Z6ii is my first full frame camera, I bought it because I know it is economical. I took 70K photos for my street photography during 13 months. Z6ii is still very good for me.
As a wedding photographer from across the pond, you're absolutely right that low light performance is much more important than a high megapixel count. In general, I'd say that couples don't care what brand you shoot, but one thing they do mind is distracting camera clicks. Do you turn off manual shutter in favour of silent electronic during ceremonies?
Z8 has a Vertical tilt I think they will bring it to z6iii. The Zf has the same sensor as the z6ii but the processor from z8 and z9. Its an insane camera when it comes to lowlight auto focus and ibis. It is a pain to hold and the lack of buttons will make you miss the z6ii. Shooting at 1.2 with the newer autofocus is amazing on Z8 but it is not good with high iso and I think the Z6ii just makes better looking photos straight out of camera. Z8 has new firmware that should fix it. JPGs out of the zF even better than z6ii due to new color profile. I got the zf for youtube and kids photos the flippy screen saves my knees when shooting 2 year olds running around.
I got a Z6 II recently because I was waiting to see what the Z6 III can offer. Although the Z6 III looks good, the price difference is too great for me to take the leap as I do not need the improvements in the new camera - maybe I will get that camera late, when the price drops to my budget level! As of now, I am enjoying Z6 II photography. Your issues with the screen is fixed on the Z6 III. Thanks for this long term review of the Z6 II, Luke.
I got a great deal on a Zf and now I’m sold on Nikon. I blew my money on the Zf, and 40, 50, and 85 lenses. I want to get a second Nikon to go along with my Zf, can’t afford the Z6 III. I know the autofocus isn’t as good, but would the Z6II be a viable camera? I shoot portraits and headshots. Eventually I’ll get a Z6III, but for now is the Z6 II still doable for portraits and as a secondary to my Zf?
I came from the D750 to the Z6ii as well. My new Zf blows them both out of the water especially with autofocus! Hopefully the Z6iii will have the same form factor as the Z6ii but with the Zf processing engine and maybe shutterless!👍🏾
I really enjoy your approach and the way you explain your preferences. I have a Z6ii. It was my first mirrorless body. It took quite a while for me to work out what I liked and didn’t like about it. I shoot mostly wildlife and so I bought a Z9 the moment it was released. I often decide to use the Z6ii for outings where I am not shooting wildlife because I take the view that a second camera which is significantly different but can use the same lenses, is very useful. I love the Z6ii even more now because I can ignore all the limitations of the Z6ii. I use it to take advantage of the things it really does do well. I have tried a Z8 and I liked it. The Z8 would not be my first choice as a second camera. I like the tiny form factor of the Z6ii. If they release a Z6iii, I hope it remains a small camera. Wildlife is a different story. Having a compact camera body is not an advantage for that.
You are the MAN!! ⚡ Thanks for sharing dude & love that you make such a great case for a camera that isn't the newest flashy option but just gets the job done well! So cool to know you shoot video on it too because your UA-cam quality is amazing!!
To change the setting display switch button, go to your setup menu, then select limit monitor mode, and only check the automatic display switch option. I was annoyed with that button too, but I found it after checking all the menus, haha!
I recently got a Nikon Zf (it’s amazing) and now I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z5 or Z6ii, LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 / Z6 ii in the store a bit and it felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both nice. Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf?
With the z6iii out and prices on older bodies going down, im debating to upgrade from my z6. I shoot occasionally so im really trying to justify buying the one instead of the z6ii. Dont get me wrong, it being new w/ better tech justifies the price but for what I do, I think the z6ii would be the way to go and then use that price difference and get a nice prime.
I own D3s, D800E & Z6ii ... overall I prefer image coming from D800E.. only advantage of Z6ii is light weight... looking forward to buy D850 when the price drop.
I was so close to pulling the trigger on thr Zf but, like you, the 50 1.2 is my most used lens so in the end i got the Z8 and it is astonishing how good it is. Compared to the Z6ii the AF feels like cheating!
Hi Luke, I am fairly new to your channel and I love your videos. I am also a big fan of your photography style. I am just curious about some photos that are taken with higher ISO and extremely fast shutter speed for instance ISO 500 f1.2 1/2500. Is there any particular reason for this? I thought keeping the ISO lower by using a much slower shutter speed would be better. Maybe ISO 100 and 1/250 shutter speed?
