Nikon is hoping to rekindle the market success it enjoyed with the APS-C sensor Z fc with another retro-inspired model, this time with a full-frame sensor. The Z f is conceptually the same, though. On the outside it looks like an old film camera, with discrete dials to control exposure, but inside it's got Nikon's latest processing and autofocus tech, and support for Z-mount mirrorless lenses.

FM2 Reimagined

For the Z f, Nikon's design team looked back to the FM2, a manual focus SLR introduced in 1982. The Z f mirrors the FM2's line, as well as its all-black finish. However, you can get a version with a colorful leatherette wrap if you buy direct from Nikon. Six different wraps are available: Bordeaux Red, Indigo Blue, Moss Green, Sepia Brown, Stone Gray, and Sunset Orange. Nikon says each is limited in quantity.

The control scheme is more like an older camera too. The Z f doesn't use a Mode Dial like most mirrorless cameras. Instead it has three separate on-body controls to set exposure: shutter, EV, and ISO, along with a toggle switch to swap between auto, program, aperture, shutter, and manual exposure modes.

The body is built from magnesium alloy components and includes Nikon's typical level of dust and drip protection. There's no IP rating, but with a sealed lens the camera is safe to use in inclement weather. A high-magnification EVF and vari-angle touch LCD serve as monitors.

Nikon takes a novel approach to dual memory card slots, using standard UHS-II SDXC as the main option, but restricting the secondary slot to UHS-I microSDXC cards. The Z f promises fast burst rates, 30fps in a pre-release electronic shutter mode, and 14fps with its mechanical shutter.

Stabilized Imaging With Multi-Shot Support

The Z f uses a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor, similar to what's inside the Z 6 II, but promises better performance from a newer image processor. The Expeed 7 chip adds support for several new features, with a revamped autofocus system the most obvious. The Z f has the same subject recognition acumen as the Z 8 and Z 9, so it can pick out people, pets, wildlife, and several types of vehicles. It also supports 3D Tracking, a focus mode that follows a subject as it moves.

The sensor is mounted on a 5-axis image stabilizer, good for up to 8.0 stops of compensation. This type of stabilizer is a basic feature in full-frame cameras, but the Z f has a couple of differentiating features. It's the first Nikon to have a multi-shot sampling mode for picture with more resolution (96MP) and truer color than single shot exposures. It's also the first camera we've seen that tunes its stabilization to get the best results at the point of focus, rather than the center of the frame, though I'll admit I'm skeptical that will be a difference maker to stabilization performance.

For imaging, the camera snaps photos as 8-bit JPGs or in 14-bit Raw with a wide ISO 100-64000 sensitivity range. Nikon's typical color profiles continue, like most cameras you can swap between natural, vivid, sepia, and other creative looks. The Z f adds a few black-and-white profiles to the mix, and makes them easier to access via a physical selector switch. There's a dedicated B&W position in addition to the standard photo and video modes. The Z f uses a high contrast Monochrome profile by default, but lets you change to Flat Monochrome if you prefer to mimic the look of low contrast, while Deep Tone Monochrome is an option if you want a look that mixes punchy contrast with lifted shadows.

The Z f does video too. It supports full-width 4K30 recording with 10-bit color, and can push 4K60 in its Super35 (DX) crop mode, and supports 1080p120 too. Mic and headphone jacks are included, so there's a potential here for vloggers.

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon Z f is slated to ship in mid-October. It's priced at $1,999.95 as a body only in black. The aforementioned color options are $2,099.95 and available exclusively via Nikon's online storefront. As for kits, you can get the camera with the Z 40mm F2.0 SE for $2,399.95 or with the Z 24-70mm F4 S zoom for $2,599.95.