I wonder why photographers today are so crybaby with autofocus. If you learn photography the right way, its not a big deal. Are we shooting 2k shots and keep 10 photos? Or take time, compose, recompose, shoot 100 photos and keep 90% of it?
I shoot events and I can’t exactly take my time with getting my focus. 😅 Things happen so fast and before you know it you either got the shot or you didn’t because the autofocus failed. During slower shoots where I have more time and control your advice works but not during a wedding or other event.
@@yostinyouthful I used to shoot weddings with 5D mk1 and 1Ds mk 2 , then XT1 before i retired in wedding. I dont have issues with autofocus back then. What more camera and lenses today? My point is, photographers are too spoiled nowadays. Yes technology advances but unless we do sports photography, 95% of cameras today are fine imho.
I have shot many weddings and events with the Z6 and Z6II with no issues. Learn your gear and its abilities. A PHOTOGRAPHER that shoots paid work with gear that they don’t know and then makes a video about how the camera is at fault is a poor photographer. This was a long and useless video. Dude just switch and be happy but this won’t advance your place in the world in social media. Your delivery and lack of energy made me stop the video halfway through it. Good Luck in whatever else you decide to do because this shouldn’t be it
I started photography 20 years with a manual focus camera and still only have manual focus lenses. If people 30-40 years ago can shoot sports on film with manual focus people can today. I’m vision impaired now and can’t drive and I only use manual focus stop crying about autofocus.
My brotha - you are comparing cameras that are literally 2 generations apart. I have shot wedding successfully with my Z6 (it did struggle here and there) and the Z6II - which is fine if you know how to use it well, but I understand your point - it does take a more skilled user than the Canon. My wedding photo partner uses an R6 and it is good but it is NOT as good as a Z8. You are very mistaken to think that the Z8/9 are so far behind the others. They are so close now that literally you can get any shot on the Nikon that you can get on the Canon or Sony. In some cases, Nikon is now ahead - look at Steve Perry's recent video on FW 4.1 for the Z9 verses the Sony A1 for birding. Steve is one of the foremost pros in this field and he gives the Nikon the edge now for bird AF over the Sony A1 (Sony's flagship). When Nikon brings out this sort of FW update for people it will be game over - the difference now is literally like 1% and that is only in Auto Area AF - if you know how to use the modes on the Z8/9 they are just as good as any Canon or Sony - again you have to know how to use the product - I never miss a shot due to AF on the Z8. As far as build quality, ergonomics, dynamic range, and exceptional RAW files - Nikon is hands down the best of these cameras. So, if you are serious about what you are doing, you should just get a Z8 and stop worrying about this. If that is too expensive for you (and I understand if it is) then rest assured that the Z6 III will be fully competitive with its AF system. The Zf has already proven that, and the Z6 III will be even better than the Zf - Nikon is not taking this long to put out the Z6 III for no reason - guaranteed this camera will surpass expectations - just like the last 3 Nikon camera releases have: Z9 was (and still is) and industry changing camera that is still unmatched 2 years later by any currently released product, the Z8 offers the best of this hybrid tech for the $4k price point - essentially a $6k camera for $4k, and the Zf packs way more punch than anyone expected. It is as good (and in many ways better) than the Canon R6II - with the exception of ergonomics for all day shooting of course - thus, enter the Z6 III next year. This camera is going to smoke the competition in the $2500 price point range - just like the last 3 cameras have for their respective price points. They may even surprise us and price it lower than $2500 (like $2296 - we'll see?) You made a great choice going with Nikon because they have the Z mount. The Sony E mount is an APS-C mount that has been converted to 'work' with full frame - there is a reason they need software to do their focus breathing corrections (which is essentially a crop - so is it really full frame???). The Z mount can achieve things that the others physically cannot - look up angle of incidence with respect to camera optics to understand more about this, but suffice to say it is why Nikon can make a lens like Plena with the characteristics it has - this is literally impossible on the Sony E mount. More and more lenses will be coming that cannot be done on other systems. Nikon has built the mount from the ground up to create industry changing glass and they have - look at the releases in 2022 and this year - nobody touches this glass. And as you point out, and I have made a video about this see here: th-cam.com/video/VhEBEVTWWqw/w-d-xo.html Nikon has a full range of professional 1.8 glass that is super affordable and that is good enough to shoot at any event or occasion. There are not such excellent comparable lenses from Canon and Sony. The Canon 50 1.8 is piece of junk compared the Nikon. But, some say that it is only $175 whereas the Nikon is almost $600 - and that is true, but the Nikon is a professional grade lens and the Canon is a toy. Nevertheless, the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens which is only like $75 more than the Canon 1.8 is better in every way than the Canon - better IQ, and it doesn't focus breath - the Canon breaths badly. There is literally nothing that any system has that Nikon doesn't do as well or better at this point. This new Sony A9III with the global sensor is cool, but its base ISO is 250! That sucks! They keep touting what a great video camera it is, but it cant do RAW or 8k like the Z8 (for $2000 less lol). It is purely as sports camera whereas the Z8 is the best all around camera on the market bar none - it goes against any Canon or Sony right now for that title. You could argue that the Sony A1 competes with the Nikon Z8 for this title except that it is literally $2500 more than the Nikon and it is a flagship against a lower line camera - I'd say the Z8 has it beat, and with that $2500 savings you could get yourself a really nice lens like the 24-70 2.8 S lens - known to be one of the best 24-70's in existence. So, when you say Nikon has not caught up - you are talking about cameras that are 1-2 generations old and comparing them to cameras that are of current generations from other manufacturers - this is misleading to people that do not know this stuff, and do not have a comprehensive understanding. I know that was not your intention, but I wrote this comment to set the record straight. I am a Z8 shooter - I shoot weddings, and pro portraiture, but I have also used the Canons and Sonys - they are not mopping the floor with the Z8/9 or Zf for AF - to the contrary - Nikon is right there with them and soooo much better in most other ways. I'd be happy to discuss this further with you. -PD
So true and well explained, z8/9 are literally on the same like as Sony and cannon, except for doing few things better as well, better ergonomics, totally better menu, and outstanding lenses.
You say using a Nikon in 2023 is terrible. I couldn’t disagree with you more. You shoot a Z6. You’re wearing a Nikon Z8 shirt. You have the recently released Plena. Get a Z8 and stop complaining.
Your video title is a bit click baity . You haven’t used a Z8 or Z9 yet you are lumping the new AF system with what’s on the older cameras. The Z8/9 AF system is on par with Sony cameras. I had the Sony A7R V with it’s AI pose estimation system and while Nikon does not advertise a separate AI chip, they do explain their system is built from Deep Learning (sounds like AI to me) technology. There have been a number of videos comparing the different cameras to the new Z8 stating the AF system is pretty much the same. I’ve used the Zf briefly and that camera’s AF is as good as, if not slightly better than Z8/9. I went to Sony last year as my video AF on my Z6 II wasn’t tracking well. I kept it when I got the FX30 as the colors were better and its photo performance was better. I sold it after I got the A7R V and had a chance to really use it, great camera but, the ergonomics bugged me. I ordered a Z8 and tested the A7R V against my friend’s Z8 before going to make the trade. I was satisfied with the similarities and impressed with the video performance and didn’t feel bad about making the trade. The Z8 is pricey but, I’m surprised you haven’t tried it before making such broad statements about all Nikon Z cameras. That statement about the 20fps was just weird, you make it sound like the camera will only shoot at that level. Strobe party? Really. LOL! Go get a Z8, you’ll love it.
Well the video is about my personal experience with the Z system so I wouldn’t say unprepared considering I have about five years of experience with it. Thanks for the comment, hope you have a good day :)
It’s unfair to be comparing gen 1 z cameras today. The af was definitely behind with these models and was reflective that Nikon had not focused on their live view af on dslrs that use the same type of focus. The z9, z8 and the new zf (which I own) with the expeed 7 processor are leaps and bounds ahead try one before trashing a company based on tech from 2019.
Hey dude, I appreciate your input and you have a good heart and are not trying to make trouble. I even get where you are coming from and yes Nikon has been very slow to catch up. But folk like you never mention that I'm sure there are a host of us professionals who genuinely love the Z6ii (7), and do not want to change. I've just arrived from the city now (Perth Australia), and just shot a big Free Palestine rally. I took over a thousand photos on my 6ii with 24-70 2.8s (people moving and jumping around), and I think I missed like 2 or 3 photos with focus. Yes, it aint a Z8 and yes, you have to know your shtick and yes, you have to have it on the right settings and have shortcuts to quickly grab a better setting that might work for that moment. However, I shoot gigs/weddings/events and I've never regretted having two Z6ii's. I got them last year after having been with Fuji for 11 years and changing was the best thing I ever did. You forget that for some of us the Z6ii is perfect. I trialled the Z8 for a while but hated it - files far too big for my computer setup and not needed, far too heavy, far too big and in Australia it is $7,000 body only (crazy stuff). I travel a lot and have just come back from two weeks in Japan and head off shortly to India for a month - no way I'm lugging a Z 8or9 around India!! I looked at the ZF for like two seconds, and they killed it for me. For stills only photographers that stupid swing around screen is a deal-breaker and I hate retro - that's why I left Fuji. So yes, I'm probably a dinosaur, but I grew up for decades on film and manual focus, so what the Z6ii offers for me is magic. I think you 'yougin's' have had it too easy, so unless a camera can butter your toast, wipe your backside and do a few other things. it's not acceptable. Besides, I adore my Z's lenses, they are gorgeous and the files out of the Nikon's blow all other cameras away. Keep up the good work and keep those posts coming!
Hi, I have a Nikon Zfc, which has the same screen as the Zf (and z30) and this screen is very handy for shooting vertical near to the ground. I love to use it for fungi photography and I would/could replace my Z6 for the Zf just for this reason.
I'm on a similar boat! Been using Nikon since my teen film days. My first Nikon digital was a D50, bought it new when released and paid a bunch for it. I also bought a Z6 when released, had to try it out. A month later Z was all I used, I quickly sold or gave away 30 years worth of F cameras, lenses and equipment. Currently use a Z6ii and a Z30 using all Z primes and a handfull of zooms. Have only had the focusing issue you describe a couple of times. No big deal! If you feel moving to Sony will make you happier, go right ahead. This was still a free country last time I checked. THANKS for your post.
I felt the lacking of the autofocus on the Z5. It did not track the subject as well as I would have liked. I then bought the new ZF and the autofocus system is much better and faster. The ZF is $2,000 for the body. It may not be the camera body for you, but the hardware is phenomenal. I see the ZF as a preview of what's to come for Nikon's camera bodies next year, such as the Z6III. Also, the Z lenses are absolutely fantastic to use.
I agree! The Zf is great for what you get for the price especially compared to the Z5, congrats on the upgrade! Yea there’s no way they don’t put similar if not slightly better tech in the Z6III. I LOVE THE Z LENSES that’s the main reason it would ever be hard for me to ever fully switch to another camera system.
I started photography 20 years with a manual focus camera and still only have manual focus lenses. If people 30-40 years ago can shoot sports on film with manual focus people can today. I’m vision impaired now and can’t drive and I only use manual focus stop crying about autofocus.
Just being totally honest here, if I were to make a comparison between two different car brands in regards to features and pricing and make an assessment that one car brand, within a specific price range, does NOT have the same type of features that the other brands have within that same price range, and you enter the conversation with, "people 137 years ago could get around just fine with horse and carriage so stop complaining about your car features today" wouldn't that be just a wee bit redundant? I think the point in this video is that he's saying the camera bodies within the prosumer cost range around (2-2.5k) for Nikon don't have the same luxuries afforded to that same price range in Canon and Sony. I think he's saying that it's odd that you'd have to spend 5k+ on a camera body to get features that you'd get for 2.5k on a camera body in other brands. That is all.
Facts, I've used a Nikon z5, single point focus for entire weddings and no complaints from my end. Coming from using D7100, D7200, D500, D750 and D810s the Z series can do the job if you take time to learn the camera and it's capabilities.
Those Hipsters, clickbait title. You're not old enough, to be a real Nikon Shooter. Started with the FM, Nikon F90, F90x, F80, F100. Digital D100, D70s, D40, D60, D80, D90, D700 & D7000.
