Nikon Z6 1 Year Later - I SWITCHED | My Favorite Hybrid Photo/Video Camera
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- čas přidán 24. 10. 2019
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Whether hitting up Iceland or sitting back in the studio, for the last 6 months I have been almost exclusively shooting on just 1 camera. The Nikon Z6!
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Thanks, Dan. Very useful and comprehensive summary that fits with my first few months of use. I agree with many of the comments regarding the usability of this excellent first iteration. Let’s hope they keep the introduction of lenses going at full speed!
I love my Z6. The Z lenses are amazing. I am excited for the future!
Best camera I ever owned. I never thought it would become this when I first bought it - It just keeps giving you those aha moments, especially the way the video is implemented.
Hey! How does the auto-focus work in low-light?
@@navjyothkumar6754 As long as there is something to provide contrast, the autofocus works as well as can be expected. If the light is so low there is nothing to provide any contrast, any camera is going to struggle. Low light performance on the Z6 is mind-blowing for the price range. We've recorded at ISO20000 at 4K 24FPS and then done post in 1080P. For most clients they don't perceive the noise (we generally do film grain or simulate 35MM film in post). The noise is so low anyway - it really is amazing.
GB, Dose this camera have pixel shift? I am a landscape photographer who prefers to work with 24 megapixel in most occasions.
Hi, I’ve been looking for an upgrade and do you mind telling me your thoughts on the z6? Since this comment is over 1 year old and I’m curious to see do you still own it and your thoughts on it. Thanks!
Tried to go from D610 to the Fuji XT series, and I really liked the Difficult-to-describe ‘pop’ I gained. Problem was that my adapted Nikon glass couldn’t autofocus and I missed that more than anticipated. I needed to either dump the Nikon glass or else try the Z6.
Tried the Z6 and the ‘pop’ is back!! Love love love it. Amazing camera. Highly recommend.
The Z6 is a great camera and I’ve just got the 85mm 1.8s and it’s a really nice lens. I love how the lenses are equally sharp right across and corner to corner (and silent!). Nice video 👍
i was also stoked when i got my 85 1.8s..the images are much pleasing compared to F-mount and that punchy feel to your pictures..don't know why but maybe nikon has some algorithm involved when you pair your 85mm S lens on a Z body..
@@camilo8cherylis it as sharp as the
Z 50 mm F1.8 ? ....
I definitely think the Z6 is a future fwd camera! Love the colors you were able to get!
Future Proof....it had more hardware capability built in than needed so future features can, and have been, added with firmware. It the most "SDC" of any(Software Defined Camera). As one Nikon engineer stated last winter" There is no hardware limitation that would prevent the Z6/7 from tracking as well or better than the D5.We just have to develop the software"
Thanks Dan for the review 👍🙏
I really have to question your insistence on the S lenses being less quality. So far, every single S lens released so far(14-30, 24, 35, 50, 85, 24-70 and 58 0.95) is better than their much more expensive F mount lenses. Even the low cost f/4 24-70 is far better than the much larger and expensive 24-70 2.8 G and E. There is very little difference between the optical performance of the S 24-70 f/4 and what is now the nest best mid zoom on the planet, the 24-70 2.8 S. That zoom is sharper, less distortion and absent the color fringing of primes like the 50 1/4G. I have a lot invested in Nikon top F lenses and each one is not as good wide open when compared to the same FL S lenses. I have a 50 and 85 Sigma ART lenses and they come close in the very center but move from the center and are weaker than the lower cost smaller S lenses.
The number one reason to switch to Z cameras is the lens. Second is the great handling and build quality, Then the great EVF
One distinct advantage you cited as a poor choice by Nikon is use of the XQD, the most reliable, only pro-grade PCIe+ bus, and card system. Even Sony admits that the MTBF rating of a single XQD is longer than 2 SD cards which were never intended for critical work. Sony reserves use of the XQD to their pro video cameras that start at $30,000 and uses a single card slot. Those who panned the Z cameras from the beginning for the lenses and XQD revealed themselves to be clueless about the technology.
As well, the firmware for the Nikon Z6ii is orders of magnitude better than the Sony A7III, in certain things, like the adjustability of the auto focus, where you can actually custom tune the focus sensitivity and focus speed of the focusing motor, to the exact speed with the Nikon, whereas the Sony has a much coarser adjustment, with only 3 speed settings.
The Nikon also uses two processors, and because each card slot uses different media, it creates two completely separate hardware systems, for data redundancy.
Each card slot, has to use a different processor, in order to save the images simultaneously to two different types of cards, meaning the likelihood of both cards failing simultaneously is even lower than a camera with two identical SD card slots.
The Nikon Z6ii might be the most reliable design for wedding photography, and critical still image photography. If bad data is written to one card, it won't be written to the other card, because each card has it's own internal hardware.
The Nikon Z mount lenses also have cinema quality focusing, due to their lack of focus breathing effect, which is normal in still imaging lenses. The lenses can focus without appearing to zoom in and out, which is something normally seen in very expensive cinema lenses costing $12,000.
You probably dont care at all but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an instagram account??
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@Walter Jaden instablaster :)
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Excellent presentation, thank you!
Great review! I’m glad you’ve been loving & using the Z6! Nikon has seemed to have fixed a lot of the problems at launch (also ppl may hv forgotten about the 1 card slot drama). That’s great to hear about the IBIS, better than Sony? that’s amazing. I’m hoping version2 will have perfect continuous autofocus in video and 422 10bit internal recording and factory capable of recording RAW with a recorder. I’m always on the lookout for a great hybrid camera. Your images are beautiful!
I was great having you around, Hope to see you back one day when the S3 comes out 😇
Hahahaha, I feel like I waited a while! I'm actually shooting an air show tomorrow with the R4 and 200-600 that helps lol
I have the Z 6 and I love it. Patiently waiting for the 70-200mm f/2.8 S lens.
Cactus Tweeter I use a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 quite successfully on my Z6.
@@malgal2008 the F-mount 70-200mm f/2.8?