Hey! Welcome and thank you! Great question! That is a somewhat complicated answer that is hard to explain typing it out here, but I will do my best to make a short version: Generally 100-800 ISO on my camera is practically the same (this is very conservative, even up to 2000 ISO on my camera is pretty good quality) . Of course 100 ISO is going to give the best image quality, but the difference between 100 ISO - 800 ISO may be something like 1% and impossible to notice the difference. I know my camera really well, so that would NOT be the same for all cameras. Some people may shoot at 800 ISO and have bad quality. When selecting settings for wedding photography there is a lot more to consider then just optimal image quality (as you mentioned keeping the ISO to 100). I don't use ISO 100 very much because I don't shoot in full sun all the time, and the amount of light on a weddings varies a LOT. One second you're shooting into the sun, and other second you're shooting the father of the bride wiping tears in the shade under a tree. Not to mention how much a white dress can effect exposure when dealing with going inside and outside. So you have to optimize your settings for the moment you are in. Sometimes I have lots of time and can choose ISO, Shutter speed, and Aperture exactly how I'd like it. Sometimes I just have enough time to change my shutter speed and snag the shot. And sometimes that means keeping your iso at 800, so you have the ability to raise and lower your shutter speed without having your shutter speed drop too much. So generally if you see settings of mine that seem a little extreme, it probably means I'm dealing with a lighting scenario that requires it. Hope that makes sense. Selecting settings is definitely an art, and this could be an entire video or would almost need to be a multi video course to full explain all the aspects to it that influence my decisions.
Z6ii is my first full frame camera, I bought it because I know it is economical. I took 70K photos for my street photography during 13 months. Z6ii is still very good for me.
As a wedding photographer from across the pond, you're absolutely right that low light performance is much more important than a high megapixel count. In general, I'd say that couples don't care what brand you shoot, but one thing they do mind is distracting camera clicks. Do you turn off manual shutter in favour of silent electronic during ceremonies?
Z8 has a Vertical tilt I think they will bring it to z6iii. The Zf has the same sensor as the z6ii but the processor from z8 and z9. Its an insane camera when it comes to lowlight auto focus and ibis. It is a pain to hold and the lack of buttons will make you miss the z6ii. Shooting at 1.2 with the newer autofocus is amazing on Z8 but it is not good with high iso and I think the Z6ii just makes better looking photos straight out of camera. Z8 has new firmware that should fix it. JPGs out of the zF even better than z6ii due to new color profile. I got the zf for youtube and kids photos the flippy screen saves my knees when shooting 2 year olds running around.
I got a Z6 II recently because I was waiting to see what the Z6 III can offer. Although the Z6 III looks good, the price difference is too great for me to take the leap as I do not need the improvements in the new camera - maybe I will get that camera late, when the price drops to my budget level! As of now, I am enjoying Z6 II photography.
Your issues with the screen is fixed on the Z6 III. Thanks for this long term review of the Z6 II, Luke.
I got a great deal on a Zf and now I’m sold on Nikon. I blew my money on the Zf, and 40, 50, and 85 lenses. I want to get a second Nikon to go along with my Zf, can’t afford the Z6 III. I know the autofocus isn’t as good, but would the Z6II be a viable camera? I shoot portraits and headshots. Eventually I’ll get a Z6III, but for now is the Z6 II still doable for portraits and as a secondary to my Zf?
I came from the D750 to the Z6ii as well. My new Zf blows them both out of the water especially with autofocus! Hopefully the Z6iii will have the same form factor as the Z6ii but with the Zf processing engine and maybe shutterless!👍🏾
I have a Z 6ii. I am quite satisfied with it. I agree with what you have said earlier and now. A good, honest review. Keep it up.
I really enjoy your approach and the way you explain your preferences. I have a Z6ii. It was my first mirrorless body. It took quite a while for me to work out what I liked and didn’t like about it. I shoot mostly wildlife and so I bought a Z9 the moment it was released. I often decide to use the Z6ii for outings where I am not shooting wildlife because I take the view that a second camera which is significantly different but can use the same lenses, is very useful. I love the Z6ii even more now because I can ignore all the limitations of the Z6ii. I use it to take advantage of the things it really does do well. I have tried a Z8 and I liked it. The Z8 would not be my first choice as a second camera. I like the tiny form factor of the Z6ii. If they release a Z6iii, I hope it remains a small camera. Wildlife is a different story. Having a compact camera body is not an advantage for that.
I have the z6ii and I often have problems with the focus. Any Tips? How do you use focus?
You are the MAN!! ⚡ Thanks for sharing dude & love that you make such a great case for a camera that isn't the newest flashy option but just gets the job done well! So cool to know you shoot video on it too because your UA-cam quality is amazing!!
