Canon R6 Vs Nikon Z6 II - The One I’m Keeping

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Drop any questions you have here. I'll be doing specific videos comparing the autofocus, as well as a video dedicated to low light focus / high iso in the next week or so.

[@lotharjoseph5040]

please just do a comparison between Nikon Z6 II & Panasonic S5...85mm S 1.8 VS new 85mm 1.8 from lumex.. side by side...i think alot of people want to see that battle ☺️

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Regarding getting an AF lock for eye detect at a longer distance, it's sort of pointless if you think about it. As photographers we know that DoF increases as you get further away from your subject. But what's actually happening is the camera is less and less able to resolve detail which creates an apparent increase in depth of field. The focal length of the lens, it's aperture, and ability to resolve detailed coupled with the pixel density of the sensor are what are going to determine how far back a camera needs to attempt to focus on an eye such that eye AF is better than face AF. Considering that the human eye is roughly about an inch and a half even on a 60 megapixel camera that's not that far back. In short Sony and Canon are doing a parlor trick. Nikon is being more realistic in terms of what's going on in the EVF. At the same time however it's possible that Nikon sees the eye just as soon as the others do it just doesn't opt to mislead the user about what's really in focus with respect to the sensor's ability to resolve detail. I've done a number of tests with this where I compare where Nikon switches over to eye AF from face AF and vice versa. The points at which Nijoon switches has always been the point at which eye AF and face AF yield the same result.

[@mdhazeldine]

Can you lock the shutter down over the sensor when changing lenses on the Nikon like you can on the Canon?

[@manjiyil]

Can you please show how good the framing is, when using the app on phone for video composition. If there is too much lag or is it okay to work with? Flippy screen is only concern I see with Z6II. If app works, I think I am good

[@obitum]

How good is the auto focus tracking and acquisition for Wild Life, most likely small bird

[@thekingofhearts8687]

The Z6 ii just seems to be tremendous value for money and ticks most of the boxes. Great comparison and real life examples!!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I agree. Excited to see how this camera grows.

[@bishandhreekc7104]

For you

[@ForeverYoung007]

Nikon priced the z6 ii just right as its accessible to most at under 2k and has all the features one would need and the fist gen can be had at around 1250-1300 in the used market. Im assuming autofocus can be further improved with firmware on the mike considering it has better processing power than gen1.

[@tennismaster6640]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto nikon z 6ii vs canon eos r. I dont know but I think i ll buy canon. Prove me wrong

[@ajzaminelli3065]

But handling is awful

[@MayankPhotography]

Not sure why people are trashing and hating Nikon ... they are damn good cameras and constantly improving.

[@NM_NF]

Because they don't know how to use cameras. I have my first Z6, maybe other brands are cool, but when you shoot, I just don’t know who uses full automation, for example, in a report. And for the rest of the needs of everything with a head, after any Nikon DSLR except for the super top cameras D5, D6, D850 Although I have had experience with the D850, I wouldn't say it makes a big difference. Sorry for the crooked English, I write and speak it badly.

[@MayankPhotography]

@@NM_NF well said you summed it up perfectly. camera is just a tool , and nikon gets great image and video out of camera, we need to know how to use it to its maximum which most people dont and complain about this or that features lacking while in reality they wont use those features 95% of the times

[@romanpul]

NING NUO Same here. It actually never came to my mind to use eye AF for anything other than close up portraiture because it makes reframing easier. For shooting people at a further distance single is good enough (or object tracking when I need to switch quickly)

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Because many KZbinrs make their money from clicks, comments, and t shirts not photography so they need to generate fake controversy as it makes them money.

[@muhammedmahshook3571]

I think it's coming from youtube committee more. Because of there usage style and review method, they are reviewing most of it as their priorities. Surely can't every one be everyone. Always get buying opinion from who use it regularly for works is a good option.

[@oldDan-l1c]

I appreciate that Taylor is one of the only people on KZbin that understand and appreciate the intangibles when it comes to image output.

[@TheAccidentalPhotographer]

I think your point about the firmware is really interesting given the huge improvements from 1.0-3.0 on the original Z. Great review; I have already ordered my Z7II but really appreciated the balanced review - at the end of the day depending on what you need the camera for Sony, Canon, Nikon you're gonna get a great camera in 2021

[@didriketholm6852]

I've been having the worst angst about picking my new camera body/ lens system and stressing about all the small details, that opening was a refreshing slap in the face! thank you. haha

[@ConorCoen]

What I love about Taylor's videos is that he doesn't rag on any system, gives honest opinions as to what *his needs are , I'm looking forward to hopefully getting the Z6ii soon

[@jerrym8140]

Agreed 👍

[@sarveshparakh7289]

Wait a sec....did I just hear a 'creator' on youtube talk positively about nikon and not bitch them for irrelevant things? Amazing video by the way. Getting my Z6 II booked tomorrow!

[@michiganwoodsman2199]

The R6 absolutely one million percent blows that Nikon out of the water!! Nikon is dying slowly

[@uvaiskomath]

@@michiganwoodsman2199 lol

[@chrisvig123]

Focus😜

[@diegoroberto7121]

@@michiganwoodsman2199 RED BUY

[@СергейМогутов-ъ4д]

So the Nikon is a good workhorse. I totally dig that.

[@arunakalu]

I like you reviews, very straight forward and from a general users's perspective, that matters to most of us.

