Nikon Nikon Z f | Full-Frame Mirrorless Stills/Video Review

The Nikon Z f is a camera that knows exactly what it's good at. With a 24.5MP full-frame BSI sensor and EXPEED 7 processor, it lands in the 97th percentile for sensor performance. That means stunning image quality right out of the gate. But its real party trick is video, scoring in the 93rd percentile. You get 4K/60p and internal 10-bit H.265 recording, which is serious stuff for a camera at this price.

It's not trying to be everything to everyone. The autofocus sits at the 45th percentile, and the burst rate is down at the 40th. So if you're shooting fast-moving sports or wildlife, this isn't your first pick. But for creators focused on video, product photography, or YouTube content, its strengths are perfectly aligned. It's a specialist, and a very good one.

Let's talk about where this camera shines. That 24.5MP sensor isn't just high-scoring, it's paired with Pixel Shift tech that can combine shots into a massive 96MP file. That's incredible detail for landscapes or studio work. The in-body stabilization is top-tier too, sitting in the 91st percentile, which is a huge help for handheld video and low-light stills.

For video creators, the specs are legit. Oversampled 4K/30p from a 6K source means sharp footage, and the 10-bit internal recording in N-Log or HLG gives you great flexibility in post. The 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen is fantastic, scoring in the 98th percentile. The new Touch Fn feature lets you use it to move focus points and select subjects, which makes shooting way more intuitive.

At around $1,897, the Z f sits in an interesting spot. You're paying for that fantastic full-frame sensor and pro-level video features. Compared to something like the Fujifilm X-S20 or Sony a6400, you're getting a much larger sensor and better video codecs, but you're also spending more. The value is all about whether you need those specific high-end features. If you do, it's a compelling package. If you don't, a cheaper APS-C camera might be a smarter buy.

Compared directly to its peers, the Z f carves out a niche. The Sony a7R IV has a massive 61MP sensor for stills but can't match the Z f's 10-bit video or oversampled 4K. The Canon EOS R7 is a speed demon for sports with its 32.5MP APS-C sensor and faster AF, but it's not full-frame. The Fujifilm X-S20 is a fantastic all-rounder for video and photos at a lower price, but again, it's APS-C. The Z f's trade-off is clear: you sacrifice some speed and generalist features for a superior sensor and better video tools in a full-frame body. It's a focused tool, not a jack-of-all-trades.

The Nikon Z f is a powerhouse for the right user. If your work is centered on high-quality video, detailed product photography, or YouTube content creation, its 97th percentile sensor and 93rd percentile video features are a dream. The screen and stabilization are top-notch. But if you need to shoot sports, rely on blazing-fast autofocus, or want a weather-sealed body for adventures, look at the Canon R7 or a Sony model instead. This camera knows its job, and it does that job exceptionally well.