Is the NEW Nikon Z8 Going to be BETTER Than the Z6ii? NO We Need 12 Megapixels

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[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hello my friends! Been thinking a lot about the supposed Nikon Z8 release and it looks like its main selling point will be higher MPs. It really makes me think back on what makes a great camera and the color science/dynamic range that set the d700 apart from the competitors at the time. I really wish there was less of a focus on resolution now that we've reached such insane levels. In my opinion there are other things Nikon needs to focus on with the Z line! Hope this helps - Will

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

The D850 is a high megapixel camera and it is still the king of dynamic range and color depth. My theory is that extra features built-in the sensor are the problem, regarding image quality. Those feature are higher readout speeds and on-sensor focus system. It has also shown that shooting in electric shutter mode isn’t good for image quality.

[@victorlim5077]

Very insightful video. I think what Nikon needs to do is to add Pixel Binned RAW. Maybe a 67MP RAW can be converted to a 16MP pixel binned RAW in camera.

[@castieldiallo2945]

12MP? I think you have been in that dark room too long. d700 is a long gone camera. thte d610 had a better sensor both in colour and recovery. as much as i loved my d810, i had to upgrade (5 years) to a camera that met my newer photography needs. other than that, your video was alright.

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

@@KZbinr-ku4nk Compare the colour checker results of the reliable "Imatest" You will soon realize that a D850 can even come close to the D700's color accuracy and hue discrimination. Not even close!!

[@michaellee3903]

I honestly don't understand why the "I need more resolution" crowd can't simply save their money and buy a medium format camera like the GFX-100S or the upcoming Hasselblad X2D instead. More resolution, especially anything above 45 MP is utterly pointless unless you get better dynamic range and color readout, which those two cameras do provide. A 60 or 67 MP full frame sensor has no extra benefit than the current D850, Z7, and Z9 sensors.

[@rameshjn]

I am with you. The D700 has never failed to amaze me. 12MP is just enough resolution for most of the shoots. Nikon should really think about bringing in 12mp or 16mp sensor (from the D4/Df).

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolutely agree

[@paveld100]

I had D700 and it was the best nikon body.I had D100, D300 2x, D600. I still use D800, D810.

[@GeoffKirby]

Hey dude, I Absolutely agree, the low light performance of the D700 it was amazing, I'm a wedding photographer as well in the UK ( so dark in the winter) and I loved my D700. I went on to buy the D4 which I had for 9 years and I think this sensor was incredible and the low light focusing was just insane and unmatched by my Z6ii's unfortunately (but they are still great don't get me wrong) For me the sensor in the D4 was my favourite at 16mp, skin tones were perfect, shadow grain was lovely and the dynamic range was awesome. Nikon, Please bring back the low light kings, I certainly need them here is the UK! I hope you manage to get the low light focusing sorted on the Z6iii.

[@michaellee3903]

OMG thank you for bringing up the whole issue with storage space. While resolution size of cameras like the Z9, R5 and Z7II have shot up, the size of backup storage spaces haven't even caught proportionally speaking with the resolution size increases of these cameras. This is an issue people like Jared Polin and the Northrup couple have avoided altogether. I really don't know what a 60 MP sensor will offer that a 45 MP or even a 36 MP sensor can't.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

TBs are expensive!! Also who knows what will happen to prices if semi conductor problems start emanating from Taiwan. Don’t even want to think about prices then 😭

[@jburroughs6645]

I sometimes shoot my Z6 ii in DX mode just for the smaller file size and download speeds later and don’t seem to lose any image quality with the smaller resolution. And since I was a former D7200 shooter I’m accustomed to the DX crop factor and adjust for it. Great video.

[@JoshFost]

Very well stated. My original 4MP Kodak camera gave me excellent 10x13 portraits. As far as the D700- absolutely. Time and again I find a great image online and it was taken with a D700. My 24MP Nikon often produces better portraits than my 36MP Nikon, but even then I spend way too much time cleaning up pores and blemishes in post.

[@VUEGRAPHY]

@8:18 .... Bingo ..... That a very solid point you made. Less data to process by the camera processor means better AF performance. Love your this video as it spoke my heart out .

[@roberthoselton4838]

I really appreciate your channel. I’ve heard a lot recently about Photo Mechanic for culling images before importing. Do you have any experience with that app in your workflow?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Appreciate the support Robert. Yes we use photo mechanic every day, think I will do a video on it as a bunch of people have been asking

[@tonidye2793]

So glad your back!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to be back in the mix! Feels like I have so much more to share with you guys!

[@brambooth]

Never thought of it that way! But I get what you mean! Thanks so much for you honest opinion! It’s the reason we bought a z6 II for both our photography and video jobs in stead of the z7 II. Love your videos and love the fact you’re back now!

[@charlesdavis6371]

I love my D700, and usually pull it out for fall foliage shots. You're right - it is/was an amazing camera and sensor. I enjoyed the chat about it.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Charles!