[@hoopoverthehill]

the reason I like Nikon is because I really prefer their color science over Canon slightly. and I agree I do think also Nikon glass tends to be a little bit more refined for artistic expression than Cannon glass. I actually am interested in the z62, especially for architectural photography and landscape photography. do you think it's the good choice? and if so, what lenses do you recommend I get

[@davescamera4089]

Thanks for the open minded review. No hate, just love for both systems. And both deserve it. :)

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@jordanh5287]

I’ve been hanging in there for Nikon to rework their autofocus. I am very impressed and can’t wait to get the Nikon z II!

[@mdhazeldine]

Thank you for being so objective and balanced and for reviewing these cameras not based on spec sheets but on actual real world use. I think you might be the first I've found for these two cameras, which is great as I'm seriously considering upgrading to one or the other of these.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

I have the Z6 and I loved its portability and the superb Z mount lenses. I’m going to get the Z7 II next. I’m still going to keep my Z6 for videos and maybe modify it for Astro. But, I’ll wait for reviews of the Z7 II’s autofocus performance for wildlife shooting. I am confident with Nikon Z for landscape photography. Let’s see how it performs for wildlife.

[@suhail451]

Sounds like the Z6 II is the camera for most everyone.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

The price is certainly right

[@danielvilliers612]

@Code Bunny Maybe, but for me in 2020 24 Mpix is the basic minimum. I don't need much more for a fast, event all-round hybrid camera, but I feel it is the right medium for that use.

[@matthewwells1606]

Z lenses are the win for me. Stellar quality for f/1.8 lenses and affordable; a big step up from the usual playbook of inexpensive but mediocre f/1.8 lenses for the plebes. And if you don't mind inexpensive with a trade off in quality, there are still the cheap, non-S 28, 40, and 50 micro coming. Once the new 24-105 f/4 S comes out, it'll be time to get a Z6ii.

[@xophaser]

still using my old f mount. I did get the 24-70 f4 combo for cheap. I guess I will get a 501.2 (if I save eoungh) or for video one of the f1.8 someday.

[@Narmi804]

One of few KZbinr that recommend Nikon. Good to know there are pros out there preferred the Z system

[@endtimeimages3284]

I‘m a very happy owner of a Z6I. The Z6II looks like the logical next step, but I will stick with the Z6I at the moment as there is simply no reason to upgrade yet.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Same here, ill retire my 2 z6 when the z6iii or better comes soon..

[@truthkeeperfilms]

The Z6 has the expandability of ProRes RAW 12-Bit 4:2:2, so it’s a clear winner if you are a videographer

[@turrisi2]

@15:58 Everything you said here is so underrated in everything the photo community talks about when it comes to cameras and lenses. The personality of the lens is everything when it comes to making an image and this new age thing of just judging sharpness - making every image plain, clean, and clinical - is so boring. I'm glad you touched on that.

[@well-hiddenme5846]

I was struggling for over a year: should I buy the "Z" or "R" system. Ultimately what made me to decide was both the price point of the body and being able to shoot with my Canon lens and with almost everything else: and (surprise!) it's the "Z". You can make a Canon EF camera (or Sony Camera) out of Z6, but you can't make a Nikon Z or Sony camera out of Canon R because the flange distance is 2mm longer than in Sony and 4mm longer than of the "Z" mount. Canon 70-200 f/4 for travel on Z6, Z5, Z7, Z50? No problem, buy a Fringer adapter. I have a Canon 17mm TS lens: works awesomely on "Z". But if you happen to have Nikon glass, using it with "R" while preserving the autofocus feature is a challenge. An Sony glass won't work on "R". So ultimately... the Nikon "Z" system is a better Cannon for me, than the Canon "R" system. YMMW, of course. The current challenge for me: want to make a Kiev Automat to "Z" adapter. Some people already "printed" it out with a 3D printer, I want to use a Mamiya ZE - to - MFT adapter and let our hardware specialist modify it for Kiev-10 lens. The 20mm MIR-20 is pretty good (looked at sample pictures, probably beats Flektogon) and now I want it to see on the "Z".

[@tstanley01]

To me, the sharp, light and reasonably priced 1.8 primes (along with the 24-120 F4) are reason enough to go with Nikon. I am sure in a generation, the AF will be on par with all the others...

[@ScriptureToday]

With the Z cameras you can capture stills while recording video. They are JPEGs, basically frame grabs from the video, but it’s a way to avoid switching back and forth between video and stills.

[@jtes1442]

@@youknowwho9247 sure , but it's no where near as fast or convenient

[@Caz_snaps]

I have a Nikon D5300 and yes is beginner and old at this point but I have been wanting to step up to something that I can use for years to come again and I tried out the NIkon Z6 and loved the way it worked and handled. The Nikon Z6II is for sure my next camera. Thank for all the tips and tricks and realísima and began to follow because you are fellow Nikon User as well!

[@jatingastudio1046]

I do videos on wedding.Sold my canon 6d mark ii and ordered the z6ii with 35mm 1.8. So happy that you made this video,now waiting for my z6ii 😊

[@MichaelCortese1]

Get all the primes, each of them is insane. Like I can't articulate it my excitement over text, but the 85, 50, and 20 (the ones I have) are so beautiful they make me shed a tear every time I use them

[@joshuameadows4165]

@@MichaelCortese1 I went back an forth on the 20mm prime. I ended up with the 14-30mm f4. It's great for when I need wider than 24mm. I can say that the 50mm prime simply wowed me. It' gorgeous and performs way above its price point. I'm considering swapping out my Sigma 85 art for the Nikon S lens version.

