@@stevefrith7283 D700 is a classic Nikon camera from back in the days when Nikon were at the top of their game and gaining market share. I'm still waiting for the D700 replacement 😉
Yeah. I made a huge mistake of not looking at nikon when i wanted to switch. Went for EOS R. Absolute garbage ergonomics. I am selling it off and going for nikon
@@nammalilleee3207 I really like the ergonomics of the Z7. All the buttons and dials are within easy reach of all the fingers on your right hand. I think Jared Polin and the Northrops are so focused on one or two aspects, that they’re missing the big picture. The new z-mount lenses are just incredible. The best lenses I’ve ever used in all my years as a photographer.
(1) use the RU-vid function "Do not recommend videos from this channel. (2) select photographers with a real portfolio (not just snapshots) who earn money with their photography. (3) some influencers think they can be invited by a main brand to become ambassador based on sniff tests or influencing only and when the invitation does not come they become vindictive - avoid people with such theatrical personality disorders (discussed in the "psychosis" section of the psychiatric handbook).
@@nammalilleee3207 - 45 years of pro Nikon gear, not a fanboy. There's 10 years of professional photography in there with Hasselblad and large format with Sinar and Cambo. Or big badass broncolor for studio strobes. I migrated to Nikon Z and today picked up my Z 7 ii. The Z/S glass is phenomenal. My rants about my Nikon F-mount glass have been silenced. The 1.8S primes are very professional and incredibly good. If you thought you needed a Canon 1.2 lens, then look for its T-stop value because the f/1.2 may only have a t/1.5 transmission. (f-stop is the mathematical relation between diameter and focal length and even with black glass elements, you can get the same f-stop number when the t-stop informs how much light comes through). If you are deeply into photography, you could now say, yes but depth of field and my answer would be: depth of field has a subjective element and a resolution element and relates to the so-called circle of confusion. This is the circle with the diameter that leaves you wondering, is this sharp or not (confused). And this circle depends on camera resolution and lens resolution. Higher resolution means sharper means smaller circle of confusion means less depth of field. Or, my 85/1.8S may have less depth of field at 1.8 on my Z 7 ii than your 85/1.2L at 1.2 on your 5D mk IV and the gain in light transmission may be negligible. My use cases are covered (and there are a couple pet peeves still.)
We all know that it's not the camera, but rather the photographer's eye that makes the difference. Having said that, I feel the Z lenses are fantastic and the ease of use provided with customizable buttons on the camera and lenses helps the photographer focus on the scene and not the camera. I love my Z7 system!
This one video has made me a fan and subscriber. It's a nice change to see a skilled photographer with no ego, who simply wants to spread joy and knowledge. Happy New Year!
Wow, the detail in the photographs is unbelievable. I have been shooting with the Fuji Xt-2 for 3 years. I am noticing more & more the flaws & lack of detail. When I priced upgrading to the XT-4 16-55 F2.8 & the new 10-24 WR lens. For not a lot more money I can go full frame. So I have pre ordered the Nikon Z7ii & 24-70 F4.0 & I will add the 14-30 f4. When the 70-200 f4.0 is released next year I intend to add that lens too. The Nikon D850 was just too big & heavy for me, but you have helped me to realise that if I don't go full frame now I never will. You can't take the money with you, so I will enjoy it now. Longing for image quality like that.
Hi Nicky from reading your comment I saw a lot of similarities with my journey. For almost three years I had been shooting with the X-T2 and the lenses I used were the 10-24mm, 16-55mm and the 50-140mm. I was really pleased with the performance of these lenses except for the wide lens in the corners. I picked up the Z7 with the 14-30mm f4 and the 24-70mm f4 and the difference is insane. The lenses are sharper the extra detail you can capture is outstanding and you'll definitely notice a lot more dynamic range as well.
I'm with you. I've loved my XT-3 but I want to return to full frame for my travels. I've used my Fuji professionally and it's been great, but time to give Nikon a go.
