Nikon Nikon Z f Mirrorless Camera, Orange, with NIKKOR Z Review

So Nikon just dropped the Z f, and it's a bit of a weird one. On paper, you're looking at a full-frame camera with a massive 96MP sensor, which is wild for stills. But then you check the spec sheet and realize it's built like a tank with a fully articulating screen, yet it's missing some core features like in-body stabilization. It's clearly not trying to be everything to everyone, and that's what makes it interesting.

This camera is screaming for a specific type of photographer. If you're deep into travel or product photography, where you have time to set up a shot and crave insane detail, this thing is your jam. The high-resolution sensor means you can crop like crazy and still have a usable image, which is perfect for capturing intricate textures on the road or getting those perfect product shots for a website.

But here's the kicker: it's not great for action or video. The burst shooting and autofocus tracking percentiles are on the lower end, and the video specs aren't its strong suit. So if you're shooting sports or want a hybrid camera for vlogging, you might want to look elsewhere. This is a deliberate, detail-oriented tool.

Let's talk about that 96MP sensor. It scores in the 90th percentile, which is no joke. In practice, this means your photos have an almost ridiculous amount of detail. You can zoom in on a landscape shot and see individual leaves on a tree halfway up the mountain. For product photography, it means you can capture every tiny scratch on a vintage watch or the weave of a fabric with stunning clarity. The trade-off is that the huge files will fill up your memory cards and slow down your editing workflow if your computer isn't top-tier.

Now, the other side of the coin. The autofocus system lands in the 45th percentile, and there's no in-body stabilization. What does that mean for you? In good light, it'll focus just fine. But if you're trying to track a moving subject or shoot in lower light, it might hunt a bit more than cameras from Sony or Canon. And without stabilization, you'll need steady hands or a tripod to get the most out of that high-resolution sensor, especially with longer lenses. The performance is a tale of two extremes: phenomenal for static scenes, but requiring more technique for anything else.

At around $2,324, the Nikon Z f sits in a tricky spot. You're paying a premium for that incredible sensor and the pro-level build quality. Compared to something like a Sony a7R IV, which also has a high-res sensor, you're getting a similar stills powerhouse but with a weaker autofocus system and no stabilization.

The value really depends on what you need. If ultimate image resolution and a rugged, versatile body are your only goals, and you don't mind the missing features, the price might be justified. But if you want a more balanced camera that also does great video or fast action, there are better values out there. You're buying a specialist tool here.

The most direct competitor is the Sony Alpha a7R IV. It also has a high-resolution sensor (61MP), but its autofocus is leagues ahead, and it has in-body stabilization. For most people, the Sony is the more complete and capable package, especially if you shoot anything that moves. The trade-off is that the Nikon Z f has a better articulating screen and might feel more robust in hand.

Then there's the Fujifilm X-S20. It's an APS-C camera, so the sensor is smaller, but it's a fantastic hybrid. Its video features and autofocus blow the Nikon away, and it's much cheaper. You lose the ultimate resolution and full-frame look, but you gain a ton of versatility. The Canon EOS R7 is another strong hybrid contender with great autofocus and stabilization, though its 32.5MP sensor is a big step down in resolution. If you're not married to the idea of 96MP files, these alternatives offer much more for the money.

If you're a travel photographer who loves to zoom in on every detail, or a product photographer who needs the absolute highest resolution for commercial work, the Nikon Z f is a compelling, if niche, choice. The image quality from that sensor is truly special, and the build will withstand years of use. Just be ready to work with a tripod and accept its limitations elsewhere.

For almost anyone else, I'd recommend looking at the competitors. If you want high resolution plus great autofocus and stabilization, get the Sony a7R IV. If you want a fantastic all-rounder that does great video too, check out the Fujifilm X-S20 or Canon R7. The Nikon Z f is a brilliant camera for a very specific job, but it asks you to compromise on a lot of modern conveniences.