[@MichaelCortese1]

@@joshuameadows4165 I used the 50 almost exclusively for a year but my go to kit now is the 85 and 20 1.8s. My 20 is used mostly with night photography of people and architecture and I use the 85 for tighter shots of people but also landscapes. For an actual landscape photography lens the 14-30 is probably great but just not for what I am interested in!

[@wparo]

Thank you for this video. I have been searching for someone to follow when it comes to photography channels. And picked you. Seems the more reasonable without boring you to death with facts and numbers and also fun to watch.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thanks for the review. I own 2 Z6s and I'm very happy with them for both video and stills. I'm contemplating trading one to try the new Z6II. One thing that didn't make sense to me in your comparison here. I share your opinion that the articulating screen on the Z6s inspires more confidence from the point of view of sturdiness. I often self-record, but I've never used a flippy screen or external monitor. I've even walked with the Z6 and it's not hard to keep myself centred. As you say, if you want total control, get something like a Ninja V ... or something cheap like a non-recording monitor. So I'm not sure why you'd need to keep a very expensive camera just for the flippy screen ... unless there's some other reason you need the Canon R6. In regards to the complaints about the Z focussing (you mention Ortiz), most often the complaints come from misuse of the system or an apparent inability to step in and reset the focus point. I can't compare, because I don't own a Sony or Canon systems (Fuji was my intro to mirrorless) but, for my use, I've never had any real complaint with the Z system. Certainly, firmware 3.0 brought minor improvement, but I guess eye/face recognition and tracking is not that critical to my work. Having said that, I have used it for portrait sessions and it works well. I have experienced a bit of focus hunting in extreme backlit conditions -- nothing I haven't experienced with other cameras. In those cases, I revert to experience accumulated during 3 decades I put in before autofocus existed.

[@joshcruzphotos]

When focusing is not a primary consideration, you won't need the R6 and you should be ok with the occasionally hunting Nikon.

[@turklurk]

ZII update just got real. Amazing AF.

[@cyberathlete]

Try that AF on people walking about in dim lighting. It takes forever to focus and for critical work where you're getting paid to cover an event, you'll end up with a lot of missed shots.

[@Joe.484]

@@cyberathlete that's why I always work with 2 cameras. My DSLR has better focus in low light while the dslm is phenomenal on daylight and so on

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

One thing that irks me about the usability of the Canon cameras (not just the R6): When shooting in A mode, the front dial operates the aperture. When shooting in S mode, the front dial now operates the shutterspeed... Then in M mode it depends on a setting. It throws off my muscle-memory all the time even after shooting with a Canon for over a year (a cheaper model, but I verified in shop that the R6 does the same). I tried a Nikon Z6 and although I didn't buy it in the end (went for Fuji), in the Nikon the front dial is for aperture, the rear dial is for shutterspeed. No matter if you shoot in A, S or M mode. That consistency just makes it so much easier to just focus on the shot, not fiddle with the controls.

[@joeltunnah]

That’s programmable, in both systems.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

@@joeltunnah I couldn't find a way in Canon camera to make the front dial consistently aperture in any mode, and rear dial consistently shutter speed in any mode. Not on my own Canon (M5, so a mid-range model) not on the R6 when testing it in a shop -- and the shop assistant couldn't find that either. Nikon, OTOH, seemed set up out of the box that no matter the mode shutter speed was always on one dial, and aperture always on the other. And I know it sounds like a petty thing but it's one of those small things that just kept throwing me off.

[@joeltunnah]

@@TimvanderLeeuw Custom Settings Menu > Tab 3 > Customize Dials. Page 786 in the R6 manual.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

@@joeltunnah Thanks but as I don't have an R5 or R6 I can't verify it does indeed do as I intend. On my Canon M5, I can not set the rear dial to control shutter speed when in Tv mode -- it will always want the rear dial to be the generic function dial. Only in M mode can I set up which of two dials controls aperture, and which shutter speed. If the current firmware on higher end Canon cameras allows the rear dial to control shutter speed even in Tv mode, I'll happily take back my complaint! (And I wish the Fuji cameras with PASM would learn that trick too).

[@joeltunnah]

@@TimvanderLeeuw I’ve owned a lot of Canons over the years, and I’ve never seen one at any price point that didn’t allow you to customize the control dials. Read the M5 manual, I’m sure it’s in there.

[@tallaganda83]

I have a Z7 and mostly just do landscape stuff. If I were to buy the new ii versions I would probably go the 6ii. I don't really need fast autofocus in the Z7 so the improvements for me in the ii version are not important to me. Would love the 6ii for a bit of video and low light stuff.

[@eddiegutierrezjr6226]

Does the Z6 do better in low light compared to the Z7? Also wouldn't it make more sense financially to buy the Z7ii so that you can do it all in one body?