[@sidneykincaid851]

You mention some great talking points Will. I remember back in 2007-2010 when most of the DSLR’s from the major manufacturers had lower megapixels and had CCD sensors. The color quality was fantastic. The last few years the internet has been talking about how most of the new, modern DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras don’t compare with the 10-12 year old DSLR’s in that regard. Maybe if there’s enough chatter the manufacturers might take notice and develop something that could bring that old quality back to modern cameras. As always Will, thanks for another excellent, informative video brother. I’ll see you in the next one bro!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks again Sidney for all your support over the years 🔥.. honestly I hope these camera companies are listening that people want more than resolution sometimes, I never hear them talk about COLORS

You have great points on both technical and operational aspects. Here are my two cents. Something that might help with the hurdles of large file sizes is using optimized tools for photo culling and library management. For instance, Photo Mechanic from Camera Bits especialices on this by leveraging the embedded previews instead of time-consuming renders from the RAW file. This makes photo previews instantaneous (even faster than the previews in the back of the camera) regardless of the megapixel count in the photo. This is something that I have not seen any photo editor to accomplish yet.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hey Miguel, you are so right. Photo mechanic I don’t think we could live without! We use it everyday. I was mostly talking about transferring files and backing up when I was speaking about the extra time it takes for big data files. Thanks for watching buddy

[@shawnbrasfield1230]

Absolutely agree! I loved both the D700 and DF/D4 sensor IQ when I shot with these cameras. Thanks.

[@ElizandraPhotography]

Nice to see your content again. I wasn’t getting notifications.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Appreciate you watching!

[@Martin-nu6ym]

I was very busy post processing event photos on the 30th and 31st of August and there was one camera that made it so much nicer for my workflow - the Sony A7Siii. That camera is my backup to the A1 but the colors and the ease of processing make me love using the 12 MP A7Siii for events. I'm so glad I got that camera for photography. It was my days of using the Canon 5D and then the Nikon D300s that made me realize that I really like the results I get with 12 MP cameras. Nikon might be able to use that sensor, but it seems social media bemoans 12 MP cameras as too low resolution.

[@sanwarzone]

Will, good call on preferring lower resolution sensors and the difference in the look/feel of those images...plus as you said, storage is not free and entails maintenance.

[@sws49er]

Still a friend and fan brotha! Always love the content!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Rolling since day 1!!

[@markorchard2272]

Amen dude. I had a D700 but sold it for my D3. Now THAT is awesome! 12MP and fast AF!!!!

[@duanemcclun]

Hi Will All I can say is - I LOVE LOVE LOVE this video!! In the age of technology a lot of photographers have bought in to the camera manufacturers sales pitch of 'more magapixels are better'. I understand why the camera manufacturers do this because they have to have sales to survive. I had a D300 that was a 12 megapixels that had great color but I got rid of it for a 24 megapixel D3300. I regret getting rid of the D300. You're also correct on people viewing photos on cell phones so and laptops where a photo from a 12 megapixel camera would be just fine. This video was a bit of fresh air! Best wishes Duane

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Duane!

[@IliaMassalkinePhoto]

Call me an amateur and I wish you were around 2 months ago when I purchased the z7ii for my main to replace my z6, and the post production colours are just so off. I almost can’t use the footage from the same session and apply the same preset. Now you explaining the colouring and shading totally makes sense. Thanks for this, Will 🙏🏼

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching! Yeah mixing the sensors when working with two cameras is tough, even a slight shift in color rendering can throw off the whole workflow!

[@IliaMassalkinePhoto]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs learned the hard way 😅. 🙏🏼

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

I'm doing a lot of architecture in black and white, and really love the change in tonalities, particularly having dark skies. I'm shooting with the Z5, which really gives me everything I need. However, I did for some time (and still do) consider getting the Z7, but to be honest, I don't really need it. Because my subjects are pretty still I can do multiple exposure and pano-shots for higher resolution. Sure, I might have to take three to four shots for each shot I could do with the Z7, but still, doesn't really matter. It would make much more sense to get a tilt/shift-lens (or just shift-lens) than a more expensive camera with higher resolution. Or just get the right lens, with no distortion and vignetting, so I have better images to stitch together. Resolution is a marketing stunt that the community enlarge has bought into.

[@iamhassan9943]

I would love a 12mp sensor in a Zf style camera. But it would have to be something unique. Not just the modern clinical style of today. The sensor must have character. Heck even my old d3400 had great character. It would be a day one buy for me.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolute facts and totally agree. Id buy 4 on the first day of release

[@stevevansak7324]

Oooh, Zf….. now you are talking!

[@1234five1]

Help me decide….. besides being FF vs Crop is there much image quality difference between the D200 vs D700…? I have a lead on an almost new D200 but should i hold out for a D700….? Thanks

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hey Rob, go with the 700.. no question about it

[@1234five1]

Thanks!

[@AlanHoey86]

I'd like to see the Z8 be a FX3/A7SIII/R5C competitior for the video first user. Let the Z7III be the (D850 sucessor: high pixel / improved body) that many want for the 'Z8'. Great to have you posting videos again, you always present interesting thoughts to ponder.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Totally agree. One thing I always loved about Nikon is their camera versions always seemed specialized and high quality for specific niches Would love to see a really powerful Z dedicated to video users that wasn’t over the top expensive And thanks for the support man, really enjoy making videos that get people thinking about different talking points. When we can kick around ideas in the comments it’s more of a photography community instead of me just talking at the camera. Great to hear from you 🫡

[@user-cn4sr2mu9v]

I still love the colours on my Nikon D3S, D3 and D700

[@karenchan9367]

I don’t shoot Nikons but still watch all your videos

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you!