Great video. I love my Z6II and like the upgrades from the Z6. I do agree with you on the lacking tilting screen. As mainly a portrait photographer I would love the screen to tilt in a portrait angle as well.
To be able to focus stack just using the touch screen for the win! And that dynamic range!!! I love my D810, but this Z7ii will hopefully be it's replacement (looking around the house and wondering what I can sell to fund this purchase). Gorgeous image BTW Nigel .
Great review. The basic message is that these new models from Nikon allow you to do your job. Improvements to increase the hit rate. Nikon is taking a steady, methodical approach to building the best lineup of cameras. Another fantastic video. Thanks.
Honestly, the best thing about the new Z system and the Canon R system is their f/4 premium zooms. They are both so damn small and light so they pack away in a bag nicely but are all so good optically. Perfect for landscape photographers.
Thanks Nigel can’t afford a z7 yet but just a note the Nikon app now works the same for the older D series cameras (I have a D500) I can get photos over Bluetooth instantaneously too but it does hammer the battery life
So, as someone who already owns a Z7, and doesn't shoot video, doesn't need 2 card slots or a high FPS - I'll be better off spending my money on better glass! The only thing I would really like is a quicker refresh rate on the EVF to reduce blackout!
I bought the bundle deal when the z6 came out and it came with the Z 24-70mm f4 lens as well as the ftz adapter. I purchased a single 64GB XQD for about 180$ Canadian but wish I had gone to something with more memory like a 120GB card although the price is very high at around 250$. I constantly find myself having to transfer my photos to my hard drive right after the shoot as it tens to fill up quickly due to the 48mb file size of each picture. I also purchased an F mount 70-200m f4 to go along with my kit. The Z lenses in my experience is simply amazing. It is super sharp and very quiet when focusing. It also has a nice hefty weight to it making it feel very durable. My experience with the F mount lens on the Z6 has been alright up to this point. The stabilization on both the lens and the camera have saved me many shots where I did not have access to a tripod. Overall the camera is great. The only drawback which has been mentioned many times and which I still struggle this day is the face and eye detection AF. When I got the camera I didn't think too much of this feature as I shoot more landscape scenes and though I don't need to worry about this feature, but I have come across some shoots where I have tested the Eye focusing feature and viewing the photos after on my computer I can confirm this is where the camera struggles. I wouldn't recommend this camera if youre only shooting people and require the eye focusing. Hopefully this has been improved on the Z6 II, but for me it isn't much of an upgrade for me to go from the Z6 to the Z6 II.
Nice on Nigel, great stuff as always. I too very much enjoyed testing out the new cameras and think the upgrades in regards to focus etc seem a good strong development on what we have. As a Z6 user mainly for Video i think the eye AF works great when I'm self filming and hardly have any issues. Looking forwards to some of the longer lenses for us wildlife photographers to get the most from the new system as it develops!
Fantastic sunrise! And thank you for your talk about Z6II and Z7II. Since I discovered you on Insta and RU-vid, I got really interested in the hybrids of Nikon. And the improvements Nikon made to the II version made me definitively quit my D5300 for the Z6II. Thanks a lot for your inspiration in every single of your RU-vid videos and posts on Insta!
I picked up the Z6II for the auto focus speed (the Z7 is just not there) and my first test at a dog agility trial makes me think it will give my D500 a run for its' money. I can't use eye auto focus; dynamic area AF seems to be cats meow with dog action shots. In the backyard horsing around with our dogs pet eye auto focus seems to be very fast. More experimenting to do. For stills, I don't see a need to upgrade the Z7.
Setting up a focus stack via touch is so compelling. If you ever worry about vibrations, turn on an Exposure Delay of 1 second and turn on electronic shutter just to make sure everything is still.
