I just discovered you. Been going through all your videos. You should have 1 million subscribers!!!!! I think your vids have the most informative, no BS, to the point. I love it. I've been shooting as a business full time for 15 years. Mainly 30-40 weddings a year, and 25 percent of my work is working with tourism boards, overlanding in my 4runner, hiking and making landscape photos for them. I wish that was 100 percent of my work, but.....gotta support the family and pay the mortgage. Anyhow I just got a Z7II, and switched from the D850. Which I absolutely loved, I just felt it was time to jump into the market of mirrorless. So far I am impressed and still getting used to the finger movements, muscle memory reforming etc. It's been a bit foreign from being on the D850, 810, 750 etc. etc. for so long and so many years. I am fine tuning all the settings, customizing the buttons to my needs. I'm on the boat too, about the Z9 still though. I was going to switch over. But I think the best game for me is to just get comfortable with the Z7ii and wait and see what "in between" model they are going to come out with next. But I am not going to lie. The feeling to already get rid of the 7II, and just get the 9. Is there. I think in my head, I just keep thinking, oh but the 9 will help me with those quick capture moments at weddings that I might miss, and the occasional wildlife moments. But I am mainly a Wedding and Landscape photographer. But still....I think of people movement and moments at weddings, corporate events and so on. Where I want to move quickly. It's probably just a getting used to the new system feeling that I am experiencing.
Great review Matt. I also got a Z7II (coming from a D850) and I'm loving it. Thank you for reminding everyone, that even though AF is of course very important, IQ is paramount, and that the Z7II has be very good AF, but a class leading IQ. While maybe only 5% of us would need sport level AF (and Nikon will soon address those specific needs), 100% of us should look for IQ. And here Nikon just delivers.
Matt Sincere Honest & Informed Review. Appreciate your approach and your informed research is tremendous! Thank you! My Z7II has been absolutely incredible! From studio portraits to action in High school gyms I was convinced that it was ok to replace my D850! Fabulous machine!
Awesome Ronald, so glad it is hitting the mark, and fitting your use-case. And now we all get to invest over time in the scrumptious Z glass. :) Cheers Matt
Another great video Matt! I totally agree that this frames/second race is a bit ridiculous. I’m loving my Z7 II. Together with the 24-70mm f/2.8S, the images I’m getting are just spectacular. Looking forward to next week’s video!
Cheers Guy, yeah I think optically it is starting to come close to some version of medium format, pending lens choices etc. These are the best results I have seen from a 35mm combo. Cheers Matt
I have my Nikon Z 7II for a few weeks now. And I LOVE it! Although I'm using my third party lenses (especially the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art and the Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 G2), the picture quality is amazing!
I sold my Tamron g2s and went with the S lenses... faster, better... but... yes... $$$. But no regrets! And the value of the Nikon is better over years (less depreciation)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you! Well, since I do a lot of portraits and people photography in general, I'm totally curious about the upcoming 85mm (maybe 1.2) lens. I think, this will be an outstanding portrait lens. I could imagine, that this would be my first Z lens...
Watching this video 17 months later it makes me very happy that I got my Z7II back in February 2022 for a mere $2,300 in a crazy discount that I haven't seen anywhere else in the world (including the country where I live)! It's just a couple hundred dollars above the price of a Z6II which is insane value for what you get! Not refurbished, with a valid warranty, and an unused NPM card just because it had been taken out of the box with 32 exposures! Everything else in the box was untouched!
As an aged photographer, started with a 'wet dark-room' experience, Matt - I agree to the fullest with your aspects of a great camera. I personally never needed more than 10 fps, however I would appreciate something similar to the legendary Ilford PanF or the AgfaPan 25. Keep on going - your direction is productive! And, the new S-Lenses are perfect for the 2nd. Gen. Z-Cameras!
@@MattIrwinPhotography I’m only shooting with the z6, but have moved from a heavy tripod to a light tripod when setting up shots whilst out and about. Most of the time I’m now showing hand held anyway. Amazing what a couple of stops can do. If it was an 18-70 I wouldn’t carry any other lenses around the streets. Super happy with it. It is better than my fav lens of all time, the 17-55 2.8 crop lens.
I’m with you Matt. I’ve had an SLR or DSLR since 1976. I’m happy to hear you speak of the many other important aspects of a great camera. I wonder how the critics calling you a “non-photographer” would fair with an all manual camera? We are all photographers and should respect the different approaches we prefer. There is often more than 1 road to a destination. Why can’t there be more than one type or style of camera?
THANK YOU! I've had my Z6ii for almost a month and I really really love it! The images are sharp and beautiful which is a testament to the quality of the lenses; you can see all the little details and textures... I mean, that's if you know how to work your camera..... It focuses very well and I just really enjoy shooting with it... I CAN'T wait to see what I can accomplish with this camera!
Fel, you have an epic all rounder in the Z6 II which will go on strong for the decade to come, Nikon will keep giving us new lenses to play with, I am specifically excited about the 28 and 40mm pancake lenses, hopefully coming soon :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you! I will... the only problem I'm having with these camera companies is that they are releasing too many cameras too soon, it makes you feel like you are behind or left out or missing out if you don't the latest camera... I mean, I understand the hype and we all fall into it, but it has become kind of like the cell phone industry where they release a new phone every year and I think it is a disservice, in the case of Nikon I understand they really need to answer back to Sony and Canon's latest new super cameras... what I'm trying to say is that I know I'm going to end up buying a Z8 or Z9 even w/o having shot enough with this new Z6ii I just bought, so in order to maximize my investment I will have to shoot a lot with this camera in order to feel like my money was well spent... I know new cameras is always exciting but has become a little crazy... I wish they would wait two or three years... with that said, I understand Nikon has to compete, and I will be here to support them with their new camera, the Z8 or 9, I don't think I will need the Z1 or whatever their answer to Sony's/Canon's/Fuji will be as I'm not a sport shooter... and like you said, it is not just about MP and FPS... I have a contradiction in my mind going at the moment, I love my Z6ii and I think it is MORE THAN ENOUGH specially when they update it and improve it via firmware but at the same time, I'm afraid I will end up falling for the hype and buy their replacement to the 7ii and 6ii,let's see how it goes... I'm just hoping to enjoy this camera and those lenses you have mentioned, would love those pancakes lenses to do my street photography more discretely lol, cameras do get a lot of attention out there lol, anyway, I think I went over board with my reply, cheers and, by the way, awesome music and graphics. Cheers!
@@felm.974 Yes before Sony arrived, the cycle was slower ... Nikon will respond, and get their high end unit out, and then I think the frenzy will slow down ... I think :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you for your replay... I play video games and when Sony got into the video game industry, they did the same thing, they are a problem lol... they like to get into every industry and just mess with everything, I guess because they have so much money so they don't care about losses... in the case of the video game industry, Nintendo is the purist when it comes to video games just as Nikon is in Photography. Nintendo also believes in no releasing new products too soon and also in just giving enough to the consumer which is opposite of Sony's philosophy which is giving the consumer everything and way too much... the good thing is Nikon seems like they have woken up and is making changes to their strategies... I'm glad to see that, and I think you have inspired me, I now sit down and just admire my files and how good they are, as I mentioned, you can see so much detail in these files, really really beautiful, the tones and colors UFFFFF, all I have to do now is stay inspired and shoot a lot more... thank you again for taking the time to respond. Stay safe.
I have just discovered your videos they are excellent so I will be subscribing. You are preaching to the converted with me Matt. I have had my Z7ii for 10 days and I love it. I have the Z 24-70 2.8 lens it is amazing. My only regret is at the moment my circumstances have stopped me from getting out as much as I would have liked. The camera is a retirement gift from me to me. I previously had the D750, but I find the Z7ii easier to use. Keep up the good work
Thank you Matt for your review. I have just purchased the Nikon Z7ii and waiting for it to arrive plus the 50mm 1.8s. I'm really looking forward to this as a good update to my beloved D810
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hi Matt, well I have taken some shots with the 50mm 1.8s and processed them and I am gob-smacked! I have never seen such sharpness in a lens and I have or have had quite a few Nikon lenses. Even my awesome 70-200mm f2.8 E is left behind with this lens. So much so I rushed out and got the Nikon 14-30mm f4 and so far, so good with that lens as well. I'm hooked on the Z7ii and Z system now with the latest firmware 1.2 update. What on earth will the 2.0 bring? So pleased, thank you
I just picked up a new Z 7II from Henry's in Toronto on Monday with 24-70 f/4 kit lens and FTZ adapter. I hope to generate some fine art prints with this combination and look to your channel for inspiration, so many thanks and thanks also for cutting through the Nikon negativity we've seen so often on TH-cam for the past several months. Jim Ferr, from the GTA. Cheers...
Hi Matt, real estate is my bread & butter, and just transitioned to Z7ii for high-end tripod work, Z6ii for handheld lower-end shoots with battery grip. Using the 14-24 f2.8 with the Z7ii and the 14-30 f4 with the Z6ii, the 50mm f1.8 for the detail shots. I moved from D850 (still keeping) and D810. Loving the new setup, a dream to use, and the presets do speed up my workflow, the only glitch was needing to run firmware upgraded on my Godox flashes. Both setups come very highly recommended from a working pro and enthusiastic wildlife shooter, we need a 100-400mm soonest!! Thanks for all the great content👍🏼
Very positive review and report Matt. I received my Z7II about a month ago. I honestly cannot say that I've had the opportunity to get out and shoot with it all that much. I am sort of sad about that. What I enjoy most about your reviews is your forward looking attitude and comments. In my opinion, you preach the glass is half full, not half empty. That's more like me, throughout my life and career. Right now I only have the kit, 24-70 f4. Just today I received my 14-24 f2.8, which I have not placed on the camera. I just handled it a bit tonight, it really has that "feel" about it.(but it is heavy) Your photos and explanations are interesting and helpful. As the weeks and months go by, I hope to get out with both the Z6II and ZII and really learn to use them to their full potentials. I'm not really concerned about the next fantastic Nikon Z camera. No doubt the "pro's" are waiting to get and and shoot with it. I have more on my hands at this point than I can handle. Your reviews give me the inspiration to get out any time of day or night and shoot, shoot, shoot. Thank you again. 😊 👍 📸 🔥
I'm still running the original Z6 and a Z7 with zero issues. 24-70f4 14-30f4 50f1.8 70-200f2.8 All native glass and all are absolutely amazing and super sharp.