[@douglascarrphotography]

Hi so have you considered the A7S III just wondering

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I have! And will be incorporating other crabs camera reviews across my he channel in 2024

[@timgimbert3073]

I saw in one of the Leica M11 reviews, and wish I could find it again, where it talked about the medium and small raw files having better dynamic range and lower noise at high iso by about a stop from the 60MP full size file. It was done in the resizing computing. This would be the only way that I would want one of the higher MP cameras to work for me but having the option of the higher MP for the rare times I need the crop capability.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yeah for sure, like I totally get it for people blowing up large LARGE stuff, or editorial work

[@FastAkira]

Just curious, have you ever tried a GFX 100? Would you say the Nikon D700 has still a better overall image quality in regards to color and non digitilized output?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haven’t tried the GFX so can’t speak intelligently on it but as far as the 700 goes the answer is yes.. the colors are so so easy to work with in post.. the skin tones are really what draw me to it but the depth of the dynamic range is really something special

[@FastAkira]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I have two Nikon D700. I've seen magic in front of my eyes.Your idea of a modern D700 I believe is excellent. I have the GFX100s and it is another tyoe of beast. You can do anything in post with this camera. But images SOOC, the Nikon D700 is still king, at least for me. The Canon 5D classic also ricks. greetings

[@davidjb9199]

At one time I had a D700, a D3 and a D3s at the same time. My understanding is that the 12 MP sensors in the 3 and 700 were identical and made by Sony. It sounded to me like you were going to say someone else made them? I am curious as to who that might be. While the sensor in the D3s is also 12 MP (nominal), that sensor was made by Toshiba. When I was shooting indoor competitions the D3s was easily the best of the bunch because of the low noise at high ISO (12,800). Guess which one I still have. I like your thinking on this but I might vote for a 16 MP sensor as I think that is a bit closer to a real sweet spot. Maybe a re-worked Df/D4 sensor?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Would also be interested in a 16mp as well, 12-16 is the sweet spot range imo.. As for the sensor there is some ambiguity around this but I think it was made by Panasonic

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

The D700 and D3 sensor NC81338L (CMOS) have been designed by Nikon and has been manufactured by "Matsushita" Though the D700 has a stronger CFA than the D3 and a different conversation algorithm. The D3s has a SONY sensor and a way weaker CFA than both D700 and D3.(Nikon had to boost high iso and thus had to apply a weaker and less discriminative CFA)

[@paulora3348]

Waiting for my "new" D3s... should be here tomorrow 😍🙏💙

[@marcodibari5713]

Very interesting topic...I wonder if this pixels mania is mainly lead by videographer or if it's just for marketing purposes. It would have been better from nikon to produce a successor of the z6II with the new processor in order to reduce the gap with the z9 in terms of AF rather then give us a new tool just to keep up with the competition . Great analysis on it !

[@PedroLauridsenRibeiro]

Hi Will, I agree with most of your points (regarding dynamic range, low-light noise and so on) but must disagree on one of them - to wit, the one on viewing devices. High-MP cameras also serve the purpose of providing high-quality prints, particularly large ones. That's one of the reasons pros preferred medium format to 35mm in the film days if their workflow in the field allowed for the former. On the other hand, if one mostly delivers digital in one's job, then indeed 12 MP is OK for that.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That is true! I definitely think high MPs are needed for more than a few things I just think a really good niche low light/portrait focused camera with amazing AF in the Z form factor would definitely serve a good amount of photographers

[@stevevansak7324]

All great points and I would totally buy a pair of Z9s (s for sensitivity) camera bodies immediately! That being said, I’m shooting two Z9 bodies for weddings this year and they are fantastic performers. Shooting in HE* (Google Tico RAW) mode gives you the same file size as the Z6 II despite the higher pixel count of 45. Definitely do that when your rep gets you a Z9 to try out. The Z9 is surprisingly decent in low light but when fall hits and I’m shooting in a dark church at ISO 16,000, it will degrade in image quality. It’s not even the grain, more the color degrading as you describe. In a way, we already have a Z9s camera that I describe in the Canon R3 at 20MP. I’m a fan of gripped bodies at weddings just for the fact that they go all day with no battery changes. Maybe Nikon will put out another camera in the R3 / A9II range. I certainly would like that but I’m probably in a minority.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Can’t wait to get my hands on that Z9 and see how 10k+ ISO photos do in Lightroom, and yea the color degradation is the real problem, noise less so for sure.. Having the all day battery is a huge advantage I agree even though I hate the weight.. I usually keep one in my pocket all day so I don’t have to find my bag in an emergency. Last month I had a battery drain at the end of a long full mass ceremony about 15 seconds before the first kiss and forgot my pocket battery 😵‍💫.. was on my 50mm body so had to get it with the 28mm.. unusual shot but still came out good haha

[@ArnaudLerondeau]

Thanks to you, i've been browsing this morning to some photos taken with my also beloved D700, and yes, totally agree with you, that was just feeling and rendering in such a beautiful way.... and then i switched to some shots i've taken with a D1. Then you realize how much 2.7Mp were delivering pure emotion ! (I had to double check it was ONLY 2.7 !!!!!!)

[@garycleverdon39]

I love my D500 for birds and wildlife, but for everything else I return to my amazing D700. Really enjoyed this conversation... both enjoyable and educational.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for listening Gary, glad it was useful!

[@frankabignale2256]

Just found your channel, really great content

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

💯💯💯

[@photographybydash]

Great video and perspective!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching!

[@praetorian65]

I would be interested in such a camera, perhaps not as my main body but a camera that excels in low light would be very useful for my work. It would be a bonus if it was cheaper than the Z6II and maybe in a slightly more compact body, rather than a chunky body like the D700. With regards to the Z8, I'm really not sure if Nikon should go there for their next body. I think they need to bring out the Z6III with and expeed 7 processor with Z9 AF speed and accuracy, though perhaps not all of the modes. That would make the Z line far more compelling next to the RF and Es, and would probably sell in greater numbers than a Z8. I am actually slightly tempted to buy a D700 and a 50mm lens as a "fun" camera as there are some good deals around.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Agree.. not excited about the Z8 unless it comes out with some big advantages besides resolution.. MP upgrades are so boring

[@Cotictimmy]

It's not just the sensor (which is wonderful) - also picking up and shooting a D700/D3 body is just a much nicer experience than picking up, handling, and looking into the EVF of a modern mirrorless camera.

