Tired of waiting for a Z9, so I bought one around 2020 Xmas to let me use my Canon 85 f/1.2 on a Nikon body. Do I like it? Not really, especially the body (with or w/o grip) ergonomic, when compare with my D3. Just like comparing a D300/D700 vs. D3. Also IMO, Nikon needs to simplify the AF selection.
Ray nice to see someone that looks and thinks like me with a UA-cam channel. Your review was well thought out. My photography after retirement leans more to wildlife and landscape. This rig is perfect for my purposes. You have a wonderful grasp of the form and functions of the Z6. In closing nice job your video was incredibly well done.
Thank you very much. I have always been a generalist, but these days I'm also tending more towards landscape -- urban and wild -- which is where I started out.
I just purchased the Z6 to compliment my D5 and D750. One of my favorite lenses is the Nikon 58mm 1.4G, an extremely finicky lens that would consistently miss focus on my D750, despite the energy spent fine-tuning. I rented the Z6 to see if it offered an improvement and was blown away with the accuracy. Then I decided to hold off and wait for its successor, then the successor dropped and realized that despite what improvements the new iteration offered, it would never replace my D5 for action and that the Z6 was perfectly fine for general photography. I love the camera. I'll still keep the D750 as I prefer the rangefinder experience for manual focus glass vs. the Z's focus peaking.
Same exact thing with the 58mm and Z6. The 58mm and super fine tuning needed was the thing that made the jump to Z6 worth it. Great results and it almost never leaves the camera.
That’s quite an adventure you’ve had with the Z6. I haven’t been able to get a Z6, but certainly would purchase one. Was good to see Nikon released firmware updates for it too. It wold be nice if Nikon kept making the cheaper Z6 for the consumer market, and made the more expensive Z6 Ii for the professional consumer.
After I posted the comment, I saw that Nikon has just releasing some new firmware for all of its Z cameras, including the Z6. The Ver. 1.20 for the Z6 II and Z7 Ii, especially, increased AF and lowlight performance, better face and eye detection when using a speedlight, and AF subject tracking has been greatly improved.
Yes, sounds like we will get firmware update for the Z6 ... so don't believe all my predictions 😀 I don't think there's enough differences between the Z6 and Z6II to differentiate between pro and consumer. Both are well-deserving of the "prosumer" label ... which admittedly is a bit of an imprecise term. Nonetheless, I think we have to leave room for, let's say, a Z8. If that ever materializes, it will fill the space now occupied by the D850 DSLR. The Z9 will, of course, be the flagship equivalent of the D6.
fantastic video review Raymond. I've now owned a Z6 for about 3-4 months. I bought is specifically for video and it has not disappointed. It sounds like my decision to buy the camera was based on some of the same biases that you demonstrated. I've not been disappointed. Thank you for sharing this. It's unfortunate that this camera did not get the good press it deserved.
Thank you. Absolutely. I don't think it's a stretch to suspect an actual conspiracy beyond the usual tribal warfare that had dumped on the Z system. As I say, there may be minor advantages in limited features of other cameras. But there is no rationalization for the wholesale attempts to discredit Nikon's mirrorless product -- they are superb. Is there room to improve? Of course! There isn't a camera that can't be improved; that's why manufacturers release new cameras. It's why there's ZIIs, only 2 years after the first iterations. I was just thinking yesterday that what the whining on, say, Facebook doesn't account for is all the happy users, like you and I, getting on with enjoying and working with their Z cameras and lenses.
My first Z6 re-ignated my passion for photography. I've been shooting Nikons for just over 50 years. Started in my teens with an F2 film camera. That first Z6 convinced me to go Z all the way. So gone are my DSLR cameras and F lens collection. I first purchased some prime lenses (20mm, 50mm, 50mm m/c 2.8, 85mm, 24-70 4/, 70 to 200 2.8.....) and we'll see what happens next. Thanks for posting your video.
You have a decade on me. Bought my first Nikon in 1981 (though I had access to a Nikkormat before that). I had no reservations with the first generation Zs either. Firmware 3.0 was a great update and now this surprise 3.40 makes them even better! ua-cam.com/video/u8LymIjAhj4/v-deo.html
I'm very happy with my Z6 ii and have taken a variety of images with it since I upgraded from the Z50. Very little complaint. I have an adapter and it works perfectly. No regrets shifting to the mirrorless format. I seldom use my DSLR now.
Pretty common reaction to shifting to mirrorless. Really, I haven't used my DSLRs much in the last 5 years. Though Nikon was a little bit late to the party, I think they've committed to becoming a leader..
