Seems no one wants to review this camera for wildlife so here goes. Compared to the Z6, the Z6II is vastly improved. Shooting with the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 70-200F2.8 G2 the II acquired focus more quickly and stuck on the subjects much more consistently than the previous version. I used the Wide Animal focus mode in CA-F. Panning shots were easy to capture and consistent while birds coming at you head on was better but not D500 level. With BIFS the Z6 would acquire but as quickly lose the subject but the Z6II "sticks" better. Since Adobe hasn't updated RAW for this camera, a workaround is to change the camera model from Z6_2 to Z6 in the exif and Lightroom will work. I prefer doing this to using Nikon's Capture NX software. I have the Meke MK Z7-G extended grip on both cameras and fit perfectly which to me means there's no difference in grip size. Even if your evf is in "automatic display switch" mode, if you pull out your LCD just a little, the camera won't switch to EVF mode when shooting at waist level. Battery level is improved. The Z6 accepted my third party batteries but the Z6II did not. I don't know if that's for all third party batteries. That was also the case for the Z5. While I like this channel, shooting food can be shot with most decent cameras from the last ten years. Seems channels rush to get ahead with "previews, hands-on impressions, first hand look" instead of digging in and doing Steve Perry type reviews.
Thank you for your comment as I haven't seen many reviews for wildlife! I've been looking to make the jump to mirrorless since I'm interested in both wildlife photography and video. Currently using a D7500 and a Nikon 200-500mm and I didn't go with the Z6 due to some concerns with focusing on wildlife. Might end up going with the Z6 II.
I have only done one short test in lower light, but this test gave a significant advantage to the D500. I can't see myself parting with the D500 anytime soon. BIF aside, continuous autofocus compared with the Z7 (firmware 3.0) seems better, but perhaps not as good as what others have found so far....but again in low light. I need to reassess in better lighting.
@@NikhilDevasar Without a doubt. For portraits in good light last weekend, eye AF only missed 7 times in 300 including some walking shots with my Z6ii. New firmware coming this week which is said to improve the eye AF at a distance (likely a display improvement only). I don't have the 70-200 f2.8S yet, but it appears excellent for sports but reports are out there that it's still not good enough for BIF. Either way, the system is improving fast which is a great sign. Fast action, BIF and moving wildlife will still be a D500 for me for a while, but Z system for everything else with great pleasure.
It's a minor update, but substantial enough to keep the camera competitive. It essentially addresses many of the Z6's shortcomings that I'm willing to come off the fence and pick one up. My hope is future firmware will continue to enhance the camera's features.
I upgraded from the d7000 to the z6 ii, and this camera is amazing. The D7000, I wouldn't trust the iso over 400 and the autofocus failed me often. How quick I can autofocus now with the Z6 II and the sharpness of the images (especially with the great high iso capability) has made this a great upgrade for me. I'm in the Coast Guard and just got some great images of our gun shoot today. Now to get the Z mount 85mm f1.8....
I am looking to upgrade from my D7000 as well and your comment actually helped me order one today. did you buy one with the 24 to 70 f/4 lens ? is that any good ? i only ordered the body and its on backorder it seems but the kit is available right now.
@@rishikate5064 i got the kit with 24-70mm f4 lens and that thing is spectacular to come in a kit. I also got the ftz adapter because it was only $50 extra. The iso levels are amazing on the Z6 II and I can finally rely comfortably on autofocus. The D7000 missed on so many occasions, or the image just wasn't tack sharp. You can see my images I've gotten so far with the camera on photocrowd www.photocrowd.com/photographer-community/281620/ or 500px. I'm going to get the 85mm f1.8 next for portraits.
@@rishikate5064 I will be starting a new project soon of churches and landmarks that have history with the great storm of 1900 in Galveston Texas soon, and I really won't need any other lens for capturing the buildings.
I own a z6 and ordered z7ii pair with my 105mm f1.4e amazing! If people can't take good pictures with any 2019-2020 camera is not a camera problem is user failure.. even mobile phones take amazing pictures but people just want to sit and let the camera do it all
6:54 You have a very false idea about EVFs. You think higher resolution means better, which is a wrong way to look at it in my opinion. The one in Sony A7s III is noticeably worse than Nikon's based on my real world experience, and it has nearly 3 times more dots. My own experience is confirmed by Stephan Wiesner, a famous German TH-camr, who uses Sony for video and Nikon for stills. The Nikon viewfinder, according to him, gives you a better cleaner image than the Sony, the refresh rate is also better with the Nikon. He feels the Z6 II EVF to just be better.
That's interesting to know. How was it worse? Less sharpness or more lag? Looks like the A7s III has 0.14" larger viewfinder size but 4mm more eye point compared to Z6 II. Also nearly 6 million more EVF pixels. Perhaps too much good is bad.
@@wesleyhyun Thanks for your question. It's hard to really describe this, because I was at the Taipei Photo Fair (you can check my channel for some clips from there) and I just had a few minutes hands-on with the Z6 II as well as Sony A7S III and A7c. It's just something you really need to experience. The Nikon EVF just looks more natural, almost like OVF. It's the colors, the no lag, the refresh rate, I think it's all very well balanced. Sony's was not like that. I didn't really notice that the resolution was that much bigger, I think that's because you're looking towards a very small surface in both cases. The Sony's EVF also didn't have the same pleasing colors, and the image seemed a bit wobbly at times when I moved the camera rapidly left and right. I think there must be a sweet spot for these EVFs where basically increasing resolution doesn't really give you a better experience. On the other hand, the A7c's EVF was really bad for being so small and so low resolution. They should've just not put it in there all together. My eye hurt pretty quickly after nearly having to squint. I'm generally not a fan of EVFs, I prefer OVF on my D810, but if I had to judge which camera had the most pleasing experience, it was the Z6 II, followed by the R5 and R6, two cameras I also played with at the same show. Sony was last here, sorry to say that, but this is just how I felt after I used all cameras.
@@TaipeiGeek A7s III EVF PPI is nearly 7000 so not noticing difference wouldn't be farfetched. If it's wobbly than maybe rolling shutter distortion since it has to process so much pixels.