[@zackchoy1969]

I agree. I was thinking something along the D4 sensor ....

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Would freaking love that

[@tantsura]

What is the problem on Z6 to change the resolution in FX-format to M (4,528 x 3,016) and get the right number of pixels?

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

Still, the pixels will have their own size (35.25µm2 vs 71.70µm2 for D700) + z6II will not be able to reproduce the vast amount of hues that the Legacy d700 CFA can record.

[@tantsura]

@@user-zv6qu4ks1p The advantage of large pixels in old cameras over modern ones is to exaggerated.

[@simong8364]

Got a D700 and a D800 and love both but two cameras. Best would be a 48MP Sensor with three RAW options L=48MP M=24MP S=12MP. As long as it is RAW. High MP when needed, low MP wenn not.

[@simong8364]

Plus, one big bixel is not as good as the mean of four smaller pixels with regard to noise.

[@Huffoto]

My understanding is that now photoshop can quadruple the mega pixels of an image. If this is true and works properly that is a game changer for the D700 as far as cropping and resizing goes. Anyway I will forever own and Love my D700. I just love it and trust it. Thanks for the continued amazing videos!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for the support sir!

[@j.m.gratton6000]

Totally agree with you...they need to put less emphasis on mp. The sweet spot for most of my work is 16mp. That's why I'll never part with my D4 and will soon be picking up a mint D4s. Thanks for having the courage to go against the grain!

[@williamchan8866]

Man that would be so so cool, a 12meg shooter. Then I could officially use my d700 as back up. Just the concept makes me feel wise already, Thanks Will.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching William 🔥

[@heyheyhey520]

I paid 6000 for a Sony fx6, the sensor has an Actual: 12.9 Megapixel Effective: 10.2 Megapixel count. It’s So great to shoot in 120fps and get no crop as well as great great auto focus and image quality. i think cameras are leveling out when it comes to specs for money, so the year to year upgrades are shrinking as well as the need to update every few years.

[@Soormand]

Thank you for this. Have you tried the Fuji GfX system? I own a Z7ii and a GFX 50R. I use both for weddings. The sensor on the GFX is by far the most pleasing of the 2. Yes - it’s high resolution but the colors and general feel of the images are superb. I switched to Nikon because I saw images from the D850 and presumed that the Z line might be the same, but in general I’m a little torn with Nikon. I love their older lenses like the 58mm 1,4 - it has such character but the sensor on the z7ii lacks quality in my opinion. I’m saying this based on real world experience. I’ve shoot weedings every weekend in Copenhagen this summer.

[@jeffdmsl]

My Z9’s 45mp raw files are 30mb’s, with its compressed size. I tried pushing it to its limits underexposing and its damn hard to tell a difference between its fully uncompressed version. Benefits of cropping in, images are sharp as hell, enough raw information to edit freely, and file sizes aren’t that bad.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yeah 30mb aren't too bad, I should be getting a Z9 soon but haven't tested it out yet. How are the images at 10K+ ISO? And with high ISO images do the colors stay tight in post when bringing up exposure?

[@mjcz5853]

Much needed video, Nikon would hit it out of the park with a 12mp camera. Also, these behind the scene videos are excellent. Thanks again for keeping it real.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching buddy 🫡

[@rebirthtreatmentcenter]

100% accurate. The D700 sensor is out of this world. I have a Z6 and an A7R4. Great cameras but missing that D700 magic.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolutely

[@melvinwaldon7543]

I am going to purchase the Nikon D700. Looking forward to purchase next week. I love the pictures from photographers posted on this camera.

[@Fifthimagez]

Great video my friend thanks for sharing.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@panosdemiropoulos9123]

Well said! I am still shooting with my D3s. Best colors I have ever seen!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolutely!

[@GilbertCarosinPhotography]

agree with you a 100% i have been shooting with the d700 for years now ....its high time manufacturers design a camera for the working professional i mean photographer that shoot in the real life not people talking about specs on youtube ....something that has NO VIDEO just 12 to 16 megapixel with an amazing CFA that is not design for high iso ( real pro use a flash ) and dont come and tell me there are situation where you cannot use a flash because there are thousands and thousands of camera designed for this kind of situation we just need a new d700/d3/d4 in a modern body and we dont even need the pop up flash if that can save cost

[@zZola_Photography]

This is Astrophotography 101 as well. Astro shooters would kill for a 12-16mpx FF sensor

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

totally agree

[@johnktistis]

I m with you although i believe that tech on sensors nowadays are better than 15 years before.Yes d700 was a legend and all sensors that were 12mp. Thats why they had such nice picture. I n the other hand i would be more on 24mp to be the perfect one for me. 45 i agree are too much but i believe that astro photographers landscape and wildlife photographers or even sports photograsphers need such a camera. So I think that Z8 is like a camera for everyone. And i kind believe that also skin colors are also very good nowadays. It is true that customers wont understand the resolution in their screen but i believe customers wont see any difference in color also. i believe that all customers will be happy with quality. What you capture is most important to them. The tech thing is most of the times our satisfaction. I ll buy z8 and im a wedding photographer too. I have d750 and i know that i might lose ISO performance. but the final combination with lenses and capabilites will satisfy me more. A medium format on 24mp with all z8 goodies would be my dream.. :) and of course i hope nikon not sacrifise on z6iii the quality in order to raise the resolution. i hope for another 24mp but mor capable camera. And if you do a close look up in quality on z8 and d700 withouth judge the resolution i can imagine that most pro outhere wont see much of a difference. they might see but not so much.. i dont know, these are my thoughts, maybe im wrong.. anyway weel said !!

