Nikon Zf vs Z6 III: A LOT More Than Retro Versus Modern!

[@PetaPixel]

Correction: The thread on the Zf shutter button is not compatible with cable releases, but can be used to add a soft shutter. We apologize for the mistake.

[@nickdual]

Love Nikon

[@maxhammick948]

It should be, I don't know why so many manufacturers keep adding fake cable release threads

[@chuckhatcher5073]

That’s the first clue that the camera is not what it appears to be.

[@vinhsanity]

Never trusting you again lol

[@WatchmanNiel]

In short: if I needed one camera on a tighter budget, the Z6 iii would likely be the top choice. But when you are fortunate enough to own a Z8 already, the ZF just seems like a much more well rounded choice to me.

[@TheQuadLaunchers]

The Z8-ZF 1-2 Combo is what I run for weddings. The ZF's photos just has a certain "look" that makes up for the areas where the Z8 isn't as strong.

[@Liljoozy]

Where is the z8 not strong tho​@@TheQuadLaunchers

[@jerrym8140]

Z8 +ZF is my combo as well love them both

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@TheQuadLaunchers Another wedding photographer said that the Zf produces Leica-like quality out-of-camera JPEGs. Probably the color rendition and tone curves which makes it special?

[@christianjimenez6004]

@@jerrym8140 Same combo here too 😎

[@MattDiffey]

As a pro turned hobbyist, the zf was a lovely followup for my d800 and got me back into photography in a lovely way. If i ever start picking up paid work again, i like that rhe z6iii exists at such a close price and capability point that i could basically swap them 1 for 1 in the future

[@webdesign6776]

Does the ZF have a distance scale that can be displayed in the viewfinder or the rear display for setting zone focus in street photography much like e Fuji X100 can?

[@thealmightysnark5878]

I treated myself to a orange Zf and been loving it, I just get so much joy from simply picking it up and walking round with it. It's a joy to use.

[@game2572]

It is too much internally like my Z6ii which I bought less than a year ago for 1599

[@Frippin-MTBD80]

@@game2572 No it isn't, the only thing that's the same is the sensor. ZF is an Expeed7 body which is on a whole nother CPU platform vastly superior to Z6 I and II.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@game2572 Zf offers much better AF performance than Z6 II being on the current Expeed 7 processor generation with improved subject detection. It also has 8 stops of image stabilization and offers pixel shift and pre-capture recording. Better EVF experience when shooting high FPS.

[@game2572]

@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas Guess i don’t enlighten me then

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@Frippin-MTBD80 like not a real world difference than my tiny canon g1xiii

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

The Zf offers 8 stops image stabilization, pixel shift images up to 96 megapixel image resolution, pre-capture, stabilization around the focus point, focus stacking, autofocus of humans and animals without the need to switch subject detection and what not. The reference manual is 900 pages long. These are all things you won't find on a Sony A1 flagship camera that costs more than 6000 $.

[@autoexoticswestcoast]

Z6 III also offers all of those. But agreed, this is why Nikon is the leader for price for features. The Z9 and Z8 proved that, now did the Z6 III. They pack it with features, priced below the competition and then offer phenomenal lenses yet again, with the best price to performance value on the market.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@autoexoticswestcoast Correct. These are the reasons why i stayed with Nikon for so many years along with the great build quality, ergonomics, good usability and long lifespan of their products.

[@kristoffergo6294]

ZF makes me want to pick it up and shoot more. I am not a professional, I don't earn money from photography. So ZF is perfect! I assume people that rely on their photography will pick the Z6III.

[@lordnikon4050]

I'm a professional and I love my Zf. I use it both for fun and for paid shoots. It's a phenomenal piece of kit, arguably one of the best value cameras ever made with the autofocus system that's light-years ahead of the Z6ii and z7 bodies.

[@surajtarai6831]

@@lordnikon4050thank you so much for sharing ur review on zf. I am looking forward to buy one for my professional work.

[@ianshow_z]

can't agree more! A nice looking camera really makes you want to hang out with it more often.

[@sunsaibhargavamanda1385]

I wish Nikon makes a ZF in a regular formfactor with better AF n calls it Z5ii.

[@sunsaibhargavamanda1385]

I wish Nikon makes a S line 1.4 series for hybrid shooters. 1.4 S line can be a optimum balance of quality, charecter, weight n price . Unfortunately nikon dosent have amazing support like sony from Zeiss or sigma.

[@VandrefalkTV]

I've had technically better cameras the ZF, yet I've ended up going back to it every single time. There's something about it that gives me joy in photography that nothing else does. So for me, it's the ZF

[@NikonDave]

Lifelong Nikon Shooter...Dad gifted me his FM3A 20+ years ago and have never looked back. Not a professional but a serious hobbyist. Have a couple Leica and an OM-System kit as well. All that said...I sold my Z6III already. Not enough in my head to distinguish it from the Zf (As I think you've shown) and already have a Z8 and Z9 for more serious shooting situations. Was a fine camera but didn't have a place in my kit where the Zf is for fun walking about town. Keep up the good work!

[@adityan3328]

Wow couple Leica, Z8 and a z9, what do you do for work? 😂

[@mrdarryljones1]

My Z8 is for work and Zf is for fun. I Guess the Z6iii splits the difference. 👍🏾

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Z6 III is for work too. Basically a mini Z8.