Thank you Raymond for another very informative Video >> I need to upgrade my Z7 to the Z6II as I am really enjoying the new Genre I have discovered..MilkyWay and I need the better Noise handling of the Z6 Mods plus the Long Exposure of the II Mods
Very welcome. Yes, one of the reasons I chose the Z6 over the Z7, in addition to cost ... not that I woulddn't enjoy the 7, I'm sure. The long-exposure expansion of the ZIIs is an excellent development.
Thanks so much for this review, excellent content and tone of voice. I have had my D330 for a long time and i have been stuck between Z50, Z5 and Z6. I am thinking of saving and going for the Z6 now.
Cheers, Andrew! I think you'd be happy with the Z6. Any thought on the Z lenses? I have this ua-cam.com/video/YFwrDcefsvo/v-deo.html and several more on Z S lenses. Also, F-mounts work well with FTZ adapter.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thanks for that. I am thinking of the 24-200mm Z lens. I feel from what I have read, it is a pretty good all rounder and will suit my every day photography, landscape etc. It will keep me going until I can save for something like the 14-30 lens.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I have actually changed my mind, i am thinking of the Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm lens and then the 70-300 f/4 with mount i think. I think that would cover all bases in budget as ithe 24-70 would be the main lens
I’m really interested to get the Z6 II and a few lenses, but right now it would be too costly. I have a D810 which is still a great camera, so it’s tough. I would gain a lot by a switch and also lose some. So I will wait and see what else Nikon comes out with.
Of course, the decision is yours, but I can tell you that, these days, my D800 is a lonely camera (but for using it as an overhead camera for this video). The Z6 has so many advantages. As I say at the end of this video, the Z6 is real bargain at the moment.
A few weeks later and my relationship with the Z6ii is slightly improved, however still problematic. So far, its biggest operational problems are in the viewfinder system. There is insufficient eye relief for comfortable viewing by those who wear eyeglasses. The "look-through" VF is essential for successful video recording, especially operating. This viewfinder should be articulated. Blackmagic's new camera solves this by offering a tilt up capability - something my twenty year old Sony camcorder can do, even if it can't shoot HD. This simple function goes a long way towards operator comfort and performance. "A comfortable operator is a good operator". In all fairness, this is lacking in the rest of the mirrorless cameras, too. I (and another Z6 owner) experience difficulties with the auto-switching system between viewfinder and rear LCD panel. These may be related to dust and/or water drops on the proximity sensor. I cleaned it once and the issue disappeared. Inexplicably, they sometimes return even with clear skies. I'm sometimes stuck with manually cycling the VF system until it is usable. The lack of easy, obvious indication of rolling/not rolling video remains problematic, although the bright green LCD indicating card activity is helpful. IF you remember to check it. I still experience rolling/not rolling errors while shooting quickly. Surely others have made this error, too. Similarly lacking is audio focus confirmation in video mode. Stills mode performs this feat, why not video? Last, but not least, eight bit video sucks. Disclaimer: this is my first video-capable HD camera. My two D800 cameras don't even qualify. Under perfect conditions, eight bit video is adequate, as your controlled-conditions shoots prove. In the high contrast wilds of nature, however, it's too contrasty. For this reason alone, I'm regretting not laying out a few grand more for the Sony. I wouldn't have access to the 24-200, though. It's an excellent tool, even if MF is damn near impossible with the Z6ii. If they take away MF capability, they should at least provide reliable, predictable easy to understand AF. But no. Best wishes in the OR. My recent experiences with the Canadian Medical System have been positive and successful. Don't ya just love getting olde? ")
I’m coming from a D7100 and am torn between all the Z cameras (Z5, Z6, Z6II) for a while I was just going to get the Z6, but didn’t really want a single card slot (weddings/concerts), the Z5 was alluring because it’s $1K CDN cheaper and two card slots, but the video and FPS is dramatically different…I’m leaning towards the Z6II because I want a hybrid camera mainly for photo but with the ability to switch to good quality video too, that price tag is a bit of pill to swallow though. Great video! 😎👍🏻
Hi Jason, thanks for the comment. How do you mean, the video is dramatically different (besides the cropped 60fps -- internal only)? If I were to upgrade one of my Z6s, it would be for the improved focussing/tracking (not that I have any major complaint in that department). The addition of eye detect to the wide area AF mode is a bonus, but I don't see myself using HLG. Now, for stills, the 900 second long-exposure setting would be great to have. Of course, when I need improvements to video output and video tools, I reach for the Atomos Ninja V. ua-cam.com/video/igB8eiePyvU/v-deo.html
@@RaymondParkerPhoto The "dramatically different" I was referring too was between the Z6's and the Z5 in fps for stills (12 vs 4.5), sorry I typed that wrong, lol. I'm currently leaning towards the Z6II but the price tag is a lot of loonies.
