Jeffrey, this is the best review I've come across to help me decide on the Z camera for me. I shoot stills (mostly landscapes) and so really relate to the reasons you list for opting for the Z7 II. Many thanks for the video!
Agreed. I love my Z7 II. The only things the Z8 has that I'd like are the sensor cover and fully articulating screen, but those 2 things don't justify the big price difference to me. I couldn't care less about video features, and the better autofocus doesn't mean that much to my landscape photography. I'd consider an upgrade if they'd release something with the Z7 II form factor, sensor cover and fully articulating screen for under $3000.
Your thoughts echo mine! I would like that articulating screen and sensor cover, but that doesn't justify the upgrade - especially with the size and weight increase. For me, same form factor as the Z7 II (or a touch smaller/lighter) and those two features would be nice. I wouldn't mind faster autofocus and better lowlight focus as well as a nice to have. The pace of landscape photography helps offset some of that. Thanks for watching!
Great video Jeff. I would hope that if Nikon comes out with a 7iii they would include a sensor shield and better auto focus for birding I would probably definitely upgrade. Otherwise, I will stay with my 7ii. I agree with you there isn't that much of a difference as a primarily landscape photographer to upgrade as the image quality just isn't noticeable. Have a good one my friend.
Same deal here - I concur. Even more so for me. I have zero interest in landscapes/scenery. However, I shoot weddings, events, street photography. I have two Z6ii's, and they are marvelous. Even for fast moving events with people dancing and jumping around, in AFC, I rarely ever miss focus. If you know your schtick well, have your cameras on the right settings, have muscle memory down pat, then these are great machines. I trialed the Z8 and it was horrible. A huge bulking thing, with large files, was heavy and here in Australia, that wretched thing is literally $7,000, just for the body - no thanks!
The z6ii is such a great camera. I still do headshots and some portrait/event work occasionally - I actually tend to shoot all of that on the z6ii. Super solid camera!
The camera is spectacular and all, but I really wish to see a little bit more being said about landscape lenses kits and how they compare to the competition.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Exactly. I've been looking around but comparisons tend to be limited and very body focused. But few people talk about the whole thing. For example, a sony and canon kits are very close to nikon. But there are also fuji x and G lines, which brings some interesting mixes to the table. You can get a lighter/smaller kit which still delivers quite enough or a bigger and a bit more expensive kit which seem to give much more IQ.
Z7II is more camera than the average Photographer needs. I still have the original Z7. I would say, borrowing from ‘Thom Hogan,’ if You cant get a wall hanger with either of these cameras, it’s not due to them, but the lack of skill from the Human behind them! Z6II is a very sound camera, but many are turning to the new Zf, and ditching their Z6ii’s? I don't know? What I do know is I like this guy here, name of Jeffrey Tadlock. 😊 Stay safe and Happy Shooting
Z7 II is a bit of a beast! I really like having dual card slots, so I skipped the Z7 until Nikon finally released something with the dual slots. I like the Z6II as well, I’m a habitual cropper though, so the extra MP of the Z7 II (or Z7) help with that. I would agree though - in none of these cases is it the camera keeping one from getting great shots. Good hearing from you!
I still shoot with my Nikon Z 7ii as well, but I have a couple Z8 and Z9's. I use the Z 7ii because it works great for landscape photography...Period. Same pixel size as the Z8 and Z9 so not any difference there. All my cameras have 2 card slots and the Z9 is the best one for that. But the Nikon Z 7ii is so comfortable to use. I don't ever plan on getting rid of it. I plan on using the Z9 for sports and wildlife...birds... or anything fast. Z8 for portraits only probably. Z 7ii for landscapes. I have no problem with size of the cameras or weight...none issue for me. So that's my story and I am sticking to it...for now anyway. Thanks for sharing how you use your Z7ii...
Sounds like an awesome camera setup! I certainly do think the Z8 and Z9 have their place - especially for things you mentioned - sports and wildlife to take advantage of that faster AF. I do agree on comfort of the z7ii, fits in hand quite nicely! Do you think the Z8 could replace your Z9 for the sports and wildlife?