[@mrz1342]

@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas is ZF enough for traveling and serious pro level photography?

[@MOTOJendays]

@@mrz1342 Definitely. Only wall you will run into is if ergonomics are an issue for you.

[@jonfletcher147]

I've had so many of the latest cameras over the last 15-20 years....Nikon and Fujifilm mainly....the ZF is my favourite camera of recent times! a camera that actually feels made well! stick the Neewer grip on and it's a beauty!!!!

[@JamesDarcey]

I bought the Zf as an upgrade alongside my Z6ii. 2 weeks later the z6iii was launched and i was a bit bummed out, but months later i am very happy with the zf. It just asks to be picked up and used. Paired with tbe 40mm f2 abd the 26mm f2.8 its a delight to shoot. In all aspects its an upgrade to my z6ii and hopefully they do an update with the red luts so the nlog is actually usable. I think my take away from this is how well rounded the nikon z products are compred to a few years ago!

[@Drehirth]

have you tried the 28mm? do you think the 26mm is worth the extra price?

[@JamesDarcey]

@@Drehirth I've had both. The size of the 26 is worth it for me. It's all metal and sits on my Zf if I am throwing in the bag with no plan. I wouldn't want to use it run and gun with video work as it's actually quite noisy

[@lk6288]

Have you used the Zf with large lenses? How much "worse" does the Zf feel than the Z6II, even with a grip? I'm looking to upgrade to the Z6II, Zf, or Z6III (from my Z5) and would appreciate any advice! I'd like the ergonomics, CFExpress slot, customization of the Z6II, and additional features (fps, AF, EVF, etc) of the Z6III. The Zf brings a lot of the photo capabilities (AF, IBIS, etc) that the Z6III has, but sacrifices ergonomics, CFExpress, etc. The Z6III is objectively the best if I only have 1 do-it-all camera, but it costs $500-700 more than a Zf new and used. Z6II is cheapest, but the AF doesn't seem much better than my Z5. Any thoughts?

[@Drehirth]

@@lk6288 I don't have the z6iii, but I can tell you with the grip on the zf the 1.8 primes feel very comfortable (Im trying out the 85mm 1.8s and I feel like I was much more worried than I should have been, I can casually walk around with this all day easily), I tried the 70-200mm and the 50mm 1.2 in a workshop recently with my zf, and I felt very not good with the 70-200, 50mm 1.2 did not feel as bad, but definitely not something I'd want to walk around with all day. btw I have the newer CA079 version (the one with the thumb grip on the back which is the best grip for the zf I feel, better than the small rig I think)

[@izziereal2010]

​@lk6288 I have used the Z5 for some time before upgrading to the ZF. I have a couple of large lenses for the ZF, such as the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 and the 105mm f1.4 F mount lens with the adapter. They are both manageable when using a grip from Smallrig or Neewer. I like it and I can handle larger and heavy lenses on my ZF. If you really like the grip of the Z5, you may not like the grip of the ZF due to the shallower grip. For me, it does not bother me. If you have the Z5, it may not be worth spending $1,600 USD on a new Z6II. The autofocus system is very similar to the Z5 and that's a lot of money to spend when it's not a big upgrade. If you can buy at least the ZF new or used, the autofocus performance is much better than the Z5 and Z6II. I consider the ZF as the Z6 2.5 with the better processor and autofocus system over the Z6II. The question is what do you currently shoot with your Z5? If it's portraits, group photos, landscape, or something that does not have a lot of movement, it doesn't make sense to upgrade. If you are shooting subjects with a lot of movement and you need the 3D tracking, then I would narrow your choices to the ZF or the Z6III. The subject tracking feature on the Z6II may not get the job done for you. If you don't like the ergonomics of the ZF, then I suggest to save up the money and go for the Z6III and skip the Z6II. If you do alot of video recording, hands down the Z6III is your best option. If you need very fast action, the Z6III is great for that. It has a max 1/16,000 shutter, compared to the ZF 1/8,000 shutter speed.

[@HectorHughMunro]

Logically, you’re right but I am currently considering the ZF. I don’t see myself buying the Z6iii. The ZF is less of a computer and I don’t need a lot of the improvements. The only thing I would like is CF express. On the grey market where I am, the price difference is bigger than the one you state. Nice video thx.

[@dominiclester3232]

Sorry Chris, 2 mins in and I have to point out the “threaded shutter release button” does not work with a classic old cable it’s just for a “soft release” button...

[@ts7071]

Had a zf and wished it handled like the z6 I owned. Z6.3 came out and I ordered it immediately. Haven’t been disappointed

[@ammadoux]

this video came just in time for me, our local dealer had a very mouth water offer on the zf, and was thinking to get it to replace the z50 on the nikkor z100-400 mm. not really want it for speed and action as i already have the OM1, just for those lazy morning i want to spend in my garden hide to get the winter visiting birds, and some butterflies and insects sometime. thanks a million for clearing so many things for me.

[@pentagramyt417]

How is the OM1? Do you like ISO 6400 like minutes before blue hour? Is it any acceptable with a denoise?