Thank you ! Excellent video. Do you use a tele lens with your Z6 ? I’m using a sigma 200-600 and the Nikon 70-300 AF-P, the latter producing very good results and better than the Sigma so far. I shoot hybrid nature, a lot of bird shots
Have just subscribed to your excellent and thoughtful channel. I'm currently a Nikon DSLR hold-out, but I'm starting to find your pro Z6 arguments uncomfortably persuasive. Maybe it's time I bought a used Mk1. 😀
Welcome aboard! The Z6 is still a fine camera. I've considered selling one of mine to help finance a Z6II ... but all said and done, I have no complaints (other than the one glitch I mentioned).
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Well I'm an amateur portrait shooter who currently shoots a D3X with studio strobes, and a plain old 12MP D3 with natural light, so what 'The Fro' considers fatal shortcomings with the Z6 probably aren't going to worry me LOL.
Hi Ray. Your comments go a long way towards mitigating some of the "recent purchase angst" I feel regarding my week-old Z6ii. Thanks for that. Until my video edit computer recovers from graphics card failure, I can't do much video editing, but still image processing is still do-able. I agree about Nikon's "colour science", whatever that is. Nikon colour and the S lenses are good partners. I'm liking the Z6ii as a still camera. I agree. It's as good or better than my (RIP) D800s. My video acceptance trials will have to wait. Your headshot video certainly looks excellent. To convert from "flat" profile to what we see, do you use a LUT? Or do you hand process each shot? Funny story: Yesterday as a favour for a friend, I did my first-ever real estate shoot. I took the new Nikon, but as expected, I quickly discovered that the 24-200 was not up to the job. I showed my "client" the same wide shot of the living room, first with the 24 on the Z6ii and then with the wide camera on my Samsung S20. His response was "Wow!. Why'd you spend all that money on the Nikon?" : ) I shot the entire gig on my phone. : ) Your animated tracking callouts on the video rig were superb.
Don't worry; be happy. You have an extraordinary camera. Enjoy. Work. Play. I forgot to add the clip from my iPhone for that early comparison. But I can assure you it doesn't stack up, to a critical eye. I don't use a LUT with the Flat profile; just the smallest of tweaks in Final Cut, including exposure corrections (if needed) and, sometimes, a tiny bit of saturation boost. I'm happy with the 14-30 f/4 for wide shots (seen in some of my videos). Of course, the 14-24 2.8 has been released recently. Thanks for noticing the rig shot. It took me a day or so to create, so couldn't resist giving it a reprise in a more prominent spot.
Not sure what you used before your Z6II, but, what did you think of the shots? The S20 is no slouch, but, I have yet to see a cell phone hold up to anything that requires any kind of zoom, crop or dynamic range post processing. I am watching the Zii's very close, and right now, I would choose the 24-200 as my first lense based on other reviews.
@@tc6912 Me: three decades as a freelance film and video cameraman based in Vancouver. Now retired. Nearly 20 years a Nikon digital cam user. The S20 is remarkable. Pixel-peeping will of course reveal the limitations of phone cameras, but it continues to exceed expectations. Hand-held astrophotography? Really? Yup. The 24-200 is also remarkable if you don't mind the 6.3 stop @200mm. It's tiny, lightweight, and sharp. Every bit as sharp as my F-mount 70-200 f4, but with better colour rendition and micro-contrast. My next glass purchase will probably be the 20mm 1.8.
Thanks Ray, another useful and well considered video. I am still undecided on getting a Z6ii because I use video a lot and I can't seem to find a satisfactory way of being able to zoom whilst filming. That's why currently I use a D750 for stills and a Canon XA11 for my video work. I can see how the new mirrorless will give me the edge on stills but in a perfect world (does one exist?!) I want a camera to do both. I'm not impressed with the image quality on the video but I do like the zoom. Any thoughts gratefully received!