@@wesleyhyun The EVF surface area is extremely small. If you think it's easy to notice a difference, you really need to test it out yourself, and you'll see. Give both cameras a fair go, and you'll see the Nikon is overall a better experience. I'm not saying the A7S III is bad, it's just not as good. The A7c is really bad, though.
@@wesleyhyun It doesn’t have 6 million more pixels. A7Siii - 9,437,184 dots (3,145,728 pixels) Z6 - 3,686,400 dots (1,228,800 pixels) 3 dots for each pixel - RGB dots
I’m very happy with the dual card slots and the fact that they’re different doesn’t bother me. I prefer the cf express/xqd anyway and the fact that the redundancy slot can be a cheaper widely available format is useful IMO. I really like the ability to slow the shutter speed down and makes long exposure photography less hassle as does the additional low light capabilities. Great work Nikon at an incredibly competitive price 😀
I'm okay with mixed card slots - would be nice if they had movie backup mode (dumping the content to 2nd card abeit in lower res (4k) down to 1080p, however XQD / CFE cards are very robust & reliable that this restriction can be overlooked - haven't had a XQD failure since buying D850 (replacing this with Z7 G2).
I have watched so many videos about ZEEE it is so nice to hear ZEDD! Now I just need to change the entire world to NICK-ON instead of N-EYE-CON . Great video. Well edited, good pace and full of useful info. The lack of pointless backing music is so rare and so appreciated - thanks.
For me, I totally happy with the Z 6II specs. I prefer that they have kept the same resolution EVF and added an SD card slot with the current (good value) price point, rather than up the EVF resolution and add extra size and price with the dual XQD slots.
Battery EL-15 C Here C does not mean capacity. But it is version. Earlier batteries were EL-15 then EL-15a for D-800 then EL-15 B for Z6 and EL-15 C for Z6 II which has recharging facility in the camera.
I think the upgrades are welcome and whilst I am more tempted with the Z 7II, I will still hold off buying. But at least Nikon are listening and that is a positive. I can see a bright future with this mount because of the lenses but I still don't like the shortness of grip and thumb grip and that is enough to put me off. So Nikon are nearly their but I will wait for now.
Thanks Dave. I am glad that Nikon improved on the Z6. I don't see a reason to upgrade my Z6 to the new Z6ii. I wish the view finder was more accommodating to eye glass wearers. A software option to shrink the image in the view finder would be a welcomed option.
I think the camera wasn't meant for people to upgrade from Z6, it's more for people like me who still shoot with DSLRs and have not yet moved to mirrorless. I never buy first gen products, so I skipped the Z6, but I will get the Z6 II.
Do you think the Z6ii could be on par with the D500's autofocus and tracking capabilities? I am thinking of switching to full frame from my beloved D500 or maybe keep it as a second body. Finally the fps and buffer size seems good enough.
I am also in the same situation...I also shoot photos for wedding with D750 & D500.. but wildlife is my passion. Thinking to move from D500 to Z6ii but still not made up my mind.
Thanks for the nice review. My biggest disappointment is that the "coming soon" 4K 60p will have a very big crop. It means if you shoot stills and video you have to move your feet and recompose between the two.
one more IMPORTANT upgrade point, there is an extension of the non- Bulb long exposure duration, from 30" to 900" (15 minutes, for those not mathematically inclined :-) ) which when combined with the z series 20 mm 1.8 lens makes a great combo for astro photography.
Z6 owner here. I have no plans to upgrade at this time. I would have liked to see increased AF performance. The higher megapixel count of the Z7II might be worth it but we'll see. When I need flawless AF, I'll go to my D500 or, a little less so, my D810. In the end I might hold out for what is coming next year.
I’m keeping my Z6 as I shoot portraits and the fastest anyone moves at my shoots is if I have a really tall model with a long stride. I think Nikon will have a few more premium zed bodies coming out next year that will be their “all in moment” I just wish they would’ve dove in a long time ago on mirrorless. But it seems like they’re playing the long game with downsizing their operations.
Seeing the af in this video compared to now is quite astonishing the eye detection with the latest firmware picks up and locks on to the eye from much further distances now your subject face can be super small in the frame and it still picks up the eyes. The Yellow box can be much smaller as subjects goes further away.
Nearly everyone is saying the camera should have a higher resolution EVF but no one explains why. I have this camera, it's my first mirrorless and coming from an OVF for the first time, I see no reason for a higher resolution EVF. I get that other cameras may have a higher resolution EVF but what is the advantage? It doesn't impact image quality, you should punch in to 100% anyway if you're manually focusing or use focus peaking. So, why do people complain?
I'm going to "upgrade" from a Nikon D7100 to the Z6 II. . .So YEAH. . .For me it's a definite "upgrade" and at a price that makes it well worth buying. . .Good review with useful criticisms, but I'm getting this camera for sure!
Nice video!!! Since the xqd cards are a lot more expensive, are there any xqd to sd adapters, so that you can use sd cards in both slots ? Thanks for posting 🙂
Hi and thanks for the comment. There isn't a SD to XQD card adapter that I am aware of and even if there was I am not a big fan of adapting cards as it gives another point of failure to the process. If you have updated the firmware you also have the option of using the increasingly popular CF Express cards. I get it, cards can be pricey but the speed is nice, not just for shooting, the SD cards are plenty fast for that, it's the downloading that's also so much faster. Hope this helps,
Great Review, I am looking to get this or the Z5 . I do a lot of landscape photography, so I don't need all the video features , but I do like the 900s shutter ...??? for long exposures and the 50 ISO ...
What about the delay on the viewfinder vs real-world. I had a older camera with electronic viewfinder and resulted what i saw on the electronic viewfinder wasn't the picture i was taking due to the delay on the viewfinder..
yes, great upgrade, if you need it, there is a battery GRIP, not Pack as in the z 6 which is an advantage for portrait shooting, and with the s line 70-200 and the tele-converters which come with it, which you did NOT mention in the video. also of note the pack and Grip have two vary different styles of battery loading the new mb-n11 has a tray, with ONE battery as hot swap compatible, the OLD mb-n10 has NO tray, but two doors, so both battery slots are hot swap.