There are still some desirable changes remaining, hoping to get most of those small twicks with firmware updates. Also please compare the dancing noise on displays & EVFs of Z6/7 & Z6/7 II (OR Z5) in very low light conditions. They have changed something which is causing much more noise in very dark on displays in stills mode of newer cameras & most of us believe it's for improving AF in low light. Display looks fine if switched in Video mode. But if this change is for the sake of AF improvement then the display should become normal when switched to manual focus otherwise it's going to spoil the experience of astro or night photography for many people. You seem to be in touch with Nikon so please let them know & notice about this behavior to fix whatever the issue may be. I personally bought mine with awareness of this issue but some people are unaware & posting this issue online.
Dear Nigel, thank you for your help and reviewing of the Z7ii! My lifetime friend recommended your video to help me realise the benefits of purchasing the Z7ii. We are both amateur photographers who venture out in the early mornings for the blue hour etc… maybe we might bump into you someday? You have definitely made up my mind about this equipment! Many many thanks! You’re a star🫡
Equipment like that are only what dreams are made of for many people! and the results of the quality in the printed pictures I would expect nothing less than perfect, I enjoyed your thoughts and facts of these wonderful cameras, but that's were it all ends for me I am perfectly happy with what I have got. Thank you for your time, and hopefully we can get back to picture taking very soon! (with a affordable camera) whatever the make!.....
Haha I learned that you are a PROFESIONAL photographer :) love your videos and this was a great mid-week surprise! love all your new transitions they look great. Thanks for the awesome content from my favourite professional landscape photographer!
Someone mentioned that all dislikes are from Canon boys. I dislike because I’m expecting a camera review from the video title. There’s no recite of the specs, no DxO scores of the camera and lens used, no pixel peeping of test studio shots at 400% in LR to judge sharpness and noise level, and more importantly no comparison against Sony’s a7r a7s a9, Canon r5 r6, and Fuji x-t4 and now I can’t make up my mind what camera I should upgrade to this year! 😞 Hahaha 😝 Just kidding, Nigel. Your videos are fantastic and I learn a lot from them. In fact, I’m a Canon shooter but I’m inspired by your photos. RU-vid is rampant with camera reviews and I wish there were more people making contents like you. Keep it up and I’m looking forward to your videos every Sunday.
I really appreciate this video. I know that it is a sponsored video, but it’s still nice to see someone discuss the genuine strengths of Nikon cameras. As a Nikon dslr shooter, I want to remain with Nikon. I plan to upgrade to their Z series in the future and I want to hear the improvements Nikon is making, not only the complaints. I am glad that you mentioned the screen. When shooting vertical, you lose the benefit of the tilt screen. I hope Nikon tweaks the screen in future models. Although I predominantly use my camera for photography, it would help Nikon maintain their videographers. You being a professional photographer, I really appreciate you showing the practical use of Nikon cameras and how wonderfully robust they are. Nikon sensors produce absolutely stunning images that (in my opinion) are second to no one; I am glad you ended the video highlighting Nikon’s stunning image quality and strong dynamic range.
I'm not sure the Mark II adds much for stills, particularly for landscape photographers. I'll be holding onto my original Z7 and waiting for a Nikonized ISO64 (16 bit?) 60mp sensor next year.
@@AdamGell As primarily a stills (landscape) photographer who shoots occasional video for family and personal use, it's excellent and has everything you need for that. If you're a higher end video shooter, then honestly I don't know.
@@AdamGell I use the Z6 for client video-4K image is superb, color is rich, stabilization is very good, menus and interface are intuitive and quick, and particularly it is great as a hybrid system as well because you only flip one switch to change back to stills and have separate settings from your video settings. The only gripe I have with video is that Shutter Priority doesn't work properly in video, so you have to go into Manual if you want to specify a shutter speed. I haven't used the Z7 for video but have reviewed a lot of test footage: there is a barely perceptible difference in sharpness because the Z7 is pixel binned while the Z6 is oversampled, nothing you would notice unless you were looking at identical clips side by side or trying to make cinema. The Z7 image looks great though, and you could also record in DX crop, which is oversampled for 4K.