[@AlanHoey86]

Thanks for your thoughts on both systems Taylor, great offerings from both Nikon and Canon in my opinion. Use case and working experience with a camera are more meaningful to me than a spec sheet ever will be.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I've always been curious if Sony would have gotten such significant early market share if physical camera shops were still in every city. I feel like early Sony days, most ordered online for the specs before using the camera. Now the camera experience is a lot better, but it was rough at the start hah

[@弓ム-r8w]

Awesome review! I understood both cameras are excellent with different strong points in your use-cases. I am NIKON fan, so your final thoughts make me happy. Thanks again from Japan!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Thanks for watching! Can't wait to visit Japan again. It's the only place on my list right now. Feels weird missing out usual December/January trip. I didn't realize what a staple that trip had become.

[@wellwhatthen10101]

So is Jackson without a shadow of a doubt

[@chriscms17]

I just ordered the z6ii and it is supposed to come in this weekend. I am super excited and seeing this video has made me even more excited and ready for both my first full frame and first mirrorless system. Thanks for the great video as always!

[@Bikash_Jana]

Excellent review.. Reviewed like a gentleman..

[@norseatheart1086]

RF 35/1.8 IS Macro and RF 85/2.0 IS Macro. Small. Great price and exceptional image quality. Add to that IS and 1:2 Macro capability. The 35 is infact my favorite RF lens despite owning much much more expensive RF glass.

[@dietmarwechselberger6707]

Great video. You make a clear standpoint why you prefer the one model over the other, without bashing like other reviewers do. I like this.

[@jamesskintauy6773]

I have one big pet peeve regarding the conversation about prime lenses. So many view 1.8 lenses as "not professional" Spend any time with one of Nikon's 1.8 lenses and you will not care for 99.9% of situations. They are ridiculously sharp and good at everything. An F 1.2 lens let's in more light, so should allow you to focus in even lower light, but long before I reach that point I am using off or on camera flash. I am hard pressed to see why I would spend more on F1.2 glass when my $$$ could be spent on extra lights or better zooms.

[@abiddyer1]

I have done small comparison on my Z6 with Nikon 85 F1.8 s (Z Mount) and Sigma 105mm F1.4 with F to Z adapter and I found that images were very identical. Bokeh were very similar.

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

Watched the entire video and found your comment at the end to be spot on about the newer Canon and Sony's being almost too perfect and clinical. I came from a background of shooting with Nikon film cameras: the 8008s and N90 of the 1990's. As you know, there was no autofocus back then so a lot of times you might miss a bit, but some of the best shots were a little soft. Some of the most popular photos in our time are slightly soft, esp. ones shot on film cameras. Anyway, I recently upgraded from a Canon 5D MkII to a Canon EOS R and then to an EOS R5. It's amazing what these new cameras can do, including iPhones and Pixel's with their computational photography. But I do agree that sometimes things can be *too* perfect. The only counter point I'd make there is that Instagram rez's your images down so much that they have to be incredibly sharp for that to translate, so maybe it's made up for in the loss from your computer screen to IG or YouiTube.

[@mimih5889]

agree

[@Funktrainer]

The 8008s and N90 already had autofocus.

[@2009aritra]

I am not professional but want to jump into my first full frame, i love photography, i am really excited for Nikon Z6ii, need more specific video on z6ii

[@theory8sf]

I agree and yes more video specs on Nikon z6ii! Canon R6 for video is very tempting!

[@alanjcravophotography4149]

I use 2x Z5 for weddings, never miss a beat… single focus points and works, auto focus can be frustrating, making loss shots. Don’t let autofocos dictate your buy. Instead Invest in glass 👍🏻

[@FormlessPhotography]

Great vid Taylor as usual. Loving the content more and more every day and the founders pack is a beast! So glad I invested. Can’t wait for my Z6II to arrive. I’m going crazy waiting. Lol.

[@EddieInzauto]

It’s great when an actual photographer talks about cameras and lenses. The problem with coming to KZbin for camera reviews is that working photographers making money off of photography are doing that: shooting their jobs, sitting on lightroom, delivering images. They’re generally not reviewing cameras in video format on KZbin. You know who is? Videographers who make a living making videos for KZbin and don’t shoot like a real working photographer. Your final comment drives this home: “I like this camera for videos like this but I like this camera for my job.” When 85% of full-frame mirrorless reviews seem more interested in these instruments’ videography features, I appreciate your perspective.

[@alextruong27]

For me, Nikon clearly wins. Price, weight, image quality, ergonomics, lenses. I feel like the Canon R6 with its better autofocus would attract more wildlife or sport photographers, and also vloggers with their flip out screen. Since Nikon targets mostly photographers, I understand their choice of a tilting screen instead of a flip out screen, but I think they found a useful compromise by doing what they did on the Z50 with the flip under screen.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Yah, that Z50 flip screen is underrated. I do wish they would have built it into the Z6 II

[@djtoman6875]

As a sports photographer I don't see anyone switching to mirrorless for sports and action photographer. Maybe there's a Sony newbie here or there, but the rest of us are sticking with our proven AF systems and satisfying mirror action with each shot. When my Nikon D3S goes to heaven I'll replace it with a D4; the D500 will be good for many years to come.

[@MrMWhitham]

Great review! Probably the best comparison and real world discussion with the Z6 ii, I have seen. Particularly like the way you considered the image quality and the kind of personality the camera gives to the image. To me it's important to know the camera inspires creativity more than just the big ticket numbers. Thanks top video.