Cactus Tweeter Yeah. I’m sure a Z mount would be better, but for the price, it works really well on the Z6.
Same, but I'm thinking of getting a 70-200 f2.8 fl ed
@@lathikamihiranga Unless you had high-end F mount cameras, you will do much better with the 70-200 2.8 S, it will be lower cost, faster and better if the 24-70 2.8 is any indicator. ALL S lenses released so far are optically superior to the best F mount. I was thinking about the Tamron 70-200 G2 to replace my 70-200 2.8 VR which has been a rugged workhorse. The FL is very good but it will not be better than the S version. I like the 14-30 Tamron G2 on the Z6/7 it works really well and replaced an aging and beat up 14-24 2.8. I got it jut before getting the Z system and used in on my D850 and D800. If the I had known how good the little 14-30 S lenses was I would have gotten it because it fit my imagined need: a travel camera that would be small and light enough to take on overhead bin limited weight/size allowances. After using the Z6 more and more it just took over a first option camera at first for personal and walking around photography but gradually took over all the commercial work except when the art director insisted on large files. I ended up with a number of S lenses and found out how really great they are.
i know the limitations of my Z6, i work around that limitation.. now i got 2-Z6’s and slowly transitioning to the S-line lenses.. Z native lenses are just superb on image quality and super silent focus motors.👍👍
camilo8cheryl Great to know!
I agree, the Z lenses are soo good
Same here, changing all F to Z lenses, they are so much better, faster, silent and super sharp
How does the auto focus perform in low-light?
@@navjyothkumar6754 better compared to my D750
Wow! Great review. Thanks for your review.
Love my A7iii, BUT the ergonomics on z series is amazing. Felt like a real camera. Not a “box” with crappy rubber grip
Hmm, to me, brilliantly fast continuous AF is part of the crucially important ergonomics. I am surprised that after a year, Nikon is still fighting with delivering a Z6 firmware with an A7III-level AF solution. I used to be a Nikon fan, started with Nikon V1, great camera, but Nikon dropped later the entire Nikon1 line. I used to have a great Nikon Df, and bumm, Nikon dropped the Df line entirely. I don't know, very few Z lenes, delayed firmware updates. A7III is so affordable, absolutely future-proof vs the Z camera line from a once-great camera company.
@@nemethmik the af is fast though it's just full auto af like eye af and face detect that are not as good as the sonys. Which is literally the smallest use case of all the cameras features unless you literally only shoot portraits or sports.
I feel the same but coming from eos r after 6 months and i switch to the z6 and is just so much better beast.
@@nemethmik- You write like a fanboy. Nikon has proved that the AF in their mirrorless cameras is something that is enhanced via sophisticated software algorithms similar to the way Nikon has proved it with its firmware update for lower light AF shooting with great response and the addition of eye AF. That is what we call future proof. And the new Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera is an absolute gem for traveling light and everyday professional quality photography.
@@nemethmik Maybe those other cameras you mentioned just didn't catch on so Nikon had to drop. I don't see the Z series going anywhere.
This is encouraging to watch. I'm stuck between Nikon dSLR and Lumix m43, with significant lens investments with both. I was very close to pulling the trigger on a Lumix G9 (amazing value and very versatile) but I am now holding out for the Z6s announcement to see what that might look like. (4K60 is kind of the deal for me)
I love my z6, compact ( literally sold my d500 and d800 for one camera that does all) with the F 24-70 2.8 it does negate the compactness but not as much as you would think after trying the Z 24-70 2.8 at a local camera store. Maybe in the future but I am happy with my F glass (sigma 24-35 f2, nikon 50 1.4 and F 24-70 2.8) and they work fine for me. I do miss the two card slot from time to time, however, grabbing 12gbs of pictures and video off the card in 40 second always puts a smile on my face and makes it less of an issue
Don't you miss the D500 for wildlife compered to the Z6 .? ..(cropsensor etc )
I would like to see a video done with the 14-30mm f4, great video and review...
Hey Dan, thanks for being Dan. You could have searched out the easiest, safest, and most expensive camera to buy. But because you're a talented creator with mad skills, you didn't. I love that. Sure the z6 isn't the cheapest camera out there, but it's far from the most expensive. In my opinion you have produced some impressive high end looking videos with this camera. You continue to stay true to yourself and the art of photography and I'll continue enjoying your work.
Hi Dan, awesome vid as usual!
Appreciate that!
Nice video Dan as a Sony shooter it’s tempting,)
Dude awesome review! I love my z7 and glad I stuck with Nikon. Btw what mic were you using? Your audio sounded superb!
Just to add.... with the snapbridge app and a smart phone/tablet, you can auto send jpegs and I believe now you can send raw files too. This also adds location data into the photos so you can view on a map when in lightroom. This also negates the need for a 2nd card slot in my opinion.
I pair the z6 with my d500. And now i feel like a beast.
I use the same combo. It's amazing. But i do wish i could use 1 camera for everything. This whole "having a backup camera" thing seems a bit contrived
D500 with my A7III 👊🏾🤛🏾✊🏾💯
I have a d500 and D850 and need to sell one down to pay for the z6 and view glass I was initially thinking the 500 but now I think I will keep the 500 as the z6 see,s to handle portrate and landscape
@@michaelnikonfuji3539 Can't argue with that decision... you'll miss a few things about the 850 I'm sure like that crazy resolution, but making the leap to mirrorless is worth it. I'm LOVING the D500 / Z6 combo to get the best of DX/FX worlds. Haven't touched my D810 in over a year now...
Glad to see more confirmation that these cameras are indeed top notch, despite what various fanboys say. Perfect? No. But a great all around experience and outstanding image quality? Yes! 1 year in with my Z7 and I don’t regret selling my a7R III one bit.
IQ from Z6/Z7 is imo the best in the business.
I made the exact same move, the focusing can be annoying but i feel like when it’s hit, it’s hit better than my sony
Grayson St. Pierre I agree with that. I don’t usually shoot in challenging conditions but even in these conditions when it’s focused, you can trust that it’s focused on what you put the focus point on.