[@ammadoux]

@@pentagramyt417hello. above this value of iso the camera struggle like going to 10000 but topaz denoise do great job in cleaning you may lose some details but the end result is nice. in short until 5000 you have no issue. topaz give better cleaning than DXO pl in keeping the details.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Nikon needs to take most of the internals of the Zf and put it into a Z5ii with a lower price. Though, preferably swapping the micro SD slot back to normal SD.

[@BronzeHarbour]

The 1:1 we were all waiting for! I own 2 ZFs, they are beautiful and totally enough for what I do on the level that I do. I earn money from photography, but it is not my main source of income, could not justify the Z8 nor the Z6III due to the European price tag (and almost no difference for my use case).

[@izziereal2010]

I pre-ordered the ZF on the day it was announced last year and I do not regret buying it. With the Neewer grip with the the red stripe, it looks like my old Nikon F100. Even with the Z6III and its high end features, the ZF is more than enough for me. I treat my ZF as if it's the Z6 2.5.

[@lefear2]

I bet Nikon will modify the internals of the ZF to put them in a Z5 body and call that the Z5II.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@lefear2 Actually the Z5 sells for 996 $ and does have more features than a Canon R8. If you put out a new Z5 it will cost the same or more as the current Z6 II which is still available.

[@lefear2]

@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas The original price for the Z5 was $1400, I wouldn't be surprised if Nikon would raise the price of a Z5II to $1800 - $2000 price range.

[@juliette-mansour]

I have both! So I have the best of both worlds for my used case especially. I shoot events and wildlife with the Z6III and the ZF is my back up for that. And then I use the Zf for street photography and travel. I have small hands so the use of the grip is only when I’m putting telephoto lenses on the Zf. I also use both for wildlife. I bought both because of how many different genres I shoot and I wanted a full frame camera that would last me for many years. I got tired of the jumping around trying to make other cameras perform. I couldn’t be happier now I do come from a Nikon film and DSLR background so there’s that.

[@danieldougan269]

The lack of dual recording in video on either camera is a huge strike. I know the Z6 III has some modes that would not be possible on an SD card, but there should be plenty of modes where you can record to both cards simultaneously...which is important for critical video shoots. Please, Nikon, if you do nothing else, fix this!

[@mikeblack_pw]

For critical work I use a Ninja V that record.

[@Ben_Stewart]

Just get a Ninja if your video is so critical.

[@generalben]

@@danieldougan269 I always wonder about this as it’s not like arri alexas have dual recording and that data can be counted in the thousands per minute with a large crew around. Is the issue card failure?

[@danieldougan269]

@@generalben If you're recording, say, a wedding, you want the peace of mind that you're not going to lose your footage due to a corrupted card. I know you can get a Ninja or a Video Assist, but if you're spending $2,500 on a camera and thousands of dollars on lenses, you shouldn't have to spend $500 more on an external recorder when the other cameras in the same price class or less have dual recording. Plus, having to use an external recorder at an event just makes things more cumbersome when you want to be nimble.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@danieldougan269 How often does a card failure on CF Express occur? I visit photography pages and forums regulary and the amount of that happening is close to zero.

[@street_biologist6727]

Thanks Chris for another great comparison. I am happy that I decided to replace the Z6ii with Z6iii.

[@richardyuen5786]

Good video, but you did not talk about shooting with manual lenses. I own both, but when I use manual focus lenses like Voigtlander 50mm APO,, or other older Nikon manual lenses I much prefer it on the Nikon ZF. So I use both cameras for different situations.

[@sundayfilms1791]

Can you please tell us a bit more about why you prefer the ZF with manual focusing? Is it the look or are there any technical advantages? I think about adding a mirrorless Nikon to shoot my AiS lenses. As I primary film shooter (35mm and medium format) I don’t want to spend too much on a digital body. I’m even considering the first version Z6. Happy to hear your and other thoughts.

[@richardyuen5786]

@@sundayfilms1791 I'm not a tech person, but somehow with the ZF, it communicates better with the Voigtlander lens than, say the Z6II or Z8. It has eye detect also, but you ficus manually. All the exposure info and focus info are there. You have to try it to get what I mean. I wasn't not going to buy the ZF but after trying it with the Voigtlander APO, I'm sold.

[@brusselssprout1]

Grip and handling: the way you hold both cameras at the same time during this video proves how useful a good grip really is. You adapt naturally. You simply cannot securely carry the Zf in one hand while you are out and about, unless you grab it at the lens mount, which is not pleasant. The Zf begs for a neck/shoulder strap or a sling bag while the Z6III (and other similar bodies) can be handled from the tip of your fingers without a second thought (I use a wrist strap for security). This makes a serious difference for the large number of people who, like me, suffer from weak cervicals: camera in backpack or in the hand ready to shoot, no weight dangling from the neck or shoulder. Furthermore, with light lenses , one can then easily shoot one handed through the back screen: not the "kosher" way to operate but faster and allowing permanent eye contact with the subject. Oh, and the accessory grips add weight to an already heavy body and are clumsy and cramp-inducing (tried:Smallrig and the new version of Neewer). Anyway, I own the Zf but would now change it against a Z6III without hesitation if the financial hit was not disproportionate. At the end the retro look is just that: a look.

[@daitedve1984]

+1. Visiting zoo, I didn't regret I have cam w handstrap + handy grip (but on my D5500 though 😆). Most of the time I hold the cam in one hand w/o squeezing fingers and ready in 1 sec to make a shot (important in the place where animals don't play an encore).