I am only a casual photogapher. I am a Nikon fanboy but with only a D5500 I am wanting to move to the Z series One thins I notice is that they don't have built-in flash. I know pros don't use those, but say you are at a family gathering, and don't have time to set up a tripod or carry a seperate flash gun What would you do?
Thanks for the nice review. I just picked up the Z6 II to complement my D500 for landscape, nature, and travel photography. I have to disagree with you on the point about having two identical card slots though. I much prefer the CFExpress/XQD with an SD slot. I can take a few, faster, and more expensive CFExpress/XQD cards along with me for primary shooting, action, etc. Video and overflow can be to the SD card which is slower yet easily found at common stores on the road.
Couldn't agree with you more. The XQD card as a primary and it's nice to have my old SD cards available as back-ups. I'd rather not spend on too many XQD cards!
This appears to be the camera to get. Just wish the Nikon lenses were not so expensive compared to RF and L. The F mount 14-24 is 1346 and the Z 14-24 is 2396. Interesting!! both 2.8 and FF
I share your same opinion. Some of the Z lenses are crazy expensive. I'm switching to the Z system from a D750. Swapping most focal lengths but getting the FTZ adapter just for the 14-24 and 105 macro. I use the 14-24 for real estate photography, but $2400 is way too expensive, and there is no Z macro yet...and have a good feeling if/when there is one, it'll be pretty damn expensive as well
In answer to your question whether I would upgrade from my Z6 to Z6ii, the answer is no. What I am preparing to do is to upgrade from DSLRs (3 bodies & multiple lenses) entirely to Z. At the end of that journey I will own Z7ii, Z6ii and the pro mirrorless that is rumoured for next year, along with the excellent Z S-line glass.
If you do a lot of low angle shooting, then it's not a minor gripe at all, especially if you do a lot of weird angle stuff. For me, the best solution is the triaxial screen of the Fuji X-T2/3 and the Panasonic S1/R that allows both the screen to flip out vertically and horizontally.
Much as I am tempted by the Mark ii versions, I won't be upgrading from my Z6 and Z7 because they already do all that I need them to do (and much more). They are, as you say, fantastic cameras. With regard to the EVF, the Z6 was the camera that persuaded me to go mirrorless. The EVF is great: it's the closest thing to an OVF that I had seen. I don't really see a need for more dots: higher refresh rates and no black-out is the way to go. Anything else is just bragging rights (like megapixels and eye detect autofocus at a distance where it is no longer relevant). As for a flip out screen - no! Just, no!
If punters can get a good price for their G1's then it could be worth getting a G2 Z6/Z7 and Nikon may tweak / improve AF algorithms as we go on. Would like to see more FPS in G2, e.g., Z6 16 fps 14-bit & no AF restriction along with LCD Swivel screen (D5300) and 4K 60 FPS external via HDMI and possibly 8 bit / 10 bit (option) internal recording. Wished Nikon released the 24-105 F2.8 - F4 / F4 at same time and bundle it as kit lens with the Z7 II - with 24-70 F4 still being Z6 II kit lens. It's still a good release / upgrade by Nikon and Nikon get the price same as G1 (Z6) but lowered Z6 II price by £500 in G2 which is good, possibly we see a £4199 Z8 60mp released in 2021.
The current VF is beautiful. What exactly would a 5.6MP VF give you that the current one doesn't? In fact the refresh rate might suffer. I don't think you thought about this review all that much. Where are the comparisons of AF tracking performance? Thanks all the same.
No video backup makes the second slot virtually useless for me as a hybrid shooter. I've kind of given up on Nikon and am waiting to switch to the A74.
how much better if any is the Z6ii vs the Z7ii for video? i have the Z7 and wondering if i should keep it and get a Z6ii for video or sell it and just get the Z7ii. obviously i want high res images plus good video. the Z7 only gets up 30fps in 4k. i wanted at least 60fps in 4k
For the sake of competition and driving new and better technology I really hope that Nikon is able to turn around their financial situation. Even though I am not a Nikon owner I do believe it would be very bad for all consumers if Nikon failed as a camera manufacturer. They have such a great legacy and at one time was a leader in driving new technology but these latest releases will not get them to where they need to be since these new products only appeal to current Nikon shooters. If Nikon is trying to get people to switch to their brand or trying to attract people that are new to the mirrorless camera market then these new cameras are a failure since Sony and Canon both offer better choices so current Sony and Canon users will not switch to Nikon over these new products. If someone is new to digital photography then they will look to Sony and Canon rather than the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II and that is why this really only appeals to current Nikon users. I hope Nikon is able to develop something in 2021 that will put them back into competition with Sony and Canon. Nikon needs more camera market share.
Great shooting and editing, everyone. Hey Dave, do you sell those t-shirts? I'm in Vancouver BC and will call in my CC if the answer is yes. Cheers, Eric
The two card types are not that big a deal. Just get an XQD/CFexpress card reader that reads both CFexpress and SD cards. (And Micro SD if you also shoot drone photography like I do) I rather like the XQD cards, I just don’t have a lot of them lying around due to the cost. They are also fast!
Can anyone address the low light capability of the Z6ii? I am torn between the Z6ii and the Sony A7 iii for my next purchase. I need a camera with strong low light capacity. My current camera is a Nikon D5600. So this would be a big upgrade either way. Anyone care to share their opinion?
@@salk007 Thanks for responding. I made my purchase today and got the Sony A7 iii. I'll still have my Nikon, but I'm looking forward to having more capability.
I really don't get the "challenges" of carrying different cards. Many people just keep the cards in the camera. If they have multiple cards they especially should be able to appreciate benefits of different cards (performance of XQD, capacity and price of SD).
Zed or Zee..? 🤣 I’m truly confused why Nikon put a huge mount on these cameras 📷 did nobody run the optics design calcs first? Honking huge glass and what’s the point? You can’t beat the physics. Save a bit on flange setback and lose it in the glass.
Canadians of my generation say Zed, to the amusement of my American colleagues. My daughter was taught Zee, much to my astonishment. We talked about it; I lost. Not a lens designer, but figure Nikon knows all about it. Safest bet I’ve made.
