I understand what you’re saying but I feel like you’re misjudging the market for the z6ii. And you can change the af sensitivity right? To stop it from going onto others. Keep on the good work
Jared you should do comparison of R6 and Z6 ll for autofocus and RAW Files, ( exposure Recovery and Iso capacity ) No one done this video before. I was wondering for this from nikon z6 ll lounch.
Fast auto focus aquiring is primordial. In my case I often shot when I think I will get the shot for 3 or 4 frames. If I don't get those and miss, I don't get tbe money shots. My two cents.
@@tucompaivan So you leave a smart ass lame comment? "so he doesn't". One, I am a human being, speak to me directly as this is my video, my channel, my comment section. Don't speak to me as if I am not a real person. Two, maybe the system is designed poorly and it just didn't click in my mind for whatever reason like when I am using a Sony or a Canon, that's exactly what I do. Also, at my briefing, Nikon demonstrated with the joystick. Shit happens, stop focusing on one minor thing vs the entire review.
@@Extile00 Scary people leave stupid comments instead of constructive feedback. You know, it simply didn't click for me like it does with the Sony and the Canon's. With those, there's a box already active and I move the camera to find the subject. And yes, I should try that with the Nikon. But you should also try not leaving a comment like you did.
activate subject tracking, put the box over your subject by moving the camera (not moving the box with joy stick) and start shooting. That seems a shorter and quicker way.
@@markshirley01 i have an old nikon dslr with the focus point clitoris, out of all the 100s of thousands of photos taken I never changed the focus point with that .. seems very slow..I'd rather recompose and focus!
Yeah, not a feature I've used a lot since it was introduced, but it's only a two-button maneuver when you move the camera to the subject. The joystick I've never loved for moving subjects. Usually set in Dynamic Area-AF on a third and leave it until I change compositions. Fro shoots some fast moving subjects. Sounds like he wants more reassurance from the GUI (which is understandable), because the camera is hitting focus.
Sony might be ahead on AF (marginally) but is behind on the key things like IQ and colour. But YT reviewers are obsessed with eye AF as they have nothing to talk about and need the AF controversy to earn their income.
@@mudpuddlehuddle nah there’s plenty of ammo, you can answer your own questions. Someone can make a statement without being obligated to walk you through a thought process and help you arrive to an understanding. Never heard someone call “spoon feeding” as ammo, but whatever you need
Fro bro, you don’t need to bounce that AF box in continuous AF tracking. It starts in the middle. Center it on your subject and either half-press or BBF and it sticks to your subject. Release and it’s back in the center. Super quick to swap AF subjects and always have active point.
@@sanekn he talked about bouncing the AF point with the joystick which really confused me. Since 3.0 on the Z6 you haven't had to do that for continuous AF tracking. I'd assume the Z6II is the same in that regard. I think that's a big oversight on Fro's part when making a video about showing off the AF and starts to mention his struggles and workarounds. I know it's hard to be an expert of all cameras when you're trying to review everything, but the saying stays true in many regards - jack of many, master of none. That's why it's important to also look at people who primarily shoot the system you're interested in as they have more real work experience. I enjoy Fro's humor and when he puts into his programming, but as a technical reviewer, there are others with more valuable info when you're just trying to get answers.
Right on Joe. I switched from D500 to Z6II a few weeks ago. I've never had so many in-focus shots. Maybe my shooting technique (honed for 50 years!) just works better with my new camera.
You can put subject tracking on the OK button and use the OK button to reset it, the 2 fingers in the front thing are not needed, I have mine setup that way and it's much faster, plus when you're in the white box or get ready mode, you can put it on your subject before you manually press the AF-ON to sync it to where you want to focus and it will track from there. Much faster, much easier and a lot less fumbling around with front F-buttons
This is what I always hear from Nikon shooters. if you do this or you do that the camera will be like this. but no matter what you do its less intuitive than the competition which focuses better, faster and snappier. which enables you to not have to think about your focusing all the time.
I don't know if it's a good technique but I'm in the "white box" mode all the time basically, so i can just hold the shutter button and recompose instantly all of this with subject tracking all the time. Works great for me ! Z6 user here. Besides the times I need to do portraits in which case I use just an eye AF and it works good enough.
@@photographerjonathan Less intuitive if you don't already use Nikon maybe, and anyway, the results are worth it - much better than the competition as even Fro acknowledges.
@@photographerjonathan are you sure, there is a chinese review where the z62 is as fast as the R6 without mask and faster with mask. There is also this one in french does win but the z6ii is a fraction behind and much better that the Sony and Xt4 last. He does explain that Sony assured him the a7r4 had same Af as a73 etc. My guess is that it is much more muddy than that. I am sure even the person face could influence results ua-cam.com/video/VZXEW6fsNSw/v-deo.html
I think the one flaw he identifies - about having to activate auto AF can be addressed in firmware. I also think Fro's analogy between the horse and car is not accurate when describing eye-AF. To me, it is more like AWD or 4WD - great to have but not every car user needs it. Same with eye-AF. Great for fast moving human subjects, but of little use to landscape photographers, studio photographers, still life photographers and many others. And the eye-AF suffices for 90% of user cases. So it is a false equivalence to compare cars with horses IMHO.
Why do you need fro back? Enjoy your camera and forget about him. These million sub you tubers are all for controversy, that’s how they survive. Not honesty.
@@_Just_Some1 I've been following Jared for 10 years. His opinions are trustworthy IMO. He's a real pro in the real world. His reviews are intensive and practical. I'm a Nikon shooter so of course I enjoy when I see people I look up to shooting nikon since UA-cam is so flooded with canon and Sony.
Z6ii is the best all around full frame camera with price in mind. At $2000 it is incredible, I have use the z6 since it was released, this is a solid upgrade. This is really the wedding photographers dream, but certainly is capable all around, not to mention video.
absolutely!! at this price I do not think there is a better hybrid camera out there, ticks most of the boxes. Also the quality of the Z glass is brilliant!!
Yeah he is OBSESSED with Canon and Sony comparison but Sony is DEFINITELY not in the price range like this body. Especially for people like me who don'y have much money. I've learned to sell my camera bodies to help with the cost. But I have the D850 and the autofocus in my opinion sucks. I'm not sure whether I should trade in my D850 to get a Z6II. I love the resolution but I really want the speed.
I'm considering making this same jump! I primarily shoot portraits, am I really going to struggle hitting focus with the Z6ii?? I'd be shooting with a z mount 35mm prime. Alternatively I could jump over to Sony. Trying to do my AF research since missing focus is my primary issue with my D7000 (or maybe it's just me...)
@@kyleyasso4166 my D7000 missed on focusing CONSTANTLY. That's what pushed me to pull the trigger for the Z6 ii. The autofocus, sharpness and high iso capabilities are amazing. You'll see a HUGE jump from the D7000 to the Z6 ii.
I agree that the Nikon S lenses are extremely fast. The reason for this is that they have dual stepper motors with each one driving different element groups. There are recent videos now with side-by-side comparisons with the Canon R6 and the Nikon Z6II obtains focus more quickly every time. Nikon do need to work on the AF graphical overlay though as the user experience could be improved by increasing the refresh rate.
Agreed, that focus overlay will give you seizures! It dances around like a psychotic on meth, and don't get me started on how red=in focus in AF-C but means it's not in focus on AF-S!
I'll be the first to admit that I was one of the harsh critics against you bashing on nikon. But to be fair you gave everyone a great video and an unbiased opinion on this camera. I appreciate that. Well done bud. I enjoyed this video quite a bit. I apologize for my criticisms
I don’t get why people think Fro would bash on Nikon. He’s not a baby like Camera Conspiracies or Gerald Undone. Jared has been a pro photographer for over a decade and tells it as he sees it. Nikon just is behind Canon and Sony and these are facts. Would people rather he lie?
OK-but-overpriced glass, where this problem lacks mitigation from 3rd parties, is still the no.1 issue for me. And now this video re-confirmed, that Nikon is not up to the AF task where AF really counts (i.e. people photography, i.e. eye AF usability, e.g. acquiring initial focus etc). So I don't think that Z is a rewarding upgrade target for me in 2021 (being still a Nikon DSLR shooter). I'm rather hoping now that Sony fixes some of their ergonomics issues once and for all with the A7 IV (or any new body in 2021).
@@ramonarias1234 It's not just sports that are affected. If you're shooting portraits or landscapes, the AF-tracking system probably isn't that important. But those are very select fields of focus. If if you're just someone that wants to shoot your kids, they tend to be in motion. Even if that's the "only" thing that's lacking (it's not), that's still a big deal! Nikon has also been slow on releasing higher-end glass that pro shooters use. They're finally, slowly, starting to pick that up a little bit, but they're still behind, and the affordability is arguable for the better glass.
Why are you apologising when he clearly bashed Nikon without even trying the systems. Same as Tony and Chelsea. Hated on the cameras before they were even a thing.
Totally impressed with the AF tracking of z6ii. Almost never missed focus and moved along with subject very quickly in your video. I guess to get the best out of the AF subject tracking, best to use Z lenses with dual lens motors for speed as someone in comments mentions. That and the dual processors makes AF focusing fast. Nikon, way to go!!!.
A quick note on why I didn't move the camera to the box vs using the joystick. First, when I am using the canon and the sony, I do exactly that, it just intuitively makes sense and is always active. With the Nikon, I needed to click the function button to turn that box on and for whatever reason, I used the joystick because that's how Nikon explained it to me when I was being briefed on the camera. So it didn't cross my mind to do the same thing as I do with the other systems. I will do that next time I am out shooting and see if it makes a difference. But I have a feeling it will let me find the subject quicker but I still don't like how that box works. In all honesty, like I said in the video, if there was a box active at all times like the Canon and Sony's, it would be much more effective.
I use both Sony and Nikon for different reasons . The focus tracking on the Nikon I have set to my function 1 button. All that is required is to initiate focus on the back button with the tracking square where you want to track … job done
Why are you EVER moving the subject tracking box around with the joystick? Just point it at your subject and hold down the AF-ON button until you want to switch to a different subject. Is it a perfect system, no, but using it that way would solve a lot of your usability complaints.
@@froknowsphoto it's called a brain fart - happens occasionally - trump will pardon you before 20 Jan 2021 just before he pardons himself and the rest of his family. You need to do a recount - I mean a re-review...
For what I shoot (almost always slow moving people and even slower moving buildings and bushes) the Z6 is more than enough for me. But god damn do all these videos want to make me upgrade, I can only imagine what Nikon is gonna do with the firmware updates and 2 processors. If you watch other side by side comparisons the Nikon is keeping up and in many cases actually winning with the AF (WHEN you use it like a Nikon and not like a Sony/Canon). And then take into account I'd rather look at a Nikon files + S glass and also the price point I don't understand how it isn't Nikon isn't the clear winner these days. At the end of the day, Nikons are producing more beautiful images, and that's all I'm concerned with
I love your slow moving buildings and bushes comment! I can hear you’re a Nikon lover like myself and I share your sentiment about where this Z system is going. To me it seems it’s only going to be better and better now that we know how amazing the new glasses are for the system. Great times up ahead for us Nikon lovers!
