Customers are impressed with the Z f 4K Video Mirrorless Camera's exceptional photo quality, citing stunning image quality with rich colors and the ability to make outstanding photos. The camera's design also receives praise for its beautiful aesthetics, ergonomic feel, and well-placed controls. There were no negative customer comments reported.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 52 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfect if you shoot one genre at a time
|
|
Posted . Owned for 11 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Autofocus...it's amazing. Much better than the Z6ii, and can focus even in quite dim light.
It's a beautiful camera, and the controls feel good. However, although the shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation dial are engraved, the rest of the buttons and dials are painted. And only the top of the camera is metal (the remainder is plastic over a metal frame).
The camera as a whole wakes up and operates much faster than the Z6ii did. For whatever reason, it also gets a lot less sensor dust.
The main disadvantage is the lack of programmable buttons. You get DISP, AF/AE Lock, REC, Fn, and Playback...that's it. The Z6iii/Z8 have literally double the number of buttons, which drastically frees up control options without having to go into the i-menu or My Menu.
The ergonomics work best either with small lenses (24-50, 26, 28, 40) or very long ones (180-600, etc.) since that way you can either hold the entirety of the lens/camera system by the camera or by the lens, respectively.
High-efficiency RAW is basically the same size as a FINE* JPEG, so I mainly shot RAW. I found I didn't use the B&W switch a lot.
The realistic continuous shooting rate is 7 FPS (RAW, mechanical shutter) which is enough. Above that, it's slideshow mode (but can go up to 11 FPS in RAW). No real issues for a bit of wildlife photography.
The camera fits quite well on a gimbal. Unfortunately, the rolling shutter is quite significant in 4K video, and the C30 mode is also quite a bit less useful due to that.
As a side benefit, it also packs much more easily than other Z cameras due to its lack of a grip--it's flat.
You don't get a charger with this camera, you need to charge the battery in-camera using USB-C unless you pay extra for the MH-34 or MH-25a.
The camera uses the same screen protectors as the Z5/Z6/Z7 series cameras.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fuji killer except the internet prefers the hype.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Buying a second body because it is that good!
If you are looking for the retro look and a professional capable camera that won't cost you 3k or over, this is the one for you. Affordability set aside, this camera is a winner, jack of all trades, master of some. Having owned a nikon D850 for several years, I jumped at the ZF when it first became available. It sufices to say, I regret nothing. I even sold my beloved D850 for a second body. Now, I'll probably be alone in that decision as the D850 is just legendary, but my needs are different and why keep a camera I won't use anymore. The ZF's user experience is so robust. The camera feels and is a tank. The quality is amazing, and there isnt anything that feels cheap about it. It is weighty without being too heavy or bulky. Moving into it's internals, this camera is state of the art. The user interface feels like home if you have owned a nikon in the past, but might need some learning on anyone new to the system. The features packed on the ZF are nothing short of great and what stands out for me the most are the fast autofocus and subject tracking capabilities as well as the ibis and clean files in low light (low noise at higher Iso). Moving on to my tittle, I am a fierce fujifilm aps-c lover. Working with fuji makes work feels like play. Jpeg images created with the film sims and the many simulations available online is pure fun. All is fun until you find yourself in a low light scenario. Auto focusing fall on its face on most fujis and lenses just hunt like mad. Noise on fujis looks like grain so is rather pleasant but lets you wishing for more. That's where the Nikon ZF comes in... This camera lacks nothing and wants to do everything. If 4k specs were better, it'd be the obvious choice for even more people. But they had to cripple it given the z6 iii is coming. Sales are everything.
In short, if you are looking for that retro "fuji-like" experience but want a full frame and all that it entitles then look no further! For a little more than an xt5 or (x100v or vi) you get into a fantastic full frame system loaded with features. And if thats not enough, adapt virtually any lens to it, vintage 35mm or otherwise in a native full frame format and enjoy the possibilities.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A high performance camera with a beautiful look
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
A perfect blend of high performance camera and beautiful-nostalgic look of analog film nikon slr. Clean high iso, fast and accurate AF are meeting the expectation of a 2023 mirrorless camera, ahead of previous Nikon mirrorless generations. The swivel LCD protects it when being in the field, while helping on low angles/backward selfies. Lenses to be considered: 26mm, 28mm SE or 40mm SE to fit your daily carry.
