm screen better orientation; but Zf screen is bigger and brighter.

[@davidgordon5394]

The Nikon isn`t heavier because it has a magnesium alloy body ,its`s because it is a heavy and big camera. The xt5 also has a magnesium alloy body. The xt5 can also be paired with any Nikor lens for manual focusing. Image quality is not an issue with any modern digital camera. I have Canon full frame cameras and Fuji xe2, xt20 and xt5. I barely use my Canon cameras now because of the weight and I haven`t found any situation that my Fuji`s can`t cope with as well as any full frame camera`s. I find the Fuji`s are fine in low light and if I need to I shoot with flash.

[@RobertMcIntosh-f4j]

Interesting review, thank you - although personally I think you shouldn't have to buy an aftermarket grip to make a new camera comfortable in the hand. The background music was torture.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for watching, we'll take on your feedback ☺

[@dakotaxu4792]

If Nikon comes out with a (at the very least) 40mp Zf II then it will be one of the hottest cameras on the market

[@Jwitherow1964]

Zf is so fun to shoot

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

What kind of photography have you shot with it?

[@Jwitherow1964]

Your right I have both

[@cronufc]

Great video

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks!

[@MS-gn4gl]

Fujifilm has a strong history of supporting it's models. We have 0 idea what Nikon will do with this range of their system. That alone would give me the answer. Maybe 2 generations further from now then I'd give the Nikon more weight.

[@danielvilliers612]

It looks like a real success, with either some photographer transitioning completely on it, for example many fuji owners who have been clamoring for a FF retro camera from fuji. Or others who have bought it as a standalone travel/street carry everywhere camera and who wanted a retro look model. My guess they will continue this line in parallel to the z6, because it is a rare success for nikon getting others to switch. In an interview they said it was very positive as they were getting users from other demographics. I think we might get even a higher resolution version with the z7 sensor. The only thing I am not sure, is if they will build specific vintage style lens for it. But at least their will be third party manufacturers that will do it.

[@adriannasanchez468]

You’re Silly. Nikon made the GOAT dslr, the d850, and guess what? They still make it all these years later. Up until the advent of mirrorless Nikon has the largest compatible lens library, and the way Nikon designed their mount it’s a platform for all lenses with the given adapters.

[@michaelmygind5061]

Fuji for me. ❤

[@BigFoot-w4d]

I own both😊

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Which do you prefer?

[@alexmilesg3]

A Zf in an X-T5 body would be awesome... The 3 way display, the grip, the joystick, the customizability...

[@PharaohMan007]

I might compare the Zfc more than the Zf-- that's an aspc "retro" camera.

[@dunric88]

Yes sure, 5 year old entry apsc with newest flagship. Amazing advice 😂

[@PharaohMan007]

Yes sure, your comment is helpful!@@dunric88

[@petermartin9494]

The Nikon is great if you have a porter to carry it for you.

[@Liljoozy]

Is it really that bad? I want a lightweight camera for trekking and street photography

[@LMoProVisualComm]

Nikon all day

[@velvetvideo]

the lack of aperture ring and proper handle on the nikon is shameful

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

The problem is they would have to redesign their entire lens range.

[@davidmurray5926]

Again, honestly, please remove the lens cap next time 🙄

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Whoops! Will do 😬

[@AlternativeTakes]

bro u saying the fuji lens is lighter its literally twice size of the nikon one lollll😊

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

‘I used a Nikon for 400 years….’

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Talk about the Zf lenses, which are non existent.

[@jimpap13]

i’m tired of these reviews why dont you compare the ZF with other full frame cameras and leave Fuji alone to rest….people that own a Fuji have their own reasons.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for your feedback! Any specific cameras you'd like to see compared?

[@olasek7972]

I am NOT tired, this comparison was exactly what I needed

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

@@olasek7972 glad we could help!

[@shaolin95]

2 runnerups 😂😂

[@johnpap9328]

As a Zf owner, let me clear up one misconception that's been going around the internet by reviewers who aren't really reviewing this supposedly special feature concerning manual focus: This whole business about focusing on a manual lens and having a white box going green when in focus concerns CPU lenses ONLY. Don't expect anything more from your old AIS lenses other than focus peaking and zoom focusing.

[@pearlborneo8173]

How to chk cpu lenses

[@Remote-Animator]

but it works if you use it with an adapter that has electrical connections, you can get it with ais lenses also when you do this

[@johnpap9328]

@@Remote-Animator what adapter/lens combination have you tried that works?

[@Remote-Animator]

@@johnpap9328 I use a minolta "dumb" adapter to leica m mount, then the ttartisan 6 bit "smart" adapter to z mount on zf. you can also use this with sony e to nikon z smart adapter. type "Nikon ZF- Focus confirmation- with every vintage lens.-- Best manual focussing camera" - this video gave me the idea originally

[@Remote-Animator]

@@johnpap9328 my message got deleted, but I have a 135mm f3.5 minolta lens. I use a md-m mount "dumb" adapter, then the tt artisan 6 bit "smart" adapter to z mount. In theory it should work with any lens.

[@lluis772]

When you put them on side, Fuji looks like a toy.