[@VQ30TLJ]

I love your humor and honest assessment here. Need more like this on KZbin!

[@nickcucchiara]

The foreshadowing about the quick switch to video and back to stills gave me insight that you chose the Z6. Video was the key breaking point especially when the flippy screen come into the equation.

[@JoshRodstein]

Hey Mr. Jackson. I really appreciated how you included your opinion on how the lenses render your feelings. I do believe the camera industry is striving tor lens technical perfection to the detriment Of images that make the viewer feel something. Thank you for the work you put into this review and for sharing your experiences.

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

As I mainly want to use my camera for KZbin-videos, I would go with the Canon R6, especially since I already own and love my Canon M50. I just can't live without my flippy-screen 😁

[@nunosantos8784]

Simple and straight... but without even knowing your background (gear related) and your final decision, it was evident that your decision was already made since the beginning, probably even before you tested the cameras. Sometimes the connection to a brand is more valuable and speaks louder than the actual tech, and at the end we always find motifs to choose the brand we want... even if is worse than the competition.

[@panzer3279]

Let's be real here, Canon R6 has only advantage here which the autofocus. Image quality is of course superior on Nikon and rest are about the same while being cheaper.

[@rolandrick]

What I’m missing is a flip out screen like the Fuji X-T3, GFX 50 S has it: also flipping in portrait mode. I do no vlogging and I am with you, those full articulating screens feel like breaking at any time.

[@TanliLundgren]

Hey Taylor, thanks for all your great videos! How does the Z6ii compare to the D810 or D850 with regards to low light performance? Sparklers for example? I dont mind if its not as good as the Canon, as I have all my Nikon glass, but i dont want it to be worse than then D810 or D850.

[@nickfdsasdf6540]

For the R6, definitely try out the Middle AF setting in the Initial Servo AF pt Menu Section - "Af pt set for.... With the little box inside the solid box". You will have the single point AF box that you can quickly move around with the joystick like normal single point AF. Then if the box is over a face it will convert to Eye Detect AF. This makes it easy to pick the exact face you want to track - for example during a processional. You'll never capture the wrong face or wait for the camera to kinda figure out what you want. Also no need to try and hack it by reframing your shot. You have total control over single point and eye AF by moving the box over what you want in focus.

[@nickfdsasdf6540]

It sounds like you had it set to Auto Initial Servo AF point selection. I did that for our entire wedding season this year until I saw another photog "Thirdeyesamuel" on KZbin using the setting I suggested. He's a hybrid shooter as well. It's a night and day difference for AF and genius for wedding photography.

[@nickfdsasdf6540]

Also I believe this setting is not selectable on the RP....but it can be set on the R. I have all three cameras currently.

[@jpchang0172]

Thank you for honest review about these new camera. I was looking to buy Z6 or EOS R. Since Z6 has IBIS and I purchased Z6 last week and cannot wait to get my hands dirty on it.

[@tennismaster6640]

Which is better???? Z6 ii or canon eos r???? Please answer

[@ashokan134]

Good to hear so many positives on the Nikon Z system especially the ergonomics!

[@andyvan5692]

also if you take the z 6 ii the c1,c2 & c3 custom modes ARE available for video preferences, enabling different frame rates, etc, and for you to retain and switch settings quickly, ALSO ISO, WB and colour profile, ie b&w, sepia, etc. are saved to these settings making this a much quicker switch for both workflows.

[@Govinnu]

Hi mate...You must be the most honest and balanced reviewer around here.Thanks a lot. Every camera system have some +ve and -ve aspects, if reviewer tells them without any bias, the viewers can pick a system which suits them.

[@sirfabio]

Amazing review. Finally I found a normal and serious channel!

[@myhappygecko2895]

I was originally a Nikon shooter but when I got the D7000 I was so disappointed in the sharpness issues I had.. I didn't want it insane sharp but I was very frustrated it seemed to have issues. I think it may have just been a bad copy but that was disappointing. I wound up selling all my Nikon gear eventually and flipped to canon. I love the 1.2 50L such an amazing lens, and the RF 70-200 is just so nice. So for now I'm an R6 person but I was honestly just a bit bored with photography and I never was interested in the R it was too early in mirrorless for me to leave the 5D... so I would say I'm experimenting more from boredom then anything. Which sounds super lame but I like to play with new things and learn them. I find the autofocus system on the R6 tricky to get it set just right and I've accidentally somehow gotten it to another auto focus setting and even the round dial at the top hit to another mode.. and that never happened with the 5's. I shot on a film Nikon my dad bought in Vietnam. was my MOST favorite camera ever because I learned on it.

[@stefanravnanger]

Ty for a nice review. Been considering both. Just picked up my z6II, 24-70/4 and 50/1.8 😁

[@mistatt2]

That's about the best comparison video I've seen to date.

[@ChrispyArt]

For anyone looking for an incredible character lens for Nikon 58mm 1.4G ! The Bokeh is unreal, even when stepped down, it creates the most amazing 3D feel i know for Nikon. It's not clinical, but wonderfully pleasing. My absolute favorite lens by far.

[@claudiam4833]

Thank you so so much Taylor.. I was so worry and I was making the wrong choice but you gave me such peace of mind.. I love Nikon and I just got the z6ii and you confirmed everything I needed to know.. I being following you for a while now and I cant thank you enough for changing my photography . You are funny and so fun to watch. I wish someday you will come to Oklahoma. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@GaryJahman]

Nikon is still the fastest when it comes switching from video to photo and vice versa I use Sony and there is a slight lag whenever I switch from Photo to Video Great video as always Taylor! By the way, what happened with your Mercedes truck?

