Thank you for this in-depth review! Can you explain why Z cameras cannot use a similar dynamic area mode as in DSLR? In DSLR you choose a point a surrounding AF points set (e.g. 8) to help tracking the subject in focus. Why can’t we tell the Z camera to use more and specific points, without scanning the whole image within a selected box (wide area)? I think this would allow a more reactive behaviour and less battery drain.
P.s. hope also to see a “Z6II inside” into an upgraded D780, which share the same sensor with Z6/Z6II but is limited to a single Expeed. If Nikon could also add to a new D780 IBIS, D850’s 155 focus pts and the more Z6II like reactive AF-C mode when framing via the rear LCD I think all the owner of AF/AF-D lenses (count me among them!) wouldn’t need any upgraded FTZ.
Kevin Sutton
June 6, 2021 12:59 am
I would love to buy into the Nikon Z ecosystem but would like smaller lenses, as I’m used to m4/3. If Nikon made a 70-200 f4, I would be in with the 14-30, 24-70 and 70-200 f4 set. The 70-200 f2.8 looks nice but it is too big, literally and fiscally, for me…
EnPassant
May 30, 2021 7:59 pm
What a great review! Must be one of, if not the best written in the English language! I did however spot a tiny error in the specification comparison. The original Z6 is 68mm thick, 2mm less than Z6 II. If one want to be even more accurate Nikon specifies the measurements for Z6 being 134 x 100,5 x 67,5mm for Z6 and 134 x 100,5 x 69,5mm for Z6 II.
In a similar price range, Sony’s A7 III seems to be better than the Z6 (II) at subject tracking and continuous AF. Not as good as the A9, but still very good. Canon’s R6 also appears to be slightly more dependable although it is a bit more expensive. I really wanted to switch to the Z system as I like the handling and overall ergonomics of Nikon’s mirrorless better than Sony’s, and I have a number of good recent F-mount AF-S lenses I can easily adapt, but the truth is, for sports, my good old D750 is more reliable.
Pascal
May 29, 2021 3:55 am
Lovely article as always, thanks guys!
I recently bought a Z6II to complement my beloved D850. I’m still not ready to give up my D850; it still is an awesome camera. I do enjoy the Z mount and the quality it brings to the table.
In regards to the dual tilt axis screen feature, count me in. This is a feature that is missing in Nikon camera’s. I don’t really care for a flip screen though but a dual axis tilt would be awesome!
Another feature I’m missing and wish Nikon would introduce is a preview feature: I often shoot 16×9 or 3×1 panorama ratios. It would be great if Nikon would let us select a certain preview ratio (say 4×3, 1×1, 16×9, 3×1,…) so that framing a composition in one of these ratios is easy. The camera would still capture the complete 3×2 ratio and the actual crop would be done in post. Today I have to guestimate the composition if I want a 3×1 pano or 4×3 shot. Hope Nikon is reading this… :-)
Steve V.
May 28, 2021 6:34 pm
I did not know of this site previously and what a great find it is! This has to be one of the most thorough camera reviews I have ever read and as a recent Z6 II owner, I think you really nailed it.
Mason Photographer
May 28, 2021 10:48 am
Thanks for the demonstration of the difference between the 24 megapixel Z6 II or the higher resolution Z7. Major difference here. This was extremely helpful!
Jeff Schwartz
May 28, 2021 7:39 am
Just wondering if the list of cons are issues that other cameras in the same general price range also have?
Stan Kartchner
May 27, 2021 10:33 pm
Great review, and it’s fun to see photos from my stomping grounds: the giant saguaros, javelina, sandhill cranes near Willcox, and airplane photos from what looks like the Pima Air and Space Museum.
Thank you for this in-depth review!
Can you explain why Z cameras cannot use a similar dynamic area mode as in DSLR? In DSLR you choose a point a surrounding AF points set (e.g. 8) to help tracking the subject in focus.
Why can’t we tell the Z camera to use more and specific points, without scanning the whole image within a selected box (wide area)? I think this would allow a more reactive behaviour and less battery drain.
P.s. hope also to see a “Z6II inside” into an upgraded D780, which share the same sensor with Z6/Z6II but is limited to a single Expeed.
If Nikon could also add to a new D780 IBIS, D850’s 155 focus pts and the more Z6II like reactive AF-C mode when framing via the rear LCD I think all the owner of AF/AF-D lenses (count me among them!) wouldn’t need any upgraded FTZ.
I would love to buy into the Nikon Z ecosystem but would like smaller lenses, as I’m used to m4/3. If Nikon made a 70-200 f4, I would be in with the 14-30, 24-70 and 70-200 f4 set. The 70-200 f2.8 looks nice but it is too big, literally and fiscally, for me…
What a great review! Must be one of, if not the best written in the English language!
I did however spot a tiny error in the specification comparison. The original Z6 is 68mm thick, 2mm less than Z6 II.
If one want to be even more accurate Nikon specifies the measurements for Z6 being 134 x 100,5 x 67,5mm for Z6 and 134 x 100,5 x 69,5mm for Z6 II.
Good spot, thanks! Fixed.
For existing Nikon users AND ALL NEWBIES who want a lightweight, good value camera for travel or event photography, the Z5 is My top recommendation.
Same quality for (much) Less money.
Well, The Z6(II) has a much better BSI sensor. For this reason alone I would get a Z§(II) if funds allow it.
For action sports what mirrorless is better than the Z6ii. You mentioned something better than the z6ii for sports?
In a similar price range, Sony’s A7 III seems to be better than the Z6 (II) at subject tracking and continuous AF. Not as good as the A9, but still very good. Canon’s R6 also appears to be slightly more dependable although it is a bit more expensive.
I really wanted to switch to the Z system as I like the handling and overall ergonomics of Nikon’s mirrorless better than Sony’s, and I have a number of good recent F-mount AF-S lenses I can easily adapt, but the truth is, for sports, my good old D750 is more reliable.
Lovely article as always, thanks guys!
I recently bought a Z6II to complement my beloved D850. I’m still not ready to give up my D850; it still is an awesome camera. I do enjoy the Z mount and the quality it brings to the table.
In regards to the dual tilt axis screen feature, count me in. This is a feature that is missing in Nikon camera’s. I don’t really care for a flip screen though but a dual axis tilt would be awesome!
Another feature I’m missing and wish Nikon would introduce is a preview feature: I often shoot 16×9 or 3×1 panorama ratios. It would be great if Nikon would let us select a certain preview ratio (say 4×3, 1×1, 16×9, 3×1,…) so that framing a composition in one of these ratios is easy. The camera would still capture the complete 3×2 ratio and the actual crop would be done in post. Today I have to guestimate the composition if I want a 3×1 pano or 4×3 shot.
Hope Nikon is reading this… :-)
I did not know of this site previously and what a great find it is! This has to be one of the most thorough camera reviews I have ever read and as a recent Z6 II owner, I think you really nailed it.
Thanks for the demonstration of the difference between the 24 megapixel Z6 II or the higher resolution Z7. Major difference here. This was extremely helpful!
Just wondering if the list of cons are issues that other cameras in the same general price range also have?
Great review, and it’s fun to see photos from my stomping grounds: the giant saguaros, javelina, sandhill cranes near Willcox, and airplane photos from what looks like the Pima Air and Space Museum.