Firstly, many thanks for your heart-warming video which, like all your videos, I very much enjoyed. A Nikon user since film days, my first digital Nikon was the Coolpix 990 - quirky but capable of decent pictures. This was followed by the D3s - a lovely camera - used, among other things, for a lot of (amateur) theatre productions with studio flash. A change of manufacturer followed as I proceeded through the Fujifilm mirrorless cameras from X-T1, 2 and 3, to X-T4. Superb sharp images, great cameras, and the mirrorless experience! I have had my Z7 II since the beginning of this month but, with limited mobility, I have only managed some 500 exposures. Nevertheless, it has proved to be all I had hoped, producing superbly sharp results - even using the f/4 version of the 24-70 that came with the camera. What's more, I can produce bigger prints, when needed, than I can from my Fuji. This has all that I need and, as I am now 86, I can't see me moving to the Z8/9/1 but I wish Nikon all the best and hope that you'll continue with your wise observations on their progress.
Howdy Ray, thanks so much saying hi. Congratulations on Z7 II purchase, it is a lot of camera and coupled with Z lenses, it suits me down to the ground. 500 frames is not bad for only 2 weeks. As we know all know it's not quantity but quality, and I bet you have that in spades. Talk more soon. And stay safe. Where are you in the world? And what will be your next z lens? Cheers Matt :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography 'evening Matt (actually early morning) How very nice to get a reply from you - unexpected and so very quickly. I am in the UK, in Wells on the North Norfolk coast - very cold and snowy just now. I have already bought a couple of Z lenses - the 50mm and the 85mm, both the f/1.8 versions as I need to look after the pennies. They are both beautifully sharp and I have no need to go for that extra fraction of a stop. For longer focal lengths I shall use my old F lenses with the adapter - for the time being, anyway! I have certainly thought about the new Fuji 100S but it is way beyond my budget and I don't feel I am losing out with the Z7 II. Thanks again for your message. As others have said, your insightfulness, as well as your presentation, make for a helpful and enjoyable watch every time. All the best, Ray
This camera and Z 24-70 f/2.8 S is just perfect in any way shape or form… The lens for a loooot of things. If you can buy only one lens this is the one. It is absolutely worth every penny you will spend on that combo. I sadly sold my 24-70 f2.8 and I regreat it, but very soon it will be mine again 😉
So helpful brother! I’m changing from an A7rii and A7Riii and they’re great cameras but there is something about the images on the Z7ii and that dynamic range is wild.
Informative! Looking into options to upgrade and this is one of the Z7 II reviews that are really informative without having personal hands on in depth testing. Thank you!
I think I will be looking to pick up one of these beauties later in the year. That may change if the new camera Nikon announce has a feature that would greatly benefit me but it would need to be something special. We'll see!
Indeed Tom, I am just waiting to see what comes of the Z8/9, but it may be more camera than I need, and I will stick with the Z7 II, I think we will know either way pretty soon. Cheers Matt
Thank you! I was on the fence about selling my Z6ii, and buying the Z7ii (my business has gone more towards offering large size portraiture - for clients to actually want to hang on their walls) - after watching this, I am going for it!
Great review, Matt. It's an awesome camera. I just prefer the Z6 II due to lower megapixels and lower price. I think the Z7 II paired with Z glass is the best landscape FF camera on the market.
Wow the dynamic range is crazy. NIIIIIIKON Z ii Boogieloue So excited to moving into the Z system this year. I was jumping in last year but held out for improvements . I think it’s time for the move . First will probably be the Z6ii to go on my gimbal/SteadyCam system.
Yeah Troy, at almost 50MP, and the files just take it, and they are clean ... totally my happy place for image making, as I love high dynamic range situations. The Z6 II is so much camera and such a great price, and if video is your primary, makes so much sense. Just waiting on the 60P 4K for the Z6 II, must be coming any minute :) Cheers Matt
It cost me a lot of $ to get to a Nikon Mirrorless which meets my minimum standard for a photographic tool. The Nikon Z7 II is very useable in all shooting situations and I truly enjoy using the Nikon Z7 II. Not perfect but I accept it for what it is and is my number one camera.
Thanks so much Craig, out capturing and creating is totally my happy place :) Heart filled with the world around me, for me it does not get any better. : ) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography 24-70 F/2.8 S. It is like multiple primes packed into a zoom lens :). I also have a Laowa 100mm 2.8 macro which I am also very happy with!
Excellent review Matt and some very good comments as well. I absolutely love my Z7 II and have not looked back at my amazing D850 that I traded in. The combination of these new Z-mount lenses and the Z7 II is simply awesome. I'm sure the new "Z8/9" or whatever it's called will be amazing as well but honestly, I can't think of much else I'm really missing. I'm not much of a spray and pray photographer so 20 fps means absolutely nothing to me. Thanks for always keeping it real and focusing on Use Case over specs!
Thanks for this review. It was quite impressive. I am happy with my Z6, but this review made me think... "should I be upgrading to the Z7II?" You have also reaffirmed my plan to move to the 24-70 f2.8. I love the f4 but for many of the photos that I take at church I could use a bit more light and I think the 24-70 f2.8 would be a good investment for me. Thanks for this review. As always it is nice to hear a review that looks at the Z platform in a more positive light.
Even using the f4 zoom lenses it's the same experience - sharp, sharp, everywhere. IQ is just outstanding, even the first z7 - no probs with banding even if lifting shadows quite substantially at times. What I would like to have are the new AF wide combined with eye/face modus, I am not using area auto much, I prefer to have more control in busy environments. No need for me to upgrade, better get more glass for the time being. That said I can see how the z7 II is the more rounded camera, which hopefully will make people feel more comfortable, getting it and start shooting with it. Mirrorless is quite a different experience, gets some time to get used to it, but oh boy, I would never want to go back!
Hello Matt, Yes this Nikon Z7ii is amazing, colour since, files, in the hand just great to use. Just to wind you up why did they not just but two XQD/CF cards slots. But I was happy with jut the one any wet. Keep well, keep safe Ann have fun. P.s. I like what you say and how you say it, I think to me your thoughts on kit are more honest and from a photographs view point. I thank you.
I know the pro's are happy with the Z's, but there are a lot of us hobbyists/prosumers who feel left in the dark. A few years ago Nikon was offering three stellar lines of consumer cameras. Many of us don't need or can justify investing in a Z7II and a few Z lenses. $5k US sure adds up quickly! I'd be happy with a 30mp BSI, 10fps, same compact size, traditional buttons and dials, built-in flash, articulating screen, and matched action focusing of my prior D500. I had the Z6II for two months, a Z5 for two months before that, a Z7 before that, and I still have a z50. All were great, but the overall experience and limited button/programming were very frustrating; and I'm much more technical than most. AF-C single often seems nervous and jittery, and that mode can't be limited either. I tried a D780 and liked it A LOT more than the z6II. It was certainly more usable out of the box but it felt gigantic. After having a ZII with CFE support and a d500's focusing performance; it still didn't feel like an upgrade. I miss the FX sensor, FX Z glass, and EVF but I ended up going back to pairing a D750 with my Z50. I can make up for the glass and sensor performance with additional lighting. Still a Nikon fan boi, and not planning on going anywhere else yet. Just not sold on the Z's yet.
I've had mine for a week, so just getting to grips with it - obviously a massive technical leap forward from my d610 but still feel mostly at home with it! Using my afs lenses (mostly the 24-70) which work well, and a new Samyang 14/f2.8 that has turned out to also be rather good. Now awaiting for my Z24-70 2.8 to arrive, and hoping for better weather to arrive with it (too cold and too locked down to go very far here in the UK at the moment). Great video - thanks Matt.
Thanks Matt - getting some frames on my own Z7II now and loving it. Been shooting mostly with the 24-200 all-rounder and while not as resolving as the 2.8 trinity, it is plenty good, surprisingly good. Wish I had a way to send you some shots. :).
I own a D850. Now I own a Z6ii (after much trading!). The D850 just doesn't come out to play anymore. It will; for landscapes (higher MP count) but the Z is just a better holistic photography experience, especially with my old Nikon glass. Focusing the extraordinary Nikon 28mm f 2.8 ais and 105mm f 2.5 PRE-AI are a delight on the Z. The overall photography experience is better with the Z. For me, I admit. The Z8/Z9 might be better for photojournalism which I don't do and so it will probably be a camera I wont need. But for those who do, whoo hoo! Happy days. BTW Matt your photos are beautiful. Thanks for ALL your videos. The Nikon DSLR and SLR boys and girls are coming. Look out. How do I know? I am one.
I'm excited to get my Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II. I sold my Z6 and upgrading to the Z6 II. I also got the Z7 II as my high-resolution landscape camera to replace my Nikon D810 for that purpose. The D810 is now a dedicated Astro camera. I decided to embrace the Z ecosystem. Now, I need the snowmageddon to stop to pick them up!
@@MattIrwinPhotography A lot of snow for Seattle/Portland standards. Lol! My favorite Z lens is the 70-200 mm f/2.8 S. Thank you for asking and best wishes to you and to your TH-cam channel!
The secret to the high quality images coming from the Z mount cameras is the lens mount giving Nikon plenty of design options. Only the Canons system can come close Sony and the rest forget about it.
@@fish3010 Sony 50mm 1.2 is smaller with worse image quality and horrible focus breathing. It is the worlds first F1.2 Zoom but hey it is $100 cheaper.
Absolutely incorrect. The Nikon holds its sharpness edge to edge the Sony is sharp in the middle but then falls off fast due to the tiny APSC mount. Sony focus breathing is horrible. Just watch dpreviews video for the horrible focus breathing. The Nikon has zero focus breathing.
Matt, you created a confidence in me to seriously place the Z7II on the next-to-buy list. One of the reasons I purchased the Z6 last year was its ability to perform well in low light settings (with video) and also perform neatly with night-sky astrophotography. The Z7, with its higher m-pixels, seemed not to perform as well when using higher ISO in the dark as the Z6. But, with this episode reviewing the Z7II, if I am digesting this correctly, the Z7II's dynamic range in low light settings is seriously next level. And, as such, it would likely fit well to complement the Z6 in my use-case for live-video, low light video, and astro-photography. With the latter, I'm quite keen to see it work on the night sky with my Z Mount 20mm f1.8 glass. If I'm wrong on the above hopefully someone will point out why. Thanks Matt!
Hi Selwyn, it is hard to explain, I don't think there is more dynamic range, but as it is very clean in the Z7 II, thus you feel freer to use more of it ... does that make sense ... also some of the low light success is around good lens choices. What lenses do you have at this point? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for expanding on it. That makes sense. With the Z Mount glass, I use the 20mm f1.8 for night work, astro, and also it does some excellent work wide ocean/sky scapes, but also up close, wide open, in forest-like settings. For live video, I mainly use the kit Z Mount 24-70mm f4. That works well - gives room to move with AFF, also works well with green screen - also with it open at f4, 1/30, 100 iso, set to 1080p 30 etc. The next purchase would be the 50mm f1.2, and probably the z7II. I'm building up the kit. Does it look like I'm on the right path for my use-case?
