Nikon Z5 vs Z6II | Reviewing The Nikon Z5 As A Second Camera Body
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- Опубліковано 6 лис 2023
- Let's unbox and review the Nikon Z5!
So I recently bought a Nikon Z5 as my new second camera body for weddings, but how does it fare against the Nikon Z6ii? I've used them both this whole wedding season, shooting over 20 weddings with it in the last couple of months so I've got some good use out of it.
So here are my opinions on whether it was worth buying, or if I should've just paid more money for a second Z6ii!
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The Z5 does have eye focus, but it is really nonintuitive how you enable it. The Z6II is very easy to enable eye focus.
Agreed, though it seems I may be on an earlier firmware according to the comments so hopefully that will make a difference!
Been using the Z5 for about 9 mos. It does have eye autofocus and in the menu setting you can also select animal eye detection. I have had an issue once with switching between viewfinder and lcd but I think it was more user error of hitting the button. Haven’t had issues since.
Ah maybe I need to update the firmware then! I shall check that out!
Hello, and thanks for your video. I believe I can resolve your viewfinder/ screen etc. problem. Easily. Not sure if anyone else has weighed in on this, but it turns out to be simple. Read on....
I had exactly the same with my Z7, after only a few hundred shots. It's a known problem that Nikon will not acknowledge.....
I tried everything - firmware updates, Nikon forums, Nikon Service Department (useless on this!), camera shop (again, useless) etc.
THEN I found somebody online who said "clean the sensor". NOT the camera's sensor, but the tiny one above the viewfinder. Even the tiniest specks of grit or dirt will cause it.
I cleaned my viewfinder sensor, and hey presto! Problem solved. I suggest you try it. Worked instantly for me, but I was so annoyed that I decided to sell the Z7 !
Yep had that problem with my Fuji XT20 rain drops on the sensor stoped it working just gave it a wipe and it was working again.
Had a demo of Z5 at Fixation open day, it does have eye tracking AF and it was very good in the low light in their shop, and there is a firmware update to improve AF.
Thanks for your review and I had a Z5 when they first came out and loved it. I also had a Z50 which I use as my family/ vacation camera. I love the size and weight of it. I have since upgraded the Z5 to a Z6II and as good as the Z5 is the Z6II is truly a better camera. Dual Processors make everything faster and the Backlight sensor is also better in low light hi ISO scenarios. That being said I often compare the Z5 as the mirrorless version of my D750. I really think that it most resembles the D750 in every way other than the better focus capabilities of the Nikon mirrorless Z cameras. I work in a camera store and have seen many customers over time come in with the same viewfinder switching issue. There is sometimes a little dust or dirt on the little sensor on the viewfinder or even the rubber eyepiece cover has shifted slightly enough to block the sensor. If you find that's not the case then you might have a faulty camera.
So glad to know it's not just me! I give that a go and hopefully that will fix the issue, thank you!
Like others have said, Z5 does have eye detect in settings. Also I have had one for 2 years and never had the issue you describe of not switching back from eye piece to back screen when I take my eye away from they eyepiece. That is definitely a fault with your camera and yes, it would be very frustrating. Thanks for the review, very useful. Still happy with my z5, one day I will probably make the jump to higher spec, but no hurry.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am toggling between going with a standard original Z6 or Z6 Mark ii. I really think there is a difference of image quality in the original Z6 and I friggin' Love it. There is a slight noticeable difference to my eye. 📷💯
Eye AF has been a feature on my Z5 for almost as long as the 3 years that I have been owning it. I use it for shoots for media publications in NYC, and I love it. I also shoot Sony APSC, but the Nikon seems to produce raw files that look nicer with less editing. The Z6ii may be faster and have slightly less noise, but I really see little need for it. My only issue is when I shoot video with the 24-70 that gets rolling shutter or wobble when I pan in video. but it could be an issue of the IBIS. The 24-70 f4 is really a great sharp lens. and also the 24-200 VR it came with. The 24-200 is a lightweight do it all for outdoor casual photos. But I use it mostly with the 40mm f2 (i also have the 50mm f1,8) for environmental portraits. The AF is not as good as Sony, but I have no complaints.