[@kstrohmeier]

Well balanced and fair review and comparison.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks!

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

I like the X-H2 and other Fujis but I still wish they would get rid of the X trans filter. X-H2 is my favorite Fuji so far though.

[@mikelyon5595]

Thank you for your comparison! The manual focus aids (I have 11 fast D/F mount lenses, only 4 Zmouunt lenses, and the F-Z adaptor!) and the B&W switch are the most significant selling points, but the flippy screen bugs me!

[@awake780]

You really did both cameras justice. I’d love one of each, alas I just have the X-T5 for now.

[@jimveybe7689]

Drop the music loop. Very distracting.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thank you for watching it despite the music 😅 we've noted this and will keep it in mind for our upcoming videos.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I don't understand why Nikon went for a video centric screen on a retro camera. Why would you do that? Why would you make a retro Photography camera? That's aimed at photographers with a video centric screen that would immediately put me off buying it straight away no way, but I buy that camera not on your life

[@danielvilliers612]

Because it is still a mainstream 2k camera and also a very powerful video canera.Many people at this level want to be able to use it in selfie mode while travelling etc.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@danielvilliers612 Yeah if you are smart you are buying a Dji pocket 3 ...4k 60 with awesome footage .... I don't picture many people buying the ZF for video it's heavy for a start it weighs almost 800 g why would you buy that camera for video makes no sense at all

[@danielvilliers612]

@@nevvanclarke9225 it is a FF hybrid camera, which can support hundreds of lens abd provide you with much better image quality that this dji camera. This camera is better than dedicated video camera costing more than 10 000 usd only 5 years ago. But its main function is a superb FF photo camera, with some function not even present in flagship 6000 usd cameras.

[@MacSchaff]

Great video except for the background music.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thanks for your feedback, we'll take it on board!

[@oldscribe6153]

This is the comparison I really was looking forward to - thank you so much!

[@dakotaxu4792]

Nikon made the full frame Fuji retro camera that Fuji themselves couldn’t

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

We just need the lenses to go with it now!

[@vidthreenorth4007]

I would not buy either right now because I cannot afford anything new. I have a Sony a6400 and a Lumix G85 and a Sony AX53, and I am mainly a videographer. But at this point, looking to the future, I think I might move from the Sony to Nikon. But I would start with an Zfc and stay with APS-C for a while and build out some lenses. Eventually, I might add a Z5 to start a transition to full frame.

[@michaelmygind5061]

Nice video. ❤❤❤

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thank you!

[@tomashalmstad5188]

Thank you for a calm & comprehensive comparative review - very listenable-to and informative. Good points about the screens' respective strengths for still and video. I found the shutter release not where my finger wanted it to be on the Zf if fitted with the useful Small Rig grip.

[@berniestang2616]

LOVE THE Zf. Nikon doesnt make junk ! Nikon - excellent choices in lenses !

[@71co0k]

There's a green cast to the images out of the ZF. I think the Fuji color science is just much nicer.

[@syed.farhan_7]

Who clicks sharp photos?

[@mrgnu1659]

Great comparison I’m airing on the XT5 for the form factor and the genuinely compact lenses Fuji have to offer, it’s a great system for travel. But I’ve no doubt the Nikon zf is a better made camera with better af and it’s beautiful in design I’m just not willing to carry the huge lenses that spoil most full frame compact camera systems. Adapting f mount lenses is an option but once you add the adapter then you almost double the size of a prime lens. And if you want a compact standard zoom for full frame then you’ll be very disappointed. This is the reason my Sony a7 iii just gets left at home while I travel as often as I can with an xpro 2 and a Ricoh GR iii. For me a compact body with big lenses doesn’t make any sense. But if I was still willing to carry heavy camera gear I’d probably get the Nikon.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Cant argue with any of that.

[@davidgatchalian885]

Really balanced review with these two excellent cameras with strengths for each platform brought to the forefront.

[@AmateurPhotographerTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@Nadeemkhalid07]

Which one of these cameras will you recommend to a beginner?

[@petermartin9494]

Fuji

[@thestaringenclave]

I sold my zf simply because of the lack of variety of lens that have AF and are retro-looking. It was a dealbreaker. I am unable to understand those who use manual focus on the zf. Using manual focus on a body that has superb af is just silly.

[@RandumbTech]

It’s more rewarding when you manually focus and absolutely nail it. The Zf is less about tech, and more about the experience.

[@thestaringenclave]

I agree with you.@@RandumbTech Personally, I would have done that on a manual focus body. But I guess when I bought the zf, my expectations weren't to be forced into manual focussing due to the lack of af lens that also look retro on the zf. But yes, that experience of nailing a manual focus is very satisfying.

[@Commonyou7149]

Couldn't agree more, those who want to manually focus, original z6 is more than enough. The only meike 85 mm f1.4 on zf will beat it's purpose, yes if it had above 40mp there are better dx af options.

[@karlbratby4349]

@@RandumbTechyes my experience after a month with it is BAD, lots to like but also lots to annoy, form over function sadly

[@livejames9374]

Only option really is adapter + those sony and sigma metal lenses. The camera really should have been 45 mp so the Fuji lenses could be used at decent resolution.