Cheers, Tim. I'm not sure I understand. I zoom all the time with the Z6. See my Z-mount lens demo for example (with 14-30): ua-cam.com/video/YFwrDcefsvo/v-deo.html I also "zoom" in post production (there's examples in this video), either with Ken Burns effect or quick jumps by reframing -- using 4k on 1080 timeline. I covered this technique in my video on the 8K developments. I don't know what I can say more that I didn't say in the video regarding the quality of the video. To my eye it's excellent.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thank you Ray. You confused me at first with your link to your GoPro unboxing and trial, but I found the lens video easy enough! You do demonstrate zooming in your video and it looks really good, which is helpful. I'll check out the 8k developments video you mention too - I didn't realise that was that much latitude in post. I guess you zoom manually by rotating the lens barrel with your fingers. In your short test it seems fine. Just wondering what it would be like on, say, your 70-200 across the full range? This is where the XA11 scores with its motorised zooming, which is satisfyingly smooth (but quality wise less so).
Sorry, I hadn't had my coffee and the two videos are side-by-side in my content. Yes, I simply zoom manually. It takes practice and a few takes ... just like manual panning with a cheap fluid head. I'd probably not zoom from 70-200. In fact, I rarely use quick zooms as an effect. Just not my thing, as they say. In post, you can (and I do) create nice, slow zooms with Ken Burns, adjust ease in and out and all kinds of other movements if you have the resolution to work with. Hence the interest in 8K, now we're often producing in 4K. Edit: I looked at some of your videos (nicely done!) and you appear to be rendering at1080p. If you shoot at 4K, you'd be able to use a variety of panning and zooming effects.
I am a little confused regarding the depth of field display button. I am currently using a Sony A7iii and depth of field is automatically taken care of under the WYSIWHG without having to have a separate button. What does depth of field display button actually do and how does it impact on the opertation of the camera and the user experience - for example I have read that F stops up to F5.6 are displayed in real time but closing down beyond this means the button is in play - is it a single press or a continuous press to activate - how does it impact on the user experience if you cannot see the effect of stopping down without a further button press. It does not seem to be what I thought was an advantage of mirrorless cameras but more a carry-over from DSLR cameras. I am kind of hoping that you can throw some light on this with your vast experience of using Z cameras.
If I understand your question, assign a function button to preview full DoF. As far as impact on user experience, it's essentially what I've been doing for 5 decades, so there's no change to my experience other than I can choose which button activates DoF preview.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thanks for the prompt reply! When the DoF button is pressed, do you have to keep it pressed to see the actual DoF for as long as it is pressed , or is it a quick press and the effect of apurture is visable for as long as you need to see it. The reason Im so interested is to my way of thinking Aperture is part of the exposure triangle and therefore if its not shown in real time how does one expose properly when closed down or is that what I am missing - you have to keep the button pressed to correctly expose the shot.
Thank you for this excellent review :) Personally I had upgraded to a z6 from a nikon d3400 so I didn’t really have a large selection of f lenses anyway. As someone who has a tight budget, do you think the new z lenses justify the higher price as compared to just purchasing a second hand F lens? Looking to do more video stuff!
Glad it was helpful! There's no doubt that the Z lenses are in a class of their own, but you won't lose too much using adapted lenses, using the FTZ -- I am still using some of my F-mounts. Having said that, if you're looking to do more video, the Z lenses bring more advantages -- quiet stepping motors and less focus breathing. Check out my new video on the 70-200: ua-cam.com/video/TIrZmmlcLlo/v-deo.html
Thank you ! Excellent video. Do you use a tele lens with your Z6 ? I’m using a sigma 200-600 and the Nikon 70-300 AF-P, the latter producing very good results and better than the Sigma so far. I shoot hybrid nature, a lot of bird shots
Glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t used a tele, as such. I do occasionally use an F-mount 70-200 with 2X teleconverter, which works pretty well as far as IQ and perfectly when talking about focus. I haven’t done much bird photography in the last couple of years. If I did, I might consider the 500 P. Of course, Nikon is promising us some prime Z teles. My guess is they’ll be over $10,000
It's our second anniversary ... and I'm a bigamist.
Do you own a Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera? How long have you had it? Do you like it?
Tired of waiting for a Z9, so I bought one around 2020 Xmas to let me use my Canon 85 f/1.2 on a Nikon body. Do I like it? Not really, especially the body (with or w/o grip) ergonomic, when compare with my D3. Just like comparing a D300/D700 vs. D3. Also IMO, Nikon needs to simplify the AF selection.
@@walkingmeditation61 The Z/S lenses are wonderful. I just used the MC105 for video for the first time. It may be the best yet.