[@sapientiaedilector]

Zf is fun! You always want to get your hands on that camera. It inspires. This is a very important factor for me, often overlooked in tests :)

[@brusselssprout1]

@@sapientiaedilector after more than a year using the Zf, I have come to the conclusion that the Zf 'looks like fun", rather than "is fun". Weight vs lack of (integrated) grip (and even more weight with flawed accessory grip), lack of customisable buttons, top plate and retro knobs/dials only useful if you go full manual (and if you can read aperture on the pathetic excuse of a Seventies mini-LCD): this is not fun for me. I'm finished with fake analogue and old timer retro fantasies.... ;)

[@sapientiaedilector]

@@brusselssprout1 Well, to each his own! My love for the Zf remains unwavering, it has everything I personally need to create fantastic images. And - I really love beautiful things, and this camera is a real beauty :)

[@brusselssprout1]

@@sapientiaedilector oh, I agree it looks beautiful, and it does provide great performance. But i personally find no fun anymore with the shooting experience itself (for the reasons I listed), except in full manual mode, with small lenses (i.e z-mount Voigtlander lenses such as the 15, 40, 35 APO or 50 APO, or the Nikon Z muffins/pancakes).

[@natedagreat90]

​@@brusselssprout1 bye Felicia

[@michaelst.9055]

Thanks guys, exactly what I'm after and what I asked for in your Z6 III introduction. My choice was the Zf (still last year) and I'm happy with it. To my luck, nearly no sports, no action, no video. I agree that the Z6 III is the more complete camera. But the 500$ difference (in EU it was about 800€ two months ago) is also an argument for some people.

[@daitedve1984]

If $500 is a serious money for ppl, barely they should go for FF! (not saying about good lens) For 'em Z30 is the way.

[@jovis3084]

Thank you for finally covering the Zf

[@99unclebob]

Good review, the $500 difference in price is cheap when you think about the capabilities/features you get on the Z6iii, the ZF is no slouch itself , its throwback to cameras of the 70's with all dial controls is epic reminds of the Canon AE series of cameras that were popular then, i had not heard of Nikon back then being 12 yrs old and thats all our family and relatives bought then was Canon,Winnipeg then had probably 15 -20 stores that handled and sold Canon, I am just a hobbyist and shoot Sony since they bought Konica/Minolta back in 2005 and had good reference from my friends uncles who worked for Sony Canada at the time and got some attractive pricing on my A100, still got it and still works great, I inherited a complete original Canon AE-1 body with a full leather kit with lenses and accessories from a lady know who passed away in 2015 and my friends daughter liked photography and was a natural after watching her use my A100 and was gobsmacked when i downloaded her photos and so were her parents , so i asked them if i could gift her the Canon set up i inherited and they said yes and after supper that day i gave it to her and she was speechless for a moment and smiled, she loves old/antique things and said she'd be happy to use it in between her studies, she has done well and takes amazing photos, she is not a big digital fan 👍

[@Hangiinjohnny]

A friend has the zf with the small rig grip, I got to play with it yesterday and I really enjoyed it. It’s solid but not too heavy and it’s simple to use. The menu (as a canon shooter) was a bit of a learning curve but I doubt it would take me long to learn it. The b&w switch was awesome for me as that’s what I enjoy shooting. Would be a great camera to have for walking around as a day to day body that can do heavy lifting if need be but it’s more about enjoying more than working in my opinion

[@graemeberne788]

I have a ZF and a Z7 ii. I really don't understand why everyone complains about the grip on the ZF. I use the Nikon 180-600 and a 50/1.2 both heavy lenses, I hold the majority of the weight by the lens in my left hand. I sometimes shoot for several hours at weddings and have no issues.

[@pdboudreau]

These reviews would be much better if the video was shot with the camera being reviewed to get a better sense of its video quality and capabilities rather than the 20-30 second spots you give it.

[@zoltannemeth8864]

great video! At the intro, I initially thought you introduced yourself as “christacles”. I listened to it again and heard “Chris Niccolls”. All good.

[@KyleClements]

The Zf is a camera I will absolutely own someday, but to me it feels like the kind of camera I have to buy from a physical camera store, used, with signs of wear and light cosmetic damage. Can't wait to pop my Helios 77-4 or Canon FD 50mm sc on that body and go out for a black and white shoot. Take me right back to my T-max days in the 90's - without the hassle of dealing with the film afterwards. Love how easy Z mount makes it to adapt other lenses.

[@rbob4931]

Good informative comparison. Only suggestion is on continuity. All the hand held outdoor footages have the Zf on the left hand, right hand side of the screen. Studio static shots have the Zf on the left hand side of the screen. Keep up the good work.

[@drchtct]

Good to see Canadians are already training hard to bring home some cycling medals at LA 2028

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

I don't know why people think they need to use an additional grip on the Zf. I use my Nikkor AF-S 50 mm f/1.8 and AF-S 85 mm f/1.8 lenses without any additional grip on the Zf camera along with the FTZ II adapter and it feels just fine. Probably this has more to do how you hold a lens and the camera.