Do I think the Z8 could replace they Z9?? NEVER!! The Z9 is an amazing piece of equipment all in its own right. They both can be used for similar things that's for sure. I think the AF in the new Zf Nikon will blow things away as well. I believe Nikon has a lot of things coming that will make your mind swell a bit. I can't wait to see what's coming. But right now...the Z7II is my landscape camera. The Z8 for portraits and weddings and the Z9 wildlife and sports and anything else. Either the Z8 or Z9 would work for everything pretty amazingly and the weight is just a very small thing to bark about for the power that is in your hand with one of them. Nikon is doing it right... I look forward to your next video...Peace
The Z9 seemed a powerhouse of a camera, wasn’t sure how much overlap between the Z8 and the Z9 there would be - appreciate the insight! I think if Nikon could get their autofocus improved (or even better - industry leading), they’d have one of the major things people bring up when it comes to Nikon. I do think they’ve made improvements through each model release - especially with the Z8 and Z9. So it seems like they have the technology - it is just a matter of doing it affordably in some of the non-Pro camera lines. Definitely agreed though - I am a big Nikon fan and am glad to see some of their recent releases.
I don't have a problem with the autofocus much...I think they improve with every firmware update like the one yesterday for the Z9. I hear things but I also hear a lot of things on other brands. I just love the Nikon and always have. It's a solid camera and it feels like something in your hand. I hate all this AI crap though. It's not photography at all. Anyway, great videos and I look forward to the next one. Peace@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography
I forgot to mention that I hate focus stacking and extra unnecessary post processing. That is why I make such a big deal over the Fujifilm depth of field scale. This scale simplifies work in the field and in post. In other words I can get everything correct in camera. Then post processing is simplified.
I don't know if I've ever seen a depth of field scale - but that sounds amazing! And though I focus stack, I would prefer not to and a lot of times it is for "safety" shots in case I need to do something in post because I messed something up in the field. A scale as you describe would make life in the field so much easier!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography All the old Nikkor primes have depth of field scales engraved on the lens barrel. The Hasselblad, Mamiya and Bronica medium format primes also had these scales as well as the current production Leica primes. The old school photojournalists used the scale to zone focus to be prepared for the decisive moment. And of course it was a great tool for landscape work.
@@keithpeeples3565And you can get a Nikon to M adaptor or one of the Voitlander lenses at a fraction of the price. But for landscapes, I doubt they are weather sealed or color all the focal ranges a scape photographer would want.
Still shooting with the D810. I shoot wildlife also but pockets are shallow. Might actually move up to the D850 when Nikon runs a sale if I have the extra $$ laying around. Heck, for landscape, you could of went with the original Z7! The way I see it, if your camera does what you need it to & still function …. Speaking of low light performance, doesn’t the Z8/9 have some kind of see in the dark feature for when shooting Astro?
@@thomastuorto9929 The D850 is a powerhouse of a camera - even today! I do think an original Z7 is a good option as well. Single card slot is a bit of an issue for me as due to other work, I have a 2nd slot pretty integrated into my workflow. The Z8 and Z9 have a warm display option that makes the menus red for not hurting night vision. They also released the warm display to the Z6ii/Z7ii in a firmware update this summer as well.
Finally some common sense regarding the Z8 from a landscape photographer perspective. The weight difference is 10oz. The Z7 is 22.7oz and Z8 is 32.1oz. The D850 weighs 32.7oz. All the advertising ignores this fact. How does Nikon design a mirrorless and mechanical shutter less camera that weighs the same 2 pounds as the D850?? I shot Nikon for 30 years. I want to go back to Nikon but in my opinion for landscape work Fujifilm has them beat. Yes my GFX50R at 27.7oz weighs less than a Z8. The feature I love most on the GFX50R and the X-T3 is the accurate depth of field scale. I have this scale set up in the EVF and LCD screen. This works just like the scale on my old wide angle Nikkor 20mm f2.8 ais. I don't even have to focus or worry about hyperfocal distance or apps on my phone, the scale shows exactly what is in focus from infinity to the nearest point. I have emailed Nikon about this for 4 years and have been completely ignored. Give me a z7iii with a screen that tilts both ways plus a calibrated and accurate depth of field scale and I will sell the fujis. The Fujifilm XT5 would be the perfect landscape camera if it were full frame, it isn't that hard to see that. Come on Nikon.
The size and weight of the Z8 are what make it such a non-starter for me. I just don't want to take up more room in my pack or carry more weight. I agree - not sure why the camera is so big! Going to comment on the depth of field on the other reply!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I think that the Z8 is so much bigger and heavier is because of the 8K video and high burst rate still options. Those generate a lot of heat. Therefore a bigger heatsink and bigger body are needed so that the camera wouldn't over heat that fast.
@@PekkoAhlsten Oh! That could make sense. I hadn’t considered heat impact and that as the video gets to 8K and such more heat, so more room needed to dissipate the heat. Appreciate the comment!