there is a Z6iii coming out in the spring. But I feel you have been a bit too harsh on the Z5. Digital cameras are complex and some features are nested deep down in the menu. I do not see why the Z5 would not be great for a wedding, once you set it right. I understand for fast action sports a Z6ii or a Sony A6700 would be a better tool. But I have no complaints with the Z5's autofocus, AF tracking activated with the front button, auto ISO and ISO, fast video mode switch, quiet shutter sound. well structured menu. I would like a zone area AF like with Sony cameras, and the other Sony feature to create automatically a new folder on the SD card for the day of the shoot with the filename in date format. That speeds up the process. I have been trying a Fuji XT30ii for casual photos, but I find the Nikon AF and menu system more advanced than Fujifilm's. I think Nikon started late, but it is offering solid lenses and cameras. The EVF switch thing happens also with Sony cameras, when dust or lint accumulate on the proximity sensor. Just clean it with a Q tip, and you are good to go
I got my Z5 for Christmas last year. I love it. I put it on silent mode and I couldn't hear anything so at first I didn't realize I was taking pictures and I thought why is this not working. I actually took about a dozen photos. LOL I took it off silent mode. LOL
Haha I did the exact same thing when I went mirrorless for the first time too! In case you didn't know, be aware of using silent mode when indoors in certain lighting conditions as it can create banding in your images (dark thick horizontal lines across the image), lots of people get caught out by this when they go mirrorless so thought id better mention it in case you didn't know! 😊
The shutter sound you're talking about on the Z5 sounds like it's because you are in full mechanical shutter as opposed to the rear shutter only. It's a setting you can change.
I was wondering because I have a Z5 and never heard that sound being described.
Yep, I’m on firmware 1.41 and my Z5 has eye detection. Also I don’t experience the auto switch issue fromEVF to main display so I think it’s that camera or a missing firmware update.
Thank you for the video. I’m considering a second body but am not sure about a second Z5 or picking up a Z6ii to become the main body.
I have the same automatic display switch issue on my Z6ii. I had to remove the re-glue the eye cup because the rubber kept ever so slightly blocking the sensor and keeping it in viewfinder mode
The Z5 does have eye autofocus. Maybe you just need to update your firmware.
Did you update it? It has new things that are great 1.41 update is out! Please do another review after updating 🙏🏻
That D750 sensor has tons of years left in it. Good choice.
I do miss my d750 that was a proper workhorse!
@@abyjoannephotography everyone does :D
the delay in the viewfinder monitor switch might be because the sensor has dust or lint in front of it. Try cleaning it. It might fix the problem.
I also have the z6ii and z5 setup for weddings. From what I understand (unless I need to update firmware also) is that z6ii has eye autofocus in the small and large area boxes, where z5 I thought was only in the full screen. However seeing the comments I need to check my firmware.
As for the viewfinder issue, have you taken off the eye cup and tried to clean the viewfinder sensor? That was my issue. As soon as I gave that a good clean it worked perfectly.
I haven't tried that yet I'll give it a go, hopefully that will solve my issue, thank you!
I have had my Z5 since January and have not had the LCD vs View Finder issue. I love it is a great camera.
That's great news! I was hoping it was just mine and not a common issue so that's really good. I am very much enjoying the camera though other than that, I'm glad you are enjoying yours too!
I have a Z5 and used it at weddings also and never had that viewfinder issue
The EVF issue is caused by dirt in the eye sensor most of the time. This actually happens on the Z5/Z6/Z7 and is quite common. The z8 and zf are better about this (don't know why). But my Z6 II would do the same thing, as well as my Z7's (I've had the original and now the Z7 II). The gen 2 bodies are a little better with the eye sensor (less sensitive) but I don't think the issue is specific to the Z5. I've had about 2 Z5's now (first one I changed my mind and returned, and then a year later, bought it again as a cheap backup when it went on sale for $999 last year). both were about the same as my Z6 and Z7 cameras in terms of the EVF issue (maybe slightly better than the gen 1 Z bodies, but slightly worse than the gen 2 bodies, but nothng that bothers me really personally). The gen 1 Z's were quite bad in this regard. I had to hold the camera at least 6 inches from my face for it not to switch back and forth, that's how bad it was on mine.