R6 lI is Canon’s 3rd gen mirrorless after years of dual pixel tech. The Z6II is basically camera gen 1.5. Be patient grasshopper. Nikon’s 3rd gen Z6 will be a bigger jump. The ZF is probably a test bed for a lot of Z6 III features.
I guess it's all about what you need. I have NOT yet gone mirrorless. I think the panic over eye-AF is very over-blown. I'm a D3S/D3X stills shooter and I have really cheap Canon 70D for talking head vlogs (the face tracking on that works fine for that.) I am thinking of buying a cheap used Z6 now. My thinking is - 'I always use single point & back button for stills, so the Z6 will do that just fine and I would be able to put my focus point ANYWHERE in the frame (which I can't do currently.) I've seen the Z6 face tracking in old Peter Gregg videos, so I know it will be at least as good as the Canon 70D (probably much better.) My only concern is that I really like the big optical view finders of the D3S & D3X, so I'm wondering whether I will get on with the Z6 EVF? I shot with a D700 (with single CF card) for years with no problem - so I'm okay with the idea of a single XQD. I understand XQD cards are tough & reliable. It may turn out that with the latest firmware version - 3.5, the Z6 eye-AF actually works well for studio and street portraits, but if it doesn't, then I'm very used to single-point focus, so I will get sharp eyes either way. The other thing for me is that Daniel Norton (one of my favourite TH-cam photographers) has been using the Z6 & Z6ii for studio portraits for the last 5 years and has no problems with it.
I appreciate your opinion and showing footage on what's holding you back even for me being a diehard Nikon fan. I'd say wait for the Z6 III that is now rumored to be announced early next year and see what it has to offer. It's been rumored that it might use and evolution of the Expeed 7 and potentially a bigger resolution sensor for 8K and hopefully internal RAW. I think the Zf already solves many of your issues and even rebadging it as a Z6 III will be a win for many, but I'm sure that Nikon will respond with a camera that rivals the R6II and the a7IV, it's a leapfrogging game after all. I have used Canon with the R6 mark I and I have a Sony A7RV that I use for work and let me tell you, they do also go crazy sometimes in situations similar to what you showed so no camera is perfect. In one area that I'd say IMO Nikon obliterates the competition is in the RAW files themselves; they aren't simply as powerful and versatile in terms of latitude and in manipulation. Even the JPGs on my Z8 allowed me to do more than with an R6 CR2 RAW file (I screwed up a shoot and shot only JPG recently). Just my two cents.
By the way if I want to shoot with all these manual tilt shift lens,, should I get them with Sony A7RV with the practical 4 ways screen or Nikon ZF for the classic dial experiences? I shoot video with Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder mainly but when I want low light or specialised video scenes, I do want to shoot with the camera?
Yea my Z6II did good while I was filming this video but that’s a really well controlled environment. Respect on using the Z30 of all cameras! I shoot events and really push the abilities of the Z61/2 bodies. The camera body does get in the way since I just can’t trust it and have to babysit it all the time. The current gen Z bodies are Nikons best cameras yet and we’ll see if the Z6III knocks it out for us Z users!
The Z30 has better autofocus for video than any of the Z bodies before the Z8 and Z9 but people think that it's just a ZfC without EVF. It took me so long to leave behind cropped sensor cameras and upgrade to full frame and promised myself that I would stay away but I ended up buying the Z30 at launch and also lenses like the 12-28 and 24 1.7 by release date, also getting the 1.4 Sigmas even when I'm more of a Tamron guy (for F-mount). I also have a Z5 and a Z8 but sometimes I feel that for the size and what it can give the Z30 is more than enough.
ZF is already on par with Sony A7iv and Canon R6ii. I am sure Z6iii will be on par or better. The problem was Nikon was behind in making the Expeed processor. Expeed 7 was built 3 years after Canon built Digic X and Sony BionZ processor. Now that the processor is on par, you see the AF very similar. The advantage with Nikon is that they contniue to release firmware update at a much fatser pace. I think Z9 already surpassed both Canon and Sony flagships in terms of features.
I hear you. Some Nikon flaws still remain such as the focus box “saying” it’s on the eye but really it’s elsewhere such as on a foreground element or somewhere else entirely. Along with that is also the eyelash autofocus which plagues the current gen Z cameras while other camera nail the iris every time. Interesting point about the processor development with each brand. I do love the amount of support Nikon gives their cameras with firmware updates, I can attest to how much different the Z6I is completely different now compared to when it launched. There’s only so much that firmware can do before the actual hardware becomes the bottleneck. Fingers crossed the Z6III is what Z users have been asking for!
@petersuvara I don't think they build their own chips. Also they probably didn't think mirrorless tech was ready so they were 3 years behind developing chips for mirrorless. Nikon CEO is very old and really is old school. Probably didn't occur to him that the future was people buy cameras to produce youtube content.
@yostinyouthful does the Z8 and Z9 AF still does that? I heard Canon's and Sony's also does that, so it's not just Nikons. I think the AF for the big 3 os comparable now. Maybe within 1-2% of each other. But with Nikon, you get continuous firmware upgrades. With Sony, new cameras gets the tech but they don't go back and update the old one. So I would say that's a huge plus for using Nikon. Firmware 4.0 Z9 is like an entire new camera vs Firmware 1.0 Z9.
@@mlai2546 Just a couple of things. 1. Nikon actually did mirrorless back in 2011 with their Nikon 1 series. 2. Exspeed processors originally were based on a Fujitsu micro architecture for their controller, after that they are believed to have switched to ARM. However, the actual fabrication could be done internally in Nikon because they own their own lithography machines. The architecture is different from the printer.
I love to generalize to all Nikon Z bodies when only having experience with Z6 and Z6 ii (which is just slightly boosted Z6). Yes, we all would love Nikon mirrorless AF to be better. But in this case the main problem is with expectations. Z9 and Z8 is where the AF finally became good and most people know it.
LOL seems obvious to me that a Z8 will solve all your technical problems with the system... BTW I have the Zf .. its nice .. but I understand the ergonomics is not for everyone.
I was a Canon and Sony user (Canon R5 and Sony a7IV) for years. I owned a few different Canons and Sonys in the past. I just purchased a Z8, so the R5 and a7IV are gone now. I have first-hand experience with AF on all three systems. With AF, R5 better recognise a subject, but it is not a dramatically big difference, but Z8 is better at keeping it on target. It's a short way; there are no missing shots with Z8, and the files are fantastic. Sony... I'm just not fun of using this camera. I feel bad in my hand.
This video is a bit of a joke to be honest- what focus issues are you having with the z8? The ZF with a grip is amazing… time to update your gear especially if you’ve invested in your glass. I know about glass investing since I shoot with a Leica sl2. The auto focus is awful. Enter the Nikon range. It’s amazing.
Rent a Z8 and let us know what you think. From what I've heard designing a good AF system for mirrorless cameras is harder than designing one for a DSLR and the Z6 series seems to be a good example of that. Given that the Z8 now exists and is getting great reviews, perhaps Nikon would be ahead to drop the Z7 and concentrate on making the Z6 more competitive with the latest AF tech and, perhaps, a 30+meg sensor for the advanced amateur and pro. I'm glad to see Nikon battling back with the Z8 and Z9 and some really great Z system telephoto glass so I hope they do the same thing with a Z6 Mk 3 ASAP.
Hi, I'm a wildlife photographer and started with Z5 -> D500 -> D850. The Nikon DSLR is unfortunately better in AF than the Z5 or Z6. I moved to Sony A7iv and the AF is miles better. But now if u ask any wildlife photographer (birders, where AF is the most important factor), many are turning back to Nikon as they have a lot more lens options as compared with Sony or Canon. The Z9, Z8 and ZF AF is actually quite good and only just slightly poorer than the flagship Canon and Sony. All three companies have their problems, you will only know it after you switch. So far, Nikon is the only company that keep improving their Z9/8 with firmware to make them incredible value. The latest firmware has greatly improved its AF. You will definitely get a shock when u move to Sony or Canon but based on my own experience, please be patient, Z6III is definitely good enough. In fact, I am very tempted to move back to Nikon as Sony is getting very lazy with their firmware and lens support. You have invested too much in Nikon (Lens) please be patient, trust me its a good system.
Good points! I have heard about the wildlife photographers praising Nikon for their telephoto lenses which are awesome! Let’s wait and see what the upcoming cameras have in store for us! :D
@@yostinyouthful Yes do be patient and I'm confident you will not be disappointed. In fact there are some famous birders on TH-cam (e.g. Steve Perry) that now gave the edge to Nikon Z9 over the A1 for birding after firmware 4.1.
I had Z6ii and only one Z lens and 8 F lenses, Watching every youtuber bashing Nikon's autofocus also tempted me to move to other system but I waited only because of my lenses. they are all excellent. And now I got Z8. I and happy with two bodies and lenses.
What are Canon and Sony offering? I just bought a Nikkor 800mmPF lens and the competition has nothing that compares to it. Sony just came out with a $6,000 24MP camera in 2024 pretty much. How is that innovative when I can buy a 45MP stacked 8K sensor from Nikon for $4,000? Canon slaps RF mounts to their telephoto EF lenses and still use front side illuminated sensors in their R5?? Nikon just released AF firmware for the Z9 and mostly likely the Z8 that beats the Canon and Sony bird detection AF. I suggest you do some better research. Cheers
expeed 7 processor will be in all new future Nikon, that is how it works. It did take them forever. I had the z6 and z7ii, but sold for the z8 and zf. I can shoot sport now with the z8/ z7 expeed 7 processor like my dslr days on the d750.
If NIkon improve their AF, Sony and Canon will put more features in their cameras. Problem is that Nikon is not releasing bodies at a fast pace to catch Sony or Canon. At the pace that Nikon is innovating it will be difficult for them to catch up. They need to put their Xpeed processor in the Z7, Z6, Z5, Z FC, Z50 and Z30 series of camera where Canon put their new processor in all their cameras from R3 till the cheapest R100.
Not innovating? I am surprised to hear this. What is the Z8/9? The Z9 smoked all cameras in the market and remains the Z8/9 remains the best hybrid camera to this day - the Z9 having come out a full 2 years ago. This was the first hybrid camera to do video all the way up to 8K 60 in RAW with no overheating issues - and remains so to this day! Steve Perry (one of the most prominent pro wild life photographers around - who is himself both a Nikon and Sony shooter) just compared the Z9 with firmware 4.1 against the Sony flagship A1 for BIF photography and has concluded that the Z9 is currently better than the Sony. Admittedly they are neck and neck (and you certainly can get the shot with either), but when put to the question which is better he chooses the Z9 - this tired AF issue is now over. Yes, it is true that Nikon needs to put this AF into the lower line of cameras and they will and have. The Zf enjoys this Af at the $2000 price point - less expensive than the Canon and Sony offerings. As far as putting the Expeed 7 into the lower lines of cameras - there will not be another Nikon that does not have Expeed 7 or higher so this is already happening. Zf is the first to show this and the Zf is in every way as good (and in some ways better), with the exception of ergonomics (but this is intentional for a retro camera) than the competitions cameras at a similar price point - actually the Zf is $500 less in some cases. The lenses that Nikon have produced for the Z mount and especially in the last two years are significant innovations and above the competition in most metrics. The design of new Plena lens is one that is not even possible on the Sony E mount due to its inferior architecture. This is just the beginning - as time goes on more and more lens design by Nikon will take advantage of the superior Z mount and will leave the competition behind. The Z6III is going to be a decisive moment for Nikon. It is likely that it will have some surprise specs beyond the great specs that we already know about - and it will definitely have Expeed 7 - maybe even a newer version of Expeed 7 (tweaked for more performance). I do agree that it is taking them a long time to get this pivotal camera out, but that is what makes it so likely that it will be class leading, and knowing Nikon they will undercut the competition on price setting it at $2296 or $2396 versus the industry standard of $2499 - we'll see. It should be noted that this is also a short term problem for Nikon - once they bring out the lower line cameras with the new features and processors then this is solved. Unlike other brands that will face on going issues with inferior lens design that will only worsen as Nikon takes full advantage of the Z mount. Look into angle of incidence as it relates to optical design if you don't understand why I am saying this. -PD
The Z6 was not a good camera, when it was released, the Z6II fixed most of the issues but the AF, was only marginally better, certainly not up to the level many Nikon users wanted. Now I am the first to admit, I didn't watch all this video, it became kind of pointless to continue watching after the first minute. The reality is Nikon has stepped up their game in 2023 (and I say this as someone who now shoots Fujifilm), with the Z8 and ZF, both making significant improvements. So I don't know what you said but this is the reality.