[@stuntmonkey00]

People are holding their cameras wrong. They're death-gripping with their right hands, which admittedly cameras have encouraged with the big right-side grips through the DSRL era, where as people who actually grew up in the film era know that the weight of the camera is supported with the left hand under the camera body, not with the right hand grasping at the grip.

[@FawfulDied]

Those are not particularly big lenses. Try that with a Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8 or a 180-600, and it gets dicey.

[@FawfulDied]

​@@stuntmonkey00 Even if you hold the lens, when you draw the camera from your hip, you generally need to be able to get some grip on the camera itself before grabbing the lens.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@FawfulDied Zf is not made for such big lenses. If that's your main purpose use another camera.

[@FawfulDied]

@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas Sure, but until recently it was the only decent option under $3,500 for Nikon. Even now it's still ~$800 cheaper than a Z6iii if you count the used market.

[@ThomasRuecker]

Thanks so much for this video. It's exactly what I've been wondering. Also as I'm pondering which camera to lust after for the case where there would suddenly be the spare budget.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

Funny I don’t hear any fan boys from other companies saying oh but the autofocus is inferior to other brands . I guess people are starting to realize all these companies have great autofocus .

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Funny that you think the others are fan boys. Z5 Z6 Z7 and their second iterations have bad autofocus. Nikon figured out how to implement proper autofocusing with the Z9 and the models after it. Why should people complain if it's no longer a problem? It's more like the Nikon fanboys wanted to sugarcoat the problem in the past few years.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 no one denies the first Nikon mirroless cameras had issues with autofocus . I had the z 6 II and it had beautiful IQ but still was struggling with autofocus . When I got the Z 8 that changed dramatically and I love that camera . I’m not a fanboy I’m just a photographer that stays in an ecosystem like most do just because we get used to the soft wear menus and styles of lenses and options . But when the Z 8 won camera of the year in 3023 and even to this day I still hear what about the bad autofocus which to me is laughable at this point because if you have been using camera models for the last 15 years like I have , the cameras today make it a ton easier to get way more keepers than in the dslr days . I was only referring to the fact people want to keep using that old poor autofocus on the latest Nikons and it’s just not true . I my first comment I did say all the brands have great autofocus.

[@1armbiker]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 People were still marking Nikon down for AF performance in Z9 and Z8 reviews; the worst offender is Jared Polin, which I'm sure rubbed some people the wrong way as he went from a Nikon only shooter to primarily Canon, while bashing Nikon even when (as far as they were concerned) the Z9 was better than anything Canon had when it came out.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@1armbiker that’s true until at the end of Jared’s review after shooting Thai boxing with peoples gloves in front of their eyes with an 85 mm set at 1.2 ( who does that on action shots ) admits when he put on the 24 -70 2.8 the autofocus was great ! Duh ! But I agree being negative about a brand does hurt when you are giving out info that’s not based in facts for most use cases . I just hope now with all the great new Nikon versions since the z9 that that put that baby to bed about sub par autofocus . Oh as some say bad autofocus. To me bad autofocus would be something that makes the camera almost unusable . My z8 rarely misses a shot and I have so so many keepers what do I care if a few were a touch off ? Could be human error too so it’s just a stupid point at this stage as all cameras over perform now .

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 what do I care what the z6 did I own a Z 8. Problem is the canon and Sony fanboys still saying Nikon had sub par autofocus today which is bs .

[@AbbasBinYounas]

I knew there was something different with the lighting!!! That fill looks GREAT!!!

[@kennygo8300]

I REALLY love my Z5. The Zf obviously has more appeal to the stills photographer, like me. However... there are AMAZING deals on the Z6ii right now. Pretty awesome camera for $1500 USD.

[@JBurtonTenor]

I love my Zf so much. It is gorgeous and its advantages suit my uses best. Thanks for the video!

[@seantomlinson3320]

I love my Zf so much, but that's because it's a sidekick for my ridiculously extensive (for an enthusiast) combo of Z9 and Z7 II. If I only had one? Z6 III all the way. If I wasn't so accustomed to the 45 MP from the Z7 II, I'd love to replace it with a Z6 III. But no, I need a Z8. Which is a pretty big boy! And a lot more money. And the DR complaints are silly. Expose in the field how you need for what you're doing with it, and there are zero DR issues.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Those DR issues are totally overblown on the internet. It's a Tony Northrup issue trying to capture a picture in total darkness and then lifting the shadows for more than 5 stops. Doesn't reflect reality how the camera is used on the field.

[@kimtruong4676]

Love the product sponsor drop in the middle of the video. I love seeing the instant before and after comparison of video exposure with and without the wescott light, great demo.

[@dfinlay587]

Watching the whole thing happen over the last few years, I believe the Zf was a vehicle for Nikon to get their Exspeed7 and associated features out to market, in anticipation of the new sensor and features of the Z6iii. And they did it in a way to not cut into the Z6iii market too much. I think the DR "penalty" of the partially stacked sensor, is easily overcome with the focusing performance.

[@stanobert3475]

I wanted to take my Zf on vacation, but there is not an L bracket available for this camera that doesn't allow battery access without removing the bracket when the battery needs to be replaced. I brought my Z6III camera instead which has a better L bracket available. The Zf is a popular camera which needs a functional L bracket.

[@atxrich]

Went thru the same. In the end, the Z6 III won out for me as a do-it-all camera body. Maybe down the road (if budget allows) a gently used Zf will go into the bag.