[@klodbeen5938]

@@winngh Sony and Canon have problems with switching from photo to video?

[@Smoothblue90]

I was told the Fuji XT 4 has separate settings for video and photos active so you can press the record button or the shutter button without shifting between some sort of photography mode or video mode.

[@joemeka]

@@Smoothblue90 Yeah, but isn't full frame.

[@jtes1442]

@@klodbeen5938 it can cumbersome in comparison to Nikons way of switching from photo to video.

[@thelifeofryan8683]

Great review. I've been filming on the Z6 for a while now and I love the system amd the image quality that I get.

[@jtes1442]

I love the Nikon Z’s . I have the Z6 and will be getting the Z7II . However , the R6 looks great as well . As photographers we are spoiled for choice . Great little review .

[@ThePinoyAggie]

I’m on the same boat.

[@avjake]

For me, the user interface is SO important. I did not like Canon's UI the last time I had one. I've been using the Nikon interface for so long now it's like second nature, so I'll stick with that system. Looking forward to getting more Z lenses for those advantages. Really hoping the new 85mm doesn't have the weird bokeh of the AF-S 1.8. The Z6 video quality is fantastic, and much more user friendly than the DSLRs.

[@77dris]

I've been a Canon user for 15 years and when I tried Nikon it just seemed weird and backwards. I also didn't like the ergonomics and feel of the cameras.

[@nathanjimenez1562]

Shooting nikon since 2014 and something about nikons just make me feel at home incredibly happy with my z6ii coming from a nikon d500 that I still use just feels right for me.

[@MichaelCortese1]

Nikon NEEDS to market and get on the current social media more. Their cameras are winners, their glass is AMAZING, it's no comparison. The ergonomics, and the quality are the best in the market. But they aren't fighting on the social media front. I've seen about a 400% jump (not joking) in people using the Z cameras in the last few weeks!! They have to sell these cameras, bc they could honestly dominate this market

[@carlmcneill1139]

Christmas week my d750 got splashed by wave at the beach. I have mailed it off for repair. Fortunately, I bought an extended warranty that covers everything like that. They did repair if they can and will either give me a new d750 or the amount I paid for it if they can't repair it. I'm a hobbyist but I'm getting into portrait work. I mostly shoot landscape and nightscape. I have a Tamron 24-70 G2 and a sigma sport 70-200. The auto focus and the fully articulating screen on the R6 really interests me. My first Cabrera was a T6s which I still have. I love the screen on it over the d750. Let's say I get $1400 for my camera. I still have to come off with the difference for a new body regardless of which I go with. If I switch back to Canon I will have to sell both of my lenses just to buy one Canon lens. I'll be out more money for another lens. I could A), get a new d750 and put money towards another lens I've been wanting, B) use the $1400 towards an upgrade to the z6 II rather than losing money later when selling the d750 they'll send me and I upgrade, or C) use the $1400 to switch to Canon to the R6 and spend even more money. A camera is just a tool and I'm not loyal to any brand at the moment. It's hard to find a z6 II body only right now. I can get one with the kit lens but I don't need it.

[@drdehaan]

And the winner is Nikon Z6ii! Thanks for reviewing and discover the same things as I did. 😂 The Z system is great to work with and this incredible Z mount makes it technically better in reaching higher quality photos with smaller lenses. I think Nikon understands why we like mirrorless. Because it’s light and small. And yes I also agree on the more analog photos you get with Nikon. It’s more real life. Love it!

[@cyberathlete]

I have the Z6 ii (2 of them in fact). I have not tested the video capabilities of it but for photography, in low light it does struggle quite a bit. If there is any movement such as dancing, reception entrances or movement of any sort in dim lighting, the Z6 ii will take too long to focus. To further add insult to injury, in continuous focus mode, the focus frame always stays red, you will never know if you're actually firing the shutter when the image is in focus. For low light this camera just fails abysmally and which is why I still hold on to my D780 as if I were to ever have a very low light indoor wedding, I can not rely on the Z6 ii.

[@cyberathlete]

To reiterate my point almost every photographer/blog that has critiqued the Z6 ii has said the same thing, low light photography is a weak point of this and they would not pull this camera out to cover dimly lit weddings as it will struggle all the time.

[@lucianocherubino570]

Another great video, thank you. Ive been shooting d750 for the last few years, but jumped on the z5 on the release date,(i waited for dual slots) I figured image quality would be as good or better than the 750. I now feel they are almost identical. That being said, do you think the z6ii is worth the upgrade from the z5? Is it 1000 bucks better for the everyday mostly event shooter like myself? (video means nothing to me other than my kid blowing out his candles). And.. Do think there's a chance Nikon will bring the new AF wide mode eye detect to the other z cameras such as z5/6/7. Thanks for your time.

[@lucianocherubino570]

@@mmcmw2 thanks for your input, I didn't quite gather the answers to any of my questions from it. But regardless, I appreciate your reply.