PS: Your episode-viewer ratio when applied to subscriber total is pretty darn good compared to most. I reckon that's proof your channel is doing the good stuff Matt.
@@EveningReport Yep sure does. Although for the studio setting the 50mm 1.8 is really just as good if you don't what the extra depth of field, and right now it is about $639 here in Australia with sales and rebates. www.digidirect.com.au/nikon-nikkor-z-50mm-f-1-8-s Nikon rebates at the moment - mynikonlife.com.au/cashback
@@EveningReport Yes thanks for noticing, it does seem to be very strong. I am really enjoying the community, and I love talking, sharing and exploring all these topics together, way more fun than on your own, which I did for 25 odd years before hand :)
Just got my hands on my z7ii with grip on Friday, have 24-70mm s 70-200 2.8 s 14-30mm s when temperature rises from minus 11 in Scotland I'll get out and have some fun.
Just ordered a new Z7ii and your video helps me feel better for forking out all that $$. I have been shooting the Fuji X system (APSC) as a full time professional for about 6 years. I hope I see the value in adding this to my plethora of gear! Time will tell if I keep the Fujis which I absolutely love using, or switch back to Nikon (was a Nikon before switching to Fuji lol)
Thanks Matt, Very, very good review. 25ASA YES, YES YES! More DR another big Yes. High frame rate? when required, ... how often do we really use high frame rate anyway? And, Yes I have Subscribed. BTW. My film photography: Blad 500 ELM, Linholf Karden Master "L" System 4" x 5" . Art Panorama and a bunch of others. My first Pro being Nikon ftn Photomic, I still have it and the rare 45mm GN lens.
Hi Matt, Yes, there are two card slot BUT they are NOT the same! If I went for a Z7 II, I would have to carry two card readers. I am very happy with my 1 XQD slot! There is not enough of a difference for me to upgrade to the Z7 II. I am waiting for next PRO model of the Z line. Regards! Rick
Thanks for the vid Matt, recently upgraded from a Z6 to Z7ii huge difference in files. The larger file sizes lets me crop down and still have plenty of file to work with. Until some longer lenses come out this seems to be the way to go.
@@MattIrwinPhotography something up to 400 so I was thinking 100-400 when it comes out might just fit in the right range for sports, birds and wildlife
The snapchick does a great compare of the buffers of the z7 and the z7ii. I've used my z7 with my adapted sigma 150 600 and captured some wild birds, I'm sure the z7ii will be pretty great. It is good to see some respected people on the net respecting Nikon.
Just playing some TH-cam videos while I'm working on over 16,000 photos I took last weekend. I happened upon this year old video while searching for things that I might have missed. Given that this was put together a year ago, to me you look rather prescient. I bought my Z7ii in June of 2022, trading my Z6ii for it (I'm someone who doesn't do a lot of videos.). The 16,000 photos were largely movement shots (that get tossed aside if they're not that perfect moment of movement) at a large dog show (four days). About 2/3rd of them were with the Z7ii and a third with my D850 (both with Nikon battery grips)l I've winnowed the 16,586 photos down to about 1500 that I'll take through Lightroom for processing. I must say, while I love both cameras, the Z7ii is emerging as my favorite (I'm sure that's blasphemy to many D850 lovers.), especially as I learn the nuances of the Z7ii autofocus system. This last show I used the Wide Area Animal Autofocus and it worked great. I think my focus hit rate is easily over 95 percent. I've been thinking about trading the D850 for a Z9, primarily because I'd love to be capturing 15 frames a second versus the 9 of my D850 and 10 of the Z7ii. Also, occasionally, I have experienced a dog getting distracted by the machine gun-like shot burst of the D850; they have no problem with the slight burst sound that the Z7ii emits. But, I'm waiting to see if the Z8 rumors bear fruit in the next few months and use the D850 when the dogs are rather away from me, or I'm not shooting bursts. For whatever reason, I love your videos and viewpoints. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much John for sharing, means a lot to me. Fingers crossed the Z8 is not too far away and is something we are all hoping for. 😀 what are your fav lenses on the z and d850? Cheers Matt.
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for the Reply, Matt. I'm an amateur photography. I have a few people using my "dog" photos for ads, but I do it because I love it and it allows for an escape from the stress of a somewhat stressful job in the financial services industry. For the Z cameras, I started with the Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 when I bought a Nikon Z 6ii. Now I have the Z 70-200mm f2.8; the Z 24-120mm f4 S; and the Z 105mm f2.8 Macro (all Nikons). For the F-mount I have mostly Sigma's: the 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport; the 14-24mm f2.8 DG Art; the 24-105mm f4 Art; the 40mm f1.4 Art; the 85mm f1.4 Art;, the 100-400mm f4.5-6.3 Contemporary; and then I have a Zeiss Milvus 100mm f2 ZF.2 Macro. I also have the Sigma 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, and of course the Nikon FTZ adaptor.
Yet another insightful review! I'm going to sit tight with my Z7, but quite curious about the pending Z mount releases. It' time Nikon to leak a bit more substance to Thom Hogan - why not add your faithful Matt Irwin to insider dribbles while you are at it? That Z8/9/1 will be delicious! Cheers, stay well my friend.
A great video 😊. I am trying to get my hands on a Z7ii but no one in stock, in my area... Got the 24-70 f2.8 a GREAT lens, love it, my goto lens. Will get a Z7ii. It will fill my needs. Can't afford the Z8/Z9 so will not wait, but excited to see what comes up.
I hope the AF is beter than the Z7. I had a beautyshoot last friday and with the model at 2,5 meters from the camera, the face/eyedetection was struggling. I really missed my D850 which never missed a shot. Now I have the beautiful Z lenses, beter than the F versions, on a camera that comes no where near the D850. If the Z7 II is not much beter then the Z7 at autofocus or Nikon does not come with a Z8 or Z9, I might switch to the R5 be the end of this year.
Had my Z7ii since mid December and really loving it. My only issue is that with lock-down (here in the UK) and dismal weather. most of the time, it is difficult to find stimulating subjects to get out and photography!!
Brilliant review, Matt. I’m really digging your take on the advancement of Nikon’s technology and how you take that into account. Did the Z6/7 have a few flaws (often blown way out of proportion by a lot)? Sure. I feel that the second variants of these cameras are fantastic and a lot of Nikon or non Nikon shooters should have a look. I’m loving my Z6/Z50 combo for the work I do and I just might pick up a Z6 II.
Terrific review, and delicious evening images, Matt. Love your no-BS practical approach. I am debating between Z6II and Z7II, for travel and landscape. Don't print huge and would like to shoot handheld more often not to stay light on trips. I was very impressed with the cleanliness and sharpness of your evening images at 400 ISO with Z7II. I second others' suggestions that you do a follow-up review on the low-light, hand-held shooting experience and output between the Z6II and Z7II. I was thinking that I'd need a Z6II for good image quality beyond 3200 ISO, but you seem get remarkable quality at dusk handheld at 400-1200 ISO (no denoising?), albeit with the great new 2.8 zoom. When might you be wanting better ISO performance, requiring the Z6II, for your low-light landscapes and streetscapes? And is the new 24-70 f/ 2.8S that much better than the 24-70 f/4 in low light, and overall shooting experience (better build, more features)? My fav. photo channel. Great work.
Hey , I'm glad you & your viewers are happy with the choice of the Z72. Before I go any further let me tell you I shoot Nikon (7 year old Nikon tech) , D810. I'm guessing you chose ISO 400 because of the dynamic range thing but, I have to tell you ISO 400 isn't even worth mentioning in todays day & age. I didn't get the ISO 400 with a 2500 of a second shutter speed & then ISO 64 with a 1/640th shutter speed in your sample photos. If I'm missing something here, please explain. Also I would like to see some 1600, 3200 &, 6400 ISO examples. What if you shoot night & low light events where people are moving, etc. ? Sorry, if your going to move to mirrorless & switch up your lens anyway, for another $900 ... One thing you can give Nikon is their color out put is better than Sony's & close enough to call a tie with Canon. I think Fuji has them both beat there. And the smartest thing Nikon did was the larger lens flange mount for the Z line-up leaving a much wider range of possibilities with their lens. I wish them nothing but success!
HI Ted, I was messing around with the Dual Gain, which sits at 400, and if 400 is as clean as 64 ISO :) Good point, I will do a follow up review and push the cam to higher ISO's :) Yes I look forward to seeing more exotic lenses over time :) Cheers Matt
Great video, Matt. I’m looking forward to migrating from my D750. All this hype about high-speed animal eye tracking is just rubbish for most photographers. As a landscape photographer, I would be quite happy with 1 FPS.
Matt, love your videos, what are your thoughts on a hobbiest , picking up the original Z7 at a pretty good price point right now.. Just wondering if I would be giving up too much by going this way?
Excellent review. Finally plunging into Nikon based on many of the results I've seen over past 3 years. But i will say that true, beautiful, incredibly filmic-looking digital "grain" (massaged noise and transition rendering) has been present in the Ricoh GR line, even back to the CCD mid-2000s models. Ten to fifteen years on and the sensor and color science of other makers are finally joining the magic. Quick question: has the banding in the previous gen been resolved (not that I particularly care, just curious) by firmware, or is it still present?
Hi Matt, Great video as always. I would love to see a comparison on dynamic range, between Sony A1 and Nikon Z7II. Lens quality, sharpness iso performance etc. I also prefer Nikon any day because of the colors and dynamic range of Nikon. I am so amazed of the 2,8 trinity and the 50 mm 1,2 how it performs on my Z7II. Like you I am tired of FPS and Af issues are the only winners for new cameras. 16 bit and 25/34 iso would be awesome, or even a medium format sensor for z lenses, as you mentioned in a previous video. Keep up the great videos
Yes, it is in a way. I moved in in 2014, and had both my HQ and this site from 2014 to now, and I just did not need both. So retail is fully moved to this site in the video. Which is in the City of Melbourne. Cheers Matt
Awesome video Matt! Very interesting about the banding issues and comparisons. Does the Z7ii have more dynamic range then Z6ii? Can you push Z7ii files harder then Z6ii? Let’s say at base ISO’s both at 100, 400, 800? Great content thank you
Hi Matt Which of these is the best option? Option 1 Nikon Z7ii with ftz adapter and the Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 for €3800 Option 2 Nikon Z6ii with the ftz adapter and the Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 for €2600 With the 1200 saved in price difference get the Nikon 14-30MMF4 to go with Z6ii I currently have a d500 and d850 but am going to move to mirroless for my landscape work and keep the d500 for my wildlife work.
