Nikon Announced the Nikon Z f Retro-looking MILC

Nikon Z F

Nijkon announced the Nikon Z f, a retro-looking full-frame mirrorless camera.

The new Nikon Z f will be available in mid- October 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1999.95* for the body only, with the retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE for an SRP of $2239.95*, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for an SRP of $2599.95*. The additional color options will be available as body-only for an SRP of $2099.95* exclusively from the Nikon Store.

At a glance:

  • 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 7 Image Processor
  • UHD 4K 30p Video and Full HD 120p Video
  • AF Subject Recognition with 3D Tracking
  • 5-Axis In-Body Vibration Reduction
  • Focus-Point Stabilization
  • 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen
  • 96MP High-Res Mode

Pre-order the Nikon Z f at B&H Photo | Adorama

Nikon press release:

THE NIKON Z f: INNOVATION THAT DRIVES CREATIVITY

The Nikon Z f is the Beautiful Convergence of Groundbreaking Technology + Iconic Design

Today Nikon announced the release of the Z f, a full-frame mirrorless camera that harmonizes a timeless aesthetic with the best of Nikon’s next-gen camera technology, derived directly from the acclaimed Z 8 and flagship Z 9. At first glance, the Z f is a definitive statement in functional design that ignites the desire to craft an image. Looking closer, it’s a veritable powerhouse of modern performance fueled by the EXPEED 7 processing engine that enables an enhanced AF system, impressive speed and astounding low-light capability. The new processing power also adds incredible new features such as pixel-shift shooting, the most advanced in-body stabilization of any Z series camera, plus the addition of a dedicated monochrome mode.

“It’s exciting to see the leaps in innovation that propelled the Z 9 trickling down, making the latest technology and features more accessible than ever before inside the Z f, a camera which is a beautiful marriage of form and function,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The Z f is more than a means to simply capturing an image; using the camera is an experience unto itself, one which not only sparks creativity, but also elevates the user’s intent with its advanced performance and feature set.”

Technology Forward
The Z f is equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, enhancing response time, burst speed and AF performance, while adding new features to create an entirely new category of Z series full-frame mirrorless. The 24.5-megapixel full frame BSI CMOS sensor effortlessly captures stunning colors and incredible definition with minimal noise and stellar dynamic range, even in challenging light. This well-balanced sensor is paired with an AF system that offers 3-D Tracking plus subject detection developed with Deep Learning technology, detecting and locking on to 9 different types of subjects. Similar to the Nikon Z 8, the camera finds people, dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes. It can even detect the world’s smallest1 size of a face in the frame — approx. 3% of the frame’s longest side. The AF system uses 299 AF points in Auto Area AF, covering 96% of the horizontal axis of the frame, making it easy to lock on and track a subject, even near the edge of the viewfinder. When the inspiration hits to go fully manual, the Z f uses Eye/Face-Detection in MF mode, recognizing the eye and allowing users to magnify the area on the screen to nail critical focus.

With the additional processing power, the Z f achieves 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization equivalent to an 8.0-stop2 increase in shutter speed, the best among Nikon Z series cameras. The Z f is also the world’s first camera3 to support focus-point VR4, which minimizes blurring at the focus point rather than the center of the frame, even when subject is positioned near the edge of the viewfinder. The camera is also capable of high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 14 frames per second, or up to 30 frames per second5, when High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30) is set. To ensure no shot is missed, the camera is also capable of using the Pre-Release function to start recording before the shutter is fully pressed.6  What’s more, the additional processing power in combination with the BSI sensor improves low-light performance, raising the standard ISO range from 100 to 64,000. In challenging light, even fine details and textures come out sharp and clear with rich saturation, while mid-tones, where noise tends to increase, come out much cleaner than before.

For those who want the ultimate in fidelity while reducing moiré, false colors and noise for immersive depth, the Z f is the first Nikon camera capable of pixel-shift shooting7 to create images up to 96 megapixels. Ideal for landscape, architecture and commercial artists, the system works by subtly shifting the image sensor position when capturing between 4, 8, 16 or 32 RAW (NEF) files, acquiring more accurate color information and massive resolution.

Forever Iconic
The heart of the Z f 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 Z f 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.

