Nikon launches Zf retro full-frame mirrorless camera oozing with style and practical controls at US$1,999.95 MSRP ^↺

After months of leaks, rumours, and speculation, Nikon has finally unveiled the Nikon Zf retro full-frame mirrorless camera as something of a successor to the Z6 II, and it appears to strike a decent balance between price, performance, and versatility.

The Nikon Zf's design is said to be inspired by the iconic FM2 cameras of old. Remaining true to its roots, the Zf features analogue controls for ISO, shutter speed, EV compensation, and PSAM modes. A small LCD on the top of the body also gives you information about the current aperture. Nikon claims the camera's handling and tactile response were fundamental in developing the Zf camera, and special attention was given to the feel of the shutter button.

In addition to a new body, Nikon has included new tech in the form of focus-point VR, which "minimises blur at the focus point rather than at the centre of the frame." 3D-tracking makes another appearance here, too, giving photographers, videographers, and hybrid shooters more tools to work with.

Given its retro origins, an EVF is a must, and the Nikon Zf delivers a 3.69-dot EVF with 100% coverage of the frame.

Key Nikon Zf specifications:

• 24.5 MP BSI CMOS sensor.
• 8.0-stop five-axis IBIS.
• Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with 273 AF points.
• 3.2-inch, 2,1-million-dot, vari-angle LCD.
• 4K UHD 30 fps video recording oversampled from 6K data and 4K 60 fps recording with 1.5x crop.
• 1080p 120 fps video.
• 10-bit H.265 internal recording.
• 14 fps mechanical shutter and 30 fps electronic shutter burst shooting.
• Dual card slots: one for UHS-II SD cards and another for UHS-I microSD cards.
• Dust and drip resistant magnesium alloy build.
• ISO 100-64,000

Straight off the bat, Nikon directly compares the Zf to the older Z6 II, and the Zf overtakes its more serious sibling, despite some curious choices that hold it back from being a replacement for the Z6 II. The biggest upgrade over the Z6 II is the move to an EXPEED 7 processor that allows the Zf to take advantage of some of the new autofocus and subject tracking tricks that we saw in the likes of the Nikon Z8.

Nikon has also equipped the Zf with USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, and 3.5 mm microphone and headphone ports. Battery life is rated at anywhere between 430 and 360 shots, depending on the configuration, although the CIPA estimates are rarely an accurate estimation of battery life anymore.

The Nikon Zf is lunching in classic black in addition to six different colours — Indigo Blue, Bordeaux Red, Sepia Brown, Moss Green, Stone Gray, Sunset Orange — that all add a touch of personality and flair to an otherwise rather capable premium camera. The Nikon Zf camera will be available starting mid-October 2023 with an MSRP of US$1,999.95, or US$2,099.95 for the premium colours. Pre-orders are open from Nikon directly and from B&H Photo, in the meantime.

Buy the similarly retro-styled Fujifilm X-S20 with XC15-45 mm kit lens on Amazon.