Hey! I'm a low light shooter and I'm wanting to buy all Nikon gear. Does it focus well in a concert situation?
I'm planning on about 3 tamron lenses (with an FTZ), a couple of S-Line lenses on a Z6 body.
I unfortunately am not able to get my hands on one as no one in India uses Nikon, so that I could get my hands on one to test it out.
@@navjyothkumar6754 The Z6 low light performance is great! up to ISO 102,000 it retains more detail, better color fidelity, contrasts and lower noise than the D5 which was the best concert/sports camera. Above 102k, the D5 declines in IQ but at a lower rate than the Z6. It focuses in lower light than my D850.
One of the problems with the AF is that users coming from other cameras where they learned optimized AF do not seem to experiment to find the modes and setting that work best. When one forgets old habits and concentrating on the modes and adjustments that are different, the cameras work very well. First off there is no 3-D color tracking that the D850, 500 and 5 have but it did get the update to add Nearest Object Priority so it does not jump to a more contrasty background if the foreground subject lock is lost. Another difference is a couple of the AF settings in Video impact the tracking and lockup in stills. As it is, the Z6 is better now in low light (-6ev) than any other Nikon and more accurate than any DSLR so the only problem some are having it optimizing their setting for their style and subject. The Z6 is twice as good in AF than top tier cameras just a few years ago like the D800 and D810, and better than the old sports king D3s. I know from experience that it is more accurate once locked than a Sony a7xxx. Sony has track lock more firm but that does not always or even most of the time translate to optimum focus. It might be how they are determining lock. For example use focus peaking on a Z6 and an a7III and you will get more nailed focus from the Nikon. Sony shows the focal plane in the vf but often it is NOT on the correct plane. That is why few Sony users use MF and many Nikon owners do. With fine art, product, and portraiture, the desire focal plane is not what a camera is programmed to seek. Most of the serious imaging in therefore done MF, where the photographer has a specific rendering of the focal plane boundary zones. This is particularly true of fine art. The camera does not know anything about the desired artistic traits of the image. Letting the camera pick the focal plane makes it a mechanical process instead of a personal expression.
For action shooters: Have you installed the new 3.0 firmware update? I tested the camera on BIF and the result is simply amazing! I now have a "new" Z6 shooting great action shots. The auto-focusing tracking is simple great! Just as good as the D5 and D500. It is worth every penny.
I now want to buy a CF-express so I can test how many shoots the camera is able to do in one burst on 12FPS. The upgrade really made me happy with Nikon again.
Thanks Dan, great to hear your thoughts and agree with you 100%. Whilst I’m still shooting with my D750 my wife does have a Z6 and I’m quite envious, stet that, I’m extremely envious! I am really looking forward to the z mount establishing itself and to the future for this mount. For me it’s always been about ergonomics, and Nikon nailed it again with the z6. There are stacks of really good cameras on the market and I’m always rather jealous of Sony and what it has to offer but even that can’t pull me away from the ease of the menu systems and all round ergonomics of Nikon.
Hahaha. Definitely agree with you there!
How are you my friend you are WhatsApp number
You have no reason to be envious of Sony users. The Z6 is a better built, more rugged and long-lasting camera that does EVERYTHING better, with the one exception of Eye-tracking. But Nikon has more focus accuracy so you will have more keepers. The S lenses are better and a lot lower cost. plus Sony Users pretty much have to update every 14-month product cycle to have a repairable/serviceable camera and your wife will have a very competent camera for decades. Every aspect of shooting is just better.
A perfect camera. Nice video.
Definitely getting close lol, thanks!!!
please do a video with tamron 24-70 f2.8 g2 & Nikon Z6.... how's the autofocus in video & photo and compatibility
Love the video dan, as always superior image quality, would love to see , request a video on how you have setup the z6 -z7 button configurations, video settings, audio settings, even with the ninja v and how you set that up... happy holidays dan and looking forward to the videos for us Nikon shooters.
Thanks! Awesome idea
Dan Watson thanks dan, just a little shout out when you do them lol 😆
I've been using the Z 6 for almost a year now it's proven itself
I've been punishing this camera with my daily workflow and it just always never fails me I look forward to the second generation of Z cameras and expanding my nikon Z kit
I'm a hybrid shooter
After you get used to speed of the xqd card you don't ever want to go back to a SD card
I've just been shooting with n-log which I love when editing with davinci - though next time I'm in a pinch I'll try flat profile on your recommendation and tried out
Agreed, love my Z7. Do you notice any flickering when shooting N-Log by chance?
@@Jefferoni the only time I see flickering is when I'm under certain light conditions with specific lights, I change my shutter speed until it stops
Another thing I learned about it is to shoot at a rather High ISO when using the Ninja, it's almost like I'm blowing everything out but I pull it all down in post using a very specific set of lut that I purchased soon after I got the ninja I'm not overly crazy about the Nikon Luts
If it's a constant problem I would check the wire purchasing the Ninja version to HDR HDMI 2.0 cable is worth it I just wish it didn't have coils
it seems like it doesn't heat up as much
n-log luts that I use was purchased from - colorizer.net/ - they're the best ones that I've seen and I use them daily
My favorite lenses to use on the Z6 are the 35mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/1.8 Super sharp. The bokeh is awesome.
Albert Wong one of those will be my next lens. I was blown away by the 35mm 1.8 s I tried in the store. I never got to see the 85mm but hearing awesome things about it. 👍🏻
@@FlyinRyanProductions406 The bokeh on the 85mm f/1.8 S lens is creamy
I really do appreciate the photo/video switch. Anyone who doesn't shoot both all the time just won't understand how frustrating it is, to have to switch between photo and video on a Canon EOS R or Sony A7-series. Although the Sony A7R4 does finally offer different customizations between photo and video, I'm not sure if they still force you to use the same Picture Style for both, and plus you still have to look at the mode dial very carefully to switch from "M" exposure mode to the actual video mode, which is not easy to do in pitch-dark conditions...