I agree the Z6I was not a good camera at launch, but it seemed promising for things to come. I think most of the Nikon mirrorless bodies can be summed up like you said, as just marginally better than the last, and that’s probably where it felt the worst, considering the giant leaps that every other Camera brand was/is making. On the spec sheet yeah Nikon has caught up but in real world use the system is still plagued by various issues with the auto focus regarding front focusing, eyelash eye focusing and just plain up missing the shot when the camera is telling you that it’s locked on. These are just faults that anyone that uses the Z system will tell you about.
I've shot Nikon for 8 years and also canon mirrorless for 1 (R6ii, work). Personally, I wouldn't go Canon but that's me -- there are VERY huge differences in feel and ergonomics as well as some things burried in menus that are frustrating and can't be mapped. R6ii grip is good, better than sony, but the entire camera feels like a hallow piece of plastic. There is no perfect lunch. But def try out the next gen AF engines on Z9/Z8/Zf before you switch. More important for video... you need 10 bit. The 8 bit video on the z6/7/6ii/7iis is.. rough.
I started using Sony after 30 years with Nikon, and brought a Z6ii a year ago with intent to switched back to Nikon. Sold Z6ii and three brand new lenses after one week, the autofocus sucks, couldn’t come close to Sony. Just bought a Nikon Zf because it’s retro design reminds me of my film and DSLR Nikons. The focus is way better than Z6ii, I really like the manual focus with object tracking and the focus centric VR. However, Nikon Z line is morphing to mirrorless in DSLR body, look at the size and weight of Z8 and Z9, even this Zf is big and heavy. Maybe this is Nikon’s comfort zone but it’s too heavy for me now.
I have to agree with you regarding Sony, their autofocus tracking is top notch. I use them all the time when working with other studios in town and it’s always a reminder of how lacking the Z system is. I appreciate a heavier camera body for the sake of balancing lenses better since most of the pro Nikon glass is pretty heavy. As someone that shot with canon 1DX cameras and 2.8 DSLR zooms I think it feels lighter and my back appreciates that hahah
I disagree with what you said about bodies getting bigger; the Z8 and Z9 cater to the professional photographers that need a bigger and heavier body for bigger lenses, that will probably use gloves and that need more buttons on camera. The Z5, 6 and 7 bodies will remain the same because they have the same design philosophy. Canon I would say in my opinion went straight for the DSLR body with mirrorless guts approach. I just love the Z8 and was the camera I waited for a long time, but also love the smaller factor of my Z5 and except the Z6 III to be the same, also my Z30 and how incredibly tiny it is.
@@Willymaze Campare this cameras with Sony A9II and A1? So this Sony cameras are not aimed at professionals? The issue is that the Nikon user likes big and heavy camera.
@@angeloplayforone No, it’s not the same. I have a Sony A7RV and although I think on ergonomics they have come a long way Nikon still has the best in the business. Try using those cameras you mentioned with thick gloves, in the snow and with a big telephoto attached.
These are just frustrations that I wanted to talk about. I love the Nikon Z system, but it has its flaws. In the end, for me a camera is a tool, and if another tool is better for the job, then there needs to be some pointing out of the issues so people are aware of what they might get into.
@@davidwhite7543What is false ? Nikon should allready put the new Expeed processor in the Z6III. Even Fujifilm is releasing more bodies with new sensors and processors then Nikon.
If I could justify it financially, I would but as a small business, I can’t do that on a whim. With how invested I am into the Z camera system I obviously want them to do well but the systems flaws are something that I can’t not mention or talk about because they’re pretty noticeable if you’ve ever shot with any of the other systems from Canon or Sony. I agree, my guesses about the upcoming technology are just that, guesses and shots in the dark. Everything that Nikon has released recently is “Nikons Best XYZ camera yet” but it just doesn’t stack up to other brands with their tracking autofocus which is a huge selling point for modern day camera bodies.
I thought like you when I encountered the same focus disappointments with Nikon. I've run a studio and worked professional for more than 15 years with the your same mindset regarding the prosumer offerings being all you need. Boy was I wrong. Although you don't need all of what the Z8 offers.... it's the right tool for the job. Invest in the Z8. You've already got the teeshirt.
I’m a canon and Nikon photographer. Yes the first gen Z6/7 cameras were problematic… but you’re completely wrong about Z8/9. Those two are just as good (better imo) as A7r5 and R6ii. I’d say they are actually even better at some things like low light and fast subject shooting. Also Nikon does use AI. Just go out purchase a Z8 or Z9 and put out the “I was wrong” video.
For birds the Z9 beats the A1 in focus acquisitions in firmware 4.1. I have found better focus accuracy with the Z8 for Mammals compared to Sony A7R5 & A7R3 & A7iv. Not even considering the Blackout free viewfinder. For humans i see no difference but i don't shoot people much. I have seen other Sony users & Canon users here on youtube too say Nikon Z8 is on par with Sony Alpha series & Canons for humans. So considering Z6 in 2023 is just dumb. And you need to learn to use cameras first before shitting about it because the grass is always greener on the other side.
I have z7 and z6ii and I agree with this AF issues, especially in low light. I also think it is AF and VR issues together, because I do photos mostly in museums, in dark scenes, at low shutter speeds. Outside in daylight it is OK. I just got a ZF so I hope it will be better. I recently went to a museum with my nephew. He had a D3300, and he got a few photos better than me, where my z6ii failed to focus (dark museum scene) - that is $200 camera doing better than my $2000 camera!!! On the other side, for 90% of photos, the quality of the full frame sensor was much better than D3300 DX sensor. Also, the new cameras, Z8, ZF, have VR-sync. So I can do stable hand held video with my 24-200VR. Before, it was not possible (micro-wobbles and jitters issue).
What? Being a Nikon user in 2023 was wonderful! I entered the Z system in 2021 with 2x Z6II and a Z7II. While it is true these cameras were a step behind the competition in terms of AF speed and accuracy, they actually did have the best AF of any camera I had ever used for my work until then. I shot hundreds of documentary style weddings and events with these cameras, earning thousands of $$. They basically never let me down. Now I'm rocking a pair of Z8s in addition to the retrosexy Zf. The AF capabilities of these cameras are so great it basically feels a bit like cheating. Life as a nikon shooter could hardly be any better in 2024, at least not for me, that's for sure 😊
You are ABSOLUTELY 100 percent spot on with this take. As a former d750 user I was SEVERELY disappointed with the autofocus of the z6ii. it is complete trash when it comes to low light. I held my friends, R6 mark two in my hands one time and was floored at how well it was working. I immediately wanted to switch to Canon; however, as a Nikon user for the last 15 years, I decided to stick it out and try a Z8. The Z8 is miles ahead of any other Nikon camera, but I must admit that the auto focus still falls behind Canon and Sony. it’s sticky when it needs to be, but still misses focus often, just not nearly as often as the z6 or Z7 series. The real reason that it performs so well is not because of the processor, but because it has dual stacked sensors, which is such an expensive technology that it’s very unlikely that this will trickle down to the Z6 lineup. anyone who feels that their z6/z6ii is performing acceptably, needs to hold a Z8 in their hands just one time and they will see what they have been missing. better yet put a canon R6 mark two in your hands and you’ll realize you’ve been making excuses for as long as you’ve been owning a z6/ii
Then may I suggest going to Z9? I still have a z6 (Yes, ORIGINAL "version 1") that I use as a portrait and scenery body. Z9 are the "action" bodies that I use for "moments" in my jobs. Plus, I've never had to replace the Z9 battery for any event or even full-day weddings. The new firmware versions made Z9s even better than it was when I bought it. And the glass is top-notch. I shoot darkly lit events with my 50mm f/1.2 that I would have sweated with even my excellent f/2.8 70-200. Nothing wrong with my f/1.8 50mm or 85mm versions either, but the f/1.2 versions are easily worth the extra size/weight when I'm reviewing the evening's images. Z8 is fine, but you're back to swapping batteries, multiple card types, and the weight difference at the end of the evening doesn't matter to me. (I'm BEAT no matter what I carry!) At 56 years old, I'm managing just fine. "Too much camera" makes no sense to me. Only use what you need. Shoot at a slower speed, and if the images are "too large", then throw away the extra megapixels by shooting in DX mode. (A waste in my opinion. Crop later and/or reduce the file sizes in render if it truly bothers you.) But it's nice that the extra megapixels are THERE if you ever should want them.
I hear what you’re saying and I agree that the Z9 is Nikons best cameras yet but at the price of $5500, it’s money that I can’t justify for just one camera body. I know the Zf is here but it’s missing features that are important to me such as no CFexpress card slot. I would love a better experience in the Nikon line within that $2500 range.
@@yostinyouthful Likely the Z6 III. At least 1 CFexpress (Never had one fail unlike SD cards) and likely hits your target range on the low side. Just a few months of patience, and your current glass will be good for you. I like Canon output, but hate the ergonomics. Don't like the output of SONY, but admire the tech. Nikon straddles both for me. I have an OM-1, and the tech is square in the middle between Z9s & Z6s, but even the excellent 300mm f4 doesn't equal the output I get from my z6, and nowhere close to z9. (But super-light for hiking making it a worthwhile compromise for personal use, but not for my paying clients.) My z 50mm 1.2 or 1.8 are great for low-light candids, but the z 85mm lenses are MAGIC. Looking to audition the 135mm f/1.8 against 70-200 to see if worth it to own both. 14-30mm & 24-70 @f4 are fine for me since I rarely shoot groups below f/5.6 anyway. Super light and relatively unobtrusive/stealthy.
Hello :) Yostin Youthful ,,, I truly Feel Your Pain :( I have been shooting Nikon since 1968 ........ I have bounced around using a plethora of different brands (But always used Nikon as the money maker) ....... Mirrorless has been a painful period I agree (and if I would still be depending on My Kit for work) I do not know what I would do..Going to another brand would be an expensive proposition.. I keep hoping... I wish that they would have given us a Z6III (I am hoping that it comes soon)before the ZF........ BUT do what You need to do..... Best of everything to You
The R6 is a second generation canon and the R6ii is a 3rd generation mirrorless camera and you are comparing it to a 1st generation Nikon. a fair comparison would be the canon R.
@@leonmullingscreative I have them all also except the z6 OG. I have the RP R and Z6 Ii. The R and RP both have crop video and slow fps. Autofocus has been updated in current models. Check out the ZF
Video I cannot comment on. But stills....I have a Z6 , a Z8, and a Z9 and I will tell you with just the Z8 I have made well over $60K in print sales since July with this body. That's right. So anyone telling me that Nikon bodies are a liability, I laugh. People get far too hung up on specs, and tiny comparison details. This is a TOOL. Nothing more or less. It's like a table saw. It helps you make something. Relax and click away.
I agree the experience using the Z8 would be better but having to slap a $4500 bandaid to fix something other systems have down pat for $2500 isn’t a good experience. I really am hoping for the Z6III to deliver on what the Z system needs in the $2500 range.
I have Nikon Z8 and Canon R6ii. Canon R6ii AF especially speed of subject recognition beats Z8 no question - especially when shooting stills of small birds. Z8 takes so much longer to identify small birds when on animal subject recognition setting, even when using various small AF boxes custom sizes. Also then one needs to hand off tracking to 3D tracking in Z8 while R6II just tracks over frame with no user input required. I have only used R6ii for a few days, but even with old EF100-400 (first version) R6II identifies subjects and locks to eyes much quicker as well than Z8, especially when birds are little smaller in frame. Z8 needs the birds to be much closer and larger in frame. Guess R6II +-1000 focus points beats Z8's +-490 focus points... Also I'm guessing the current Z8 firmware for animal is probably like Z9 original ver 3 firmware or something... AF does seem inferior to Z9 v4 or 4.1 for birds sure imho. I really wanted to like Nikon after all the buzz and hype, and due to Canon normally using their cripple hammer on its cameras... but I don't know if I will keep Z8. And then Nikon has taken sneaky move when they posted a video saying Z9 firmware V4 automated shooting function would be coming to Z8 - but then they quietly edited their TH-cam video to remove the comments on that after many people had noted this. That was sneaky - I understand they want to differentiate Z8 and Z9... but don't do this sh!t. Of course the Z8 has much better video modes like 4k120, 8K60, Raw etc. but price of Z8 is like 70% more than R6II so that should be expected....
