Love these sessions Phil and your shots and mentions of your camera settings. Informative and interesting. I particularly find your American bird species fascinating!👍
Very nice pictures! I have the same equipment, Z50 and 180-600mm lens, it’s great for bird photos. Also for me the biggest problem is the battery, I have 4 batteries and use about 2 to 3 in a morning session. 3 are third party batteries and one Nikon original, the Nikon is the worst. especially recording video eats a lot of battery. If the battery shows 1/4 and red the autofocus struggles, but the shutter still works normally.
@@fly-pedro thank you! I have four batteries for the Z60 but all of them are genuine Nikon. That is interesting that you are having better luck with the third-party batteries.
We have a lot of immature, "teenage" birds bouncing thru the yard this month. Fun to watch them figure things out. It's still a little dark outside as I am watching your video and I just had to go herd up our old fat cats because we have FOUR owls that started hooting in the trees surrounding the house. Maybe a fat cat would be better than a skinny rabbit for breakfast. What a treat to see them this morning!
@@k26kv31 I’ve never heard them called teenage birds, but that is exactly right. I’m sure. that’s really cool that you got to see all those owls this morning. Have a great day and thanks for watching!
I am with you on a newer Z50. Using the current Z50 and having to use Single Point would be fine by me since most of my bird shots are perched. Thanks for the info on this combination. I have also watched several of your Z50 videos from 3-4 years ago. Good info.
Hey Phil I really appreciate all your efforts. These are some clean images! I finally got my 180-600mm. Just waiting for my Zeiss UV filter before I take it out for a shoot. I truly hope Nikon releases a D500 mirrorless version. I just really like the idea of having a Pro Full frame and nearly pro APSC like the DSLRs D3/D300 and D5/D500. Lets hope Nikon makes it happen and strikes while the iron is hot.
Fun to watch this video, since I am also a Z50 owner. I mainly use my Z50 camera for travel. Agree totally on the battery, it basically sucks. Let's hope the next Nikon APSC camera doesn't uses this worthless battery.
You have the option of getting a used z7/Z7II and you will see a vast improvement over the Z50. The Z50 was NEVER designed to be anything other than an entry level camera.
I enjoy shooting with the Z50. It does a great job for what it is. I also have a Z6 and a Z8 but I like to get the Z50 out from time to time and show people what it can do.
Phil!! Least??? I LOVE mourning doves. I love the blue around the eyes - at least the ones we have here. All beautiful photos and you are fortunte to have that right outside!! 🙏🤗💖
Phil, I hope you are recovering quickly from your heart attack. One thing i don't like about the Z50 is the same as you, the lackluster performance of the battery. One thing that helps me is to keep the back screen off and not show the review of the shot. I get better battery life that way. What I do is charge the battery in the charger, and then top it off in the camera before I go out shooting. Of course, I have a spare battery fresh off the charger with me as well. One of the firmware upgrades added the eye detect, but its part of the auto detect, and not a stand alone feature. I agree with you that I'd rather see a better upgrade (Z90) than a Z50II. Still, I love my Z50 overall.
Hi Phil, hope you are recovering well. I’d love to know your thoughts on a Nikon z50 and 180-600mm combo vs a Canon R10 and 100-500mm combo. I can’t afford either a Z8 or an R5ii right now, but can’t decide which system to commit to. Thanks!
@@whatsthatbird thank you! my favorite lens is the 180-600 but the Z50 really hurts it. If it was me and I was never going to upgrade, I would probably get an R7 or R10 and 100-500 or a Sony a6700 and their 200-600.
But one day they are going to make another Z DX camera and, as I mentioned in this video, hopefully it will come with the larger battery and then the Nikon may be the way to go.
Thanks for the video. I use this same setup for bird photography (Z50 with the Nikon 180-600). I've had the Z50 for a few years now, and also the Z30 for about a year. So, I've got 2 of those batteries. I haven't had the issue with the batteries that you're describing in the video. I will typically charge the battery(s) the day before I head out for a shoot, so my batteries typically don't sit in camera for long before I use them. Maybe it does make a difference?
