Nikon Z6II vs Z7II for Urban & Street Photography

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⭐ Viltrox 24mm f/1.8 Z-mount: viltroxstore.c...
⭐ Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 Z-mount: viltroxstore.c...
⭐ Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z-mount: viltroxstore.c...
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VIDEO SHOT ON:
🎥 Nikon Z50: amzn.to/2YpU8EN
🎥 DJI RSC 2: amzn.to/36qqnIE

[@purpleguy2159]

Thanks for helping me make my decision! I've watched a ton of comparison videos, switching which way to go more time than I can count! For me, being a hobbyist but still wanting quality in my shots, going to go with the Z 6ii.

[@EYExplore]

You made the right choice! :)

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

You look like Emiliano Zapata wearing two ammunition belts in your opening shot. Ha ha ha. Great video... again!

[@EYExplore]

Haha, I love it!! I just need the mustache! :)

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

Have you tried Super Resolution in Camera Raw? I find it superior to the upsampling methods available in main Photoshop.

[@EYExplore]

I know some cameras can do this, such Olympus OM-D. But I don't think the Nikon Z6/Z7 have such a feature, so no I have never tried it.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

It’s part of Camera Raw, accessed by right clicking the image. It makes a single shot enlargement, doubling the pixels in each dimension.

[@EYExplore]

@@Tom_KZbin_stole_my_handle Oh sorry, you meant in Camera Raw, I misread that as 'in camera', e.g. directly in the camera. I'm aware of the function in Camera Raw, but it's limited to exactly double resolution, while Preserve Details 2.0 you can use for any arbitrary resolution. Also, when I tried the Camera Raw enhance function I found some odd artifacts in the images, but perhaps they fixed that.

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

@@EYExplore So far I've only seen one artefact which was an odd effect on some fabric, similar to moire and that was on day one, nothing since. A possible solution would be to resize a second version using one of the other interpolation methods and paint that section in to the problem area but so far I haven't had to do it. Since Super Resolution was introduced I've been randomly enlarging samples from each shoot and have been very impressed.

[@EYExplore]

@@Tom_KZbin_stole_my_handle That's cool! I'll give it another try. :)

[@alv1nxx]

you talk about that you took dragonfly photos with the z7ii, but the pictures are labeled z6ii ! ... with which camera did you shoot the dragonflies?

[@EYExplore]

Oh so sorry about the mistake! Those were shot with the Z7II. :)

[@alv1nxx]

@@EYExplore thank you ... wondering if the extra resolution is relevant here, or if similar results can be achieved with the Z6II ? ... my guess is yes no problem, these are downscaled anyway

[@EYExplore]

@@alv1nxx The extra resolution is great in this case because it allows for cropping instead of downscaling. So, in theory I could crop down to 24mp and have the same resolution as the Z6II. I'm not sure what the crop factor is in this case, but it's significant. I don't recall of the dragonfly photos are cropped much though.

[@MyHumanWreckage]

I loved your image and resolution comparison tests considering I can’t remember anyone else bothering to do this. Thank you so much.

[@EYExplore]

I'm so glad you found it useful! It was a bit tedious and procrastinated on it a long time haha. :)

[@-grey]

Will you be trying out th enew 40f2 and 28f2.8 they made for these? They look really great and compact for street photography. It would be cool to hear your opinion.

[@EYExplore]

Yes! I already ordered the 40mm but it's sold out, so I'm just waiting. I am less keen on the 28mm since I already have the best 28mm ever (Nikon 28mm 1.4E) but I may try it out also. Hopefully I'll get the 40mm soon enough. :)

[@davidwoods80]

So: Buy the Z6 and use the price difference on travel...

[@EYExplore]

Exactly!! :)

[@GurpreetSingh-kg8wu]

Or...invest on lenses...