@@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz How would you say it's video capabilities are. I honestly am confused with the "expert" opinion, I want to hear from a user. My use will be studio recording, product recording and travel videos. Thank you. I have the D7200 and I was waiting for Nikon mirrorless.
One thing I noticed about the recordings of the Nikon and Sony in the video, was that the Nikon was so shake-free it looked like you had it on a gimbal. In comparison it made the Sony look like it didn't have any VR/IBIS at all.
Agreed, that was the first thing I mentioned to Jared as well but we doublechecked and the a7C did have steadyshot enabled but that lens has no IS, and the Nikon had VR on the lens (70-200) on top of the in-body VR which clearly works much better than the Sony.
The Sony basically doesn't have IBIS. I owned one and never noticed it, I assume because the sensor is clipped by the mount. Whereas with the Z6 I noticed that as I depressed the shutter the image was rock solid in the EVF - very similar to Olympus.
@@championthewonderhorse9733 couldn’t agree more. When we filmed handheld with the sony’s, I always noticed a ton of handshake in post, almost like this IBIS was non existent
As I shoot more landscapes and travel photography, like you said the auto focus is great, so I stick with Nikon because I like everything else and I am going to buy the Z 7 II . Thank you for the review.
Jared I'm not sure you know how to use the subject tracking. Press the ok button to activate subject tracking box, point it at the subject and press okay again and it's locked on. Alternatively, you can press ok to activate subject tracking, point the box at the subject and hold the af-on button down to track. When you let go of the af-on button it snaps back to the centre and you can restart the process over to acquire a new subject.
@@froknowsphoto That's typical workflow, which i'm using with Nikon Z6 original. If i see, that the camera don't recognize face/eye then i switch on subject tracking, white box is showing up. Then i move camera to put white box on my aim, push AF-ON (start tracking) and recompose as i need it. It's very fast process in real life.
Dang, this Z6 II is amazing. Man, I was trying to see what was happening with Nikon and I bought the 850 with alot...alot of glass a year ago. This Z6 II is a great video camera.
I have both the Z6 and the Z7 today but are now upgrading them both. Received my Z6 II today and hopefully the 7 II in december which i have ordered. Really looking forward to out them into action. Regards from Sweden.
@@mpgnz73 hi, I got my Z6II few days ago, love it, I'm from a D810, I got the 24-70 2.8 S also =) Do you have any info when adobe will deliver the codec RAW ?
What I do on my Z6 is focus & recompose with subject tracking & then you don’t need to move focusing points with joystick. Once you move your camera in such a way to put box right on subject & start tracking, you can operate super quickly. Try that & things will change dramatically. Yes, during face/eye detect, there is no active point to fall back on if camera doesn’t pick. Nikon should add that & make subject tracking different focus mode like 3D tracking and you don’t need to hit buttons to activate/deactivate.
Well, perhaps they can improve the experience via a firmware update. I mean, look at the improvements they achieved on the Z6 and Z7 with firmware updates. I think, they've a good starting point with the 2nd generation. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany
I think further improvements via firmware updates are guaranteed. Nikon's software engineers are still very much in learning mode...but are learning fast.
Z6s subject tracking works like 3d tracking. It's my most used af setting on z6 and it works perfectly. Fn1 button to enable it while in auto area af and you just move your camera on a subject, press and hold af on. When you stop pushing af on button subject tracking box comes back to centre. You don't need to use arrow buttons for letting camera to know where to focus.
Great review. Probably better to wait for a true successor for those that have a Z6. Just one note; when using the function button and tracking box, you don't have to move it with the thumb stick. Just position the camera and start focusing and it will follow. This functionality was part of a previous update Nikon did on the original Z6.
If Nikon wants my money for a z6, it’s going to have to be a z6III with an expeed7 like AF, like a mirrorless version of a D500, otherwise I see no point in giving them another dime.
How did you convert the raw to dng??? DO TELL!! - For those who don't know, Adobe/Lightroom doesn't support the z6ii raw files yet. They are NOT the same as the z6.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 hacks where you change a few bytes in the raw file (nef) making lightroom think they're from the z6, but I was asking if there was another way. You can use Nikon's Capture NX-D then convert them to TIFF, but I want raws or DNG files.
Hey Richard! After trying a few things the past week, I finally cracked a way to open AND edit the Z6ii files! I made a video about it here: ua-cam.com/video/Kb67ge5N01A/v-deo.html
Hey Fro great Vid as usual. Just picking you up on the 1.8 lenses. My experience is that due to them being so much thinner, when I’m shooting a heavy backlit film poster I’m getting much less flare to the point I put my D850 and 85mm 1.4 back to bed and completed a 3 day shoot on my Z7 and 85mm 1.8. They really do have their strengths. Thanks for listening.
Yeah if their imagine division live long enough, but with their lates financial reports of the second quarter of the fiscal year that doesn’t look to promising. Nikon is struggling hard really hard, the reports more or less conclude that it needs to cut costs so the future isn’t looking very bright. Nikon is looking more and more like the Next Olympus than a brand that will make it, I would love to go back to Nikon some day, but they need better bodies and I need some sort of guarantee that my gear won’t be absolute because Nikon decide to bin the devision that looks more and more likely to happen.
@@kennethbradstedlarsen5194 You really need to a be a big Nikon supporter to make that report look good. It might be better than feared but it’s still a bad financial report, there is no way around it, especially when you take into account that ILC market is shrinking every year.
@Seasexnsun You could win with a m 4/3 it’s not about IQ but more about the story/subject. But let’s stay in the past.. there are many photographers who has shifted away from Nikon because they have fallen behind the race. DSLR have lost to Mirrorless on almost all fronts except things like battery run time. Most sensors Nikon uses are Sony made, there are only very few left that are made in house. Sony make several parts found in rivals cameras but people won’t realise and accept that. Nikon won’t be dominated anything if their imagine devision go broke, that’s a promise. But lets stay in fairytale land where nothing ever changes.
you are soooooooo right about z6ii autofocus. I use it for weddings. i have the couple 8 feet away from me. when use the single point, it focuses in the background 50% of the time. the eye autofocus is excellent as long as you use it on still faces. and during the dances it misses alot no matter what autofocus mode you use. its slow and you can miss many good shots.
@@GolfWhisky well I was stupid enough to sell my d750 and buy 2 bodies z6ii. But I am trying to make the camera work at its best by using it and learn more about its autofocus. thank you for your reply.
Jared, what are you talking about? It’s practically negligent of you to say that you need to arrow the tracking box around! And tells me you’re not using best practices.
Great stuff ! Thanks for making these videos! This makes me believe Nikon is really gonna bring it with the z8/z9. This seems to be a vast improvement for sure. I’ll still wait for the z8 z9 but so glad they are catching up !!
If you keep the tracking box in the center, point and activate it on your subject, then recompose, it works a lot faster than using the joystick to move the box.
I have a canon camera but I find the Nikon photos have something special about it, not sure if it’s the colours but the images come out really special. I’ve been considering switching to Nikon
@@joelhernandez2469 I have an RP and rf 35mm 1.8 and rf 24-70... the lenses are gorgeous but big and heavy... and expensive. I love colours too but just think Nikon and Fuji have something quite special. I’m considering the switch also due to weight and price of its cameras and lenses. I may end up going for APSC sensor if I manage to let go of full frame depth of field
@@Yesthankyou8 rf 24-70. Nice! That is a heavy lens with IS and the 82 mm filter size. A couple of thoughts: I have the 6Dmk2 and 5Dmk3 and I know the 6d2 and RP have the same sensor or at least almost the same exact sensor (am not sure if there was an update to it). I have noticed that my 6d2 sometimes over exposes couple of times in tricky lighting situations even after changing the metering mode. My colors seem odd at times compared to the exposures of the 5D3 (using the same lenses). This is something I haven't tested in a studio but just something I have noticed using it in the real world. With that being said, I am not sure if it's the best idea to switch camera systems just based on colors. I am assuming you edit your pics? If not, then that may be a good reason to switch. Also keep in mind that full frame cameras are better at using higher ISO than APSC cameras, something I am sure you are aware of ;)
@@Yesthankyou8 The only Canon I'd applaud for its colors is 5D mark 1.. everything else that came after that has inferior colors compared to Nikon... and yes Nikon lenses do render images beautifully than L lenses...L glass have great technical qualities...but if you think about the character of a lens, Nikon all day everyday
The Auto Area modes are designed for a situation where multiple subjects may be of interest where the most easy to focus upon one is chosen and tracked until a bigger / more significant one appears. The idea is that you are doing general family & friends type work so you just want a quick solution. Hence, you would also be at a general DoF that say f5.6 would provide. There is no way in that mode for the camera to know you want one player over another. In contrast the Single Point, Wide-Area Large & Small modes are designed so that you can select the most preferred subject either by moving the AF box to your subject, or by putting it in a typical area like dead centre, or slightly higher for portraits etc, and moving the camera to the subject. On the latest Z6ii and Z6 with firmware, once acquired the tracking algorithm applies and sticks with your subject whilst the shutter is half-pressed if that is what you want, but since you typically want your subject to be in the centre of your picture, you still are best to move the camera to follow the subject as well. This is an enhancement to the way the Single point and the Dynamic Modes on the old DSLRs worked, but actually introduces a potential risk so you should be careful with the stickiness options. Sony and Canon systems work the same and whilst they may be slightly faster to acquire the subject in the Auto-Area type modes, you cannot be sure that the subject they have picked is the one you want, hence most sports photographers still use the more selective zone modes.
I honestly think the Nikons are getting no love simply because they don't have a single camera with a full flip screen. Seriously, the Z-mount lenses are gorgeous, the IQ is tremendous, and eve the video output via Atomos is amazing. It's just one of those damn dealbreakers, and personally I have shot MANY photos where having as full flip screen has MADE the shot, due to still being able to see the frame from very awkward angles.
@Jared The autofocus mechanism depends on two things. 1) Processing speed - which looks like Nikon did some tweak here. 2) Most Importantly, Autofocus Logic - this comes up with firmware updates. Even though you add v6 engine to your car it is not going to move faster with the square shape wheels, right? do you have the latest firmware? without those, we can't really tell if Nikon threw away the old square-shaped wheel and put some really nice perfectly round wheels with Yokohama tires?
Additionally depends on hardware and implementation. Review the differences in such amongst the various manufacturers and you will understand why Nikon lags. Particularly look at the Sony A9 methodology.
