There's also a recent firmware update for the Z7 II, firmware 1.4. The only focusing improvement mention in that version is: "The camera focuses more readily on the subject in the center of the frame if it fails to detect the face or eyes of a portrait subject when Auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode." I think there were AF improvements made in earlier firmware updates to the Z7 II also. Not sure what version you have, but assuming it's the latest :)
Excellent video. Very well explained. Good comparisons, they seem honest to me. Hey, there you have the Z8 and the z7iii comes, with excellent focus, so you no longer miss Nikon's raw
@@SNAPAVELI Yes, I'm also interested in that z7iii camera, it has to be cheaper than the z8, and according to my estimate, it's about 3,250 dollars. It shouldn't cost more. But we'll see, since some claim that it won't even go on sale
You speak for a lot of Nikon shooters when it comes to the frustration of dealing with AF issues on the Z7. I haven’t heard of any issues with the Z9 at least not from any pros who shoot with it. When it comes to whether or not I should at least shoot dual systems and get a R5 for its AF, the one thing that holds me back is the DR. Nikons files are just magical. It almost makes up for the lower keeper rate. When I look files from the R5 they just always seem like they leave me wanting something more out of them DR wise. Nikon needs to announce the Z8 or whatever soon because Z9 folks are happy but everyone else is shooting a Z is wanting better AF without spending 6000.00 with taxes.
I couldn’t agree more!! A z8 would be incredible!! I love my r5 files in the studio and it does pretty good natural light but compared to Nikon , the z files are always a bit better.
Ultimately if you cant hit focus then everything else is out the window. So I think that's where the Z7ii fails quite dramatically. I know what you mean about files and their adjustability though that's why I enjoyed shooting Fuji for quite a long time as they had a similar level of flexibility which was great. However with them and as I suspect with the Z7ii you then have to spend the time correcting them e.g. when the camera misses something. It's frustrating for me as I am looking for a reasonable size sensor camera that also has great AF for wildlife too and someone suggested this camera. However everything I have seen so far indicates that this does not quite hit the mark in regards of AF. So the only affordable options are cameras like the Canon R6 mk2 or the more expensive R5. Which is a shame as I wanted to try a Nikon and jump to their system.
Possibly try the new z8, it’s not affordable like z6 but I suspect it will be a while before they pass the new tech down to the z6 series. The sensor in the new z8 z9 isn’t as dynamic rage friendly as the z7 d850 sensor though…
Nice review, fun to watch! Question, Is the Nikon Z7 II worth it right now at $2500 on sale, or should I wait for the Z8? I have a Z6ii by the way and only do portraits and street.
If I were you I’d wait a bit. Since you have the z6 ii , just wait and see what Nikon does next. The af will be obsolete on older bodies after next update I’m afraid
@@SNAPAVELI And thanks for showing Nikon some love. Too many TH-camrs have been unfairly crapping on Nikon just because of the AF, I understand that it isn't perfect but the way they are doing it is very malicious as if they are getting paid to bash Nikon or something.
