When shooting in dim lighting or at night, the Nikon Zf can capture crisp, clean images even at high ISO settings. Its full-frame image sensor and EXPEED 7 processing engine provide exceptional low-light capabilities and high ISO noise reduction.

Outstanding Low Light Performance

The ZF delivers excellent image quality in low light environments up to ISO 51,200. Images remain relatively noise-free with good sharpness and detail. At ISO 6400 and below, results are very impressive with minimal noise. The Zf’s low light performance is comparable to or slightly better than other full-frame mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and Sony a7R IV.

For the best results in low light, use a fast aperture lens to allow more light to reach the sensor. The Zf 50mm f/1.2 S is an ideal choice for low light photography with the Zf. At f/1.2, it gathers significantly more light than a standard f/1.8 or f/2.8 lens.

High ISO Output

When shooting at expanded ISO settings of 25,600 and above, noise and loss of detail become more prominent, as expected. However, images remain quite usable up to ISO 51,200 for smaller prints and web sharing. At the Zf’s maximum ISO of 204,800, noise is significant and fine details are obscured, so ISO 51,200 is really the practical limit for most shooting conditions.

Compared to the Nikon D850 DSLR, the Zf demonstrates slightly better high ISO performance overall, with lower noise and better detail retention at ISO 6400 and above. The Zf’s on-sensor phase detection autofocus system also works more effectively than the D850’s viewfinder autofocus in very low light.

In summary, the Nikon Zf provides superb low light and high ISO capabilities for a full-frame mirrorless camera. Clean, well-detailed images can be captured in lighting conditions that would challenge most other cameras. For any photographer shooting in challenging light, the ZF is an excellent choice.