@@MattIrwinPhotography my main purpose for the move to mirroless is for my landscape work so I guess I'm really asking is the Z7ii €1200 better than the Z6ii
@@kennygoodison2898 hmmm well I would go the Z7 II, the value of 1200 is very personal, but you cannot get back resolution that you don't have ... and if having more detail when your print is 4ft wide is important, then the Z7 II will make more sense. If I was in your shoes I would get the Z7 II :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography cheers my Z7ii kit arrived yesterday but was having thoughts of returning it for the other option I mentioned. But I'm glad I went with the Z7ii now. Thank you 👍
Here's an odd scenario. I have a Z50, love it of course. I annoyingly mention it in at least 80% of the gear videos I comment on. If I were to upgrade/acquire to a FX mirrorless camera, it will probably be a Z7II in 3-5 years when there's plenty of used copies on the market. In crop mode it has roughly the same pixels as the Z50. From what I understand the DX lenses work with the Z7 when recording 4k. When I want to go on deep backpacking trips I can rent a 24-200 for the week and have all the FX sensor to get detail. Yes, i'll be tossing a portion of the FX sensor for every day shooting, but 20MP is absolutely plenty for daily stuff. This will probably be the route I take if Nikon doesn't give us a Z70/Z500 body.
Matt - hi - just want to get your thoughts - do you really think you need to sell your Z7 for the Z7 II (senor and dynamic range wise?) I was thinking of keeping my 1st Gen Z cameras as I've had them for years and no issues with the image quality at all on my Z glass OR the focus system. I bring both bodies to paid jobs anyway so I have full redundancy already. Cheers /Chris.
Hi Chris, no it would not be due to dynamic range. I really don't have to sell at all. : ) Things like the 4K 60P, I will actually use ... but I don't need to. The Z6 II can cover that. I will wait and see what the Z8/9 has instore, and decide from there. : ) I think. Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Exactly my thoughts Matt! There are a couple of new features Nikon has added in the menus of the Z6 II and Z7 II such as longer timer modes - very handy however I do city/landscape so am in exactly the same boat as yourself. I never had an XQD let me down in all of the years I have been shooting with them as well.
For cityscape & Architecture photography … No video works just still images , would you go with z7 or z7ii ? I do such kind of photography and want to upgrade from my Nikon D810 … appreciate your valuable advise .
Will the Z7 II handle legacy lenses, specifically Leica rangefinder lenses, without any additional modification other tnan an adapter? I'm shooting d810 and d850 both handle legacy Nikkors transparently. I'm also shooting analogue leicas. Since I have a lot of nikkors and leitz lenses I'd like to find a Nikon Zxx that can shoot both. I thought Sony might work, some shooters said yes, but it needs a modification to better shoot leica lenses which I am not inclined to pursue. I'm wondering if you or any commenters have any thoughts.
Matt, I would preorder new Nikon with ISO 25/32, less ISO noise, 16 bit color depth, wider DR at price range of $6k. And if Nikon adds higher FPS and more focus feature - the better.
Hello sir, I'm a Nikon D750 user & also have many F mount lenses. Now I am planning to buy Nikon Z7ii camera. But confused about 2 lenses, Nikon 28-75 f2.8 and 24-70 f4 ?? Which is suitable for me ?? I'm a wedding photographer & never shoot video.. Please suggest me 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank for this review. I try to searching video like this. I want to know raw file. How can handle dynamic range? In real world. But no body do as much. Currently I use Sony system. But I have many F glass of Nikon. And still use my D600. It's first FF camera brought with my self. This vid make my clearly to go with Z7II. I very wait they re-stock in my country. So excited. Thank you Matt.
I think we came from the megapixel race to a frame per second-race. In this regard I think we are at a point where we are reaching an point of what is usable/makes an difference in your work.
For sure Christian, personally I think at 30 FPS anything except the very fastest of objects will not show any discernible difference between the frames and will create an editing and storage burden not commensurate with the outcome. A 3 sec burst gives you 90 frames, 5 secs 150 frames, 10 5 sec burst and you have 1500 frames ... this is not my happy place :) Cheers Matt
This review does justice to the Z systems! And also explains in great detail the difference between Z7 and Z7II. Which of the Z cameras would be best for fashion and model photography?
Hi Alfred at this point for the price difference I would choose the Z7 II. I would hope Nikon further advance the Z7 II through firmware, I think all the extra tweaks are worth it if buying new today. Cheers Matt
Hello All! May be it will be helpful for Nikon 7zii owners. I had problem "Lens initialization failed" during the first attachment of 24-200 Nikkor Z Lens to camera. It was solved when I turn camera on with the lens adjusted to the maximum focal length - 200 мм. It was my second lens of this type. The first has defect of small plastic ring with Nikkor name at the front of the lens - the ring was not fixed correctly - it jumps out - I exchanged it. The first lens also has initialization error - but it was gone by turn camera off and on as suggested.
I'm thinking of picking up the Pergear 256gb CF Express card, since you recommended the brand, but I am a bit apprehensive. Especially when compared to the other brand's pricing. The SanDisk 128gb is $200 here in the US, while the Pergear is double the size at the same price. I can see that the Pergear is slightly slower, but not by much. Would you be able to make a follow up video on the Pergear CF Express card with a more technical overview and speed test. I would really appreciate it.
Yes RH, my computer does not allow me to test top speeds as I don't have fast enough external buses. New computer coming some time this year. I have copied 350GB over to the card to check it is all there, and it is. :) And I will use it on every shoot to push it as hard as I can. I think what is happening in the CFexpress space is the 2nd tier makers are getting on board, now there are more cameras that support the format. Rather than this being low quality, I think it is competition of the 2nd tier makers trying to get market share. But, as for this card, I won't know really how good it is for a year or two and can fully trust it. And for your critical images, it is correct to be concerned and consider buying names you have used and trust before. All new cards, or any products have failure risk attached, and you have to measure the risk for you of lower price vs brand. : ) I will keep you posted in the months ahead as to how it is going. I am using 4 year old Sony 128's, and they are going strong. So I have expectations. : ) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it. I do understand your situation with not being able to fully give a full review, as it's a new card and one can only give feedback based on experience. I definitely see your point on the competition, with them trying to be more competitive with the pricing in order to get sales. The 5 year warranty is definitely a nice addition to the purchase. I'm gonna try it out, and I'll make sure to use your link to purchase it, thanks again.
Esteemed Mr. Irwin, I need some help and direction from you? For some reason my Sony A7II photos look better than my Z6II photos. 8 realize there are a myriad of factors that come into question almost immediately such as lenses used and light conditions, etc. But is there something that I’m missing that is obvious. I’m using the Nikon Kit lens and the Sony kit lens and even set each camera in its auto mode, yet the Sony looks better. In fact all of my best photographs are from my Sony. Granted I haven’t had my Nikon Z6II for a long time but since it’s release I’ve had it, and my first camera was my Sony A7II which I bought new (on rebate), but what gives? Any obvious ideas or any thoughts much deeper. Thank you.
Do you use raw or JPEGs? If JPEGs are preferred, one can tweak the sharpness and saturation, etc, in the camera. Most reviewers that compare JPEGs straight out of the camera just use the default settings and never bother to tweak them to their liking. If using RAW, then post processing should take care of any differences in camera output. In either case, it is really all a matter of personal preference, though some cameras render skin tones better than others, I've found, even with the benefit of raw files.
Good video, I'm with ye, give me more dynamic range and better ISO performance (although I could always use better auto focus!) Is that the new office? Looks great.
CHeers DDL, yes this is our gallery studio in the City of Melbourne, we have been there since 2014, and the old space was my head office for 20 years. I just did not need both anymore :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography i know Melbourne well, lived in St Kilda for a couple of years. Once its easier to fly again I'll hopefully get to Melbourne for a visit. I'm from ireland but live in NZ at the moment.
I just discovered you. Been going through all your videos. You should have 1 million subscribers!!!!! I think your vids have the most informative, no BS, to the point. I love it. I've been shooting as a business full time for 15 years. Mainly 30-40 weddings a year, and 25 percent of my work is working with tourism boards, overlanding in my 4runner, hiking and making landscape photos for them. I wish that was 100 percent of my work, but.....gotta support the family and pay the mortgage. Anyhow I just got a Z7II, and switched from the D850. Which I absolutely loved, I just felt it was time to jump into the market of mirrorless. So far I am impressed and still getting used to the finger movements, muscle memory reforming etc. It's been a bit foreign from being on the D850, 810, 750 etc. etc. for so long and so many years. I am fine tuning all the settings, customizing the buttons to my needs. I'm on the boat too, about the Z9 still though. I was going to switch over. But I think the best game for me is to just get comfortable with the Z7ii and wait and see what "in between" model they are going to come out with next. But I am not going to lie. The feeling to already get rid of the 7II, and just get the 9. Is there. I think in my head, I just keep thinking, oh but the 9 will help me with those quick capture moments at weddings that I might miss, and the occasional wildlife moments. But I am mainly a Wedding and Landscape photographer. But still....I think of people movement and moments at weddings, corporate events and so on. Where I want to move quickly. It's probably just a getting used to the new system feeling that I am experiencing.
Great review Matt. I also got a Z7II (coming from a D850) and I'm loving it. Thank you for reminding everyone, that even though AF is of course very important, IQ is paramount, and that the Z7II has be very good AF, but a class leading IQ.
While maybe only 5% of us would need sport level AF (and Nikon will soon address those specific needs), 100% of us should look for IQ. And here Nikon just delivers.
I'm loving it... If you loved The D850 you'll love the z7ii even more... Feels Like Home with Ibis on your older favourite lenses that don't have VR
For sure Will, for my use case, all the advantages of the Z7 meet my needs and expectations. Cheers Matt
Thanks Matt - I was about to give up on Nikon - But after this I'm staying at home with this brand 👍🏻
Matt, what I love about you is that you are such an experienced, learned and professional photographer. Cannot estimate this enough!
Matt Sincere Honest & Informed Review. Appreciate your approach and your informed research is tremendous! Thank you! My Z7II has been absolutely incredible! From studio portraits to action in High school gyms I was convinced that it was ok to replace my D850! Fabulous machine!
Awesome Ronald, so glad it is hitting the mark, and fitting your use-case. And now we all get to invest over time in the scrumptious Z glass. :) Cheers Matt
Another great video Matt! I totally agree that this frames/second race is a bit ridiculous. I’m loving my Z7 II. Together with the 24-70mm f/2.8S, the images I’m getting are just spectacular. Looking forward to next week’s video!