I love my Z7, it isn't perfect but damn good. I was a long time Canon shooter and a couple of the things I miss is the ability to press only one button to rate a photo as well as see how many photos total you have rated. As far as I know, you can't tell the number of photos rated / protected on the Z6 / Z7.
I also miss being able to hold the Fn button to switch AF Modes. On the Z7 you can map the AF modes to the Fn button but you have to press and hold while rotating the dial. If I could switch to Eye AF and back to Single Point AF with one Fn button press that would amazing. It would also be nice to see how much room exactly you have left on the memory card instead of having to look at the LCD and make a guess judging by the number of photos remaining. I look forward to seeing what Nikon comes up with next, really looking forward to Prores Raw!
Jeff Rumans you don’t need to hold the Fn button to change focus modes. You can enable an option (not sure where) maybe in controls. Which allows to press then turn the dial.
Just bought my Z6 this past weekend. My second day out, today was at Lock & Dam 14 on the Mississippi River shooting bald eagles. Am pretty happy with my first results.
what lens? Im guessing a non Z lens?
George Varkanis No Z lenses yet, but using the 400/2.8 w/ 2.0x TC, and 200-500/5.6 Nikon lenses. I have also used the 24-70 and 24-120 Nikkor lenses, and they work great.
I like the 200-600 in the background :-)
Great review, thanks 😊
Hey Dan, thanks for this awesom video! You said it comes in second d after your favorite camera so I'm curious, which one is your favorite? And also which one do you like best for color? Cheers!!
I love my z6! I use it for everything.
Regarding the "not pro-end" f/1.8 lenses, I have to disagree. This has been a 'peeve of mine, I think that we're being affected by our past attitude towards the number "1.8", period. We saw it as an amateur spec, but it really is just a number. What matters is everything else, including the actual brightness of a lens' transmission, (off-center, an f/1.8 lens can be just as bright as, or brighter than, an f/1.4, if the vignetting is well-controlled!) Also, with the massive size of the Z mount, Nikon was able to cram enough glass into these f/1.8's that the bokeh is just so smooth and buttery, it's as good as, or better than, all previous f/1.8's, and IMO even better than some of the past f/1.4 lenses that were limited by the smaller size of the F mount. Overall the lenses themselves are also extremely well-made, and it's clear that Nikon has put truly flagship performance and quality into these incredibly affordable optics. So, f/1.8 is just a number. With the addition of IBVR, and a whole new level of smooth bokeh, even as a working pro I don't miss f/1.4 at all on the Z bodies...
Matthew Saville I also agree. I’d even add that even though it’s just 1.8, most users/reviewers fail to acknowledge that a 1.4 lens often times don’t perform well at 1.4. Meaning they’re either a bit soft, vignette a lot, don’t focus silently in photo and video, not sharp corner to corner let alone the center, and providing proper depth of field for portraits. So you end up shooting those 1.4 lenses at 1.8 or f/2. So in reality if you’re able to buy a 1.8 S-line lens and have it be pretty much ideal at 1.8 without any of those limitations.
These S-line lenses focus 100% silent in photo and video, are corner to corner sharp, don’t vignette (yes there is automatic Lightroom profile being applied but at least it’s one less step for the user), stabilized by the camera, smaller and lighter, have the “pro” level coatings for flare resistance, coma corrected, barely if at all show any chromatic aberrations, barely have any focus shift. I mean that alone is incredible and they cost less then $1000.
I mean their not perfect but not many lenses are. I just think most users should point the other aspects that make them great as opposed to just saying and defaulting to the typical their not 1.4 do their not “professional” or their not better quality. I have both the Nikon 85mm 1.4 f-mount and the 1.8 SLine and I can say the s-line 1.8 doesn’t have any of the issues that the f-mount has. No chromatic aberrations, sharp corner to corner, gets the 5 axis stabilization, no vignetting, silent, protects against flare in back lighting, etc. The 1.4 85 has a lot of issues which include all that I just mentioned the 1.8 does t have. But it’s bokeh is very nice.
These s-line lenses are superb. And to me the important part is that you don’t have to second guess using them at 1.8. The 1.4 lenses I typically stop them down cause they don’t perform exceptional at 1.4.
"So, f/1.8 is just a number". No, it isn't just a number, it's a key parameter of the lens. I'm not sure what the rest of your paragraph is even trying to convey. By your logic, why is Nikon even bothering to develop the f/0.95 Noct lens??? Also, these f/1.8s have been scientifically tested by reputable independent organizations and have been proven to be "average". See dpr tests of the Sony 35MM f/1.8 vs the Z mount 35MM f/1.8 - The Sony lens handily wins
@@mallred4347 First, remember the difference between F-stop and actual transmission. Yes, "1.8" is just a number, because it is not the ONLY factor that affects transmission, nor is it the only factor that affects the character of bokeh. (In fact, there are plenty of older f/1.8 and f/2 primes with bokeh so nasty/busy that I'd rather have a modern f/2.8 zoom instead!)
I'm NOT saying there's no reason to differentiate between f/1.8 and f/0.95, obviously. All I'm saying is that f/1.8 is close enough to f/1.4 that the other factors of image quality can still add up to a "flagship-grade" lens.
Also, you're literally proving my point by mentioning that the Sony 35 1.8 is better. It costs about the same as the Nikon Z 35 1.8, by the way. (Actually, the Nikon is cheaper right now thanks to the rebate!)
Either way, I've personally tested all of the latest 35's myself, and I simply disagree with your lab stats about the Nikon being "average". Is it flawless? No. The Tamron 35 1.4 SP is nearly flawless, if you're wondering. But based on what I've seen personally, each of the Z/S f/1.8 primes is still, simply put, "flagship-grade on a budget".
@Studio Photo The 35 Z/S is indeed the weakest of the bunch; the 50mm and 85mm are just incredible. The 24mm I'm still testing; but very hopeful for a contender VS the Sony 24 1.4 GM for astro-landscape work!
Very detailed review, thanks.