[@barryobrien1890]

The z cameras have a dual iso. Check photonstopixels for details. The lowest noise for z7 is 64 and 400, and the Z6 is 100 and 800. You will get more noise at the other iso, and as you push ISO you do loose dynamic range. The bigger pixels on the z6 at higher iso will have lower noise

[@EYExplore]

Yes, I am aware of that, which is why I tested at 100 and then well over 800 for both cameras. In any case, the goal of this test was NOT to find the lowest possible noise performance. I don't really care about that because in practice when I'm out shooting I'm not carefully choosing the ISO. Sometimes, it goes above 400/800 and sometimes it's below. And even so, I might have to push the file past 800 (e.g. shooting at 640 but increase exposure in post to +1, meaning about 1250 ISO). This is just a reality photography, so I conducted my test to reflect that. The goal was just to shoot both cameras the same way and then compare the results. This is why I didn't bother with 64 ISO, which the Z6II does not have.

[@barryobrien1890]

@@EYExplore yes its all a bit of a numbers game. The z6 or z6ii is a perfect camera for 99% of use cases. Sure, you can find differences of you look closely with a/b comparison, but without that, the z6 compares with most modern mirrorless FF cameras from any manufacturer. Thanks for reminding is all to not obsess on numbers

[@EYExplore]

@@barryobrien1890 That's what I think too! :)

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Actually, I discovered from a nikon mentor, when using high ISO, use the nikon nx studio software. Apparently the software is an extension of the camera software. And I was crazy surprised how well it took the noise out over Adobe. You have to try and see!

[@Pspet]

@@BokushingusKendoTV I tried to test that, In a very dark file from my D780, 10000 ISO, and the produced jpeg is so much better when done from Lightroom (not talking about noise per se, but overall). But they definitely handle noise and colors differently. Not even gonna bother trying for a better result (maybe you could if you knew the program well enough) since it is a nightmare to use.

[@ericlarson6180]

I have a D850 and a Z6. I find the files from the Z6 hold up really well against the D850, even for landscape even in print, but obviously I have more room to go big with the larger file. I’ve used super resolution and Topaz Gigapixel AI to great effect when I need larger prints from smaller files

[@EYExplore]

Ah same! I've even blown up 16pm D4 files to print in A1 and they turned out great. But I just used the 'Preserve Details 2.0' function in Photoshop.

[@reginaldogarcia770]

Your comparisons and analyses are useful to me in making an informed decision about which of the two cameras to purchase. I use a Z 5 with good Z-S glass and like the performance although in low light sometimes it struggles to achieve accurate autofocus especially with moving subjects, and images are disappointing. Your conclusion moves me to think having both cameras is ideal as I shoot in a wide range of light, subject, and action settings. The cost of both cameras is prohibitive at this time, so my choice is likely to be the Z6ii for use in low light and keeping my Z 5 for now as it performs well in better light conditions. I was interested in the new Z 9, which would probably be less or equally expensive as both the 6ii nd 7ii, but for me it is too big of a machine to lug around. Thank you.

[@EYExplore]

Definitely the Z6II is better for low light than the 7II. And it still performs great for pure IQ, so I'd say the trade-off is worth it. The Z9 combines the good points of the Z6II, Z7II, and D6. It is an incredible camera, but yeah... the price range and size/weight are prohibitive.

[@Silverlining1111]

👍Great video, clear and hit points, really helpful.👍

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much!! :)

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I got the Z7ii but kept my D750 for exactly that reason.

[@EYExplore]

Great choice! :)

[@fabio2168]

I don't know if you tested it, but since the z7ii can go as low as 64 iso, and everybody say that the files are more flexible in post because of that, did you notice some differences in your citiscape photography, or they are neglegible?

[@EYExplore]

I didn't test 64 in this case, but of course, I regularly shoot at 64 and 100 in general (when I used this camera) and I didn't really detect a difference. So, I just doubt there is noticeable difference between 64 and 100.

[@fabio2168]

@@EYExplore Thank you!

[@checksix_TC]

Just wondering in terms of AF and image quality,how does a Z5 compare with the Z6II?

[@EYExplore]

I wish I could answer that but I've never shot with a Z5.

