Finally someone who can agree with about the z7ii. I’ve had it for a while shooting professionally and I’m so impressed by its focusing accuracy. All I’ve heard is it’s auto focus is unusable on the z7ii and must be putting people off buying it. I shoot weddings and commercial work in some very dark situations and it nails it
Im just a hobbyist, but 95% of my shot is in focus. Just have learn the short comings of the z7ii/z6ii focusing system..i was on the fence on a Z8 or the new 85mm 1.2S.. i decided my investment will be well spent on a sharp magical glass👍
Another thing to realize is that Nikon doesn't advertizes firmware upgrades and hence as a result, a lot of users keep on shooting on the initial firmware.
I’ve had the original z7 (traded in my D850 for it), especially with the first firmware auto focus s*cked. With the later versions it became better I regretted trading in my D850 for it. Later I traded the z7 for the z7ii. That was indeed an improvement. But still in certain scenarios issues with focusing. Especially with backlit moving subjects. For non or slow moving subjects its fine. Landscape is great. But if it moves, the keeper rate is low when using shallow depth of field with the holy Z f2.8 trinity. Since about half a year I have the z9 next to the z7ii, and I’m so happy with the z9. Now I have a very high keeper rate in most scenarios where the z7ii struggles. The z9 is a worthy D850 replacement. The z7/z7ii did have sue to being mirrorless a few advantages, but too slow and inconsistent for a couple of my use cases.
@@JustVodka How has your raw file process been with the Z 9? I purchased a Z 8 recently, but I noticed some UA-camrs saying the dynamic range is really bad and I was just wondering if it is overblown like everything else from your experience.
Thank you for your very honest video. I currently have the Z7ii and I'm quite happy with it, especially when paired with the new Z glass. I was thinking of getting the Z8, but I have no complaints with the Z7ii so far...
Appreciate the comparison. I just picked up the Z8 and have used my Z7ii quite a bit. Seeing the both being used side by side was helpful to keep in mind that they can both be relied upon for portrait shooting. Keep the great content coming along !
I think the secret to AF in the Z7ii is to learn when you need to change AF mode. I do this all the time. My hit rate averages 98%, but I do switch my focus based on my subject/scene. My Z9 is obviously different. I love both systems and these work just fine for me.
I've never doubted the 6ii/7ii. I'm a pro who shoots weddings, events and gigs. Most events I shoot up to 2K images and I would be lucky to get twenty at the end that were not sharp (lots of dancing and moving around). I have two Z6ii bodies and four of the lovely Z lenses. I've never understood all the hubbub on about how bad they are. If you know your camera well, have it on the right settings, use the right lens and know your schtick - then they are infinitely useable. I have zero interest in the updating to the Z8 - too heavy, body too big, files too big and too expensive (here in Australia a ridiculous 7K body only).
Thanks a lot for this. I have been looking to see how far the difference has grown between the Z6/7II and the Z8/9. It seems to me that for portraits with knowledge of your camera and some skills on how to help the Z6/7II find the face. The distance is not as far as some UA-camrs make it out to be . Thanks I am still getting a Z8 but i can wait 6 months or so.
Thanks Matt. I’ve been holding out for a new camera. I mostly shoot landscape and people. My only concern is night time photography. I do like the fact that the Z7ii is 45mp vs the Z6ii when shooting landscapes.
I have the Z9 and the Z6 II and I think there's a significant difference in AF performance. Not saying the Z6 II is bad but it's noticeably worse. For portraits the Z6 II is definitely good enough, but when shooting objects that or further away or in lower light it can really struggle. Of course the Z9 also has problems in some circumstances but I would estimate that the Z9 succeeds around 50-75 % of the times where the Z6 II fails to focus.
thanks for this real life input, note that this applies exactly the same way to a Z6ii in the case you do not crop the hell in your composition and or do giant prints
for portraits, i would rather shoot with the Z7ii. for wildlife photography, the Z8. The Z7ii is an absolutely capable camera body with outstanding image quality. I would even go as far as just shooting with the Z7! for portrait work, i dont need Z8/Z9 AF system..if you dont shoot wild life or sports, the Z7 and the Z7ii are GREAT camera bodies for the money!
Thank you, all though this made it more difficult for me. I went from the z6 to the Z8, might seem like over Kill. Kind of having buyers remorse lol. I really wished Nikon announced the z6III instead.
It's nice to hear someone actually telling it how it is. People are so quick to blame their gear for their shortcomings. Im looking at the Z7ii and I have heard loads of horror storries about the focussing, but Ive also heard the few people out there saying how amazing it is, especially in the comments.