Thank you! I have four of these batteries and they are usually problematic. It’s not really how long they last that I have a problem with it’s that sometimes they report that they are about to die when they are not. You can turn the camera off and back on and suddenly the camera battery strength display is back up to full or 2/3 when before you turn the camera off, it was in the red. I have had this issue with these batteries in my Z50 and my Zfc before I sold it.
The original en-el25 lasts me a very short time. I have 4 batteries 2 nikon and 2 patona "protect". I think the patona lasts at least 2x as long as the nikon.
I agree with your point of view about the battery of the Z50. Once I shot some photos at the St. Lawrence River in winter. The battery wasn't happy about the -25°C 😅
@@fnusnu5586 that’s pretty understandable. My problem is the performance of the battery at more normal temperatures. Sometimes it has plenty of power left, but it shows red change battery now status. Then you turn the camera off and turn it back on and it shows full battery or 2/3 strength. There is definitely room for improvement.
That's true. The battery status is unpredictable. Before the Z50, I had a D80 with a "battery grip." So, quite an adjustment for me. On the other hand, the Z50 is lightweight and better to carry on on longer hikes.
@@fnusnu5586 I agree. Other than the battery issues I really enjoy the Z50. that’s why I still get it out from time to time and do Bird photography and other things with it. 👍
@@PhilThach Dynamic range in the R5 II is being reported as being less than R5. A compromise to speed. Beginning to doubt my ordering the mark ii. I think these cameras and lens combos are bumping up against tech limits. They are all good. I’ll still hold course. Thanks for your answer. Would love to hear a comparison between the Z8 with the 600, to the R5 with the 100-500 with 1.4. Ty.
@@thenewmanfiles3269 Thank you! The 180-600 is great. I did a zoom lens comparison video featuring Canon 100-500, 100-400, 200-800, Sony 200-600 and Nikon 180-600. The 180-600 won! I recommend it highly.
@@hstein27 thank you! Yes, I have been out with the Z8 four times so far and made a video each time about it. Stay tuned, Z8 content will be here soon! :)
@@StewartStiles thank you! I think we’re going to be mainly downtown around the waterfall and the convention center. Heather has a conference. She is attending there. But we might rent a car and try to find some wildlife. I’m not sure if July is the best month for wildlife.
@@PhilThach Manito Park near the greenhouse has a lot of annuals and wild flowers that attract a lot of bees (not aggressive) if you want to do macro. Otherwise drive south through the Palouse for landscapes and old barns.
Thank you! Yes, I did buy a Z8. This video was made before my heart attack and before I bought my Z8. I’m always a few videos ahead on the channel. I have one lens review video coming and then the Z8 content starts.
@@PhilThach ok great hope you are getting better 🙏, I also have the Z8 and I was kinda thinking maybe to sell it to purchase the R5II but I'm not sure anymore.
@@forced_perspective thank you! Nikon sent 100 of them to Jared Polan. he took them down to Allen’s camera and you could order them from them. They may still have some left. I got mine the first day.
Love these sessions Phil and your shots and mentions of your camera settings. Informative and interesting. I particularly find your American bird species fascinating!👍
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I love your dove shots! Also thank you for your honest review on the Z50! :)
Thank you!
Very nice pictures!
I have the same equipment, Z50 and 180-600mm lens, it’s great for bird photos. Also for me the biggest problem is the battery, I have 4 batteries and use about 2 to 3 in a morning session. 3 are third party batteries and one Nikon original, the Nikon is the worst. especially recording video eats a lot of battery. If the battery shows 1/4 and red the autofocus struggles, but the shutter still works normally.
@@fly-pedro thank you! I have four batteries for the Z60 but all of them are genuine Nikon. That is interesting that you are having better luck with the third-party batteries.
Great shots! I agree, I hope they come out with a D500 replacement in a mirrorless body.
Thank you!
I totally agree with you
We have a lot of immature, "teenage" birds bouncing thru the yard this month. Fun to watch them figure things out. It's still a little dark outside as I am watching your video and I just had to go herd up our old fat cats because we have FOUR owls that started hooting in the trees surrounding the house. Maybe a fat cat would be better than a skinny rabbit for breakfast. What a treat to see them this morning!
@@k26kv31 I’ve never heard them called teenage birds, but that is exactly right. I’m sure. that’s really cool that you got to see all those owls this morning. Have a great day and thanks for watching!
