Nikon Z7 & Z6 Review by Ken Rockwell
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Nikon Z7 & Z6 Review by Ken Rockwell
Full Z7 Review www.kenrockwel...
Full Z6 Review www.kenrockwel...
Nikon v Canon v Sony www.kenrockwel...
I got mine at www.adorama.co...
or www.bhphotovid...
or amzn.to/2UoIavH
or www.crutchfiel...
Z7 & Z6 Real-World User's Guide www.kenrockwel...
SB400 flash www.kenrockwel...
When you click on the links above to various merchants and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ken Rockwell® is a registered trademark.
Thanks for coming over to UA-cam to share some solid sense and real life application for us, Ken! God knows the reviews we've been left with up til now on here have been terrible! Stupid intro music, people reading off specs and forming pointless opinions, big hair... #godhelpus
Thanks Joel, you’re awesome!
Yes, because you definitely should not listen to people with big hair! OK, you're obviously talking about Jared Polin, and yes, he does have a big ego. But that's the problem with photography. It's predominantly a male pass time, and so you can get the big egos and strong opinions.
"I've been shooting for 50 years so I know!" kind of attitudes. Judging by his website I think Mr Rockwell is just as opinionated as Jared. His website is loaded with comments like "You don't need this ..", or "Real photographers do X", implying that if you don't agree you're not a real photographer etc. etc. At least Jared does it with a sense of humour.
Many of the technical features of a camera have a subjective element, in that YOU have to make the decision whether a particular feature matters to you or not. The more experience you have, the easier it is to make that decision. And people can form strong opinions about technical features because a given feature either does, or doesn't, matter to them.
The world is less interesting without opinions, but if you want ego-less youtube videos on photography, watch Nick Carver or Steve O Nions, there are plenty others.
Probably not talking about Jared Polin right? haha
Cheers, Ken. A breath of fresh air. Can't tell you how much I've been helped over the year by your website, good to finally meet you in person, so to speak. Grateful for your long and in-depth experience as a full-time shooter and engineer. No bull here, and no genuflecting to the camera manufacturers.
runbei thank you!!!
Ditto. I’ve always liked your website and no nonsense reviews.
Have read your reviews for years. Great to see you on UA-cam with concise, abbreviated reviews.
Thanks!!!
Ken, I owe you an apology. On reflection, and considering your gracious and witty reply to a rather silly comment I made yesterday, I deleted it for shame.
I owe you much more than that. Many others do. For years your site has been among the top handful of GO-TO destinations when weighing gear purchases. You hold strong opinions - often highly controversial ones - but that is your style, and it's unique. Aside from purely subjective matters, your attention to detail is outstanding: scrupulously detailed assessments of gear, down to the exact materials used in their manufacture - and in particular, meticulously well-researched historical surveys of cameras and lenses, even down to the level of historical pricing. These are real and concrete achievements, and you should be congratulated for them unconditionally.
Warmest thanks for all you have done, and continue to do.
Thanks! My opinions are strong as I shoot every day and know what matters as a master of my art for many decades. Thanks!
1. AE doesn't lock anymore when shooting at max fps as of firmware 2.00.
2. Depending on your mode you can turn on Easy Exposure Compensation to control EC using the rear dial, if you don't like having to press the button. Alternatively, you can assign EC to the lens control ring.
3. Personally, I've never been confused which way the XQD card slots in, but even if you get confused it only fits in one way (the correct way) anyway. CFexpress (same form factor as XQD) is the future for high end cameras (the upcoming Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will use dual CFX), so might as well get used to it.
I can only shoot today with the firmware it's got. Can't go back and retake out pictures or redo videos every time Nikon tries to get the firmware to work over a year after the camera came out. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Agree, but the AE change was made about 6 months ago.
OMG Ken is on UA-cam! Subscribed!
Thank you!
Interesting to hear a very frank evaluation of the Nikon Z series. Thanks Ken. Good to see that you are still offering in depth reviews that are completely honest.
Thank you, Doctor.
Ken, your website is my go-to resource for information about Leica lenses for at least ten years. Now I'm going to explore the Nikon side of your site. Great to see you're expanding your channels.
Thanks!!!
Well I don't know...there's a lot of opinions in this review and that's the thing...others will not have the same needs/wants and therefore the opinions become irrelevant. All I know is I love my Z7 quite a bit more than the a7R III I sold to buy the Z7. It's making outstanding images for me (and very easily I might add) and is my most favorite camera so far (and I've had way too many mirrorless cameras lately).
Exactly, we all have different needs. Thanks!
Ken I've been going to your website and happily donating for quite some time, I've always enjoyed your experience and candor, though we do disagree on plenty. I've got the Z7 and although it has its flaws, it's a monster camera. The IQ is beyond amazing. Maybe most don't need a 46 MP sensor, but with the work I do the additional pixels are incredibly useful. Since I tether in studio, the card situation isn't a concern for me. I've been shooting digital for 15 years professionally and this is hands down the best camera I've ever owned, and I think I've owned every Nikon full-frame except the D5. The addition of IBIS is a game changer for Nikon, and handholding this is a dream come true. Thanks.
I total agree with all your comments, i absolutely love my Z7 , coming from the Canon 5D series, just waiting for more Z mount lenses so I don't need to use adapted Glass !
Agreed! Thanks!!!