[@DocBoA]

Man i really miss that Nikon color science but I "NEED" FF with a flipscreen. I'd dump Sony in a second if they gave me that with 12mp

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I can’t believe they don’t have the flip screen yet either 😭. Would really freaking help with my YT videos

[@isaiasanchez1987]

A Z700 😵 that would be amazing!

[@gvs376]

Have you considered buying a used Leica M8? It has a very special (and rare) 10.3 megapixel Kodak CCD sensor. Along with the M9 (which has some corrosion issues), these cameras offer the most "film-like" digital images that I've ever seen.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I would honestly love to buy an M8. I just can’t really justify the cost (with lenses) when it has no AF.. I know it matters less when you are using it for personal work but for that kind of price I would want to use it a lot on weddings, without the AF it just wouldn’t fit into my workflow switching between auto and manual focus between shots

[@lcador9]

You make excellent points from the standpoint of a wedding photographer with two important exceptions. First the color depth and dynamic range of modern high megapixel sensors are vastly superior to that found in modern 12-24 megapixel sensors. The Nikon Z6 ll at 24 megapixel, with which you currently shoot your weddings, has significantly superior color depth, dynamic range and low light performance than the D700. Secondly, so many current wedding photographers want a hybrid camera which can also take video in at least 4K down sampled from 6K. This can't happen with 12 megapixels. If you are truly committed to a modern 12 megapixel sensor camera then perhaps time to move to Sony where you will give up some dynamic range and color depth but gain mucho low light performance and get that beloved 12 megapixels. Then there is the option of shooting your Z6 ll in crop mode which will give you a space saving 10 megapixel file and deliver creative distinction when shot on your full frame lenses. So your not going to see a new Nikon 12 megapixel camera but you do have choices.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Agree with a lot of this! I think the color rendition issue is subjective, to me I’ve always gotten better colors, with the d700 when shooting people.. it’s just different, may not be technically more deep but the way the d700 renders with a good lens attached is something I haven’t found on modern cameras.. but again it’s subjective I guess. As far as dynamic range yea I agree, modern cameras have deeper blacks and better shades of grey if you really zoom in. And as far as video goes I’m with you too, if Nikon were to release a low light, color focused, “people and skin tone” focused Z it would have to be photo only which I would personally love for work. Thanks for watching buddy 🤝

[@coryisvanguard2613]

The gh5s has entered the chat...

[@johnleftwich650]

I am an amateur photographer with a Z6 which I love. Is the Z6 II worth the upgrade or In your opinion is the Z6 all I really need?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Z6 is all you need right now John, it’s not outdated by any means.. Only good for an upgrade if you really need faster AF

[@johnleftwich650]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs That's exactly my thinking. Thanks much for your input.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@johnleftwich650 anytime 🫡

[@carlosandreviana9448]

I shoot a lot in DX mode on the z6 because I rarely need 24mpx. 16mpx would be my optimum resolution for small crops You can save a lot of HD space if you convert the images to dng. You won't notice a difference

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Agree for sure.. Would also be totally happy with a 16mp body

[@senalirving]

I agree with you. But I think the Z8 should be a 12mp camera but be a video centric camera. I think that would be perfect and compete with the A7s sony series which also has a 12 mp camera. I don't need high mega pixels for my work. I would take lower light, and better dynamic range over high mp count. I think even 20 mp would be a good

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I believe it was a Panasonic sensor. I love my D700.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thats right!! It was on the tip of my tongue haha

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

The D700 and D3 sensor NC81338L (CMOS) have been designed by Nikon and has been manufactured by "Matsushita" Though the D700 has a stronger CFA than the D3 and a different conversation algorithm. The D3s has a SONY sensor and a way weaker CFA than both D700 and D3.(Nikon had to boost high iso and thus had to apply a weaker and less discriminative CFA)

[@kosmidts]

@@user-zv6qu4ks1p manufactured by "Matsushita" = Panasonic now days

[@justinthomas3829]

I agree. I personally want a low mp fast af, low light beast in a Z6. Paying for features I don’t need is frustrating. I don’t need for example my camera to shoot video but I can’t buy a mirrorless Nikon that doesn’t have video. My iPhone does great videos

[@ForeverYoung007]

Hit the nail on the head. If they could give convenience of newer camera tech (mirrorless, autofocus, wifi, processing, etc) combined with a lower resolution sensor (even 16MP would work), I don't see how they wouldn't have improved auto focus. They don't focus on color science enough and it is a thing! Its not just about how the software interprets raw files.. sensor rendering + processing of the image does vary by camera I have noticed!