@@felm.974 I actually think Nikon has the best files out of the 3 big full frame. I think they will be fine here in a couple years. Get the fast lenses out and tweak some af algorithms
this is the issue I was telling the Nikon fanboys about the z7ii/Z6ii focusing issues..I have both and and also those sharp 50 1.2s, 70-200 2.8s, they either will question my skill or accuse me of not having those gears and just trolling them🤦♂️🤦♂️
I absolutely hate brand fanboys. They do all of us a disservice. This is why companies get away with mediocre results. And yes, fanboys (especially Nikon) love knocking your skill. Thing is though, if skill was the issue, why are we getting better AF results with Canon & Sony gear? If it was lack of skill, you'd be struggling across the board. So I wish fanboys would just stop & actually tell it like it is, so these companies can give attention to the issues experienced. Nikon needs to sort their AF. Sony needs to sort their colors, menus & build quality. Canon needs to sort their sensors. None of them are perfect
Interesting video Marcus. Nikon RAW files have always been second to none - seems like Canon is catching up, but I agree they are still not there. Also, the Z7 sensor is at least 2 years older than the R5 sensor, so it will be interesting to see what Nikon puts in the Z7III or the Z8 within the next year. Furthermore, it is likely that all focus issues with the Nikon will be resolved with the next generation of cameras (within 12 months or sooner) as Nikon has officially stated that Z9 tech will be brought to the whole line, so it will not be long before you can have your cake and eat it too with Nikon focus being up to par and the files being superior - just the way I see things going down at this point. However, as you noted, this is some serious nit picking as one can get the shot with any of these modern cameras, and if your exposure is at least close everything can be fixed in post. I prefer Nikon because I love the ergonomics and build quality (which is still better than Sony and Canon). For me, the only thing lacking on the Nikon is the focusing issue, but since I have waited this long and learned how to get around it on the Z6II (although it is annoying - I totally admit that), I am content to wait until the Z6/7III and or Z8 drop with state of the art auto focus. My guess is that you'll be back to shooting Nikon once the AF is fully there - cause the files are so good and the glass is also exceptional (whether it is better or not is a matter of opinion but it is certainly on the same level). I picked up the 200mm f/2 VR I lens that I had asked you about some time ago - I love it - its a heavy beast to be sure, but the images are stand out and special. It works great by way of the FTZ adaptor. The 105 1.4 E is amazing and I like the 58mm 1.4 G lens for its painterly look. In the Z line, the 50 1.2 S, the 70-200 2.8 S, the entire line of 1.8 S lenses are all beasts. Even the 40mm f/2 (which is not an S lens) is exceptional for the price, size and weight. This lens is so good it easily can be used for professional applications. In general Z glass is just great and getting better. Its true that Canon RF lenses are great as well, but for hybrid video not so much - many of them are bad focus breathers whereas the most (but not all) the Z lenses are not - case in point at the low end, the Canon 50mm 1.8 RF lens vs the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens - similar price point but the Z lens is better controlled and doesn't breath at all - the canon shows aberrations (more) and is a bad breather. This same problem can be witnessed across much of the line - in the end, I think the Nikon is the better hybrid system, and once the AF situation is fully resolved (within 12 months) Nikon should be easily the best hybrid system of both bodies and lenses. As a final statement however, they (Nikon, Canon and Sony) are all excellent and most of this is nit picky to be sure. Have a great day and keep up producing awesome videos! -B
I really hope the z8 or whatever they call it has great af! I love the files! Man I miss my 200 f2 sometimes! I excited that you have one! It’s one of a kind!
I`ve been using the Z system for a few years and honestly find the focus discussion a bit misleading. Yes, the Z7/Z6 should have been better but I have not found them awful after a few firmware updates. Now I have a Z7ii and a Z6ii, and enjoy the auto focus much better than a did with my D850. So to say the auto focus isn`t good enough I personally don`t agree and I`m no fan boy and couldn`t care less about what my camera is branded. Totally agree with you on your reasons to why you shoot Nikon though. I tried Sony and didn`t enjoy using it at all due to the ergonomics. Canon I find somewhat similar to Nikon, but I liked the Nikon files better. Haven`t tried the latest Canon mirrorless though and it`s been a few years since I shot Canon. Anyway, I love my Z-system and can`t find any reason to switch. But then again, I don`t have any problems focusing with it :)
@@ksphotography730 Hi KS Photography - I am not sure if your comment was directed at my comment or just the video itself. I agree that the Z system is very good - I would say excellent in just about every way - but not in AF - at least not as compared to the competition. Specifically, it struggles in low light and this is a real problem at events. That said, I have been shooting weddings with the Z6 and Z6II for some time now and I am able to make due, but I have noticed times when the camera just does not focus well in low light, and also it can be hard to reacquire a subject once the camera jumps to the background. Due to this, I have started to use wide area AF with subject tracking fairly exclusively, but with Canon and Sony this is not necessary as those cameras generally grab the subject that you are trying to frame with little to no assistance from the user. Don't get me wrong - I have no intention of switching. The ergonomics, build quality, lenses and Nikon NEF files are all second to none, and with the Z9 my understanding is that most the lingering AF issues (granted the firmware up to now have improved things a lot, but the lingering low light issues etc) are now rectified. As such, the next iteration of Z^/7 or hopefully (fingers crossed) Z8 will no doubt solve all the final AF issues and the Nikons will quite frankly be the best again at that point. As a Nikon shooter that stuck with Nikon through this all, it is now a great time again to be in the Nikon system - I'm just impatient for this next generation of cameras to hit. I'm guessing we are looking at fall to the end of the year for an announcement but once we are there - Nikon will have fully arrived.