Finally your reviews are coming to UA-cam! I have been reading your camera reviews on Kenrockwell.com for years. Thanks for all the sharing of gears review and great photos.
ThankS!!
Thank you for starting a UA-cam channel, Ken. I've greatly enjoyed your website over the last 10 years. Your reviews inspired me to purchase a D7000, and eventually a D610. Your advice is always honest and unbiased. Keep up the great work.
Thanks!!!
This is a proper review. Fast concise no annoying intro. Miracle!
I hate bogus wastes of time, too. I have things to go shoot - no time for talking fluff.
My problem with Canon Mirrorless is multifaceted. Crop and full frame do not use same mount. Nikon z50 far superior for me than Canon offering. But biggest deal is I don’t like their lens line up for R. Huge! Expensive! Monster lenses - no thank you. I want good smaller lenses that don’t weigh more than the camera body. They have one light lens that does not cost a ton, the 35 mm. Nikon’s lens map for the Z’s fits what I want. And I do not want to adapt lenses. Tried that with the Sony A7iii. The Z50 sold me on the z system. So I bought one and two days later a z7. So now I have a walk around small system the z50 and a detailed sensor camera for when needed all using same lenses. Thanks for the workshop. Enjoyed it even though it wore me out. Dave is super too. Sony ergonomics got me to sell Sony system and not colors. The grip on Sony full frame either the A7iii (which I owned) and the A7rIV which I looked at and tried out. They just don't fit my hands. Plus Sony body - lens combo too front heavy. Nikon Zs mostly do not have that issue. Well balanced and fits my hand very well.
Thanks for the thoughts!
Amazed by how well you’ve transitioned to UA-cam! Always been a fan of your thoroughly detailed reviews on your site. You’ll dominate this space.
As for the z7, too bad so many people find it to be a bit of a premature camera. Obviously the z mount is a bold move and makes more sense in 5 years from now. Ive got the d750 and looking to upgrade to mirrorless in 2020 since i do a lot of hiking, and size/weight matters. Doing a big antartica bucketlist trip at the end of this year, and i want to be updated before that. Future proving those images! Hopefully theyll bring out another full frame Z camera this year.
Thanks, as I've been saying, Z7 and Z6 are first tries and use "just good enough" technology with a lot of rough edges. Z50 much better camera.
I've been shooting with the Z6 for one year and haven't noticed any of your problems at all (and like you I shoot every day), a good camera with amazing high quality S lenses which gives you great pictures and videos. By the way a group eye-AF is not seriously meant, is it?
Everyone has different tastes, that's why there are so many different cameras. Thanks!
What's sad is how critical people are with dslr/mirrorless cameras these days. People forget that just a few decades ago, cameras had one, ONE focus point, dead centered and that's it. And here we are today with cameras that track eyes and faces and can focus edge to edge. By technical standards we're spoiled compared to 20 years ago. Yes Ken your iPhone can track faces better. Can it shoot the milky way and produce a clear image? No... apples to oranges.
Love my Z7. Have been shooting Olympus, Pentax as well as Canon since the late 1960’s. I agree with your assessment other than I think the XQD card is a big improvement. Also, although I love Canon, I think the video offered by these new Nikons is hard to beat. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks!
This is the best review I've seen of the Z6. It's heartening to see such a comprehensive unbiased review.
Thank you!!!
Lots of camera jocks on UA-cam, but I think you are far more experienced and knowledgeable than most. Thanks for the video.
Thank you!!!
Very happy to watch your video. I used your site for many years now, your advices were always decisive for me in choosing a lens or a camera vs another one. Had no idea till today who is behind that master website...so I’m very glad to meet you for the first time!
Thank YOU!!!!!!
Nice to see you on youtube. I think the camera is better than what you give it credit for. It's slick nice, and easy to use. The XQD, while more expensive, transfers video much quicker than a typical XD and I've yet to experience a problem with its reliability. The Z glass, although limited, is very nice, especially the kit 24-70 F4 kit lens. I was pleasantly surprised to find it on par with my 24-70 ED. Aside from a few quirks, I think it's the best camera Ive owned. Sure, anyone can nitpick but at the end of the day, I really like the Z6.
Y! Thanks!
This might be a dumb question, but how can you shoot handheld at 1/8 seconds? Do you have the hands of a surgeon?
Maybe; but with image stabilization it’s easy assuming you’re good with a firearm and know how to hold and squeeze slowly. Heck; I can shoot the Canon RF 24-240 at 240mm on my Canon EOS R5 at an eighth and works great. Another hint: set the camera for continuous fire and fire several shots so you can pick the sharpest later.
Thank you! I don’t have stabilization, but I’ll take your advice and try to be more careful slowly squeezing. It’s easy to keep in place with my 50mm lens but with the 200mm I struggle a bit more. I’ll try and experiment around + get more practice. Thanks!
Hi Ken, welcome to UA-cam. Nice video for photographers, but you didn't mention the video features of the camera or how Nikon has gone "all-in" on their video features while Canon is still leaving out things to protect their high-end video cameras.
I user my iPhone for video, looks better with way better VR/OIS and faster magic autofocus.
Ken Rockwell is now making UA-cam videos. What a time to be alive!
You are so kind, thank you!
Ken - you are fantastic - what can I say. Love your reviews. P.S. I got a Z50 and love that camera - then actually picked up a Z6 and put firmware 3 on there and really took my time with learning the AF system of the camera and I have no issues with that (learning curve like most things) - there are some secret sauce settings in the camera to get the most out of it! I actually sold my Sony A7 III I liked the Nikon so much. P.S. keep it up, you are one of the best.