[@user-cn4sr2mu9v]

So true iPhone viewing is the common viewing

[@germanshepherdmom5411]

I picked up a D700 for 400.00 with only a little over 2000 shutter clicks. I was amazed at the sharpness and colors coming from that camera, so much so that I wrote to Nikon and asked why they don’t make another camera like the D700, their response, we do it’s the D750. I was like, nope not even close, not the same magic.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Def not the same! Although I do like the 750, they need a 12mp Z line body.. Would sell like hotcakes for anyone who shoots portraits and weddings

[@timryan894]

I have both and definitely not the same. The 750 is a fine camera. Some of the best magic still comes from the images I get on my old D7000. Great color

[@russellwright9961]

I have a pair of D700s and between the two there were less than 10K shutter clicks when I bought them. The images I have produced are second to none and I don't know when or if I'll not use them. I shoot portraits, weddings, studio work, seniors, events, etc. with them and they have been workhorses for me. I do have a D4S that's a beast too, but I can say the D4S does not have better image quality than the D700 SOOC; it's good, but I can't say that it's better. I would absolutely love to see the D700 remade in a mirrorless body, I think you would have a lot of photogs jumping ship for that camera!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@russellwright9961 I have a few people on here saying I’m crazy for thinking the D700 colors look better than newer hi res cameras haha. Just one man’s opinion I guess but after 10 years of shooting all types of cameras I haven’t found anything that produces better skin tones

[@asamblor]

16mp-Nikon d4! The best

[@runcmd1419]

Would like an r3 / a9 competitor, 24mp, 30-40fps, 6k, Z9 body and accessories

[@vickosis]

The main concern with higher MP cameras that I initially think about, apart from the additional file size which is an obvious one, is noise levels. However reading an interesting comment on DPR site dating back to Jun 2009 has made me realise that there's lots more at play than the pixel size and that many factors will determine how well a camera performs. Noise isn't necessarily better with cameras that have a lower MP count/ better pixel density from what I understood and higher MP count sensors although pose many challenges can be overcome. However, to make a great camera IMO manufacturers will likely need to factor in many aspects and create a good overall balance using existing technology advancements; so when we talk about certain cameras in the past or present that set it apart from the competition I think it's because the likes of Nikon got many things right with the design. For anyone interested in some misconceptions about the higher MP, sensor size and pixel density among other influencing factors such as "spatial frequencies" among others, these comments by Daniel Browning are an interesting read: "[1/6] Myth busted: small pixels bad, 4 legs good - part 1" (first of six parts) - www.dpreview.com/forums/post/32064270

[@cristianperaltafoto]

If you use z6ll and you want 12megas, just crop the sensor as DX and you got the 12megas with the technology of the z6ll.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Not the actual resolution, it’s more the pixel size and pixel density on the sensor that make a difference

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Spot on!

[@udaybhaskar448]

Great argument, and Nikon should consider this kind of a camera...I too thought about it, for both magical images and video excellence...that will kill the market...!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

💯💯💯

[@camilo8cheryl]

There is something in my old D700 and D750 photos vs photo’s i get on my z6/z6ii and z7ii..its like these mirrorless are too perfect its like comparing sweet sounding analog vinyl records vs too flat perfect digital cd’s/mp3..reason why i didn’t sell my D750 and few F lenses

[@tashihishey34]

Nikon Df has 16 megapixel sensor, perfect.

[@paulbusby2013]

The thing I miss the most with my now-sold D700 is the built-in flash. I got prints large than A4 out of it! However technology has moved forward to the point where my Z6 & Z9 both produce less noise at high ISOs @ 24 & 45MP respectively. IMO, Nikon will never produce a 12MP Z series camera, what they may eventually do is produce a variable resolution camera - maybe ~60MP down to ~15MP with PIXEL BINNING! This will allow the individual photo sites to be merged with adjacent pixels in-camera so the noise will be lowered by averaging it out over 2 or more pixels. Some camera phones already do this. It allows us to have our cake AND eat it. IIRC, Leica have just done this very recently.

[@obedbrinkman]

interesting view, i totally agree that the insane increase in megapixels misses sence

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Agree for sure

[@jpdj2715]