@@lcador9 yes, I can completely agree with you. Canons and Sonys are doing astonishing work. But, Undoubtedly, without the firmware, there is no real insight here. It's a new horse walking with an old granny. If you do not have the newest firmware, it is not going to do any changes except doing the same thing a little faster than what it used to do. The real question is what "Nikon" thinks about it. If they think their logic is perfectly fine, they got a problem. If not, we will see that in their next firmware update for Z6II.
Thanks for taking the time to review the AF. This was very informative and well made. IMO Subject tracking is not slow and cumbersome. You just aren’t familiar with it or using it in an unnatural way (not trying to be negative you review so many cameras and Sony mirrorless is what your familiar with). After you hit the fn button you don’t need to manually use the joystick to move the box like you said. Just move the camera itself to put box on what you want, no need to touch the joystick.
The tracking sucks when you get it to where you want it to be. It was on the body, not on the face, it is a massive box, not something more reasonable. The PROOFS in the pudding. Look at the photos.
@@froknowsphoto I’m specifically responding to the scenario where you wanted to focus on the coach and not the two QBs and what you said about using the joystick to move the box. Don’t use the joystick. The coach was far away, did the box even need to be on face? DOF would have been pretty wide. Definitely agree the subject tracking box is massive and should be much smaller.
So the final word is...Z6II is not as good as Canon or Sony for sports and action. Shoot.I am not a sports photographer and I can survive with Z6II. My thoughts are Nikon should find another sensor supplier to survive in the game. Sony is not going to give their best sensors to the competitors.
A much more accurate review , it doesn’t do as well as the Sony and canon in sports ........ so that 3% of people shouldn’t use the Nikon but the rest of us absolutely should..... better files
It subjectively better not objectively better. Lay down picture of the major 3 next to each other and people can’t even guess from what camera the pictures are from in unedited raws and JPEG. That’s how important it is and how big the difference is. It’s not like the analog days where you could tell from which picture the photos where taken just by the rendering of the images, today the difference is really, really small and has just as much to do with how “well” the raw engine that your using are reading the files, I tried them all and the difference is actually bigger than the difference between mentioned brands, something I think is way to often overlooked.
Not exactly a good sports test, you don't know how it does in real conditions with like 30 players in helmets in frame plus more on sidelines and even more fans behind, running in and out of shade
This review was pro, not filled with Clips and Scatches in the mix... no just info... And im very happy my Z6II wil come soon with the Grip following... I just have a Z7 and im pleased with this tool
Damn fine video sir. Can't wait to own a Z 6II. I'd like to say that this video gave me the confidence to buy it, but it was your 3 way Eye AF comparison a few months ago. I bought a Z 5 based on your firmware 3.0 review and based on its performance I'll be pickup up this body as well. Thanks
he opened .dng files - i wonder if he converted them from nef or saved them directly in dng... i wasnt able to convert my NEF Files to dng with the adobe converter
@@froknowsphoto what's it going to take to be put on contact with them? I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday and would love to use the z6ii instead of the z6.
I said it before and I will say it again; Nikon is better than Sony and possibly Canon in terms of image quality and ergonomics. I think Nikon is onto something now!
I think those mk ii cameras are just there to bridge the gap until they have their real improved versions ready. The Expeed7 processor which they are developing for the Z9 will hopefully lift Z system to a new level
Seems no one wants to review this camera for wildlife so here goes. Compared to the Z6, the Z6II is vastly improved. Shooting with the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 70-200F2.8 G2 the II acquired focus more quickly and stuck on the subjects much more consistently than the previous version. I used the Wide Animal focus mode in CA-F. Panning shots were easy to capture and consistent while birds coming at you head on was better but not D500 level. With BIFS the Z6 would acquire but as quickly lose the subject but the Z6II "sticks" better. Since Adobe hasn't updated RAW for this camera, a workaround is to change the camera model from Z6_2 to Z6 in the exif and Lightroom will work. I prefer doing this to using Nikon's Capture NX software. I have the Meke MK Z7-G extended grip on both cameras and fit perfectly which to me means there's no difference in grip size. Even if your evf is in "automatic display switch" mode, if you pull out your LCD just a little, the camera won't switch to EVF mode when shooting at waist level. Battery level is improved. The Z6 accepted my third party batteries but the Z6II did not. I don't know if that's for all third party batteries. That was also the case for the Z5.
@@duncangroenewald Yep, I had a look at one other video and it was doing eye-AF, but the subjects were much closer. I think this is where Canon and Sony are still superior.
@@hynee I shoot birds in flight and wildlife so a9 is pretty amazing for that. It doesn't sound like the Z6ii is even close to the a9 yet - I do like the Nikon RAW files more than the Sony files - but. nailing focus is far more important for me because I can't fix that in post.
@@duncangroenewald Here's a great blog on comparing some AF tests for Bird in flight: A9II - 96% Perfect / 99% Useable A9 - 95% Perfect / 98% Useable Z7 - 88% Perfect / 96% Useable Z6 - 86% Perfect / 95% Useable A6400 - 80% Perfect / 93% Useable EOS R - 79% Perfect / 98% Useable Z6 camera ain't doing bad for a first-gen, Z6II will surely do better. Not bad for cameras that are a lot cheaper than Sony's high-end A9's. mirrorlesscomparison.com/best/mirrorless-cameras-for-birds-in-flight/
Hi Jared, Il try to keep it short :) I have 2x Z6 as a photographer. I stepped into the new Z6ii a few weeks ago to upgrade. I loved it until i was trying to focus on a subject in less/low light (house living room with some lights on) nothing spectacular. I wanted to focus o a subject when instant my EVF started to lag (1/200 - 1.8 - iso 5000). I was almost unable to focus and my EVF started to lag so hard it was unable to use it. I switched to my old z6 and theire where no problems at all to focus. It was super quick and the EVF was responding as it should be. I contacted my camera company and have send them a video where I was demonstrating the issue (reproduced it at home) They where also flabbergasted and said that it shouldn't happen and the send me a new z6ii. Long story short same problem different camera. This could be a real issue if you are a wedding photographer and doing a shoot in less light environment. Addional info : I treed all the setups also with Af Assis ect.) didn't change a thing. In AF-S the problem is heavier than in AF-C (but both still occur to a point that it is unusable. Camera Z6ii with 85mm 1.8 s line lens. - Same settings on my Z6 and lens and there where no problems checked all the setups and where the same. Would or could you test this out as well and can you confirm or deny that you have the same problem? Link to a short clip of the issue of the extended version below: www.reddit.com/r/Nikon/comments/kzg95c/nikon_z6ii_lesser_light_focus_and_view_ginder_lag/ This part showing it one Time but it is happening constantly looking forward hearing from you. kind regards Maurice
You just put the tracking box on the subject, by moving the camera not the box, then push back button focus (or shutter release half way) to track the subject.
@@seanlaraphotography Sorry I don’t, just something I read. I’m just trying to sell my Z6 so I can upgrade so I haven’t looked into it further yet. The other option is to use Nikon’s Capture NXD temporarily and convert to tiff or something
@Jared Polin. Jared, what's up with the sky in many of the pictures, like at 8:32 for ex.? Is it banding or excessive contrast? I see too much color/contrast, way "punchy" for a professional body camera. Just don't know if it's due to editing or natively.
Huh? You should be able to just put the subject tracking box in the middle then acquire subject and move the camera whichever you want. Does eyeaf outside the box overrides the subject tracking box or keep steady on the subject box?
I think you're missing the other/standard/common/preferred way to enable subject tracking. Center the subject, OK button twice, compose and shoot. Am I missing something? Dynamic wide now has the added eye/face tracking. Much better to move around the larger focusing box with the joystick too.
2 Questions Jared - 1) do you think a similar level of improvement will be made in this system from 1.0 to 3.0 like we saw with the original Z and where do you think that might take the AF for Nikon in your opinion & 2)at what point does the AF get to the point that its close enough for the things the Z does better than Sony & Canon (colours, ergonomics, glass etc) to make it more appealing for those not invested in a system or that have a use case that requires 8k video or top of the line AF for professional work? Finally just one point on the glass, I am not sure Nikon will bring out 1.4's. The 1.8's (while I get you don't believe they are Pro for your needs) are arguably better than F mount and competitor 1.4 glass (not to mention smaller & less expensive) and they seem to be focusing on 1.2's for genuine Pro glass. I suspect they will have 1.2's at pro prices & 1.8's for the prosumer market which, at more competitive prices and better quality, likely make the overall system cheaper for most of the undecided market.
Shooting 14bit raw, what was your burst rate and buffer count? Based on your thoughts and some of the viewers comments, it sounds like we need another round using the system a little differently to make a better comparison. The Canon sure looks more snappy in your video, but are the results different? Thank you for being open minded and objective.
I failed to compliment you on an excellent attempt to evaluate and document the autofocus system of the Nikon Z6 ll with reasonably fast moving sport action. By far the most comprehensive when compared to other channels attempts to date. Jared, you get two, no three, check marks!
Just an FYI Adobe Lightroom will not read the raw files from the z6 2. I unfortunately found that out today. I called Adobe and they said it would most likely be next month which is a bummer. You can download jpegs but raw files are a no go.
Not sure if it because I use back button AF but, I just bring it up move the camera to the subject and lock it in then reset. I've never used the arrows or joystick with it
Very reassuring to see this honest real world review. It is important to call out functionality that can be improved and Nikon has always listened to their users.
In AF-C and with animal face detect on, at the correct exposure level, It is finding the eyes quick . Less than a second, but when i recompose or move the camera away from the subject then bring the camera back it finds the eyes fast but does not refocus until i either hit the AF-ON or button or half push the shutter release. I thought it was supposed to continue to AF-C if it loses and then it re-acquires the eyes?? That said ..... it still seems to get the focus on almost every photo.
Auto focus seems to be the main factor between major systems. If you can bypass the auto focus system, which I feel the majority of people could, then this camera offers a lot and is very viable compared to any other camera out there.
Great real world review!! Really useful! About the subject tracking, instead of using the joystick just point the camera at the subject and press your back button af or half press shutter button and the camera sticks to it, leave the af button or shutter button and the box returns to the middle and its a pretty fast process once you get used to it. Works well on my Z6, should work better on the newer model.
In the video you stated you were able to convert the files into DNG and use them in Lightroom, but how? The images I shot with the Z6 II can't seem to be used in Lightroom or Photoshop. 😞
@@Floriancharp as many times as it has been asked, I don't think we will get the answer. Either these are really Z6 files or because he is a reviewer, he has a beta of Lightroom for editing. So at this point all we can do is wait. Fortunately, the JPGs are really good and if you get it right "in camera" then you are good. I'll just keeping using my Z6 until Lightroom updates.
@@parkviewphotography7529 yeah I think we will have to wait for the camera raw codec. It’s just the first time I buy a brand new camera right when it came out I didn’t think about this.. Fro have a preproduction Lightroom codec apparently or something that we can’t have haha
Found a workaround and it's at your own risk. I found a program online called "Exif Pilot." Select your NEF file and change the camera to show "Nikon Z 6" instead of "Nikon Z 6_2" and now I can open in the NEF in Lightroom and Photoshop. The catch is you can only do a file at a time. But its better than nothing.