Great video, it just further helped my decision that I don't need to upgrade to the Z8 right now and instead invest in the new 85 1.2. The Z7II AF has not been an issue at all for me after the firmware upgrade, what was it last April? Hell even my Z5 I use as my backup now was able to lock focus on a Halloween shoot in pitch black woods just lit by a modeling lamp with a 40" softbox creating the image in my profile pic. It doesn't have to by 'Sony fast' to get great shots. So many people want to bash Nikon AF when it's fully capable.
Bottom line seems to be if you don’t know what you are doing with the Z7II (which I have and haven’t learned how to properly use the AF yet) the Z8 will do nothing for me.
You would think Nikon has clearly dropped the ball on the z6ii/z7ii with those units having dual processors they've never pushed it to the limit... Seems that Nikon just stopped updating these units and moved forward. But I can't stand a lazy photographer complaining about autofocus... Great video!!!
@@MrBazReviews it's being lazy when one depends on the system 100%. Most of the issues I see people complaining about you can simply touch the screen, use pin focus.. they're plenty of focus solutions. But yet we read about lazy people who want them camera to do all the work.
@@MrBazReviews I have enough experience using the D800/D810/D850 Z6/Z7ii Z7/Zii and Z9.. the focusing issues on the Z first gens are minor and in my opinion street reading all this data people put out; it's just TALKING POINTS and PURE LAZINESS...
I tried out the Z8 at a lokal store and compared it to the Z6II. I'm an enthusiast and do all kind of photogrphy and what I deiscovered was: 1. The handling is a bit different (I honestly prefered the lighter Z6II), 2. The autofocus of the Z8 was in a completely different league when light was bad and I was using a not-so-bright lens. Especially obvious was the difference while using the 100-400 with the 2x TC in not-so-great lighting. The Z6II struggeled quite a bit while the Z8 snapped into focus like it was nothing. Quite impressive, but also sad. Means I have to get this huge brick of a Z8..
I feel that regardless of genre, when it comes to AF tracking tasks, the Z8 will probably be the better choice in most cases. But for other genres where AF (tracking) isn't a huge concern (say landscape or shooting static or mostly static subjects) then the Z7 II will be fine (or the Z8). Personally I plan to keep my Z7 II despite having gotten a Z8 (the Z7 II is more going to be for things like landscape and travel -- and the Z8 will be for everything else, not that I won't take the Z8 with me on vacations, but if I'm going to be walking around a lot or doing shooting where I don't need super fast AF I'll go with the smaller Z7 II as it is a bit lighter and smaller.). But the focusing on the Z8 is a bit better in general, but that's also to be expected too, given it's price point and the age of the camera (being new, and inheriting a lot of what the Z9 has) and having the improved sensor and low-light focusing (I think we're talking -7 stops for the Z8 versus about -4 or -4.5 stops for the Z7 II). The Z7 II isn't exactly bad, but sometimes the AF tracking can be frustrating particularly in fast-paced situations either where someone is moving around a lot or if you're trying to track something (even something moving in a mostly predictable pattern). AT least this is my experience with the Z7 II.
Have you tested the DR stops on the Z 8 personally and it is better than the Z 7II? UA-camrs are saying the opposite I'm just curious I bought one recently and it has just had me rubbing my chin after I sold my Z 6 😅
I've found that the people complaining about focus on the various Nikon models, frankly, haven't learned how to use the very, very flexible focusing systems in the cameras. Frankly, it can be complex, especially on the Z 8 and Z 9 with about 100 total configuration choices, but it's worth learning. These people either need to spend the time to read the manual and play with all the modes or, more likely for most, buy Matt Granger's Nikon Z Setup Gulde.
Very informative and pleasant to view Matt. But man, still on D7200 and so easy to press the back button to lock focus on what I want focused and then swing the camera to get the composition desired. For portraits with lots of time, that's easy, and I think focus is getting out of hand and out of financial justification already on the new cameras. Admittedly, trying to focus in movie mode is a joke with the D7200, but my s23Ultra works fine for all the video I do.
ThankYou Matt :) :) :) :) You are lookin Great,,, It is hard to rid oneself of the extra bulk... I just went from 195 down to 170 and kept it off for 7 months ..., I feel better hope You do also ......
Thank you so much for this review! I started with split image focusing, so these cameras are a techno marvel. For my type of work, I plan on getting a doctor/lawyer, used Z7ii and save a bundle. Thank you again. BTW, how does Eye AF work with product photography?
Beautiful photos, one on one I never experienced much issue, but with more people and in a complex environment the auto eye in z6/z7 was challenging and unreliable.
Thanks very useful. I will like to see when the subject is moving fast, but from these results and others, it's clear that the idea that the Z7 II can't focus in portraits is nonsense. Looking at Matt's coverage of the Z9 I also expect that the Z8 is going to be far better with adapted lenses.