[@kai-uwesachs317]

Thanks for your video and comparison!! I also have the rainbow effect at my Z6, but only in Lightroom. If i use the native Nikon software NX Studio, there is no rainbow effect.

[@EYExplore]

The software probably has a built-in moiré removal function. :)

[@andrewphillips2520]

comprehensive video, thank you!!! (p.s a few people have noticed the colour difference between the z6 and z7)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@markusbolliger1527]

Thank's a lot for sharing your experience and final opinion about these two excellent cameras! I agree - for most photographers the Z6 (II) is good enough. I still work with the first generation - the Z6 - and until now I can't see a reason to pay 1000 Swiss Francs for the upgrade two the second generation. Instead I prefer to spend my money for lenses. This could change with the appearance of a third generation camera with 36MP for example. But I would not buy a Z8 with 61MP.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, from Z6 to Z6II the only real difference is the additional card slow and the ability to use the control grip. For me those are important, but not really for everyone. And 61mp would be overkill for almost everyone! I know there are rumors of a Z8, but will it really have 61mp?? I guess Nikon might want compete with Sony's A7RIV. :)

[@thunderpup1327]

Thank you for the good and thoughtful video. I am an enthusiastic amateur just making the decision to move up from DX format to FX after 12 years. My Z 6ii will arrive tomorrow. Perhaps I am naive, but I chose the 6 over the 7 because a simple comparison of the pixel sizes showed that the 7 squeezes twice the number of pixels into the same space by making them smaller. All well and good. However, my trusty (rusty?) D7100 already has pixels that size. If my use case involved large prints and creating folios, I would buy the Z7 or a larger format camera. I opted for larger pixels because each should collect a little more light with each shutter release for the prints I make for the enjoyment of my wife and neighbors. Lots of twilight and sunrise exposures. Hope I am correct, as I will be living with the new Z 6ii until I am too old to get out of the house without assistance.

[@EYExplore]

You made 100% the right decision! Overall, the Z6II is a more versatile camera and of course more affordable. Basically, you get more bang for buck.

[@bailey.nt86]

Thanks for the video. I have a D850 and just picked up the Z6ii yesterday. It's fun. I really don't pixel peep but I took the exact same photo with the same lens (Z6ii was on the FTZii adapter) and included my beloved D3s (which I use A LOT). Believe it or not I still prefer look of The D3s photos over either of the 2 cameras. It's almost "film like". I'm not zooming in to like 400% or cropping anything like crazy. Obviously there is a difference. But just in general i can't make my D850 or Z6ii look as good as my D3s straight out the camera... The Z6ii is my first mirrorless. No regrets. I mainly purchased it for video. Yes, I could have gone Canon or Sony blah blah whatever lol. I already have like a plethora of the F mount lenses. So it was a no brainer.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, the D3 was something very special. I still have mine but sadly the shutter is dead. I wish I could take it out for a spin once in a while. I also feel that editing the Z6/Z7/Z9 photos is harder. I can get great results but it just needs more work for some reason. But no complaints, I'm quite happy with the mirrorless Nikons. :)

[@bailey.nt86]

@@EYExplore I appreciate the smaller RAW file size of the D3/s or heck even the D4/s. I'm slowly trying to fill up my collection of the old pro DSLRs. I can't lie though I love the connectivity on the new cameras. I use Nikon snap bridge very often. I usually have a camera with me everywhere I go. It's very nice to just pop off a few photos, that transfer to my phone, and are pretty much ready to post on social media 😀 I rarely use my S22 for any photos. Fwiw : There is a nice D3s on MPB rn, low 50k shutter count. $629 😉 mine has like 180k and still fires off like a machine gun. I love the very loud shutter slap 😏 makes me look and sound "professional" and inflates my ego a bit in public 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EYExplore]

@@bailey.nt86 I absolutely agree about the shutter snap! It makes you feel like you are really MAKING a photo. I miss it. The D4's is good, but the D3's was just sublime. :)

[@yakkun1926]

Megapickle. Love it.