The Z6II can do 14-bit at 9fps, the 12fps is for 12-bit - no AF restrictions. Though you're correct that the 20fps on the R6 is electronic at only at 12-bit and also with DR and bokeh limitations - something I'd never use myself. Also, the fastest the R6 can do 14-bit is 6fps mechanical and 8fps EFCS.
@@mpgnz73 Not sure where you are getting your information but I have both the Canon EOS R5 and R6 and they both shoot 12 fps with the mechanical shutter at 14-bit. Plus the Canon EOS R5 and R6 both have 1053 autofocus points vs Nikons 273 autofocus points on the Z6 II and 493 autofocus points on the Z7 II.
Why can't we just leave the ZED to the Greeks and everyone else just call it Z, like ZEE. Even Americans are saying ZED, it's Z! Great video by the way!
A good update on the Z6 if you need the dual card slots as a wedding photographer etc, but if not sticking to a Z6 will be fine. Hoping for some good deals on the Z6 when Black Friday comes round.
This is annoying, almost every review is the same, NHF, but it's like that. How about camera responsiveness compared to older DSLRs? As there is 12fps, can it replace nikon d5 for sport? Is autofocus reliable, easy to use? How it compares to other cameras - mainly DSLRs, as photographers are switching from dsrls to z6II, not from original Z6
Post the TCSTV credits AND within the first 30 seconds, this guy uses the term "camera" 6 times. Every time he says "camera" for the rest of the review, it's like a banal knife to the ears. The Nikon Z6 ii is a "camera". We get it. It's just sloppy prep, lazy writing, editing and merely indicates a limited vocabulary...
I decided to take a look at Nikon, but OMG, I never realized how inept their AF Really Is….static subjects are fine……you really want to buy a camera that’s crippled I doubt it…
Original Z6 should be this good at its birth, now competition is very stiff for such miniscale improvements . Still I'm now sure is it gonna be as good as 3years old A7iii. & upcoming A7iv will literally kill this camera
The A7 III is vastly inferior to the Z6 II, apart from auto focus. Everything else isn’t even close. Poor EVF, poor rear LCD, poor ergonomics and build quality, poor IBIS, poor colours... compared to the Z6 II. The A7 IV will be catching up to the Z6 II if anything.
@@ahmonon4352 huh, the Nikon Z cameras have full magnesium body, while the A7 III has a plastic “composite” back unlike the higher end Sony bodies. Build quality isn’t even close. And the vast majority of users agree that Nikon colours are much better than Sony colours. Canon and Nikon are way ahead in this regard.
Overexposed pictures, poor dynamic range, motion blur, ... I am horrified by the poor performance of the camera and your total inability to take pictures.
The Z6 was such a huge AF failure as compared to the Sony's and Canon. It could only get better which this new camera seems to kind of do. Still lagging behind Sony and Canon.
I have own a d300 d700 d610 d800 d500 and the z6, z6 is good it wasn't advertise for pro, i really like my s6 and does what I need, i remember with shoted film and this is a dream but now a day photographer just want to shot food and be a youtuber instead of the pictures, if the picture that you take is not good is not the fault of the camera but yours alone
The EOS R 6 has to better , 2740 Euro VS 2100 euro... , is it 640 euro better? I do not know.. The EOS R 5 also, 4549 Euro vs 3200 euro , is the EOS R 5 , 1349 euro better??
The Canons? The cameras that drop the FPS and AF capability as the battery drops in power? The camera that freezes the AF as the battery drops in power? The camera that drops to 12 Bit when using high FPS? The Sony that crushes your finger and has mucky colours? The Nikon produces better pictures that Canon and Sony and much less cost. Unbeatable.
Seems no one wants to review this camera for wildlife so here goes. Compared to the Z6, the Z6II is vastly improved. Shooting with the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 70-200F2.8 G2 the II acquired focus more quickly and stuck on the subjects much more consistently than the previous version. I used the Wide Animal focus mode in CA-F. Panning shots were easy to capture and consistent while birds coming at you head on was better but not D500 level. With BIFS the Z6 would acquire but as quickly lose the subject but the Z6II "sticks" better.
Since Adobe hasn't updated RAW for this camera, a workaround is to change the camera model from Z6_2 to Z6 in the exif and Lightroom will work. I prefer doing this to using Nikon's Capture NX software.
I have the Meke MK Z7-G extended grip on both cameras and fit perfectly which to me means there's no difference in grip size. Even if your evf is in "automatic display switch" mode, if you pull out your LCD just a little, the camera won't switch to EVF mode when shooting at waist level. Battery level is improved. The Z6 accepted my third party batteries but the Z6II did not. I don't know if that's for all third party batteries. That was also the case for the Z5.
While I like this channel, shooting food can be shot with most decent cameras from the last ten years. Seems channels rush to get ahead with "previews, hands-on impressions, first hand look" instead of digging in and doing Steve Perry type reviews.
Thank you for your comment as I haven't seen many reviews for wildlife! I've been looking to make the jump to mirrorless since I'm interested in both wildlife photography and video. Currently using a D7500 and a Nikon 200-500mm and I didn't go with the Z6 due to some concerns with focusing on wildlife. Might end up going with the Z6 II.
Exactly my thoughts. THanks for the feedback!
I have only done one short test in lower light, but this test gave a significant advantage to the D500. I can't see myself parting with the D500 anytime soon. BIF aside, continuous autofocus compared with the Z7 (firmware 3.0) seems better, but perhaps not as good as what others have found so far....but again in low light. I need to reassess in better lighting.
Thats very helpful. So you are saying the D500 is better for wildlife and birds, overall ?
@@NikhilDevasar Without a doubt. For portraits in good light last weekend, eye AF only missed 7 times in 300 including some walking shots with my Z6ii. New firmware coming this week which is said to improve the eye AF at a distance (likely a display improvement only). I don't have the 70-200 f2.8S yet, but it appears excellent for sports but reports are out there that it's still not good enough for BIF. Either way, the system is improving fast which is a great sign. Fast action, BIF and moving wildlife will still be a D500 for me for a while, but Z system for everything else with great pleasure.
It's a minor update, but substantial enough to keep the camera competitive. It essentially addresses many of the Z6's shortcomings that I'm willing to come off the fence and pick one up. My hope is future firmware will continue to enhance the camera's features.