Yesterday got an Z8, its great. Some things what I dont like, AF in white background studio setting with flashes, had to turn D8 settings to adjust for ease of viewing. After that AF become jumpy, for brief moments seining eyes where they aren't. Still better results than using z7ii with dynamic spot area mode. From Z7ii features, I am missing medium raw size. And that digital shutter sound could be something more beautiful sounding 😁
Sorry for my bad english. Thank you for this video. I've just bought a z7ii and i am one of those ppl who is not happy of focusing. I use to have a d750 and i never felt like i was missing something from more professional cameras ex a D6 for what i use to shoot. Probably i 've to learn more how to focus with this one but for the first time in 10 years i feel not too safe in shooting for a Wedding. I don't remember this feeling when i started to shoot with d200, than the d700 and later a d750 and i don't remeber either that i need time to learn how to use them. Is it possible that this is the first camera that i need time to know it well? instead i am very happy about the quality of files. Iso 64 is amazing. More noise over 1600iso but it's normal since it has more MPX than my old cameras. Since the file of Z8 will be the same without any improvements i would like to stay with z7ii and try to give it a more chance after seen this video.
As a pró, i Will keep my Z6 as second body, and Z9 as main body, for weddings, baptism, family shoots and portraits..use single point or manual if auto focus is not reliable…simples! They are only tools!!!
You're not being mean when you say people kvetching about the Z7II need to learn how to focus - what I've noticed is that those (at least on UA-cam) who do complain are very often those whose sole style seems to be shooting everything wide open, and who have confessed elsewhere that they hate manual lenses because they don't actually know how to focus (run-n-gun types). Your critique is a totally fair one - people are just spoiled by how good autofocus has gotten.
Rumors that the Z7III will have the same processor as the Z8 and Z9 should help the autofocus issues. I'm waiting and not getting a Z8. Saving $1,000 over the Z8, plus having a compact size, will make it ideal for anyone wanting the smallest package for portraiture. I have a Z7II and a Z9. I wish the Z8 was out earlier. The Z9 is like shooting with a brick.
The III version will definitely have the same Expeed7 processor. The real question is whether a Z6III will be more than $2000 USD, which might squeeze out the Z7III price range of $3000-3300. Canon only has the R6 and R5, without a camera at $3000.
I'm happy for you to illustrate that I might better replace my Z 85/1.8S by a Z 85/1.2S than replace my Z 7ii by a Z 8. BUT. My problems with my Z 7ii AF may be me as you indicate. Or not. "Ages" ago I saw Jasin Borland shoot fast action sports with a Z 6 AF and I thought, "what he's doing is how I would shoot on film 40 years ago, before AF." Having studied the software engineering of AI after years of professional photography, my expectations of eye/face recognition may be too high. I would not know what research I could have done before buying my camera in order to have done an investigation prior to purchase that qualifies the claims in the specifications down to what LV level AF works. It may work in that dark in single point AF, but it's clear that eye AF does not work there by a long shot. I would have had to rent such a camera, tested it in borderline circumstances and might not have bumped into my issue still. So the problem is that the camera may be able to "AF" down to some -6 LV, but cannot do eye or face recognition reliably at +4LV. (LV = EV at ISO 100) In your video, one example where the Z 7ii still shines, you shoot at ISO 140, 1/160 sec, f/1.2. If we, for ease of calculation, equate ISO 140 & 1/160 sec to ISO 100 & 1/125 sec, and ignore the T-stop behind the f/1.2, then we land at LV 7.5 for the circumstances where you shot that portrait. That's not very dark and more than 3 stops above where I experience problems. In that sense it is "not surprising" that you did not have problems. And like you, I figured out that I sometimes need to MF help the camera to get into the AF-ballpark. I have no problems with that. And the raw files are really great. And Adobe Camera Raw still sucks now they added AI Denoise (too much detail loss, or too little detail recovery). Your exposure being in 3EV more light than my problem zone means 2^3=8 times more lumen. That's a lot in photography. About 10 times more to the human eyes means 2 times brighter - very significant but not a lot. Human vision works 10-base log, photography works 2-base log. So I may need to replace the continuous light in my studio by 3EV in order for eye/face to work, but that will reduce the sitter's pupil dilation. That makes them look a bit less attractive/sexy. We want to see the iris significantly or else its colour disappears. So there's my dilemma. Maybe this gives you an alibi to shoot another video that treats this subject. BTW. Ms E. Voilet's IG URL does not work. She or IG may have taken the page offline.
Well be aware that no one talking about color mixing banding issue in mirrorless cameras when you are shooting at an event with projector or beamer on the background! Then no matter what you do every few shots you get mixed color banding in the background..
Thank you, your presentation in this video saves me $4k! Most of what I do is similar to what was done here (including the spiked bra 🤣). I appreciate your conclusion, basically that if a photographer cannot get "keeper" images with the Z7II, it's not the camera...