[@andhib]

Hi Luciano, I can't fully answer your question but maybe offer my experience with image quality between D750 and Z6. I used a D750 for 6 years then switched to a D500 and a Z6 together in the last year. I have noticed the biggest difference between these is the image quality in low light with higher ISO. In good light I struggle to tell the difference in image quality between any of these three (the lens and whether I use support etc. makes more difference to image quality). I loved the D750 abilities in low light compared to previous APS-C cameras. As the light drops the D500 picks up noise in the images sooner than the other two, but is surprisingly good for a crop sensor. The Z6 seems to have slightly less high ISO noise than the D750, and I've been able to get images of wild Hares in the dusk/dark at ISO12800 (when my eyes could only see black blobs!). If you find the Z5 and D750 to be the same and your events are in low light it may be worth the upgrade to Z6. But in good light maybe not.

[@matd3055]

I have to admit coming from a Canon 6D for 9 years, I have been tempted by mirrorless, and never have I considered Nikon, but their offering is very compelling. I understand Canon has the better focussing but for the price, the Nikon Z6II just seems to be really well priced and has some decent weather sealing compared to the R6

[@robbie154]

People over value 1.2 and 1.4 lenses. It's the cool factor. The extra bokeh is minimal and only noticed if you're doing A B tests. The size and weight difference is night and day. And finally the cost is double if not nearly triple sometimes. I'm glad Nikon made high quality 1.8s throughout first. I want to go back to nikon from sony just iffy on nikons future to do so....

[@binodkcphotography9999]

Thank you for your honest review. Going for Nikon z 7II as i already have z6 which works perfectly for me 😀

[@kenyattacapture3462]

Great Video just got my z6ii & I couldn't be happier with it.

[@billj5645]

Most people would agree that Lexus is superior but yet a lot of people buy Nissan, Mazda and Subaru. I've owned both brands of camera and went from Canon to Nikon because I thought it was superior. However I also notice that for the most part the brands are fairly equivalent these days but depending on your interests you might prefer one over the other. The one clear advantage to Canon seems to be in fast sports, they have several models with much higher burst rates than Nikon. This is not something you would need for wedding photography. I find it interesting that although Canon completely abandoned their users when they redesigned their lens mount it did not affect their image. Nikon has always maintained good backwards compatibility. I swore that I would not buy another Canon because I use aperture priority and sometimes shutter priority, Canon doesn't have A or S on their camera dials. But then I realized that was silly, I could buy a Canon and just put little stickers on the dial to label it correctly.

[@Joshwaa_s]

I have an Original Z6 and REALLY enjoy it's use, and will probably keep it still once I do upgrade to another body down the line. I do however really wish the 3rd party lens makers would get it together and finish developing for both RF and Z mounts, even just to encourage Canon and Nikon to release glass quicker!

[@amermeleitor]

Nikon have a good amount of lenses from third party options. The Viltrox ones are great for the price.

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

This is exciting to hear that Nikon has much improved their Z line of cameras, as their interfaces are phenomenal and I've always preferred their image quality to canons or sonys.

[@bartekalbrycht3788]

R6 the best :) and you don’t have to buy RF lenses , I have tamron 15-30mm 2.8 and 24-70mm 2.8 and spent only 1830£ for both of them original with 5 years tamron warranty :) upgraded them for newest firmware version 2 and they are amazing ! Plus with the adapter you can use so cheap lenses like EF-s 10-18 for vlogging ( super small and light ) :) And the sensor from 1DX mark III is absolutely mind blowing even for photos !! .... low light performance absolutely fantastic - autofocus ... incomparable- file codecs ?? 4K in Davinci resolve smooth as butter after optimising media ....but even FHD is nice and crispy :)

[@markshirley01]

Im a Nikon hybrid shooter - I agree with most of what you've said. But the video/photo switch is a godsend when doing fast hybid work for social media. The way the R6 does it just isn't fast enough for me.

[@t.k.1448]

Bought the Nikon after a looooooong mental debate. In the end I liked the ergonomics and perceived build quality of the Nikon more. Right now I would say the Nikon is 90% of the camera I wish for. Needed improvements to software to get it to 98%: remembering drive mode in user settings, fixing the program shift mode bug, and making tracking available in more AF modes (but only relevant if Nikon manages to significantly improve object tracking which is somewhere between bad and not great). Since this is a hobby and not how I make a living, the price premium of the Canon over the Nikon of over 25% plus an estimated 3 month wait for the RF adaptor coupled with more lenses in the Nikon catalog that interest me (birds and wildlife) were the icing on the cake. Sometimes I wonder if I would have been happier with Canon due to its superior tracking but when I see pictures others have captured with the Z6 or Z6ii, I know there is so much room for improvement in the guy holding the camera that it will be a long time before I am limited by the gear. Great video by the way.

[@derikgadson7057]

Hi Taylor. Dropping a question. With some much talk about Sony and Canon acquiring the eye at a further distance than Nikon, does that extra distance really make a difference to the focus of the image since the Nikon is still capturing the face and the focal length and dof result in everything in the plane of the face be in focus?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I think you're right with your assumption. When you're in continuous, at a far distance it'll usually put the boxes on the person when they're at or beyond infinity focus. As they get closer it'll switch to face, but at a distance that even at 1.8 you'll still have the entire body in focus. Then as they get closer it'll switch to eye when the depth of field becomes a lot shallower.