Black and white capture is an ageless medium, one that lets the user see a different perspective and explore the principles of light in new ways. The Z f includes a physical switch to engage a dedicated B&W photo mode, which enables multiple monochromatic Picture Controls. In addition to the sharp, dynamic and higher-contrast “Monochrome” mode in Picture Control, the new “Flat Monochrome” mode reproduces tones with a smooth gradation from shadow to light, rich in mid-tones for a warm, soft impression. The new “Deep Tone Monochrome” mode expresses high-contrast and highlights by bringing more emphasis to dark tones, keeping mid-tones dark and with fewer blocked shadows.

nikon z f

Primary features of the Z f

  • Full-frame 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor combined with the new EXPEED 7 Processing engine for amazing fidelity and image quality paired with stellar processing power.
  • Excellent AF tracking capability with 3D-tracking mode for photographers and dedicated Subject-tracking AF in video mode.
  • With up to 299 points in Auto-area AF, the range of coverage and number of focus points used in Auto-area AF mode have been increased for better focus acquisition performance with distant or moving subjects.
  • The first full-frame Z-series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle touchscreen
  • Starlight view mode boosts display brightness for users to visually confirm composition in extremely dark scenes. It also achieves sharp focus with the low-light limit extendable down to -10 EV.8
  • Video frame rates and resolutions up to 4K UHD 30 oversampled from 6K,9 as well as 4KUHD 60P (DX-mode) and 1080/120P with recording times up to 125 minutes.10
  • The first Nikon camera to feature video recording in shutter-priority auto mode, letting the user select the shutter speed, while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO.
  • In-camera, 10-bit H.265 recording, allowing users to record full-scale video directly to the camera without the need for an external recorder.
  • The first Z-series camera to support Touch Fn for adjustment of camera settings while framing pictures in the viewfinder. The user is now able to move the focus point via the LCD screen while looking through the viewfinder.
  • Supports the merging of NEF (RAW) images shot with pixel shift shooting to create a highly detailed image up to 96 megapixels.
  • Fast shooting, with up 14 fps bursts plus High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30), which achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Pre-Release Capture is also available, buffering the images before the shutter is fully depressed.
  • Advanced features for dedicated portrait photographers include the skin softening function and a portrait impression balance function for users to better achieve the portraits they intended. Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control is a new setting that better captures details of the subject’s complexion.
  • Equipped with two memory card slots, one compatible with widely available UHS II SD cards and the other compatible with Micro SD cards.
  • Rugged and reliable construction, with magnesium alloy on the front and top covers, for maximum durability with minimal weight. The camera is engineered with high dust- and drip-resistance,11 effective sealing on the exterior cover joints, shutter-release button and vari-angle mechanism. Additionally, an electro-conductive coat that keeps the surface clean from dust and a fluorine coat that makes for easier cleaning.

In addition to the basic black body, the Z f lets users express their own style through six different color options. These premium exteriors render the embossed artificial leather sections of the camera — covering the grip and all around to the rear of the folding camera monitor — in three rich, expressive standard colors (Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red) and three deep, warm natural colors (Sunset Orange, Moss Green, Stone Gray), rendered with individually matching surface textures. These colors will be sold in limited quantity and will be sold exclusively through the Nikon Store.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon Z f will be available in mid- October 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1999.95* for the body only, with the retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE for an SRP of $2239.95*, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for an SRP of $2599.95*. The additional color options will be available as body-only for an SRP of $2099.95* exclusively from the Nikon Store. Nikon is working with SmallRig to develop a custom grip bracket, which will be available at a later date.  For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.

Nikon Z 8 Teardown And Disassembly (not easy to do, it seems)

Nikon Z 8

Here is neat teardown and disassembly of the popular Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera.

Nikon Z 8 at a glance:

  • 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Kolari Vision disassembled the Nikon Z 8 and they found it’s not easy to disassemble and put together again. The folks at Kolari Vision says:

We consider the Nikon Z8 a mid-difficulty camera to teardown. According to our camera tech, there were so many screws to keep track of.

Nikon Z 8:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

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Here Is The Nikon Z 8 (officially announced, $3996)

Nikon Z 8

Nikon announced the Nikon Z 8, a rather interesting mirrorless all-rounder camera.

At a glance:

  • 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

You can preorder the Nikon Z 8 for $3,996 at B&H Photo or Adorama.

If you preorder the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera with 24-120mm f/4 Lens, then B&H Photo offers a $200 instant discount.

Nikon press release:

The functionality and performance of Nikon’s flagship mirrorless camera, condensed into an agile body

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame/FX-format Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera.