Just subbed since I'll be rejoining the Nikon family soon. Do you film your videos on Nikon too? What's your a-roll and b roll filmed on? It looks really crisp and refreshing. If on Nikon, do you use prores or raw?
I've had my Z7ii since release and I love it but let's be honest, Nikon hasn't flooded us with updates unlike the non-stop updates for the Z9. In fact I think it's fair to say Nikon has pretty much abandoned us in favour of it flagship and to an extent I can understand that but the suggestions, around the time of the Z9 release, were that some of the features of the Z9 would flow-down to the other models. Got that wrong didn't they?
I have seen some of the wining about the 6II and 7II and I am sure there are better/faster cameras.. I have been using the Z6 professionally since it came out and never had a problem.. I got the 6II because of one thing and thats the menu line that Nikon refuse to remove on the 6. Sold the 6 two weeks ago. AF have never been a problem, always tack sharp photos. I have also used the 7 with the same result. Now I am using 6II and better, faster and no menu line in the screen.. does it do a better job than the 6? It does the same as the 6.. a robust and very good camera, tack sharp photos every single time. I am also using both Z9 and Z8 but for other projects than work, both are amazing cameras. I have never understood the wining about af on these cameras… most of the af reviews I have seen is either extreme or unlikely situations to test the «intelligence» of the af.
Always fascinating, Matt. The underlying message is clear, it's the photographer, not the kit. Sorta like when I was a teacher; the teacher probably makes up or down 15% difference to kids grades, the camera similarly. You can get great shots even with 15 year old kit as you've demonstrated, it is the extra effort required that separates a hack (me) from a good photographer. And Eilia is loved by either camera.
Anyone who really knows how to use their cameras can get 95%+ af hit rates. I rarely missed focus with the z6 at launch so never quite understood the all the noise regarding its af.
As the cameras get more sophisticated with the multitude of settings, there are those that just don't understand how to use these cameras and so slag them off, sad really as they just need to go to Nikon camera school and learn how to use them. Learn to use the tool you have and where it has limitations learn how to work around them, simple really. Is that not how the early great photographers back in the day got the shots that others have admired to this day.
SAMPLE FILES: geni.us/Z72vsZ8
Check out my Nikon Z Setup Guide: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/zsetup
Shibari 101 course (N5FW): geni.us/Shibari101
This is incredible helpful thank you so much!
Finally someone who can agree with about the z7ii. I’ve had it for a while shooting professionally and I’m so impressed by its focusing accuracy. All I’ve heard is it’s auto focus is unusable on the z7ii and must be putting people off buying it. I shoot weddings and commercial work in some very dark situations and it nails it
Im just a hobbyist, but 95% of my shot is in focus. Just have learn the short comings of the z7ii/z6ii focusing system..i was on the fence on a Z8 or the new 85mm 1.2S.. i decided my investment will be well spent on a sharp magical glass👍
Another thing to realize is that Nikon doesn't advertizes firmware upgrades and hence as a result, a lot of users keep on shooting on the initial firmware.
I’ve had the original z7 (traded in my D850 for it), especially with the first firmware auto focus s*cked. With the later versions it became better I regretted trading in my D850 for it. Later I traded the z7 for the z7ii. That was indeed an improvement. But still in certain scenarios issues with focusing. Especially with backlit moving subjects. For non or slow moving subjects its fine. Landscape is great. But if it moves, the keeper rate is low when using shallow depth of field with the holy Z f2.8 trinity. Since about half a year I have the z9 next to the z7ii, and I’m so happy with the z9. Now I have a very high keeper rate in most scenarios where the z7ii struggles. The z9 is a worthy D850 replacement. The z7/z7ii did have sue to being mirrorless a few advantages, but too slow and inconsistent for a couple of my use cases.
Z7 ii is fine, people had issue with z7. Although I am fine with my D850 for photos 😅
@@JustVodka How has your raw file process been with the Z 9? I purchased a Z 8 recently, but I noticed some UA-camrs saying the dynamic range is really bad and I was just wondering if it is overblown like everything else from your experience.
I love how critic and transparent You are!
Way to go!
That's the reason why I have years following You in UA-cam.
Thank you for your very honest video. I currently have the Z7ii and I'm quite happy with it, especially when paired with the new Z glass. I was thinking of getting the Z8, but I have no complaints with the Z7ii so far...
Came here for the review... Got blown away by your portraiture,, Thank you Matt
Wow. Thanks for the comment.
Appreciate the comparison. I just picked up the Z8 and have used my Z7ii quite a bit. Seeing the both being used side by side was helpful to keep in mind that they can both be relied upon for portrait shooting. Keep the great content coming along !
the black and white series are really superb in portrait
Thanks for sharing and to you both
I think the secret to AF in the Z7ii is to learn when you need to change AF mode. I do this all the time. My hit rate averages 98%, but I do switch my focus based on my subject/scene. My Z9 is obviously different. I love both systems and these work just fine for me.
