After spending quite some time with the Fujifilm X-T5, I found myself longing for the full-frame experience once again. When I stumbled across the Nikon Zf, it felt like the perfect opportunity to make that leap back into the world of full-frame cameras. The idea of combining modern mirrorless technology with a retro-inspired design immediately caught my attention, I really did love the work flow of the Fuji X-T5 but something was missing! Now that I’ve got my hands on the Nikon Zf, here are my first impressions of this beauty—and let me tell you, it’s more than just a good-looking camera.

Retro Vibes, Modern Heart

The Nikon Zf takes inspiration from Nikon's classic film cameras, especially the FM2, but with a mirrorless twist. It’s got that tactile, vintage feel with manual dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation—perfect for anyone who loves the analog vibe.

But don’t let the retro design fool you. Under the hood, the Zf is packing some serious modern technology. It features a 24.5MP full-frame sensor (same as the Nikon Z6 II & III), which means it can handle pretty much any shooting situation with ease—from low-light scenarios to high-speed action. One of the issues that pushed me away from the XT-5 was the file sizes of that 40MP sensor. The reduced megapixels in the Nikon should take some pressure off my laptop when editing.

Approaching Redsand Forts, first trip out with the Zf was out to these ww2 sea forts in a tugboat from the 60’s

Handling and Build: Vintage Done Right

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical about the handling especially after watching lots of YouTube reviews. For me, Nikon nailed it here. The Zf feels solid in your hands, and those manual dials? Super satisfying to click. The magnesium alloy body gives it a premium feel without being too heavy (this was one gripe I had with the Fuji, it just felt like a toy), which makes it a joy to carry around for general photography.

I guess I should mention the elephant in the room which is the grip, I have purchased the SmallRig one, but i’m currently undecided as to whether i’ll leave it on the camera or not. If I’m out walking I tend to have a strap on and i’m rarely continuously shooting for hours on end so I think this whole issue is massively overstated - it’s definitely fixable.

Autofocus and Performance: Quick and Responsive

First off, the autofocus on the Zf is impressive. It borrows the same hybrid autofocus system from the higher-end Z series cameras. In my brief time shooting with it, the eye-detection AF was sharp and quick, locking onto subjects with ease. This is definitely a camera that can keep up with fast-moving subjects, which makes it great for street photography or capturing spontaneous moments. I tested focusing on some seagulls flying around the tugboat and it seemed to work pretty well, definitely more accurate than what i’ve been used to.

I’ve set the camera up with wide af tracking and i’ve set the front fn button to flick between single point. This is working great and allows me more freedom for quick shots whilst also allowing me to dial focus to a specific point quickly if I need it.

For all the retro purists out there, the Zf might be the perfect compromise between manual control and digital precision. You get that satisfying feeling of dialing in your settings, but the camera does all the heavy lifting when it comes to focus and exposure.

Image Quality: Stunning Detail and Dynamic Range

I expected great image quality from a Nikon, and the Zf hasn’t disappointed. The sensor produces sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range and the RAW files are a lot easier to work with than Fuji’s. Colors are vibrant but natural, and I was particularly impressed with how well it handled highlights and shadows in high-contrast scenes. I’ve added some initial shots below taken on a trip to the Mansell Forts on the first weekend I had the camera.

One feature I was tentative about losing from the Fujifilm was their film simulations, but Nikon does have their own version called “Picture Control” modes, which include film simulations. It’s not quite the same, and I think as I get to know the camera more I might add my own film simulations to shoot along site real film on the Leica M6.

These RAW files are very nice to work with, much easier and cleaner than those of the XT5

Low-Light Performance: Built for the Night

Since I’m always curious about how a camera handles low-light situations, I took the Zf for a spin in dim conditions. Thanks to the full-frame sensor and a wide ISO range, it performed admirably. Images at higher ISOs (up to 6400) were still clean and usable with minimal noise, and the in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) helped keep handheld shots steady even at slower shutter speeds.

Final Thoughts: First Impressions Matter

So, after my first experience with the Nikon Zf, I can confidently say that it’s more than just a good-looking camera. It’s a modern powerhouse wrapped in a vintage shell, designed to appeal to both nostalgia lovers and photographers who need a capable tool.

The Zf delivers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a satisfying shooting experience, making it a great option for street photography, travel, and anyone who wants a balance between manual controls and modern convenience. It’s a camera that doesn’t compromise style for performance—and I’m excited to see how it holds up with more time behind the lens.

Stay tuned for a deeper dive as I put the Nikon Zf through its paces in more challenging environments!

First Impressions: Nikon Zf – A Retro Beauty with Modern Power