Cheers Guy, yeah I think optically it is starting to come close to some version of medium format, pending lens choices etc. These are the best results I have seen from a 35mm combo. Cheers Matt
Brilliant Matt. You have convinced me this is the camera for me. Thank you.
No worries John, please let me know what you think. Regards Matt
I have my Nikon Z 7II for a few weeks now. And I LOVE it! Although I'm using my third party lenses (especially the Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art and the Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 G2), the picture quality is amazing!
I sold my Tamron g2s and went with the S lenses... faster, better... but... yes... $$$. But no regrets! And the value of the Nikon is better over years (less depreciation)
Congrats Jens, what do you think will be your first Z lens? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you! Well, since I do a lot of portraits and people photography in general, I'm totally curious about the upcoming 85mm (maybe 1.2) lens. I think, this will be an outstanding portrait lens. I could imagine, that this would be my first Z lens...
@@Mister_M3780 Yes that is a lens I too am excited about :)
That's my set up!!! And I have zero complaints!!!
Your videos are always spot on. Glad we have you making videos.
I appreciate that Rusty, thank you so much :) Cheers Matt
Watching this video 17 months later it makes me very happy that I got my Z7II back in February 2022 for a mere $2,300 in a crazy discount that I haven't seen anywhere else in the world (including the country where I live)! It's just a couple hundred dollars above the price of a Z6II which is insane value for what you get! Not refurbished, with a valid warranty, and an unused NPM card just because it had been taken out of the box with 32 exposures! Everything else in the box was untouched!
Nikon Z7 ii is a great camera. You just proved it! Thanks for the great video!
Indeed Ed, for my use-case, this is so much camera at a great price point, and coupled with what the Z glass delivers ... HAPPINESS !!! Cheers Matt
Finally i find a guy that loves talking about the RAWs like i do
1000% Image quality trumps all and finally a review that dives into the dynamic range and pixels!
I had 2 Z7 and love them. I traded both in and now have 2 Z7II both with battery grips.and they are absolutely amazing.. Thanks for your review.
As an aged photographer, started with a 'wet dark-room' experience, Matt - I agree to the fullest with your aspects of a great camera. I personally never needed more than 10 fps, however I would appreciate something similar to the legendary Ilford PanF or the AgfaPan 25. Keep on going - your direction is productive! And, the new S-Lenses are perfect for the 2nd. Gen. Z-Cameras!
Matt, agree completely with the 24-70. Great lens. Ridiculously accurate all over.
Yes Joseph, and the IBIS seems uncanny, did you have the same experience? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography I’m only shooting with the z6, but have moved from a heavy tripod to a light tripod when setting up shots whilst out and about. Most of the time I’m now showing hand held anyway. Amazing what a couple of stops can do.
If it was an 18-70 I wouldn’t carry any other lenses around the streets. Super happy with it. It is better than my fav lens of all time, the 17-55 2.8 crop lens.
I have made the total Z jump, Selling my d850, DF and all lens's but my 200-500 and 105vr micro. Thank you for excellent content.
Call me,I will adopt the 850.
I’m with you Matt. I’ve had an SLR or DSLR since 1976. I’m happy to hear you speak of the many other important aspects of a great camera. I wonder how the critics calling you a “non-photographer” would fair with an all manual camera? We are all photographers and should respect the different approaches we prefer. There is often more than 1 road to a destination. Why can’t there be more than one type or style of camera?
THANK YOU! I've had my Z6ii for almost a month and I really really love it! The images are sharp and beautiful which is a testament to the quality of the lenses; you can see all the little details and textures... I mean, that's if you know how to work your camera..... It focuses very well and I just really enjoy shooting with it... I CAN'T wait to see what I can accomplish with this camera!
Fel, you have an epic all rounder in the Z6 II which will go on strong for the decade to come, Nikon will keep giving us new lenses to play with, I am specifically excited about the 28 and 40mm pancake lenses, hopefully coming soon :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you! I will... the only problem I'm having with these camera companies is that they are releasing too many cameras too soon, it makes you feel like you are behind or left out or missing out if you don't the latest camera... I mean, I understand the hype and we all fall into it, but it has become kind of like the cell phone industry where they release a new phone every year and I think it is a disservice, in the case of Nikon I understand they really need to answer back to Sony and Canon's latest new super cameras... what I'm trying to say is that I know I'm going to end up buying a Z8 or Z9 even w/o having shot enough with this new Z6ii I just bought, so in order to maximize my investment I will have to shoot a lot with this camera in order to feel like my money was well spent... I know new cameras is always exciting but has become a little crazy... I wish they would wait two or three years... with that said, I understand Nikon has to compete, and I will be here to support them with their new camera, the Z8 or 9, I don't think I will need the Z1 or whatever their answer to Sony's/Canon's/Fuji will be as I'm not a sport shooter... and like you said, it is not just about MP and FPS... I have a contradiction in my mind going at the moment, I love my Z6ii and I think it is MORE THAN ENOUGH specially when they update it and improve it via firmware but at the same time, I'm afraid I will end up falling for the hype and buy their replacement to the 7ii and 6ii,let's see how it goes... I'm just hoping to enjoy this camera and those lenses you have mentioned, would love those pancakes lenses to do my street photography more discretely lol, cameras do get a lot of attention out there lol, anyway, I think I went over board with my reply, cheers and, by the way, awesome music and graphics. Cheers!
@@felm.974 Yes before Sony arrived, the cycle was slower ... Nikon will respond, and get their high end unit out, and then I think the frenzy will slow down ... I think :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you for your replay... I play video games and when Sony got into the video game industry, they did the same thing, they are a problem lol... they like to get into every industry and just mess with everything, I guess because they have so much money so they don't care about losses... in the case of the video game industry, Nintendo is the purist when it comes to video games just as Nikon is in Photography. Nintendo also believes in no releasing new products too soon and also in just giving enough to the consumer which is opposite of Sony's philosophy which is giving the consumer everything and way too much... the good thing is Nikon seems like they have woken up and is making changes to their strategies... I'm glad to see that, and I think you have inspired me, I now sit down and just admire my files and how good they are, as I mentioned, you can see so much detail in these files, really really beautiful, the tones and colors UFFFFF, all I have to do now is stay inspired and shoot a lot more... thank you again for taking the time to respond. Stay safe.
I just got my Z 7 II a couple weeks ago. Love shooting with it. Looking forward to the firmware update that was just announced today.
I have just discovered your videos they are excellent so I will be subscribing. You are preaching to the converted with me Matt. I have had my Z7ii for 10 days and I love it. I have the Z 24-70 2.8 lens it is amazing. My only regret is at the moment my circumstances have stopped me from getting out as much as I would have liked. The camera is a retirement gift from me to me. I previously had the D750, but I find the Z7ii easier to use. Keep up the good work
Thank you Matt for your review. I have just purchased the Nikon Z7ii and waiting for it to arrive plus the 50mm 1.8s. I'm really looking forward to this as a good update to my beloved D810
Have fun Kevin, it is optically stunning :) Let me know what you think. Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hi Matt, well I have taken some shots with the 50mm 1.8s and processed them and I am gob-smacked! I have never seen such sharpness in a lens and I have or have had quite a few Nikon lenses. Even my awesome 70-200mm f2.8 E is left behind with this lens. So much so I rushed out and got the Nikon 14-30mm f4 and so far, so good with that lens as well. I'm hooked on the Z7ii and Z system now with the latest firmware 1.2 update. What on earth will the 2.0 bring? So pleased, thank you
I just picked up a new Z 7II from Henry's in Toronto on Monday with 24-70 f/4 kit lens and FTZ adapter. I hope to generate some fine art prints with this combination and look to your channel for inspiration, so many thanks and thanks also for cutting through the Nikon negativity we've seen so often on TH-cam for the past several months. Jim Ferr, from the GTA. Cheers...
Hi Matt, real estate is my bread & butter, and just transitioned to Z7ii for high-end tripod work, Z6ii for handheld lower-end shoots with battery grip. Using the 14-24 f2.8 with the Z7ii and the 14-30 f4 with the Z6ii, the 50mm f1.8 for the detail shots.
I moved from D850 (still keeping) and D810. Loving the new setup, a dream to use, and the presets do speed up my workflow, the only glitch was needing to run firmware upgraded on my Godox flashes. Both setups come very highly recommended from a working pro and enthusiastic wildlife shooter, we need a 100-400mm soonest!! Thanks for all the great content👍🏼
THanks for sharing your workflow DTX that sounds awesome, these cams are perfect for that sort of work :) Cheers Matt
Hi Matt, Thank you for producing this video, it answered my questions from my previous comments. Well done... Regards, Nick
Very positive review and report Matt. I received my Z7II about a month ago. I honestly cannot say that I've had the opportunity to get out and shoot with it all that much. I am sort of sad about that. What I enjoy most about your reviews is your forward looking attitude and comments. In my opinion, you preach the glass is half full, not half empty. That's more like me, throughout my life and career. Right now I only have the kit, 24-70 f4. Just today I received my 14-24 f2.8, which I have not placed on the camera. I just handled it a bit tonight, it really has that "feel" about it.(but it is heavy) Your photos and explanations are interesting and helpful. As the weeks and months go by, I hope to get out with both the Z6II and ZII and really learn to use them to their full potentials. I'm not really concerned about the next fantastic Nikon Z camera. No doubt the "pro's" are waiting to get and and shoot with it. I have more on my hands at this point than I can handle. Your reviews give me the inspiration to get out any time of day or night and shoot, shoot, shoot. Thank you again. 😊 👍 📸 🔥
I'm still running the original Z6 and a Z7 with zero issues.
24-70f4
14-30f4
50f1.8
70-200f2.8
All native glass and all are absolutely amazing and super sharp.
Firstly, many thanks for your heart-warming video which, like all your videos, I very much enjoyed. A Nikon user since film days, my first digital Nikon was the Coolpix 990 - quirky but capable of decent pictures. This was followed by the D3s - a lovely camera - used, among other things, for a lot of (amateur) theatre productions with studio flash. A change of manufacturer followed as I proceeded through the Fujifilm mirrorless cameras from X-T1, 2 and 3, to X-T4. Superb sharp images, great cameras, and the mirrorless experience! I have had my Z7 II since the beginning of this month but, with limited mobility, I have only managed some 500 exposures. Nevertheless, it has proved to be all I had hoped, producing superbly sharp results - even using the f/4 version of the 24-70 that came with the camera. What's more, I can produce bigger prints, when needed, than I can from my Fuji. This has all that I need and, as I am now 86, I can't see me moving to the Z8/9/1 but I wish Nikon all the best and hope that you'll continue with your wise observations on their progress.