Thanks for the video Jared. Respectively I think this is an easy photo session to shoot. The constant you have is good light. I shoot soccer in the evening with stadium lighting with my D5. My ISO is pushing 12000k and I need a shutter speed of at least 1000 with a real difficult environment for the camera to focus. Let take this z6II for a spin in that environment and see how it performs. Againwhat you shot in this video isn't that difficult IMO.
exactly. shoot in low light in these dim stadiums and fields and then tell me. I very heard about lagging in low light, which is why I'm hesitant to buy.
For focus tracking, instead of manually moving the focus point to the subject, can't you just move the camera and then activate the AF and then recompose to start shooting? Tou 4marked about moving the focus point in the viewfinder.
no. this is something a lot of people are missing. just because the magic box appears, doesnt mean the camera is actually focusing there. face focus is far more meaningful if the whites of the eyes are barely 4 or 5 pixels wide.
Max Bell no, compared to Sony and canon, this Nikon misses eye detect at an appropriate range. It may look ok in the tiny viewfinder and it is acceptable for posting on social media, but this is a prosumer camera with plenty of megapixels that should be capable of printing large or heavy cropping, but you can't if focus is not spot on.
@@nicksouthorn1248 It's not 'missing eye detect at an appropriate range".... Beyond a certain distance (Based on sensor size, aperture, focal length) whether the camera is using face detect or eye detect makes zero difference.. The closer you are to your subject the shallower your depth of field will be. If you're 2 meters from a subject, shooting at f/2.8 with your 50mm lens, you may get 10cm of depth to your focus. With the same lens and aperture at 10 meters, you may get 100cm of depth.
Using the Z 85 mm 1.8 on a Z 7 regularly for professional photography - Primarily vehicles, RVs, campers, etc., and it is unparalleled in my 20+ years of professional experience. Sharp, rectilinear, fast-to-focus, virtually distortion and aberration-free - The (near) perfect way to deliver light to the incredible Nikon sensor and processing chips.
The 85 is an exceptionally good lens, I borrowed it for a weekend workshop in summer, I took half the pictures at F 1.8, it's amazingly sharp, beautiful bokeh, the lens is light and cheap ... No need some F1.4 lens or RF 1.2 lens / 85 with R5, when my hands ached after two hours of photography. I bought a Z 85mm finally, for 700 € it is a "must have" lens, and now, with the Z7II, it's a great combo...
Hi Jared, I rented a Z6 Mark II and I think I understand what you're saying about the AF. The face/eye (or what Nikon calls "people") detection and Subject Tracking only work in Auto-area AF and Wide-area AF. So when there's no face, or when tracking fails, the system defaults to Auto-area AF or Wide-area AF. I don't want the AF system thinking for me in Auto, and Wide is not precise enough. Why not allow people detection and tracking to work in any AF mode so the photographer can choose Single-point AF or Dynamic AF or whatever as the fallback AF system? Also, the playback button and Release Mode/frame rate button locations should be switched. I'm far more likely to use the playback button with my right hand than to change my frame rate dozens of times during a shoot. Plus, the Release Mode can be assigned to the "i" control panel so I see less of a reason for a dedicated button. It could instead be a custom function button. I don't care for the placement of the exposure compensation button either. Anyway, learning this camera his cooled my previous enthusiasm for it. Thanks for your review.
I just ordered a z6ii from ebay and should have it tomorrow. I’m coming from a d7200, I use it for my daughters nighttime football marching band. It has a scene selection on top and I set it to dusk/dawn. I see there is no scene setting on the z6ii. What would comparable settings be?
This is the number one question for me right now. I really can't use this camera on any paid jobs until I get that figured out. Jared has to tell us that one!
Thanks for all the info! I just switched from the d750s and I feel like a lost lamb lol. I used to use back button focus and the focusing modes on this camera are so confusing to me. Think you could create a guide on how to use this camera starting with settings, then talk about the focusing system (when and how to use the face/eye detection for still and moving subjects). I think as someone who feels clueless it would make it so much easier if someone would create a “how to use the z6ii in everyday portrait photography.” Maybe I’m just dense 🥴 I appreciate you and all the info! ✌🏻
Hmm, i think you did a good Video but i cant help feeling that you just didnt understand how to use the af tracking. And what settings is the af speed? You can also tweak it
People keep commenting that I don’t know how to use the system. For the subject tracking yes I should have left the point in the middle and then move the camera to the subject. But look at the results that I got my photos are really good they’re sharp there in focus their consistent so don’t tell me I don’t know how to use a fucking system
@@froknowsphoto . . . Except that (as you said above) you we're doing it wrong. I learned by reading the comments. And therefore thank you for presenting the information so I could. :-)
@@froknowsphoto so the system is just that good then? You admit you may not be using it in the most effective manner and still getting such good focus out of it, but then you jump on a guy who tells you you may not really know the system as good as you think? Gssss.... Maybe next time don’t toss away the manual, eh?
The H+ mode doesn't drop you down to 12-bit as you stated. The bit depth always stays as it has been set by the user. In H+ mode, the Z6II can do 14-bit at 10 fps with single-point AF and 9 fps with no AF restrictions.
@@froknowsphoto Please see page 127 of the reference manual as it states this very clearly. Also, I got the Z6II today and was spending time going through the manual and all the settings...
If that is true that is a case of very poor communication from Nikon’s side. That‘s what I always understood this mode is doing but never actually checked the files for bit depth
The image shot with the 70-200mm f2.8 + x1.4 and x2.0 seems super duper tack sharp from what we can see in your video. Perhaps you need to zoom more if you want to show an issue because it seems just perfect. Your comments don't seem to match the actual results. The Z6II automatically switches from area, face and eye according to the distance of the subject. When the whole face is sharp anyway there is zero value in seeing the eye box right?
I'm encouraged but how do you think it would work when you shoot a football or hockey game with all the players on the field or ice? What focusing mode would you use then? I shoot hockey for an AHL team and use a Nikon D500 in CF with 21 focus points with excellent results.
Hi, sorry for my question, I am in DSLR world. DOes this camera show blackout when shooting? (I though mirrorless didn´t, but I am seeing it during the video shots). Thanks
What do you think? Is it good, bad or indifferent? Do you understand what I am talking about when I mention "acquiring" the initial focus?
I understand what you’re saying but I feel like you’re misjudging the market for the z6ii. And you can change the af sensitivity right? To stop it from going onto others.
Keep on the good work
Why do you need to shift the subject tracking box? Point the camera at the subject you wish to track instead.
Still for weddings - D850 Nikon is a work horse, maybe Nikon Z7 III ? Was hoping for "faster" initial focus. Good luck getting those candid shots .
Jared you should do comparison of R6 and Z6 ll for autofocus and RAW Files, ( exposure Recovery and Iso capacity )
No one done this video before. I was wondering for this from nikon z6 ll lounch.
Fast auto focus aquiring is primordial. In my case I often shot when I think I will get the shot for 3 or 4 frames. If I don't get those and miss, I don't get tbe money shots. My two cents.
When activating subject tracking just point the square at the subject then activate, instead of using the joystick.
Scary that people need instructions for such things these days. Seems obvious.
So he doesn't know how to really use the nikon z62?
@@tucompaivan So you leave a smart ass lame comment? "so he doesn't". One, I am a human being, speak to me directly as this is my video, my channel, my comment section. Don't speak to me as if I am not a real person. Two, maybe the system is designed poorly and it just didn't click in my mind for whatever reason like when I am using a Sony or a Canon, that's exactly what I do. Also, at my briefing, Nikon demonstrated with the joystick. Shit happens, stop focusing on one minor thing vs the entire review.
@@Extile00 Scary people leave stupid comments instead of constructive feedback. You know, it simply didn't click for me like it does with the Sony and the Canon's. With those, there's a box already active and I move the camera to find the subject. And yes, I should try that with the Nikon. But you should also try not leaving a comment like you did.
Yup, that's what I do with the Sony's and the Canon's. Jusrt didn't cross my mind in this situation this time.
activate subject tracking, put the box over your subject by moving the camera (not moving the box with joy stick) and start shooting. That seems a shorter and quicker way.
That's what I was thinking... unless your working on a tripod I always find this to be easier for wildlife and quick moving subjects on my d500.
Yessssssssssss!!!!! My thoughts too. Lol
Yes drives me mad why move the box move the camera its so easy and a lightning fast technique. Ive never used a joystick in my life.
@@markshirley01 i have an old nikon dslr with the focus point clitoris, out of all the 100s of thousands of photos taken I never changed the focus point with that .. seems very slow..I'd rather recompose and focus!
Yeah, not a feature I've used a lot since it was introduced, but it's only a two-button maneuver when you move the camera to the subject. The joystick I've never loved for moving subjects. Usually set in Dynamic Area-AF on a third and leave it until I change compositions. Fro shoots some fast moving subjects. Sounds like he wants more reassurance from the GUI (which is understandable), because the camera is hitting focus.
Sounds like Jared needs to read the instructions, instead of going off on another
"I love Sony" rant.
Sony might be ahead on AF (marginally) but is behind on the key things like IQ and colour. But YT reviewers are obsessed with eye AF as they have nothing to talk about and need the AF controversy to earn their income.
Haahaahhhahahahh
Can you expand because the statement you made was an accusation without the ammo.
Sounds like YT didn't justify your bias = FLAME
@@mudpuddlehuddle nah there’s plenty of ammo, you can answer your own questions. Someone can make a statement without being obligated to walk you through a thought process and help you arrive to an understanding. Never heard someone call “spoon feeding” as ammo, but whatever you need
The music had me on the edge of my toilet!
Fro bro, you don’t need to bounce that AF box in continuous AF tracking. It starts in the middle. Center it on your subject and either half-press or BBF and it sticks to your subject. Release and it’s back in the center. Super quick to swap AF subjects and always have active point.
yes, I will try that. I do that with all the other systems.
@@froknowsphoto But you don't do it with Nikon and then bag them?
Yep i agree, that's what i've done since the beginning with my Z6, works quite great, but i guess this video is about pure eye af performance.
@@sanekn he talked about bouncing the AF point with the joystick which really confused me. Since 3.0 on the Z6 you haven't had to do that for continuous AF tracking. I'd assume the Z6II is the same in that regard. I think that's a big oversight on Fro's part when making a video about showing off the AF and starts to mention his struggles and workarounds. I know it's hard to be an expert of all cameras when you're trying to review everything, but the saying stays true in many regards - jack of many, master of none. That's why it's important to also look at people who primarily shoot the system you're interested in as they have more real work experience. I enjoy Fro's humor and when he puts into his programming, but as a technical reviewer, there are others with more valuable info when you're just trying to get answers.