Love the video! I just got mine! Huge upgrade from my D3300! Hoping to get some more shots and put them on my channel in 4K, still trying to figure out the best settings though for video as my old D3300 wasn't exactly a "Video" camera.. Trying out the hybrid as I want to get into video too as it seems quite fun to get into.
did you use you DX lenses on it? and if so how are they on the z6?
I’ve been hesitating to switch from my d3200 to the Z6! Are you happy with the switching experience ? :)
@@ophelieocean Yes definitely! I haven't really had many issues with the Z-F mount either so I can use my older lenses from my D3300, I would recommend a large XQD card as 32GB isn't much (it's what I got, I get around 20-30 mins recording via ZLOG, something I recommend) but not including pictures. Battery life depends really, I took it away for 2 days mixed video + photos and didn't even use up the full 1st battery. You can get some decent batteries on amazon too for the camera so I have 1 official and 2 non official.
When do you think the z6 will have live display of waveforms and of histogram during video?
I'm a relatively new owner of a Z6 and I like it. There are some growing pains moving from DSLR. I was on a D5200 which is not anywhere close to pro but I was used to it.
I’m coming from DSLR as well (D3200) and I’m not sure about swinging to the Z6. Would you suggest it or you regret your DSLR?
@@ophelieocean I kept my D5200. I mostly use the z but sometimes use both. I hate having to switch lenses when out. So I might put say 10-20mm on the D and 24-70 on the Z.
D focus is faster but low light performance better on Z. I bet focus is faster on Z ii. Now I like Eye autofocus and in-body stabilization. I took a photo of a flowing stream at like 1/4 sec or maybe less. Still in clear due to the IBIS. Whether you use XQD or CFExpress, they are crazy fast. I held the shutter and couldn't hit the buffer and I shoot full RAW and low JPEG
I agreed with you I have me z6 and the pictures and the video is amazing also just I shot one zombie parade on eureka spring. Arkansas and the video is super amazing just I buy the z logs on one site on internet and used me ACDSee video editing and is almos same image like cinemas camera thanks for keeping give the truth about this camera
Is it weird that I like the 10-bit NLog footage (with Nikon's NLog to rec709 LUT at 50% intensity) coming out of my Ninja V from the Z6 better than my Epic-W footage? Every shoot I'm reaching more and more for my Z6 first. By the way, when shooting internal, totally agree that the Flat profile is absolutely awesome.
Z6 + Ninja V + 1-bit N Log to rec709 is AH-MAZING. I've been too busy to send my Z6 out for the RAW upgrade but I can't wait to do it, and we plan to add more Z6s to our collection. I'm reaching for it more than our Canon XF 405s for shoots now.
Thanks for sharing this video
Great review Dan, as a D5/D850 shooter I have been sitting on the fence reference mirrorless cameras but it might be time to add a Z series camera to my set up.
John Grant i got the z6 10 months ago.
I’m using it more than my D5 !!
You should totally do it, you won't regret it...and i don't even own one, but i can tell.
If the cameras you have are doing what you need, I suggest NOT even looking at a Z6/7 and particularly no not look through the EVF.. It would be a shame to have such nice cameras collect dust on the shelf, like my D850 and lots of Nikkor fast glass. The EVF is evil...it casts a spell and you never go back.
Besides, the S lenses are even better than the bright clear, sharp informative shooting info in the EVF
You have been warned!
I had no interest in those little mirrorlesses, I used friend's Sonys and had not use for the sceen flicker and horrible cramp generating handling and random control placement.
After returning from my month trip to Turkey for New Years when my only camera that would fit in the stricted overhead bin of regional airlines was a D7000 I had to take the grip off of and only take a D90 kit lens 18-105 and a 50 1.8D. Actually, they fine and were light. But on returning I dropped by a store that had a stack of Z7 and looked at it as a possible travel/walking around camera. The 10 minutes of play with it convinced me OVF was obsolete, particularly MF in dark scenes. I figured the Z6 would be a better walking around camera but they were not imported yet to this counry. I got the Z7 with the agreement that I could trade it back if the Z6 came in within a month. I got the little 24-70 f/4 and FTZ adaptor. I shot with it and loved using it, it was small but felt like a REAL Nikon, solid, dense and rugged with a surprisingly comfortable grip.
Just before the month was up the Z6 came in and the first test shot in a dark hallway convinced me that if 51,000 ISO looked that good, I had to have it. The manager tossed in the 50 1.8 and 35 1.8 S lenses and a XQD reader for a trade straight across. Within a week even my commercial sessions were being done with the Z6 and in a month I stopped using the D850 except when an art director insisted on large files.
Every S lens released since then has been significantly better than the best F mount. Even the little kit 24-70 f/4 embarrasses the 24-70 2.8 G and E that cost me plenty but neither comes close wide open. Only when really being critical did I realize scenes I was happy with before had so much color fringing unless f/5.6 or smaller while none of the S lenses had any wide open. Comparing corners was a joke. The 85 1.4G compared to the 85 1.8 G was dramatically underperforming. Across the frame, the 85 1.8 or 50 1.8 S wide open was sharper without fringing than the F mount 1.4 at f/8. The 24-70 f/4 is surely the best kit lens in history but that is not the whole story, it is almost as good as the 24-70 2.8 S masterpiece of a lens, surely the sharpest mid zoom on earth and the kit is within 98% of it. I have Sigma ART 1.4 primes for 50 and 85 and although they are good in the center, almost as good for sharpness in the dead center but move 20% in any direction from dead center and the S lenses pull far away and stay crystal sharp to the very edges of the frame wide open. They act like slow reproduction lenses more than the fast lenses they are., nothing out has as flat MFT charts.
The 58 0.95 is out and check out Ricci Talks channel on CZcams to what it can do. He has 2 of them and used then landscape. It might be the best lens ever.
It is telling, that so many CZcams gurus who trashed the Z cameras before even seeing then are avoiding any lens comparisons between S lenses and the ones they are pushing
@@faocisco Thank you for your feedback
Wow what a great reply, many thanks, both the Z6 and Z7 are now great value, time to take out a loaner for the weekend. Regards John
Some of the best photography I've seen man
Thanks so much!!!
im confused you mention the z6 120fps crops. i know the z7 does as far as i know the z6 can only do 120fps in full frame mode not cropped....