I'm honestly not sure how it could be even that much better? My Z8 hits AF 99.9% of time. Even if the Canon is better, which I'm sure it is, I wouldn't really get any additional keepers?
I couldn't agree more. I was so frustrated with my Z7II, and honestly, it's my first ever disappointing Nikon non point-and-shoot purchase for the 11 years I've been using ILC Nikon bodies. The Z f is a night and say difference, I just don't know why they didn't do a simultaneous Z6III/Z f launch. Hopefully they're packing a punch into the Z6III. Still, the body is quite late, and it's not in their interest to delay it any further. I had to get a Z9 just for ergonomics and AF, I really didn't need anything else of its feature set, which is crazy!
My z6 was a love/hate relationship. Shooting over 5.6 the autofocus was pretty good but would pull some stunts. My z6ii is great. Only ever have issues if I try to shoot something running quickly straight at me. Like my dogs. Otherwise it’s good. Stepping up to a z8 here in the next month. No reason to bail. It’s not like we have to wait for a week to get film developed to find out it was out of focus.
How different is the Z6ii AF after all the firmware upgrades? I shot some weddings a while ago paired with the r6 and other times paired with the a7iii and A7iv. I noticed I missed a lot of shots with the Z6ii more than the a7iii. Other than that I loved the feeling ergonomics,screen and view finder. I’ve seen them pretty cheap on Facebook market. I’m waiting for the z6iii hoping it will come with the z8 features.
I chose to invest in lenses over camera bodies first. That’s why I’m still on the Z6I and Z6II. The ZF like I said is dead on arrival for me because of the form factor, it doesn’t use CF express type B cards, and when I went to demo it at my local shop it still did all the Nikon things that Nikon cameras do. The Z8 at $4000 it’s too much camera for me and it still suffers from other known Nikon issues with its tracking focus. Two $2500 camera bodies (Z6III hypothetically) for $5000 sounds more beneficial to me as a small business. I really am hoping the Z6III can be what Nikon needs to level the playing field in that $2500ish range. Obviously with how invested I am into the Z system I want them to do well but the truth is that as someone that uses all three major systems (RF, E, and Z mount) that they're behind the competition.
Nice discussion, good content, and also good feedback comments from other Nikonian below, as Nikon user for more than 10 years from D to Z series I still hoping for something bigger improvement for AF 3d tracking for Z series not just for full frame but also perhaps they do for crop body that equals with D500 era performance, maybe Z60 or z70 I don't know.
Nikon is killing it … of course the lower models are not as good as the better models. You get what you pay for. My first mirrorless model was the Z9 which is amazing. Love the small size compared to the D850+grip. Lots of people switching to Nikon. My favourite lens is the 800mm … so light and less than half the price of the F equivalent. If the Z models with fast autofocus are “too much camera for you” then what are you complaining about? They already make models you are asking for … go buy one of them.
never had an issue on my z6ii for events and sports i really dont get why people complain so much my technique and understanding of the system allows me to asses the situation and choose the best af mode for what im shooting. Nikon system isnt much worse than the cannons and sony its an aquired taste tho its not gonna flip your pancakes in the morning like some people expect from their cameras but i dont fund myself missing shots at all. That being said all these nikon shooters all but hurt because of your video lol im a nikon shooter and i know the cannons and sonys af is better but that doesnt mean anything if you know the camera and use that knowledge to make up for the lack in af remember your smarter than the camera
Feel so good since I got Z9 and it is almost perfect and will have 135mm Plena soon. Also never wanted to have any Sony brands because I knew their sensor is somewhat desaturated.
I get where you are coming from. I bought the z6ii as soon as it came out and it was an adjustment coming from a dslr. However, the more I have used it I understand the limitations and I get the shots that I want. I have used Sony and Canon and they all have tradeoffs. Until the a7iv they didn’t have separate setting for photo and video and the prices for cf express type A cards are insane. In the end though I think you should do whatever makes you happy.
From all the tests I have seen, Sony is number one with autofocus and Nikon is number two now with the Z8 and, Z9. It has taken Nikon and Lumix some time to improve their autofocus, but now are both in the game. Both these systems have offered many features above the other brands and both will gain market share in the future. You have spent a lot of money on glass and you either have to wait for lower end models to get the better autofocus or sell your stuff at a loss. I think it would be cheaper to get a Z8 now then sell and change systems. I bought the Z8 and it is the best camera I have ever owned. I believe it is the best do all camera for the price.
The Canon R6II does not wipe the floor with the Z8. I understand your frustration with Nikon, as I’m also waiting for the long overdue Z6III. Aside from the stacked sensor, the ZF has the same AF capability as the Z8/Z9. No doubt the Z6III will have it. Nikon has caught up in the AF dept. It’s just that Nikon has made a mistake in not getting the updated AF out to the folks waiting for the Z6III/Z7III iteration, which created a gaping hole.
One example that I see even with the latest Nikon models is that if you have your camera tracking a person with face detect autofocus is that it will jump a lot if there’s anyone else in the frame. Check out Taylor Jackson’s video about the Zf to see what I mean. The “eyelash autofocus” that the Z system suffers from is also frustrating. I will end up getting the Z6III because it’ll be Nikons best camera yet for the middle range cameras. I still stand behind saying that Nikon is behind the competition on having a polished focusing system.
@@yostinyouthfulyou can’t tell how these cameras perform with af from TH-cam videos. It’s kind of disingenuous to make those claims when you have no experience with what you are making the claims about. How about rent both brands and test them out?
Has anyone has had issues with TTL & HSS triggers on the Z bodies, apparently pocketWizard 5TTL triggers no longer works on the Z line of bodies? Some other 3rd party triggers have work around, kindly recommend. Many thanks.
People say the Z50 and Z30 are really similar and I don't think so. I've had both and i'm pretty sure the Z30 is better. The naming scheme made me think the Z30 would be a downgrade, but I love my Z30! 📷
Sorry, but you are talking rubbish. I believe you are convinced with your convictions. Nikon is the only camera company that listens to us. Gives us loads of firmware updates and build systems that are supported for years on end. I’m in my mid 70s, photographing since I was 9 years old. All the others are either small subsidies of much bigger company’s and don’t think twice about trashing systems that have cost a small fortune. Please rethink before putting out such shallow comments. I have followed you for a while and just think you had a Bad Day. Good luck in the future……
So you're comparing obsolete autofocus with modern autofocus? Try renting a Z8 or Z9 and compare again, it's a completely different story with anything modern from Nikon. What are you even talking about the autofocus of the Z8 and Z9 is 85-90% as good as Sony's or Canon's and I'm a Sony shooter.
Yes I’ve used the Z8/9 and they do hold up as Nikons best cameras but they have their flaws still such as eyelash autofocus and the focus tracking box telling you it’s one place when the camera is actually focused somewhere else. This isn’t a unique experience either. Look at any other in depth review of those cameras and you’ll see people talking about the same things. Having to spend $4500-5500 to get a better focusing camera is not a good feeling. 😅 I’m also more interested in the $2500 range of cameras and that’s where I feel Nikon is lacking performance.
@@yostinyouthfulThat the problem many Nikon fanboys, Nikon does not have anything competitive under €3000. Both Sony and Canon are far ahead and at that the time NIkon put the new processor Canon will release R6 III and Sony A7V. Problem of Nikon Z8/ Z9 fanboys is the question, does you clients paid you twice for your photos if you have a twice expensive camera?
IMO, Nikon is OK for photos from the Z9 and Z8, similar to the DSLR days with D3/D300 & D700. Hence, and as an enthusiast, I find the Z6 AF/UI horrible and happy to move forward with my Z9 since it established what Nikon's MILC framework will be. As an old timer, I picked the popular Nikon to begin my 45 year journey, but I would pick Canon in the DSLR era and may be Sony nowadays. While some would point out the merits of various brands based on years of working experience, but they forget that the time has changed just as it was when they were young. Thus, history is good for guidance but not as a blueprint for success.
I agree with you! I have been a nikon shooter for over 20 years now. Really loved my D850 but like an idiot, I believed the hype and switched over to a Z7II. I experienced the same issues as you have. But what I find more frustrating is that nikon doesn’t listen to their users. Instead of fixing the focusing issue they come up with other models for you to spend more money. Well played by them, unfortunately we come out losing with our Z6II and Z7II. We are the forgotten ones.
"we come out losing with our Z6II and Z7II. We are the forgotten ones." -- I mean, I have a Z5 😅 I have all the lenses and other gear that I need for the Nikon system, and I'll keep using it until it breaks, but after that I'll almost certainly switch to Sony for the autofocus.
I used to be Nikon shooter and very loyal to Nikon but I left, sold my 30K worth gear to avoid lugging around like gym dumbels weight, other systems are lightning years ahead with focus speed, body / lens weight ratio etc ! Nikon is doomed and seriously, Nikon need to go back to drawing board and fix thigs. They recently launched Zf camera with 24 Megapixel 6 year old sensor resolution and WHAT?????
I don’t really believe in brand loyalty. If I had the money and could flexibly move systems I would do it. I’m sticking it out for now and when the time comes and Nikon hasn’t made the improvements I’m looking for I will jump ship. Cameras are tools and I see them as such. Nikon is hanging on just enough but they are taking a beating recently with canon releasing exotic lenses such as the 28-70 2.8 and the 24-105 2.8. Insane lenses. Zf is fine where it is in the market and who its target audience is at with its sensor. I personally find 25ish MP to be the perfect size for me as someone that makes their money from events. Higher MP cameras feel bloated to me.
I wonder why photographers today are so crybaby with autofocus. If you learn photography the right way, its not a big deal. Are we shooting 2k shots and keep 10 photos? Or take time, compose, recompose, shoot 100 photos and keep 90% of it?
I shoot events and I can’t exactly take my time with getting my focus. 😅 Things happen so fast and before you know it you either got the shot or you didn’t because the autofocus failed.
During slower shoots where I have more time and control your advice works but not during a wedding or other event.
@@yostinyouthful I used to shoot weddings with 5D mk1 and 1Ds mk 2 , then XT1 before i retired in wedding. I dont have issues with autofocus back then. What more camera and lenses today?
My point is, photographers are too spoiled nowadays. Yes technology advances but unless we do sports photography, 95% of cameras today are fine imho.
I have shot many weddings and events with the Z6 and Z6II with no issues. Learn your gear and its abilities. A PHOTOGRAPHER that shoots paid work with gear that they don’t know and then makes a video about how the camera is at fault is a poor photographer. This was a long and useless video. Dude just switch and be happy but this won’t advance your place in the world in social media. Your delivery and lack of energy made me stop the video halfway through it. Good Luck in whatever else you decide to do because this shouldn’t be it
I started photography 20 years with a manual focus camera and still only have manual focus lenses. If people 30-40 years ago can shoot sports on film with manual focus people can today. I’m vision impaired now and can’t drive and I only use manual focus stop crying about autofocus.
Skill isue
My brotha - you are comparing cameras that are literally 2 generations apart. I have shot wedding successfully with my Z6 (it did struggle here and there) and the Z6II - which is fine if you know how to use it well, but I understand your point - it does take a more skilled user than the Canon. My wedding photo partner uses an R6 and it is good but it is NOT as good as a Z8.
You are very mistaken to think that the Z8/9 are so far behind the others. They are so close now that literally you can get any shot on the Nikon that you can get on the Canon or Sony. In some cases, Nikon is now ahead - look at Steve Perry's recent video on FW 4.1 for the Z9 verses the Sony A1 for birding. Steve is one of the foremost pros in this field and he gives the Nikon the edge now for bird AF over the Sony A1 (Sony's flagship). When Nikon brings out this sort of FW update for people it will be game over - the difference now is literally like 1% and that is only in Auto Area AF - if you know how to use the modes on the Z8/9 they are just as good as any Canon or Sony - again you have to know how to use the product - I never miss a shot due to AF on the Z8.