[@TheFlyingDogFish]

The lack of grip on the Zf makes it a no-go for me. I'd love to have another dial or two (iso/exp. compensation) on the modern cameras though.

[@synp9ynir]

I had an F801 from 1992 to 2004. That's the same as the N8008 in North America. That >30 year-old camera has more in common with the Z6III than with the Zf: Deeper grip, no threads on the shutter button. Before that I had an Olympus OM-10. That relic of 1979 did have a flat body and a threaded shutter button. So a lot of the people admiring the "vintage" look of the Zf are way too young to have really experienced shooting with such cameras. I would take the Z6 III any day.

[@manugeee]

I have the ZF to use it with film aera lenses. It is the best option for manual focussing with the right adapters. Because it can still give green box eye AF confirmation. I just got the camera for this one feature. What I almost never use are the dials. I rarely want the camera in full manual mode. Usually i want to choose the aperture value and a good exposure. So I set the camera up with Auto ISO and min SS and then control the exposure with the exposure compensation dial. Great camera. 😅 :D

[@steveh8658]

I got the Zf as a poor mans Leica. It takes my collection of M lenses, makes manual focus an absolute breeze, and it's heavier (good for the zombie apocalypse)

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Haha! :) I actually like it if a camera don't feel like a plastic bag and gives a substantial and well built, solid feel in the hand.

[@justo_photography]

What adapter do you use?

[@steveh8658]

@@justo_photography At the moment, a 'dumb' one from Urth, but soon I'll get a TT Artisan M-Z adaptor which is 'semi-smart'. I wouldn't bother getting the motorised (autofocus) one because I love to manual focus on the Zf.

[@amitdutta8768]

Very nice comparison. Thanks PetaPixel.

[@in2minutesorless64]

Great work guy ... keep it up.

[@generalben]

price difference in australia is massive - 2800 for the zf vs 4500 for the z6iii. Would have loved to see a low light comparison, which is why I ended up with the former.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

That's strange, because the price of the Z6 III has fallen in Germany.

[@VitoUno]

That dynamic range problem on the Diii just tics me off. Its the one thing holding me back to switching to mirrorless finally. I've save many of shoots with my D750 bodies because of the dynamic range.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

There is no serious dynamic range problem and no issue with image quality itself unless you create absolute underexposed pictures which are completely black. The dynamic range is the same from ISO 800 upwards.

[@Frippin-MTBD80]

@@VitoUno You'd have to intentionally go looking for the DR difference as it's on the extremes.

[@MrBhcole]

I have 2 D750's and will be trading one and some lenses for a ZF. My days if lugging a D750 around everywhere I go are gone. Very excited

[@ROOOMC]

I want to know what model of camera was used to record this video. The skin color looks good.

[@PetaPixel]

This was shot on the Panasonic GH7

[@bishfrie]

Can jaron find out how the z6iii did in terms of sales???

[@PetaPixel]

He wishes he could. Camera companies are tight-lipped about sales numbers of specific models unless they're touting something like huge popularity, like was the case with the Z9. -Jaron

[@bpelectric]

Thank you so much! I specifially requested this video on your Z6III vid, so really appreciate it!!

[@nethbt]

Never thought the BnW toggle would be that useful on my ZF and I ended up using it more often than I expected! The monochrome Works great on older lenses because they don't have this clinical sharpness that you find on native glass

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

Hi, you missed the fact that the Zf can shoot faster in mechanical shutter if you decrease the bit depth to 12bit : it can go up to 14fps in this mode, which is quite usable (the Z6II could do the exact same thing. The previous Z6 could only do 9fps 14bit / 12fps 12 bit)

[@FawfulDied]

Yes, but you can't shoot RAW in that mode.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

@@FawfulDied of course you can. It's 12bit RAW, not JPEG. In JPEG the Zf can go up to 30fps in electronic shutter, and they mentioned it

[@StephenFranklin-b2u]

There’s no doubt that the Z6 III is ‘better’ in the areas described - if they are important to you, and if a pro they may well be. However, the Zf is an absolute joy to use and, of course, the whole retro thing if that appeals? I recently sold my Z6II - great camera, thought long and hard about Z6III but, in the end, they are both excellent ‘functional’ (in the nicest possible way!) cameras - but the Zf makes me want to pick it up! And it’s amazing how many comments it gets.

[@worldtravellerswindow4428]

Excellent comparison, help us to choose right camera for us ❤🎉

[@autoexoticswestcoast]

Waiting for Nikon to fix that flicker/color shift shooting NRAW + NLOG at 1600-5000 ISO. I'll buy it again if they do, otherwise nah... I couldn't use it for video. Photos was fine.

[@RWMutex]

5 out of 6 chapters(igorning intro) start with an "OK!"

[@kistovisback]

ok

[@manugeee]

Ok

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Now Nikon needs to release firmware updates for the new Imaging Cloud on all current Z models. This makes it also easy to create FUJI Film Simulations on the Zf because Picture Control features got enhanced to give them color grading abilites.