It’s ridiculous how amazing Z8 is.
it costs 4000 us dollars I am not suprised.😂
@@kevc.2958 4000 US Dollars isn't that much these days.
Absolutely agree. But am I strange for liking the Z9 purely because of the bigger body,😅
@@HKFIJIHK I don't like bigger bodies.
@@stevemuzak8526 yeah some don’t. I enjoy the tactile feel of it. Even though smaller is more practical.
I've never doubted the 6ii/7ii. I'm a pro who shoots weddings, events and gigs. Most events I shoot up to 2K images and I would be lucky to get twenty at the end that were not sharp (lots of dancing and moving around). I have two Z6ii bodies and four of the lovely Z lenses. I've never understood all the hubbub on about how bad they are. If you know your camera well, have it on the right settings, use the right lens and know your schtick - then they are infinitely useable. I have zero interest in the updating to the Z8 - too heavy, body too big, files too big and too expensive (here in Australia a ridiculous 7K body only).
Please share your camera settings. I'm a beginner and it's a little difficult for me.
Thanks a lot for this. I have been looking to see how far the difference has grown between the Z6/7II and the Z8/9. It seems to me that for portraits with knowledge of your camera and some skills on how to help the Z6/7II find the face. The distance is not as far as some UA-camrs make it out to be . Thanks I am still getting a Z8 but i can wait 6 months or so.
Thanks Matt. I’ve been holding out for a new camera. I mostly shoot landscape and people. My only concern is night time photography. I do like the fact that the Z7ii is 45mp vs the Z6ii when shooting landscapes.
I have the Z9 and the Z6 II and I think there's a significant difference in AF performance. Not saying the Z6 II is bad but it's noticeably worse. For portraits the Z6 II is definitely good enough, but when shooting objects that or further away or in lower light it can really struggle. Of course the Z9 also has problems in some circumstances but I would estimate that the Z9 succeeds around 50-75 % of the times where the Z6 II fails to focus.
thanks..for the imput.
In other modes like Single point AF focus you notice that much difference too? Or just in AF eye tracking?
@@Emulives Mainly eye/face tracking, the Z9 picks up people further away and in dimmer conditions.
thanks for this real life input, note that this applies exactly the same way to a Z6ii in the case you do not crop the hell in your composition and or do giant prints
You’re welcome.
for portraits, i would rather shoot with the Z7ii. for wildlife photography, the Z8. The Z7ii is an absolutely capable camera body with outstanding image quality. I would even go as far as just shooting with the Z7! for portrait work, i dont need Z8/Z9 AF system..if you dont shoot wild life or sports, the Z7 and the Z7ii are GREAT camera bodies for the money!
Definitely was waiting for this video. Been debating for my work getting the z7ii or go ahead and save up for the Z8.
Thank you, all though this made it more difficult for me. I went from the z6 to the Z8, might seem like over Kill. Kind of having buyers remorse lol. I really wished Nikon announced the z6III instead.
Don't have buyers remorse. When you do uograde in the future. You can sell it for more.
@@Lucidexplore thank you. I do love what the z8 offers. I won’t deny that I got impatient waiting for a z6iii coming from the z6i.
It's nice to hear someone actually telling it how it is. People are so quick to blame their gear for their shortcomings. Im looking at the Z7ii and I have heard loads of horror storries about the focussing, but Ive also heard the few people out there saying how amazing it is, especially in the comments.
Great video, it just further helped my decision that I don't need to upgrade to the Z8 right now and instead invest in the new 85 1.2. The Z7II AF has not been an issue at all for me after the firmware upgrade, what was it last April? Hell even my Z5 I use as my backup now was able to lock focus on a Halloween shoot in pitch black woods just lit by a modeling lamp with a 40" softbox creating the image in my profile pic. It doesn't have to by 'Sony fast' to get great shots. So many people want to bash Nikon AF when it's fully capable.
Bottom line seems to be if you don’t know what you are doing with the Z7II (which I have and haven’t learned how to properly use the AF yet) the Z8 will do nothing for me.
I'm still using a D750 so someday I might be able to get one of either of them would make me happy. But I can still do decent work with what I have.
really on time because i want trade my old d750 with new mirrorless and thinking between these two ( z 7ii and z8) thank you i lean toword z7ii
Great video , beautiful model ❤
The Z8's files were awesome! I want one now. Great shots!
You would think Nikon has clearly dropped the ball on the z6ii/z7ii with those units having dual processors they've never pushed it to the limit... Seems that Nikon just stopped updating these units and moved forward.