[@EYExplore]

I love one pickle. So, I love 1 megapickle 1 millions times as much.

[@petrh.4947]

Because of physics Z6 sensor has a bigger pixel so it should be able to gather more light compared to Z7 but your observation somehow goes against it. In the side-by-side comparison, the difference is probably very small. How AA filter in Z6 II plays a role here, hard to say. Having Z6 II only in my hands shortly have to say the pictures are great.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, honestly either way they are both great sensors and cameras. This is why I'm reluctant to make comparisons like this, but since people asked for one... In the end I am happy I did, because I learned a few things and shattered some misconceptions.

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

Actually, that old theory that the lessor MP in the same format getting more light is actually false. The total amount of light is the amount of light.

[@EYExplore]

@@BokushingusKendoTV I think the idea is that the amount of light per photo site is what's different. Not sure on the ramifications of that though. Another aspect is that the smaller pixels are crammed closer together, possibly leading to more electrical noise in the system. Again, I am just speculating for fun. :)

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

@@EYExplore I thought this too. And it made a lot of sense. 😎 But I took an online master class. And the professor explained that sites are collective of the total surface area of the sensor. So he explained that if the sensor size is the same, the amount of total light on the sensor is the same no matter the pixel size. He said the technology of the sensor and the processors determines how well the light is used with set ISO. Not sure if I explained it how he did. But his explanation also makes a lot of sense. He did say the MP amount has a greater impact on resolution. Because resolution is mp in sensor Size.

[@EYExplore]

@@BokushingusKendoTV Very well! I trust you on this since you learned from someone who knows haha. It does also make sense the way you explain it. It's about total light. In any case, for me, it's fun to discuss and dissect, but in practice it has almost no bearing on what I do as a photographer. Whatever sensor I have in a given moment is fine. :)

[@andreas.farsch]

I enjoyed your video a lot. Thanks! But you haven't talked a lot about the lens. Yes, the Z 24-70 F4 is above average, but if someone would use let's say the Z 50 F1.8 the comparison would be different, I believe. With a sharp lens lens that the difference between the cameras would be more obvious, don't you think?

[@EYExplore]

I used a 24-70 2.8 S, not the f/4 version, stopped down to f/8. I think this is sufficient to make a comparison. I wasn't even comparing resolution as much as low light performance and dynamic range, which the lens doesn't really affect. And anyway, I don't own the 50mm, so just used the best lens I had.

[@andreas.farsch]

@@EYExplore Oh, my bad! Thanks for the clarification. Concerning resolution: I was very focused on the resolution part 😀, that's why I chimed in.

[@EYExplore]

@@andreas.farsch Fair enough! :)

[@martinsmyth5580]

There is banding in the skys is this just youtube processing?

[@EYExplore]

You mean in the photo analysis? Probably some banding yeah. Especially if it was a high ISO raw that I pushed.

[@ryanb8736]

It’s common with BSI sensors.

[@EYExplore]

​@@ryanb8736 In the photos, the noise profile in the sky is not much different from my old D4, which did not have a BSI sensor. I think it's just typical with all sensors at high ISOs.

[@matthewwells1606]

My solution was to buy a gently used Z7ii for roughly the same price as a new Z6ii.

[@EYExplore]

That works too!! But I still prefer the AF of the Z6II! :)

[@TVPALOTINA]

z7ii or z6ii. which of the two cameras has better ibis?

[@EYExplore]

I felt no discernible difference.

[@TVPALOTINA]

That is sad. I took the sony zve10 in hand and saw that the camera has good stabilization without having ibis. only digital stabilization. being a cheap machine compared to the nikon z6 or z7.

[@EYExplore]

@@TVPALOTINA True, but I prefer mechanical as it feels more 'real.' I never tried electronic stabilization so not sure how well it removes motion blur.

[@bartoszpajak2285]

One of the more interesting videos on this topic! Thanks a lot!