As far as build quality, ergonomics, dynamic range, and exceptional RAW files - Nikon is hands down the best of these cameras.
So, if you are serious about what you are doing, you should just get a Z8 and stop worrying about this. If that is too expensive for you (and I understand if it is) then rest assured that the Z6 III will be fully competitive with its AF system. The Zf has already proven that, and the Z6 III will be even better than the Zf - Nikon is not taking this long to put out the Z6 III for no reason - guaranteed this camera will surpass expectations - just like the last 3 Nikon camera releases have: Z9 was (and still is) and industry changing camera that is still unmatched 2 years later by any currently released product, the Z8 offers the best of this hybrid tech for the $4k price point - essentially a $6k camera for $4k, and the Zf packs way more punch than anyone expected. It is as good (and in many ways better) than the Canon R6II - with the exception of ergonomics for all day shooting of course - thus, enter the Z6 III next year. This camera is going to smoke the competition in the $2500 price point range - just like the last 3 cameras have for their respective price points. They may even surprise us and price it lower than $2500 (like $2296 - we'll see?)
You made a great choice going with Nikon because they have the Z mount. The Sony E mount is an APS-C mount that has been converted to 'work' with full frame - there is a reason they need software to do their focus breathing corrections (which is essentially a crop - so is it really full frame???). The Z mount can achieve things that the others physically cannot - look up angle of incidence with respect to camera optics to understand more about this, but suffice to say it is why Nikon can make a lens like Plena with the characteristics it has - this is literally impossible on the Sony E mount. More and more lenses will be coming that cannot be done on other systems.
Nikon has built the mount from the ground up to create industry changing glass and they have - look at the releases in 2022 and this year - nobody touches this glass. And as you point out, and I have made a video about this see here: th-cam.com/video/VhEBEVTWWqw/w-d-xo.html Nikon has a full range of professional 1.8 glass that is super affordable and that is good enough to shoot at any event or occasion. There are not such excellent comparable lenses from Canon and Sony. The Canon 50 1.8 is piece of junk compared the Nikon. But, some say that it is only $175 whereas the Nikon is almost $600 - and that is true, but the Nikon is a professional grade lens and the Canon is a toy. Nevertheless, the Nikon 40mm f/2 lens which is only like $75 more than the Canon 1.8 is better in every way than the Canon - better IQ, and it doesn't focus breath - the Canon breaths badly.
There is literally nothing that any system has that Nikon doesn't do as well or better at this point. This new Sony A9III with the global sensor is cool, but its base ISO is 250! That sucks! They keep touting what a great video camera it is, but it cant do RAW or 8k like the Z8 (for $2000 less lol). It is purely as sports camera whereas the Z8 is the best all around camera on the market bar none - it goes against any Canon or Sony right now for that title. You could argue that the Sony A1 competes with the Nikon Z8 for this title except that it is literally $2500 more than the Nikon and it is a flagship against a lower line camera - I'd say the Z8 has it beat, and with that $2500 savings you could get yourself a really nice lens like the 24-70 2.8 S lens - known to be one of the best 24-70's in existence.
So, when you say Nikon has not caught up - you are talking about cameras that are 1-2 generations old and comparing them to cameras that are of current generations from other manufacturers - this is misleading to people that do not know this stuff, and do not have a comprehensive understanding. I know that was not your intention, but I wrote this comment to set the record straight.
I am a Z8 shooter - I shoot weddings, and pro portraiture, but I have also used the Canons and Sonys - they are not mopping the floor with the Z8/9 or Zf for AF - to the contrary - Nikon is right there with them and soooo much better in most other ways.
I'd be happy to discuss this further with you.
-PD
Well said Baron
So true and well explained, z8/9 are literally on the same like as Sony and cannon, except for doing few things better as well, better ergonomics, totally better menu, and outstanding lenses.
You say using a Nikon in 2023 is terrible. I couldn’t disagree with you more. You shoot a Z6. You’re wearing a Nikon Z8 shirt. You have the recently released Plena. Get a Z8 and stop complaining.
Exactly. Just noticed the shirt lol.
To say that Nikon hasn't caught up with their AF in 2023 is laughable. The Z8 & Z9 are LIGHTYEARS ahead of your admittedly crappy Z6.
In my world, Z cameras are amazing.
Your video title is a bit click baity . You haven’t used a Z8 or Z9 yet you are lumping the new AF system with what’s on the older cameras. The Z8/9 AF system is on par with Sony cameras. I had the Sony A7R V with it’s AI pose estimation system and while Nikon does not advertise a separate AI chip, they do explain their system is built from Deep Learning (sounds like AI to me) technology. There have been a number of videos comparing the different cameras to the new Z8 stating the AF system is pretty much the same. I’ve used the Zf briefly and that camera’s AF is as good as, if not slightly better than Z8/9.
I went to Sony last year as my video AF on my Z6 II wasn’t tracking well. I kept it when I got the FX30 as the colors were better and its photo performance was better. I sold it after I got the A7R V and had a chance to really use it, great camera but, the ergonomics bugged me. I ordered a Z8 and tested the A7R V against my friend’s Z8 before going to make the trade. I was satisfied with the similarities and impressed with the video performance and didn’t feel bad about making the trade. The Z8 is pricey but, I’m surprised you haven’t tried it before making such broad statements about all Nikon Z cameras. That statement about the 20fps was just weird, you make it sound like the camera will only shoot at that level. Strobe party? Really. LOL! Go get a Z8, you’ll love it.
100%
The good thing about internet it is inclusive. The bad thing is that it give unprepared, lazy people platforms.
Well the video is about my personal experience with the Z system so I wouldn’t say unprepared considering I have about five years of experience with it. Thanks for the comment, hope you have a good day :)
Ohhh 5303 did not reply haha probably ashamed lol😂😂
It’s unfair to be comparing gen 1 z cameras today. The af was definitely behind with these models and was reflective that Nikon had not focused on their live view af on dslrs that use the same type of focus. The z9, z8 and the new zf (which I own) with the expeed 7 processor are leaps and bounds ahead try one before trashing a company based on tech from 2019.
Hey dude, I appreciate your input and you have a good heart and are not trying to make trouble. I even get where you are coming from and yes Nikon has been very slow to catch up. But folk like you never mention that I'm sure there are a host of us professionals who genuinely love the Z6ii (7), and do not want to change. I've just arrived from the city now (Perth Australia), and just shot a big Free Palestine rally. I took over a thousand photos on my 6ii with 24-70 2.8s (people moving and jumping around), and I think I missed like 2 or 3 photos with focus. Yes, it aint a Z8 and yes, you have to know your shtick and yes, you have to have it on the right settings and have shortcuts to quickly grab a better setting that might work for that moment. However, I shoot gigs/weddings/events and I've never regretted having two Z6ii's. I got them last year after having been with Fuji for 11 years and changing was the best thing I ever did. You forget that for some of us the Z6ii is perfect. I trialled the Z8 for a while but hated it - files far too big for my computer setup and not needed, far too heavy, far too big and in Australia it is $7,000 body only (crazy stuff). I travel a lot and have just come back from two weeks in Japan and head off shortly to India for a month - no way I'm lugging a Z 8or9 around India!!
I looked at the ZF for like two seconds, and they killed it for me. For stills only photographers that stupid swing around screen is a deal-breaker and I hate retro - that's why I left Fuji. So yes, I'm probably a dinosaur, but I grew up for decades on film and manual focus, so what the Z6ii offers for me is magic. I think you 'yougin's' have had it too easy, so unless a camera can butter your toast, wipe your backside and do a few other things. it's not acceptable. Besides, I adore my Z's lenses, they are gorgeous and the files out of the Nikon's blow all other cameras away. Keep up the good work and keep those posts coming!
Absolutely Loved your opinion.
Hi, I have a Nikon Zfc, which has the same screen as the Zf (and z30) and this screen is very handy for shooting vertical near to the ground. I love to use it for fungi photography and I would/could replace my Z6 for the Zf just for this reason.
I'm on a similar boat! Been using Nikon since my teen film days.
My first Nikon digital was a D50, bought it new when released and paid a bunch for it.
I also bought a Z6 when released, had to try it out.
A month later Z was all I used, I quickly sold or gave away 30 years worth of F cameras, lenses and equipment.
Currently use a Z6ii and a Z30 using all Z primes and a handfull of zooms.
Have only had the focusing issue you describe a couple of times. No big deal!
If you feel moving to Sony will make you happier, go right ahead.
This was still a free country last time I checked.
THANKS for your post.
I felt the lacking of the autofocus on the Z5. It did not track the subject as well as I would have liked. I then bought the new ZF and the autofocus system is much better and faster. The ZF is $2,000 for the body. It may not be the camera body for you, but the hardware is phenomenal. I see the ZF as a preview of what's to come for Nikon's camera bodies next year, such as the Z6III. Also, the Z lenses are absolutely fantastic to use.
I agree! The Zf is great for what you get for the price especially compared to the Z5, congrats on the upgrade!
Yea there’s no way they don’t put similar if not slightly better tech in the Z6III.
I LOVE THE Z LENSES that’s the main reason it would ever be hard for me to ever fully switch to another camera system.
I started photography 20 years with a manual focus camera and still only have manual focus lenses. If people 30-40 years ago can shoot sports on film with manual focus people can today. I’m vision impaired now and can’t drive and I only use manual focus stop crying about autofocus.
Just being totally honest here,
if I were to make a comparison between two different car brands in regards to features and pricing and make an assessment that one car brand, within a specific price range, does NOT have the same type of features that the other brands have within that same price range, and you enter the conversation with, "people 137 years ago could get around just fine with horse and carriage so stop complaining about your car features today" wouldn't that be just a wee bit redundant?
I think the point in this video is that he's saying the camera bodies within the prosumer cost range around (2-2.5k) for Nikon don't have the same luxuries afforded to that same price range in Canon and Sony. I think he's saying that it's odd that you'd have to spend 5k+ on a camera body to get features that you'd get for 2.5k on a camera body in other brands.
That is all.
specify the Z6 in the headline. Don't just say Nikon Sucks., Zf, Z8 is way better.
I was a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu photographer with a Z6 and used single point autofocus and this guy is complaining about autofocus for weddings 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Facts, I've used a Nikon z5, single point focus for entire weddings and no complaints from my end. Coming from using D7100, D7200, D500, D750 and D810s the Z series can do the job if you take time to learn the camera and it's capabilities.
Those Hipsters, clickbait title. You're not old enough, to be a real Nikon Shooter. Started with the FM, Nikon F90, F90x, F80, F100. Digital D100, D70s, D40, D60, D80, D90, D700 & D7000.
R6 lI is Canon’s 3rd gen mirrorless after years of dual pixel tech. The Z6II is basically camera gen 1.5. Be patient grasshopper. Nikon’s 3rd gen Z6 will be a bigger jump. The ZF is probably a test bed for a lot of Z6 III features.
I guess it's all about what you need. I have NOT yet gone mirrorless. I think the panic over eye-AF is very over-blown. I'm a D3S/D3X stills shooter and I have really cheap Canon 70D for talking head vlogs (the face tracking on that works fine for that.) I am thinking of buying a cheap used Z6 now. My thinking is - 'I always use single point & back button for stills, so the Z6 will do that just fine and I would be able to put my focus point ANYWHERE in the frame (which I can't do currently.) I've seen the Z6 face tracking in old Peter Gregg videos, so I know it will be at least as good as the Canon 70D (probably much better.) My only concern is that I really like the big optical view finders of the D3S & D3X, so I'm wondering whether I will get on with the Z6 EVF? I shot with a D700 (with single CF card) for years with no problem - so I'm okay with the idea of a single XQD. I understand XQD cards are tough & reliable. It may turn out that with the latest firmware version - 3.5, the Z6 eye-AF actually works well for studio and street portraits, but if it doesn't, then I'm very used to single-point focus, so I will get sharp eyes either way. The other thing for me is that Daniel Norton (one of my favourite TH-cam photographers) has been using the Z6 & Z6ii for studio portraits for the last 5 years and has no problems with it.
I appreciate your opinion and showing footage on what's holding you back even for me being a diehard Nikon fan.