But I can't stand a lazy photographer complaining about autofocus... Great video!!!
@@MrBazReviews it's being lazy when one depends on the system 100%. Most of the issues I see people complaining about you can simply touch the screen, use pin focus.. they're plenty of focus solutions. But yet we read about lazy people who want them camera to do all the work.
@@MrBazReviews I have enough experience using the D800/D810/D850 Z6/Z7ii Z7/Zii and Z9.. the focusing issues on the Z first gens are minor and in my opinion street reading all this data people put out; it's just TALKING POINTS and PURE LAZINESS...
Hi Matt. Thanks for the comparison and for giving the Z7ii some much needed love. How do find the IBIS compares between the two cameras?
I tried out the Z8 at a lokal store and compared it to the Z6II. I'm an enthusiast and do all kind of photogrphy and what I deiscovered was: 1. The handling is a bit different (I honestly prefered the lighter Z6II), 2. The autofocus of the Z8 was in a completely different league when light was bad and I was using a not-so-bright lens. Especially obvious was the difference while using the 100-400 with the 2x TC in not-so-great lighting. The Z6II struggeled quite a bit while the Z8 snapped into focus like it was nothing. Quite impressive, but also sad. Means I have to get this huge brick of a Z8..
Wait for the Z7 lll which is coming out soon. Love the Z8 feels great in the hands but it is heavier.
You had some beautiful shots out of this Matt!
My favorite set of portraits. Great job.
Thanks!
I feel that regardless of genre, when it comes to AF tracking tasks, the Z8 will probably be the better choice in most cases. But for other genres where AF (tracking) isn't a huge concern (say landscape or shooting static or mostly static subjects) then the Z7 II will be fine (or the Z8). Personally I plan to keep my Z7 II despite having gotten a Z8 (the Z7 II is more going to be for things like landscape and travel -- and the Z8 will be for everything else, not that I won't take the Z8 with me on vacations, but if I'm going to be walking around a lot or doing shooting where I don't need super fast AF I'll go with the smaller Z7 II as it is a bit lighter and smaller.). But the focusing on the Z8 is a bit better in general, but that's also to be expected too, given it's price point and the age of the camera (being new, and inheriting a lot of what the Z9 has) and having the improved sensor and low-light focusing (I think we're talking -7 stops for the Z8 versus about -4 or -4.5 stops for the Z7 II). The Z7 II isn't exactly bad, but sometimes the AF tracking can be frustrating particularly in fast-paced situations either where someone is moving around a lot or if you're trying to track something (even something moving in a mostly predictable pattern). AT least this is my experience with the Z7 II.
Have you tested the DR stops on the Z 8 personally and it is better than the Z 7II? UA-camrs are saying the opposite I'm just curious I bought one recently and it has just had me rubbing my chin after I sold my Z 6 😅
I've found that the people complaining about focus on the various Nikon models, frankly, haven't learned how to use the very, very flexible focusing systems in the cameras.
Frankly, it can be complex, especially on the Z 8 and Z 9 with about 100 total configuration choices, but it's worth learning.
These people either need to spend the time to read the manual and play with all the modes or, more likely for most, buy Matt Granger's Nikon Z Setup Gulde.
I just bought the Z 7II and I am having issues with the focus when taking pictures of my dog when she is moving.
Totally amazing photos. Great video
Any good photographer can make any AF work if they have time with the system and know it’s pros & cons just like Matt said.
Very informative and pleasant to view Matt. But man, still on D7200 and so easy to press the back button to lock focus on what I want focused and then swing the camera to get the composition desired. For portraits with lots of time, that's easy, and I think focus is getting out of hand and out of financial justification already on the new cameras. Admittedly, trying to focus in movie mode is a joke with the D7200, but my s23Ultra works fine for all the video I do.
In many conditions, Zed 72 focus is great. But with a 24-120 /4 in low light (events) “it needs to learn how to focus.”
ThankYou Matt :) :) :) :) You are lookin Great,,, It is hard to rid oneself of the extra bulk... I just went from 195 down to 170 and kept it off for 7 months ..., I feel better hope You do also ......
Thank you so much for this review! I started with split image focusing, so these cameras are a techno marvel. For my type of work, I plan on getting a doctor/lawyer, used Z7ii and save a bundle. Thank you again. BTW, how does Eye AF work with product photography?
thanks for the fix. great video! respect.
Beautiful photos, one on one I never experienced much issue, but with more people and in a complex environment the auto eye in z6/z7 was challenging and unreliable.
Thank goodness for wide area
Thanks very useful. I will like to see when the subject is moving fast, but from these results and others, it's clear that the idea that the Z7 II can't focus in portraits is nonsense. Looking at Matt's coverage of the Z9 I also expect that the Z8 is going to be far better with adapted lenses.
Appreciate the video Matt!