I agree, however, the Z6ii being $400 more, if you don't want to use CFe yet, then it's only like $180 difference. So why not get the Z6ii for that better focus, you'll never know when you'll want to change and take pics of animals and kids and etc.
And here we are 6 months later and I have a brand new Z7ii. First stop? Nigel's RU-vid channel of course to rewatch this video. Excited to get started with this camera!~
I was particularly interested to watch this one as I was curious about another landscape photographers perspective on the Z7 II. I absolutely love the Z system and my Z7... can't imagine moving away to another system. However, as an upgrade form the Z7 to the Z7 II it leaves me a bit cold. Yes, there are a couple of features there that I would find useful but it becomes a real stretch to justify the cost. If I was still on the D850 I'd be there like a shot. It's the Z camera Nikon should have released two years ago. I don't know...I'm still on the fence of if I will upgrade but as a Z8 (of something) might be coming towards the end of the 2021, I might hang fire. Like you, a fully articulated screen would be nice. I don't mind spending money on gear, but for the first time in a long time I'm going to hold fire. :-) Excellent video and well put together as usual. :-)
For me the main benefits are 4K 60 (with small crop on Z7), powered use for studio, dual cards, improved focus on Z6 for video (use it for everything I do), then small things like firmware updates through snapbridge. if you just use it for stills then probably best to keep to z7
@@NigelDanson I think you are right there, the video features are a lot more appealing. I only use my Nikon for video in the office....without the flippy out screen I find it difficult to use in the field. However, right tool for the right job for the right person! And it suits you well and that's all that really matters at the end of the day. :-)
I've also just realised I've turned into one of those people that leaves a comment telling the person why they aren't buying what ever it is they are talking about! Shame on me! 😂😁🤪
I agree, l need to some substantial improvements to upgrade from a camera that works to something with more bells and whistles. The Z6/7 were not quite there for me, the Z6&7ii look to have pushed over the edge for me.
I remembered watching this vid before and went back to it as I'm thinking of upgrading from my Nikon D5500 to the Z6ii. I was kinda worried about the F4 lenses but your review has eased any worry I had and I thank you for that Nigel. I can look forward to ordering my Z6ii now and of course more of your vids. Thank you for your work and photography and of course sharing it with us. 👍😎
Great video Nigel! Just received the Z 14 30 the other day and love it, except the corners are a little soft! Low and behold, B&H last night at 2 AM showed the Z 14-24 S in stock soI just had to pounce on it :-) Also, Nisi just released the 112mm Polarizer $199 with 100MM Filter Holder System $89 for the Z 14-24 S which is really nice, no need for huge 150mm square filters like on the Nikon 14-24 2.8G...
Thanks Nigel for your always measured and thoughtful views (no pun intended). Two thoughts. If you spend some time on Flickr or 500px, there is a lot of evidence that the Z series cameras are capable of sensational results (as most brands are). Even if the autofocus is not class leading, many users of the Z system are producing fabulous wildlife and events images. Has the polarisation and anti-evidence mentality that pervades so much public discourse found its way into photography? Thanks for keeping us sane Nigel!
I'd say it's a problem caused by people with 'too much' money being/getting used to always having the newest and best thing. Plus, people generally tend to obsess over having the latest and greatest everything, instead of focusing on their end of the photography. I wasn't around in the manual days, but current day photography is like only ever riding an electric bicycle with training wheels. As soon as you get on a regular bicycle it's suddenly a whole different world. People seem to not like putting in work, yet Leica is popular for that exact reason. It's best to rely on reviewers you trust (are skilled with a camera) or random people who use it on a daily basis.
Hope you don't mind a general observation Nigel, but whenever and wherever I turn up to take pictures, I often find my location(s) awash with plastic bags, paper, rubbish, bottles, cans, debris etc etc. You never seem to have that problem.
As an owner of the Z7, I really can't a see a real benefits to update to mark ll( as a landscape photographer) , I agree with Nigel, and I wish they fixed the tilt in portrait mode especially in some tricky angles its hard to see and adjust focus manually, and trying to do so becomes like a yoga position.. I believe the z6ll is worth upgrading for most mark l users though.
