I wouldn’t buy a compact camera without considering the Nikon Zf first

The Nikon Zf is a full-frame interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. In many ways, it couldn’t be farther from the best compact cameras. So why do I think compact camera buyers should consider this SLR-style hunk of retro goodness?

Firstly, the Nikon Zf is absolutely gorgeous. When it comes to retro styling, only the Fujifilm X-Pro3 and OM System OM-3 can hold a candle to the Zf. It’s a beautifully faithful recreation of the legendary Nikon FM2, one of the best film cameras of all time. And because of that, it’s irresistible. Just like a good compact camera, it begs to be picked up and used.

You can check out my colleague Gareth's review to access all the specs, but the 24.5-MP Nikon Zf is a very capable camera indeed. And it’s a full-frame Nikon, which means gorgeous, nigh-on unbeatable RAW files. But perhaps equally important when it comes to the compact camera market is its ultra-stylish looks.

Let's face it, compact cameras are en vogue because they look darn cool. Well, if you’re looking for a camera to boost your street cred, the Nikon Zf will do just that. And it’s customizable, too. Add a rope strap to ooze retro chic, the shutter button can accommodate a soft shutter release button, and – trust me – a leatherette half case will look the business.

Next up is the Nikon Zf’s form factor. Sure, it’s not a compact camera. Even the chunky Fujifilm X100VI is a lot smaller, but the Nikon Zf’s slim profile still makes it more adept at slipping into a bag than the hefty grips found on most mirrorless cameras. But here’s the thing: I think the Nikon Zf comes into its own when paired with a small, prime lens.

The special edition versions of the Nikon Z 40mm f/2 and Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 are ideal. The faithful SLR style means this camera isn’t really suited to larger lenses unless you buy an aftermarket grip. But a Nikon Zf isn’t designed to be lugged around Yellowstone National Park on a landscape shoot, or paired with the best telephoto lenses on a wildlife shoot.

The Nikon Zf is an everyday companion. It’s the camera you take on a coffee date. It’s the camera slung around your neck on a city break. And it’s the camera you spend so much time with, you start to think of it as an old friend. Now, I don’t know about you. But all of that can be applied to compact cameras.

The Nikon Zf. It’s not a compact camera by name or form factor, but perhaps it's a compact camera in nature…

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Want to check out the 'Big N's' other wears? Here are the best Nikon cameras. Here's why the Nikon Df is the DSLR I'd buy today. And have you ever considered a medium-format compact camera? Has the Fujifilm GFX 100RF just made medium format practical for everyday photographers?