Cons: need to get used to the menu even if you are a Nikon DSLR user due to a lot of new features.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I take it everywhere.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This camera is amazing. With features of higher cameras,all in a smaller body. It’s also retro which will make you want to take it everywhere. Honestly I purchased it and returned it because of the weight and then when I got something lighter I realized I wasn’t in love with how that camera worked in low light. So I waited for this to come back in stock.it’s probably not for everyone but I assure you that’s it’s better than any other Nikon if you can live with the form factor.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful fine art camera!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve purchased and have used the Zf body for a few months now. I’ve owned and used three other Nikon cameras and the Zf is my favorite cam. I’ve paired this body with the Nikon 26mm lens and couldn’t be happier with the results. Recommend capturing with the S priority settings for best output (in my opinion). With the 26mm lense attached this camera is small, light, portable and simply outstanding. Analog dials on top are perfect when I need to alter cam settings quickly. There are a couple of occasions where the dials where shifted inadvertently while placing cam in my shoulder bag but it’s rare. Well worth the money if you want great results.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Really pleased.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I got the Zf to replace a d5100, so pretty much anything would have been a significant upgrade. I’m really pleased with the image quality, and the addition of focus peaking has breathed new life into my collection of manual lenses. I even used my 105 f/2.5 for manual focus bird photography with a pretty good success rate! Pet photography is also viable now with my manual lenses.
Aesthetically, the camera is a delight, though like many others, I did add a grip to help my hold on it.
I haven’t tried the video function yet, but the settings appear to be very similar and intuitive to other systems, and 4K/60fps is perfectly fine for most applications, with faster fps in HD mode.
Overall, I really couldn’t be happier with this camera. It combines good specs with a really fun look, and it hasn’t stopped being fun to surprise people who ask me about my “film” camera.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Tribute to the past
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Only regret I have purchasing this camera is that Nikon made it too well and I ended up buying this after I purchased a Z 8 in the same year. This camera still pull on the heartstrings of any SLR film shooter, because there is nothing on the market with this level of performance that has the vintage looks. I have been only using manual focus lenses with it so far and treating it more like an art tool with the Voigtlander 50mm F/1.0 mostly which has been a dream to focus with since face and eye detection modes still work with manual lenses as a focus assist option.
The image stabilization is the best I have used in any camera from the already class leading Z8/Z9 I think it is because Nikon has the largest lens mount that they have more flexibility in this area.
The added black and white dial has me using black and white photography for images now which I didn't bother going into menus to use before and the image quality at 24mp is more than enough for general shooting with the option of 90mp in focus stacking has been a blast.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This is a Must-Have for aspiring photographers!
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing Camera!! The Nikon Zf has amazing autofocus and extremely capable nighttime shooting tech! Love the purchase and love how my photos are coming out!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Capabilities
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Nikon Zf is a stunning mirrorless camera that beautifully blends retro design with modern performance. Its 24MP full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality, even in low light, and the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) offers up to 8 stops of stabilization for versatile shooting.
The advanced autofocus system features 273 focus points and effective 3D tracking, making it suitable for various photography styles. While the ergonomics may not suit everyone, especially with larger lenses, the intuitive menu system is easy to navigate for those familiar with Nikon DSLRs.
With 4K video capabilities and a solid build, the Nikon Zf is an excellent choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic without compromising on performance!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful retro
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing camera! The retro design is beautiful. The eye detection has greatly improved my focus. Perfect size for hiking or street photography.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
VIntage Marvelous
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great vintage camera, Superb colors and quality, Improve autofocus from previous models, but the worst ergonomics ever!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
nikon zf
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good camera with a vintage look, well suited for old and modern lenses, as well as for creativity completely in manual mode
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Photo quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I love it!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As someone who has spent years shooting with Fujifilm, I wasn’t sure if the Nikon Zf would be for me. I’ve always loved Fuji’s tactile dials, compact feel, and built-in film simulations—it’s a system that just works. So when I picked up the Zf, I approached it with cautious curiosity. But after spending time with it, I’m genuinely in love. The Zf delivers stunning image quality with rich colors, excellent dynamic range, and a smooth shooting experience that feels both intuitive and powerful. While it doesn’t have Fuji’s film simulations, Nikon’s color science has its own unique charm—clean, cinematic, and incredibly flexible in post. Every time I shoot with it, I find myself more inspired.
