Nikon Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Review

The Nikon Zf pairs pro-grade autofocus (95th percentile) and a stunning EVF (96th percentile) with a gorgeous, tactile retro body. It's a joy to use but lacks weather sealing and has only average battery life. A fantastic choice for enthusiasts, but shop for deals under $2,500.

The Nikon Zf is a camera that looks like it stepped out of a 1970s camera bag but performs like it's from the 2020s. It scores an 89.9/100 in our database, with a standout 91.5/100 for beginners. That's a big deal. It means Nikon packed a modern 24.5MP full-frame sensor and their latest EXPEED 7 processor into a retro body that's actually easy to use. The catch? It's not officially weather-sealed, which is a notable omission at this price.

You're getting a camera that excels in the feel-good categories. It lands in the 96th percentile for build quality and display, and the EVF is in the same elite tier. The autofocus, with 273 points and subject recognition, sits in the 95th percentile. So, it's a proper modern mirrorless camera dressed in vintage clothes. Just don't expect it to be a tank.

Let's talk about where the Zf really shines. That autofocus system is in the 95th percentile for a reason. The 273-point hybrid AF with subject recognition and 3D tracking is the same tech from Nikon's pro Z8 and Z9, just dialed back a bit. It locks on fast and sticks. For burst shooting, 14fps with the mechanical shutter puts it in the 82nd percentile—solid, but not class-leading. The 5-axis IBIS is rated at the 89th percentile, giving you about 8 stops of shake correction, which is fantastic for handheld low-light shots.

The sensor is the 24.5MP BSI CMOS unit from the Z6 II. It's good, but at the 65th percentile, it's the most 'average' part of the spec sheet. The video specs are strong for a hybrid shooter: 4K 30p 10-bit internally, landing in the 83rd percentile. And that 96MP high-res mode is a neat trick for landscapes. The real star might be the viewfinder. A 3.7M-dot EVF in the 96th percentile is incredibly sharp and makes manual focusing a pleasure.

Here's where it gets interesting. The price swings wildly depending on the kit. We've seen it bundled from $1,997 all the way up to $3,091. That's a $1,094 spread. The sweet spot is the body-only or basic bundle around the $2k mark. Once you creep toward three grand, you're competing with sealed, higher-resolution bodies like the Sony A7 IV. For the right price, the Zf offers incredible build, a top-tier EVF, and pro-grade AF in a unique package. Pay too much, and the value proposition crumbles.

Stacked against its peers, the Zf carves a unique niche. The Sony A7 IV ($2,498 body) beats it on resolution (33MP), has better battery life, and is fully weather-sealed. But the Sony feels like a tool; the Zf feels like an experience. The Canon R6 Mark II ($2,499) smokes it in burst speed (40fps) and is a better choice for events, which is the Zf's weakest category at 70.5/100. But the Canon's EVF isn't as nice. The Fujifilm X-H2 ($2,399) offers higher resolution (40MP) in a smaller APS-C sensor, but can't match the Zf's full-frame low-light performance. The Zf wins on charm and specific tactile joys, but loses on pure specs and sealing.

Skip the Zf if you're a working professional shooting weddings or events in unpredictable conditions. It scores a 70.5/100 in that category, held back by the lack of weather sealing and just-okay battery life (50th percentile). Also, if pure speed is your game, its 82nd percentile burst rate can't keep up with the 40fps of a Canon R6 II. And pixel-peepers wanting the absolute highest resolution might find the 65th percentile sensor a bit limiting.

The Nikon Zf is a deeply compelling camera if you value the experience of shooting as much as the final image. Its autofocus, build, and viewfinder are genuinely excellent. The lack of weather sealing is a real bummer, and the sensor is good but not great. We recommend it wholeheartedly to enthusiasts and beginners who want a beautiful, engaging camera that's also incredibly capable—but only if you can snag it at the lower end of its price range. At $3,000, look at the Sony A7 IV or Canon R6 II instead.