Is there any noticeable difference in low light performance and dynamic range?
Yesterday got an Z8, its great. Some things what I dont like, AF in white background studio setting with flashes, had to turn D8 settings to adjust for ease of viewing. After that AF become jumpy, for brief moments seining eyes where they aren't. Still better results than using z7ii with dynamic spot area mode. From Z7ii features, I am missing medium raw size. And that digital shutter sound could be something more beautiful sounding 😁
Sorry for my bad english. Thank you for this video. I've just bought a z7ii and i am one of those ppl who is not happy of focusing. I use to have a d750 and i never felt like i was missing something from more professional cameras ex a D6 for what i use to shoot. Probably i 've to learn more how to focus with this one but for the first time in 10 years i feel not too safe in shooting for a Wedding. I don't remember this feeling when i started to shoot with d200, than the d700 and later a d750 and i don't remeber either that i need time to learn how to use them. Is it possible that this is the first camera that i need time to know it well? instead i am very happy about the quality of files. Iso 64 is amazing. More noise over 1600iso but it's normal since it has more MPX than my old cameras. Since the file of Z8 will be the same without any improvements i would like to stay with z7ii and try to give it a more chance after seen this video.
As a pró, i Will keep my Z6 as second body, and Z9 as main body, for weddings, baptism, family shoots and portraits..use single point or manual if auto focus is not reliable…simples! They are only tools!!!
I have z7 Mark 1 and I am satisfied with it
Bravo, I like poses and imagery
You're not being mean when you say people kvetching about the Z7II need to learn how to focus - what I've noticed is that those (at least on UA-cam) who do complain are very often those whose sole style seems to be shooting everything wide open, and who have confessed elsewhere that they hate manual lenses because they don't actually know how to focus (run-n-gun types). Your critique is a totally fair one - people are just spoiled by how good autofocus has gotten.
My approach, if it's stationary the Z7ii, if it moves the D6 !!
Rumors that the Z7III will have the same processor as the Z8 and Z9 should help the autofocus issues. I'm waiting and not getting a Z8. Saving $1,000 over the Z8, plus having a compact size, will make it ideal for anyone wanting the smallest package for portraiture. I have a Z7II and a Z9. I wish the Z8 was out earlier. The Z9 is like shooting with a brick.
The III version will definitely have the same Expeed7 processor. The real question is whether a Z6III will be more than $2000 USD, which might squeeze out the Z7III price range of $3000-3300. Canon only has the R6 and R5, without a camera at $3000.
I'm happy for you to illustrate that I might better replace my Z 85/1.8S by a Z 85/1.2S than replace my Z 7ii by a Z 8. BUT.
My problems with my Z 7ii AF may be me as you indicate. Or not.
"Ages" ago I saw Jasin Borland shoot fast action sports with a Z 6 AF and I thought, "what he's doing is how I would shoot on film 40 years ago, before AF." Having studied the software engineering of AI after years of professional photography, my expectations of eye/face recognition may be too high. I would not know what research I could have done before buying my camera in order to have done an investigation prior to purchase that qualifies the claims in the specifications down to what LV level AF works.
It may work in that dark in single point AF, but it's clear that eye AF does not work there by a long shot.
I would have had to rent such a camera, tested it in borderline circumstances and might not have bumped into my issue still.
So the problem is that the camera may be able to "AF" down to some -6 LV, but cannot do eye or face recognition reliably at +4LV.
(LV = EV at ISO 100)
In your video, one example where the Z 7ii still shines, you shoot at ISO 140, 1/160 sec, f/1.2.
If we, for ease of calculation, equate ISO 140 & 1/160 sec to ISO 100 & 1/125 sec, and ignore the T-stop behind the f/1.2, then we land at LV 7.5 for the circumstances where you shot that portrait. That's not very dark and more than 3 stops above where I experience problems.
In that sense it is "not surprising" that you did not have problems.
And like you, I figured out that I sometimes need to MF help the camera to get into the AF-ballpark. I have no problems with that.
And the raw files are really great. And Adobe Camera Raw still sucks now they added AI Denoise (too much detail loss, or too little detail recovery).
Your exposure being in 3EV more light than my problem zone means 2^3=8 times more lumen. That's a lot in photography. About 10 times more to the human eyes means 2 times brighter - very significant but not a lot. Human vision works 10-base log, photography works 2-base log.
So I may need to replace the continuous light in my studio by 3EV in order for eye/face to work, but that will reduce the sitter's pupil dilation. That makes them look a bit less attractive/sexy. We want to see the iris significantly or else its colour disappears. So there's my dilemma.
Maybe this gives you an alibi to shoot another video that treats this subject.
BTW. Ms E. Voilet's IG URL does not work. She or IG may have taken the page offline.