What really sold me, though, is the look. The Nikon Zf is absolutely beautiful. It captures that vintage SLR vibe with metal dials, textured leather accents, and classic branding that makes it feel like a camera pulled from the golden age of photography. And it’s not just for show—the build quality is solid, the grip is comfortable, and the controls are responsive without feeling overly modern. It turns heads when I’m out shooting, and more importantly, it makes me want to shoot. The Zf isn’t just a capable camera—it’s one that brings joy every time I pick it up.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Photo quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A camera for the journey not the destination.
|
|
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Nikon ZF is the perfect camera the hobbyist photographer. Yes, there are more powerful cameras out there. Yes, it’s very expensive for just a hobby. However, how you feel when you pick it up is amazing. This is a camera for someone who just want to enjoy the process of taking photos; someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination. This camera makes you want to slowdown and perfect your craft and hone your skills. The quality is amazing. The Jpgs right out the camera are amazing. And the sliding that black & white switch is so satisfying. Yes all modern cameras have a dedicated monochrome mode, but flipping that switch is just so satisfying. The elephant in the room is that no it is not very economic. I have large hands and it can become difficult to hold onto after a while. But that make third party grips for like $20-$50 depending on your budget. Final thoughts… buy this camera.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A superb package, with one caveat.
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
All around, a superb camera. Probably the best bang for buck system out there. It's a bit hefty though, and the EVF leaves a bit to be desired. If you prefer an optical viewfinder, and don't want to squint towards a small screen, that may be a deal breaker, as it was for me.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great and enjoyable camera.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
early this year I bought the Nikon Z8 to take with me on an overseas trip. The Z8 is great camera and no complains except I felt it was too bulky to take with me on a day to day shooting when traveling. I wanted to stick to Nikon as I prefer their image quality and I knew I wanted stick to full frame sensor. I decided to buy the Nikon ZF and I'm glad I did. While the Z8 feels like unlimited power and professional work, the Nikon Zf feel more travel friendly and more layback look. It has a more casual feel and is very rewarding to use. if you don't need all the frames per second shooting of the Z8 for hard core sport or wild life shooting I think the ZF is more than enough to satisfy your needs.
Wild life or people that offend crop their image may benefit from the Z8 45mp sensor but other than that the image quality of the ZF is outstanding.
On YouTube you may see they mention that there's not much of a grip so I bought the SmallRig's grip but I actually found that I enjoy using the Nikon ZF without the grip adapter. I have always hold all my cameras with two hand for stability. On hand on the right side and one hand under the lens. So I did not find any issue gripping the Zf comfortably. I will keep the external grip just in case but I don't see my self using the grip adapter. your millage may vary depend of your holding habits.
It feels like a tank. hard metal construction. the dials are a joy to use. I love the fact they manage to squeeze a micro SD as second memory card. I got one of the fast micro SD card available and I have no issue recoding RAW photos to it. I treat the micro SD as back up card. I don't ever removed it. I removed the primary regular size SD card to transfer the photos to my computer.
I find not many negatives with this camera for my personal usage. One thing I do wish is one or two more customizable buttons. Not a deal breaker but one or two more would have been perfect. Also hoping for Nikon to make more pancake style lenses for every day photography
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent full frame retro-styled Nikon camera
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought a Nikon Z fc camera a few years ago when It first came out and hoped that Nikon would eventually make a similarly retro-inspired full frame version. And that came to pass with the release of the Nikon Z f. It is just what I had been waiting for. A subset of reviewers complain that the camera is lacking a built-in grip (making it hard to hold especially with bigger lenses) and for some reason Nikon does not sell its add-on grip anywhere but Japan. However, since I mainly use this camera either handheld with smaller prime lenses or on a tripod with bigger lenses, this is not a problem for me (despite being a relatively small person). It is significantly bigger than the Z fc but I think it is worth it to get a full frame retro-styled camera with all the latest internal bells and whistles of Nikon's mirrorless cameras.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Pro camera in a nice suit.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This camera takes elements of the Z8 and Z9 and packages it in a more affordable, compact, beautiful package.
the autofocus and IBIS are incredible. The only thing to take into consideration is handling due to its retro look. I bought a smallrig grip to improve handling.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Photo quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
JP
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
After getting into photography in the ‘70s. The styling , feel and control placements are much appreciated. I purchased the S 28 - 120 and the combo make outstanding photos. Very pleased with the purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My favorite Nikon of all time
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Zf brings back the joy of photography. Im using wirh manual focus glass. Having a blast. Amazing built quality and features, including manual focus assistance