But all in all, as a backup FF camera, the Z5 (especailly when on sale, like it is now) is a heck of a deal for a still camera or even a first/entry level FF camera, which really has a lot of features. Obviously it's not as fast as say the Zf or even the Z II bodies, but you do get a lot for what you're paying for (and it blows it's closest competitor -- the Canon RP -- out of the water on many levels, all except maybe auto focus which is where the Z5 does still fall short against the competition and even it's more expensive siblings).
What firmware do you have on your Z5? Mine does have eye auto focus for people and animals and the EVF switches fine from screen and back without any noticeable problem. That said, I am not a professional photographer; so my idea of noticeable might be a bit different from someone who needs to make a living from the camera.
Your cameras might be going into sleep mode? There might be a setting to change sleep mode so the switch too EVF to LCD is seemless?
Reason i got the Z5 vs the Z6II was the dual card slot. I hate CF cards and was already using dual SD's w my previous Fuji setup so its a win win for me 😁. So far, I love it and it's perfect for my needs. I paired it with a 24-120 f4. Checking out the 35 or 50 1.8 for my prime purchase
Bought one as a second body (at $1k, it's not much), but ended up shooting two bodies, 35/85, which was infinitely better than single body and swapping lenses. But that's when having two of the same body makes more sense; same camera/layout, same performance/results, making the Z5 a third/backup body that stays in the bag for emergencies only. While it's mostly been a carry much, use little secondary camera, I've seen enough great results with the Z5 from other users to say it's completely capable, just not something you're likely to use if you have more capable bodies on hand when needed. The auto EVF/LCD function on your Z5 isn't working correctly. Reflash the firmware (?) or Nikon Service while it's still under warranty.
Went back to single body with the Z9 for most photography, partly because it weighs as much as two Z6 bodies, but also because the EL-18D battery lasts longer than two EL-15C batteries (full day shooting, no problem). I won't be going back to anything less for anything that matters.
Do you find that the quality of the image when taken with the DX crop mode is better than if you would have taken it in FX and cropped in? :) Also own a Z5 and thought there was no real difference, thanks! :)
Hii and thank you for your video. I am using a Z5 since 2 years ago and want to buy a Z6II as my main camera and leave the z5 as second one. I want to know from your experience, how does it work in low light focusing the z6II in opposite to z5?
I bought and tried the Z5 for about a week. The one issue I found was its ability to focus in low light was painfully slow or would fail outright. For enjoying night photography, it was a deal breaker. I later bought a Z6ii and it worked like a charm in low light. As for the seeming-hesitancy and delay with the LCD coming on, I had a spell when I'd recently bought my Z6ii and I couldn't get the EVF and or LCD to come on. After much googling to find an explanation, i tried cleaning the glass of the EVF (near my eye). There was a little bit of lint on it. Once cleaned, it worked as expected. So, it seems just a little bit of lint can throw off the proximity sensor inside the camera that switches it back and forth. More weird though, is that it never happened again, even though at times the glass of the EVF seemed quite grubby. So, not sure what to make of all that.
The low light auto focus was what made me switch to the ZF, ergonomic issues aside
Switching the camera mode to video in low light allows you to adjust the settings correctly in order to capture a perfect image.
In the two years of owning my Z5 I haven't noticed any issue with the auto LCD/EVF. Oh and there is animal eye detect as well as human eye detect.
Re your adverse comments
on the Z5
1. The Z5 has both eye and face detection. Take a look at the UA-cam video by Scott J Waldron on how to get the best from your Z5 for eye and face detection.