@@bfs5113 p
Ray nice to see someone that looks and thinks like me with a UA-cam channel. Your review was well thought out. My photography after retirement leans more to wildlife and landscape. This rig is perfect for my purposes. You have a wonderful grasp of the form and functions of the Z6. In closing nice job your video was incredibly well done.
Thank you very much. I have always been a generalist, but these days I'm also tending more towards landscape -- urban and wild -- which is where I started out.
I just purchased the Z6 to compliment my D5 and D750. One of my favorite lenses is the Nikon 58mm 1.4G, an extremely finicky lens that would consistently miss focus on my D750, despite the energy spent fine-tuning. I rented the Z6 to see if it offered an improvement and was blown away with the accuracy.
Then I decided to hold off and wait for its successor, then the successor dropped and realized that despite what improvements the new iteration offered, it would never replace my D5 for action and that the Z6 was perfectly fine for general photography.
I love the camera. I'll still keep the D750 as I prefer the rangefinder experience for manual focus glass vs. the Z's focus peaking.
Same exact thing with the 58mm and Z6. The 58mm and super fine tuning needed was the thing that made the jump to Z6 worth it. Great results and it almost never leaves the camera.
Thank you for the video. Beautifully shot and great content.
Thanks very much, Nick.
That’s quite an adventure you’ve had with the Z6. I haven’t been able to get a Z6, but certainly would purchase one. Was good to see Nikon released firmware updates for it too. It wold be nice if Nikon kept making the cheaper Z6 for the consumer market, and made the more expensive Z6 Ii for the professional consumer.
After I posted the comment, I saw that Nikon has just releasing some new firmware for all of its Z cameras, including the Z6. The Ver. 1.20 for the Z6 II and Z7 Ii, especially, increased AF and lowlight performance, better face and eye detection when using a speedlight, and AF subject tracking has been greatly improved.
Yes, sounds like we will get firmware update for the Z6 ... so don't believe all my predictions 😀 I don't think there's enough differences between the Z6 and Z6II to differentiate between pro and consumer. Both are well-deserving of the "prosumer" label ... which admittedly is a bit of an imprecise term.
Nonetheless, I think we have to leave room for, let's say, a Z8.
If that ever materializes, it will fill the space now occupied by the D850 DSLR.
The Z9 will, of course, be the flagship equivalent of the D6.
fantastic video review Raymond. I've now owned a Z6 for about 3-4 months. I bought is specifically for video and it has not disappointed. It sounds like my decision to buy the camera was based on some of the same biases that you demonstrated. I've not been disappointed. Thank you for sharing this. It's unfortunate that this camera did not get the good press it deserved.
Thank you. Absolutely. I don't think it's a stretch to suspect an actual conspiracy beyond the usual tribal warfare that had dumped on the Z system.
As I say, there may be minor advantages in limited features of other cameras. But there is no rationalization for the wholesale attempts to discredit Nikon's mirrorless product -- they are superb.
Is there room to improve? Of course! There isn't a camera that can't be improved; that's why manufacturers release new cameras. It's why there's ZIIs, only 2 years after the first iterations.
I was just thinking yesterday that what the whining on, say, Facebook doesn't account for is all the happy users, like you and I, getting on with enjoying and working with their Z cameras and lenses.
thanks for this video raymond, love my z6 including the menu system
Cheers! Yup, the menus are the best. Good recipes. 😀
My first Z6 re-ignated my passion for photography. I've been shooting Nikons for just over 50 years. Started in my teens with an F2 film camera.
That first Z6 convinced me to go Z all the way. So gone are my DSLR cameras and F lens collection.
I first purchased some prime lenses (20mm, 50mm, 50mm m/c 2.8, 85mm, 24-70 4/, 70 to 200 2.8.....) and we'll see what happens next.
Thanks for posting your video.
You have a decade on me. Bought my first Nikon in 1981 (though I had access to a Nikkormat before that). I had no reservations with the first generation Zs either. Firmware 3.0 was a great update and now this surprise 3.40 makes them even better! ua-cam.com/video/u8LymIjAhj4/v-deo.html
I'm very happy with my Z6 ii and have taken a variety of images with it since I upgraded from the Z50. Very little complaint. I have an adapter and it works perfectly.
No regrets shifting to the mirrorless format. I seldom use my DSLR now.
Pretty common reaction to shifting to mirrorless. Really, I haven't used my DSLRs much in the last 5 years. Though Nikon was a little bit late to the party, I think they've committed to becoming a leader..