Isn't the sensor in the Z7ii just an old Sony sensor from the A7riii that was slightly tweaked by Nikon? I would think the A7riii would have similar colors and dynamic range and more reliable AF.
Sony did make that sensor , but it’s very strange , each company tweaks it. Sony definitely better af but I’ve always struggled with Sonys colors and highlight roll off. Could just be me I guess
@@SNAPAVELI I'm right there with you, I tried switching to Sony and bought an a7iii. Fought with the colors for over a year and finally gave up and went back to Canon. I was thinking the A7riii may be different since it's a completely different sensor but at this point I don't think it's worth testing or considering making any changes since I already bought RF glass and 2 RF cameras.
@@SNAPAVELI This is one of the things I wish more reviewers would show. How malleable are the colours when editing and which channels cause more issues. I’m curious to see how a Sony compares. I shoot Sony and Olympus, out of camera, the Sony A1 files look atrocious next to the Olympus colours but I created an Import Preset, to push and pull the Sony colours to match the Olympus. That way I have a good base and from there adjust to suit the scene / mood / intent.
There's also a recent firmware update for the Z7 II, firmware 1.4. The only focusing improvement mention in that version is: "The camera focuses more readily on the subject in the center of the frame if it fails to detect the face or eyes of a portrait subject when Auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode." I think there were AF improvements made in earlier firmware updates to the Z7 II also. Not sure what version you have, but assuming it's the latest :)
Excellent video. Very well explained. Good comparisons, they seem honest to me. Hey, there you have the Z8 and the z7iii comes, with excellent focus, so you no longer miss Nikon's raw
I do hope the z7iii is real. Nikon new autofocus system is really good.
@@SNAPAVELI Yes, I'm also interested in that z7iii camera, it has to be cheaper than the z8, and according to my estimate, it's about 3,250 dollars. It shouldn't cost more. But we'll see, since some claim that it won't even go on sale
You speak for a lot of Nikon shooters when it comes to the frustration of dealing with AF issues on the Z7. I haven’t heard of any issues with the Z9 at least not from any pros who shoot with it. When it comes to whether or not I should at least shoot dual systems and get a R5 for its AF, the one thing that holds me back is the DR. Nikons files are just magical. It almost makes up for the lower keeper rate. When I look files from the R5 they just always seem like they leave me wanting something more out of them DR wise. Nikon needs to announce the Z8 or whatever soon because Z9 folks are happy but everyone else is shooting a Z is wanting better AF without spending 6000.00 with taxes.
I couldn’t agree more!! A z8 would be incredible!! I love my r5 files in the studio and it does pretty good natural light but compared to Nikon , the z files are always a bit better.
Ultimately if you cant hit focus then everything else is out the window. So I think that's where the Z7ii fails quite dramatically. I know what you mean about files and their adjustability though that's why I enjoyed shooting Fuji for quite a long time as they had a similar level of flexibility which was great. However with them and as I suspect with the Z7ii you then have to spend the time correcting them e.g. when the camera misses something. It's frustrating for me as I am looking for a reasonable size sensor camera that also has great AF for wildlife too and someone suggested this camera. However everything I have seen so far indicates that this does not quite hit the mark in regards of AF. So the only affordable options are cameras like the Canon R6 mk2 or the more expensive R5. Which is a shame as I wanted to try a Nikon and jump to their system.
Possibly try the new z8, it’s not affordable like z6 but I suspect it will be a while before they pass the new tech down to the z6 series. The sensor in the new z8 z9 isn’t as dynamic rage friendly as the z7 d850 sensor though…
Please try this comparison using Capture One.