Howdy Ray, thanks so much saying hi. Congratulations on Z7 II purchase, it is a lot of camera and coupled with Z lenses, it suits me down to the ground. 500 frames is not bad for only 2 weeks. As we know all know it's not quantity but quality, and I bet you have that in spades. Talk more soon. And stay safe. Where are you in the world? And what will be your next z lens? Cheers Matt :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography 'evening Matt (actually early morning)
How very nice to get a reply from you - unexpected and so very quickly.
I am in the UK, in Wells on the North Norfolk coast - very cold and snowy just now.
I have already bought a couple of Z lenses - the 50mm and the 85mm, both the f/1.8 versions as I need to look after the pennies. They are both beautifully sharp and I have no need to go for that extra fraction of a stop. For longer focal lengths I shall use my old F lenses with the adapter - for the time being, anyway!
I have certainly thought about the new Fuji 100S but it is way beyond my budget and I don't feel I am losing out with the Z7 II.
Thanks again for your message. As others have said, your insightfulness, as well as your presentation, make for a helpful and enjoyable watch every time.
All the best, Ray
Thank you for this review, Matt. Super good. This looks like it will be perfect for my needs for many years to come.
This camera and Z 24-70 f/2.8 S is just perfect in any way shape or form…
The lens for a loooot of things. If you can buy only one lens this is the one.
It is absolutely worth every penny you will spend on that combo.
I sadly sold my 24-70 f2.8 and I regreat it, but very soon it will be mine again 😉
I’m sure I will love this rig… as soon as I can get it! I’ve had a 7II on order since Oct 14 - but I’m still on back order. Nice presentation, Matt.
So helpful brother! I’m changing from an A7rii and A7Riii and they’re great cameras but there is something about the images on the Z7ii and that dynamic range is wild.
Informative! Looking into options to upgrade and this is one of the Z7 II reviews that are really informative without having personal hands on in depth testing. Thank you!
I think I will be looking to pick up one of these beauties later in the year. That may change if the new camera Nikon announce has a feature that would greatly benefit me but it would need to be something special. We'll see!
Indeed Tom, I am just waiting to see what comes of the Z8/9, but it may be more camera than I need, and I will stick with the Z7 II, I think we will know either way pretty soon. Cheers Matt
Thank you! I was on the fence about selling my Z6ii, and buying the Z7ii (my business has gone more towards offering large size portraiture - for clients to actually want to hang on their walls) - after watching this, I am going for it!
Great review, Matt. It's an awesome camera. I just prefer the Z6 II due to lower megapixels and lower price. I think the Z7 II paired with Z glass is the best landscape FF camera on the market.
Wouldn't the fist Z7 be better for landscape?
@@alfredconqueror4422 Why?
Z7II is Z7 on steroids 😅
Wow the dynamic range is crazy.
NIIIIIIKON Z ii Boogieloue
So excited to moving into the Z system this year.
I was jumping in last year but held out for improvements . I think it’s time for the move . First will probably be the Z6ii to go on my gimbal/SteadyCam system.
Yeah Troy, at almost 50MP, and the files just take it, and they are clean ... totally my happy place for image making, as I love high dynamic range situations.
The Z6 II is so much camera and such a great price, and if video is your primary, makes so much sense. Just waiting on the 60P 4K for the Z6 II, must be coming any minute :) Cheers Matt
It cost me a lot of $ to get to a Nikon Mirrorless which meets my minimum standard for a photographic tool. The Nikon Z7 II is very useable in all shooting situations and I truly enjoy using the Nikon Z7 II. Not perfect but I accept it for what it is and is my number one camera.
Excellent video, amazing images - I always look forward to your content Matt - helpful & motivating! 🙂
Thanks so much Craig, out capturing and creating is totally my happy place :) Heart filled with the world around me, for me it does not get any better. : ) Cheers Matt
As always simple and on-point review Matt! I have got mine and loving it!! :)
Fantastic Kshitij, what is your 'goto' lens/es for the Z7 II? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography 24-70 F/2.8 S. It is like multiple primes packed into a zoom lens :). I also have a Laowa 100mm 2.8 macro which I am also very happy with!
Excellent review Matt and some very good comments as well. I absolutely love my Z7 II and have not looked back at my amazing D850 that I traded in. The combination of these new Z-mount lenses and the Z7 II is simply awesome. I'm sure the new "Z8/9" or whatever it's called will be amazing as well but honestly, I can't think of much else I'm really missing. I'm not much of a spray and pray photographer so 20 fps means absolutely nothing to me. Thanks for always keeping it real and focusing on Use Case over specs!
Thanks for this review. It was quite impressive. I am happy with my Z6, but this review made me think... "should I be upgrading to the Z7II?" You have also reaffirmed my plan to move to the 24-70 f2.8. I love the f4 but for many of the photos that I take at church I could use a bit more light and I think the 24-70 f2.8 would be a good investment for me.
Thanks for this review. As always it is nice to hear a review that looks at the Z platform in a more positive light.
Even using the f4 zoom lenses it's the same experience - sharp, sharp, everywhere. IQ is just outstanding, even the first z7 - no probs with banding even if lifting shadows quite substantially at times. What I would like to have are the new AF wide combined with eye/face modus, I am not using area auto much, I prefer to have more control in busy environments. No need for me to upgrade, better get more glass for the time being. That said I can see how the z7 II is the more rounded camera, which hopefully will make people feel more comfortable, getting it and start shooting with it. Mirrorless is quite a different experience, gets some time to get used to it, but oh boy, I would never want to go back!
Hello Matt, Yes this Nikon Z7ii is amazing, colour since, files, in the hand just great to use. Just to wind you up why did they not just but two XQD/CF cards slots. But I was happy with jut the one any wet. Keep well, keep safe Ann have fun. P.s. I like what you say and how you say it, I think to me your thoughts on kit are more honest and from a photographs view point. I thank you.
I know the pro's are happy with the Z's, but there are a lot of us hobbyists/prosumers who feel left in the dark. A few years ago Nikon was offering three stellar lines of consumer cameras. Many of us don't need or can justify investing in a Z7II and a few Z lenses. $5k US sure adds up quickly!
I'd be happy with a 30mp BSI, 10fps, same compact size, traditional buttons and dials, built-in flash, articulating screen, and matched action focusing of my prior D500. I had the Z6II for two months, a Z5 for two months before that, a Z7 before that, and I still have a z50. All were great, but the overall experience and limited button/programming were very frustrating; and I'm much more technical than most. AF-C single often seems nervous and jittery, and that mode can't be limited either. I tried a D780 and liked it A LOT more than the z6II. It was certainly more usable out of the box but it felt gigantic. After having a ZII with CFE support and a d500's focusing performance; it still didn't feel like an upgrade. I miss the FX sensor, FX Z glass, and EVF but I ended up going back to pairing a D750 with my Z50. I can make up for the glass and sensor performance with additional lighting.
Still a Nikon fan boi, and not planning on going anywhere else yet. Just not sold on the Z's yet.
Another fantastic video. Cannot wait to get the 7ii!
I've had mine for a week, so just getting to grips with it - obviously a massive technical leap forward from my d610 but still feel mostly at home with it! Using my afs lenses (mostly the 24-70) which work well, and a new Samyang 14/f2.8 that has turned out to also be rather good. Now awaiting for my Z24-70 2.8 to arrive, and hoping for better weather to arrive with it (too cold and too locked down to go very far here in the UK at the moment). Great video - thanks Matt.
Congrats Harvey, how exciting, I hope you can get out of lockdown soon, and stretch the Z7 II's legs. Cheers Matt
My favourite channel!
Thanks Matt - getting some frames on my own Z7II now and loving it. Been shooting mostly with the 24-200 all-rounder and while not as resolving as the 2.8 trinity, it is plenty good, surprisingly good. Wish I had a way to send you some shots. :).
I own a D850. Now I own a Z6ii (after much trading!). The D850 just doesn't come out to play anymore. It will; for landscapes (higher MP count) but the Z is just a better holistic photography experience, especially with my old Nikon glass. Focusing the extraordinary Nikon 28mm f 2.8 ais and 105mm f 2.5 PRE-AI are a delight on the Z. The overall photography experience is better with the Z. For me, I admit. The Z8/Z9 might be better for photojournalism which I don't do and so it will probably be a camera I wont need. But for those who do, whoo hoo! Happy days.
BTW Matt your photos are beautiful. Thanks for ALL your videos. The Nikon DSLR and SLR boys and girls are coming. Look out. How do I know? I am one.
Cheers Tony thank you. And great to hear you are on your way. Regards Matt
I'm excited to get my Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II. I sold my Z6 and upgrading to the Z6 II. I also got the Z7 II as my high-resolution landscape camera to replace my Nikon D810 for that purpose. The D810 is now a dedicated Astro camera. I decided to embrace the Z ecosystem. Now, I need the snowmageddon to stop to pick them up!
That sounds like a lot of snow, and it also sounds very exciting. What is your favourite Z lens at the moment? Cheers matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography A lot of snow for Seattle/Portland standards. Lol! My favorite Z lens is the 70-200 mm f/2.8 S. Thank you for asking and best wishes to you and to your TH-cam channel!
@@ThePinoyAggie Thanks George :) Stay warm.
Well said, yet again, Matt; frame rates are one small thing in the total range of photographic needs.
The secret to the high quality images coming from the Z mount cameras is the lens mount giving Nikon plenty of design options. Only the Canons system can come close Sony and the rest forget about it.
Sony just took a shit on Nikons 50mm 1.2S being smaller with better image quality with a worse mount and it's also cheaper. That's Nikon for you.
@@fish3010 Sony 50mm 1.2 is smaller with worse image quality and horrible focus breathing. It is the worlds first F1.2 Zoom but hey it is $100 cheaper.
Absolutely incorrect. The Nikon holds its sharpness edge to edge the Sony is sharp in the middle but then falls off fast due to the tiny APSC mount. Sony focus breathing is horrible. Just watch dpreviews video for the horrible focus breathing. The Nikon has zero focus breathing.
Matt, you created a confidence in me to seriously place the Z7II on the next-to-buy list. One of the reasons I purchased the Z6 last year was its ability to perform well in low light settings (with video) and also perform neatly with night-sky astrophotography. The Z7, with its higher m-pixels, seemed not to perform as well when using higher ISO in the dark as the Z6.
But, with this episode reviewing the Z7II, if I am digesting this correctly, the Z7II's dynamic range in low light settings is seriously next level. And, as such, it would likely fit well to complement the Z6 in my use-case for live-video, low light video, and astro-photography. With the latter, I'm quite keen to see it work on the night sky with my Z Mount 20mm f1.8 glass. If I'm wrong on the above hopefully someone will point out why.
