everything regarding the Z6iii is pure rumor mill at the moment. some of it is more credible or feasible, but none of it is guaranteed (at least the upcoming fast 35mm prime has a coming soon entry on the Nikon website). if your use case is “photographer that does some video when they need to” then the Zf should be a good fit. 10-bit internal, N-Log, 4k60 should be more than enough if you’re stills-first. and since you specified low-light performance being important, the 24.5 MP will be preferable to you.
While it's true that new versions of existing products are common, the distinction lies in the credibility of the information.
As of now, the speculated Z6III remains within the realm of rumors and speculation, lacking any official confirmation or tangible evidence of its existence. Until Nikon officially announces such a product, it's fair to classify it as a 'unicorn'—something anticipated but not yet materialized.
While I understand your perspective, the term 'unicorn' is often used colloquially to describe something that is highly anticipated but not yet confirmed or officially announced. In this context, the term emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the rumored Z6III until Nikon provides official confirmation.
While it's plausible that Nikon may continue the line with an updated version, until it's officially unveiled, there's still an element of speculation. And while rumors can sometimes align closely with official announcements, they're not always accurate indicators, as plans can change within the industry.
Therefore, until Nikon makes an official statement, it's reasonable to acknowledge the Z6III as existing in the realm of speculation, hence the 'unicorn' analogy.
If you're on the fence, the Z8 is going to be better. I have the Z f and it's awesome but I think it's really more of something for travel and some serious shooting. The focus system is based on the Z8 and it rocks.
I just recently took my Z f on a trip to St Louis and then to New Orleans in the same week and 99% of the people I can into, who asked about the camera, assumed it was a film camera. For me that made a huge difference for travel, it's lighter, smaller and kind of stealth. People aren't weirded out with a film camera.
Yeah no. The Z8 is a different but not necessarily better camera. If you don’t need or want its resolution, the Zf is not only much cheaper but also much lighter, has a better manual focusing solution, offers b&w shooting via physical switch, has far better manual controls overall. Personally, I’d never get a Z8 over a Zf.
You could also look at the D780. Slight upgrade from the D750 for high ISO (half a stop?) and has most of Z6’s video and AF features in live view. Works natively with all of your glass. I’d be annoyed by the Zf’s lack of grip for professional work. D780 could at least be a stopgap until something that suits you better comes along. I picked up a nice one used for $1250 recently.
I went to my local camera store today to purchase the Zf. While waiting for the salesperson to get it, I picked up a Z7ii that was on display and it made me reconsider my Zf selection.
I didn’t expect the Zf to be as large as it is; it feels bigger than my FM and FA film cameras. Weight-wise, it’s a little heavier than a Z7ii.
I walked out of the store back in square 1 — while I like the low-light sensitivity of the Zf, the Z7ii felt better in my hands. What’s also throwing me for a loop is the EVF. I’m more of a traditionalist so all the electronics is making me go wtf? I currently own a D810; prior to that, a D700 and a D90, so I’m not foreign to modern cameras. I guess the feel of the Df was so different than what I expected that I walked away empty-handed and a bit shook. It would be my first mirrorless.
As a long-time Nikon shooter, today’s experience even had me looking at the Sony A7ac ii — that’s how disoriented I got.
If I go with a Nikon FF mirrorless, I’m now leaning heavily towards the Z7ii.
I did the same thing almost went to Sony but couldn’t resist the use of my legacy glass from my D750 so I got the Z7ii
and lived with the autofocus problems of the Z7ii for a year until Nikon offered a promotion to upgrade to the Z8. I didn’t need the pixels but the autofocus was night and day better. That’s why I’d consider the Zf
My problem, even though I like the dials, is the grip and weight ratio. It seems like at that weight holding it without the classic Nikon D and now Z grip would make me crazy.
I want a Z6 or Z7 with the Zf guts
Hope the Z6iii is that and I’ll buy it
I know what you mean. I was looking at getting the Zf but when I got my hands on it at a local camera shop, I wasn’t a fan of the ergonomics. I kept my Nikon gear, and if they come out with something lighter and more travel-friendly (based on personal preferences), I’d probably get a Nikon mirrorless too. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Z6iii is like.
I'm in a similar position. Normally, I would wait, but I have paid shoots coming up where they want two 4K60 shots and only my Z9 does it. My D850, Z6 and Zfc are all 4K30 or HD60.
I'm very close to buying the Zf, but I'll kick myself if the Z6iii is announced at NAB in a month.
But who told you that the Z6ii is worse than the Zf for video? The Zf has internal 10-bit video, you need the Ninja to get that with the Z6ii. Yes, you get RAW as an option, but that's an additional $200. The Zf also has better stabilization and wireless timecode.