Additional card slot and additional processor alone are hardly minor.
I upgraded from the d7000 to the z6 ii, and this camera is amazing. The D7000, I wouldn't trust the iso over 400 and the autofocus failed me often. How quick I can autofocus now with the Z6 II and the sharpness of the images (especially with the great high iso capability) has made this a great upgrade for me. I'm in the Coast Guard and just got some great images of our gun shoot today. Now to get the Z mount 85mm f1.8....
I am looking to upgrade from my D7000 as well and your comment actually helped me order one today. did you buy one with the 24 to 70 f/4 lens ? is that any good ? i only ordered the body and its on backorder it seems but the kit is available right now.
@@rishikate5064 i got the kit with 24-70mm f4 lens and that thing is spectacular to come in a kit. I also got the ftz adapter because it was only $50 extra. The iso levels are amazing on the Z6 II and I can finally rely comfortably on autofocus. The D7000 missed on so many occasions, or the image just wasn't tack sharp. You can see my images I've gotten so far with the camera on photocrowd www.photocrowd.com/photographer-community/281620/ or 500px.
I'm going to get the 85mm f1.8 next for portraits.
@@rishikate5064 I will be starting a new project soon of churches and landmarks that have history with the great storm of 1900 in Galveston Texas soon, and I really won't need any other lens for capturing the buildings.
@@ryanconstable681 such objects for your project far better to shoot on film. preferably medium format
I own a z6 and ordered z7ii pair with my 105mm f1.4e amazing! If people can't take good pictures with any 2019-2020 camera is not a camera problem is user failure.. even mobile phones take amazing pictures but people just want to sit and let the camera do it all
6:54 You have a very false idea about EVFs. You think higher resolution means better, which is a wrong way to look at it in my opinion. The one in Sony A7s III is noticeably worse than Nikon's based on my real world experience, and it has nearly 3 times more dots. My own experience is confirmed by Stephan Wiesner, a famous German TH-camr, who uses Sony for video and Nikon for stills. The Nikon viewfinder, according to him, gives you a better cleaner image than the Sony, the refresh rate is also better with the Nikon. He feels the Z6 II EVF to just be better.
That's interesting to know. How was it worse? Less sharpness or more lag? Looks like the A7s III has 0.14" larger viewfinder size but 4mm more eye point compared to Z6 II. Also nearly 6 million more EVF pixels. Perhaps too much good is bad.
@@wesleyhyun Thanks for your question. It's hard to really describe this, because I was at the Taipei Photo Fair (you can check my channel for some clips from there) and I just had a few minutes hands-on with the Z6 II as well as Sony A7S III and A7c. It's just something you really need to experience. The Nikon EVF just looks more natural, almost like OVF. It's the colors, the no lag, the refresh rate, I think it's all very well balanced. Sony's was not like that. I didn't really notice that the resolution was that much bigger, I think that's because you're looking towards a very small surface in both cases. The Sony's EVF also didn't have the same pleasing colors, and the image seemed a bit wobbly at times when I moved the camera rapidly left and right. I think there must be a sweet spot for these EVFs where basically increasing resolution doesn't really give you a better experience. On the other hand, the A7c's EVF was really bad for being so small and so low resolution. They should've just not put it in there all together. My eye hurt pretty quickly after nearly having to squint. I'm generally not a fan of EVFs, I prefer OVF on my D810, but if I had to judge which camera had the most pleasing experience, it was the Z6 II, followed by the R5 and R6, two cameras I also played with at the same show. Sony was last here, sorry to say that, but this is just how I felt after I used all cameras.
@@TaipeiGeek A7s III EVF PPI is nearly 7000 so not noticing difference wouldn't be farfetched. If it's wobbly than maybe rolling shutter distortion since it has to process so much pixels.
@@wesleyhyun The EVF surface area is extremely small. If you think it's easy to notice a difference, you really need to test it out yourself, and you'll see. Give both cameras a fair go, and you'll see the Nikon is overall a better experience. I'm not saying the A7S III is bad, it's just not as good. The A7c is really bad, though.
@@wesleyhyun It doesn’t have 6 million more pixels.
A7Siii - 9,437,184 dots (3,145,728 pixels)
Z6 - 3,686,400 dots (1,228,800 pixels)
3 dots for each pixel - RGB dots
I’m very happy with the dual card slots and the fact that they’re different doesn’t bother me. I prefer the cf express/xqd anyway and the fact that the redundancy slot can be a cheaper widely available format is useful IMO. I really like the ability to slow the shutter speed down and makes long exposure photography less hassle as does the additional low light capabilities. Great work Nikon at an incredibly competitive price 😀
I'm okay with mixed card slots - would be nice if they had movie backup mode (dumping the content to 2nd card abeit in lower res (4k) down to 1080p, however XQD / CFE cards are very robust & reliable that this restriction can be overlooked - haven't had a XQD failure since buying D850 (replacing this with Z7 G2).
I have watched so many videos about ZEEE it is so nice to hear ZEDD! Now I just need to change the entire world to NICK-ON instead of N-EYE-CON .
Great video. Well edited, good pace and full of useful info. The lack of pointless backing music is so rare and so appreciated - thanks.
For me, I totally happy with the Z 6II specs. I prefer that they have kept the same resolution EVF and added an SD card slot with the current (good value) price point, rather than up the EVF resolution and add extra size and price with the dual XQD slots.
Battery EL-15 C Here C does not mean capacity. But it is version. Earlier batteries were EL-15 then EL-15a for D-800 then EL-15 B for Z6 and EL-15 C for Z6 II which has recharging facility in the camera.
I think the upgrades are welcome and whilst I am more tempted with the Z 7II, I will still hold off buying. But at least Nikon are listening and that is a positive. I can see a bright future with this mount because of the lenses but I still don't like the shortness of grip and thumb grip and that is enough to put me off. So Nikon are nearly their but I will wait for now.
Do you print really large?
That food looks so good I just ate and I’m hungry again. The Nikon did a great job. 👍
Thanks Dave. I am glad that Nikon improved on the Z6. I don't see a reason to upgrade my Z6 to the new Z6ii. I wish the view finder was more accommodating to eye glass wearers. A software option to shrink the image in the view finder would be a welcomed option.