Thank you Raymond for another very informative Video >> I need to upgrade my Z7 to the Z6II as I am really enjoying the new Genre I have discovered..MilkyWay and I need the better Noise handling of the Z6 Mods plus the Long Exposure of the II Mods
Very welcome. Yes, one of the reasons I chose the Z6 over the Z7, in addition to cost ... not that I woulddn't enjoy the 7, I'm sure. The long-exposure expansion of the ZIIs is an excellent development.
Great helpful video. Thank you, Ray.
Very welcome
Thanks so much for this review, excellent content and tone of voice. I have had my D330 for a long time and i have been stuck between Z50, Z5 and Z6. I am thinking of saving and going for the Z6 now.
Cheers, Andrew! I think you'd be happy with the Z6. Any thought on the Z lenses?
I have this ua-cam.com/video/YFwrDcefsvo/v-deo.html
and several more on Z S lenses.
Also, F-mounts work well with FTZ adapter.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thanks for that. I am thinking of the 24-200mm Z lens. I feel from what I have read, it is a pretty good all rounder and will suit my every day photography, landscape etc. It will keep me going until I can save for something like the 14-30 lens.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I have actually changed my mind, i am thinking of the Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm lens and then the 70-300 f/4 with mount i think. I think that would cover all bases in budget as ithe 24-70 would be the main lens
I’m really interested to get the Z6 II and a few lenses, but right now it would be too costly. I have a D810 which is still a great camera, so it’s tough. I would gain a lot by a switch and also lose some. So I will wait and see what else Nikon comes out with.
Of course, the decision is yours, but I can tell you that, these days, my D800 is a lonely camera (but for using it as an overhead camera for this video). The Z6 has so many advantages. As I say at the end of this video, the Z6 is real bargain at the moment.
The problem with the Z6 time lapse is that the rear screen does not show the frames. My old Panasonic G6 does.
A few weeks later and my relationship with the Z6ii is slightly improved, however still problematic.
So far, its biggest operational problems are in the viewfinder system. There is insufficient eye relief for comfortable viewing by those who wear eyeglasses. The "look-through" VF is essential for successful video recording, especially operating. This viewfinder should be articulated. Blackmagic's new camera solves this by offering a tilt up capability - something my twenty year old Sony camcorder can do, even if it can't shoot HD. This simple function goes a long way towards operator comfort and performance. "A comfortable operator is a good operator". In all fairness, this is lacking in the rest of the mirrorless cameras, too.
I (and another Z6 owner) experience difficulties with the auto-switching system between viewfinder and rear LCD panel. These may be related to dust and/or water drops on the proximity sensor. I cleaned it once and the issue disappeared. Inexplicably, they sometimes return even with clear skies. I'm sometimes stuck with manually cycling the VF system until it is usable.
The lack of easy, obvious indication of rolling/not rolling video remains problematic, although the bright green LCD indicating card activity is helpful. IF you remember to check it. I still experience rolling/not rolling errors while shooting quickly. Surely others have made this error, too.
Similarly lacking is audio focus confirmation in video mode. Stills mode performs this feat, why not video?
Last, but not least, eight bit video sucks. Disclaimer: this is my first video-capable HD camera. My two D800 cameras don't even qualify. Under perfect conditions, eight bit video is adequate, as your controlled-conditions shoots prove. In the high contrast wilds of nature, however, it's too contrasty. For this reason alone, I'm regretting not laying out a few grand more for the Sony.
I wouldn't have access to the 24-200, though. It's an excellent tool, even if MF is damn near impossible with the Z6ii. If they take away MF capability, they should at least provide reliable, predictable easy to understand AF. But no.
Best wishes in the OR. My recent experiences with the Canadian Medical System have been positive and successful. Don't ya just love getting olde? ")
Z5,6,7 all have autofocus problems in low light. That is why the ii versions have two processors
I’m coming from a D7100 and am torn between all the Z cameras (Z5, Z6, Z6II) for a while I was just going to get the Z6, but didn’t really want a single card slot (weddings/concerts), the Z5 was alluring because it’s $1K CDN cheaper and two card slots, but the video and FPS is dramatically different…I’m leaning towards the Z6II because I want a hybrid camera mainly for photo but with the ability to switch to good quality video too, that price tag is a bit of pill to swallow though. Great video! 😎👍🏻
Hi Jason, thanks for the comment. How do you mean, the video is dramatically different (besides the cropped 60fps -- internal only)? If I were to upgrade one of my Z6s, it would be for the improved focussing/tracking (not that I have any major complaint in that department). The addition of eye detect to the wide area AF mode is a bonus, but I don't see myself using HLG.