I am with you on a newer Z50. Using the current Z50 and having to use Single Point would be fine by me since most of my bird shots are perched. Thanks for the info on this combination. I have also watched several of your Z50 videos from 3-4 years ago. Good info.
@@rdphoto2 Thanks, Ron!
Love the shots Phil ,good to know that are doing well since your heart attack !
@@gregfisher216 Thank you!
Some great shots there Phil. That hide has paid off well. Thanks for sharing the vid 🙏
@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you, Adrian!
Hey Phil I really appreciate all your efforts. These are some clean images! I finally got my 180-600mm. Just waiting for my Zeiss UV filter before I take it out for a shoot. I truly hope Nikon releases a D500 mirrorless version. I just really like the idea of having a Pro Full frame and nearly pro APSC like the DSLRs D3/D300 and D5/D500. Lets hope Nikon makes it happen and strikes while the iron is hot.
Thank you! Congrats!
Some great photos for having to shoot “old school” focus. :).
@@TimChilders Thank you, Tim!
Fun to watch this video, since I am also a Z50 owner. I mainly use my Z50 camera for travel. Agree totally on the battery, it basically sucks. Let's hope the next Nikon APSC camera doesn't uses this worthless battery.
Thank you! :)
You have the option of getting a used z7/Z7II and you will see a vast improvement over the Z50. The Z50 was NEVER designed to be anything other than an entry level camera.
I enjoy shooting with the Z50. It does a great job for what it is. I also have a Z6 and a Z8 but I like to get the Z50 out from time to time and show people what it can do.
Really enjoy this type of videos!
Thank you! These are my favorites to make. :)
Phil!! Least??? I LOVE mourning doves. I love the blue around the eyes - at least the ones we have here. All beautiful photos and you are fortunte to have that right outside!! 🙏🤗💖
I love your defense of the Mourning Dove, JP! Very cool.
Phil, I hope you are recovering quickly from your heart attack. One thing i don't like about the Z50 is the same as you, the lackluster performance of the battery. One thing that helps me is to keep the back screen off and not show the review of the shot. I get better battery life that way. What I do is charge the battery in the charger, and then top it off in the camera before I go out shooting. Of course, I have a spare battery fresh off the charger with me as well. One of the firmware upgrades added the eye detect, but its part of the auto detect, and not a stand alone feature. I agree with you that I'd rather see a better upgrade (Z90) than a Z50II. Still, I love my Z50 overall.
@@stevemockoviak8384 thank you!
I really miss my Z50. Did you try the EN-EL25a battery?
I haven't used any batteries in my Z50 except the original EN-EL25. I have 4 of them.
Hi Phil, hope you are recovering well. I’d love to know your thoughts on a Nikon z50 and 180-600mm combo vs a Canon R10 and 100-500mm combo. I can’t afford either a Z8 or an R5ii right now, but can’t decide which system to commit to. Thanks!
@@whatsthatbird thank you! my favorite lens is the 180-600 but the Z50 really hurts it. If it was me and I was never going to upgrade, I would probably get an R7 or R10 and 100-500 or a Sony a6700 and their 200-600.
But one day they are going to make another Z DX camera and, as I mentioned in this video, hopefully it will come with the larger battery and then the Nikon may be the way to go.
Phil, is the z50 ok for airshow? Would love to try that lens! Thank you and good health
Thank you! Yes, I think the Z 50 would be fine for an airshow.
Thanks for the video. I use this same setup for bird photography (Z50 with the Nikon 180-600). I've had the Z50 for a few years now, and also the Z30 for about a year. So, I've got 2 of those batteries. I haven't had the issue with the batteries that you're describing in the video. I will typically charge the battery(s) the day before I head out for a shoot, so my batteries typically don't sit in camera for long before I use them. Maybe it does make a difference?
Thank you! I have four of these batteries and they are usually problematic. It’s not really how long they last that I have a problem with it’s that sometimes they report that they are about to die when they are not. You can turn the camera off and back on and suddenly the camera battery strength display is back up to full or 2/3 when before you turn the camera off, it was in the red. I have had this issue with these batteries in my Z50 and my Zfc before I sold it.
@@PhilThach That's so strange. Hopefully, Nikon will address the issue as they produce newer crop-sensor size cameras in the future.