I think i am doing some good work in landscape but i dnt knw where i can showcase them aur earn through them to do my work more passionately can you suggest something
Making money with landscape photography can be challenging! It sounds like you are most interested in selling your photos, I am assuming in print or licensing them for print. My general recommendation is at a minimum you want a website to direct people towards - both to see your work and to purchase your work through. Work on getting plenty of images up on there, so people can easily see some of the options they can purchase. Once you have that, then you need to get people to be aware of you. There are a variety of ways to do this - social media being the common one, though the algorithms have made this harder than it used to be, but think of if it as an awareness building tool, an opportunity for people to first see your work and learn about you. Just be sure to be social on social media and be an active participant - the reality is people buy based on relationships more than the first pretty picture they see. Then - locally, look for opportunities to display your work. Our local camera club helps facilitate some of the local showings I participate in. But you can also look for open calls where galleries are looking for people to participate in showings. The goal here is to get people to see your work. Make sure to have an About you information card to talk about you and also a link to your website. Those are just some starter ideas. Really, it is a lot of trying different things and seeing what works, with the primary goal being getting your work out there to be seen.
Both of those are great cameras as well. I went z7ii primarily to support my habitual cropping and to have some extra MP to help support that habit. A little bit because of the Base 64 ISO - though, I’d say that was just a “nice to have” as much as anything.
I still shoot a D850. What would I gain by going with the Z7 or Z8 ?, not that much, plus I would either have to invest in new lenses or an adapter and would lose some functionality of all my D series lenses. No real noticeable image quality would be gained, and the big "less weight" thing is not that significant for me, only my wallet would get lighter.
I could probably handle it being a little heavier and just find something else in my camera bag to be a little more weight efficient in. The increase in size of camera body is what I find especially annoying. Probably a small thing, I know - but one of the advantages of mirrorless was supposed to be weight and size advantages. Still hoping a Z7III is in the future - if not, I'll probably at some point pickup a Z8 on sale, just to keep my gear current and semi-updated.
You make a lot of sense. You are certainly worth listening to. Thank you.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video. I also have the ZII, just a fantastic camera.
I love it! Just got back from a week in Death Valley and the camera did great! Thanks for watching!
Jeffrey, this is the best review I've come across to help me decide on the Z camera for me. I shoot stills (mostly landscapes) and so really relate to the reasons you list for opting for the Z7 II. Many thanks for the video!
I still love my Z7II, for landscapes I think it is hard to beat! Glad the video helped!
Agreed. I love my Z7 II. The only things the Z8 has that I'd like are the sensor cover and fully articulating screen, but those 2 things don't justify the big price difference to me. I couldn't care less about video features, and the better autofocus doesn't mean that much to my landscape photography. I'd consider an upgrade if they'd release something with the Z7 II form factor, sensor cover and fully articulating screen for under $3000.
Your thoughts echo mine! I would like that articulating screen and sensor cover, but that doesn't justify the upgrade - especially with the size and weight increase.
For me, same form factor as the Z7 II (or a touch smaller/lighter) and those two features would be nice. I wouldn't mind faster autofocus and better lowlight focus as well as a nice to have. The pace of landscape photography helps offset some of that.
Thanks for watching!
Great video Jeff. I would hope that if Nikon comes out with a 7iii they would include a sensor shield and better auto focus for birding I would probably definitely upgrade. Otherwise, I will stay with my 7ii. I agree with you there isn't that much of a difference as a primarily landscape photographer to upgrade as the image quality just isn't noticeable. Have a good one my friend.
Thank you! Both things you mention would be nice. Anxious to see what they come up with for a 7iii release!
Same deal here - I concur. Even more so for me. I have zero interest in landscapes/scenery. However, I shoot weddings, events, street photography. I have two Z6ii's, and they are marvelous. Even for fast moving events with people dancing and jumping around, in AFC, I rarely ever miss focus. If you know your schtick well, have your cameras on the right settings, have muscle memory down pat, then these are great machines. I trialed the Z8 and it was horrible. A huge bulking thing, with large files, was heavy and here in Australia, that wretched thing is literally $7,000, just for the body - no thanks!
The z6ii is such a great camera. I still do headshots and some portrait/event work occasionally - I actually tend to shoot all of that on the z6ii. Super solid camera!
The camera is spectacular and all, but I really wish to see a little bit more being said about landscape lenses kits and how they compare to the competition.
Like why Nikon lenses versus other brand lenses for landscape photographers?
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography
Exactly.
I've been looking around but comparisons tend to be limited and very body focused.
But few people talk about the whole thing.
For example, a sony and canon kits are very close to nikon. But there are also fuji x and G lines, which brings some interesting mixes to the table. You can get a lighter/smaller kit which still delivers quite enough or a bigger and a bit more expensive kit which seem to give much more IQ.