Thanks Matt!
Hi Selwyn, it is hard to explain, I don't think there is more dynamic range, but as it is very clean in the Z7 II, thus you feel freer to use more of it ... does that make sense ... also some of the low light success is around good lens choices. What lenses do you have at this point? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for expanding on it. That makes sense. With the Z Mount glass, I use the 20mm f1.8 for night work, astro, and also it does some excellent work wide ocean/sky scapes, but also up close, wide open, in forest-like settings. For live video, I mainly use the kit Z Mount 24-70mm f4. That works well - gives room to move with AFF, also works well with green screen - also with it open at f4, 1/30, 100 iso, set to 1080p 30 etc. The next purchase would be the 50mm f1.2, and probably the z7II. I'm building up the kit. Does it look like I'm on the right path for my use-case?
PS: Your episode-viewer ratio when applied to subscriber total is pretty darn good compared to most. I reckon that's proof your channel is doing the good stuff Matt.
@@EveningReport Yep sure does. Although for the studio setting the 50mm 1.8 is really just as good if you don't what the extra depth of field, and right now it is about $639 here in Australia with sales and rebates. www.digidirect.com.au/nikon-nikkor-z-50mm-f-1-8-s Nikon rebates at the moment - mynikonlife.com.au/cashback
@@EveningReport Yes thanks for noticing, it does seem to be very strong. I am really enjoying the community, and I love talking, sharing and exploring all these topics together, way more fun than on your own, which I did for 25 odd years before hand :)
Just got my hands on my z7ii with grip on Friday, have 24-70mm s 70-200 2.8 s 14-30mm s when temperature rises from minus 11 in Scotland I'll get out and have some fun.
Forgot to say , thanks for another great video, keep up the good no bs work.👍
Hi mate, thanks for sharing! Love your review, I’m just going to hold off a tad longer, still loving my D850...
Another great video, Matt. Would you consider putting chapter tabs into your video so we can navigate directly to the areas of interest?
That's a great idea! Yes it has been on my mind for a while :) I will try and get the chapter discipline into the mix. : ) Cheers Matt
Just ordered a new Z7ii and your video helps me feel better for forking out all that $$. I have been shooting the Fuji X system (APSC) as a full time professional for about 6 years. I hope I see the value in adding this to my plethora of gear! Time will tell if I keep the Fujis which I absolutely love using, or switch back to Nikon (was a Nikon before switching to Fuji lol)
Hi Louise, how are you going with the Z7 II? Happy new year. 😀
Thanks Matt, Very, very good review. 25ASA YES, YES YES! More DR another big Yes. High frame rate? when required, ... how often do we really use high frame rate anyway? And, Yes I have Subscribed. BTW. My film photography: Blad 500 ELM, Linholf Karden Master "L" System 4" x 5" . Art Panorama and a bunch of others. My first Pro being Nikon ftn Photomic, I still have it and the rare 45mm GN lens.
Hi Matt, Yes, there are two card slot BUT they are NOT the same! If I went for a Z7 II, I would have to carry two card readers.
I am very happy with my 1 XQD slot!
There is not enough of a difference for me to upgrade to the Z7 II. I am waiting for next PRO model of the Z line.
Regards!
Rick
Thanks for the vid Matt, recently upgraded from a Z6 to Z7ii huge difference in files. The larger file sizes lets me crop down and still have plenty of file to work with. Until some longer lenses come out this seems to be the way to go.
Yes it is a lot of data to play with, what lens would you most like to see next? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography something up to 400 so I was thinking 100-400 when it comes out might just fit in the right range for sports, birds and wildlife
The snapchick does a great compare of the buffers of the z7 and the z7ii. I've used my z7 with my adapted sigma 150 600 and captured some wild birds, I'm sure the z7ii will be pretty great. It is good to see some respected people on the net respecting Nikon.
Just playing some TH-cam videos while I'm working on over 16,000 photos I took last weekend. I happened upon this year old video while searching for things that I might have missed. Given that this was put together a year ago, to me you look rather prescient. I bought my Z7ii in June of 2022, trading my Z6ii for it (I'm someone who doesn't do a lot of videos.). The 16,000 photos were largely movement shots (that get tossed aside if they're not that perfect moment of movement) at a large dog show (four days). About 2/3rd of them were with the Z7ii and a third with my D850 (both with Nikon battery grips)l I've winnowed the 16,586 photos down to about 1500 that I'll take through Lightroom for processing. I must say, while I love both cameras, the Z7ii is emerging as my favorite (I'm sure that's blasphemy to many D850 lovers.), especially as I learn the nuances of the Z7ii autofocus system. This last show I used the Wide Area Animal Autofocus and it worked great. I think my focus hit rate is easily over 95 percent. I've been thinking about trading the D850 for a Z9, primarily because I'd love to be capturing 15 frames a second versus the 9 of my D850 and 10 of the Z7ii. Also, occasionally, I have experienced a dog getting distracted by the machine gun-like shot burst of the D850; they have no problem with the slight burst sound that the Z7ii emits. But, I'm waiting to see if the Z8 rumors bear fruit in the next few months and use the D850 when the dogs are rather away from me, or I'm not shooting bursts. For whatever reason, I love your videos and viewpoints. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much John for sharing, means a lot to me. Fingers crossed the Z8 is not too far away and is something we are all hoping for. 😀 what are your fav lenses on the z and d850? Cheers Matt.
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for the Reply, Matt. I'm an amateur photography. I have a few people using my "dog" photos for ads, but I do it because I love it and it allows for an escape from the stress of a somewhat stressful job in the financial services industry. For the Z cameras, I started with the Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 when I bought a Nikon Z 6ii. Now I have the Z 70-200mm f2.8; the Z 24-120mm f4 S; and the Z 105mm f2.8 Macro (all Nikons). For the F-mount I have mostly Sigma's: the 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport; the 14-24mm f2.8 DG Art; the 24-105mm f4 Art; the 40mm f1.4 Art; the 85mm f1.4 Art;, the 100-400mm f4.5-6.3 Contemporary; and then I have a Zeiss Milvus 100mm f2 ZF.2 Macro. I also have the Sigma 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, and of course the Nikon FTZ adaptor.
Yet another insightful review! I'm going to sit tight with my Z7, but quite curious about the pending Z mount releases. It' time Nikon to leak a bit more substance to Thom Hogan - why not add your faithful Matt Irwin to insider dribbles while you are at it? That Z8/9/1 will be delicious! Cheers, stay well my friend.
Thanks JR. you too. We just went back into lockdown.
Forever a real one
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A great video 😊. I am trying to get my hands on a Z7ii but no one in stock, in my area... Got the 24-70 f2.8 a GREAT lens, love it, my goto lens.
Will get a Z7ii. It will fill my needs. Can't afford the Z8/Z9 so will not wait, but excited to see what comes up.
Hi, Please do an episode on matting and framing.Either DIY or lab.
Yes, I agree.👍
We are in lockdown again :( It is on the fast growing list of upcoming vids. :) Thanks so much for letting me know :) Cheers Matt
I hope the AF is beter than the Z7. I had a beautyshoot last friday and with the model at 2,5 meters from the camera, the face/eyedetection was struggling. I really missed my D850 which never missed a shot. Now I have the beautiful Z lenses, beter than the F versions, on a camera that comes no where near the D850. If the Z7 II is not much beter then the Z7 at autofocus or Nikon does not come with a Z8 or Z9, I might switch to the R5 be the end of this year.
Hi Matt, thank you for this video. I stay to my Z7/Z6 there is no need to change for my way of shooting
Had my Z7ii since mid December and really loving it. My only issue is that with lock-down (here in the UK) and dismal weather. most of the time, it is difficult to find stimulating subjects to get out and photography!!
Brilliant review, Matt. I’m really digging your take on the advancement of Nikon’s technology and how you take that into account. Did the Z6/7 have a few flaws (often blown way out of proportion by a lot)? Sure. I feel that the second variants of these cameras are fantastic and a lot of Nikon or non Nikon shooters should have a look. I’m loving my Z6/Z50 combo for the work I do and I just might pick up a Z6 II.
Terrific review, and delicious evening images, Matt. Love your no-BS practical approach. I am debating between Z6II and Z7II, for travel and landscape. Don't print huge and would like to shoot handheld more often not to stay light on trips. I was very impressed with the cleanliness and sharpness of your evening images at 400 ISO with Z7II. I second others' suggestions that you do a follow-up review on the low-light, hand-held shooting experience and output between the Z6II and Z7II. I was thinking that I'd need a Z6II for good image quality beyond 3200 ISO, but you seem get remarkable quality at dusk handheld at 400-1200 ISO (no denoising?), albeit with the great new 2.8 zoom. When might you be wanting better ISO performance, requiring the Z6II, for your low-light landscapes and streetscapes? And is the new 24-70 f/ 2.8S that much better than the 24-70 f/4 in low light, and overall shooting experience (better build, more features)? My fav. photo channel. Great work.
Hey , I'm glad you & your viewers are happy with the choice of the Z72. Before I go any further let me tell you I shoot Nikon (7 year old Nikon tech) , D810. I'm guessing you chose ISO 400 because of the dynamic range thing but, I have to tell you ISO 400 isn't even worth mentioning in todays day & age. I didn't get the ISO 400 with a 2500 of a second shutter speed & then ISO 64 with a 1/640th shutter speed in your sample photos. If I'm missing something here, please explain. Also I would like to see some 1600, 3200 &, 6400 ISO examples. What if you shoot night & low light events where people are moving, etc. ? Sorry, if your going to move to mirrorless & switch up your lens anyway, for another $900 ... One thing you can give Nikon is their color out put is better than Sony's & close enough to call a tie with Canon. I think Fuji has them both beat there. And the smartest thing Nikon did was the larger lens flange mount for the Z line-up leaving a much wider range of possibilities with their lens. I wish them nothing but success!
HI Ted, I was messing around with the Dual Gain, which sits at 400, and if 400 is as clean as 64 ISO :) Good point, I will do a follow up review and push the cam to higher ISO's :) Yes I look forward to seeing more exotic lenses over time :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thank you.
Great video, Matt. I’m looking forward to migrating from my D750. All this hype about high-speed animal eye tracking is just rubbish for most photographers.
As a landscape photographer, I would be quite happy with 1 FPS.
Can u compare z6 vs z7 file output? I can’t see major difference between two sensors, perhaps better z6 at high iso, non-distinguishanle at low iso
Matt, love your videos, what are your thoughts on a hobbiest , picking up the original Z7 at a pretty good price point right now.. Just wondering if I would be giving up too much by going this way?