I downloaded Z6 RAW files and I was blown away by the sheer image quality. And I am saying this as a Sony shooter.
Where did you find raw files ? Thanks
@@Makta972 photographyblog.com + dpreview. Google Z6 raw files samples and you should find it.
Great overview Dan. The image quality for both stills and video looks outstanding. Just a pity it only has one card slot (I wonder if they will switch to CF Express in the future?), and no battery grip option either. I also wondered whether you can display zebras, peaking, audio levels and a histogram on the screen all at the same time when shooting video?
So the Z6 and Z7 will support CFExpress most likely next month! There also is a battery grip they just announced last week...kinda weird looking though but you can see it in my recommended gear for the Z6. For some reason Zebras only works when using Z lenses with AF on and in video but at least it has all of those. You can't show peaking and zebras at the same time but I think all the others will work
Worth noting on the one-card "issue," if you're using an external recorder through HDMI (cough cough Atomos!) you can record to the camera AND the Atomos concurrently as long as you are recording externally at 8-bit N-log. If you want 10-bit or 12-bit RAW, you're recording externally anyway. On rare occasions, I've recorded on the Atomos and Z6 concurrently when there was something that a client would kill me if it didn't get captured.
I love my Z6 . Had a Sony A7RIII before , but sold it for my Z . Yes the Sony has more resolution and the eye AF is out of this world , but I did not love using it nor how it felt in the hand. The Z6 despite its limitations (one card slot and average EYE AF ) inspires me to go out and shoot .
coming from eos r after 6 months and i switch to the z6 and is just so much better beast. Is not something but all together make this camera a good camera
Dan, I’m so glad someone made this video. I think the z6 is supremely underrated by the hybrid community. I have used canon, Panasonic and Sony in the past for hybrid uses. I currently use Fuji and bmpcc. The z6 is my favorite camera ever. Reason being is that checks off so many boxes. Full frame, 4K, great ibis, Dx mode, pleasing colors, terrific low light, weather sealing, great flat profile (as you point out), great 120p, good battery life and excellent ergonomics. And now you can get it fairly cheap. You can fly it on a gimbal, you can rig it up and shoot 10bit on an atomos. The glass is super sharp, light and weather sealed as well. Just an all round winner.
3 years later, everybody is switching back to Nikon lol The z9 is awesome!
It really is an impressive camera. It feels so nice in the hand. I do have to say I really hope Nikon doesn’t screw us over and charge an arm and a leg for the 12bit raw upgrade. Come on Nikon you have made us all wait it’s almost 2020 we need the 12bit RAW!
It's a 200$ upgrade. 😂
Garv Sabbarwal that’s peanuts!
I think you missed something that is very important in this camera that others don't offer and works perfectly for hybrid shooters. The ON and OFF switch for photo and video. This is the reason i switch from A7III to Z6.
Cris Meman he talked about that.
Great video ! I stay with my Nikon D7500. Nikon mirorless still don't have 4 k in 60 frs only 24 and 30
I'm still going to wait for the Z series. On BH and other shops, they have WAY better deals and CUSTOM packages. The Sales now are not real savings from Nikon.
But I am excited about this upgrade in the future. As of now Nikon can only go up. 👍.
I can't wait for third party Z mount lenses, to really save the 💵
Rokinon has some I personally purchased the 14mm prime and I love it
The Nikon Z6ii has some of the best auto focus settings in the firmware from any of the other cameras from Sony. You can adjust literally everything in the settings on the Z6ii, including the focus tracking sensitivity and focus speed, with a range of at least 6 speed settings, unlike the A7III which only has 3 speed options. Also, the Z6ii has dual processors, allowing much greater firmware upgrades than the Sony or Canons. The Nikkor Z mount lenses also have cinematic quality focusing, without the normal "breathing" effect seen in still camera lenses. The lenses are specifically similar to cinematic lenses, in this regard. And the Z mount NIkkor lenses are considered some of the best mirrorless lenses on the market, with incredible imaging quality. The screen and view finder, and large battery, and dual card slots, and easy video selector switch, make the Z6ii better than anything at the price range. As well, it doesn't use H.265 codecs, it uses H.264 codecs, which are far easier to edit, and it also has clean HDMI output, for use as a web camera.
I thought the Z6 was full frame at 120p?
10:15 what a difference!
Are you going to update Z6 review with latest AF firmware?
There's no crop in 120fps
I know right
idk why so many people say there is a crop
Hello Dan 😄👋! I’m finally getting the Nikon Z6. I have a question, does the Tamron VC works along with the stabilization on the camera?
I'm really deciding if I should get a z6 but only because if I buy the z6 I will have to wait until I'm saved up for a laptop to edit videos on unless I preorder the z50 but I'm not sure if that's good enough quality to film good video and picture because I'm really looking forward to get into photography and filming
XQD cards are hands down the best at the moment. Love love love them . So stable !
The Cfexpress will be game changers . Sure hope Nikon gives us the upgrades to the d500 and d850 along with the Z cameras
check the new upgrade released today
How does the camera behave in aperture mode with autoiso ? What i mean is how the camera decides the shutter speed ? For example in EU it should be 1/50 if you shoot 25fps or 1/60 if you shoot 30fps in US, does it do that or it goes to 1/25 or 1/30 ?
Also, can you lock exposure in video mode ? you know, that AF/AE lock button that exists on some/most cameras so i can grab what exposure i want and go shoot video fast, this is in A mode i'm interested.
Have you tried the lumix S1? How does it compare?
Went from 7D to Z6. One's stone age compared to the tech in Z6. Love this camera!
