When it comes to photo trends, it seems that retro is here to stay.
Many new photographers have fallen in love with the old-school film and print process. A number of these photographers end up migrating to digital, and retro-styled cameras seem to hit a sweet spot between using a phone camera (lame & common) or investing in more expensive prosumer and professional cameras.
For established photographers, these retro cameras may seem like more of a novelty, or a fashion accessory. But actually, they are great for carrying around all day because they're lightweight and simple to operate. They are also perfect for street photography as they seem more unassuming than a much larger professional camera. Also, they are just fun to use!
This week, Nikon has released the impressively specced full frame Zf 24MP camera which has many of the technologies found in the Nikon Z9 flagship including a backside illuminated sensor for great low light capabilities.
In a nutshell, it is the more powerful, larger brother of the retro styled APS-C 20.9MP sensor Nikon Zfc.
The magnesium-alloy body has an elegant glossy finish for a more authentic look and feel, and the dials, shutter-release button, and power switch are made of brass for a high-quality feel. It features a Nikon logo used in the 1970-80s as well as carved letters and numbers on the top of the camera.
The Zf is equipped with the same EXPEED 7 image-processing engine as the Z9. It includes the same nine different types of subject detection supported on the Z8 and is available with both still-image and video recording.
There is an interesting aesthetic option of being able to choose from 6 different coloured artificial leather covers – so you can choose a camera colour to match your outfit of the day.
Another interesting option is that there is a dedicated monochrome selector so you can quickly view and shoot in B&W.
Additional Features
- The first Nikon camera to support video recording in shutter-priority auto mode. When this mode is selected, the user selects the shutter speed, and the camera adjusts the aperture.
- 3D-tracking (photo mode only) and Subject-tracking AF (video mode only) have been added to AF-area mode options.
- Pixels used to create images and those used for AF achieve the optimal exposure for each process, making it easier to focus on the intended subject, even when that subject is silhouetted against backlighting or the scene is dimly lit or dark.
- The range of coverage and number of focus points used in auto-area AF mode have been increased for better focus acquisition performance with distant or moving subjects.
- Options available for custom wide-area AF mode have been increased, improving effectiveness for scenes with multiple subjects.
- Adoption of the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine reduces noise in flat portions of subjects and increases image quality.
- The first full-frame Z series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle monitor.
- Vertical-orientation image playback and menu display during playback provide efficient support for vertical shooting.
- The first Z series camera to support Touch Fn for adjustment of camera settings while framing pictures in the viewfinder.
- The high processing ability of the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine enables High-Speed Frame Capture+ , which achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps.
- Equipped with a Pre-Release Capture function capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed.
- Provides a skin softening function and a portrait impression balance function for users to better achieve the portraits they intended.
- Features a Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control that better captures details of the subject's complexion.
- Utilizes deep learning technology to identify the scene when capturing still images in auto shooting mode, realizing optimal exposure control in accordance with the scene.
- Supports the HEIF format, which records high-quality still images while reducing the amount of file data.
- Superior dust- and drip-resistance enables worry-free shooting, even in harsh environments.
- Equipped with two memory card slots, one supporting SD cards and the other Micro SD cards.
- Dual coating has been adopted to protect the image sensor from dust.
- Supports the merging of NEF (RAW) images shot with pixel-shift shooting, with use of NX Studio Ver.1.5.0. The functions of Picture Control Utility 2 have been consolidated so that adjustment, application, and management of Picture Control can be completed within one app.
The camera is available for pre-order with body only being $3,499 – or with a Nikkor Z 40mm f/2.0 lens kit for $3,999.
You can read more about the camera on the Nikon website.