Right on Joe. I switched from D500 to Z6II a few weeks ago. I've never had so many in-focus shots. Maybe my shooting technique (honed for 50 years!) just works better with my new camera.
You can put subject tracking on the OK button and use the OK button to reset it, the 2 fingers in the front thing are not needed, I have mine setup that way and it's much faster, plus when you're in the white box or get ready mode, you can put it on your subject before you manually press the AF-ON to sync it to where you want to focus and it will track from there. Much faster, much easier and a lot less fumbling around with front F-buttons
This is what I always hear from Nikon shooters. if you do this or you do that the camera will be like this. but no matter what you do its less intuitive than the competition which focuses better, faster and snappier. which enables you to not have to think about your focusing all the time.
I don't know if it's a good technique but I'm in the "white box" mode all the time basically, so i can just hold the shutter button and recompose instantly all of this with subject tracking all the time. Works great for me ! Z6 user here. Besides the times I need to do portraits in which case I use just an eye AF and it works good enough.
@@photographerjonathan Less intuitive if you don't already use Nikon maybe, and anyway, the results are worth it - much better than the competition as even Fro acknowledges.
@@photographerjonathan are you sure, there is a chinese review where the z62 is as fast as the R6 without mask and faster with mask. There is also this one in french does win but the z6ii is a fraction behind and much better that the Sony and Xt4 last. He does explain that Sony assured him the a7r4 had same Af as a73 etc. My guess is that it is much more muddy than that. I am sure even the person face could influence results ua-cam.com/video/VZXEW6fsNSw/v-deo.html
I love my Z6. I can't wait for Nikon to catch up with the eye AF. I can't wait to see the Fro switch back!
I think the one flaw he identifies - about having to activate auto AF can be addressed in firmware. I also think Fro's analogy between the horse and car is not accurate when describing eye-AF. To me, it is more like AWD or 4WD - great to have but not every car user needs it. Same with eye-AF. Great for fast moving human subjects, but of little use to landscape photographers, studio photographers, still life photographers and many others. And the eye-AF suffices for 90% of user cases. So it is a false equivalence to compare cars with horses IMHO.
The ads are much much closer that people think ua-cam.com/video/VZXEW6fsNSw/v-deo.html
Why do you need fro back? Enjoy your camera and forget about him. These million sub you tubers are all for controversy, that’s how they survive. Not honesty.
@@_Just_Some1 I've been following Jared for 10 years. His opinions are trustworthy IMO. He's a real pro in the real world. His reviews are intensive and practical. I'm a Nikon shooter so of course I enjoy when I see people I look up to shooting nikon since UA-cam is so flooded with canon and Sony.
@@Realletsplaygrey sorry, but he’s extremely click-baity. I’ve been watching a long time too, but he’s just gotten aggressively ignorant at times.
Z6ii is the best all around full frame camera with price in mind. At $2000 it is incredible, I have use the z6 since it was released, this is a solid upgrade. This is really the wedding photographers dream, but certainly is capable all around, not to mention video.
second that! Mines arrived Friday just one day after shipping started.
absolutely!! at this price I do not think there is a better hybrid camera out there, ticks most of the boxes. Also the quality of the Z glass is brilliant!!
Yeah he is OBSESSED with Canon and Sony comparison but Sony is DEFINITELY not in the price range like this body. Especially for people like me who don'y have much money. I've learned to sell my camera bodies to help with the cost. But I have the D850 and the autofocus in my opinion sucks. I'm not sure whether I should trade in my D850 to get a Z6II. I love the resolution but I really want the speed.
Considering I just went from a D7000 to the Z6 II, this camera is absolutely incredible to me.
Just do it dude! I jump from D300 to z6 and it's already amazing.
I jumped from a D40x to the Z6II lol.
I'm considering making this same jump! I primarily shoot portraits, am I really going to struggle hitting focus with the Z6ii?? I'd be shooting with a z mount 35mm prime. Alternatively I could jump over to Sony. Trying to do my AF research since missing focus is my primary issue with my D7000 (or maybe it's just me...)
I’m in the same boat. D7000 I shoot portraits and looking to jump or switch. Not sure what to do at this point.
@@kyleyasso4166 my D7000 missed on focusing CONSTANTLY. That's what pushed me to pull the trigger for the Z6 ii. The autofocus, sharpness and high iso capabilities are amazing. You'll see a HUGE jump from the D7000 to the Z6 ii.
I agree that the Nikon S lenses are extremely fast. The reason for this is that they have dual stepper motors with each one driving different element groups. There are recent videos now with side-by-side comparisons with the Canon R6 and the Nikon Z6II obtains focus more quickly every time. Nikon do need to work on the AF graphical overlay though as the user experience could be improved by increasing the refresh rate.
I could be wrong, but I remember hearing that the Z6II and Z7II both have 120Hz EVFs.
@@RealRaynedance Nope, still 60Hz.
@@RealRaynedance Most likely this will be kept from the 2nd iteration and used for the pro-level bodies that are confirmed for 2021 ;)
Agreed, that focus overlay will give you seizures! It dances around like a psychotic on meth, and don't get me started on how red=in focus in AF-C but means it's not in focus on AF-S!
@@michaelc3693 Strongly agree!! The colors need to be standardized! I was confused as hell when I first got it and was changing modes.
I'll be the first to admit that I was one of the harsh critics against you bashing on nikon. But to be fair you gave everyone a great video and an unbiased opinion on this camera. I appreciate that. Well done bud. I enjoyed this video quite a bit. I apologize for my criticisms
I don’t get why people think Fro would bash on Nikon. He’s not a baby like Camera Conspiracies or Gerald Undone.
Jared has been a pro photographer for over a decade and tells it as he sees it. Nikon just is behind Canon and Sony and these are facts. Would people rather he lie?
OK-but-overpriced glass, where this problem lacks mitigation from 3rd parties, is still the no.1 issue for me. And now this video re-confirmed, that Nikon is not up to the AF task where AF really counts (i.e. people photography, i.e. eye AF usability, e.g. acquiring initial focus etc). So I don't think that Z is a rewarding upgrade target for me in 2021 (being still a Nikon DSLR shooter). I'm rather hoping now that Sony fixes some of their ergonomics issues once and for all with the A7 IV (or any new body in 2021).
@@ramonarias1234 It's not just sports that are affected. If you're shooting portraits or landscapes, the AF-tracking system probably isn't that important. But those are very select fields of focus. If if you're just someone that wants to shoot your kids, they tend to be in motion. Even if that's the "only" thing that's lacking (it's not), that's still a big deal!
Nikon has also been slow on releasing higher-end glass that pro shooters use. They're finally, slowly, starting to pick that up a little bit, but they're still behind, and the affordability is arguable for the better glass.
Why are you apologising when he clearly bashed Nikon without even trying the systems. Same as Tony and Chelsea. Hated on the cameras before they were even a thing.
@@mcunner Bruh, he literally uses 2 Z6's to film these videos
Totally impressed with the AF tracking of z6ii. Almost never missed focus and moved along with subject very quickly in your video. I guess to get the best out of the AF subject tracking, best to use Z lenses with dual lens motors for speed as someone in comments mentions. That and the dual processors makes AF focusing fast. Nikon, way to go!!!.
A quick note on why I didn't move the camera to the box vs using the joystick. First, when I am using the canon and the sony, I do exactly that, it just intuitively makes sense and is always active. With the Nikon, I needed to click the function button to turn that box on and for whatever reason, I used the joystick because that's how Nikon explained it to me when I was being briefed on the camera. So it didn't cross my mind to do the same thing as I do with the other systems. I will do that next time I am out shooting and see if it makes a difference. But I have a feeling it will let me find the subject quicker but I still don't like how that box works. In all honesty, like I said in the video, if there was a box active at all times like the Canon and Sony's, it would be much more effective.
I use both Sony and Nikon for different reasons . The focus tracking on the Nikon I have set to my function 1 button. All that is required is to initiate focus on the back button with the tracking square where you want to track … job done
Why are you EVER moving the subject tracking box around with the joystick? Just point it at your subject and hold down the AF-ON button until you want to switch to a different subject. Is it a perfect system, no, but using it that way would solve a lot of your usability complaints.
for whatever reason I didn't consider that even though that's how I use the Sony and Canon.
@@froknowsphoto it's called a brain fart - happens occasionally - trump will pardon you before 20 Jan 2021 just before he pardons himself and the rest of his family. You need to do a recount - I mean a re-review...
For what I shoot (almost always slow moving people and even slower moving buildings and bushes) the Z6 is more than enough for me. But god damn do all these videos want to make me upgrade, I can only imagine what Nikon is gonna do with the firmware updates and 2 processors. If you watch other side by side comparisons the Nikon is keeping up and in many cases actually winning with the AF (WHEN you use it like a Nikon and not like a Sony/Canon). And then take into account I'd rather look at a Nikon files + S glass and also the price point I don't understand how it isn't Nikon isn't the clear winner these days. At the end of the day, Nikons are producing more beautiful images, and that's all I'm concerned with
I love your slow moving buildings and bushes comment! I can hear you’re a Nikon lover like myself and I share your sentiment about where this Z system is going. To me it seems it’s only going to be better and better now that we know how amazing the new glasses are for the system. Great times up ahead for us Nikon lovers!
I have Z5 and i LOVE IT! Long live Nikon!!!
@@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz How would you say it's video capabilities are. I honestly am confused with the "expert" opinion, I want to hear from a user. My use will be studio recording, product recording and travel videos. Thank you. I have the D7200 and I was waiting for Nikon mirrorless.
@@ravinc1568 i got Z5 for photography only, but if you are looking for video work using Nikon sys. then get Z6 ii
@@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz Thank you, I would definitely be using for video as well. So Z6 II it is...
One thing I noticed about the recordings of the Nikon and Sony in the video, was that the Nikon was so shake-free it looked like you had it on a gimbal. In comparison it made the Sony look like it didn't have any VR/IBIS at all.
Correct, the no stabilization in the lens really caused that sony to be shaky.
Agreed, that was the first thing I mentioned to Jared as well but we doublechecked and the a7C did have steadyshot enabled but that lens has no IS, and the Nikon had VR on the lens (70-200) on top of the in-body VR which clearly works much better than the Sony.
@@creamynessification yep game changer for me
The Sony basically doesn't have IBIS. I owned one and never noticed it, I assume because the sensor is clipped by the mount. Whereas with the Z6 I noticed that as I depressed the shutter the image was rock solid in the EVF - very similar to Olympus.
@@championthewonderhorse9733 couldn’t agree more. When we filmed handheld with the sony’s, I always noticed a ton of handshake in post, almost like this IBIS was non existent
As I shoot more landscapes and travel photography, like you said the auto focus is great, so I stick with Nikon because I like everything else and I am going to buy the Z 7 II . Thank you for the review.