Well be aware that no one talking about color mixing banding issue in mirrorless cameras when you are shooting at an event with projector or beamer on the background! Then no matter what you do every few shots you get mixed color banding in the background..
Thank you, your presentation in this video saves me $4k! Most of what I do is similar to what was done here (including the spiked bra 🤣). I appreciate your conclusion, basically that if a photographer cannot get "keeper" images with the Z7II, it's not the camera...
Just subbed since I'll be rejoining the Nikon family soon. Do you film your videos on Nikon too? What's your a-roll and b roll filmed on? It looks really crisp and refreshing. If on Nikon, do you use prores or raw?
This video was shot on Z9 in ProRes
I've had my Z7ii since release and I love it but let's be honest, Nikon hasn't flooded us with updates unlike the non-stop updates for the Z9. In fact I think it's fair to say Nikon has pretty much abandoned us in favour of it flagship and to an extent I can understand that but the suggestions, around the time of the Z9 release, were that some of the features of the Z9 would flow-down to the other models. Got that wrong didn't they?
The z7ii is now quite old, and it was a small iterative update on the z7. Would not expect huge new features to be introduced on such a model
Is it me or do th z7ii files look grainier?
Thanks for the files. Upload files for download more often.
I have seen some of the wining about the 6II and 7II and I am sure there are better/faster cameras.. I have been using the Z6 professionally since it came out and never had a problem.. I got the 6II because of one thing and thats the menu line that Nikon refuse to remove on the 6. Sold the 6 two weeks ago. AF have never been a problem, always tack sharp photos.
I have also used the 7 with the same result. Now I am using 6II and better, faster and no menu line in the screen.. does it do a better job than the 6? It does the same as the 6.. a robust and very good camera, tack sharp photos every single time.
I am also using both Z9 and Z8 but for other projects than work, both are amazing cameras.
I have never understood the wining about af on these cameras… most of the af reviews I have seen is either extreme or unlikely situations to test the «intelligence» of the af.
I take it i dont need the z8 for product photography:) the z7ii will work just fine
Do you think Nikon will continue to upgrade the focusing on the Z7 MK2?
I doubt there will be any future MAJOR updates to af.
have you noticed any difference in colour science between the Z7ii and the Z8?
p.s - absolutely stunning images Matt, well done :)
Nothing significant, no. And thanks!
Is it just me, or did the image quality look a tad better on the z7ii
I’m what way?
@@mattgranger The files look slightly cleaner. Maybe it's just my eyes or the screen
Dunno mate. I don’t know what you mean by ‘cleaner’
Always fascinating, Matt. The underlying message is clear, it's the photographer, not the kit. Sorta like when I was a teacher; the teacher probably makes up or down 15% difference to kids grades, the camera similarly. You can get great shots even with 15 year old kit as you've demonstrated, it is the extra effort required that separates a hack (me) from a good photographer.
And Eilia is loved by either camera.
at 2:56 were you shooting with the 85mm 1.2? Does not look like a "Z" lens?
yep
Anyone who really knows how to use their cameras can get 95%+ af hit rates. I rarely missed focus with the z6 at launch so never quite understood the all the noise regarding its af.
Thankypu
Z7 ii The Af Auto Eye is better than Z6 II? its more accurate?
Same
@@mattgranger thanks !
The EVF without any blackout and the sensor cover already worth enough to switch (especially if you are shooting fast action or wildlife).
Best shot 5:6
As the cameras get more sophisticated with the multitude of settings, there are those that just don't understand how to use these cameras and so slag them off, sad really as they just need to go to Nikon camera school and learn how to use them. Learn to use the tool you have and where it has limitations learn how to work around them, simple really. Is that not how the early great photographers back in the day got the shots that others have admired to this day.
what's that cool music at 4:50 ?
All music is from epidemic sound.
I think you just motivated myself to keep my D850 and not going forward with a Z8....
This may help too mate: ua-cam.com/video/GisPpV2Jnp0/v-deo.html
@@mattgranger thank you buddy, will lay back watch it and enjoy😊
fine with my D700... :P
Honestly, I don't know what you like more: Nikon gear or Asian gear...
Welll… NIKON is made in Asia. And I live in Asia, and I work with local models 🤷♂️
@@mattgranger You are Australian, you lived even in NYC for a while, but you always enjoyed Asian...
Maybe it speaks to the videos you choose to watch. I shoot with lots of different models. Lately, mostly locals from hk. In nyc much more diverse.
In China (Aliexpress) the Z9 is cheaper than the z8 . Z8 is $500 more expensive. Doe not make any sense . LOL
Probably grey market imports
So glad I sold my z7ii, such a failure of a camera. I'm just sorry I lost so much money buying the camera.
Glad I kept mine. Has been generating income since I bought it.
@@mattgranger lucky for some