The Z 8 condenses the advanced functionality and performance of the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a compact and lightweight body while also maintaining superior robustness and reliability. The Z 8 is ideal for a variety of image creators who seek new possibilities for visual expression in a wide range of genres and subjects, such as landscapes, wild birds, airplanes, portraits, and weddings. Whether shooting stills or video, the excellent agility of the Z 8 enables nimble camerawork, realizing superior operability that allows users to push their creativity further. On top of this, its reliable performance allows users to capture decisive moments and achieve outstanding image depiction.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

1. Comfortable operability that is ideal for diverse shooting situations

The advanced functionality and performance of the Z 9 are incorporated into a compact camera body that is approx. 30% smaller than the flagship model. The downsized body has been engineered to retain the easy-to-hold grip as well as comfortable operability. This enables agile and stable camerawork in a wide variety of shooting scenes, even with a super-telephoto lens attached. In addition, the 4-axis tilting monitor delivers high operability when shooting from high and low angles in both horizontal and vertical positions.
For video recording, the Z 8 can record 12-bit RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ video in-camera, allowing users to take advantage of a minimal video recording system that does not require an external recorder. The flexible combinations of shooting equipment suit various shooting styles to streamline operations. With the MC-N10 Remote Grip (sold separately) attached, solo videographers can take advantage of having more control over how they can operate the camera — in a way that was previously difficult on their own. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the wide-ranging accessory lineup and high compatibility with products from accessory brands, users can operate the Z 8 as comfortably as if it were a dedicated video camera.

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Nikon Released The Smallest And Thinnest Full Frame Lens Ever

Nikon

Nikon released a new lens for their full frame mirrorless system, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. A lens that seems to hold a record.

At a glance:

  • Full Frame Format | f/2.8
  • 39mm Equivalent Format on DX
  • Slim, Compact Wide-Angle Prime Lens
  • All-Element Focusing System
  • Control Ring
  • 3x Aspherical Elements
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Size: 52mm
  • Includes HB-III Lens Hood

Nikon press release:

Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens for the Nikon Z mount system

February 7, 2023

The slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted.

With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm and a weight of approximately 125 g, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the slimmest*1 AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the lightest NIKKOR Z lens*2. It can be easily stored in a purse or small bag, enabling users to carry it with them on a daily basis. Adoption of three aspherical lens elements realizes both excellent portability and superior optical performance. Its 26-mm wide-angle focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it an ideal lens for a wide variety of scenes, from cityscapes to tabletop photos, supporting advanced amateur users who take their camera anywhere to capture every shutter opportunity.

Further, the lens features a sophisticated design achieved through various details, such as the adoption of metal components. The supplied lens hood has been specially designed to maintain the thinness of the lens, while also taking operability into consideration. It also supports the attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately). A dedicated slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

  • With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm, the lens is the slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, enabling easy storage in a purse or small bag. A weight of approximately 125 g makes it the lightest NIKKOR Z lens, ideal for carrying everywhere.
  • When mounted on a DX-format camera, the focal length becomes 39 mm (equivalent in 35mm [135] format), similar to the standard angle of view that is ideal for capturing a wide variety of scenes.
  • Excellent portability and effective correction are achieved by adopting three aspherical lens elements.
  • A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m allows users to get close to their subjects for dynamic photography.
  • The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture reduces image blur caused by camera shake, even during hand-held shooting.
  • Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) enables a highly accurate AF drive.
  • Functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring.
  • Supplied with a lens hood that has been specially designed with consideration for operability while maintaining the thinness of the lens, which also supports attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately).
  • A slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.
  • Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistant performance*, enabling it to be taken anywhere with greater confidence.

Nikon Rumors About Retiring SLR Production Are “Speculation”, Company Says

Nikon Z 8 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Nikon Rumors

Nikon didn’t wait much to answer to yesterday’s report that they were withdrawing from SLR production.

In a note released on their Japanese site, Nikon states (machine translated):

Today [yesterday, 7/12/2022, editor’s note] , some media outlets have reported that we have withdrawn from the development of single-lens reflex cameras, but this is speculation and not announced by us.

We continue to produce, sell, and support digital SLR cameras, and we hope that our customers will continue to use them with peace of mind.

So, do not neglect to use Nikon gear with peace of mind.

Canon Also Planing To Retire SLR Camera Production (along with Nikon)

Viltrox Eos R7 Eos R10 Reuters Canon Cameras Europe Canon Eos R1 Eos R Rf 14-35mm Olympic Games Ef-mount Rudy Winston

After yesterday’s story that Nikon is set to withdraw form SLR camera production, a new report reiterates that Canon will follow suit.

Nikkei Asia reports about Nikon retiring SLR camera production, and cites Canon too.

TOKYO — Japanese camera maker Nikon will withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras, Nikkei has learned.

Nikon’s SLR cameras have been widely used by professional photographers for more than 60 years and have come to be seen as synonymous with the Japanese company.

It now plans to focus resources on mirrorless cameras, which have become mainstream products on the back of more advanced digital technologies.

[…] Rival Canon also plans to follow Nikon and stop producing SLRs within a few years. 

This doesn’t come as a breaking new to Canon fans. Reports about Canon retiring SLR production showed up some time ago (and where partly denied by another Canon exec).

The future present is mirrorless.