I want a monochrome Z 7ii. That should be a piece of cake of leaving things out that cost money. When I want to shoot B&W today, I can only shoot Bayer color raw files. The sensor is (sensors are) colorblind but sees the entire humanly visible spectrum - like the old B&W "panchromatic" film (pan=all, chromatic=colors). So the sensor cannot shoot color and this is solved by having a filter grid over the sensor where each photosite is filtered down to one of three spectral bands: red, green, blue. When we shoot raw, that file has no RGB pixels, but monochrome data elements - one for each photosite. This means that the raw file consists of 100% color noise and 100% luminance noise. The raw file may contain 16 bits data elements with 14 photographically meaningful - as these give exposure or EV levels and two bits give the color of the filter that caused this result. How the colors are mapped in the sensor and organized in the raw file determines the way to work with this. Almost all cameras do this in the way invented by Mr. Bayer. So the raw files are "Bayerized" - into monochrome data elements. In order to be able to view the image as a human being and feel that it is OK, this mess is fixed by something called "raw processing". In a simplistic approach raw processing looks at each data element and compares the value with the ones around it stemming from the same or different different color filtering. The process interpolates the surrounding values and in that way extrapolates RGB color. This is pure mathematically correct and repeatable wild-assed guessing. This is called "deBayerization". And while deBayerization removes original color and luminance noise, it causes new noise distributed across the image. Because it is still a naive algorithm. When the subject had patterns then this newly constructed color/luminance noise is easily recognized: we call it "Moiré". The problem is that most of the color and luminance noise that deBayerization generates or spreads around the image, is more random, so we blame the camera or sensor. But, looking at the original and the noise in the deBayerized image, the seemingly random noise has a pattern (mathematically) - and that's why this problem is called "mosaicking". Surprise, surprise - our raw processing software applies "demosaicking" after "deBayerization". The naive deBayerization process causes a lot of color and luminance noise - imagine DxO Mark only doing this to a raw file and then making quality judgments about cameras and sensors. Meh. Since around 1990, in the research discipline of AI, there's this specialization called "computer vision" that, keeping it simple, develops programs that tell you in words what is in the picture you gave to these programs. This requires identifying shapes in a subject and that involves identification of contours of "blobs" that the program needs to piece together and then figure out something like grassland with tree in the middle and tiger behind tree - head sticking out left and rear sticking out right. In the next images, the tiger starts walking but the rear end of the tiger still sticks out to the right of the tree - "oh, there must have been two tigers (at least) behind that tree". Recognizing blobs s easily done with a brute force algorithm, but piecing blobs together can benefit from neural nets, training, learning algorithms. Our cameras already do elements from computer vision for ages: to figure out white balance, to figure out exposure and now to figure out autofocus. And our cameras use this too when they generate JPEG or movie, as well as our electronic viewfinder. All the time. So when we shoot raw, the raw file did not get subjected to this raw processing. But still - mirrorless - this happens continuously for our eVF. Because of the Bayerization and mosaicking. And ... We think "14 bits" and "wow". What do we get from raw processing? At best 27 bits color space: 9+9+9 bits in RGB. And all of these are a wild-assed guess. But I wanted monochrome. Well, in old school - my school - terms I want "panchromatic". But that's not a challenge - it comes with the naked sensor. Oh, the photosites (the real sensors) in the sensor are analog. Yes, really. As analog as film. If we leave the Bayer color filter away we have a panchromatic (grey scale, B&W) sensor. If we leave the filter away, we get improved low light performance - more dynamic range. And in that it should be easy to get 16 bits gradation depth as the "Analog-to-Digital" (AD) conversion circuit gets an improved analog signal to work with. Without the Bayer filter and without raw processing, I can only shoot black and white (B&W). But having gotten rid of all the color problems, 16 bits depth is easy, dynamic range is improved (2 EV?) and contour sharpness of my lenses comes across even better. As the camera never has to do raw processing (eVF, movie, JPEG) , it could just save 16 bit grey scale TIFF files. Maybe it could put that TIFF in a DNG and include lens profiles and other meta-data not supported by TIFF. That's pure B&W, without any color processing. If I want to get a contrasty cloudy/blue sky, I need to use yellow filter as in the old days. Nothing "post" - forget it. But, na-na, na, na, na,I have 2 bits more depth - 4 times. And zero wild-assed guessing. That Z 7iip (p for panchromatic - mono=one, chrome=color, monochrome is a dumb-ass misnomer and Leica peeps should take that personally - has to do so many things less per second that, in Z 7ii package, it might perform at Z 9 level, just because it does not have to do all the wild-assed guessing and corrections thereof. Speed aside, imagine your image does not have to be subjected to wild-assed guessing. And each shot is the pure real thing that can be viewed without messing with it. Knowing that there was no messing with it. Imagine the camera actually has to do less for that and post processing too. Because that is what it would give. Z 7iip

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Man, I just read this whole comment and it’s such a good one. Thank you for posting, was fun to read! So are these true monochrome cameras more expensive to make or is the Leica M so much more expensive purely because it’s limited in production?

[@jpdj2715]

​@@TheMonochromeMemoirs - I'll send a DM with the long version. If the industry had offered monochrome from the digital start, then it might have been seriously cheaper, albeit a parallel investment to photographers who also want color. Leica's prices in a top-down view follow from the red dot (brand value) and in a bottom-up view follow from production costs in Germany or elsewhere at low volume.

[@codywhitaker800]

I agree with all of your points brother....also to people who shoot wide just so they can crop, I feel is a terrible technique. Jared Polin has preached to never crop and I fully agree. Crop in the viewfinder (meaning get your composition right) not in post.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yup he’s right about that. In camera framing should always be the goal (even though sometimes circumstances out of your control make for bad framing)

[@markusbolliger1527]

I agree with most points you make! Resolution is overrated these days, has become a marketing hype. For quite a long time I used to work with the legendary Nikon D700 and was very happy with the results - 12MP were plenty enough even for big prints. At present my camera is the Z6 with 24MP - seems to be the sweet spot for full frame cameras. More pixels can be useful for cropping, for example in wildlife photography by shooting in DX-mode, so a 400mm lens gets the angle of field of a 560mm lens. In this case you need 33MP in minimum; this would be the maximum number of pixels I would accept in a new camera. I agree that the quality of noise is more pleasing with bigger photodiodes. But the visible noise-level of a 46-60MP camera- image is not necesseraly higher compared to a 12MP camera- image. Why? Because for the same final print format you have to enlarge the 12MP file more than the 46MP file, so in the 12MP image noise is also more enlarged. That means that in the print you will see almost no difference concerning noise between a 12 and a 46MP camera. Kind regards from Switzerland.

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

There are other important differences such as hue discrimination,vibrancy,3Dpop (that comes from the contrast and it is actually tonal resolution). But most important of all (at least to my own eyes) The ability of the D700 sensor to record and reproduce ever the slightest tonal shift.

[@ThisGuy2330]

I actually have a D700 in my KEH cart right now. I'd kill for a smaller res Z.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolutely man, I would buy them all day

[@tashihishey34]

I still shoot with my old as Nikon D600 with a Nikon 50mm 1.2 Ais lens glued to it. I have rented the latest and greatest lenses and cameras to explore for an upgrade, but none have hit the spot. Too digital for my liking. At 65, I'm now considering a Nikon Df and a Nikon 58mm 1.4. or a Nikon Z5 with the new adapter to go with the 58mm.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That 58 1.4 will always command a high resell value, magnificent piece of glass

[@ScriptureToday]

I hope Nikon keeps at least one Fx camera designed to excel in low light. Wedding and event photographers need that more than higher resolution. Rumors suggest they are done with 24MP sensors. If true, the Z6 line would likely increase in megapixels with most speculating 33-36MP. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I would be REALLY bummed if they go that route.. Unfortunately the MP conversation has somehow risen to the top of priorities when it comes to which camera to buy, probably the result of specific marketing as maybe it’s cheaper to improve on MPs rather than color science and dynamic range

[@andredavy1806]

Nikon D3s the camera is a dream to shoot with, clean filessss!!