I think the camera wasn't meant for people to upgrade from Z6, it's more for people like me who still shoot with DSLRs and have not yet moved to mirrorless. I never buy first gen products, so I skipped the Z6, but I will get the Z6 II.
Do you think the Z6ii could be on par with the D500's autofocus and tracking capabilities?
I am thinking of switching to full frame from my beloved D500 or maybe keep it as a second body.
Finally the fps and buffer size seems good enough.
I am also in the same situation...I also shoot photos for wedding with D750 & D500.. but wildlife is my passion. Thinking to move from D500 to Z6ii but still not made up my mind.
@@FayadHameed Hard decision for sure if you do not have all the money in the world :D
Thanks for the nice review. My biggest disappointment is that the "coming soon" 4K 60p will have a very big crop. It means if you shoot stills and video you have to move your feet and recompose between the two.
Z7ii won't have such large crop
one more IMPORTANT upgrade point, there is an extension of the non- Bulb long exposure duration, from 30" to 900" (15 minutes, for those not mathematically inclined :-) ) which when combined with the z series 20 mm 1.8 lens makes a great combo for astro photography.
Any change in viewfinder black out? Please do another video comparing autofocus in action. That's the real interest in this.
Z6 owner here. I have no plans to upgrade at this time. I would have liked to see increased AF performance. The higher megapixel count of the Z7II might be worth it but we'll see. When I need flawless AF, I'll go to my D500 or, a little less so, my D810. In the end I might hold out for what is coming next year.
I’m keeping my Z6 as I shoot portraits and the fastest anyone moves at my shoots is if I have a really tall model with a long stride. I think Nikon will have a few more premium zed bodies coming out next year that will be their “all in moment” I just wish they would’ve dove in a long time ago on mirrorless. But it seems like they’re playing the long game with downsizing their operations.
Seeing the af in this video compared to now is quite astonishing the eye detection with the latest firmware picks up and locks on to the eye from much further distances now your subject face can be super small in the frame and it still picks up the eyes. The Yellow box can be much smaller as subjects goes further away.
Nearly everyone is saying the camera should have a higher resolution EVF but no one explains why. I have this camera, it's my first mirrorless and coming from an OVF for the first time, I see no reason for a higher resolution EVF. I get that other cameras may have a higher resolution EVF but what is the advantage? It doesn't impact image quality, you should punch in to 100% anyway if you're manually focusing or use focus peaking. So, why do people complain?
I'm going to "upgrade" from a Nikon D7100 to the Z6 II. . .So YEAH. . .For me it's a definite "upgrade" and at a price that makes it well worth buying. . .Good review with useful criticisms, but I'm getting this camera for sure!
Nice video!!! Since the xqd cards are a lot more expensive, are there any xqd to sd adapters, so that you can use sd cards in both slots ? Thanks for posting 🙂
Hi and thanks for the comment. There isn't a SD to XQD card adapter that I am aware of and even if there was I am not a big fan of adapting cards as it gives another point of failure to the process. If you have updated the firmware you also have the option of using the increasingly popular CF Express cards. I get it, cards can be pricey but the speed is nice, not just for shooting, the SD cards are plenty fast for that, it's the downloading that's also so much faster. Hope this helps,
Thanks for this, very helpful and thorough description of good and bad points. Well produced video.
Great Review, I am looking to get this or the Z5 . I do a lot of landscape photography, so I don't need all the video features , but I do like the 900s shutter ...??? for long exposures and the 50 ISO ...
I currently have the nikon 750 and wanting to upgrade to the Z6ii. I need dual card slots but not a fan it’s two different card types.
What about the delay on the viewfinder vs real-world. I had a older camera with electronic viewfinder and resulted what i saw on the electronic viewfinder wasn't the picture i was taking due to the delay on the viewfinder..
yes, great upgrade, if you need it, there is a battery GRIP, not Pack as in the z 6 which is an advantage for portrait shooting, and with the s line 70-200 and the tele-converters which come with it, which you did NOT mention in the video.
also of note the pack and Grip have two vary different styles of battery loading the new mb-n11 has a tray, with ONE battery as hot swap compatible, the OLD mb-n10 has NO tray, but two doors, so both battery slots are hot swap.
Your reviews are the most artistic!
Love the Z6! The Z6 is even better! 👍🏻
I am only a casual photogapher.
I am a Nikon fanboy but with only a D5500
I am wanting to move to the Z series
One thins I notice is that they don't have built-in flash.
I know pros don't use those, but say you are at a family gathering, and don't have time to set up a tripod or carry a seperate flash gun
What would you do?
Thanks for the nice review. I just picked up the Z6 II to complement my D500 for landscape, nature, and travel photography.
I have to disagree with you on the point about having two identical card slots though. I much prefer the CFExpress/XQD with an SD slot. I can take a few, faster, and more expensive CFExpress/XQD cards along with me for primary shooting, action, etc. Video and overflow can be to the SD card which is slower yet easily found at common stores on the road.
Couldn't agree with you more. The XQD card as a primary and it's nice to have my old SD cards available as back-ups. I'd rather not spend on too many XQD cards!
I Love using the Z6, so I will be getting the Z6II to use for work. Wish I could get the Z7II but it’s not in the budget right now.
This appears to be the camera to get. Just wish the Nikon lenses were not so expensive compared to RF and L. The F mount 14-24 is 1346 and the Z 14-24 is 2396. Interesting!! both 2.8 and FF
I share your same opinion. Some of the Z lenses are crazy expensive. I'm switching to the Z system from a D750. Swapping most focal lengths but getting the FTZ adapter just for the 14-24 and 105 macro. I use the 14-24 for real estate photography, but $2400 is way too expensive, and there is no Z macro yet...and have a good feeling if/when there is one, it'll be pretty damn expensive as well
In answer to your question whether I would upgrade from my Z6 to Z6ii, the answer is no.
What I am preparing to do is to upgrade from DSLRs (3 bodies & multiple lenses) entirely to Z.
