Nikon Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera (Body Only) with 24.5MP Review

The Nikon Zf is a camera that looks like it belongs in a museum but shoots like it belongs on a pro's workbench. That retro FM2 body isn't just for show—it's a magnesium alloy tank that's fully weather-sealed. The one thing you need to know is this: it's a sports and wildlife powerhouse disguised as a classic film camera. With autofocus in the 99th percentile and a blistering 30fps burst, it's built to capture action, not just look pretty on a shelf.

What surprised me is how Nikon managed to pack such a monster autofocus system into this body. The eye-tracking and subject detection are so fast and sticky, it feels like cheating. You point it at a bird in flight or a running athlete, and it just locks on. The burst speed is insane, too. But the flip side is the stabilization, which lands in the 40th percentile. For a camera this good at action, the in-body VR is just okay. You'll want a stabilized lens for anything but the fastest shutter speeds.

At just under $2,000 for the body, it's expensive. But if your main gig is fast-paced photography like sports or wildlife, it's absolutely worth it. You're paying for that top-tier autofocus and burst performance wrapped in a stunning, durable body. For anything else, the price is harder to justify.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is its most direct competitor. It has better in-body stabilization, a fully articulating screen, and similar autofocus chops, but its burst speed tops out at 40fps only in electronic shutter mode. The Zf feels more specialized and premium. The Sony a7R IV offers way more resolution (61MP) for landscapes and portraits, but its autofocus and burst rates can't keep up with the Zf for action. The Fujifilm X-S20 is a fantastic all-rounder for half the price, but it's an APS-C sensor and can't match the Zf's low-light performance or sheer speed.

Buy the Nikon Zf if you're a photographer who lives for action and wants a camera with soul. Its combination of looks, build, and sheer speed is unique. Skip it if you need a versatile vlogging camera, rely heavily on in-body stabilization, or are on a tight budget. For sports and wildlife shooters who appreciate craftsmanship, it's an easy recommendation.