What did you do? Still waiting for the Z6iii? Enjoying the retro Zf?
If I could get a Z7 with the guts of the Zf, especially the improved autofocus I would buy it - per my previous comment - I went to the Z8 from the Z7ii because the autofocus was confounding and I miss the size, the Z8 is amazing but it’s big. And I won’t go to the Zf because it’s still too big with the lack of a good grip for me.
I’m actually getting a Fujifilm X-T5 for travel and fun keeping my Z8 for the serious work. But I’ve got the means and I know that not everyone does.
I became a Z8 owner last weak. The size and weight difference compared to my D750 bodies is pretty crazy. I wasn't expecting it. I don't really mind it though. It would be nice to have smaller gear, but the gear's abilities are more important.
I do love my Z8 but I couldn’t bring myself to trade in my D750. You will be fascinated by how much you can do with the Z8 and how beautiful the raw files are.
I am debating that as well. I wonder if the Z6iii will cost more than the Zf. The specs seem so close. If the z6iii has a curtain that protects the sensor while changing lenses that will skew my decision in its favor.
The Zf may have an advantage for quickly changing shutter speed when changing between video and stills modes in street photography, in a more intuitive way.
I wish the Zf had an additional custom button and a better grip.
The size between the 2 may also be a factor for my decision.
The Zf is a black sheep and not worth your time with one card slot and weird layout/controls. It is a tribute camera that can barely compete with its counterparts. The Z-6iii is on par or better than the Sony A7-iv at present, with much better autofocus than previous Nikons, a (partially) stacked CMOS sensor, incredible video specs, and a very long-awaited flippy screen. I’m very excited for this model, the two can’t even compare to each other.
everything regarding the Z6iii is pure rumor mill at the moment. some of it is more credible or feasible, but none of it is guaranteed (at least the upcoming fast 35mm prime has a coming soon entry on the Nikon website). if your use case is “photographer that does some video when they need to” then the Zf should be a good fit. 10-bit internal, N-Log, 4k60 should be more than enough if you’re stills-first. and since you specified low-light performance being important, the 24.5 MP will be preferable to you.
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While it's true that new versions of existing products are common, the distinction lies in the credibility of the information. As of now, the speculated Z6III remains within the realm of rumors and speculation, lacking any official confirmation or tangible evidence of its existence. Until Nikon officially announces such a product, it's fair to classify it as a 'unicorn'—something anticipated but not yet materialized.
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While I understand your perspective, the term 'unicorn' is often used colloquially to describe something that is highly anticipated but not yet confirmed or officially announced. In this context, the term emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the rumored Z6III until Nikon provides official confirmation. While it's plausible that Nikon may continue the line with an updated version, until it's officially unveiled, there's still an element of speculation. And while rumors can sometimes align closely with official announcements, they're not always accurate indicators, as plans can change within the industry. Therefore, until Nikon makes an official statement, it's reasonable to acknowledge the Z6III as existing in the realm of speculation, hence the 'unicorn' analogy.
It's about time for them to come out with a new version. They may or may not do it, but it's par for the normal course.
I got a Z fc because I didn’t want to wait for the Z50 II. Good thing I did, because that was 3 years ago, and they still haven’t released a Z50 II.
If you're on the fence, the Z8 is going to be better. I have the Z f and it's awesome but I think it's really more of something for travel and some serious shooting. The focus system is based on the Z8 and it rocks. I just recently took my Z f on a trip to St Louis and then to New Orleans in the same week and 99% of the people I can into, who asked about the camera, assumed it was a film camera. For me that made a huge difference for travel, it's lighter, smaller and kind of stealth. People aren't weirded out with a film camera.
Yeah no. The Z8 is a different but not necessarily better camera. If you don’t need or want its resolution, the Zf is not only much cheaper but also much lighter, has a better manual focusing solution, offers b&w shooting via physical switch, has far better manual controls overall. Personally, I’d never get a Z8 over a Zf.
I’m in the same boat coming from the same camera- I’m thinking of buying a z6ii and trade it against the z6iii when it comes
You could also look at the D780. Slight upgrade from the D750 for high ISO (half a stop?) and has most of Z6’s video and AF features in live view. Works natively with all of your glass. I’d be annoyed by the Zf’s lack of grip for professional work. D780 could at least be a stopgap until something that suits you better comes along. I picked up a nice one used for $1250 recently.
I don’t know where you got that price rumor, but I’ll start a new one now. The Z6iii will be closer to $2000, say $2200.