2. The silent setting on my Z5 is completely silent
3. I have no issues with the auto switching between viewfinder and LCD screen
You would not expect It to fully match all the capabilities of the Z6ii but I think you should correct your video as you are giving a wrong impression of the Z5
Hey! I currently have a D3400 and I'm looking to upgrade. Would you highly recommend the Z5?
I certainly would! Just be aware that you won't be able to use any of your current lenses with the Z5 unless you get the FTZ Adaptor with it, and also the Z5 is a full frame sensor and if I'm not mistaken the d3400 is a crop sensor so some of the lenses may not work (or at least to their full potential!) so if you are going to upgrade to a Z5 I would also recommend purchasing a new lens from the Z range too. Most shops often do a bundle with Z5 and 24-70 f4 which is a great start!
Your budget and type of photography will highly dictate if the extra money is worth it, but from someone who went from D3200 to Z6II in summer of 22- get at least the Z6II. Another option is a Z6III should be released sometime in 24, so you could wait for that. The Z6III release would probably cause price of remaining Z6II stock to plummet and be an opportunity to save some $.
I fell in love with the Z6II, but couldn't stand the AF when shooting anything moving and bought a Z9 3 months later. Good luck whatever you do and I highly recommend staying away from the 24-200 lens, IQ is horrendous when compared to the other Z series lenses.
isn't the eye autofocus added in firmware to the Z5?
Sounds like it is yes, I assumed it was the latest firmware but looks like it's not so I'll look into that!
I have no problems with the viewfinder. Do you have the 1.4 update?
It turns out I don't! I was told it came up to date so I didn't think to check, hopefully that will solve my issues!
The Nikon Z5 silent photography mode is entirely quiet when turned on.
According to the Nikon Z5 User Manual...
and…
Why Z5 and not Z6I?
you probably have a dirty sensor (near the viewfinder).
I sometimes have trouble getting the LCD/viewfinder automation working, but I usually tap the back of the viewfinder, and then it switches. I'm not sure if it is just an issue with how the rubber eyecup fits on the viewfinder or something else, but I suspect it is just an issue of it thinking your eye is up to the viewfinder if there is too much shadow in the environment you are shooting in.
Yes it's very strange, though luckily from the comments it seems its just my camera and not the whole z5 range that has this issue which is really good! I'm going to take the eyepiece off and give it a thorough clean, hopefully that may help a little!
Great video
The Z5 does have eye AF. Update your firmware and review the AF mode options.
I'll check that out thank you!
La Z5 sigue siendo la mejor mirrorless de Nikon por precio-prestaciones y resultados. Su actualización más importante le agregó un veloz enfoque al ojo en video.
I do use the Nikon Straps, All of them.... it's a matter of pride!!!!!
I put my D850 strap on my Z8... I'm sorta nostalgic... I miss the D850, my first full-frame, but the Z8 is amazing.
the Z5 is a very capable camera
For sure! It's doing a fantastic job at what I need it to do other than the viewfinder issue, it's served me very well this wedding season!
I have z5 more then 1 year. Never had issue switching beetwen lcd and viewfinder.. Contact service centre ..
Must be just this camera then, I'll contact them and see what they say
@@abyjoannephotography it could be theres a bit of dust on the sensor that detects screen or evf, I had the same issue on my Z6, blowed away dust solved it
I've had my Z5 quite awhile and the viewfinder/lcd switching worked fine until a couple of months old when it started acting like yours. Tried a blower on the viewfinder sensor but what it really needed was a cleaning with some lens tissue and liquid lens cleaner. So perhaps it was some fingerprint grease or something. No problem since then. I did buy a lens pen that has a very small applicator tip (about 1/3") that I use to clean it now and then before I use It.
Nikon raw weak processing on Lightroom. I'm facing this colour issue with the D750 and Z5 & Z50. Nikon must work for that. overall best camera for portrait Photography.
From your experience, would you buy a new z5 for $999 or a used z6ii for $1400? I would like to make this hobby a career one day or just a side job to earn some cash.
