Quote:
Form and Function
While a lot is happening inside the Zf, it is also carefully designed to look good.
“The heart of the Zf is ‘fusion’ — an idea embedded in the name while paying homage to important models through Nikon’s history. It represents the fusion of past, present and future. With an iconic exterior design reminiscent of the FM2, the Zf links Nikon’s heritage of innovation and precision craftsmanship. The magnesium-alloy body is durable and features a glossy finish, which is adorned with a classic Nikon logo. The characters on the mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation are all etched, and provide the user with satisfying tactile response, while the feel of the shutter-release button was given meticulous consideration,” Nikon explains.
Ricci Chera was interviewed in Grays of Westminster youtube channel and he said (not verbatim) the Zf IBIS has physically different parts which permit the 8-stop VR and pixel shift. I take from this that it is unlikely that equivalent improvements would be possible to add in firmware to earlier cameras. Frankly I think it is good that Nikon moves beyond the technology of a 2021 model and even better that they introduce improvements in a mid-range model that more people can afford.
Its interesting to read the marketing fluff that claims the design is based on the FM2. For me the prism design looks much more like the FE, and the size and weight are more like an F3.
It is a nice looking camera, and I am tempted. I would probably bite if it had viewfinder simulation modes of classic film cameras. In other words the way the exposure info and metering is displayed would replicate a classic film camera instead of the default cluttered display. You could choose if you wanted a simulation of an FE style analogue meter, the FM2 leds, or F3 style info at the top. I know this is a bit shallow, a bit like displaying an analogue clock face on an apple watch, but if they are going for the vintage look on the outside they should at least give users the option of making it look like a vintage camera in the viewfinder.
Ricci makes a great point about having a clickable/de clickable aperture ring option and an ultra wide prime.
He makes another good point about always carrying a Zfc with the 28 attached as an EDC camera.
In my humble opinion Nikon are withholding the FF lens lineup to sell zooms and large primes. Not saying that as a bad thing but maybe should now continue with the 26 line and release all the classic focal lengths in a very small size?
24
35
50
85
105
That could open up the Zf more as an EDC type camera.
There is a gap in the aspc lens line up for a 35mm f1.8 with auto focus. I've tested the old 35mm dx and it's better than the new 40mm on apsc but the FTZ is just a horrible solution. The new APO ultron is maybe the best acps prime ever made but it's MF only.
gheller wrote:
Apparently it *is* an issue, since it has been discussed ad nauseam.
And it is rated for 380 shots whereas my A73 batteries are well over 700
Not good for a wedding photographer.
CIPA ratings are slightly above worthless in my experience. If you want to know how big of an issue it is for wedding photographers, there are plenty out there to give you real world information. It seems like your talking points are mostly valuable for internet discussions and much less meaningful for the real world.
RobCD wrote:
CIPA ratings are slightly above worthless in my experience. If you want to know how big of an issue it is for wedding photographers, there are plenty out there to give you real world information. It seems like your talking points are mostly valuable for internet discussions and much less meaningful for the real world.
Possibly, but there seems to be enough discussion about the lack-luster battery life to give me cause to pause.
Aside from this, there are other reasons I cancelled my 2 orders and will stick with my A73 bodies for now:
- bigger and heavier than my current bodies
- second slot is microSD
- narrow form factor unless the SmallRig grip is added (adding more weight)
The *only* reason to switch would be for the "cool" factor (love the retro design), but it is *quickly* negated with the boring modern looking lenses I would be forced to mount.
Anyway, YMMV, but it is a hard pass for me at this time. If Nikon releases a retro lens lineup, I would surely reconsider.
bluehawaii wrote:
Ricci makes a great point about having a clickable/de clickable aperture ring option and an ultra wide prime.
He makes another good point about always carrying a Zfc with the 28 attached as an EDC camera.
In my humble opinion Nikon are withholding the FF lens lineup to sell zooms and large primes. Not saying that as a bad thing but maybe should now continue with the 26 line and release all the classic focal lengths in a very small size?
24
35
50
85
105
That could open up the Zf more as an EDC type camera.
There is a gap in the aspc lens line up for a 35mm f1.8 with auto focus. I've tested the old 35mm dx and it's better than the new 40mm on apsc but the FTZ is just a horrible solution. The new APO ultron is maybe the best acps prime ever made but it's MF only.
gheller wrote:
Possibly, but there seems to be enough discussion about the lack-luster battery life to give me cause to pause.
Aside from this, there are other reasons I cancelled my 2 orders and will stick with my A73 bodies for now:
- bigger and heavier than my current bodies
- second slot is microSD
- narrow form factor unless the SmallRig grip is added (adding more weight)
The *only* reason to switch would be for the "cool" factor (love the retro design), but it is *quickly* negated with the boring modern looking lenses I would be forced to mount.
Anyway, YMMV, but it is a hard pass for me at this time. If Nikon releases a retro lens lineup, I would surely reconsider. ...Show more →
Fair enough but your 3 issues here are probably in the top 10 of easiest to know before placing an order. I can't imagine the number of surprises you get when you buy a camera if you don't do more research than this before ordering.
EDC stands for Every Day Carry, and goes far beyond cameras in the circles of EDC fanatics. Cameras are probably the most fringe element of it, in fact.
Such as knives, lights, mini tools, tourniquet, pens, keys, firearms etc.
RoamingScott wrote:
EDC stands for Every Day Carry, and goes far beyond cameras in the circles of EDC fanatics. Cameras are probably the most fringe element of it, in fact.
RobCD wrote:
Fair enough but your 3 issues here are probably in the top 10 of easiest to know before placing an order. I can't imagine the number of surprises you get when you buy a camera if you don't do more research than this before ordering.
There was literally NO risk in placing the pre-order. I wanted to get in the queue as soon as possible.
CIPA ratings are a synthetic benchmark. They don't reflect real-world use.
I never had to change my Z6 battery until the day was done. I brought two batteries with me many times, but never had to swap. I came back many days with 500 to 1000 frames on one battery, sometimes in cold weather.
Even if I did have to switch batteries partway through the day, is that such a horrible thing? How short is our memory as photographers if we think we can't get the job done if we have to switch a battery? I'd sometimes bring three batteries for my 5D and a dozen AA's for my flashes for a long event. Somehow I managed.
If you absolutely must not ever change a battery, the Z9 is the only camera for you. But I'm sure nobody is actually switching systems over such minor matters.
CKrueger wrote:
CIPA ratings are a synthetic benchmark. They don't reflect real-world use.
I never had to change my Z6 battery until the day was done. I brought two batteries with me many times, but never had to swap. I came back many days with 500 to 1000 frames on one battery, sometimes in cold weather.
Even if I did have to switch batteries partway through the day, is that such a horrible thing? How short is our memory as photographers if we think we can't get the job done if we have to switch a battery? I'd sometimes bring three batteries for my 5D and a dozen AA's for my flashes for a long event. Somehow I managed.
If you absolutely must not ever change a battery, the Z9 is the only camera for you. But I'm sure nobody is actually switching systems over such minor matters....Show more →
People may not be switching because of it, but it certainly will make a difference when considering jumping ship (like for me).
It was not the only reason, but kind of the "straw that broke the camel's back" kind of thing.
Is it that profound? YES! In the real world (I shoot weddings full time) and going from the Sony RX10IV to the Sony A7III (in terms of battery life) was a *huge* benefit.
I refuse to take a step backwards, especially when laying out ~ $7k for the transition