Nice video, Dan. I've been using the Z7 for a year and love the camera's ergonomics. Have you tried any of your Sony lenses on it using the Techart e-mount to z-mount adapter? I've found it works pretty well on it, even with the Tamron 28-75mm and the Sigma Art 50/1.4. It makes the transition from Sony to Nikon much easier. Being a new system, there still aren't any small prime lenses available so I've been using the adapter with my Sony small primes--it's like combining the best of both systems because the adapter is only 2mm thick as opposed to the chunky FTZ adapter. The only lens so far that hasn't given me decent AF in AF-S mode is the Sony 70-200/4. Also, I've managed to get some very good third-party Fuji-like film sims picture styles from Ming Thein and they have been fun to play around with for some SOOC fun. Imagine Classic Chrome on the Z7 or Z6!
Awesome! No, I haven't tried the Sony adapter yet but maybe I need to
do you think that the EVF should be turned on as the shoot button, is pressed and the camera goes out of sleep? For example when you have the camera at your hands and you are on street photography, as you notice something interesting you instinctively press the shoot to wake up the camera. You expect that the EVF gonna wake up however, it is connected to the eye sensor and makes all the process slow.
Dan, really nice review after a year of use. It's a really great camera.
I sold my Z6 several months ago, but I loved shooting with it. Because it so light and has such great color, IQ, and stabilization I'm really considering buying it again. I still have all the adapters I used---I shoot only video on non-electronic primes. XQDs are the best. I loved using them--and still have four.
Since it's been a while since I used the Z6, I have to ask you: did they fix the crazy thing about having no exposure meter for video---what a bummer. Also, do you still have to choose between peaking and zebras?---Crazy you can't use them simultaneously.
I did a 16 minutes video on the Z6---on issue like that that make video more difficult than it should be.
As a fully manual shooter I need peaking all the time---AND zebras. Without zebras and no exposure meter you're without any real means of judging exposure---sorry, histograms are not good for video.
Are they planning a fix for these and other things?!? This camera is too good in video to leave it so incomplete in something so basic as exposure.
thoughtful questions. i look forward to any responses from real-world users. as someone who uses video (50% vid/50% stills), not having a full array of accessible video focusing and exposure tools is important to me.
Hi William, when you wrote "having no exposure meter for video", actually what function did you mean? A wave-form monitor or vector-scope? You mentioned that you are a MF video shooter, was it possible on the Z6 to zoom-in while recording video to check focus? This is possible only on Sony cameras, but not on any others.
Z6 is great camera. But since I saw the specs for Mark iii ima just save up, idc if it’s 6k $ camera, internal raw, is just done deal.
Hello man. That's a good review. Respect. I've got a Nikon z6, too, and I have a question. Don't you think Nikon has a little red skinton? It's with the right balance
Hi! What lens was this video shot with? Maby i missed it.
Hey Dan! Thank you so much for the review. This was something that I was hoping that someone would put up from a really long time, and its finally here, thank you for an unbiased review.
I really need some help and I hope you could help me figure things out. I'm a freelance photographer and cinematographer from India (which by the way has the worst market for Nikon, for not a single person uses it therefore there's a horrible shortage of Nikon cameras or lenses to rent).
But, 3 years ago, I had a Nikon D750 which I absolutely loved for it's autofocus speed and absolutely amazing colors, which always tended to produce results that I liked to see. But unfortunately, due to a filming accident, I lost to sea water and that's that.
Since which time, I've only been renting other cameras and getting my work done. But, now I'm ready to invest and purchase equipment of my own.
I've got about $11,000 USD to invest in all new equipment and I always wanted to get back to Nikon. I primarily shoot concerts, corporate events and weddings. Concerts are mainly low light, and I'm concerned if buying a Z6 would turn out to be a problem. I do like the Sony bodies (not as much though), always hated Canon but nothing feels more like home than a Nikon. Unfortunately, given that I am unable to get my hands on a Nikon mirrorless, I'm not able to take a decision if I should go with the new Nikon systems, or go with Sony. Most of my work is low-light and autofocus is a priority for me.
I really hope you or anyone on this comment section can help me out!
Also, Eye AF doesn't matter as much to me.
If you haven't already bought it. I'd recommend a Sony system. With a grip it's entirely different. But if you do video and photo simultaneously I'd say chose another system cause the SD cards are slow and you can't go really into video
Does this camera display waveform and histogram during video recording?
s 50mm 1.8, best lens I have ever had.
Compared to what lenses? Old Nikon? Canon? Sony E GM ?
Hi Dan - great video! You mentioned you thought the Z6 was second best for colour - what is your no. 1 choice for colour? I shoot mainly landscape and would be really interested to hear on the colour choice..
So for landscapes I actually like Nikon's coloring. It's a tad green for me with portraits but that usually works out better for landscapes. Portraits the Canon is more magenta so I can desaturate without losing skin color/tones. Personal preference though
Thanks Dan :)
A very clean Video image here, congratulations: Are you using the Appature 120 for this clip too? if so, which modifiers are you using on it ?
Thanks! I do own the 120D but I shoot my videos with this LED: bhpho.to/2VXUUsB
I don't use the 120D just because it is a bit large for my office but I use it for wedding receptions and larger shoots all the time
Brilliant video! My Z6 arrived yesterday.I will use it predominantly for shooting video and also as a second camera (*fail safe) I have several F mount lenses (35m 1.4, 50m 1.4, 85m 1.8 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200m 2.8) I haven't bought any S mount lens, as I'm keen to save money where possible. What are your thoughts on this strategy?
Nice!!! So far I haven't had any issues using the F mount lenses although the new Z lenses are slightly more tuned for video with quieter & smoother video autofocus. I certainly wouldn't rush to replacing any lenses but if you ever find a sale on any of the Z replacements or if you are a little unhappy performance wise with any of those, maybe consider going Z. Other than that, sounds like an awesome plan!
Does it become crop sensor when you use an adaptor for EF lenses or it still stays Full Frame ???
Nikon z6 or nikon d780 which one is better..plz reply
Excellent video.