The original en-el25 lasts me a very short time. I have 4 batteries 2 nikon and 2 patona "protect". I think the patona lasts at least 2x as long as the nikon.
wow really?
What kind of pictures do you get if you shoot with high iso in the dark at night?
Noisy ones, but that is the case with any camera.
Hope you are feeling well! How often do you change the perches in your yard?
I'm feeling pretty good. I don't change my perches very often. I probably should.
Some good shots Phil! I hope your health is recovering nicely.
@@rgdodson thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing Phil. I hope you are recovering well. Cheers.
@@PhotoGearFun thank you!
I agree with your point of view about the battery of the Z50. Once I shot some photos at the St. Lawrence River in winter. The battery wasn't happy about the -25°C 😅
@@fnusnu5586 that’s pretty understandable. My problem is the performance of the battery at more normal temperatures. Sometimes it has plenty of power left, but it shows red change battery now status. Then you turn the camera off and turn it back on and it shows full battery or 2/3 strength. There is definitely room for improvement.
That's true. The battery status is unpredictable. Before the Z50, I had a D80 with a "battery grip." So, quite an adjustment for me. On the other hand, the Z50 is lightweight and better to carry on on longer hikes.
@@fnusnu5586 I agree. Other than the battery issues I really enjoy the Z50. that’s why I still get it out from time to time and do Bird photography and other things with it. 👍
Great shots Phil!
@@gnphoto21 Thanks, George!
I really enjoyed the shots!
@@PamHaynes-oo3ck thank you, Pam!
Q: are you going to pair this lens with the Z8?
Yes, absolutely. Spoiler alert, it's a GREAT combo.
@@PhilThach Dynamic range in the R5 II is being reported as being less than R5. A compromise to speed. Beginning to doubt my ordering the mark ii. I think these cameras and lens combos are bumping up against tech limits. They are all good. I’ll still hold course. Thanks for your answer.
Would love to hear a comparison between the Z8 with the 600, to the R5 with the 100-500 with 1.4. Ty.
hope you are feeling better. Any issues or drawbacks with the 180-600? Would you recommend?
@@thenewmanfiles3269 Thank you! The 180-600 is great. I did a zoom lens comparison video featuring Canon 100-500, 100-400, 200-800, Sony 200-600 and Nikon 180-600. The 180-600 won! I recommend it highly.
@@PhilThach I will take a look at the video :)
Love that red-bellied pic! Have you gotten a chance to take out the Z8 yet, if you're feeling better? Hope you're on the road to recovery.
@@hstein27 thank you! Yes, I have been out with the Z8 four times so far and made a video each time about it. Stay tuned, Z8 content will be here soon! :)
Hi Phil, if you need photo location suggestions for your visit to Spokane let me know.
@@StewartStiles thank you! I think we’re going to be mainly downtown around the waterfall and the convention center. Heather has a conference. She is attending there. But we might rent a car and try to find some wildlife. I’m not sure if July is the best month for wildlife.
@@PhilThach Manito Park near the greenhouse has a lot of annuals and wild flowers that attract a lot of bees (not aggressive) if you want to do macro. Otherwise drive south through the Palouse for landscapes and old barns.
Nice but didn't you buy a Z8?
Thank you! Yes, I did buy a Z8. This video was made before my heart attack and before I bought my Z8. I’m always a few videos ahead on the channel. I have one lens review video coming and then the Z8 content starts.
@@PhilThach ok great hope you are getting better 🙏, I also have the Z8 and I was kinda thinking maybe to sell it to purchase the R5II but I'm not sure anymore.
@@HotGatesThank you! I've been happy with the Z8 so far.
Cool stuff and i need a tshirt like yours.
@@forced_perspective thank you! Nikon sent 100 of them to Jared Polan. he took them down to Allen’s camera and you could order them from them. They may still have some left. I got mine the first day.
@@PhilThach cool deal. I'll check that out
Ist Phil Thach Photography your Facebook Account?
@@mariadombrow-rq2xv yes. I’m terrible at answering messages there so if you sent me one, I apologize in advance for the slow response.
@@PhilThach super 😃 dann schaue ich mir in den nächsten Tagen in Ruhe die Fotos an 😃