Nikon’s anticipated full-frame/FX-format mirrorless was announced overnight, featuring a heritage design inspired by the iconic Nikon FM film camera.
Angled view of the black version of the new Nikon Z f camera with the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 SE lens. (Source: Nikon.)
The new camera comes with a 24-megapixel sensor and the same EXPEED 7 image-processing engine as the flagship Nikon Z 9 camera, which enables it to offer similar still-image and video recording. Its magnesium-alloy body has a glossy finish for a more authentic look and feel, while the dials, shutter-release button and power switch are made from high-quality brass. Aside from the regular black body, the camera will be offered in six colours: Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red, Sunset Orange, Moss Green and Stone Grey.
The Z f supports in-camera, 10-bit H.265 HEVC recording at 4K resolution using 6K oversampling with full-area recording at up to 30p. It can also record up to approx. 125 minutes of 4K UHD/60p video with DX area cropping for situations that require longer recording times. Users can adjust ISO sensitivity in steps of 1/6 EV and display of a red frame during video recording. The autofocusing system supports superior tracking performance with subject detection, with the same nine different types of subject detection supported on the Z 8 for still-image and video recording. The detection range is expanded to -10 EV for better low-light focusing.
Five-axis in-camera vibration reduction claims up to eight stops of shutter speed shake correction, which can be augmented with improved electronic VR, which applies a 1.25x crop, for video recording. The Z f is also the world’s first camera with focus-point VR, which suppresses blur at the edges of the frame and the first Nikon camera to support video recording in shutter-priority auto mode. Dual memory card slots, one supporting SD cards and the other Micro SD cards provide shooting flexibility and the Z f supports the HEIF format, which records high-quality still images while reducing the amount of file data. It also includes pixel-shift shooting, which supports the creation of high-resolution photos by merging multiple NEF (RAW) files. A new Pre-Release Capture function allows images to be buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed.
In addition to the conventional [Monochrome] Picture Control, the Z f has been equipped with [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls, each with unique tone characteristics. A dedicated [B&W] position has also been added to the photo/video selector (B&W photo mode), which enables immediate switching to black-and-white photo mode. Also available are a skin softening function and a portrait impression balance function and a Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control that better captures details of the subject’s complexion.
The Nikon Z f is available to pre-order at an RRP of AU$3499 for the body. Click here for more information.