I'd say wait for the Z6 III that is now rumored to be announced early next year and see what it has to offer. It's been rumored that it might use and evolution of the Expeed 7 and potentially a bigger resolution sensor for 8K and hopefully internal RAW. I think the Zf already solves many of your issues and even rebadging it as a Z6 III will be a win for many, but I'm sure that Nikon will respond with a camera that rivals the R6II and the a7IV, it's a leapfrogging game after all.
I have used Canon with the R6 mark I and I have a Sony A7RV that I use for work and let me tell you, they do also go crazy sometimes in situations similar to what you showed so no camera is perfect. In one area that I'd say IMO Nikon obliterates the competition is in the RAW files themselves; they aren't simply as powerful and versatile in terms of latitude and in manipulation. Even the JPGs on my Z8 allowed me to do more than with an R6 CR2 RAW file (I screwed up a shoot and shot only JPG recently).
Just my two cents.
By the way if I want to shoot with all these manual tilt shift lens,, should I get them with Sony A7RV with the practical 4 ways screen or Nikon ZF for the classic dial experiences? I shoot video with Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder mainly but when I want low light or specialised video scenes, I do want to shoot with the camera?
Interesting. My Z30 does a great job tracking me. The Z9 is also great.
I hear the ZF is also amazing.
Yea my Z6II did good while I was filming this video but that’s a really well controlled environment. Respect on using the Z30 of all cameras!
I shoot events and really push the abilities of the Z61/2 bodies. The camera body does get in the way since I just can’t trust it and have to babysit it all the time.
The current gen Z bodies are Nikons best cameras yet and we’ll see if the Z6III knocks it out for us Z users!
The Z30 has better autofocus for video than any of the Z bodies before the Z8 and Z9 but people think that it's just a ZfC without EVF. It took me so long to leave behind cropped sensor cameras and upgrade to full frame and promised myself that I would stay away but I ended up buying the Z30 at launch and also lenses like the 12-28 and 24 1.7 by release date, also getting the 1.4 Sigmas even when I'm more of a Tamron guy (for F-mount). I also have a Z5 and a Z8 but sometimes I feel that for the size and what it can give the Z30 is more than enough.
ZF is already on par with Sony A7iv and Canon R6ii. I am sure Z6iii will be on par or better.
The problem was Nikon was behind in making the Expeed processor. Expeed 7 was built 3 years after Canon built Digic X and Sony BionZ processor. Now that the processor is on par, you see the AF very similar. The advantage with Nikon is that they contniue to release firmware update at a much fatser pace. I think Z9 already surpassed both Canon and Sony flagships in terms of features.
I hear you. Some Nikon flaws still remain such as the focus box “saying” it’s on the eye but really it’s elsewhere such as on a foreground element or somewhere else entirely. Along with that is also the eyelash autofocus which plagues the current gen Z cameras while other camera nail the iris every time.
Interesting point about the processor development with each brand.
I do love the amount of support Nikon gives their cameras with firmware updates, I can attest to how much different the Z6I is completely different now compared to when it launched. There’s only so much that firmware can do before the actual hardware becomes the bottleneck.
Fingers crossed the Z6III is what Z users have been asking for!
What surprised me is that Nikon was this far behind even though they own their own lithography (chip building) equipment.
@petersuvara I don't think they build their own chips. Also they probably didn't think mirrorless tech was ready so they were 3 years behind developing chips for mirrorless. Nikon CEO is very old and really is old school. Probably didn't occur to him that the future was people buy cameras to produce youtube content.
@yostinyouthful does the Z8 and Z9 AF still does that? I heard Canon's and Sony's also does that, so it's not just Nikons.
I think the AF for the big 3 os comparable now. Maybe within 1-2% of each other. But with Nikon, you get continuous firmware upgrades. With Sony, new cameras gets the tech but they don't go back and update the old one. So I would say that's a huge plus for using Nikon. Firmware 4.0 Z9 is like an entire new camera vs Firmware 1.0 Z9.
@@mlai2546 Just a couple of things.
1. Nikon actually did mirrorless back in 2011 with their Nikon 1 series.
2. Exspeed processors originally were based on a Fujitsu micro architecture for their controller, after that they are believed to have switched to ARM. However, the actual fabrication could be done internally in Nikon because they own their own lithography machines. The architecture is different from the printer.
I love to generalize to all Nikon Z bodies when only having experience with Z6 and Z6 ii (which is just slightly boosted Z6).
Yes, we all would love Nikon mirrorless AF to be better. But in this case the main problem is with expectations. Z9 and Z8 is where the AF finally became good and most people know it.
LOL seems obvious to me that a Z8 will solve all your technical problems with the system... BTW I have the Zf .. its nice .. but I understand the ergonomics is not for everyone.
I was a Canon and Sony user (Canon R5 and Sony a7IV) for years. I owned a few different Canons and Sonys in the past. I just purchased a Z8, so the R5 and a7IV are gone now. I have first-hand experience with AF on all three systems. With AF, R5 better recognise a subject, but it is not a dramatically big difference, but Z8 is better at keeping it on target. It's a short way; there are no missing shots with Z8, and the files are fantastic.
Sony... I'm just not fun of using this camera. I feel bad in my hand.
Try Nikon ZF, 10bit internal, superior AF. It's cheaper, and you will be able to use your Z lenses.
Na bro wants to buy a $6,000 24MP sensor camera from Sony cuz that's innovative.
Learn your camera. Not everybody's having problems with the z6 auto focus
This video is a bit of a joke to be honest- what focus issues are you having with the z8? The ZF with a grip is amazing… time to update your gear especially if you’ve invested in your glass. I know about glass investing since I shoot with a Leica sl2. The auto focus is awful. Enter the Nikon range. It’s amazing.
Rent a Z8 and let us know what you think. From what I've heard designing a good AF system for mirrorless cameras is harder than designing one for a DSLR and the Z6 series seems to be a good example of that. Given that the Z8 now exists and is getting great reviews, perhaps Nikon would be ahead to drop the Z7 and concentrate on making the Z6 more competitive with the latest AF tech and, perhaps, a 30+meg sensor for the advanced amateur and pro. I'm glad to see Nikon battling back with the Z8 and Z9 and some really great Z system telephoto glass so I hope they do the same thing with a Z6 Mk 3 ASAP.
Hi, I'm a wildlife photographer and started with Z5 -> D500 -> D850. The Nikon DSLR is unfortunately better in AF than the Z5 or Z6. I moved to Sony A7iv and the AF is miles better. But now if u ask any wildlife photographer (birders, where AF is the most important factor), many are turning back to Nikon as they have a lot more lens options as compared with Sony or Canon. The Z9, Z8 and ZF AF is actually quite good and only just slightly poorer than the flagship Canon and Sony. All three companies have their problems, you will only know it after you switch. So far, Nikon is the only company that keep improving their Z9/8 with firmware to make them incredible value. The latest firmware has greatly improved its AF. You will definitely get a shock when u move to Sony or Canon but based on my own experience, please be patient, Z6III is definitely good enough. In fact, I am very tempted to move back to Nikon as Sony is getting very lazy with their firmware and lens support. You have invested too much in Nikon (Lens) please be patient, trust me its a good system.
Good points! I have heard about the wildlife photographers praising Nikon for their telephoto lenses which are awesome! Let’s wait and see what the upcoming cameras have in store for us! :D
@@yostinyouthful Yes do be patient and I'm confident you will not be disappointed. In fact there are some famous birders on TH-cam (e.g. Steve Perry) that now gave the edge to Nikon Z9 over the A1 for birding after firmware 4.1.
I had Z6ii and only one Z lens and 8 F lenses, Watching every youtuber bashing Nikon's autofocus also tempted me to move to other system but I waited only because of my lenses. they are all excellent. And now I got Z8. I and happy with two bodies and lenses.
What are Canon and Sony offering? I just bought a Nikkor 800mmPF lens and the competition has nothing that compares to it. Sony just came out with a $6,000 24MP camera in 2024 pretty much. How is that innovative when I can buy a 45MP stacked 8K sensor from Nikon for $4,000? Canon slaps RF mounts to their telephoto EF lenses and still use front side illuminated sensors in their R5?? Nikon just released AF firmware for the Z9 and mostly likely the Z8 that beats the Canon and Sony bird detection AF.
I suggest you do some better research.
Cheers
expeed 7 processor will be in all new future Nikon, that is how it works. It did take them forever. I had the z6 and z7ii, but sold for the z8 and zf. I can shoot sport now with the z8/ z7 expeed 7 processor like my dslr days on the d750.
If NIkon improve their AF, Sony and Canon will put more features in their cameras. Problem is that Nikon is not releasing bodies at a fast pace to catch Sony or Canon. At the pace that Nikon is innovating it will be difficult for them to catch up. They need to put their Xpeed processor in the Z7, Z6, Z5, Z FC, Z50 and Z30 series of camera where Canon put their new processor in all their cameras from R3 till the cheapest R100.
Not innovating? I am surprised to hear this.
What is the Z8/9? The Z9 smoked all cameras in the market and remains the Z8/9 remains the best hybrid camera to this day - the Z9 having come out a full 2 years ago. This was the first hybrid camera to do video all the way up to 8K 60 in RAW with no overheating issues - and remains so to this day!
Steve Perry (one of the most prominent pro wild life photographers around - who is himself both a Nikon and Sony shooter) just compared the Z9 with firmware 4.1 against the Sony flagship A1 for BIF photography and has concluded that the Z9 is currently better than the Sony. Admittedly they are neck and neck (and you certainly can get the shot with either), but when put to the question which is better he chooses the Z9 - this tired AF issue is now over. Yes, it is true that Nikon needs to put this AF into the lower line of cameras and they will and have. The Zf enjoys this Af at the $2000 price point - less expensive than the Canon and Sony offerings.
As far as putting the Expeed 7 into the lower lines of cameras - there will not be another Nikon that does not have Expeed 7 or higher so this is already happening. Zf is the first to show this and the Zf is in every way as good (and in some ways better), with the exception of ergonomics (but this is intentional for a retro camera) than the competitions cameras at a similar price point - actually the Zf is $500 less in some cases.
The lenses that Nikon have produced for the Z mount and especially in the last two years are significant innovations and above the competition in most metrics. The design of new Plena lens is one that is not even possible on the Sony E mount due to its inferior architecture. This is just the beginning - as time goes on more and more lens design by Nikon will take advantage of the superior Z mount and will leave the competition behind.
The Z6III is going to be a decisive moment for Nikon. It is likely that it will have some surprise specs beyond the great specs that we already know about - and it will definitely have Expeed 7 - maybe even a newer version of Expeed 7 (tweaked for more performance).
I do agree that it is taking them a long time to get this pivotal camera out, but that is what makes it so likely that it will be class leading, and knowing Nikon they will undercut the competition on price setting it at $2296 or $2396 versus the industry standard of $2499 - we'll see.
It should be noted that this is also a short term problem for Nikon - once they bring out the lower line cameras with the new features and processors then this is solved. Unlike other brands that will face on going issues with inferior lens design that will only worsen as Nikon takes full advantage of the Z mount. Look into angle of incidence as it relates to optical design if you don't understand why I am saying this.
-PD
The Z6 was not a good camera, when it was released, the Z6II fixed most of the issues but the AF, was only marginally better, certainly not up to the level many Nikon users wanted.
Now I am the first to admit, I didn't watch all this video, it became kind of pointless to continue watching after the first minute. The reality is Nikon has stepped up their game in 2023 (and I say this as someone who now shoots Fujifilm), with the Z8 and ZF, both making significant improvements. So I don't know what you said but this is the reality.
I agree the Z6I was not a good camera at launch, but it seemed promising for things to come. I think most of the Nikon mirrorless bodies can be summed up like you said, as just marginally better than the last, and that’s probably where it felt the worst, considering the giant leaps that every other Camera brand was/is making.
On the spec sheet yeah Nikon has caught up but in real world use the system is still plagued by various issues with the auto focus regarding front focusing, eyelash eye focusing and just plain up missing the shot when the camera is telling you that it’s locked on. These are just faults that anyone that uses the Z system will tell you about.
Are you a video guy or photographer. Most video guys like manual focus
I have a z8 and a z6 II. ITS NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE.