Same here ... Am leaning toward Z7 II for it’s megapixel power for kandscape and travel
Jared I'm not sure you know how to use the subject tracking. Press the ok button to activate subject tracking box, point it at the subject and press okay again and it's locked on. Alternatively, you can press ok to activate subject tracking, point the box at the subject and hold the af-on button down to track. When you let go of the af-on button it snaps back to the centre and you can restart the process over to acquire a new subject.
Yes! The back button af-on method is the way to go
From someone (enthusiast) who shot with old dslr, this focusing looks amazing enough!!
Right !
Why you need to move white box of subject tracking with arrows buttons? Why you not just move camera lock subject and recompose ( it's way faster) ?
didnt even cross my mind like it does with the sony or canon
@@froknowsphoto That's typical workflow, which i'm using with Nikon Z6 original. If i see, that the camera don't recognize face/eye then i switch on subject tracking, white box is showing up. Then i move camera to put white box on my aim, push AF-ON (start tracking) and recompose as i need it. It's very fast process in real life.
Dang, this Z6 II is amazing. Man, I was trying to see what was happening with Nikon and I bought the 850 with alot...alot of glass a year ago. This Z6 II is a great video camera.
I have both the Z6 and the Z7 today but are now upgrading them both. Received my Z6 II today and hopefully the 7 II in december which i have ordered. Really looking forward to out them into action. Regards from Sweden.
I got my Z6II today too! Just working through the menus as I watch this.
@@mpgnz73 hi, I got my Z6II few days ago, love it, I'm from a D810, I got the 24-70 2.8 S also =) Do you have any info when adobe will deliver the codec RAW ?
What I do on my Z6 is focus & recompose with subject tracking & then you don’t need to move focusing points with joystick. Once you move your camera in such a way to put box right on subject & start tracking, you can operate super quickly. Try that & things will change dramatically. Yes, during face/eye detect, there is no active point to fall back on if camera doesn’t pick. Nikon should add that & make subject tracking different focus mode like 3D tracking and you don’t need to hit buttons to activate/deactivate.
Well, perhaps they can improve the experience via a firmware update. I mean, look at the improvements they achieved on the Z6 and Z7 with firmware updates. I think, they've a good starting point with the 2nd generation. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany
I think further improvements via firmware updates are guaranteed. Nikon's software engineers are still very much in learning mode...but are learning fast.
Look at this ua-cam.com/video/VZXEW6fsNSw/v-deo.html
Z6s subject tracking works like 3d tracking. It's my most used af setting on z6 and it works perfectly. Fn1 button to enable it while in auto area af and you just move your camera on a subject, press and hold af on. When you stop pushing af on button subject tracking box comes back to centre. You don't need to use arrow buttons for letting camera to know where to focus.
Great review. Probably better to wait for a true successor for those that have a Z6. Just one note; when using the function button and tracking box, you don't have to move it with the thumb stick. Just position the camera and start focusing and it will follow. This functionality was part of a previous update Nikon did on the original Z6.
If Nikon wants my money for a z6, it’s going to have to be a z6III with an expeed7 like AF, like a mirrorless version of a D500, otherwise I see no point in giving them another dime.
How did you convert the raw to dng??? DO TELL!! - For those who don't know, Adobe/Lightroom doesn't support the z6ii raw files yet. They are NOT the same as the z6.
For what it's worth, I have seen 2 hacks where you change a few bytes in the raw file (nef) making lightroom think they're from the z6, but I was asking if there was another way. You can use Nikon's Capture NX-D then convert them to TIFF, but I want raws or DNG files.
I´m wondering the same thing! Adobe DNG converter don't support the format yet :/
Use the free Nikon software to import NEF and save as DNG
Hey Richard! After trying a few things the past week, I finally cracked a way to open AND edit the Z6ii files! I made a video about it here: ua-cam.com/video/Kb67ge5N01A/v-deo.html
Hey Fro great Vid as usual.
Just picking you up on the 1.8 lenses. My experience is that due to them being so much thinner, when I’m shooting a heavy backlit film poster I’m getting much less flare to the point I put my D850 and 85mm 1.4 back to bed and completed a 3 day shoot on my Z7 and 85mm 1.8.
They really do have their strengths. Thanks for listening.
Nikon will rise again !! (I hope ...)
Yeah if their imagine division live long enough, but with their lates financial reports of the second quarter of the fiscal year that doesn’t look to promising. Nikon is struggling hard really hard, the reports more or less conclude that it needs to cut costs so the future isn’t looking very bright. Nikon is looking more and more like the Next Olympus than a brand that will make it, I would love to go back to Nikon some day, but they need better bodies and I need some sort of guarantee that my gear won’t be absolute because Nikon decide to bin the devision that looks more and more likely to happen.
@@mikni4069 the new financial report actually looks promising. They are doing better than they expected themselves and should be profitable next year
so will Nokia, it will kill Iphone....or?
No, seriously all competition is good for consumers
@@kennethbradstedlarsen5194 You really need to a be a big Nikon supporter to make that report look good. It might be better than feared but it’s still a bad financial report, there is no way around it, especially when you take into account that ILC market is shrinking every year.
@Seasexnsun You could win with a m 4/3 it’s not about IQ but more about the story/subject. But let’s stay in the past.. there are many photographers who has shifted away from Nikon because they have fallen behind the race. DSLR have lost to Mirrorless on almost all fronts except things like battery run time. Most sensors Nikon uses are Sony made, there are only very few left that are made in house. Sony make several parts found in rivals cameras but people won’t realise and accept that.
Nikon won’t be dominated anything if their imagine devision go broke, that’s a promise. But lets stay in fairytale land where nothing ever changes.
you are soooooooo right about z6ii autofocus. I use it for weddings. i have the couple 8 feet away from me. when use the single point, it focuses in the background 50% of the time. the eye autofocus is excellent as long as you use it on still faces. and during the dances it misses alot no matter what autofocus mode you use. its slow and you can miss many good shots.
@@GolfWhisky well I was stupid enough to sell my d750 and buy 2 bodies z6ii. But I am trying to make the camera work at its best by using it and learn more about its autofocus. thank you for your reply.
Jared, what are you talking about? It’s practically negligent of you to say that you need to arrow the tracking box around! And tells me you’re not using best practices.
Great stuff ! Thanks for making these videos! This makes me believe Nikon is really gonna bring it with the z8/z9. This seems to be a vast improvement for sure. I’ll still wait for the z8 z9 but so glad they are catching up !!
If you keep the tracking box in the center, point and activate it on your subject, then recompose, it works a lot faster than using the joystick to move the box.
I agree he behaves like an amateur
I have a canon camera but I find the Nikon photos have something special about it, not sure if it’s the colours but the images come out really special. I’ve been considering switching to Nikon
Hey... I'm curious, what body and lenses do you use? Canon L lenses have great contrast and color.
@@joelhernandez2469 I have an RP and rf 35mm 1.8 and rf 24-70... the lenses are gorgeous but big and heavy... and expensive. I love colours too but just think Nikon and Fuji have something quite special. I’m considering the switch also due to weight and price of its cameras and lenses. I may end up going for APSC sensor if I manage to let go of full frame depth of field
@@Yesthankyou8 rf 24-70. Nice! That is a heavy lens with IS and the 82 mm filter size.
A couple of thoughts: I have the 6Dmk2 and 5Dmk3 and I know the 6d2 and RP have the same sensor or at least almost the same exact sensor (am not sure if there was an update to it). I have noticed that my 6d2 sometimes over exposes couple of times in tricky lighting situations even after changing the metering mode. My colors seem odd at times compared to the exposures of the 5D3 (using the same lenses). This is something I haven't tested in a studio but just something I have noticed using it in the real world. With that being said, I am not sure if it's the best idea to switch camera systems just based on colors. I am assuming you edit your pics? If not, then that may be a good reason to switch. Also keep in mind that full frame cameras are better at using higher ISO than APSC cameras, something I am sure you are aware of ;)
@@joelhernandez2469 have you shot Nikon?
@@Yesthankyou8 The only Canon I'd applaud for its colors is 5D mark 1.. everything else that came after that has inferior colors compared to Nikon... and yes Nikon lenses do render images beautifully than L lenses...L glass have great technical qualities...but if you think about the character of a lens, Nikon all day everyday
The Auto Area modes are designed for a situation where multiple subjects may be of interest where the most easy to focus upon one is chosen and tracked until a bigger / more significant one appears. The idea is that you are doing general family & friends type work so you just want a quick solution. Hence, you would also be at a general DoF that say f5.6 would provide. There is no way in that mode for the camera to know you want one player over another. In contrast the Single Point, Wide-Area Large & Small modes are designed so that you can select the most preferred subject either by moving the AF box to your subject, or by putting it in a typical area like dead centre, or slightly higher for portraits etc, and moving the camera to the subject. On the latest Z6ii and Z6 with firmware, once acquired the tracking algorithm applies and sticks with your subject whilst the shutter is half-pressed if that is what you want, but since you typically want your subject to be in the centre of your picture, you still are best to move the camera to follow the subject as well. This is an enhancement to the way the Single point and the Dynamic Modes on the old DSLRs worked, but actually introduces a potential risk so you should be careful with the stickiness options. Sony and Canon systems work the same and whilst they may be slightly faster to acquire the subject in the Auto-Area type modes, you cannot be sure that the subject they have picked is the one you want, hence most sports photographers still use the more selective zone modes.
Just downloaded some raw files, the image quality is OUTSTANDING.
I honestly think the Nikons are getting no love simply because they don't have a single camera with a full flip screen. Seriously, the Z-mount lenses are gorgeous, the IQ is tremendous, and eve the video output via Atomos is amazing. It's just one of those damn dealbreakers, and personally I have shot MANY photos where having as full flip screen has MADE the shot, due to still being able to see the frame from very awkward angles.
@@daveyineluctable5525 I loved this comment!
@Jared
The autofocus mechanism depends on two things.
1) Processing speed - which looks like Nikon did some tweak here.
2) Most Importantly, Autofocus Logic - this comes up with firmware updates. Even though you add v6 engine to your car it is not going to move faster with the square shape wheels, right? do you have the latest firmware? without those, we can't really tell if Nikon threw away the old square-shaped wheel and put some really nice perfectly round wheels with Yokohama tires?
Additionally depends on hardware and implementation. Review the differences in such amongst the various manufacturers and you will understand why Nikon lags. Particularly look at the Sony A9 methodology.
@@lcador9 yes, I can completely agree with you. Canons and Sonys are doing astonishing work. But, Undoubtedly, without the firmware, there is no real insight here. It's a new horse walking with an old granny. If you do not have the newest firmware, it is not going to do any changes except doing the same thing a little faster than what it used to do. The real question is what "Nikon" thinks about it. If they think their logic is perfectly fine, they got a problem. If not, we will see that in their next firmware update for Z6II.