Z7II is more camera than the average Photographer needs. I still have the original Z7. I would say, borrowing from ‘Thom Hogan,’ if You cant get a wall hanger with either of these cameras, it’s not due to them, but the lack of skill from the Human behind them! Z6II is a very sound camera, but many are turning to the new Zf, and ditching their Z6ii’s? I don't know? What I do know is I like this guy here, name of Jeffrey Tadlock. 😊 Stay safe and Happy Shooting
Z7 II is a bit of a beast! I really like having dual card slots, so I skipped the Z7 until Nikon finally released something with the dual slots. I like the Z6II as well, I’m a habitual cropper though, so the extra MP of the Z7 II (or Z7) help with that. I would agree though - in none of these cases is it the camera keeping one from getting great shots.
Good hearing from you!
I still shoot with my Nikon Z 7ii as well, but I have a couple Z8 and Z9's. I use the Z 7ii because it works great for landscape photography...Period. Same pixel size as the Z8 and Z9 so not any difference there. All my cameras have 2 card slots and the Z9 is the best one for that. But the Nikon Z 7ii is so comfortable to use. I don't ever plan on getting rid of it. I plan on using the Z9 for sports and wildlife...birds... or anything fast. Z8 for portraits only probably. Z 7ii for landscapes. I have no problem with size of the cameras or weight...none issue for me.
So that's my story and I am sticking to it...for now anyway. Thanks for sharing how you use your Z7ii...
Sounds like an awesome camera setup! I certainly do think the Z8 and Z9 have their place - especially for things you mentioned - sports and wildlife to take advantage of that faster AF. I do agree on comfort of the z7ii, fits in hand quite nicely!
Do you think the Z8 could replace your Z9 for the sports and wildlife?
Do I think the Z8 could replace they Z9?? NEVER!! The Z9 is an amazing piece of equipment all in its own right. They both can be used for similar things that's for sure. I think the AF in the new Zf Nikon will blow things away as well. I believe Nikon has a lot of things coming that will make your mind swell a bit. I can't wait to see what's coming. But right now...the Z7II is my landscape camera. The Z8 for portraits and weddings and the Z9 wildlife and sports and anything else. Either the Z8 or Z9 would work for everything pretty amazingly and the weight is just a very small thing to bark about for the power that is in your hand with one of them. Nikon is doing it right... I look forward to your next video...Peace
The Z9 seemed a powerhouse of a camera, wasn’t sure how much overlap between the Z8 and the Z9 there would be - appreciate the insight!
I think if Nikon could get their autofocus improved (or even better - industry leading), they’d have one of the major things people bring up when it comes to Nikon. I do think they’ve made improvements through each model release - especially with the Z8 and Z9. So it seems like they have the technology - it is just a matter of doing it affordably in some of the non-Pro camera lines.
Definitely agreed though - I am a big Nikon fan and am glad to see some of their recent releases.
I don't have a problem with the autofocus much...I think they improve with every firmware update like the one yesterday for the Z9. I hear things but I also hear a lot of things on other brands. I just love the Nikon and always have. It's a solid camera and it feels like something in your hand. I hate all this AI crap though. It's not photography at all. Anyway, great videos and I look forward to the next one. Peace@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography
My analysis exactly.
Yep - the Z7 II is a pretty amazing landscape photography camera!
I forgot to mention that I hate focus stacking and extra unnecessary post processing. That is why I make such a big deal over the Fujifilm depth of field scale. This scale simplifies work in the field and in post. In other words I can get everything correct in camera. Then post processing is simplified.
I don't know if I've ever seen a depth of field scale - but that sounds amazing!
And though I focus stack, I would prefer not to and a lot of times it is for "safety" shots in case I need to do something in post because I messed something up in the field. A scale as you describe would make life in the field so much easier!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography All the old Nikkor primes have depth of field scales engraved on the lens barrel. The Hasselblad, Mamiya and Bronica medium format primes also had these scales as well as the current production Leica primes. The old school photojournalists used the scale to zone focus to be prepared for the decisive moment. And of course it was a great tool for landscape work.
@@keithpeeples3565And you can get a Nikon to M adaptor or one of the Voitlander lenses at a fraction of the price. But for landscapes, I doubt they are weather sealed or color all the focal ranges a scape photographer would want.
Still shooting with the D810. I shoot wildlife also but pockets are shallow. Might actually move up to the D850 when Nikon runs a sale if I have the extra $$ laying around. Heck, for landscape, you could of went with the original Z7! The way I see it, if your camera does what you need it to & still function ….