Nice review, fun to watch! Question, Is the Nikon Z7 II worth it right now at $2500 on sale, or should I wait for the Z8? I have a Z6ii by the way and only do portraits and street.
If I were you I’d wait a bit. Since you have the z6 ii , just wait and see what Nikon does next. The af will be obsolete on older bodies after next update I’m afraid
@@SNAPAVELI Thank you brother, that's very true, then I'll be kicking myself when I see everyone with the new one lol. Thanks for replying.
@@SNAPAVELI And thanks for showing Nikon some love. Too many TH-camrs have been unfairly crapping on Nikon just because of the AF, I understand that it isn't perfect but the way they are doing it is very malicious as if they are getting paid to bash Nikon or something.
@@felm.974 no problem at all!
@@felm.974 I actually think Nikon has the best files out of the 3 big full frame. I think they will be fine here in a couple years. Get the fast lenses out and tweak some af algorithms
this is the issue I was telling the Nikon fanboys about the z7ii/Z6ii focusing issues..I have both and and also those sharp 50 1.2s, 70-200 2.8s, they either will question my skill or accuse me of not having those gears and just trolling them🤦♂️🤦♂️
Yes! I love Nikon sensors , glass too but I miss so many shots. Hopefully the z9 is the answer
I absolutely hate brand fanboys. They do all of us a disservice. This is why companies get away with mediocre results. And yes, fanboys (especially Nikon) love knocking your skill. Thing is though, if skill was the issue, why are we getting better AF results with Canon & Sony gear? If it was lack of skill, you'd be struggling across the board. So I wish fanboys would just stop & actually tell it like it is, so these companies can give attention to the issues experienced. Nikon needs to sort their AF. Sony needs to sort their colors, menus & build quality. Canon needs to sort their sensors. None of them are perfect
Are you running firmware 1.4 on the z7ii?
Yes very latest firmware
Interesting video Marcus. Nikon RAW files have always been second to none - seems like Canon is catching up, but I agree they are still not there. Also, the Z7 sensor is at least 2 years older than the R5 sensor, so it will be interesting to see what Nikon puts in the Z7III or the Z8 within the next year.
Furthermore, it is likely that all focus issues with the Nikon will be resolved with the next generation of cameras (within 12 months or sooner) as Nikon has officially stated that Z9 tech will be brought to the whole line, so it will not be long before you can have your cake and eat it too with Nikon focus being up to par and the files being superior - just the way I see things going down at this point.
However, as you noted, this is some serious nit picking as one can get the shot with any of these modern cameras, and if your exposure is at least close everything can be fixed in post.
I prefer Nikon because I love the ergonomics and build quality (which is still better than Sony and Canon). For me, the only thing lacking on the Nikon is the focusing issue, but since I have waited this long and learned how to get around it on the Z6II (although it is annoying - I totally admit that), I am content to wait until the Z6/7III and or Z8 drop with state of the art auto focus.
My guess is that you'll be back to shooting Nikon once the AF is fully there - cause the files are so good and the glass is also exceptional (whether it is better or not is a matter of opinion but it is certainly on the same level). I picked up the 200mm f/2 VR I lens that I had asked you about some time ago - I love it - its a heavy beast to be sure, but the images are stand out and special. It works great by way of the FTZ adaptor. The 105 1.4 E is amazing and I like the 58mm 1.4 G lens for its painterly look. In the Z line, the 50 1.2 S, the 70-200 2.8 S, the entire line of 1.8 S lenses are all beasts. Even the 40mm f/2 (which is not an S lens) is exceptional for the price, size and weight. This lens is so good it easily can be used for professional applications. In general Z glass is just great and getting better. Its true that Canon RF lenses are great as well, but for hybrid video not so much - many of them are bad focus breathers whereas the most (but not all) the Z lenses are not - case in point at the low end, the Canon 50mm 1.8 RF lens vs the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens - similar price point but the Z lens is better controlled and doesn't breath at all - the canon shows aberrations (more) and is a bad breather.