[@SteelRiderCarl]

Great review! I enjoy the fact that you're not focusing strictly on specs and that you're going into more details about the parts you can't quantify as easily. I never hear anybody else talk about how one quirk or another about specific lines of lenses can become an artistic element in the image, but it would figure. The best example I can think of in my own experience was the Pentax 28mm f/3.5 screw mount lens that had a slightly raised front element and unique flare that just killed it in the winter sun!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Thanks Carl! I wish lenses were as customizable as that 28. Would be so cool to tweak the physics of your own lenses

[@SteelRiderCarl]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Between your discussion about clinically perfect lenses versus interesting and Tony Northrup going over the still-present reasons lots of people still use DSLR's, I'm mightily impressed by photography videos the past couple days. Customizable lenses would be cool but at the same time, I can already see myself carrying a pile of smudged glass elements and metal casings to my awesome local camera repair shop way too frequently asking them to put the lens back together! Plus, imagine the dust. 😵

[@rolandrickphotography]

13:27, I wish, they add a screen additional vertical flipping, like on the Fuji X-T3 for portrait mode

[@jerrym8140]

I’m so excited to get my z 6II hopefully it’s here soon 😁. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Moving to mirrorless for the first time do you have any good recommendations for the set up on the new z6 or another video for it?

[@craigcarlson4022]

So, if the question were, 'Which would you choose if the planned use/applications was SOLELY still photography (a mix of things but probably more landscape work than anything, how would you go? I have a raft of Canon lenses but i'd get the quality f2.8 mid-range zoom with either new body, and adapt my other Canon glass via the Fringer adapter. I used to shoot with APSC Nikon DSLRs and i have fond memories of their outstanding light metering and dynamic range. Thanks, Craig

[@chanjeff4406]

Hi Taylor. Thank you for this review. From other online reviews and sample images, I have the impression that some RF lenses (like the 50, 85 and 70-200) have great micro-contrast and rendering of the images. But it looks like you don't think so. Do you think the Nikon Z lenses (like 85 1.8 or 70-200) have better rendering than Canon ones?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I think the hard part with that is, that it all comes down to your personal taste. For me, shooting the shade white balance pallet with Nikon S lenses is what I'm really drawn to artistically. From my experience, the files also seem to need less work in editing, and the jpgs straight out of camera are often ready to go. The RF L lenses are all phenomenal, and will also create amazing images. Pretty much comparing two incredible systems, where both are winners haha

[@chanjeff4406]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Fair enough. Both companies produce amazing lenses. By the way, I also love the colours straight out from my Z6. The colours on the raw files look natural and they are easy to edit in post.

[@ajrinc7280]

Just ordered my Z6 II. What’s interesting is how many people bang on about how the glass is much more important and that’s where you should spend the money but fail to highlight the amazingness and consistency of the Nikon Z lenses they are releasing. And also how well priced the pro lenses are.

[@markshirley01]

Yes agreed - they are all up there on DXO marks - plus they are relatively small and lightweight plus reasonably priced. F1.8 is the sweet spot for me on prime lenses.

[@stefan4831]

Interesting points. You mention Nikon choose to develop good mid range 1.8 primes where Canon gave preference to the top tier RF L lenses. But what about Canon's RF 1.8 range like the 35mm, 80mm and now 50mm ? all great performing and well priced lenses in the 1.8 series. Seems Canon is scoring on both fronts no ?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I find the Nikon 1.8 primes much closer in quality overall to the canon 1.2s than the canon 1.8s/f2.

[@garyhoworka1896]

I see all these videos dated after this one and your always using the R6. Did something change?

[@bryanbuff]

I saw him say elsewhere he uses R3 and R6 now, so no sure why he changed his mind.

[@andrewking3004]

Really great comparison. Would your recommendation change at all if you are already somewhat bought into one ecosystem? I’m leaning Nikon Z6 after seeing this but the closet of nice EF glass I have says otherwise.

[@fotonocity3887]

Have you tried the new RF85 f2 ? It’s much smaller and still very sharp if you want to keep your setup small.

[@kathealy60]

Great video. I did move from the Z6 (which I did love) to the R6 for a variety of reasons. I agree that both are excellent camera systems and do agree that the Canon is far more of an investment than the Nikon ecosystem. You make a lot of good points .... I don't think there is a bad choice in this scenario.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

It's two great choices, which is why it's really difficult to make a decision. R6 vs. the original Z6 is for sure a significant upgrade though

[@joeltunnah]

“Just learn how to use your camera properly.” Amen. I wish more reviews were this sane and rational. I’ve seen so-called “professionals” rant on videos and in forums that they “literally couldn’t get these shots” with a (any camera other than Sony). It’s hilarious and pathetic simultaneously.

[@TrendyLilMonkey]

Hi Taylor! Can you please go over your settings in the camera menu? 🙏 it would be SUPER helpful Thanks!!!

[@yanivphotos]

2 sensors camera!! Now that's an interesting idea LOL

[@c0y0te1st00]

Thanks. T.J. You are my new guy, chief.

[@jaymimcnabb9017]

So tempted to upgrade to the z6ii but know the z6 is working great for me and should probably wait until it gives out... but also the 2nd market value is going to go down for z6, ah not sure

[@ronaldpollard8990]

That’s y I am upgrading. The value drops so much so fast. I do love my Z6 BUT now having tried the Z72 (Amazing)it’s a wrap toward Z62