I can’t wait for my 7ii. I followed your link for the L- bracket but just takes me to general sales page with many. Can you be specific as to which one you prefer please? Love the Pebbles images.
The ergonomics & usability are pretty much the most important things. Most modern cameras take great photos (yeah yeah Nikon colors and all that) so usability is really key. I opted for the Z50 over the competition because of how good that little camera feels in my hands. I can really only see myself stepping up to something like a hypothetical Z70 with full weather sealing. Also non-cropped 4k is pretty cool.
I've had my Z6 for about a year now and prefer it to my D810 and D7100. (I still use my D810 with my 70 to 200 F2.8, 200 to 500 F5.6 and 16 to 35 F4 lens as I have to much invested in them, they're great lens and I don't like FTZ adapter). The Z6 is light and feels very comfortable in my hand and easier to take on those longer hikes to locations. The Z6 images are incredibly sharp. Being older, I love the flip out screen for lower or higher shots but agree that it would be nice if it flipped up in the portrait position. There are a couple of things I don't like thought. The XQD cards are incredibly expensive and because I have an older version of Lightroom, I need to convert my images to DNG before uploading which is probably more an Adobe thing rather than the Z6.
Mam Tor was just up the road from where i used to live but every time i tried to go up there is was packed at the top…! Just bought a z6ii and so far it’s unreal…!!
Stunning shots there. I’m planning to restart my channel later this year with some updated equipment and this has helped to make up my mind about the Z7ii. I’m into astro, so a wider lens is needed, but the body looks great. Love the dog shots - brilliant!
Thank you for making up my mind 😂😂. Sold my Leica and purchased a Nikon Z7 II and a 24-70 F2.8 to go with it. Super happy, have spent a few days setting up the camera and get to know it. Very happy camper so far!!
I enjoy your videos and love what you do, you seem so at peace with everything. Landscapes and portraits are what I enjoy most, they seems to put me in the same mindset. I also have no problem with F4 lenses, their size and cost compared to a 2.8 makes sense to me. I have thought about upgrading from my Z7 but there's not a lot to gain considering what I do. The way things have been going, something else will be coming along to once again upgrade to. It's turned into a full blown marketing challenge between brands. Some vloggers are caught up in that and everything is a contest as to who has the most bells and whistles but they don't show their work. You sir are for real. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful site and picture! Plus, a superb print. Thanks! I have the Z6ii, but have yet to be outside with it. Locked down, and wife wants me to be super cautious. Stay well, I will look for future videos.
Great video. Cameras look nice enough but what i really want is the Lake District on my doorstep. Wow. Oh and a new brain would be cool too, one that actually works for taking photos. Mine seems to be bust.
Just stunning Nigel! Very well done and nice video work. I’m on the fence for either a Z6 or Z6II purchase, and possibly the Z7. I don't know what’s in the water, but so many talented photographers, as well as musicians, originate from the UK. Thumbs up and much respect from across the pond, Nigel. Cheers! 👏🏻👍👍👍👍😁✌🏻🇬🇧 🇺🇸
@@veneratedmortal4369 Comments like this turn people off to stuff, even though there is absolutely no information about the variables. A pet? What kind of lighting, was the pet moving? Does the pet have jet black eyes that don't give anything to focus on? Is the pet dark colored with dark colored eyes, that doesn't give any contrast? What kind of animal is it? Is the animal running during focus? I mean, jeeze. I wish people would describe all the variables when reviewing something that cost $10,000.
Right! So I have already listed all my beloved Fuji gear on Ebay BEFORE watching this having made the decision to go full frame and probably get Z6II. Only 6 minutes in so far but that first image! Lush balance - love the path and wall coming in at the same point on either side. Slowly slowly getting some photomojo back. Haven't watched any photography videos for ages, glad to be back!