Excellent review. Finally plunging into Nikon based on many of the results I've seen over past 3 years. But i will say that true, beautiful, incredibly filmic-looking digital "grain" (massaged noise and transition rendering) has been present in the Ricoh GR line, even back to the CCD mid-2000s models. Ten to fifteen years on and the sensor and color science of other makers are finally joining the magic.
Quick question: has the banding in the previous gen been resolved (not that I particularly care, just curious) by firmware, or is it still present?
Hi Matt, Great video as always. I would love to see a comparison on dynamic range, between Sony A1 and Nikon Z7II. Lens quality, sharpness iso performance etc. I also prefer Nikon any day because of the colors and dynamic range of Nikon. I am so amazed of the 2,8 trinity and the 50 mm 1,2 how it performs on my Z7II. Like you I am tired of FPS and Af issues are the only winners for new cameras. 16 bit and 25/34 iso would be awesome, or even a medium format sensor for z lenses, as you mentioned in a previous video. Keep up the great videos
Great video! Is this your new studio?
Yes, it is in a way. I moved in in 2014, and had both my HQ and this site from 2014 to now, and I just did not need both. So retail is fully moved to this site in the video. Which is in the City of Melbourne. Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography It looks like a nice space!
Awesome video Matt! Very interesting about the banding issues and comparisons. Does the Z7ii have more dynamic range then Z6ii? Can you push Z7ii files harder then Z6ii? Let’s say at base ISO’s both at 100, 400, 800? Great content thank you
Hi Matt
Which of these is the best option?
Option 1 Nikon Z7ii with ftz adapter and the Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 for €3800
Option 2 Nikon Z6ii with the ftz adapter and the Nikon Z 24-70mm f4 for €2600
With the 1200 saved in price difference get the Nikon 14-30MMF4 to go with Z6ii
I currently have a d500 and d850 but am going to move to mirroless for my landscape work and keep the d500 for my wildlife work.
Hi Kenny, for landscape I would suggest the Z7II, although are you making large prints? As the Z6 II is such a fine camera. Let me know :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography tnx for your reply Matt my main prints would be A2 A3 and A4 but sometimes I could be printing 4ft x3ft prints
@@MattIrwinPhotography my main purpose for the move to mirroless is for my landscape work so I guess I'm really asking is the Z7ii €1200 better than the Z6ii
@@kennygoodison2898 hmmm well I would go the Z7 II, the value of 1200 is very personal, but you cannot get back resolution that you don't have ... and if having more detail when your print is 4ft wide is important, then the Z7 II will make more sense. If I was in your shoes I would get the Z7 II :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography cheers my Z7ii kit arrived yesterday but was having thoughts of returning it for the other option I mentioned.
But I'm glad I went with the Z7ii now.
Thank you 👍
Here's an odd scenario. I have a Z50, love it of course. I annoyingly mention it in at least 80% of the gear videos I comment on. If I were to upgrade/acquire to a FX mirrorless camera, it will probably be a Z7II in 3-5 years when there's plenty of used copies on the market. In crop mode it has roughly the same pixels as the Z50. From what I understand the DX lenses work with the Z7 when recording 4k. When I want to go on deep backpacking trips I can rent a 24-200 for the week and have all the FX sensor to get detail. Yes, i'll be tossing a portion of the FX sensor for every day shooting, but 20MP is absolutely plenty for daily stuff. This will probably be the route I take if Nikon doesn't give us a Z70/Z500 body.
Matt - hi - just want to get your thoughts - do you really think you need to sell your Z7 for the Z7 II (senor and dynamic range wise?) I was thinking of keeping my 1st Gen Z cameras as I've had them for years and no issues with the image quality at all on my Z glass OR the focus system. I bring both bodies to paid jobs anyway so I have full redundancy already. Cheers /Chris.
Hi Chris, no it would not be due to dynamic range. I really don't have to sell at all. : ) Things like the 4K 60P, I will actually use ... but I don't need to. The Z6 II can cover that. I will wait and see what the Z8/9 has instore, and decide from there. : ) I think. Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Exactly my thoughts Matt! There are a couple of new features Nikon has added in the menus of the Z6 II and Z7 II such as longer timer modes - very handy however I do city/landscape so am in exactly the same boat as yourself. I never had an XQD let me down in all of the years I have been shooting with them as well.
For cityscape & Architecture photography … No video works just still images , would you go with z7 or z7ii ? I do such kind of photography and want to upgrade from my Nikon D810 … appreciate your valuable advise .
Go on Matt love the way you say Nikon , not nike-on ( goes through me) il wait for the z9 i still love my 850s + iv tons of F lenses im happy with
Cheers Joe, thanks so much, yes I think the Z9 will be an amazing monster camera, I can't wait to hear more about it. Cheers Matt
I am amazed!
Will the Z7 II handle legacy lenses, specifically Leica rangefinder lenses, without any additional modification other tnan an adapter? I'm shooting d810 and d850 both handle legacy Nikkors transparently. I'm also shooting analogue leicas. Since I have a lot of nikkors and leitz lenses I'd like to find a Nikon Zxx that can shoot both. I thought Sony might work, some shooters said yes, but it needs a modification to better shoot leica lenses which I am not inclined to pursue. I'm wondering if you or any commenters have any thoughts.
Matt, I would preorder new Nikon with ISO 25/32, less ISO noise, 16 bit color depth, wider DR at price range of $6k. And if Nikon adds higher FPS and more focus feature - the better.
Hi Tomislav, be great wouldn't it. And perhaps this is how the Z line will be advanced in the years to come ... ? Cheers Matt
Hello sir,
I'm a Nikon D750 user & also have many F mount lenses.
Now I am planning to buy Nikon Z7ii camera. But confused about 2 lenses, Nikon 28-75 f2.8 and 24-70 f4 ??
Which is suitable for me ??
I'm a wedding photographer & never shoot video..
Please suggest me 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank for this review. I try to searching video like this. I want to know raw file. How can handle dynamic range? In real world. But no body do as much.
Currently I use Sony system. But I have many F glass of Nikon. And still use my D600. It's first FF camera brought with my self.
This vid make my clearly to go with Z7II. I very wait they re-stock in my country. So excited.
Thank you Matt.
I think we came from the megapixel race to a frame per second-race. In this regard I think we are at a point where we are reaching an point of what is usable/makes an difference in your work.
For sure Christian, personally I think at 30 FPS anything except the very fastest of objects will not show any discernible difference between the frames and will create an editing and storage burden not commensurate with the outcome. A 3 sec burst gives you 90 frames, 5 secs 150 frames, 10 5 sec burst and you have 1500 frames ... this is not my happy place :) Cheers Matt
This review does justice to the Z systems! And also explains in great detail the difference between Z7 and Z7II. Which of the Z cameras would be best for fashion and model photography?
Hi Alfred at this point for the price difference I would choose the Z7 II. I would hope Nikon further advance the Z7 II through firmware, I think all the extra tweaks are worth it if buying new today. Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography thanks a lot!
Hello All! May be it will be helpful for Nikon 7zii owners. I had problem "Lens initialization failed" during the first attachment of 24-200 Nikkor Z Lens to camera. It was solved when I turn camera on with the lens adjusted to the maximum focal length - 200 мм. It was my second lens of this type. The first has defect of small plastic ring with Nikkor name at the front of the lens - the ring was not fixed correctly - it jumps out - I exchanged it. The first lens also has initialization error - but it was gone by turn camera off and on as suggested.
What picture profile do you use and also I get color noise -3 stops so I am wondering if you get the same.
Hello Matt. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Thank you :)
I'm thinking of picking up the Pergear 256gb CF Express card, since you recommended the brand, but I am a bit apprehensive. Especially when compared to the other brand's pricing. The SanDisk 128gb is $200 here in the US, while the Pergear is double the size at the same price. I can see that the Pergear is slightly slower, but not by much. Would you be able to make a follow up video on the Pergear CF Express card with a more technical overview and speed test. I would really appreciate it.
Yes RH, my computer does not allow me to test top speeds as I don't have fast enough external buses. New computer coming some time this year. I have copied 350GB over to the card to check it is all there, and it is. :) And I will use it on every shoot to push it as hard as I can. I think what is happening in the CFexpress space is the 2nd tier makers are getting on board, now there are more cameras that support the format. Rather than this being low quality, I think it is competition of the 2nd tier makers trying to get market share.
But, as for this card, I won't know really how good it is for a year or two and can fully trust it. And for your critical images, it is correct to be concerned and consider buying names you have used and trust before.
All new cards, or any products have failure risk attached, and you have to measure the risk for you of lower price vs brand. : )
I will keep you posted in the months ahead as to how it is going. I am using 4 year old Sony 128's, and they are going strong. So I have expectations. : )
Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it. I do understand your situation with not being able to fully give a full review, as it's a new card and one can only give feedback based on experience. I definitely see your point on the competition, with them trying to be more competitive with the pricing in order to get sales. The 5 year warranty is definitely a nice addition to the purchase. I'm gonna try it out, and I'll make sure to use your link to purchase it, thanks again.
Esteemed Mr. Irwin, I need some help and direction from you? For some reason my Sony A7II photos look better than my Z6II photos. 8 realize there are a myriad of factors that come into question almost immediately such as lenses used and light conditions, etc.
But is there something that I’m missing that is obvious. I’m using the Nikon Kit lens and the Sony kit lens and even set each camera in its auto mode, yet the Sony looks better. In fact all of my best photographs are from my Sony. Granted I haven’t had my Nikon Z6II for a long time but since it’s release I’ve had it, and my first camera was my Sony A7II which I bought new (on rebate), but what gives? Any obvious ideas or any thoughts much deeper. Thank you.
Do you use raw or JPEGs? If JPEGs are preferred, one can tweak the sharpness and saturation, etc, in the camera. Most reviewers that compare JPEGs straight out of the camera just use the default settings and never bother to tweak them to their liking. If using RAW, then post processing should take care of any differences in camera output. In either case, it is really all a matter of personal preference, though some cameras render skin tones better than others, I've found, even with the benefit of raw files.
I wanted to see the image quality at high isos such as 3200 and 6400 or even higher….. how does it perform?
@Matt how dose the z7ii compare with the z6ii in low light/high iso.
Good video, I'm with ye, give me more dynamic range and better ISO performance (although I could always use better auto focus!)
Is that the new office? Looks great.
CHeers DDL, yes this is our gallery studio in the City of Melbourne, we have been there since 2014, and the old space was my head office for 20 years. I just did not need both anymore :) Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography i know Melbourne well, lived in St Kilda for a couple of years. Once its easier to fly again I'll hopefully get to Melbourne for a visit. I'm from ireland but live in NZ at the moment.
@@clintwood1983 Awesome we would love to see you. : ) Cheers Matt