The Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Zf are two full-frame Z-mount cameras from Nikon. Both have 24MP so at first it seems like they are very similar cameras, except for the retro-design of the Nikon Zf. But the Nikon Zf has some serious improvements over the Z6 that make it a better choice for most photographers.
Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z6 | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | August 2018 | September 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.5 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6000×4000 | 6048×4032 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 36.0 x 24.0 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.94µ | 5.94µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-204,800 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 12 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 12 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | None | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 43 frames (12 FPS) | Over 200 frames |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -6 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) | 10 bits |
| Raw Video | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | N/A | Micro SD (UHS-I) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15b | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 310 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 380 frames | 380 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 430 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 675 g (1.49 lbs.) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 83 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.2″)1 | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $2000 (Check Current Price) | $2000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon Z6 Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z6’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z6’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
Five years separates the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Zf, and that’s a lot of time in the camera industry. Thus it’s not surprising that while the Z6 and Zf have similar sensors, they are much different “under the hood”, and that starts with autofocus. The Zf is a pretty capable camera with some goodies from the flagship Z9, even though of course it’s not as fast. The autofocus of the Z6 seems ancient in comparison.
That’s not to say that the Z6 is useless. I myself still have a Z6 and when it comes to portraits of people, landscapes, and even slower kinds of bird photography, the Z6 works decently. But the Zf is so much better.
The Zf has a few other improvements, too, such as its video: it can now shoot 10-bit internal, which is rather standard these days for cameras and makes color grading a little nicer over the older 8-bit format of the Z6. And for practical purposes, the 4K60 is an upgrade over the 4K30 of the Z6, but unfortunately that will come with a crop.
So which is better? In pretty much every way, the Zf. The main reason to get a Z6 would be used prices at this point, or if you prefer the regular design of the Z6 and don’t really need the better autofocus. However, if you’re in the market for a Z6-like camera and you want to buy new, I highly recommend checking out the Z6 vs Z6 III comparison, because the Z6 III will really blow you away compared to the original.
What does the Nikon Z6 offer over the Nikon Zf?
- Lighter weight (35g lighter. It’s not a lot, but every bit helps.)
- Traditional, more ergonomic design
- Cheaper used prices
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z6?
- Much better AF
- 10-bit video
- Two card slots, which is better for redundancy and backup
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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