Thank you!!!
please keep doing these UA-cam reviews coming, they are easy to watch and entertaining.
Thanks!
The Sony a7iii is amazing till you use it for a year, like I did, then pick up a z6. The a73 grip is terrible, the menus, the buttons, the port covers, weather sealing, the EVF, the touch screen, basically anything that involves usability. Then you pickup a Nikon z6, which is so close in specs its a wash, but you start to use it, and suddenly you start to enjoy using it. Sonys are all specs and zero design. The issue is, they can't and are not innovating to please the spec junkies (a9II and A74 as examples), so Nikon and Canon are slowly catching up. Plus there is no loyalty with Sony users, almost all of them love moving platforms, so they will go to whoever is top specs at the time. Talk to a Sony user, they will just talk specs, specs, specs, and some more specs, and zero on photography. I also agree about the colors, sure you can work with the Sony files in post, but like you said the Nikon and Canon straight out of camera images have perfect color. And in the end, it is a camera, how the images look matters, not just sharpness.
Agreed, Nikon is much better than Sony or Fuji for useability.
But maybe A7IV is better?
@@kapapa3764 Sony customer support is terrible, my first a73 had a bad usb-c port and it was a lot of work to get them to repair it.
@SwitchRich Judging by the A7RIV Sony is likely to address the ergonomics, screen, and evf in their next iteration, as a Z6 user i have to say i'm jelly of that open lens mount and lens choice at all price points. No camera is perfect like any product.
@SwitchRich Z mount may not survive? bwahaha, that's the biggest joke I've heard this year. Nikon didn't make a big fuss about the Z mount then to suddenly turn the horse around in mid stream. They are in too deep in the lens department especially when the 70-200 f2.8 and the 14-24mm f2.8 for the Zs come out. Nikon's best business plan forward is to develop both DSLR and Z-mount mirrorless camera, while over many years wean it's users slowly from DSLRs. As for the possibility of Sony getting out of the business, that's a remote possibility, since not long ago, they got themselves (and their ass) out of the computer laptop business. As for what Sony may buy, they sure ain't going to buy Canon. Canon is still #1 in overall interchangeable camera sale, and they are far advanced over Sony in the lens department. Canon would literally laugh at Sony to their face. Buying Nikon, maybe, assuming (and that's a big if) Nikon is willing to sell. No matter what, Nikon Z mount is here to stay - for good.
Why don't you start off screaming "WHAT'S UP/GOIN' ON?. Practically everyone else on UA-cam does.
Oh yes, that's right - you are ORIGINAL; have your own style; aren't a clone. Thank the Gods.
Whew! Thanks for noticing!
Thanks for the great video, but one small correction: the Sony A7r IV does support saving and loading your settings from an sd card.
I think the A9 II also does this now. It's about time.
Hi Ken. Thanks for your videos. Very well explained. I would like a recommendation o a mirrorless - full frame camera and lenses to set my new gear. I am a Nikon user but open to other systems looking for better quality image and performance. My first option was a Z6 with Sigma Art lens (24-70, f/2.8) as the similar Nikkor lens is too expensive. However, with the FTZ mount it will be larger and heavier. Please let me know what do you think it will be better for me. I am not a pro photographer, just interested in street and travel, best quality stills. Thank you !!
I would not buy Nikon Mirrorless. Nikon isn’t what they were in the 1980s, they no longer have the budget to do it right. I pressed the Canon system and only use camera brand lenses. Look at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm I would not use sigma; get used camera brand if money is tight. The Nikon FTZ doesn’t work well with many Nikon lenses, G-d only knows with sigma. I love the Canon 24-240 amd 24-105 STM lenses: reasonable or low price and fantastic performance.
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you for your advice. Will follow your recommendation. As for budget I can go for the EOS R. For lenses, which ones you recommend? I am interested in street & travel photography mostly. Thanks again !
But the main advantages are 1. The size and weight 2. Mirrorless compared to DSLR (I’m fed up of lugging bricks around) 3. The Z lenses are wonderful and quite well made and light to carry 4. The low light capability especially for video is excellent (Z6) 5. The video quality is fantastic especially married to the ibis 6. The ibis is great and quiet unlike the awful noise of most of the VR lenses7. Who honestly ever used the built in useless flashes?
It seems everyone wants to knock Nikon but using these regularly they are well built easy to use versatile and although I'm sure each camera manufacturer has their special functions, I'm sure from what I have seen and used that Nikon is as good a tool to enable a fairly competent photographer to get a good photo.
I bought my first mirrorless Olympus OM1 mk2 mainly on youtube reviews and found the camera to be superb and now all we hear is the same folk destroying them - amazing how being paid by sponsors determines how they are portrayed now! There isnt the ‘perfect camera’ yet so go and have a play with one first and make your own minds up!
Thanks!
the bottom battery cover is removable so you can put a battery grip on it.
Good point, thanks!
Hey ken, thanks for the review and I am about almost 1 year late to the party. I plan primarily to do studio portrait/product shoot and can't decide which to get Z6 or Z7. Money wont be much of an issue since I did save up. I Apologize if you get this question a ton. Thanks again!
