Nikon Z 6II Review | Sample Photos and Videos

[@halvorevensen1840]

Greetings from Norway and great content! I have been a Sony shooter for 5 years and decided to jump ship over to the Canon R6 when it was released. Man what a camera and AF but there was something missing for me. 1) I never felt comfortable using it in these types of environment (as it only has the same level of weather sealing as the 6D mk II) and when you add their cheap primes (plastic, no weather sealing, no lens hood). Nikon really got some great primes which includes WS, proper build and lens hood included 2) I have found that the Eye AF is a little snappier on the R6 and definitly when tracking animals. Their Animal AI algorithms really is insane, but if you are not shooting a lot of animals I would pretty much say it`s somewhat on pair. But I get why people like the convenience of having subject tracking and eye af in the same mode. But I think Nikon definitly will improve fw on the dual processors along the way 3) Nikon is just more fun and engaging to shoot with. And MAN THOSE FILES. I definitly prefer it over the R6. I must say I never thought I would end up with a Nikon but I think the overall package that they deliver is fantastic. And this comes from a neutral guy who doesn`t belong in either the Canon or Nikon camp :) Either way you want be disappointed with either of these cameras. Pick the camera that best suits your needs and style!

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Good to know a Nikon camera beats out the Canon R6 for files and image quality. Wonder how the Nikons compare to the more expensive Canon R5. (I think most of the hype on R5 is resolution in 8K video, Nikon has Z7ii so image quality can match at 45mp. But it is still in the color science in any weather condition that Nikon excels in its files captured.

[@Photomeike]

My name is Ike and I approve this message!

[@GeoffKirby]

Hell yeah!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Thanks dude! Hope life is well. WPPI feels like 4 years ago at this point hah

[@mithuidabang602]

@@GeoffKirby qx,

[@rifky9293]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto j Vando n Bvvvccxmxmzkskasa Ke

[@carbolicsoap]

Just ordered my Z6II an hour ago. Can't wait for it to be shipped. 👏

[@lisalouisekeen4191]

Got my z6 II in November, after trading in my D750, and im in love with it. haven't done a big shoot with it yet but so pleased with the results, and the details you can get from shadows from an under exposed shot is incredible. Am using Sigam art glass using the adaptor. after updating the firmware on the lenses the focusing is amazing and so much better than the D750 on stills and video.

[@anthonyychapa]

Taylor’s fingerless gloves: “I can honestly say that was the best hands on experience I’ve ever had with a camera. Ergonomics are hands down the best.”

[@unexpired1]

nikon's z lenses are building up to be really great, I rented out the 24-70 f2.8 and the z6ii few days ago and I'm really impressed

[@marcusbeasley3212]

I've been using this since late December and I love this camera. Wide Area (L) with face tracking is a god send, it's way more accurate than some people advertised.

[@cwehden]

What picture profile is he using for the JPG's straight out of cam?

[@GeoffKirby]

Great video dude, I have just got the Z6ii and I love it, I went out today on my first commercial shoot with it was a joy to use. I can't wait to get the 24-70 2.8 S My order is in and I'm just waiting for to be delivered! EXCITING!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

That lens is for sure what sold me on the Z series. You're going to love it!

[@halvorevensen1840]

I have that lens and it is fantastic! Enjoy

[@GeoffKirby]

@@halvorevensen1840 it doesnt look like I'll get it for a while the whole Nikon Uk delivery is stuck in Europe because of Bloody brexit!

[@halvorevensen1840]

@@GeoffKirby Not an ideal situation. Here in Norway we de also see major challenges with delivery. However the Z 24-70 2.8 is still available in all stores. So I could have picked it up for you man!

[@trishhorton3419]

I’m going for z6ii for my primary camera to replace my D750/D810. I’ve loved these cameras. Agreed, Nikon SOC files & dynamic range wins me over. I’m loving my Z5 despite the internet shatting all over its autofocus.

[@corrbox2]

Great review. You are a terrific photographer. Nikon sh0uld be very happy with your report and the images you shot withh the Z6II. Really great photos. Very impressive. Keep up the good shooting, and keep the reviews coming. Bravo! 👏 🙌 🤩 📸

[@bydiegopozo]

I love it since I have it for a few months, it’s such a big upgrade coming from a D7100

[@ANAISbcn]

Hello! An admirable job! Please, what setting do you modify in post to remove the magenta cast that the Z6II has?

[@t.k.1448]

Hi Taylor, another great video with lots of footage to make me a bit homesick. Please use your voice with Nikon and tell them to fix the lack of drive mode setting in User Profiles! Have a few other nitpicks, but otherwise your comparison between the R6 and Z6ii was instrumental in me choosing the Nikon. Your comments about the intangible artistic feel to the Nikon images struck a chord with me plus I felt more at home from a menu/ergonomic/build quality point of view with the Z6ii. Keep up the good work and one final note: really appreciate the lack of shouting (waterfall notwithstanding). Calm, articulate videos are much appreciated.

[@flickrchannyuk4396]

I love your videos Taylor, and your photography is fantastic!

[@chrispicrab1721]

Got my Z6II on Oct 5th 22 (aswell after trading in my D750) and I am soo happy with that (honestly expensive) choice. Played around with all the new features but didnt't have a big shoot yet. Your content is incredible useful for me. greetings from Germany

[@krishnandusarkar]

It'd be really helpful if you can please answer this - are you shooting on Flat profile internally and then colour grading in post?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Nope. Standard I believe. I shout the Z 9 on neutral

[@BenPhanStudios]

Awesome review thanks! I've read that the Z6II isn't a major upgrade compared to the original Z6, would you agree with that? Thanks!