At the end of that journey I will own Z7ii, Z6ii and the pro mirrorless that is rumoured for next year, along with the excellent Z S-line glass.
Thanks for the very helpful review and great explanation of the AF system - very useful.
Incredible food photography!
Some needed upgrades are a back screen that can face forward not simply tilt and at least 10 bit 422 internal recording
Uggh everyone always complains about the screen articulation. What a minor gripe to have
Don't know why, but articulating screen make a camera feel cheap. Maybe because none of the flagship cameras have it (Like the D6/1DX etc).
I wish all camera would come with the option to get it with or without a flip out screen.
If you do a lot of low angle shooting, then it's not a minor gripe at all, especially if you do a lot of weird angle stuff. For me, the best solution is the triaxial screen of the Fuji X-T2/3 and the Panasonic S1/R that allows both the screen to flip out vertically and horizontally.
Hi
That red box to did follow you when you moved to the right of your family!
Was it supposed to?
Just started withmy z6ii....wpuld love to see a setup video
Much as I am tempted by the Mark ii versions, I won't be upgrading from my Z6 and Z7 because they already do all that I need them to do (and much more). They are, as you say, fantastic cameras. With regard to the EVF, the Z6 was the camera that persuaded me to go mirrorless. The EVF is great: it's the closest thing to an OVF that I had seen. I don't really see a need for more dots: higher refresh rates and no black-out is the way to go. Anything else is just bragging rights (like megapixels and eye detect autofocus at a distance where it is no longer relevant). As for a flip out screen - no! Just, no!
If punters can get a good price for their G1's then it could be worth getting a G2 Z6/Z7 and Nikon may tweak / improve AF algorithms as we go on. Would like to see more FPS in G2, e.g., Z6 16 fps 14-bit & no AF restriction along with LCD Swivel screen (D5300) and 4K 60 FPS external via HDMI and possibly 8 bit / 10 bit (option) internal recording. Wished Nikon released the 24-105 F2.8 - F4 / F4 at same time and bundle it as kit lens with the Z7 II - with 24-70 F4 still being Z6 II kit lens. It's still a good release / upgrade by Nikon and Nikon get the price same as G1 (Z6) but lowered Z6 II price by £500 in G2 which is good, possibly we see a £4199 Z8 60mp released in 2021.
What camera are you using to record yourself when you have the nikon in your hand?
At that time, our main A-roll camera was the Panasonic GH5.
The current VF is beautiful. What exactly would a 5.6MP VF give you that the current one doesn't? In fact the refresh rate might suffer. I don't think you thought about this review all that much. Where are the comparisons of AF tracking performance? Thanks all the same.
No video backup makes the second slot virtually useless for me as a hybrid shooter. I've kind of given up on Nikon and am waiting to switch to the A74.
With you on that. Any news on release the A74? Getting tired to wait and looking at A7C last few weeks...
how much better if any is the Z6ii vs the Z7ii for video? i have the Z7 and wondering if i should keep it and get a Z6ii for video or sell it and just get the Z7ii. obviously i want high res images plus good video. the Z7 only gets up 30fps in 4k. i wanted at least 60fps in 4k
would the Nikon SB-910 be comparable with this camera?
For the sake of competition and driving new and better technology I really hope that Nikon is able to turn around their financial situation. Even though I am not a Nikon owner I do believe it would be very bad for all consumers if Nikon failed as a camera manufacturer. They have such a great legacy and at one time was a leader in driving new technology but these latest releases will not get them to where they need to be since these new products only appeal to current Nikon shooters. If Nikon is trying to get people to switch to their brand or trying to attract people that are new to the mirrorless camera market then these new cameras are a failure since Sony and Canon both offer better choices so current Sony and Canon users will not switch to Nikon over these new products. If someone is new to digital photography then they will look to Sony and Canon rather than the Nikon Z6 II or Z7 II and that is why this really only appeals to current Nikon users. I hope Nikon is able to develop something in 2021 that will put them back into competition with Sony and Canon. Nikon needs more camera market share.
Does the Z 6 II compare to the R6?
See Taylor Jackson's channel. He has a whole thing about it.
@@matthewwells1606 ok
Great shooting and editing, everyone. Hey Dave, do you sell those t-shirts? I'm in Vancouver BC and will call in my CC if the answer is yes. Cheers, Eric
Good job on the review!
Bought it for my wife’s Christmas gift. Hope she likes it
If she doesn't like it just send it over here
@@Agm1995gamer she likes it😂
The two card types are not that big a deal. Just get an XQD/CFexpress card reader that reads both CFexpress and SD cards. (And Micro SD if you also shoot drone photography like I do) I rather like the XQD cards, I just don’t have a lot of them lying around due to the cost. They are also fast!
Is this good for wedding photography
Thank you. I have subscribed.
Can anyone address the low light capability of the Z6ii? I am torn between the Z6ii and the Sony A7 iii for my next purchase. I need a camera with strong low light capacity. My current camera is a Nikon D5600. So this would be a big upgrade either way. Anyone care to share their opinion?
I was Nikon shooter for 25 years but switched to Canon. Nikon cannot any longer keep up with Canon, Sony Panasonic. Go for Sony instead.
@@salk007 Thanks for responding. I made my purchase today and got the Sony A7 iii. I'll still have my Nikon, but I'm looking forward to having more capability.
Does it over heat
This feels like the right camera for me.
I really don't get the "challenges" of carrying different cards. Many people just keep the cards in the camera. If they have multiple cards they especially should be able to appreciate benefits of different cards (performance of XQD, capacity and price of SD).
should I buy Nikon z7 or z6ii?
nice review, thank you
Where’s Evelyn
Edit: Nvm lol she’s in the video.
2 SD UHS II slots would be perfect!
Or 2 XQD …
SD UHS II cards don't transfer information fast enough
I want one! Coming from a d80.
Would have been really nice to test the object tracking system with some of those ducks in flight rather than those fast moving scallops and clams.
We're so fortunate that TH-cam allows just almost anyone to upload a video....
Zed or Zee..? 🤣 I’m truly confused why Nikon put a huge mount on these cameras 📷 did nobody run the optics design calcs first? Honking huge glass and what’s the point? You can’t beat the physics. Save a bit on flange setback and lose it in the glass.