Why not just get Canon? It’s better. The EOS R5 is today’s state of the art www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r5.htm The FTZ adapter doesn’t work well with half of nikons lenses, and Canon is a better system since ultimately you will wind up rebuying everything for Mirrorless. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
Ken Rockwell thank you for replying ken! I was a D90 user before and coming back from a long hiatus in photography. As much as I would love to consider going to canon but I already have couple of nikon af-s lenses. The biggest confusion I have is at the 24mp vs 45mp, I heard z6 is better at video but I don’t think I would be doing much video for my use. Long run which would be a better investment? But I’ll check out canon as you recommended as well.
Neither is a good investment; the Z7 and Z6 are both two years old and ready to be replaced. The R5 and R6 just came out and are so popular there’s a huge waiting list.
Hold on- try not to use DX lenses from a d90 on full frame. If that’s your plan, think again. Thanks!
Z7 and Z6 came out two years ago, time to set them out to pasture; NOT an investment. They were Nikon’s first attempts at mirrorless full frame. Canon R5 and R6 just came out and are so popular they are very hard to find. Thanks!
Well Ken its great to see you finally on youtube after years of your fun review site. One of the benefits of youtube for us, is of course the ability to provide feedback, so here's Jonny … ;)
Of course your views will always be personal, many folk will never agree with "no professionals use tripods" or "keep your camera glued to the full auto function" or "can't be a professional camera without a voice recorder" - LOL, etc...
I understand your choice of Canon for mirrorless and appreciate your thoughts. I have extensively used now Sony, Canon and Nikon's FF mirrorless. I have also briefly used Panasonic's S1, but its weight and cost/benefit ratio has ruled it out for my largely amateur shooting needs. Ergonomics and feel are personal. IMHO Canon's construction is a bit cheap and brittle, its ergonomics with the EOS-R are a disaster, and the RP feels and creaks cheaply. I do like the metal buttons (also bevelled, why pick on Nikon ?). Mostly the RP's sensor is terrible, not just 4 generations behind, but any lifting of the shadows look like soap, far better in APS-C Fuji for example. They also have a bizarre lens selection. Some super high end glass - no use for most people, and a cheaply made 35mm f1.8 with a front that rotates with focus - it does go with the RP though for cheap and nasty … No IBIS, single SD card, etc. So lets move swiftly on to the only two games in town, Sony and Nikon. Sony cameras, despite what others say, are very well made and have lovely ergonomics. The buttons are all in the right place (especially on the 3 and 4 series). All the menus are a matter of learning. Once you have learnt Sony its fine. Yes, Canon's colour coding is lovely, but this should not be a key decision point. Sony's are also the most compact and lightweight, and paired with the right lenses make lovely travel and street cameras. I always used to think of the RX1 as the "studio in my pocket". However, its Nikon which has really, finally, drawn me into AF FF mirrorless. The handling, quality, joins, plastic and metal used is superb. Its the only camera I actually feel like picking up all the time and holding. The ergonomics and button placement is almost perfect. The weight size is quality vs portability. The XQD cards are a great choice as they are more robust and faster then SD, and arguably you don't need a second card. Although now its on everyone's checklist I assume you will get them in the more professional Nikon series. Of course Canon doesn't have dual cards either and uses the cheap and contact exposed SD card. Difficult to insert them !! chuckle chuckle ….. Nikon's face recog has been behind the Sony curve, but now with firmware 3 is well on its way to being up there, with 3D tracking almost restored. The expeed 6 cpu in the Z series is as fast as anything else on the market, and will allow firmware to be perfected, no limitations of cropped 4k, for example. Lowlight AF has also been improved. Lastly the lenses. A almost perfect set of high quality f1.8/f2 primes is a travel and walk-about photographer's dream. Super sharp, lightweight and plenty of bokeh when you need it. Sure 1.2/1.4 is nice for a few exotics, and Nikon will have them in due course. Its 24-70mm f2.8 is currently the highest rated of all mid-range zooms. Yes the FTZ hasn't got motor, but since I have only AIS and AF-G lenses its not an issue. The Z7/6 are not perfect, but as respectively the 17th and 18th mirrorless from Nikon (remember the 1 series) they are very highly evolved. We can see from firmware updates that after an initial experiment on handling, Nikon is now going back to its well honed DSLR experience. Canon can't do that until the R5 is released, due to the slider and no joystick. The R5 will be very expensive and no use for amateurs, but finally a good match for its exotics lenses. From the pictures it doesn't look as nice to handle as the Z6, but lets see. In conclusion, for most photographers, Nikon's Z6/7 seems to be the handling and usage favourite, and, not to be sniffed at, is the best value "latest tech" FF at the moment. The Sony' lead time and vast lens collection will see it remain number one for sometime to come. And who knows, maybe a lightweight Panasonic and/or second hand affordable Leica SL2 will also be fun. Keep shooting ….
Thank you!!!
Common Ken SB-400? It is a tiny Speedlight with no settings at all good for amateurs scared of Speedlight settings (I was also) but not exactly a good choice for someone who is becoming a more professional shooter with Speedlight modifier.
Only setting I need is ON/OFF. More details are set in the cameras menu system. Thanks!
Cool to see you over on youtube!
Thanks!