Speaking of low light performance, doesn’t the Z8/9 have some kind of see in the dark feature for when shooting Astro?
@@thomastuorto9929 The D850 is a powerhouse of a camera - even today! I do think an original Z7 is a good option as well. Single card slot is a bit of an issue for me as due to other work, I have a 2nd slot pretty integrated into my workflow.
The Z8 and Z9 have a warm display option that makes the menus red for not hurting night vision. They also released the warm display to the Z6ii/Z7ii in a firmware update this summer as well.
Finally some common sense regarding the Z8 from a landscape photographer perspective. The weight difference is 10oz. The Z7 is 22.7oz and Z8 is 32.1oz. The D850 weighs 32.7oz. All the advertising ignores this fact. How does Nikon design a mirrorless and mechanical shutter less camera that weighs the same 2 pounds as the D850?? I shot Nikon for 30 years. I want to go back to Nikon but in my opinion for landscape work Fujifilm has them beat. Yes my GFX50R at 27.7oz weighs less than a Z8.
The feature I love most on the GFX50R and the X-T3 is the accurate depth of field scale. I have this scale set up in the EVF and LCD screen. This works just like the scale on my old wide angle Nikkor 20mm f2.8 ais. I don't even have to focus or worry about hyperfocal distance or apps on my phone, the scale shows exactly what is in focus from infinity to the nearest point. I have emailed Nikon about this for 4 years and have been completely ignored. Give me a z7iii with a screen that tilts both ways plus a calibrated and accurate depth of field scale and I will sell the fujis. The Fujifilm XT5 would be the perfect landscape camera if it were full frame, it isn't that hard to see that. Come on Nikon.
The size and weight of the Z8 are what make it such a non-starter for me. I just don't want to take up more room in my pack or carry more weight. I agree - not sure why the camera is so big!
Going to comment on the depth of field on the other reply!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I think that the Z8 is so much bigger and heavier is because of the 8K video and high burst rate still options. Those generate a lot of heat. Therefore a bigger heatsink and bigger body are needed so that the camera wouldn't over heat that fast.
@@PekkoAhlsten Oh! That could make sense. I hadn’t considered heat impact and that as the video gets to 8K and such more heat, so more room needed to dissipate the heat. Appreciate the comment!
I think i am doing some good work in landscape but i dnt knw where i can showcase them aur earn through them to do my work more passionately can you suggest something
Making money with landscape photography can be challenging! It sounds like you are most interested in selling your photos, I am assuming in print or licensing them for print.
My general recommendation is at a minimum you want a website to direct people towards - both to see your work and to purchase your work through. Work on getting plenty of images up on there, so people can easily see some of the options they can purchase.
Once you have that, then you need to get people to be aware of you. There are a variety of ways to do this - social media being the common one, though the algorithms have made this harder than it used to be, but think of if it as an awareness building tool, an opportunity for people to first see your work and learn about you. Just be sure to be social on social media and be an active participant - the reality is people buy based on relationships more than the first pretty picture they see.
Then - locally, look for opportunities to display your work. Our local camera club helps facilitate some of the local showings I participate in. But you can also look for open calls where galleries are looking for people to participate in showings. The goal here is to get people to see your work. Make sure to have an About you information card to talk about you and also a link to your website.
Those are just some starter ideas. Really, it is a lot of trying different things and seeing what works, with the primary goal being getting your work out there to be seen.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography thankyou so much for your kind information
If the D750 was your workhorse, why not stick to something similar like the Z5 or Z62?
Both of those are great cameras as well.
I went z7ii primarily to support my habitual cropping and to have some extra MP to help support that habit. A little bit because of the Base 64 ISO - though, I’d say that was just a “nice to have” as much as anything.
I still shoot a D850. What would I gain by going with the Z7 or Z8 ?, not that much, plus I would either have to invest in new lenses or an adapter and would lose some functionality of all my D series lenses. No real noticeable image quality would be gained, and the big "less weight" thing is not that significant for me, only my wallet would get lighter.
The D850 is pretty much Nikon's pinnacle of the DSLR camera - definitely a top performing camera even today!
For landscapes the Z8 is just... heavier.
I could probably handle it being a little heavier and just find something else in my camera bag to be a little more weight efficient in. The increase in size of camera body is what I find especially annoying. Probably a small thing, I know - but one of the advantages of mirrorless was supposed to be weight and size advantages.
Still hoping a Z7III is in the future - if not, I'll probably at some point pickup a Z8 on sale, just to keep my gear current and semi-updated.