Why I switched from Fujifilm to the Nikon Zf
Before we dive into this article, I’d like to clarify that I’m a hobbyist, not a gearhead. I use cameras primarily for travel and capturing everyday moments, and I definitely wouldn’t call myself an expert on specs or technical details. This is simply a short look into my journey behind choosing to switch to the Nikon Zf.
For over a decade, I was a loyal Fujifilm user with my Fujifilm X-E2, paired with a 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens. It was lightweight, compact, and had that signature Fuji charm—manual dials, gorgeous film simulations, and a design that felt like a classic rangefinder. I loved it. But after years of use and a hiatus from photography, I started tinkering with the idea of upgrading my set up to compliment me for my travels to Japan later this year.
This is the story of why I left Fujifilm for the Nikon Zf—and why I don’t regret it.
A decade with the Fujifilm X-E2
I bought my Fujifilm X-E2 around 2014, and it has honestly served me so well. I absolutely love the colours and film simulations that were produced by Fujifilm’s JPGs. It just had a film like tone that made is so attractive in the photos that I would take.
Here are some of my recent shots with the Fujifilm XE-2 in 2024
After returning to photography after a long hiatus, I immediately noticed a few things that made me rethink my setup with my Fujifilm XE-2
What I noticed with my Fujifilm XE-2
The screen was damaged. After years of usage the screen on the back was starting to fail, making it even harder to compose shots or review images properly and at the time
Autofocus was slow. The X-E2 was an aging camera, and its AF system struggled, especially in low light or fast-moving scenes. I often found my shots out of focus, particularly when capturing people or animals in motion—the camera just couldn’t lock on quickly enough.
Low-light performance was a challenge. The APS-C sensor couldn’t retain detail in darker conditions. Shadows turned into mush, and noise crept in at even moderate ISOs. This was especially evident in night portraits, where facial details softened, and skin texture appeared grainy.
This is a zoomed in shot to showcase the grain and detail level that appear in low light
I debated upgrading to the Fujifilm X-T5 and was honestly already ready to pull the trigger but ended up going down this rabbit hole of the possibility of upgrading to a full frame system
As the prices of the XT5 body and the Fuji primes were honestly not too far away from a full frame set up either
I had looked and considered the Sony A7IV and its ecosystem but then there was the Nikon Zf. Which basically had the same retro look and feel of the Fujifilm but with a full frame sensor
At first, I dismissed the idea of switching. Full-frame cameras were bigger, heavier, and a little more expensive—was it really worth it?
The moment I knew I had to switch
One day, I came across a Nikon Zf RAW file review from Pink Penguin Studios. I downloaded the sample images, and my jaw dropped.
The amount of detail in the shadows was unreal. Where my Fuji files would turn into a noisy mess, the Nikon Zf retained textures and tones beautifully.
Even at high ISOs, noise was well-controlled, and images still looked sharp and natural.
I always appreciated Fuji’s film-like grain, but with the Zf, I had total control over how much grain I wanted to add (or remove).
It completely changed my perception of full-frame cameras. Suddenly, I wasn’t thinking about the weight or size—I was thinking about the creative freedom I’d gain.
Trying the Nikon Zf in person
I still wasn’t convinced. I had to try the camera for myself, so I visited a store multiple times to hold the Zf and compare it to the Fujifilm X-T5 side by side.
Here’s what stood out:
Build quality & ergonomics
The Nikon Zf felt like a tank. It had a solid, premium build that made the X-T5 feel almost… fragile. The Zf’s dials had a satisfying click, and the overall design screamed vintage perfection.
Ergonomic differences (Fujifilm X-E2 vs. Nikon Zf)
Switching from Fuji to Nikon meant adjusting to a different control layout:
While I initially missed Fuji’s aperture rings, I quickly adapted to Nikon’s system. The PSAM dial was new, but since I mainly shoot in manual or aperture priority, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.
Autofocus & Performance
I tested the Zf’s autofocus in-store, and it was night and day compared to my X-E2. It was:
✔ Blazing fast
✔ Accurate in low light
✔ Better subject tracking
I was impressed. The weight was noticeable compared to my Fujifilm setup, but not unbearable. In fact, the extra heft gave it a more substantial feel.
Why I Chose the Nikon Zf Over the Fujifilm X-T5
If I were staying within Fujifilm, the X-T5 was the obvious upgrade. It had a 40MP sensor, improved autofocus, and better low-light performance compared to my X-E2. But when I stacked it up against the Zf, I had to ask myself:
👉 What do I want from my next camera?
• Better low-light performance → Zf’s full-frame sensor was leagues ahead.
• More dynamic range & detail → Zf files were cleaner, richer, and more flexible in editing.
• A classic shooting experience → The Zf kept the vintage dials I loved, but with full-frame power.
• Build quality that inspires confidence → The Zf felt like a true photographic tool, not just a digital camera.
That’s when I realized: The Nikon Zf wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a creative shift.
Final Thoughts: No Regrets
Leaving Fujifilm was hard. I still love Fuji’s design, color science, and lightweight form factor. But after using the Nikon Zf, I knew I had made the right choice.
• The low-light performance is incredible—no more mushy shadows.
• The autofocus is reliable and fast—no more missed moments.
• The build quality is unmatched—it feels like a camera that will last decades.
I’ll always appreciate what Fujifilm taught me about photography. But now, I’m excited for what’s next—with the Nikon Zf in my hands.