Hey Ken, very nice thoughts about the Nikon mirrorless cameras! I have a dilemma...As a landscape and product STILLS X-T3 shooter (no video), I have been debating on selling my Fuji kit (reluctantly), and moving into FF, specifically either the Nikon Z7 or the Sony a7Riii (mainly for their lenses like the supposedly superb Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro! Since I shoot 99% tripod-mounted, neither IBIS nor video interests me. So, my question is, for large print output (around 24"x 36" prints), how much of an improvement in terms of image sharpness, detail rendition,dynamic range, base ISO performance, etc., would I see with either the Nikon or Sony systems over the already excellent X-T3? Thank you sir!
I way prefer the vivid colors of Nikon. Resolution has nothing to do with it and all 90mm macro lenses are ultra sharp, but colors are all very different. Fuji is my last pick for landscape (shot as jpg), Sony second last, with Nikon and Canon the best.
Nikon / Atomos failed to deliver the promised ProRes RAW - which was the ONLY reason to buy into the Filmmaker’s Kit in 2019 - we who bought into the Nikon “game changer” feel cheated... they haven’t even announced a future date which suggests that it will never happen (or at a cost significantly more than suggested by the sale of the Kit)
MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!
RIPOFF! Go Canon!
Only looking at video... quit stills when they stopped selling film (at the local drugstore) Just wish I could go back and buy into the Sony System (at this level) but I am even rent a larger camera system that can produce ProResRAW
Just waiting to get my Z6 Upgraded... then I will gladly EAT my words with Humble Pie and Grateful Topping!
Ken, I've been reading your site for years. It's really a joy to now see your videos! And hear your voice finally! I feel that your original written review was not as tough on the Z series. Did it come with time and usage? Or did your affection wane after the Canon R series dropped? All best and look forward to more videos!
I grew to dislike the Z76 more over time. I usually get over it, but the Z76 still pisses me off. Z50 is marvelous.
I’ve been using the 58mm Noct f1.2 on my Nikon df and wondering if focusing would be easier on the Z6? Currently, I use live view, select the focus area then switch to maximum magnification to focus. This is slow and cumbersome, but is the only way to nail focus. The in camera image stabilization of the Z6 should hold the magnified image steady as I focus. And I assume I could do this through the viewfinder as well as rear LCD. The question is how easy is it to switch back and forth between magnified image and full image? The Noct has an image personality I’ve not seen with any other Nikon lens.
One touch to magnify the image touted already seeing in Z cameras. MUCH easier than looking back down at the read screen of a DSLR after you’re gotten it into live view.
Ken Rockwell Thanks. BTW I replaced the view screen on the df with a split image screen. This was not as difficult as one would image, but not worth the time and expense. This was no more accurate than the focus indicator lights of the camera when using the Noct. I suppose neither focus aid can see the full aperture of the Noct.
Am I right in thinking there isn't a bracketing button? I see you can set it up in 'menu' but I like being able to set it on the outside of the camera.
I have all this documented at my website at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7-users-guide.htm#bracket
Thanks Ken! Do you think you can do a review of the Canon EOS RP? I am looking to get into the mirrorless sphere but I do know whether I should get the Nikon Z50 or anything else?
Here’s my Canon EOS RP review www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm thanks!
The camera body is magnesium alloy and it’s built like a tank. How do you pick the right face in a group? Lol. Mostly good info. BTW one of the most loved nikons, the D700, is single slot. Film is single slot. Not a Disqualifier for pro level.
The right face is the closest face, usually. Hope they fix this in firmware; it's only been a year and a half. Every other camera, especially iPhone and Sony, get this right. Makes it darn near uselsss for group shots. Thanks!
Wow, what blazing fast and informative review. No fluff and dopey non-helpful fill stuff. I bought the Z50 instead of Z6 because of this review. Love it, no regrets. You saved me $900 ! !
Yes! Z50 is much newer and better than the full frame Nikons. Happy New Year and thanks!
Wonderful review, Ken.Many thanks for a "pump-the-breaks" alert. I currently shot the D700( incomparable colors ) and the D750 with no problem. I knew that this new effort by Nikon would experience growing pains.
Check out the z50. I like it better! www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm
Excellent review Ken, fast moving and detailed. Would you consider doing a Sony A73 / A7r3 and a Canon ML review video? Very useful for those of us looking to jump into mirrorless and enjoy your concise presentations.
Only been bothering with UA-cam videos since this summer, so will be adding everything on video as I review it in print.
I have been hearing people raving about mirrorless and "its the future"! Serious question? I have the D850. LOVE it. I shoot Portraiture and Weddings. Is the Z6 or Z7 work the additional investment at this time. I have a ton of like left in my D850 as is just now a year old?
NO, forget the Z series. They’re pokey and slow to respond. DSLRs just shoot, while Mirrorless makes you play 20 questions in menus. Thanks!
Greetings from Calcutta, India.
I have Nikon D850 along with Nikkor 50, 28 - 300, 200 - 500, and Tamron 15 - 30 lenses.
If I get you right then none of these FX lenses' auto focus will work with Z series cameras with the FTZ adaptor on. Am I right?
Most should work. See www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm
@@KenRockwellTV Thank you very much.
Hi. How do I removed the leveler? Basically, it looks like a compass in the center of the LCD.
Press the rear DISP button until you have the display you want. Thanks!
Thanks
As someone who loves his vintage manual focus and AF/AF-D glass (thanks to kenrockwell.com!), I can't see myself moving to a Z-mount camera until Nikon (or someone else) releases a proper adapter that actually couples the lens settings to the camera. I won't give up that functionality.