I've shot Nikon for 8 years and also canon mirrorless for 1 (R6ii, work). Personally, I wouldn't go Canon but that's me -- there are VERY huge differences in feel and ergonomics as well as some things burried in menus that are frustrating and can't be mapped. R6ii grip is good, better than sony, but the entire camera feels like a hallow piece of plastic. There is no perfect lunch. But def try out the next gen AF engines on Z9/Z8/Zf before you switch. More important for video... you need 10 bit. The 8 bit video on the z6/7/6ii/7iis is.. rough.
Get a z9 or Z8 and you’ll love Nikon again!!
Only Nikon for this man. GOD Bless
I started using Sony after 30 years with Nikon, and brought a Z6ii a year ago with intent to switched back to Nikon. Sold Z6ii and three brand new lenses after one week, the autofocus sucks, couldn’t come close to Sony. Just bought a Nikon Zf because it’s retro design reminds me of my film and DSLR Nikons. The focus is way better than Z6ii, I really like the manual focus with object tracking and the focus centric VR. However, Nikon Z line is morphing to mirrorless in DSLR body, look at the size and weight of Z8 and Z9, even this Zf is big and heavy. Maybe this is Nikon’s comfort zone but it’s too heavy for me now.
I have to agree with you regarding Sony, their autofocus tracking is top notch. I use them all the time when working with other studios in town and it’s always a reminder of how lacking the Z system is.
I appreciate a heavier camera body for the sake of balancing lenses better since most of the pro Nikon glass is pretty heavy. As someone that shot with canon 1DX cameras and 2.8 DSLR zooms I think it feels lighter and my back appreciates that hahah
Nikon users liked big and heavy hence this cameras are sold well.
I disagree with what you said about bodies getting bigger; the Z8 and Z9 cater to the professional photographers that need a bigger and heavier body for bigger lenses, that will probably use gloves and that need more buttons on camera. The Z5, 6 and 7 bodies will remain the same because they have the same design philosophy. Canon I would say in my opinion went straight for the DSLR body with mirrorless guts approach.
I just love the Z8 and was the camera I waited for a long time, but also love the smaller factor of my Z5 and except the Z6 III to be the same, also my Z30 and how incredibly tiny it is.
@@Willymaze Campare this cameras with Sony A9II and A1? So this Sony cameras are not aimed at professionals? The issue is that the Nikon user likes big and heavy camera.
@@angeloplayforone No, it’s not the same. I have a Sony A7RV and although I think on ergonomics they have come a long way Nikon still has the best in the business.
Try using those cameras you mentioned with thick gloves, in the snow and with a big telephoto attached.
I am tired of this kind of content 😢
These are just frustrations that I wanted to talk about. I love the Nikon Z system, but it has its flaws.
In the end, for me a camera is a tool, and if another tool is better for the job, then there needs to be some pointing out of the issues so people are aware of what they might get into.
Literally the worst kind of content... Spewing a lot of false information and false parallels 🤦🏽♂️
@@davidwhite7543What is false ? Nikon should allready put the new Expeed processor in the Z6III. Even Fujifilm is releasing more bodies with new sensors and processors then Nikon.
I Agree totally!!
Just switch to other brand if you think it will help you with your work. But i disagree with your guesses about technology...it's all conjecture.
If I could justify it financially, I would but as a small business, I can’t do that on a whim.
With how invested I am into the Z camera system I obviously want them to do well but the systems flaws are something that I can’t not mention or talk about because they’re pretty noticeable if you’ve ever shot with any of the other systems from Canon or Sony.
I agree, my guesses about the upcoming technology are just that, guesses and shots in the dark. Everything that Nikon has released recently is “Nikons Best XYZ camera yet” but it just doesn’t stack up to other brands with their tracking autofocus which is a huge selling point for modern day camera bodies.
I thought like you when I encountered the same focus disappointments with Nikon. I've run a studio and worked professional for more than 15 years with the your same mindset regarding the prosumer offerings being all you need. Boy was I wrong. Although you don't need all of what the Z8 offers.... it's the right tool for the job. Invest in the Z8. You've already got the teeshirt.
I’m a canon and Nikon photographer. Yes the first gen Z6/7 cameras were problematic… but you’re completely wrong about Z8/9. Those two are just as good (better imo) as A7r5 and R6ii. I’d say they are actually even better at some things like low light and fast subject shooting. Also Nikon does use AI. Just go out purchase a Z8 or Z9 and put out the “I was wrong” video.
For birds the Z9 beats the A1 in focus acquisitions in firmware 4.1. I have found better focus accuracy with the Z8 for Mammals compared to Sony A7R5 & A7R3 & A7iv. Not even considering the Blackout free viewfinder. For humans i see no difference but i don't shoot people much. I have seen other Sony users & Canon users here on youtube too say Nikon Z8 is on par with Sony Alpha series & Canons for humans. So considering Z6 in 2023 is just dumb. And you need to learn to use cameras first before shitting about it because the grass is always greener on the other side.
I have z7 and z6ii and I agree with this AF issues, especially in low light. I also think it is AF and VR issues together, because I do photos mostly in museums, in dark scenes, at low shutter speeds. Outside in daylight it is OK. I just got a ZF so I hope it will be better. I recently went to a museum with my nephew. He had a D3300, and he got a few photos better than me, where my z6ii failed to focus (dark museum scene) - that is $200 camera doing better than my $2000 camera!!! On the other side, for 90% of photos, the quality of the full frame sensor was much better than D3300 DX sensor. Also, the new cameras, Z8, ZF, have VR-sync. So I can do stable hand held video with my 24-200VR. Before, it was not possible (micro-wobbles and jitters issue).
What? Being a Nikon user in 2023 was wonderful! I entered the Z system in 2021 with 2x Z6II and a Z7II. While it is true these cameras were a step behind the competition in terms of AF speed and accuracy, they actually did have the best AF of any camera I had ever used for my work until then. I shot hundreds of documentary style weddings and events with these cameras, earning thousands of $$. They basically never let me down.
Now I'm rocking a pair of Z8s in addition to the retrosexy Zf. The AF capabilities of these cameras are so great it basically feels a bit like cheating. Life as a nikon shooter could hardly be any better in 2024, at least not for me, that's for sure 😊
You are ABSOLUTELY 100 percent spot on with this take. As a former d750 user I was SEVERELY disappointed with the autofocus of the z6ii. it is complete trash when it comes to low light. I held my friends, R6 mark two in my hands one time and was floored at how well it was working. I immediately wanted to switch to Canon; however, as a Nikon user for the last 15 years, I decided to stick it out and try a Z8. The Z8 is miles ahead of any other Nikon camera, but I must admit that the auto focus still falls behind Canon and Sony. it’s sticky when it needs to be, but still misses focus often, just not nearly as often as the z6 or Z7 series. The real reason that it performs so well is not because of the processor, but because it has dual stacked sensors, which is such an expensive technology that it’s very unlikely that this will trickle down to the Z6 lineup. anyone who feels that their z6/z6ii is performing acceptably, needs to hold a Z8 in their hands just one time and they will see what they have been missing. better yet put a canon R6 mark two in your hands and you’ll realize you’ve been making excuses for as long as you’ve been owning a z6/ii
Then may I suggest going to Z9? I still have a z6 (Yes, ORIGINAL "version 1") that I use as a portrait and scenery body. Z9 are the "action" bodies that I use for "moments" in my jobs. Plus, I've never had to replace the Z9 battery for any event or even full-day weddings. The new firmware versions made Z9s even better than it was when I bought it. And the glass is top-notch. I shoot darkly lit events with my 50mm f/1.2 that I would have sweated with even my excellent f/2.8 70-200. Nothing wrong with my f/1.8 50mm or 85mm versions either, but the f/1.2 versions are easily worth the extra size/weight when I'm reviewing the evening's images. Z8 is fine, but you're back to swapping batteries, multiple card types, and the weight difference at the end of the evening doesn't matter to me. (I'm BEAT no matter what I carry!) At 56 years old, I'm managing just fine. "Too much camera" makes no sense to me. Only use what you need. Shoot at a slower speed, and if the images are "too large", then throw away the extra megapixels by shooting in DX mode. (A waste in my opinion. Crop later and/or reduce the file sizes in render if it truly bothers you.) But it's nice that the extra megapixels are THERE if you ever should want them.
I hear what you’re saying and I agree that the Z9 is Nikons best cameras yet but at the price of $5500, it’s money that I can’t justify for just one camera body. I know the Zf is here but it’s missing features that are important to me such as no CFexpress card slot.
I would love a better experience in the Nikon line within that $2500 range.
@@yostinyouthful Likely the Z6 III. At least 1 CFexpress (Never had one fail unlike SD cards) and likely hits your target range on the low side. Just a few months of patience, and your current glass will be good for you. I like Canon output, but hate the ergonomics. Don't like the output of SONY, but admire the tech. Nikon straddles both for me. I have an OM-1, and the tech is square in the middle between Z9s & Z6s, but even the excellent 300mm f4 doesn't equal the output I get from my z6, and nowhere close to z9. (But super-light for hiking making it a worthwhile compromise for personal use, but not for my paying clients.) My z 50mm 1.2 or 1.8 are great for low-light candids, but the z 85mm lenses are MAGIC. Looking to audition the 135mm f/1.8 against 70-200 to see if worth it to own both. 14-30mm & 24-70 @f4 are fine for me since I rarely shoot groups below f/5.6 anyway. Super light and relatively unobtrusive/stealthy.
Hello :) Yostin Youthful ,,, I truly Feel Your Pain :( I have been shooting Nikon since 1968 ........ I have bounced around using a plethora of different brands (But always used Nikon as the money maker) ....... Mirrorless has been a painful period I agree (and if I would still be depending on My Kit for work) I do not know what I would do..Going to another brand would be an expensive proposition.. I keep hoping... I wish that they would have given us a Z6III (I am hoping that it comes soon)before the ZF........ BUT do what You need to do..... Best of everything to You
I agree. I love my Nikon z6ii but when I see how cool the focus is on even cheap canon and Sony and Panasonic, I get a little jealous.
The R6 is a second generation canon and the R6ii is a 3rd generation mirrorless camera and you are comparing it to a 1st generation Nikon. a fair comparison would be the canon R.
The original Canon R does outperform the OG Z6 when it comes to Autofocus. Even the RP. I have them all
@@leonmullingscreative I have them all also except the z6 OG. I have the RP R and Z6 Ii. The R and RP both have crop video and slow fps. Autofocus has been updated in current models. Check out the ZF
Video I cannot comment on. But stills....I have a Z6 , a Z8, and a Z9 and I will tell you with just the Z8 I have made well over $60K in print sales since July with this body. That's right. So anyone telling me that Nikon bodies are a liability, I laugh. People get far too hung up on specs, and tiny comparison details. This is a TOOL. Nothing more or less. It's like a table saw. It helps you make something. Relax and click away.
Buddy just try the Z8 and you will have a different experience or wait till the Z6III comes out.
I agree the experience using the Z8 would be better but having to slap a $4500 bandaid to fix something other systems have down pat for $2500 isn’t a good experience.
I really am hoping for the Z6III to deliver on what the Z system needs in the $2500 range.
If you can't afford the Z8, try a Zf -- it's lightyears better than the Z6ii. Or, wait for the Z6iii.
I have Nikon Z8 and Canon R6ii. Canon R6ii AF especially speed of subject recognition beats Z8 no question - especially when shooting stills of small birds. Z8 takes so much longer to identify small birds when on animal subject recognition setting, even when using various small AF boxes custom sizes. Also then one needs to hand off tracking to 3D tracking in Z8 while R6II just tracks over frame with no user input required. I have only used R6ii for a few days, but even with old EF100-400 (first version) R6II identifies subjects and locks to eyes much quicker as well than Z8, especially when birds are little smaller in frame. Z8 needs the birds to be much closer and larger in frame. Guess R6II +-1000 focus points beats Z8's +-490 focus points... Also I'm guessing the current Z8 firmware for animal is probably like Z9 original ver 3 firmware or something... AF does seem inferior to Z9 v4 or 4.1 for birds sure imho. I really wanted to like Nikon after all the buzz and hype, and due to Canon normally using their cripple hammer on its cameras... but I don't know if I will keep Z8. And then Nikon has taken sneaky move when they posted a video saying Z9 firmware V4 automated shooting function would be coming to Z8 - but then they quietly edited their TH-cam video to remove the comments on that after many people had noted this. That was sneaky - I understand they want to differentiate Z8 and Z9... but don't do this sh!t. Of course the Z8 has much better video modes like 4k120, 8K60, Raw etc. but price of Z8 is like 70% more than R6II so that should be expected....