Canadians of my generation say Zed, to the amusement of my American colleagues. My daughter was taught Zee, much to my astonishment. We talked about it; I lost. Not a lens designer, but figure Nikon knows all about it. Safest bet I’ve made.
is it just me?! or people too find Nikon images and colors more pleasing than other brands??? Im soo stuck between R5 & Z7II...Aaaaagghhhh
It's not only You the nikon Z colours are almost the best
Once the Z7ii is available, I'm gettin' one with the 20 and 50.
The 20 is a fantastic lens.
Same here! But with Z6II instead of Z7II :(
20 and 50 are amazing. Best of Nikon 1.8's prime
TH-cam is down, as a result I am still not able to make up my mind on the Nikon Z system.
I’m near Toronto, and TH-cam does seem to be down. I bought my Z6 last Friday, but have not really shot with it yet. Settings done, sure seems fine!
@@EdwardKilner Yeah i am probably buying the original Z6 tomorrow...
I prefer 12 fps, 14bit raw files rather than 20 fps, 12 bit raw files like the R6
The Z6II can do 14-bit at 9fps, the 12fps is for 12-bit - no AF restrictions. Though you're correct that the 20fps on the R6 is electronic at only at 12-bit and also with DR and bokeh limitations - something I'd never use myself. Also, the fastest the R6 can do 14-bit is 6fps mechanical and 8fps EFCS.
@@mpgnz73 thanks for the info. 👍
@@mpgnz73 Not sure where you are getting your information but I have both the Canon EOS R5 and R6 and they both shoot 12 fps with the mechanical shutter at 14-bit. Plus the Canon EOS R5 and R6 both have 1053 autofocus points vs Nikons 273 autofocus points on the Z6 II and 493 autofocus points on the Z7 II.
Why can't we just leave the ZED to the Greeks and everyone else just call it Z, like ZEE. Even Americans are saying ZED, it's Z! Great video by the way!
A good update on the Z6 if you need the dual card slots as a wedding photographer etc, but if not sticking to a Z6 will be fine. Hoping for some good deals on the Z6 when Black Friday comes round.
great video
Sorry, stopped watching -- got too hungry. I'll try to get back later.
😄😄😄
This is annoying, almost every review is the same, NHF, but it's like that. How about camera responsiveness compared to older DSLRs? As there is 12fps, can it replace nikon d5 for sport? Is autofocus reliable, easy to use? How it compares to other cameras - mainly DSLRs, as photographers are switching from dsrls to z6II, not from original Z6
perfect camera. but lenses are too big and heavy
EVF upgrade to more Mp?? to me is more usefull, a totaly blackout free EVF, that is more important ..
Post the TCSTV credits AND within the first 30 seconds, this guy uses the term "camera" 6 times.
Every time he says "camera" for the rest of the review, it's like a banal knife to the ears.
The Nikon Z6 ii is a "camera".
We get it.
It's just sloppy prep, lazy writing, editing and merely indicates a limited vocabulary...
Camera
What happened to the asian host
He was hired by DPReviews awhile ago. You've been living under a rock lol
@@wesleyhyun haven't watched this channel for a while now.
They prefer to be called Oriental.
@@rcsor3 is calling someone asian now offensive?
@@rcsor3 No, I did that once. I was quickly corrected that oriental refers to inanimate objects. Oriental: art, dishes, food, clothing... not people.
7iii this time z6ii best are not
A Sony SD card in a Nikon camera. It's treason then
Time to bring out the guillotine, lads.
... especially since Sony builds the better cameras! 😁
It goes with the Sony sensor.
I decided to take a look at Nikon, but OMG, I never realized how inept their AF Really Is….static subjects are fine……you really want to buy a camera that’s crippled I doubt it…
why so serious? smile more :) . great review and great camera.
Original Z6 should be this good at its birth, now competition is very stiff for such miniscale improvements . Still I'm now sure is it gonna be as good as 3years old A7iii. & upcoming A7iv will literally kill this camera
The A7 III is vastly inferior to the Z6 II, apart from auto focus. Everything else isn’t even close.
Poor EVF, poor rear LCD, poor ergonomics and build quality, poor IBIS, poor colours... compared to the Z6 II.
The A7 IV will be catching up to the Z6 II if anything.
@@ghas4151 Nikon Z are plasticy, rubber pills of quickly. Sonys' are all metal . Canon has better color for sure, but Nikon colors are cartoonish shit
@@ahmonon4352 huh, the Nikon Z cameras have full magnesium body, while the A7 III has a plastic “composite” back unlike the higher end Sony bodies. Build quality isn’t even close.
And the vast majority of users agree that Nikon colours are much better than Sony colours. Canon and Nikon are way ahead in this regard.
@@ghas4151 I wonder you haven't even touch those cameras by your own hands, but arguing like a fool, stupid
@@ahmonon4352 I have the Nikon Z6 and it’s leaps ahead in all aspects I talked about. I have a work colleague who owns the A7 III and who also agrees.
Overexposed pictures, poor dynamic range, motion blur, ... I am horrified by the poor performance of the camera and your total inability to take pictures.
💀
The Z6 was such a huge AF failure as compared to the Sony's and Canon. It could only get better which this new camera seems to kind of do.
Still lagging behind Sony and Canon.
I have own a d300 d700 d610 d800 d500 and the z6, z6 is good it wasn't advertise for pro, i really like my s6 and does what I need, i remember with shoted film and this is a dream but now a day photographer just want to shot food and be a youtuber instead of the pictures, if the picture that you take is not good is not the fault of the camera but yours alone
The EOS R 6 has to better , 2740 Euro VS 2100 euro... , is it 640 euro better? I do not know..
The EOS R 5 also, 4549 Euro vs 3200 euro , is the EOS R 5 , 1349 euro better??
The Canons? The cameras that drop the FPS and AF capability as the battery drops in power? The camera that freezes the AF as the battery drops in power? The camera that drops to 12 Bit when using high FPS? The Sony that crushes your finger and has mucky colours? The Nikon produces better pictures that Canon and Sony and much less cost. Unbeatable.
Another reason why Nikon is almost out of business