Well have now finished watching the video and...Z6II is the one for me. For my needs, the lower MP count will be just fine until I win the lottery. But just brilliant again! Do you miss Fuji? Is making the "operating system" switch a real pain to the brain?
Nigel thank you for your honest as well as practical review of Nikons new Z series... I’ve considered mirrorless for a while , just haven’t made the transition as my D700 is still getting the job done.
Great Video! I'm all in on the z7II, sold my D850 and all of the F-Glass on eBay three weeks ago. Brought the 24-70, 70-200 2.8 lens and waiting on my z7II in the next few weeks. I originally thought I'd be ok waiting a month without a camera to get maximum dollar for my equipment. Man, I was wrong hard to not take pictures for a month. Great job!
A very refreshing video Nigel especially compared to so many other boring vids. It’s great to see what the cameras can do. Can you use them with only an SD card in one slot or do both slots need a card I.e the smallest, cheapest QXD card in one slot?
Wow I wish we had some of your rugged views here in East Anglia Nigel! At least we have some lovely rivers and estuaries - different scenery but still lovely. As a hobbyist I’m still developing my knowledge using my D5600, which is great for me at the moment. However I’m finding the mirrorless information really interesting and if I improve sufficiently I can see that could be a good way to go in the future (when prices may have dropped also lol)! Looking forward to Sunday’s video.
I’m really surprised of your pictures it’s on believable I’m watching you every Sunday and I’m more impressed you’re really a professional photographer merry Christmas and stay well thank you Gary timor
Loved the video Nigel! Although I am a Canon and not a Nikon user, I still enjoyed seeing how you tested different aspects of the camera's and in the meantime gave tips for better photography :-). I had a question whether you know a fellow photographer that has reviewed the new canon R6 for landscape photography. I am doubting especially since the resolution (20,1 MP) is lower than what I have now and I see myself often cropping during post-processing and then still want to print relatively big (minimal A3). I know the advice is to have your composition right in the field but I am still learning :-). Thanks for any link or advice you can give me.
My favorite feature of the new II's is the "pro" feeling and sounding (slightly quieter) shutter. The other Z's are more like consumer shutters (D5xxx/D7xxx/etc.) The II's have the d300s/d500/d750 feel. It feels more responsive and faster. Sure, that has nothing to do with image quality, but I enjoy the higher quality and confidence factor. There are quite a few menu options/settings that aren't available on the Z5/Z6/Z7; yet. I also think the next few firmware updates could be surprisingly good.
There is a lot of trendy photographers who bash on these cameras!! but then you come across a few pro photographers who use the Z series and get great results! and they're go to cameras! its all about the person who uses them!
Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Nikon Z6_II. I have the camera por three weeks now, in the autonomy of mine is awful. No more than 220-230 shots in a fully charged (different charging cycles already)....Airplane mode ON, EVF only, brightness -2, etc etc....I do not understand where is the battery drain? I've read in forums people taking >1000 frames and still some %....However, I've also read that some Nikon Z cameras have problems of battery drain...there's a lot of info and user claiming that in different forums....So far, very dissapointed with the Z6_II, at least its autonomy...Of course that photopgraphy style might have a relevance on that....I mostly did street photo and landscape so far....No bursts, I can understand some byas depending on style but it should be a small %.....Can you tell me your experience while shooting? Thanks
Amazing image and print; amazing photographer; Great review; Nikon should be very happy; Thank you (I got the Z7 after I saw one of your videos about 1.5 years ago and some sharp lenses to go with it)
I'm going from a D7100, I'm torn about going to a z6II I see so many switching away from Nikon, but I love Nikon and all the glass I have. I can't go to the Z7 or Z7II, just way too expensive, the z6II is pricey enough, especially with the FTZ and the 'kit' 24-70 f4 (about $3K ish in Canada). What a great photo spot...!
The photo is beautiful!! I think it’s interesting that you don’t use the focus stacking feature built in to the Z7, but prefer to do it manually. Is there a reason for not using the in-camera option?