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Buy a Z6 III if you need a better camera Buy a Zf if you *want* a Zf Also I think for a landscape photographer Z7 II is a better choice because AF doesn't really matter

[@kennygo8300]

Pretty much covers it. I still use my old DSLRs for landscape. You don't need the features for long exposure images. You just need a great lens.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@kennygo8300 But you need to cover the optical viewfinder each time for long exposures which is unnecessary for mirrorless. Also checking white balance and colors immediately is much easier on mirrorless. The viewfinder is also much bigger which is a pleasure for manual focusing.

[@noenken]

1:27 Well, you don't. That threading does not allow the use of a cable release.

[@niccollsvideo]

Yah it’s just for a soft release. I forgot how much I hated that they did as it is still confusing me months later.

[@noenken]

@@niccollsvideo It perfectly demonstrates that the Zf isn't quite what it claims to be on the outside, sadly. Would have loved a real photo camera instead of a hybrid.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@noenken Nikon FM2? A mirrorless camera is inherently a video camera, so having photo capabilities is the hybrid part, rather than the other way around.

[@noenken]

@@UnconventionalReasoning Hasselblad disagrees. Leica disagrees. There is a spot for pure photo cameras and there is a huge gap in the market at the lower end for those.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

​@@noenken Mirrorless is only video because of the EVF. There is no market for pure photo cameras. If you want one , make it yourself. Nikon won't do it for you.

[@danemalakai9425]

Keh is great but it’s unfortunate they don’t offer free shipping in Canada because most times it feels like with the shipping fee, the gear is almost as much as a brand new

[@dennisjones5579]

I own the Zf and love it... it's the winner in my world

[@stuartcarden1371]

Hi, just a quick request - Would you be able to talk about the eyepoint of the EVFs and OVFs you review? It's just that for glasses wearers it can be a real make or break feature. I own and OM-5 and although the EVF isn't anything to write home about from a resolution or brightness point of view, the long eyepoint makes it a joy to shoot with while wearing glasses. Everything in the frame is visible with just a glance without having to scan around. I'd love it if this was something included in reviews going forward, if the info is available.

[@jbtubman]

Very good and fair comparison, says this happy Zf owner.

[@g00nther]

The $500 difference is reasonable. The Z6III with the DR of the ZF and a non-flippy screen would have been perfection, for me anyway 😄

[@drchtct]

The Zf would be perfect if it wasn't such a huge brick. Adding a small grip and you get way past 800g, already GFX territory. For a "fun, retro camera" that's way too chunky for me, 500g is fun, 800g isn't.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Buy the Zfc because people complained the camera was too light.

[@natedagreat90]

Stop complaining and hit the weight room bruh

[@drchtct]

@ if you switch your phone for an tablet, I will switch my camera for a brick

[@natedagreat90]

@@drchtct sexy ass brick

[@manupixels7983]

Thats it this is the one long waited video, commenting before watching your video. 😀

[@fofopho]

Called the Wescott ad as soon as i saw the artificial fill on your face lol Thanks for the vid gents

[@sikicofilm7393]

What camera and lens you guys use for this video?

[@Damon_Mah]

0:15 GH7

[@Hyper88]

The design is rather sharp

[@chopa2less]

I've covered my bases by owning both.

[@ThoughtFission]

Always about the numbers with you guys. No discussions about tonality, mocrocontrast, colour science etc.

[@alsimoncelli7313]

Nice comparison! I have the Z8 and Zf. Bought the Z6III but returned it. I’d love to see a comparison between the Tamron 50-400mm and the Nikon z28-400mm.

[@estefaniaalmarte6924]

Why did you return the z6iii?

[@carlmcneill1139]

I have a z6 II and a z8. I really don't need anything but right now is the time to get the most for my z6 II if I was to sell it. It's only going to drop in price from here on. I would love to own a zf for street photography but I don't want to spend that much money on something that specific. I know it does other things but I'm not into ergonomics and the z6 III has that. Plus it has the semi stacked sensor. The z6 III would compliment my z8 very well. There are more similarities between those two cameras than with the zf and the z8. A far as the dynamic range goes, if I'm in a situation where it's even that close I'm going to bracket my shots and do an exposure blend in photoshop. More than likely I'll be using my z8 if dynamic range is an issue. I've gotten back into 35mm film so I have the retro thing covered. I have a Canon AE-1 and a Minolta SRT 202. I may be buying a Nikon F4 and FM2 next week. I really want an F3.

[@johannguasch754]

I find it really annoying that Zf’s shutter dial is still stuck with full stops, needing to fiddle with another dial to get finer control. Why not have halfstops atleast?

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

It's the same incremental steps as on a FUJI X-T5. You can set the shutter dial into "1/3 STEP" position and use the rear command dial for finer control. Or use the ISO dial to balance exposure in finer steps when you've set a certain speed.

[@johannguasch754]

@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas yeah, exact reason i dont like retro fuji shutterspeed dial as well. Renders the physical dial experience not as useful if you just keep it at the ⅓ step mode.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@johannguasch754 I never had problems with the shutter dial shooting indoor or outdoor. It's the first complain i hear about it. The exposure triangle is always a balance between aperture, ISO and shutter speed and if you need quick reaction there is the PASM switch for it.

[@FawfulDied]

The shutter speed dial is already cramped, imagine if they doubled it by putting half stops on it.