Now, for stills, the 900 second long-exposure setting would be great to have.
Of course, when I need improvements to video output and video tools, I reach for the Atomos Ninja V.
ua-cam.com/video/igB8eiePyvU/v-deo.html
@@RaymondParkerPhoto The "dramatically different" I was referring too was between the Z6's and the Z5 in fps for stills (12 vs 4.5), sorry I typed that wrong, lol. I'm currently leaning towards the Z6II but the price tag is a lot of loonies.
@@JasonLorette Ah, yes. If you think of it in twonies, it's half the price. 😀
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Ha Ha...if it only worked that way, lol. :P
Thank you ! Excellent video. Do you use a tele lens with your Z6 ? I’m using a sigma 200-600 and the Nikon 70-300 AF-P, the latter producing very good results and better than the Sigma so far. I shoot hybrid nature, a lot of bird shots
Have just subscribed to your excellent and thoughtful channel. I'm currently a Nikon DSLR hold-out, but I'm starting to find your pro Z6 arguments uncomfortably persuasive. Maybe it's time I bought a used Mk1. 😀
Welcome aboard! The Z6 is still a fine camera. I've considered selling one of mine to help finance a Z6II ... but all said and done, I have no complaints (other than the one glitch I mentioned).
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Well I'm an amateur portrait shooter who currently shoots a D3X with studio strobes, and a plain old 12MP D3 with natural light, so what 'The Fro' considers fatal shortcomings with the Z6 probably aren't going to worry me LOL.
it's not about the FTZ adapter its about the body,The G's are faster and sharper on Z bodies
Hi Ray. Your comments go a long way towards mitigating some of the "recent purchase angst" I feel regarding my week-old Z6ii. Thanks for that.
Until my video edit computer recovers from graphics card failure, I can't do much video editing, but still image processing is still do-able. I agree about Nikon's "colour science", whatever that is. Nikon colour and the S lenses are good partners. I'm liking the Z6ii as a still camera. I agree. It's as good or better than my (RIP) D800s. My video acceptance trials will have to wait. Your headshot video certainly looks excellent. To convert from "flat" profile to what we see, do you use a LUT? Or do you hand process each shot?
Funny story: Yesterday as a favour for a friend, I did my first-ever real estate shoot. I took the new Nikon, but as expected, I quickly discovered that the 24-200 was not up to the job. I showed my "client" the same wide shot of the living room, first with the 24 on the Z6ii and then with the wide camera on my Samsung S20.
His response was "Wow!. Why'd you spend all that money on the Nikon?" : ) I shot the entire gig on my phone. : )
Your animated tracking callouts on the video rig were superb.
Don't worry; be happy. You have an extraordinary camera. Enjoy. Work. Play.
I forgot to add the clip from my iPhone for that early comparison. But I can assure you it doesn't stack up, to a critical eye.
I don't use a LUT with the Flat profile; just the smallest of tweaks in Final Cut, including exposure corrections (if needed) and, sometimes, a tiny bit of saturation boost.
I'm happy with the 14-30 f/4 for wide shots (seen in some of my videos). Of course, the 14-24 2.8 has been released recently. Thanks for noticing the rig shot. It took me a day or so to create, so couldn't resist giving it a reprise in a more prominent spot.
Not sure what you used before your Z6II, but, what did you think of the shots? The S20 is no slouch, but, I have yet to see a cell phone hold up to anything that requires any kind of zoom, crop or dynamic range post processing. I am watching the Zii's very close, and right now, I would choose the 24-200 as my first lense based on other reviews.
@@tc6912 Me: three decades as a freelance film and video cameraman based in Vancouver. Now retired. Nearly 20 years a Nikon digital cam user.
The S20 is remarkable. Pixel-peeping will of course reveal the limitations of phone cameras, but it continues to exceed expectations. Hand-held astrophotography? Really? Yup.
The 24-200 is also remarkable if you don't mind the 6.3 stop @200mm. It's tiny, lightweight, and sharp. Every bit as sharp as my F-mount 70-200 f4, but with better colour rendition and micro-contrast.
My next glass purchase will probably be the 20mm 1.8.
Thanks Ray, another useful and well considered video. I am still undecided on getting a Z6ii because I use video a lot and I can't seem to find a satisfactory way of being able to zoom whilst filming. That's why currently I use a D750 for stills and a Canon XA11 for my video work. I can see how the new mirrorless will give me the edge on stills but in a perfect world (does one exist?!) I want a camera to do both. I'm not impressed with the image quality on the video but I do like the zoom. Any thoughts gratefully received!