Thanks for taking the time to review the AF. This was very informative and well made. IMO Subject tracking is not slow and cumbersome. You just aren’t familiar with it or using it in an unnatural way (not trying to be negative you review so many cameras and Sony mirrorless is what your familiar with). After you hit the fn button you don’t need to manually use the joystick to move the box like you said. Just move the camera itself to put box on what you want, no need to touch the joystick.
The tracking sucks when you get it to where you want it to be. It was on the body, not on the face, it is a massive box, not something more reasonable. The PROOFS in the pudding. Look at the photos.
@@froknowsphoto I’m specifically responding to the scenario where you wanted to focus on the coach and not the two QBs and what you said about using the joystick to move the box. Don’t use the joystick. The coach was far away, did the box even need to be on face? DOF would have been pretty wide. Definitely agree the subject tracking box is massive and should be much smaller.
@@lilnape2604 👍🏻👍🏻
So the final word is...Z6II is not as good as Canon or Sony for sports and action. Shoot.I am not a sports photographer and I can survive with Z6II. My thoughts are Nikon should find another sensor supplier to survive in the game. Sony is not going to give their best sensors to the competitors.
A much more accurate review , it doesn’t do as well as the Sony and canon in sports ........ so that 3% of people shouldn’t use the Nikon but the rest of us absolutely should..... better files
It subjectively better not objectively better. Lay down picture of the major 3 next to each other and people can’t even guess from what camera the pictures are from in unedited raws and JPEG. That’s how important it is and how big the difference is. It’s not like the analog days where you could tell from which picture the photos where taken just by the rendering of the images, today the difference is really, really small and has just as much to do with how “well” the raw engine that your using are reading the files, I tried them all and the difference is actually bigger than the difference between mentioned brands, something I think is way to often overlooked.
It's not just about sports. You tell me you'll never face a kid running in a backyard or anything?
@@froknowsphoto not that I can’t control in a commercial environment
I’d worry about Nikon joining Pentax soon in Tits Up Land.
Not exactly a good sports test, you don't know how it does in real conditions with like 30 players in helmets in frame plus more on sidelines and even more fans behind, running in and out of shade
This review was pro, not filled with Clips and Scatches in the mix... no just info...
And im very happy my Z6II wil come soon with the Grip following...
I just have a Z7 and im pleased with this tool
Damn fine video sir. Can't wait to own a Z 6II. I'd like to say that this video gave me the confidence to buy it, but it was your 3 way Eye AF comparison a few months ago. I bought a Z 5 based on your firmware 3.0 review and based on its performance I'll be pickup up this body as well. Thanks
How do you open the NEF files????? PLEASE SHARE WITH US
he opened .dng files - i wonder if he converted them from nef or saved them directly in dng... i wasnt able to convert my NEF Files to dng with the adobe converter
@@Ninuzzo that’s what I don’t know how he did it. The dng converter is not working
I have an early converter from a source, that allows me to convert the raws to DNG.
@@froknowsphoto what's it going to take to be put on contact with them? I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday and would love to use the z6ii instead of the z6.
@@froknowsphoto Let me guess, adobe?
I said it before and I will say it again; Nikon is better than Sony and possibly Canon in terms of image quality and ergonomics. I think Nikon is onto something now!
I think those mk ii cameras are just there to bridge the gap until they have their real improved versions ready. The Expeed7 processor which they are developing for the Z9 will hopefully lift Z system to a new level
@@romanpul Amen!
Seems no one wants to review this camera for wildlife so here goes. Compared to the Z6, the Z6II is vastly improved. Shooting with the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 70-200F2.8 G2 the II acquired focus more quickly and stuck on the subjects much more consistently than the previous version. I used the Wide Animal focus mode in CA-F. Panning shots were easy to capture and consistent while birds coming at you head on was better but not D500 level. With BIFS the Z6 would acquire but as quickly lose the subject but the Z6II "sticks" better.
Since Adobe hasn't updated RAW for this camera, a workaround is to change the camera model from Z6_2 to Z6 in the exif and Lightroom will work. I prefer doing this to using Nikon's Capture NX software.
I have the Meke MK Z7-G extended grip on both cameras and fit perfectly which to me means there's no difference in grip size. Even if your evf is in "automatic display switch" mode, if you pull out your LCD just a little, the camera won't switch to EVF mode when shooting at waist level. Battery level is improved. The Z6 accepted my third party batteries but the Z6II did not. I don't know if that's for all third party batteries. That was also the case for the Z5.
I don’t understand when he says you don’t have an active focus point?
Simply link focus tracking to fn1 and you are ready to go?
Don't the Z6 ii and Z7 ii have eye tracking AF? Or is subject tracking with the big box the only option?
They do have face and eye af but if subject is too far it won't use eye af. The box is subject tracking which is a different type of af tracking.
@@duncangroenewald Yep, I had a look at one other video and it was doing eye-AF, but the subjects were much closer. I think this is where Canon and Sony are still superior.
@@hynee I shoot birds in flight and wildlife so a9 is pretty amazing for that. It doesn't sound like the Z6ii is even close to the a9 yet - I do like the Nikon RAW files more than the Sony files - but. nailing focus is far more important for me because I can't fix that in post.
@@duncangroenewald Here's a great blog on comparing some AF tests for Bird in flight:
A9II - 96% Perfect / 99% Useable
A9 - 95% Perfect / 98% Useable
Z7 - 88% Perfect / 96% Useable
Z6 - 86% Perfect / 95% Useable
A6400 - 80% Perfect / 93% Useable
EOS R - 79% Perfect / 98% Useable
Z6 camera ain't doing bad for a first-gen, Z6II will surely do better. Not bad for cameras that are a lot cheaper than Sony's high-end A9's.
mirrorlesscomparison.com/best/mirrorless-cameras-for-birds-in-flight/
So much useful information 🙌🏼 Thanks Jared for this great content!
Hi Jared, Il try to keep it short :) I have 2x Z6 as a photographer. I stepped into the new Z6ii a few weeks ago to upgrade. I loved it until i was trying to focus on a subject in less/low light (house living room with some lights on) nothing spectacular. I wanted to focus o a subject when instant my EVF started to lag (1/200 - 1.8 - iso 5000). I was almost unable to focus and my EVF started to lag so hard it was unable to use it. I switched to my old z6 and theire where no problems at all to focus. It was super quick and the EVF was responding as it should be.
I contacted my camera company and have send them a video where I was demonstrating the issue (reproduced it at home) They where also flabbergasted and said that it shouldn't happen and the send me a new z6ii. Long story short same problem different camera. This could be a real issue if you are a wedding photographer and doing a shoot in less light environment.
Addional info : I treed all the setups also with Af Assis ect.) didn't change a thing.
In AF-S the problem is heavier than in AF-C (but both still occur to a point that it is unusable.
Camera Z6ii with 85mm 1.8 s line lens. - Same settings on my Z6 and lens and there where no problems checked all the setups and where the same.
Would or could you test this out as well and can you confirm or deny that you have the same problem?
Link to a short clip of the issue of the extended version below:
www.reddit.com/r/Nikon/comments/kzg95c/nikon_z6ii_lesser_light_focus_and_view_ginder_lag/
This part showing it one Time but it is happening constantly
looking forward hearing from you.
kind regards Maurice
You just put the tracking box on the subject, by moving the camera not the box, then push back button focus (or shutter release half way) to track the subject.
Does anyone know how to open Z6 II Raw files in lightroom? There's no update yet from Adobe.
Apparently you can edit the EXIF data to Z6 and they open. You’ll need a program/app to do this I think.
@@Justin-ny6un If you have any additional info on this, please let me know!
@@seanlaraphotography Sorry I don’t, just something I read. I’m just trying to sell my Z6 so I can upgrade so I haven’t looked into it further yet.
The other option is to use Nikon’s Capture NXD temporarily and convert to tiff or something
great video, can you compare the 14-24 2.8 s with the 14-30 4 s?
I did that today at the Rocky Stairs.
Yes I would love the 2.8 but I am keeping the 14-30 F4 instead ..to take my NISI filters
@@Mr09260 nisi announced their 100mm filter set for the f2.8 lens
@@froknowsphoto Fro, please do pinpoint lights in the corners to see if there is coma. This is important for astrophotography.
@Jared Polin. Jared, what's up with the sky in many of the pictures, like at 8:32 for ex.? Is it banding or excessive contrast? I see too much color/contrast, way "punchy" for a professional body camera. Just don't know if it's due to editing or natively.
Huh? You should be able to just put the subject tracking box in the middle then acquire subject and move the camera whichever you want.
Does eyeaf outside the box overrides the subject tracking box or keep steady on the subject box?
I think you're missing the other/standard/common/preferred way to enable subject tracking. Center the subject, OK button twice, compose and shoot. Am I missing something?
Dynamic wide now has the added eye/face tracking. Much better to move around the larger focusing box with the joystick too.
2 Questions Jared - 1) do you think a similar level of improvement will be made in this system from 1.0 to 3.0 like we saw with the original Z and where do you think that might take the AF for Nikon in your opinion & 2)at what point does the AF get to the point that its close enough for the things the Z does better than Sony & Canon (colours, ergonomics, glass etc) to make it more appealing for those not invested in a system or that have a use case that requires 8k video or top of the line AF for professional work?
Finally just one point on the glass, I am not sure Nikon will bring out 1.4's. The 1.8's (while I get you don't believe they are Pro for your needs) are arguably better than F mount and competitor 1.4 glass (not to mention smaller & less expensive) and they seem to be focusing on 1.2's for genuine Pro glass. I suspect they will have 1.2's at pro prices & 1.8's for the prosumer market which, at more competitive prices and better quality, likely make the overall system cheaper for most of the undecided market.
Shooting 14bit raw, what was your burst rate and buffer count?
Based on your thoughts and some of the viewers comments, it sounds like we need another round using the system a little differently to make a better comparison. The Canon sure looks more snappy in your video, but are the results different? Thank you for being open minded and objective.
That kinda swirly bokeh on the 70-200
...ahmm..I think I love it.
My old sigma 70-200 2.8 APO DG HSM does the same exact thing. I actually don't like it though...
hmmm, i dont like it, Canon RF 70-200 bokeh is similar...
Sony A7 iii and nikon z6 2. Wich one best Please telme. Iam ready to buying. Please help me.
I have a question for you, how did you open the RAW images in Lightroom from your z6 II? I cannot open them because adobe does not support it yet.
I think he touched on converting them to DNG for LR here: ua-cam.com/video/oesE2ciWIqE/v-deo.html
Dose it shot 14 fps in real life ?
I failed to compliment you on an excellent attempt to evaluate and document the autofocus system of the Nikon Z6 ll with reasonably fast moving sport action. By far the most comprehensive when compared to other channels attempts to date. Jared, you get two, no three, check marks!
Just an FYI Adobe Lightroom will not read the raw files from the z6 2. I unfortunately found that out today. I called Adobe and they said it would most likely be next month which is a bummer. You can download jpegs but raw files are a no go.