[@BjørjaBear]

Heart says ZF, head says Z6III

[@katesavage2001]

I rented the Nikon Zf before I purchased the Z6III. I returned the Z6III because I just wasn't in love with the images and needed to stay within a 30-day return window. I have the Z8 and will probably get the Nikon Zf to complement it. I may have been happy with the Z6III if I hadn't rented the Zf first but having done so, I couldn't get that happy Zf vibe out of my head.

[@valkrys68]

I like the looks and function of the Zf. I'm a still guy who loves the mechanical. Given the rarity of action photography opportunities, the Zf would be just fine.

[@alberte6109]

Wanted to buy a used XT3, but my parents don't want me to use my college awards for a camera, which is fair idea cause it'd take basically half of it (with a 32mm prime), besides that I did start thinking that it'd be kind of burdensome at times, because I remembered my experience with my dad's Nikon D80, now to be fair, it had a batter grip and it used the 18-200, where with the XT3 I inted to use a prime. But I did try handling an some cmameras at a camera store, and it is definitely something noticable and pretty big that if I'm moving around I'd need to pay extra attention especially since I can't pocket it (some times, cause most of my fave pants does have massive pockets, but it's not ideal), so I decided to find a decent used RX100 3, maybe 5A if I find a good deal. But for the price, it's worth it, as I really would like to be able to use a camera everyday since I do feel my phone doesn't capture images fast enough, and of course the optical zoom is very nice. And of course convince my parents.

[@ruff1draft]

To be honest I am interested in what Nikon is going to do with the Nikon Z5 Mark 2

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

If you don't need super fast AF the current Z5 is still a valuable package as the cheapest full frame with dual card slots, IBIS, Joystick, bigger battery (many things which the current Canon R8 doesn't have).

[@markchan5516]

Nikon fanboy here so I own the D800, D850, Df and recently the Zf. The Zf by far is the most versatile and super easy to use camera hands down. I will choose again the Zf over Z6III anytime. if i need a better pro cam it will be the Z8 for sure

[@super-z8943]

I just want a Zfc with IBIS

[@baker2niner]

The Zf is pretty much a fashion model *if you don't use manual focus lenses*, in particular, the fantastic Voigtlander Z mounts (aperture on barrel, with data contacts). I adore the Zf for its ability to focus manual lenses, which is unique. There hasn't been a digital camera that can focus as fast as the old K3 split focus screen, til now (yes, Leica, but they're not as good with super fast (f/1) lenses, like the CV 50f/1.0). If I were using AF lenses, I'd have the Z6III, no question.

[@AlainCh2.]

I bought the Zf one year ago.... as a DX camera with bird rec and a fully articulated screen, the Z8 has not. I think it's a great camera for the price. What would I choose today? No idea, truly. What I would like is a Z500, but maybe it's just a dream. I'm happy enough @1260mmE 10Mp on the Tc1.4+180-600z but 36Mp would be nicer. The Zf goes Fx only with the AFP 70-300+Tc1.4. I'm really affectionate to that great instrument to play art's ( my main everyday body is a Z30+18-140: I'm in love with that camera, but I'm never tired to look at both of them )

[@Rockofaz]

Very, very helpful, thank you.

[@BowlesImages]

I'm not sure what the point is in comparing these two cameras. The ZF is a retro/vintage camera - and a very good one with the latest technology for focus and image processing. ZF controls are okay - but nothing like the ability to customize in the Z6iii and most other Nikon Z cameras. The Z6iii is a standard resolution advanced camera suitable for action, events, and general use. The Z6iii is also much better paired with a Z8 or Z9 for concurrent use of two cameras. I have the Z6iii and a Z8 - and would not even consider a retro style camera. I have friends who like the traditional feel and slower experience of a retro style camera, but it's for the experience and not at all about camera performance.

[@sunsaibhargavamanda1385]

I wish nikon makes a ZF in a regular formfactor n calls it Z5ii with little more AF improvements

[@corykphotography]

I definitely cant afford the ZF so im thinking about the ZFC. Sadly no ibis but whatever i guess lol selling my Olympus E-M1X and lenses to purchase it.

[@davidgambin2551]

I knew the Nikon would win

[@egiljohnsen6145]

On my Nikon Zf, the eye focus works when using a manual lens. I can then compose the picture, zoom in (have programmed the video button for this), and take the picture as soon as I see that the eye is in focus. This means that I get sharp pictures, even with my f/0.95 Noct. Therefore, I only use my Nikon Zf with this lens. Does the Nikon Z6 III have the same feature with manual lenses?

[@m0nztam0nk]

Nikon should update bith models with higher Megapixel Variants…z f ll with 45 mp and 4k60 uncropped or a z7lll would be a DREAM….i LOVE the results from the z8, but even for my big hands the body is too big…

[@MontyCraig-k2k]

How does the Z 6III do with older F mount lenses?

[@FrankyMelon]

looks like a nice viltrox 16m f1.8 did i recognize it right? :D ....because im shooting min on the zf today for the first time :D

[@jimtincher7357]

I wish lenses still had aperture rings... I hate the command dial because it always inadvertently gets knocked. I wish the screen on the Z6iii articulated like the Z8/9 instead of the flippy screen. I'm in the market for a new body and the screen is enough to keep me from buying the Z6iii.

[@412foto]

Thought the Zf had the processing of the Z8 which made it better than Z6iii. Maybe I heard that on another video wrong. Didn't talk about the weight and value for price differences.