I'm waiting for there Chinese to pull it off. I have a Chinese company sending me something better: an adapter to use all my 30+ years of Canon EF lenses with full data and autofocus on Nikon Z! INSANE!!! Thanks!
If I was buying into mirrorless I would buy the Fuji. There is a pretty big difference in resolution between the Z6 & Z7 . The Z7 has the D850 sensor
Dennis W it’s not about resolution; it’s about How the pictures look. Fuji is for people, but dull for everything else - unless you prefer a quieter look. It’s all art, gotta shoot what looks better to you. Resolution doesn’t matter www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm
Great content Ken, as you have been using us to. Definitely wont switch from d750 to a Z yet. Since you seem to value the EOS R, will you be doing a similar video review of it soon? First time in 11 years i consider switching brand, from nikon.....
Next time i get the chance. Thanks!
Tq sir for the great content over the years !!
Leon V Thank YOU!
by charging through usb-c frequently the rubber cover could break pretty quick. i used to transfer pictures from camera using the usb cable and the rubber stretched out and wont stay shut anymore - that was on old nikon d50.
Thanks!
I'm a new photographer, could you or anyone in these comments explain to me in laymens terms what is the benefit of exposure compensation? Does it only affect the meter and how it displays your exposure? Or does it actually change or improve the performance in a given situation?
Hi Anthony, Easy! All it does is let you make your pictures darker or lighter. You usually won’t have to use this, but if a picture is too dark or too light this is how you fix it. Your setting only affects the next pictures you take, not the ones you’ve already taken. Thanks for asking!
@@KenRockwellTV ahhh that makes sense, kinda Whatcom thought but never had it really broken down, thank you so much for the response and the info! Awesome video!💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Great review. Thanks Ken.
THANKS!!!
Only problem I have for moving from my Nikon D750 to the R is the dynamic range of the sensor is not as good.
Mark Shirley see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/dynamic-range.htm
Thank you for your review. I like the Z6, but they cut some corners using cheap plastic. The reason I chose the Z6 over the Canon RP was the price and the heft of the available Canon lenses. The absence of in body stabilisation in the Canon RP was another reason I chose the Nikon Z6.
Thanks! Also this may have helped www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
Would the FTZ adapter work with the 300mm f2.8 D AFS 2 ?
Should work GREAT, but I haven't tried yet. Thanks!
Do the Tamron G1 or G2 Lenses work on the FTZ adapter?
You’d have to try it. It should work, but you never know for sure until you try for yourself with 3rd party lenses.
Good work sir.
Thanks!!!!
THANK YOU! I was going to buy a Z6 after watching hours of videos. And thanks to you I avoided a big mistake! Almost all my lenses will not focus with it!
Nobody mention this! I am gonna get another d750 I guess...
D750 is an awesome camera and an awesome deal - and works so much faster at everything than anything Z. Thanks!
What a difference 4 years has made -- The lens lineup back then was a bit lacking so I can understand the disappointment, but the "jump to Canon" assertion just hasn't aged well. Also most "modern" AF lenses (G,E) will work perfectly on the FTZ adapter, you failed make the distinction that only older D Series lenses that won't have AF. A good reason not to chuck your older Nikon DSLR.
Nikon DSLRs are swell, but I'm still disappointed in Nikon Z so I went Canon instead. Both my Z8s have amazingly bad AF, especially when I shoot Canon as well it's pretty obvious kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z8.htm#af Thanks!
Thanks Ken
Thank you!
Are you planning on reviewing the eos r and Rp
Done: www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm
Seems like these new-gen camera's are over-saturated and over-sharpened for making prints.. I guess not that many people make prints anymore though. I am happy with my old D700, it works fine and will be shooting when these Z's are sold on ebay for parts.
I set my saturation and sharpening like that on purpose because I like it. You can set to normal if you prefer. Thanks!
U1 to 3 must be saved by going to menu settings and user settings...
Yes, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7-users-guide.htm#u123
About the time that this video came out I bought a brand new D750 for a lot less money than a Z6 and I don't think that I made a mistake.
Exactly what I’d do. D750 is a winner; Z6 and Z7 were Nikons first try with a lot of loose edges. D750 today is the deal of the decade! Thanks!
Been using d750 for almost 3-4yrs and I used to love it until z series came in the market... When it comes to videos and focus thingy z6 or z7 are the real winners and unbeatable...videos really sucks by d750
Like see you on the you tube;) please tell, autofocus for sport actions is not good by z7?)
Only some of the Sonys have AF I’d call good for sports. The A9 and A9 II are awesome, but nothing from Nikon yet
For what it's worth the A9II has a voice recorder.
Finally! Haven’t tried it yet, needs to be a dedicated REC button we can use without looking; we’ll see. Thanks!
My Z7 ftz + 105 1.4E Works perfectly with eye and animal AF
Excellent! Thanks!
Thank you for the review!
Canon Eos RP would be my choice too of the lenses weren' t that crazy expensive.
Then consider the awesome canon EF lenses and the adapter ring: all fully compatible unlike other brands.
@@KenRockwellTV thanks! I will look at them!
THANK YOU!
Go Ken, welcome to UA-cam.
Thanks@!
Any chance you test the Sony 100-400mm with the Techart pro adaptor on the Z6.