Personally if you can afford it I would go for the z6ii definitely!
@@abyjoannephotography yea I think I will continue to save. Just realized an underrated difference between the two is z6ii having a BSI sensor. That alone my opinion will keep this camera useful long term.
now do another review after you updated the firmware
Excellent video 😊!
If I was still shooting events i would have definitely gone for another z6 simply for familiaritys sake. I like the Z5 a lot for my mostly tripod based shooting now but if i had to run and gun I would think more than twice about it.
Yes I think you are right! I'm currently debating whether to buy another z6ii, or to wait longer and purchase the z8, maybe the z6iii if it ever appears!
Update firmware. It works.
Z8.... all the way. Z6 backup.
Oh, my! I can imagine irritation of someone who installed the movement sensor in the room for the light to go on every time you walk into it...and it DOESN'T WORK ALL THE TIME! What a bugger! 😆😆😆😆😆 To be having to use manual switch all the time! Such a bloody nuisance, isn't it? 😆😆😆😆 I can only imagine how "irritating" it was for photographers to work with old cameras where one had to use a lever to pull the film to the next frame, cocking up the shutter mechanism at the same time.
Yes, your being a bit naughty 😂😂😂 ... still hanging on to the D600 (if it's the D610 or D750 I can understand)
regarding eye af it's supposed to be available, depending on your settings for af, I think you need to be on af-c and on auto-are af (people) - I believe it only works on those af settings.
ua-cam.com/video/lcrpec28qJo/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
JESUS H CHRIST! You talk for 5 minutes before you even get to anything!
You Reviewed the Z5 (which I own as well as a Z6II) .... AS I SAID you MADE MANY, MANY ,MANY "MISTAKES" in what the camera is capable of doing.... Sadly people may listen to you and get the wrong Idea of what you were talking about ,,, BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW THE CAMERA WORKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would be very worried if I'd been a photographer for over a decade without knowing how a camera works 🤣 on a serious note though, you say I have made many mistakes yet you have not mentioned any of them? I am always very eager to receive constructive feedback, so if you would actually like to have an adult conversation (without all the capitals and exclamation marks) and actually talk about what you feel I misrepresented I would be genuinely happy to hear it!
Ouch Girl .... Maybe You need to figure out whats up with Cameras BEFORE You speak... You have made many, many, many, mistakes in this video.. Many of which may give people the wrong understanding about especially Nikon equipment....I do not want to be rude BUT ,, NOT GOOD!!!!! PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT NIKON AS YOU WILL GIVE PEOPLE THE WRONG UNDERSTANDING !!!!! SORRY BUT THE TRUTH HURTS SOMETIMES :( :( :(
With respect, you either didn't watch the whole video or you didn't watch it properly. If you did you would know I'm a big fan of Nikon and have been a loyal Nikon user for well over a decade. The whole point of a review is to give honest opinions based off of first impressions, and I came at this from the point of view of someone ordering one and jumping straight in with it (as that is what most people do). What is the point of reviewing it if all I say is 'it's great'? I have to talk about what is different about it (which isn't necessarily a bad thing!) and anything I have struggled with. This is super important because other people watching this review may have had similar issues, and they can find the answers in the comments section so they can fix it themselves. I've had lots of helpful comments saying how to rectify any issues I've had which is great! As I said in the video, I definitely recommend this camera, but for my specific situation I would rather have another z6ii, and that's because I have specific uses for it. That's not a bad thing. So in your own words "Ouch dear! Maybe think about what you are saying before you comment!" I appreciate the feedback though nonetheless and great to have you here! 😁
I did not say "So in your own words,,,,Ouch dear" Actually read what I said (all of the way thru) Read what I said!!!!!!! And Yes I did waste my time and watch the entire video :( :( :(
I agree with you about being honest, and sure people can read the comments to rectify any issues but many don’t read the comments, watch the whole video or even read the manual for that matter. I’m surprised as a professional photographer you didn’t check for the latest updates which would have made for a better video.