I'm honestly not sure how it could be even that much better? My Z8 hits AF 99.9% of time. Even if the Canon is better, which I'm sure it is, I wouldn't really get any additional keepers?
I couldn't agree more. I was so frustrated with my Z7II, and honestly, it's my first ever disappointing Nikon non point-and-shoot purchase for the 11 years I've been using ILC Nikon bodies. The Z f is a night and say difference, I just don't know why they didn't do a simultaneous Z6III/Z f launch. Hopefully they're packing a punch into the Z6III. Still, the body is quite late, and it's not in their interest to delay it any further. I had to get a Z9 just for ergonomics and AF, I really didn't need anything else of its feature set, which is crazy!
My z6 was a love/hate relationship. Shooting over 5.6 the autofocus was pretty good but would pull some stunts. My z6ii is great. Only ever have issues if I try to shoot something running quickly straight at me. Like my dogs. Otherwise it’s good.
Stepping up to a z8 here in the next month. No reason to bail. It’s not like we have to wait for a week to get film developed to find out it was out of focus.
Get a Z8 or Z9 and you will be happy.
How different is the Z6ii AF after all the firmware upgrades? I shot some weddings a while ago paired with the r6 and other times paired with the a7iii and A7iv. I noticed I missed a lot of shots with the Z6ii more than the a7iii. Other than that I loved the feeling ergonomics,screen and view finder. I’ve seen them pretty cheap on Facebook market. I’m waiting for the z6iii hoping it will come with the z8 features.
Bro - you are way behind in technology if you are using the Z6 and Z6ii. Go for the Zf of the Z8
I chose to invest in lenses over camera bodies first. That’s why I’m still on the Z6I and Z6II. The ZF like I said is dead on arrival for me because of the form factor, it doesn’t use CF express type B cards, and when I went to demo it at my local shop it still did all the Nikon things that Nikon cameras do.
The Z8 at $4000 it’s too much camera for me and it still suffers from other known Nikon issues with its tracking focus. Two $2500 camera bodies (Z6III hypothetically) for $5000 sounds more beneficial to me as a small business.
I really am hoping the Z6III can be what Nikon needs to level the playing field in that $2500ish range.
Obviously with how invested I am into the Z system I want them to do well but the truth is that as someone that uses all three major systems (RF, E, and Z mount) that they're behind the competition.
@@yostinyouthfulZ8 suffers from focus tracking issues? Really … using the Z9 and never had any issues with focus tracking.
Nice discussion, good content, and also good feedback comments from other Nikonian below, as Nikon user for more than 10 years from D to Z series I still hoping for something bigger improvement for AF 3d tracking for Z series not just for full frame but also perhaps they do for crop body that equals with D500 era performance, maybe Z60 or z70 I don't know.
It’s 2024 and I got the d850 bruv.shooting with Nikon is awesome.
Plus Nikon+Red now ✌🏻
All them clowns saying Nikon sucks they need to rethink
Nikon is killing it … of course the lower models are not as good as the better models. You get what you pay for. My first mirrorless model was the Z9 which is amazing. Love the small size compared to the D850+grip. Lots of people switching to Nikon. My favourite lens is the 800mm … so light and less than half the price of the F equivalent.
If the Z models with fast autofocus are “too much camera for you” then what are you complaining about? They already make models you are asking for … go buy one of them.
That's 26mins of my life I'll never get back !
never had an issue on my z6ii for events and sports i really dont get why people complain so much my technique and understanding of the system allows me to asses the situation and choose the best af mode for what im shooting. Nikon system isnt much worse than the cannons and sony its an aquired taste tho its not gonna flip your pancakes in the morning like some people expect from their cameras but i dont fund myself missing shots at all. That being said all these nikon shooters all but hurt because of your video lol im a nikon shooter and i know the cannons and sonys af is better but that doesnt mean anything if you know the camera and use that knowledge to make up for the lack in af remember your smarter than the camera
I agree that Nikon has gone to hell.
But the proper move to make is to Fuji, not to Canon.
Feel so good since I got Z9 and it is almost perfect and will have 135mm Plena soon. Also never wanted to have any Sony brands because I knew their sensor is somewhat desaturated.
I get where you are coming from. I bought the z6ii as soon as it came out and it was an adjustment coming from a dslr. However, the more I have used it I understand the limitations and I get the shots that I want. I have used Sony and Canon and they all have tradeoffs. Until the a7iv they didn’t have separate setting for photo and video and the prices for cf express type A cards are insane. In the end though I think you should do whatever makes you happy.
From all the tests I have seen, Sony is number one with autofocus and Nikon is number two now with the Z8 and, Z9. It has taken Nikon and Lumix some time to improve their autofocus, but now are both in the game. Both these systems have offered many features above the other brands and both will gain market share in the future.
You have spent a lot of money on glass and you either have to wait for lower end models to get the better autofocus or sell your stuff at a loss. I think it would be cheaper to get a Z8 now then sell and change systems.
I bought the Z8 and it is the best camera I have ever owned. I believe it is the best do all camera for the price.
Sony, in the video mode is ridicolus. Nikon battle Sony in all😉
why not just get the z8?
i have zf and a z9 an z9 is much better compared to the zf let alone the z6 series at the moment af wise
The Canon R6II does not wipe the floor with the Z8. I understand your frustration with Nikon, as I’m also waiting for the long overdue Z6III. Aside from the stacked sensor, the ZF has the same AF capability as the Z8/Z9. No doubt the Z6III will have it. Nikon has caught up in the AF dept. It’s just that Nikon has made a mistake in not getting the updated AF out to the folks waiting for the Z6III/Z7III iteration, which created a gaping hole.
One example that I see even with the latest Nikon models is that if you have your camera tracking a person with face detect autofocus is that it will jump a lot if there’s anyone else in the frame. Check out Taylor Jackson’s video about the Zf to see what I mean. The “eyelash autofocus” that the Z system suffers from is also frustrating.
I will end up getting the Z6III because it’ll be Nikons best camera yet for the middle range cameras. I still stand behind saying that Nikon is behind the competition on having a polished focusing system.
Nikon Z8 is priced €5000 and Canon R6 II is priced around €2800.
@@yostinyouthfulyou can’t tell how these cameras perform with af from TH-cam videos. It’s kind of disingenuous to make those claims when you have no experience with what you are making the claims about. How about rent both brands and test them out?
Has anyone has had issues with TTL & HSS triggers on the Z bodies, apparently pocketWizard 5TTL triggers no longer works on the Z line of bodies? Some other 3rd party triggers have work around, kindly recommend. Many thanks.
Dude, you are seriously misguided. Comparing a z62 with that Canon is apples and oranges. You compare that with a z8.
Do not use old stuff. Try the Z8 and Zf.
Dude, ur buggin’, I own a z8 and z9, the best cameras to date…until Nikon Global shutter…
Dude you're talking about ancient Nikon cameras. LOL
Give it a try to S5II I left Z mount and using S5 and S1R, people trash the S5 autofocus but it is better than Z5.
What are you saying at 5:18?
People say the Z50 and Z30 are really similar and I don't think so. I've had both and i'm pretty sure the Z30 is better.
The naming scheme made me think the Z30 would be a downgrade, but I love my Z30! 📷
"Like and subscribe " combo. Great topic bro 👏👏👏
The nikon 50 1.8 is 600 dollars the canon 50 1.8 is 150 the shouldn't be in the same sentence.
Really? Thats why we edit. There is no perfect camera, and every company is different from each other. Bye I watch 1 min
Sorry, but you are talking rubbish. I believe you are convinced with your convictions. Nikon is the only camera company that listens to us. Gives us loads of firmware updates and build systems that are supported for years on end. I’m in my mid 70s, photographing since I was 9 years old. All the others are either small subsidies of much bigger company’s and don’t think twice about trashing systems that have cost a small fortune. Please rethink before putting out such shallow comments.
I have followed you for a while and just think you had a Bad Day. Good luck in the future……
Thanks for being bold, these Nikon fam boys rage really hard.
So you're comparing obsolete autofocus with modern autofocus? Try renting a Z8 or Z9 and compare again, it's a completely different story with anything modern from Nikon. What are you even talking about the autofocus of the Z8 and Z9 is 85-90% as good as Sony's or Canon's and I'm a Sony shooter.
Yes I’ve used the Z8/9 and they do hold up as Nikons best cameras but they have their flaws still such as eyelash autofocus and the focus tracking box telling you it’s one place when the camera is actually focused somewhere else.
This isn’t a unique experience either. Look at any other in depth review of those cameras and you’ll see people talking about the same things.
Having to spend $4500-5500 to get a better focusing camera is not a good feeling. 😅
I’m also more interested in the $2500 range of cameras and that’s where I feel Nikon is lacking performance.
@@yostinyouthfulThat the problem many Nikon fanboys, Nikon does not have anything competitive under €3000. Both Sony and Canon are far ahead and at that the time NIkon put the new processor Canon will release R6 III and Sony A7V. Problem of Nikon Z8/ Z9 fanboys is the question, does you clients paid you twice for your photos if you have a twice expensive camera?
Cry less. The R6 II released 11 months ago. The Z6 II is 3 years old. Calm down. Save you money for a Z 8.
And now global shutter, ouch
Hopefully that A1 fw update has video bird eye af or your beloved A1 will be even further behind the Z9 by then.
This is an OLD and well known issue. Nikon AF in cheap bodies sucks. Wait for the z6 III or just get a real camera -Z8 & Z9.
dear youtube. stop recommend this channel to me. thank you
IMO, Nikon is OK for photos from the Z9 and Z8, similar to the DSLR days with D3/D300 & D700. Hence, and as an enthusiast, I find the Z6 AF/UI horrible and happy to move forward with my Z9 since it established what Nikon's MILC framework will be. As an old timer, I picked the popular Nikon to begin my 45 year journey, but I would pick Canon in the DSLR era and may be Sony nowadays.
While some would point out the merits of various brands based on years of working experience, but they forget that the time has changed just as it was when they were young. Thus, history is good for guidance but not as a blueprint for success.
Pointless video. Great click/ comment bait video though
I agree with you! I have been a nikon shooter for over 20 years now. Really loved my D850 but like an idiot, I believed the hype and switched over to a Z7II. I experienced the same issues as you have.
But what I find more frustrating is that nikon doesn’t listen to their users. Instead of fixing the focusing issue they come up with other models for you to spend more money. Well played by them, unfortunately we come out losing with our Z6II and Z7II. We are the forgotten ones.
"we come out losing with our Z6II and Z7II. We are the forgotten ones." -- I mean, I have a Z5 😅
I have all the lenses and other gear that I need for the Nikon system, and I'll keep using it until it breaks, but after that I'll almost certainly switch to Sony for the autofocus.
Is this just video?
The concerns I talk about here affect both video and photos within the Z system.
Get a Z8.
23:23
fax machine no printer
Poor baby…maybe learn how to use the equipment?😂
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e g a d s
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e g a d s
Well, if you don't like Nikon then go with Canon or Sony. Your whining is annoying.
I used to be Nikon shooter and very loyal to Nikon but I left, sold my 30K worth gear to avoid lugging around like gym dumbels weight, other systems are lightning years ahead with focus speed, body / lens weight ratio etc ! Nikon is doomed and seriously, Nikon need to go back to drawing board and fix thigs. They recently launched Zf camera with 24 Megapixel 6 year old sensor resolution and WHAT?????
I don’t really believe in brand loyalty. If I had the money and could flexibly move systems I would do it. I’m sticking it out for now and when the time comes and Nikon hasn’t made the improvements I’m looking for I will jump ship. Cameras are tools and I see them as such.
Nikon is hanging on just enough but they are taking a beating recently with canon releasing exotic lenses such as the 28-70 2.8 and the 24-105 2.8. Insane lenses.
Zf is fine where it is in the market and who its target audience is at with its sensor.
I personally find 25ish MP to be the perfect size for me as someone that makes their money from events. Higher MP cameras feel bloated to me.