Cheers, Tim. I'm not sure I understand. I zoom all the time with the Z6. See my Z-mount lens demo for example (with 14-30): ua-cam.com/video/YFwrDcefsvo/v-deo.html
I also "zoom" in post production (there's examples in this video), either with Ken Burns effect or quick jumps by reframing -- using 4k on 1080 timeline.
I covered this technique in my video on the 8K developments.
I don't know what I can say more that I didn't say in the video regarding the quality of the video. To my eye it's excellent.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thank you Ray. You confused me at first with your link to your GoPro unboxing and trial, but I found the lens video easy enough! You do demonstrate zooming in your video and it looks really good, which is helpful. I'll check out the 8k developments video you mention too - I didn't realise that was that much latitude in post. I guess you zoom manually by rotating the lens barrel with your fingers. In your short test it seems fine. Just wondering what it would be like on, say, your 70-200 across the full range? This is where the XA11 scores with its motorised zooming, which is satisfyingly smooth (but quality wise less so).
Sorry, I hadn't had my coffee and the two videos are side-by-side in my content. Yes, I simply zoom manually. It takes practice and a few takes ... just like manual panning with a cheap fluid head. I'd probably not zoom from 70-200. In fact, I rarely use quick zooms as an effect. Just not my thing, as they say.
In post, you can (and I do) create nice, slow zooms with Ken Burns, adjust ease in and out and all kinds of other movements if you have the resolution to work with. Hence the interest in 8K, now we're often producing in 4K.
Edit: I looked at some of your videos (nicely done!) and you appear to be rendering at1080p. If you shoot at 4K, you'd be able to use a variety of panning and zooming effects.
I am a little confused regarding the depth of field display button. I am currently using a Sony A7iii and depth of field is automatically taken care of under the WYSIWHG without having to have a separate button.
What does depth of field display button actually do and how does it impact on the opertation of the camera and the user experience - for example I have read that F stops up to F5.6 are displayed in real time but closing down beyond this means the button is in play - is it a single press or a continuous press to activate - how does it impact on the user experience if you cannot see the effect of stopping down without a further button press.
It does not seem to be what I thought was an advantage of mirrorless cameras but more a carry-over from DSLR cameras.
I am kind of hoping that you can throw some light on this with your vast experience of using Z cameras.
If I understand your question, assign a function button to preview full DoF. As far as impact on user experience, it's essentially what I've been doing for 5 decades, so there's no change to my experience other than I can choose which button activates DoF preview.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thanks for the prompt reply!
When the DoF button is pressed, do you have to keep it pressed to see the actual DoF for as long as it is pressed , or is it a quick press and the effect of apurture is visable for as long as you need to see it.
The reason Im so interested is to my way of thinking Aperture is part of the exposure triangle and therefore if its not shown in real time how does one expose properly when closed down or is that what I am missing - you have to keep the button pressed to correctly expose the shot.
Thank you for this excellent review :) Personally I had upgraded to a z6 from a nikon d3400 so I didn’t really have a large selection of f lenses anyway. As someone who has a tight budget, do you think the new z lenses justify the higher price as compared to just purchasing a second hand F lens? Looking to do more video stuff!
Glad it was helpful! There's no doubt that the Z lenses are in a class of their own, but you won't lose too much using adapted lenses, using the FTZ -- I am still using some of my F-mounts.
Having said that, if you're looking to do more video, the Z lenses bring more advantages -- quiet stepping motors and less focus breathing.
Check out my new video on the 70-200: ua-cam.com/video/TIrZmmlcLlo/v-deo.html
Just sub! Really appreciate your insight!
Awesome, thank you!
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Apologies as I typically watch videos from my laptop and am not usually logged in.
Hi - I want to buy a Z6 with the 35S lens. Is it any good.
Yup.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto thanks Ray - very helpful video. 👍
The Z6 is down to £1180 from £2000 here in the UK.
Super
Thanks
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Thank you ! Excellent video. Do you use a tele lens with your Z6 ? I’m using a sigma 200-600 and the Nikon 70-300 AF-P, the latter producing very good results and better than the Sigma so far. I shoot hybrid nature, a lot of bird shots
Glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t used a tele, as such. I do occasionally use an F-mount 70-200 with 2X teleconverter, which works pretty well as far as IQ and perfectly when talking about focus. I haven’t done much bird photography in the last couple of years. If I did, I might consider the 500 P. Of course, Nikon is promising us some prime Z teles. My guess is they’ll be over $10,000