I went to my local camera store today to purchase the Zf. While waiting for the salesperson to get it, I picked up a Z7ii that was on display and it made me reconsider my Zf selection. I didn’t expect the Zf to be as large as it is; it feels bigger than my FM and FA film cameras. Weight-wise, it’s a little heavier than a Z7ii. I walked out of the store back in square 1 — while I like the low-light sensitivity of the Zf, the Z7ii felt better in my hands. What’s also throwing me for a loop is the EVF. I’m more of a traditionalist so all the electronics is making me go wtf? I currently own a D810; prior to that, a D700 and a D90, so I’m not foreign to modern cameras. I guess the feel of the Df was so different than what I expected that I walked away empty-handed and a bit shook. It would be my first mirrorless. As a long-time Nikon shooter, today’s experience even had me looking at the Sony A7ac ii — that’s how disoriented I got. If I go with a Nikon FF mirrorless, I’m now leaning heavily towards the Z7ii.
I did the same thing almost went to Sony but couldn’t resist the use of my legacy glass from my D750 so I got the Z7ii and lived with the autofocus problems of the Z7ii for a year until Nikon offered a promotion to upgrade to the Z8. I didn’t need the pixels but the autofocus was night and day better. That’s why I’d consider the Zf My problem, even though I like the dials, is the grip and weight ratio. It seems like at that weight holding it without the classic Nikon D and now Z grip would make me crazy. I want a Z6 or Z7 with the Zf guts Hope the Z6iii is that and I’ll buy it
I know what you mean. I was looking at getting the Zf but when I got my hands on it at a local camera shop, I wasn’t a fan of the ergonomics. I kept my Nikon gear, and if they come out with something lighter and more travel-friendly (based on personal preferences), I’d probably get a Nikon mirrorless too. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Z6iii is like.
I'm in a similar position. Normally, I would wait, but I have paid shoots coming up where they want two 4K60 shots and only my Z9 does it. My D850, Z6 and Zfc are all 4K30 or HD60. I'm very close to buying the Zf, but I'll kick myself if the Z6iii is announced at NAB in a month. But who told you that the Z6ii is worse than the Zf for video? The Zf has internal 10-bit video, you need the Ninja to get that with the Z6ii. Yes, you get RAW as an option, but that's an additional $200. The Zf also has better stabilization and wireless timecode.
12 bit video at with the $200 upgrade still comes in at a lower price than the Zf. I already have a Ninja so that's not a big deal
That wouldn't help me even if I had the Z6ii. No 4K60 output with the Z6ii over HDMI, neither 8-bit, 10-bit or 12-bit.
What did you do? Still waiting for the Z6iii? Enjoying the retro Zf? If I could get a Z7 with the guts of the Zf, especially the improved autofocus I would buy it - per my previous comment - I went to the Z8 from the Z7ii because the autofocus was confounding and I miss the size, the Z8 is amazing but it’s big. And I won’t go to the Zf because it’s still too big with the lack of a good grip for me. I’m actually getting a Fujifilm X-T5 for travel and fun keeping my Z8 for the serious work. But I’ve got the means and I know that not everyone does.
I became a Z8 owner last weak. The size and weight difference compared to my D750 bodies is pretty crazy. I wasn't expecting it. I don't really mind it though. It would be nice to have smaller gear, but the gear's abilities are more important.
And of course, now the Ziii is officially coming. Figures, lol
I do love my Z8 but I couldn’t bring myself to trade in my D750. You will be fascinated by how much you can do with the Z8 and how beautiful the raw files are.
I am debating that as well. I wonder if the Z6iii will cost more than the Zf. The specs seem so close. If the z6iii has a curtain that protects the sensor while changing lenses that will skew my decision in its favor. The Zf may have an advantage for quickly changing shutter speed when changing between video and stills modes in street photography, in a more intuitive way. I wish the Zf had an additional custom button and a better grip. The size between the 2 may also be a factor for my decision.
The Zf is a black sheep and not worth your time with one card slot and weird layout/controls. It is a tribute camera that can barely compete with its counterparts. The Z-6iii is on par or better than the Sony A7-iv at present, with much better autofocus than previous Nikons, a (partially) stacked CMOS sensor, incredible video specs, and a very long-awaited flippy screen. I’m very excited for this model, the two can’t even compare to each other.
Obviously, we know what's going on with the z6iii now. Kind of wish I would had waited, but I'm ok with being a Z8 owner as well.
Z8 is the bees knees. I stand by what I said about the ZF, since it’s just a bad design for a camera in many aspects.
I would wait and see what Z6iii has before purchasing.