[@paulbusby2013]

Camera sensor tech is still in its infancy - the % of the sensor area that gathers light is also increasing. The D700 was an iconic camera just like the Canon A1 was back in the days of film.

[@pavel6181]

Nice explanation - not all understand that unfortunately, and let the companies sell the cameras which are overdesigned and cost so high...

[@janmaaso]

Yes!

[@Man_Cave]

All to often, these days, the emphasis is on the camera gear rather than the art of photography.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

100% truth

[@georgios3664]

Υou're absolutely right, i had one D750 which i bought it new and one D700, guess what i did, i sold the D750 and i bought one more D700. D700 it has an artistic sensor. I wish also that one day they will produce a Z body whit that sensor.

[@PhilippxWagner]

When I tell people that 4k video is actually only 8MP *mind blown* The reason the Sony A7S was a big thing back then for video, because of the 12MP Sensor and the bigger pixels. I´m completley with your statement. The pure resolution won´t solve the problem and for the majority of shooter its just pure bulk of data. Marketing will always be bigger than the average thinker. If I want more resolution I would go with a Hasselblad or a Fuji GFX100, because the hole package is more fine tuned. Anyways I think with modern sensors and image processing you actally don´t need bigger pixels / smaler MP sensors, like in the D700, anymore. If you see what Apple does with it´s 9 layers image processing, thats bloody awesome for a sensor this size. The Z6II received a second image processor and THAT was much more of a performance boost than more MP. Well, that was a lovely and nice gear talk ^^. Stay healthy and take care. Cheers Will.

[@PhilippxWagner]

Footnote: There is actually one camera where I find that more MP make absolutley sense. The Leica Q2 because of the fixed focal length of 28mm 1.7. You can crop digitally while you use the camera over the range finder or later in post. So "you have" a 28mm / 35mm / 50mm. All "three" in one camera. With less MP during cropped focal length. That´s a nice thing to have but at that price point of a Leica Q2, you get a whole line up of interchangeable lenses, but I wanted to mention it.

[@saibhargavamanda1062]

U can feel the difference of 12MP vs 40MP details on any hi res monitor .

[@andhib]

Agreed.

[@eoinkirwan3147]

Yoooo, agree we don't need tons of mp but the z7ii has way better shadows and dynamic range than the z6ii. The Northrups have a recent video explaining that high resolution sensors have less noise, even though we all came up thinking the opposite... 🤷‍♂️

[@PaulQuinones]

I will say this... I've heard rumors that the z8 will be 45 megapixels or higher. I don't like that idea. I do think they need to be smaller in the 20/24 megapixels with all the z9 auto focus, etc.. As for 12.. I've never used the d700 so it's hard for me to say but I understand the logic totally.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I don’t see much use for a Z8 if all they are offering is double the rez but would be nice if it was a camera aimed specifically at video people and packed a lot of punch in that area.. I just really like the idea of specialization of different cameras for different niches of photography and videography. Great to hear from you Paul 🤝

[@PaulQuinones]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs 100 percent agree and one other thing Will... I have and love the z9 but I love to z6 body.. Something small like that with z9 autofocus would be huge

[@michaellee3903]

Honestly I think 20 MP would be a nice middle ground for someone like yourself. While there's nothing wrong with a 12 MP sensor, BUT the 20-24 MP range right now is probably the most ideal. Anything more than that is overkill IMO.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Some people have also brought up a 16mp sensor as an option which I think would be good too

[@danieljohnburke]

Sony has the A7S III, 12mp, modern focussing, reasonable battery, flip out screen. Might be worth a look. I also don't like the AA filters they put on, it reduces clarity, give me a 12MP camera with no AA filter, that would be special.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I wouldn’t be opposed to owning a Sony in principle but it’s hard to justify when I’m so deep into the Nikon ecosystem with lenses and actual hours of muscle memory working the menus and physical buttons! Maybe I will pick one up for a walk around camera, I know people on the channel would like to hear me talk a little more about comparisons

[@danieljohnburke]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Yes, I get that. Once you get used to a system, it's hard to swap.

[@yusufisak]

Agreed!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

🫡🫡🫡

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

My iMac 27” and and Apple Studio Monitor are 14.7 mpixel and Apple Pro Display is 20.3 mpixel. I used to believe that high mpixel was bad, but since D810 and D850 Nikon really proved that to be wrong. The D850 is still the best on the market regarding dynamic range and color depth.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yeah a few people have pointed out some consumer screens are pushing higher viewable MPs, I do agree... All i'm saying is that the MPs those sensors are cranking are mostly overkill for *most* photographers today.. Stuff I shoot with my D700 is still banging across all newer monitors not to mention phones and the benefits you get in terms of image flavor make a lot of sense when you're shooting for skin tones and color quality. A 12mp camera def would be niche but I think would sell well for people who do what I do

[@user-zv6qu4ks1p]

Compare the colour checker results of the reliable "Imatest" You will soon realize that a D850 can even come close to the D700's color accuracy and hue discrimination.Not even close!!

[@ChrisTheKid83]

I have a D850 and a D3, I’ll never stop using my D3