Hello,
Did you notice a big difference compared to the Z6? Is it worth upgrading from the Z6 to the Z6ii?
Thanks.
Not sure if it because I use back button AF but, I just bring it up move the camera to the subject and lock it in then reset. I've never used the arrows or joystick with it
Very reassuring to see this honest real world review. It is important to call out functionality that can be improved and Nikon has always listened to their users.
Not sure you can call it "honest" since he is sponsored by Sony.
In AF-C and with animal face detect on, at the correct exposure level, It is finding the eyes quick . Less than a second, but when i recompose or move the camera away from the subject then bring the camera back it finds the eyes fast but does not refocus until i either hit the AF-ON or button or half push the shutter release. I thought it was supposed to continue to AF-C if it loses and then it re-acquires the eyes?? That said ..... it still seems to get the focus on almost every photo.
Does the Z5 have the same AF as the Z6 II?
Auto focus seems to be the main factor between major systems. If you can bypass the auto focus system, which I feel the majority of people could, then this camera offers a lot and is very viable compared to any other camera out there.
Grip, comfort, ergonomics, IBIS, lenses, overall cost. They all matter too.
I have a Z5. Is the Z6 II enough of an upgrade regarding AF to make the jump worth it?
2 years and i had to comeback - would you pick this camera over the canon R7? for sports shooting as a 1500 budget ?
Great real world review!! Really useful! About the subject tracking, instead of using the joystick just point the camera at the subject and press your back button af or half press shutter button and the camera sticks to it, leave the af button or shutter button and the box returns to the middle and its a pretty fast process once you get used to it. Works well on my Z6, should work better on the newer model.
For portraits & control environment it's a winner 👍🏾👍🏾
In the video you stated you were able to convert the files into DNG and use them in Lightroom, but how? The images I shot with the Z6 II can't seem to be used in Lightroom or Photoshop. 😞
I can't find any DGN converter that work, Abode DNG doesn't work either.. HOW did you do it ? TELL US !! haha
@@Floriancharp as many times as it has been asked, I don't think we will get the answer. Either these are really Z6 files or because he is a reviewer, he has a beta of Lightroom for editing. So at this point all we can do is wait. Fortunately, the JPGs are really good and if you get it right "in camera" then you are good. I'll just keeping using my Z6 until Lightroom updates.
@@parkviewphotography7529 yeah I think we will have to wait for the camera raw codec. It’s just the first time I buy a brand new camera right when it came out I didn’t think about this.. Fro have a preproduction Lightroom codec apparently or something that we can’t have haha
Found a workaround and it's at your own risk. I found a program online called "Exif Pilot." Select your NEF file and change the camera to show "Nikon Z 6" instead of "Nikon Z 6_2" and now I can open in the NEF in Lightroom and Photoshop. The catch is you can only do a file at a time. But its better than nothing.
Thanks for the video Jared. Respectively I think this is an easy photo session to shoot. The constant you have is good light. I shoot soccer in the evening with stadium lighting with my D5. My ISO is pushing 12000k and I need a shutter speed of at least 1000 with a real difficult environment for the camera to focus. Let take this z6II for a spin in that environment and see how it performs. Againwhat you shot in this video isn't that difficult IMO.
exactly. shoot in low light in these dim stadiums and fields and then tell me. I very heard about lagging in low light, which is why I'm hesitant to buy.
Hi. Could you make a new Canon / Sony / Nikon AF comparison with Z6II?
Just got my Z6ll. Wanted to watch your videos on this before going out. Thanks for the help
For focus tracking, instead of manually moving the focus point to the subject, can't you just move the camera and then activate the AF and then recompose to start shooting? Tou 4marked about moving the focus point in the viewfinder.
Jared, has your opinion on the focusing changed since the April 2021 firmware update? I'd love to know your thoughts!
Is it really important that the eye-detect is ‚active‘ when the whole face is in focus anyways?
no. this is something a lot of people are missing. just because the magic box appears, doesnt mean the camera is actually focusing there. face focus is far more meaningful if the whites of the eyes are barely 4 or 5 pixels wide.
Yes. If the nose is in focus and the eye is not quite then it looks weird
@@nicksouthorn1248 i think we are talking about when the face is far enough away that its all in the focal range. At least thats what im thinking.
Max Bell no, compared to Sony and canon, this Nikon misses eye detect at an appropriate range. It may look ok in the tiny viewfinder and it is acceptable for posting on social media, but this is a prosumer camera with plenty of megapixels that should be capable of printing large or heavy cropping, but you can't if focus is not spot on.
@@nicksouthorn1248 It's not 'missing eye detect at an appropriate range".... Beyond a certain distance (Based on sensor size, aperture, focal length) whether the camera is using face detect or eye detect makes zero difference..
The closer you are to your subject the shallower your depth of field will be. If you're 2 meters from a subject, shooting at f/2.8 with your 50mm lens, you may get 10cm of depth to your focus. With the same lens and aperture at 10 meters, you may get 100cm of depth.
Using the Z 85 mm 1.8 on a Z 7 regularly for professional photography - Primarily vehicles, RVs, campers, etc., and it is unparalleled in my 20+ years of professional experience. Sharp, rectilinear, fast-to-focus, virtually distortion and aberration-free - The (near) perfect way to deliver light to the incredible Nikon sensor and processing chips.
The 85 is an exceptionally good lens, I borrowed it for a weekend workshop in summer, I took half the pictures at F 1.8, it's amazingly sharp, beautiful bokeh, the lens is light and cheap ... No need some F1.4 lens or RF 1.2 lens / 85 with R5, when my hands ached after two hours of photography. I bought a Z 85mm finally, for 700 € it is a "must have" lens, and now, with the Z7II, it's a great combo...
Hi Jared, I rented a Z6 Mark II and I think I understand what you're saying about the AF. The face/eye (or what Nikon calls "people") detection and Subject Tracking only work in Auto-area AF and Wide-area AF. So when there's no face, or when tracking fails, the system defaults to Auto-area AF or Wide-area AF. I don't want the AF system thinking for me in Auto, and Wide is not precise enough.
Why not allow people detection and tracking to work in any AF mode so the photographer can choose Single-point AF or Dynamic AF or whatever as the fallback AF system?
Also, the playback button and Release Mode/frame rate button locations should be switched. I'm far more likely to use the playback button with my right hand than to change my frame rate dozens of times during a shoot. Plus, the Release Mode can be assigned to the "i" control panel so I see less of a reason for a dedicated button. It could instead be a custom function button.
I don't care for the placement of the exposure compensation button either.
Anyway, learning this camera his cooled my previous enthusiasm for it. Thanks for your review.
Birds in Flight AF, please do that...the smaller, the harder it takes to focus (D500 does quite well).
I just ordered a z6ii from ebay and should have it tomorrow. I’m coming from a d7200, I use it for my daughters nighttime football marching band. It has a scene selection on top and I set it to dusk/dawn. I see there is no scene setting on the z6ii. What would comparable settings be?
Mine arrived on Monday!! Trying to decide if I keep my D610 as a second body or trade it to put toward glass. We shall see.
I think you should make a few prints and give them to the kids. That would be pretty cool.
Thanks fellas for taking the time to make this video :)
Hi how did you covert the raw files to dng? I couldn't get the adobe converter to recognize them.
This is the number one question for me right now. I really can't use this camera on any paid jobs until I get that figured out. Jared has to tell us that one!
Please Jared, share how to convert the raw to dng
Lightroom doesn’t support the Z 6II NEFs yet and adobe’s DNG converter didn’t work for me either. Is there another converter? What am I missing?
you can edit the meta data and change the camera model to a Z6 mk1. Then LR will open them up
@@romanpul ahh didn't think of that, thanks!
Use the fee Nikon software import the NEFs and save as DNG
@@franksamet meta data solution does the trick, but that's an idea, too. which nikon software specifically are you referring to?
Thanks for all the info! I just switched from the d750s and I feel like a lost lamb lol. I used to use back button focus and the focusing modes on this camera are so confusing to me. Think you could create a guide on how to use this camera starting with settings, then talk about the focusing system (when and how to use the face/eye detection for still and moving subjects). I think as someone who feels clueless it would make it so much easier if someone would create a “how to use the z6ii in everyday portrait photography.” Maybe I’m just dense 🥴 I appreciate you and all the info! ✌🏻
I feel the same. I just sold my D750 cameras and have been having a terrible time with the Z6II autofocus.
@@ChrisBoland I do feel it’s getting better with practice. But, on if my toggle buttons is a little sticky 😬
Hmm, i think you did a good Video but i cant help feeling that you just didnt understand how to use the af tracking. And what settings is the af speed? You can also tweak it
People keep commenting that I don’t know how to use the system. For the subject tracking yes I should have left the point in the middle and then move the camera to the subject. But look at the results that I got my photos are really good they’re sharp there in focus their consistent so don’t tell me I don’t know how to use a fucking system
@@froknowsphoto . . . Except that (as you said above) you we're doing it wrong. I learned by reading the comments. And therefore thank you for presenting the information so I could. :-)
@@froknowsphoto so the system is just that good then? You admit you may not be using it in the most effective manner and still getting such good focus out of it, but then you jump on a guy who tells you you may not really know the system as good as you think? Gssss.... Maybe next time don’t toss away the manual, eh?
@@froknowsphoto lmao that was great
@@froknowsphoto 🤣😂🤣
The H+ mode doesn't drop you down to 12-bit as you stated. The bit depth always stays as it has been set by the user. In H+ mode, the Z6II can do 14-bit at 10 fps with single-point AF and 9 fps with no AF restrictions.
From what we're told, it drops you to 12 bit
@@froknowsphoto Please see page 127 of the reference manual as it states this very clearly. Also, I got the Z6II today and was spending time going through the manual and all the settings...
If that is true that is a case of very poor communication from Nikon’s side. That‘s what I always understood this mode is doing but never actually checked the files for bit depth
The image shot with the 70-200mm f2.8 + x1.4 and x2.0 seems super duper tack sharp from what we can see in your video. Perhaps you need to zoom more if you want to show an issue because it seems just perfect. Your comments don't seem to match the actual results.
The Z6II automatically switches from area, face and eye according to the distance of the subject. When the whole face is sharp anyway there is zero value in seeing the eye box right?
I'm encouraged but how do you think it would work when you shoot a football or hockey game with all the players on the field or ice? What focusing mode would you use then? I shoot hockey for an AHL team and use a Nikon D500 in CF with 21 focus points with excellent results.
Why wouldn’t you show which autofocus modes you’re using?
Can it keep u with D850s?
Perhaps.
Thanks, Jared. Could you please make some low light AF test?
Greetings! How do you convert to DNG?? Please help!!
Hi, sorry for my question, I am in DSLR world. DOes this camera show blackout when shooting? (I though mirrorless didn´t, but I am seeing it during the video shots). Thanks