In fairness to Nikon Customer Service, you need to remember that you know a lot more than a typical Customer Service representative. That's not a job that folks with 40 years of Nikon experience would have. Your questions are likely to be pretty difficult for less and an engineer, and those guys don't work the phones advising people to insert the battery the correct way around..
Nope. I Call (800) OK-Canon today and whoever picks up the phone always knows the answer. 30 years ago Nikon had good customer service, guys like Dave Sears would pick up and know everything. Not anymore at Nikon. So sad. Thanks!
That this Nikokn Z camera is a piece of garbage strikes me as ironic. The company started developing its reputation in the 50's and 60's and mostly was the best camera except when Cannon occasionally surpassed them. They would catch up and surpass Cannon in most instances. It appears that in the case of mirrorless, the company has decided to destroy their own image in a quick year or two. I don't have the best prosumer Nikon; just a D750. I was first blown away by Nikon digitals when I got the D700. I still have it. It still works; it still makes absolutely amazing pictures. I then bought the D800. Really good camera. I did not get the 810. I waited around, not too long and sure enough an easier to use camera showed up: the D750. So good was it that a club came out dedicated to it. Alas after some uprates to present series and numbered cameras, Nikon came out with one of its best cameras ever the D850. Every time I think about getting a D850, I don't have it yet so reach for my D750 and then go out and get the best macro shots I've ever seen and start to wonder why I need to upgrade to the D850. I guess if I was driving a Careera and it could do anything that I could do as a driver, I'd ask myself why don't I buy an S or a GTS or even an RS or one of its GT3 variants or a slightly older Turbo S. But then I already said that the basic Carrera could already drive circles around my own abilities. I've kind of enjoyed using my Carrera. No contempt for the car. I've kind of enjoyed shooting some sort of a Fuji with 23 mm fixed lens. I've enjoyed the heck out of my D700 and my micro or should I say macro work with the D750 keeps blowing me away with its images. I love the way I can focus with the rear focusing screen. Yes, that darn mirror does go up and down. And I suppose Nikon will soon stop supporting the science of improving the mirror, now that new technology essentially obviates the mirrors in cameras (not to mention the cell phone obviating cameras altogether.) I mean people don't even care if they call a professional any more. A cluster of people with cll phones shoot everything in site and then share on social media and they are just as happy as pigs in some temperate mud. AF
Such is the constant change that is life. It’s not 1978 anymore.
Those Nikon lenses look so cheaply made and finished. Nikon on last legs ? Don't think so but look at what Canon is doing with its new RF glass. PS , Nikon owner since 77.
I agree! The skin on my z7 is peeling off. I've only had it for a year.
Michael Whiles everything is going crappy plastic, and Nikon offshores it to the lowest bidding country. That why I went to Canon in 2012.
@@ChopperChad Only Japan, unless they uprun to Germany, Switzerland, USA or similar.
ALL I heard in this video was you complaining about this Nikon camera and how much better your CANON camera was. Sad, I will not watch any of your future reviews of any camera gear because it WILL be biased.
Great review Ken calling the Z system how it is with no fluffy nonsense .
I won't be getting rid of my D4S , D7500 and my legacy F mount collection for this first generation tech its just not good enough and you nailed it , they are charging pro money for amateur hardware.
Its way over priced for what it is and the few Nikon S slow lenses are just way too expensive to buy into this system .
Maybe gen II or Gen III in a few more years might be when Nikon get the tech to be desirable. For people who have large collections of F mount legacy glass along with new F mount lens collections to add or switch into Z and S is going to be difficult for Nikon unless there's usable advantage.
Would be curious what you think of the funny limited battery grip with no vertical controls that's available now a year after the Z announcements. In my view its disaster ,it seems only beneficial if you shoot video . What was Nikon thinking ?
THanks! I never use grips, but some people won't leave home without them. Takes all kinds.
1:96 yes color . thats the reason i sold my sony a7. I do not understand why people give their cameras good rating, Color makes pictures real firstly other things come later .
Correct! Most people who buy (or hand out opinions on) cameras aren’t exactly experts.
@@KenRockwellTV I want buy Nikon Z6 Body with Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S lens. Lens is more expenisve than the camera and some people says you can get the %100 percent benefits from that lens if you buy use it with Nikon Z7. DO you think it is overkill and kit 24-70 is good enough ? Thanks
The f4 and F2.8 lenses are each as sharp as each other. I’ve tested both, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/index.htm and specifically www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/24-70mm-f28.htm#compared thanks!
"Small difference in resolution, which ultimately no one really needs.." Really?
Surely there's a reason people still shoot Medium Format and 4 by 5 (or even 8 by 10) film which (when scanned properly) have huge resolutions (>120 MP and much more) .. and that's the ability to make gargantuan prints that retain immense detail. I think you even show an example of this with a medium format film scan on your website, so are you not slightly contradicting yourself?
And some people (like me) do want to do that. Anyone reading this who's interested you should watch Nick Carver's youtube channel, he shoots 6 by 17 film and has made insanely big prints. So some people do need much higher resolutions than 36/45MP options provided by Full Frame digital cameras.
Blown up to 100% a 5000dpi scan (a 157MP file) of 6 by 7 film will give you a 3 foot by 4 foot 300dpi print. Blow up a 36MP file to the same size and it is easy to see it doesn't have the same level of detail.
Whilst the difference between 36MP and 45MP might be less important for smaller scale Full Frame photography, if the lens can handle it, the few extra mega pixels may give you more cropping options without losing too much detail, especially with sports/wildlife telephoto photography.