This same problem can be witnessed across much of the line - in the end, I think the Nikon is the better hybrid system, and once the AF situation is fully resolved (within 12 months) Nikon should be easily the best hybrid system of both bodies and lenses.
As a final statement however, they (Nikon, Canon and Sony) are all excellent and most of this is nit picky to be sure.
Have a great day and keep up producing awesome videos!
-B
I really hope the z8 or whatever they call it has great af! I love the files! Man I miss my 200 f2 sometimes! I excited that you have one! It’s one of a kind!
@@SNAPAVELI Yeah - I think we are all waiting for that Z8 :)
I`ve been using the Z system for a few years and honestly find the focus discussion a bit misleading. Yes, the Z7/Z6 should have been better but I have not found them awful after a few firmware updates. Now I have a Z7ii and a Z6ii, and enjoy the auto focus much better than a did with my D850. So to say the auto focus isn`t good enough I personally don`t agree and I`m no fan boy and couldn`t care less about what my camera is branded.
Totally agree with you on your reasons to why you shoot Nikon though. I tried Sony and didn`t enjoy using it at all due to the ergonomics. Canon I find somewhat similar to Nikon, but I liked the Nikon files better. Haven`t tried the latest Canon mirrorless though and it`s been a few years since I shot Canon.
Anyway, I love my Z-system and can`t find any reason to switch. But then again, I don`t have any problems focusing with it :)
@@ksphotography730 Hi KS Photography - I am not sure if your comment was directed at my comment or just the video itself. I agree that the Z system is very good - I would say excellent in just about every way - but not in AF - at least not as compared to the competition. Specifically, it struggles in low light and this is a real problem at events. That said, I have been shooting weddings with the Z6 and Z6II for some time now and I am able to make due, but I have noticed times when the camera just does not focus well in low light, and also it can be hard to reacquire a subject once the camera jumps to the background. Due to this, I have started to use wide area AF with subject tracking fairly exclusively, but with Canon and Sony this is not necessary as those cameras generally grab the subject that you are trying to frame with little to no assistance from the user.
Don't get me wrong - I have no intention of switching. The ergonomics, build quality, lenses and Nikon NEF files are all second to none, and with the Z9 my understanding is that most the lingering AF issues (granted the firmware up to now have improved things a lot, but the lingering low light issues etc) are now rectified. As such, the next iteration of Z^/7 or hopefully (fingers crossed) Z8 will no doubt solve all the final AF issues and the Nikons will quite frankly be the best again at that point.
As a Nikon shooter that stuck with Nikon through this all, it is now a great time again to be in the Nikon system - I'm just impatient for this next generation of cameras to hit. I'm guessing we are looking at fall to the end of the year for an announcement but once we are there - Nikon will have fully arrived.
Isn't the sensor in the Z7ii just an old Sony sensor from the A7riii that was slightly tweaked by Nikon? I would think the A7riii would have similar colors and dynamic range and more reliable AF.
Sony did make that sensor , but it’s very strange , each company tweaks it. Sony definitely better af but I’ve always struggled with Sonys colors and highlight roll off. Could just be me I guess
@@SNAPAVELI I'm right there with you, I tried switching to Sony and bought an a7iii. Fought with the colors for over a year and finally gave up and went back to Canon. I was thinking the A7riii may be different since it's a completely different sensor but at this point I don't think it's worth testing or considering making any changes since I already bought RF glass and 2 RF cameras.
I shoot nikon and fujifilm but the canon raw file looked better then nikon raw in this video.
I appreciate you checking it out! I really do like the r5 sensor.
I dont know i think Canon's colours are just great
Definitely! Canon colors are great, I think it’s all about how the color depth fades as you push the files in certain scenarios for me
@@SNAPAVELI This is one of the things I wish more reviewers would show. How malleable are the colours when editing and which channels cause more issues. I’m curious to see how a Sony compares. I shoot Sony and Olympus, out of camera, the Sony A1 files look atrocious next to the Olympus colours but I created an Import Preset, to push and pull the Sony colours to match the Olympus.
That way I have a good base and from there adjust to suit the scene / mood / intent.