[@EYExplore]

Glad you found it interesting! :)

[@karebruhn231]

Nothing beats pixels - I got the Z6 mk I - two months later I upgraded to Z7 mk I - now I have two cameras, I only use the 7, I can crop more. By the way what's the point of using down scaled Z7 images??? The resolution is different, thats the point of a larger sensor.

[@EYExplore]

If you like the Z7 more and like more pixels, great! But I personally disagree. Pixels are overrated after a certain point. AF in low light is much more important to me. But with a Z9 it's the best of both worlds: all the pixels and even BETTER AF performance than either the Z6 or Z7, haha. But you need to break the piggy bank. :) The point was to compare in various contexts. When downscaled, it's a more fair comparison to the Z7. The idea is that when you downscale you reduce noise. So, the point here was to show how much noise is in the image at the same resolution. The Z7 will show more noise than the Z6, but that's a give (usually) with more pixels in the same size sensor. This video was years ago now, so I don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure I also showed the 100% full size versions too, didn't I? That was to compare the additional detail. I tried to cover everything.

[@ryanb8736]

Great video and test. Resolution is mainly for cropping and printing larger. If one uses higher ISO and don’t crop heavily, a smaller MP will always win. When it comes to same sensor sizes with different MP, the lower MP has larger pixels that gathers more light in higher ISO, so that’s why it is cleaner. Only way to get cleaner photos at higher iso on a high MP camera is to go medium format, where the actual sensor size is larger to allow more MP with larger pixels. Although at iso 64, when shadows pushed, the Z7II will be a lot cleaner than Z6II at 100 iso, especially when you start pushing and pulling shadows and highlights. That’s why it’s so popular in landscape. That’s where the $1000 justification comes in play. Along with cropping more and printing larger. Z7II is the pure winner. As a general camera that does everything, a Z6II will be the pure winner.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! I didn't compare with 64 ISO in the video, but I shot with the camera for a while and really didn't notice a significant difference between 64 ISO and 100 ISO. I'm sure there is one, but... maybe I just don't care enough about the slight difference to really pay attention to it. In theory is about 2/3 of a stop though, which I guess can be significant in some cases. It make sense that for landscape photographers that 2/3 is worth it. Also, I did show that the Z7II doesn't have moire effects where the Z6II does, which can definitely be an issue for some people. They do bother me a bit as well!

[@alpao74]

Great video, thank you 😊

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@anils.rkumar6551]

Thank you for being Honest.

[@EYExplore]

I always try to be! :)

[@feklee]

Not interested in obtaining either of these cameras (too big), but another fun watch! My take on upscaling: Even the “smart” one cannot provide detail where none has been recorded, like in the railings. When doing comparisons of resolution, I find it best to examine detail at the limit. Distant brick walls are another example, or foliage.

[@EYExplore]

Sure, you're correct in theory, but the difference in resolution in these two cameras is not as great it seems at first. So, as I demonstrate, the level of detail in the up-scaled images from the Z6 vs the native images from the Z7 is really not that different. I just took another look, by the way, and really I can't spot any difference. However, the up-scaled images are of course a bit less sharp, but not by much. The most noticeable difference was the extensive moiré in the Z6 images (even before up-scaling) which the Z7 lacked. It seems like the this might be due to a lack of low-pass filter, but I am not sure.

[@David-pu6hx]

Very practical information. Too many people miss interpret the number of MPix directly to resolution which is incorrect. Your example shows this very well. Visual is much more easy to explain then going into the math. I really like your explanations even though I am well versed in the technical side of things ( I work in electron optics so I understand the sensors very well). As you have stated before the camera is a tool that you need to setup so it is out of your way so the picturethen is the center piece. It is about the picture, or in my work the final data.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for your stamp of approval! I'm always a bit nervous posting my explanations of technical things like this because I am not an expert and I don't want to mislead people and get flame in the comments haha. :)

[@HazaraTechnic]

First Comment! lol

[@EYExplore]

:)