When you refer to the Sony... "I can't get the vivid colours right out of the camera.." presumably you just mean the camera JPG? Surely if you shoot RAW that's an easily surmountable problem.
See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pixel-dumping.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm All a marketing scam to take your money - but don't let me stop you. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV I don't think you read my comment properly (not that you have an obligation too!). Your articles, that you provide a link to, do not invalidate the points I was making.
Firstly.. some people indeed DO want to make prints that are many feet in dimension. Watch Nick Carver's channel.. he has made very large murals from his 6by17 negatives. I wish to do similar with my 4by5 camera.
Secondly (and I am a mathematical physicist) bi-cubic interpolation (I'm assuming you're talking about finite element shape functions) for "up scaling" will NOT generally recreate detail absent in a lower resolution source, although it will obviously depend on the scene. Up-scaling interpolation will work for simple low detail scenes, but not for scenes potentially containing much higher detail, where that detail could be captured by a larger image plane medium (like large format film). I have written de-composition and reconstruction algorithms (including with interpolation) for image analysis, and I can easily prove the points I make.
I don't see how buying the Intrepid 4by5 Mk4 inch film camera in order to get 500MP+ scans for huge prints with immense detail means I'm falling for a "marketing scam". Intrepid are not marketing their cameras as having 500MP+ capability (post scan), even though they do.
The marketing you speak of only relates to digital cameras. As I said, whilst there may be marginal benefit going from 36MP to 45MP on a Full Frame digital camera, you cannot seriously say the same when going from ~45MP to many hundreds of MP as offered by Large Format photography.
Great! Loved the concise and engaging manner of this review, well done. I've been looking for a while since Samsung dropped the NX1 (shame), and it's clear that no one has a really great mirrorless setup. Everyone seems to be playing catchup to Sony. I also have an old Canon film camera which is pushing me down that route, but the pictures, particularly in other comparison reviews really do show the Nikon pictures as the best. Ergonomics is a big deal, but the EOS R is flawed in too many other ways. A lots of the issues mentioned with Z series should be an easy fix in firmware, but these cameras have been out for a while and it should have matured by now. All the major players seem to have software/firmware issues. Don't these people in the R&D departments use mobile phones?
Thanks!
Good to see you youtubing
Thanks, Darrell
This is a lot better than unboxings.
Of course! Unboxings come first, then the good stuff.
If were Nikon I would make a Nikon mobile phone with a lens mount. Capable with much more than just taking photos, mobile phones imaging quality keep improving year after year. It's a death kneel to camera bodies that takes only photos. Lens manufacturing, on the other hand, can be salvaged if mobile phones have lens mount.
Thanks!
Notice how every video of a Nikon product ends in a plug for Canon
I know; I love Canon. I get away with saying it like it is because I get nada from anyone; all independent. Thanks!
Why so many dislikes?
Because those are things that bug me. I much prefer the Canon EOS RP to either the Z6 or Z7 (www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm), but that's just over 50 years of experience speaking. We're all different. Thanks!
Hi Ken,
thanks for the review. Your website is one of my favorite review page.
Keep also going on here on UA-cam!
I am in compliance with all of your statements. I had the Z7 and the D850 in Hand
and use it. My personal disappointment of the Z7 were the operating elements and the general
feeling.
So the final choice was the D850.....
Nevertheless the Z7 is a great tool......but there are some points important for me, which the Z7
didn’t offer but the D850.
Thanks!
📝
Thanks Ace!
Excellent review. FYI I prefer these to the “unboxing” (if you care for the opinion).
I do, too. Unboxing is pathetic; it’s just the first thing I do and add it into the rest of my formal review.
What I like Z6/Z7 working with FTZ adapter even with very first non-Ais lenses in Aperture control mode.Of course aperture need to be set manually ,but metering, auto ISO & shutter automatic working fine.Tested with Nipon Kogaku 28 3.5 & Nikon Nikkor 50 2.0 old Nikon lenses. Also I adapted Leica Summitar 50 2.0 lens to Z6,and got incredible photos & videos with this combo. Here is sample link to such video: ua-cam.com/video/Jdj0NhblQk4/v-deo.html
Thanks!
If I wanna shoot “pictures” (“stilly” things that people are no longer interested in) I’ll use my D7100 with my legacy Nikkor lenses... works just fine!
Good for you.
Yes it will! Cameras don't take pictures, photographers do.
I love the Z6 because I have no money to bauy the Z7 II. ah ah ah
Works for me! They’re the same camera anyway.
The Future? Nikon most $22 million this year... like all “camera” makers but the worst of the majors... so the “Mirrorless Hail Mary” for Digital Video may have been the APS of the decade as my iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers where this Z system failed me..
Huh?
Thanks!
You are an institution regarding camera reviews!
You’re the best. Thanks!
Watch Rockwell and Polin destroy Nikon in 2 short years with their lousy opinions...
Hey Sergei, Nikon is losing it. Just look with an open eye. They laid off lots of folks a few years ago and focused their resources into medical. It’s not 1979 anymore. Nikon is way behind - and not likely to catch up. Thanks!
👍
Thanks!
Para ti todas as máquinas são boas, o problema está no fotógrafo. Grande cromo. lol
¡Si!
@@KenRockwellTV Não aprendo nada contigo! Lol
@@KenRockwellTV Grande nabo