According to multiple resources, Nikon is going to release (very soon) a full-frame and more advanced version of its Zfc camera, titled Zf. That’s exciting news for those who miss the practical design of the mighty old film cameras, but want a technological beast armed with solid specs.
Nikon Zf: High-end retro camera
The anticipated Nikon Zf is the successor of the Zfc Super 35 retro camera. This rumored exciting new camera will be armed with a 24.4MP BSI full-frame sensor, packed in a stylish and sleek retro design. The Zf will incorporate an impressive image quality combined with the Z mirrorless system credibility and ability. It’s not a Z9, nor Z8 (the much more compact version of the Z9). However, the Zf can be very appealing for those who trust the retro look, and we’re with them. There’s nothing like the old-school design with actual physical buttons, and dials.
Updated Core Specification
These are the specs of the Zf (according to multiple trusted resources):
- 24.4 MP BSI-CMOS sensor
- Expeed 7 processor
- High Extended Shooting for RAW and HEIF (We don’t sure if the Zf will allow shooting N-RAW and/or ProRes RAW internally).
- 4K 60p video (cropped), and 1080 at 120p
- 10-bit H.265 HEVC video (SDR/HLG/N-log)
- USB C PD (fast-charging technology based on the USB-C standard)
- ISO 100-64,000 on a physical dial
- AF (273 focus points) comes with features from Z8/Z9 (that means an improved autofocus compared to Z5/Z6II)
- Dual memory card slots (SD+MicroSD)
- Pixel Shift: A new high-res mode will be implemented for the first time in a Nikon mirrorless camera (?)
- One of the bundles will be with the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 (SE) lens (no new lens will be introduced with the Zf)
- Very similar (but improved) design/layout from the Nikon Zfc (Better build quality compared to the Nikon Zfc)
- The small LCD screen on top of the aperture display
- B&W (Black and White) mode (B&W/Photo/Movie)
- Fully articulating screen
- Weight: 700g (inc. battery, the Z5 is 590g, the Z6II is 615g )
- Dimensions: 144mm x 101mm
- Magnesium Alloy body
Price and availability
The Nikon Zf will be announced in August-September, and shipped before the end of 2023. The Price for the body is $2,000 (twice as expensive compared to the predecessor Zfc). Furthermore, a few different lens kits/bundles will be available in the $2,000-$2,500 price range.
Wrapping up
The Nikon Zf might be the camera of the year. There’s nothing like actual buttons, switches, and dials to make your work more fun and efficient. Moreover, the weather-sealed structure of the camera will make it solid and robust, for shooting in harsh environments. We’ll continue to keep you posted about this intriguing camera. Stay tuned.
Sounds like competitor to the Canon R8 which is about $400 cheaper.