To change the setting display switch button, go to your setup menu, then select limit monitor mode, and only check the automatic display switch option. I was annoyed with that button too, but I found it after checking all the menus, haha!
I recently got a Nikon Zf (it’s amazing) and now I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z5 or Z6ii, LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 / Z6 ii in the store a bit and it felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both nice.
Would you recommend the Z5 or Z6ii as a backup to my Zf?
Nice review and informative! Forget the retro stuff: many of us had no choice in the past during the film era but to have "retro" caneras...
You can limit the options in the viewfinder display through custom settings so it doesn't turnoff the viewfinder or lcd as the csse may be.
With the z6iii out and prices on older bodies going down, im debating to upgrade from my z6. I shoot occasionally so im really trying to justify buying the one instead of the z6ii. Dont get me wrong, it being new w/ better tech justifies the price but for what I do, I think the z6ii would be the way to go and then use that price difference and get a nice prime.
It would be nice to watch a video of how you focus in low light with screen recording!
Great review!!
I own D3s, D800E & Z6ii ... overall I prefer image coming from D800E.. only advantage of Z6ii is light weight... looking forward to buy D850 when the price drop.
I was so close to pulling the trigger on thr Zf but, like you, the 50 1.2 is my most used lens so in the end i got the Z8 and it is astonishing how good it is. Compared to the Z6ii the AF feels like cheating!
Something I don't like about the viewfinder is that the shadows seem lighter than on the rear screen
Where can we get your presets
you can find them here! lukecleland.ca/shop
Z6iii with the ZF auto focus…
Would be all anyone would ever need…The technology and responsiveness of the ZF in a comfortable form factor…👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Hi Luke, I am fairly new to your channel and I love your videos. I am also a big fan of your photography style. I am just curious about some photos that are taken with higher ISO and extremely fast shutter speed for instance ISO 500 f1.2 1/2500. Is there any particular reason for this? I thought keeping the ISO lower by using a much slower shutter speed would be better. Maybe ISO 100 and 1/250 shutter speed?
Hey! Welcome and thank you! Great question! That is a somewhat complicated answer that is hard to explain typing it out here, but I will do my best to make a short version: Generally 100-800 ISO on my camera is practically the same (this is very conservative, even up to 2000 ISO on my camera is pretty good quality) . Of course 100 ISO is going to give the best image quality, but the difference between 100 ISO - 800 ISO may be something like 1% and impossible to notice the difference. I know my camera really well, so that would NOT be the same for all cameras. Some people may shoot at 800 ISO and have bad quality. When selecting settings for wedding photography there is a lot more to consider then just optimal image quality (as you mentioned keeping the ISO to 100). I don't use ISO 100 very much because I don't shoot in full sun all the time, and the amount of light on a weddings varies a LOT. One second you're shooting into the sun, and other second you're shooting the father of the bride wiping tears in the shade under a tree. Not to mention how much a white dress can effect exposure when dealing with going inside and outside. So you have to optimize your settings for the moment you are in. Sometimes I have lots of time and can choose ISO, Shutter speed, and Aperture exactly how I'd like it. Sometimes I just have enough time to change my shutter speed and snag the shot. And sometimes that means keeping your iso at 800, so you have the ability to raise and lower your shutter speed without having your shutter speed drop too much. So generally if you see settings of mine that seem a little extreme, it probably means I'm dealing with a lighting scenario that requires it. Hope that makes sense. Selecting settings is definitely an art, and this could be an entire video or would almost need to be a multi video course to full explain all the aspects to it that influence my decisions.
@@lukewtcleland that does make sense thank you for taking your time to answer.
My tolerance for this camera is iso 12800
@@tey913thats my upper limit on auto iso.
Do you use your lenses from your 750 with it or did you buy all new lenses?
You'll need the FTZ adapter. I still use my d750 lenses on my Z6II with the adapter.
I had the z6ii but the zf (or the z8) is a huge upgrade. Probably the z6iii will also be.
Obviously a camera that’s 2k more will be a huge upgrade 🤦🏽♂️
Great vid thanks! Subbed.
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Hello. what is your autofocus setting during wedding?
Great video. Well said! 👍🏾
Z6II is not too much different from the previous version which came out at Year 2018.
Hi Luke. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
thanks for watching!
I want a cute camera too! As a Canon shooter the R6 is so ugly! Why do they have to look just like DSLRs? I want it to be pretty 😍.
DSLRs are pretty.Mirrorless don't exactly look like camera