I'm in the market for a good 4K video camera easy to use would you recommend the 90D thanks
Maybe check out the Fuji X-T3 first unless you already own Canon lenses or pick up the Z6 for $1699 which is a deal
Dan Watson thank you for replying I own the M50 with kit lens and 22mm so I’m okay to change I dont really like the Fuji body style I’ll look into this Nikon thank you regards from the UK
Hi Dan! A fantastic review, as always! I was wondering if you could help me make a decision. I am looking to upgrade from my APS-C (Canon) system, and was wondering which would be the best system to buy into. I'm a serious hobbyist and shoot some videos. I currently own Canon APS-C glass and a nifty fifty. Although, Sony with its spec sheet really appeals, most glass for it seems beyond my budget. On the other hand, the lack of good slow-mo, makes the EOS R somewhat less desirable. Is the Nikon mirrorless system worth it? Especially video autofocus and the performance of F mount glass with the adapter. I'd be really glad if you could share your thoughts on this.
Thanks! So pretty much any full frame camera means you need to upgrade your lenses so you could consider the Canon 90D as an upgrade which (not sure what your last camera was) might be a decent upgrade while still being APSC. Now if you want to go full frame, you need to get new lenses anyway so that's where a switch could happen. The EOS R is a bit weak at the moment unless you have a TON of $ for their insanely awesome but expensive lenses and your APSC glass won't work so no help there. The Nikon Z system has a better selection of cheaper lenses and is a better camera in most areas. I find video AF on the Nikon is pretty good especially in decent light. In stills, occasionally it just seems to love to hang on to the background, suffers in low light, and can be a bit more limited than say Sony who is leading on autofocus tech right now. If you are shooting fast motion and need a super advanced AF system, maybe consider Sony who also has cheaper lenses, otherwise the Nikon Z6 is awesome
Hi, the real world battery life wasn't mentioned. How are you finding it? Is it lasting all day, couple of batteries a day ??
Crop in 120 is only on z7 , if thinking of video go for z6 ,it gives full frame 120 and 4K 30
Yes. The Z6 is amazing! Just posted my 1 year review on it!
what IS your favorite for color?
The Z6 is a great camera, easily the most underrated FF MILS camera. It has some limitations for sure. I don’t agree with the, in my eyes anyway, nonsense about the single card slot. It’s not like it’s a single, more suspect SD card...an XQD card and smart card procedures are fully acceptable in my eyes. For me, I have kept my D500 to cover the situations where the Z6 is not suitable for me and I expect the next firmware update to narrow the gap further. Would absolutely love to have a mirrorless replacement for the D500 though. For now my Canon and Sony glass sits in a corner gathering dust more or less.
I had it for 6 months and sold it. The sensor is very good, the AF system is not so good, and I felt like missing fully swiveling screen too much. For the current price it's a good deal, actually. Just was not one of the cameras that urge me to use them. And about the lenses - they are fine. I had 3 of the Z lenses, all were great. Better than the F-mount ones.
I've never noticed a crop at 10 80 120fps maybe its just real small
Hi Dan! Thx for a great review. I am kinda new on the Video side. Do you have a recommendation video settings for Z7? I like your work and I am curious on how your settings are, especially on the focus tracking side etc. So many bird shooting settings on youtube, but I don't shoot birds... Thx again!
Thanks! So I typically shoot 4k in the flat color profile. Face and eye detection only works in the wide focus mode so I'll use that when recording people. Otherwise my settings change pretty often depending on the subject
You seem to be saying that the camera crops when shooting slow mo video (120fps), and I don’t think that’s the case.
I've just tested it, and as you say it doesn't crop in the 120fps modes.
How is the performance on autofocus in video when using adapter?
The Samsung NX1, which came out in late 2014, did all that and more, in video or stills mode.
I had the NX1 and absolutely loved it. Samsung was at least 3 years ahead of its time. Even their lens was amazing. I cried a bit when I had to sell it lol...i wish they had stayed in the market.
Great review Dan! Love my Z6... I heard the guy from Atomos mention that Nikon has a big AF update coming. I hope this is true :-)
Hope so!
Waiting for that too.
Will be adding a second one if that happens.
Is coming on December after z50 coming out
For my work, I am not sure I would need any better...mostly portrait, theater, ballet, lifestyle, fashion catalog, and events. The 2.01 firmware really changed the camera, it focuses more accurately than even the D850 and in lower light. The D5 and D850 still track better for sports and BIF but they do better than any mirrorless. The only advantage Sony has is the Eye AF tracks at a further distance but after using them, the tracking and the focus accuracy are not the same. I do a lot of studio work using MF and the focus peaking on Nikon Z cameras is a lot more accurate than Sony, which is why few Sony users shoot MF.
The handling, controls and rugged build quality are far better than the Sony. How can any camera be considered by pros that is not weather-sealed? I don't get it why Sony is so unconcerned about the flimsiness of their cameras, Maybe they know the CZcams generation change cameras every 12-14 months to they can have a lot wider margins if they build only to last 12-14 months.
I shoot almost exclusively with the Z6 now, and the D850 and D800 are used only when an art directly insists on the larger files of the D850. The current 2.01 AF is never the cause of shots to be rejected, the keeper rate is higher now with S lenses while a big investment in top F mount lenses gather dust on the self.
@@stanspb763 As an ex-Nikon fan, I really appreciate your enthusiasm, I'd love to love Z6, but I am absolutely not sure, if Z system survives the fierce competition. I've just checked e-infinity online store, and out of the 8 best selling cameras, 5 are Sony FF, 1 canon DSLR (5DIV), 1 Nikon DSLR (D850), and the 8th is the Tamron 2870 for Sony. Your situation is easy, since you have Nikon gear, but I am not sure, if going for the Z system would be a smart move, whatever I'd love to have a Z6 or Z7.
I shoot headshots and real estate video mostly and I’m very tempted to sell my D850 and switch to the Z6. 24 megapixels is enough for me and ProRes RAW is very enticing.
I shoot Fujifilm for video, but have never invested fully in the X Mount system because I’m so invested into Nikon F Mount lenses. It would be exciting to simplify to just Nikon and native lenses.
Hi sir
I have Nikon Z6 and I'm using 50mm 1.8G with FTZ. While shooting with 1.8 aperture there is slightly blur but with 2.8 aperture fine and getting sharp images. what is problem in it? Will you please help me for it?
TIA