Nikon
Df
Retro-styled full-frame DSLR with 16MP sensor, classic dials, and F-mount compatibility.
$2,749
Launch priceReleased Nov 2013
Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Zf is 9.8 years newer.
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Wins
Df
Wins
Zf
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 0 stops)
- BZf has higher ISO max (native) (64,000 vs 25,600)
- BZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 6 fps)
- BZf has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- ADf has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 273)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareDf
144 × 110 × 67 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
Df is 7mm taller and 18mm thicker than Zf.
Df and Zf weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 67mm Df · 49mm Zf
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Df
144 × 110 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 103 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Df
144 × 67 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Df
36 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
860 mm² area
Zf
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Df
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Zf
Nikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Df
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 110, 67
AF points / zones
493 vs 273 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 380 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -8.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
IBIS effectiveness
8 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 103, 49
ISO max (native)
64,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Zf supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weight — Both 710 g
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Df
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓Classic F-mount lenses
- ✓16MP low-light files
- ✓Compact for FF DSLR
Cons
- –Discontinued
- –16MP resolution
- –Slow AF by modern standards
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Df and Zf at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Df or Zf?
Zf scores 7.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Df — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the Df and Zf?
Df is 16.2 MP and Zf is 24.5 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Df and Zf have in-body image stabilization?
Df does not have IBIS, while Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Df or the Zf?
Df reaches 15 fps electronic. Zf reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Df and Zf?
Both bodies weigh roughly 710 g.
Do the Df and Zf record 4K video?
Df: 4K up to 60p. Zf: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Df and Zf weather sealed?
Df: Yes. Zf: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Df and 380 shots for the Zf, giving the Df the edge.
How much does each cost?
Df launched at $2,749 and Zf at $2,049. The Zf is $700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Df vs Zf vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.