[@GlobalReuben]

Taylor Jackson (Nikon Only) From your point of view as a wedding photographer based on experience, would you recommend a mirrorless camera over a DSLR?.

[@Jerseymikephoto]

I stood in that same exact spot at 5:53 (Sunwapta Falls) and its Soooooooo sketchy, especially snow covered. Great video! I really enjoyed your take on the Z6 and seeing some of Jasper's best spots.

[@hasanaliakhtar.personal]

Beautiful shots Taylor! I am still using Nikon D750, could you please specifically tell the difference in the IQ/DR compared to that. I think they replaced 3D tracking as well, what's the alternative? Have a nice day ahead. Take care!

[@robbie154]

What is the biggest print you’ve made with it (not pano) and were you happy with it? Questioning the Z7ii...

[@UKvideos2009]

Hey @taylor Jackson I remember when you would use your D850 in the older videos, is the Z7ii a good choice for weddings since they share the same sensor if I'm not mistaken? Just curious!

[@cesarm8811]

So Taylor, I own the Nikon Z50 and very frustrated with it blackout (EVF lagging)? Does the Z6ii have similar blackout and if it does how do you deal with it?

[@DHAGMANN2]

Hi Taylor Great video from you that I enjoy watching every time. I love my Nikon Z6 with the Z lenses.

[@KTW001]

I really enjoy your videos Taylor. Nice demo on the Z6ii. Thank you.

[@bigsavagedaddy5960]

I just really REALLY REALLY wish it would record 10 bit internally. I prefer to NOT use my Ninja monitor, except for if I wanted 12 bit prores. I wonder if they can make 10 bit internal possible with a firmware update??

[@patrickccreation1115]

Just wondering to add a Z6 II to my Z6 I do have or to pick up an other Z6 ans put more money in Z glass ?

[@cactus22minus1]

Not really a review if it’s “presented by Nikon”, however, the demo you presented is very solid and I do love the camera quite a lot. Looking forward to seeing what else you create with it.

[@ghas4151]

What are your go to Z mount prime lenses for your wedding work? Thanks for the video!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I used the 50mm a lot this past year since my weddings were smaller in number counts. Usually I'd be on the 85 on one body, and a 35 or 24 (now 20mm) on the other.

[@ghas4151]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto the 20mm S lens is an interesting choice. Any reason why you went for that over the 24mm? And has your mind changed on the 50 f1.2?

[@darrenweston8085]

Hi TJ?...bought this camera based upon what you've said and I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Just one quick question - not sure if you shoot tethered into LR but Nikon doesn't support this yet. Are you aware of any chatter when this might become available ??

[@fernandostarfit6411]

Hey Taylor, what is your opinion of 25MP vs 50MP sensors? Is there so much difference in practice?

[@boonwahphua2246]

Hi Taylor, please help as I need to decide between Z6 II and Z7 II for video and landscape. Read online that Z6 II 4k has a crop of 1.5x while Z7 II has a crop of 1.08x. However, the choice online seems to favour Z6 II for video work. This is something I am unable to understand why Z6 II is better for video. Please advise. Thanks.

[@frickseerose6146]

The crop will only be in the 4k60 mode which will come soon with s Firmware Update. And in genrral its better than the z7 because it has less Pixel and the compression being better. And if you need it mainly for Video, then you also dont need to pay for additional mp.

[@Photomeike]

What you may have read might be the case in terms of shooting 4k60 video. But for normal video use. (4k24, 1080p60, 1080p120) the Z6's 24mp sensor uses a 6k downsampled to 4k video file to provide a much sharper and cleaner 4k image with no cropping. The Z6 will also give you better image quality when shooting in low light.

[@boonwahphua2246]

Hi guys, thank you very much for responding to my query. It is certainly useful in my decision process as to which camera to get.

[@chrisgreen160]

Loved the video...curious what tripod you. were using??

[@sreyac6891]

Hi! Which camera did you shoot your video with? The one where you were at Emerald Lake?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

This was all on Z6ii I believe. (I don’t remember if there’s some GoPro vlog style stuff in here or not) We had 2 Z6ii with us

[@orshanti]

also, do the new Z cameras have the touch and drag AF like the canon and sony do or is it still joystick only? (when eye is in the finder)

[@ljohnson0725]

Really dope review. I have the D810 and D850 and I only shoot portraits, I am leaning towards the Z7II but was wondering should I in your opinion get the Z7II or wait until a D850 replacement. I could use a EVF especially for my on location portraits. I really value your opinion as I shoot no video only portraits. Money is a factor but not much as I can spend about 3000.00. D850 replacement I would love but will it have EVF.

[@jamescook5931]

What specific filter do you use? I love your videos.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

For long exposures? I have a Gobe 10 stop ND. We don’t use anything for the videos though

[@orshanti]

hey Taylor! realy cool video! thanks! can you say how much better is the IQ of the Z7 mk2 over that of the 6mk2? cheers! :)

[@blakekantlehner2583]

Any recommendations for memory cards for this camera, in both slots??? thanks!

[@MichaelAres]

Can you show a wedding film shot with the z6ii? Would like to see how you do one of those.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Won’t be for a bit. We’re in a lockdown here so no one can have a wedding until March or april at the earliest

[@johnnycincocero]

What tri-pod do you use?

[@aus_vlog]

Face detection is not working for 100/120fps video which is disappointing 😞

[@zahirdaya164]

Please share the winter gloves brand.

[@kjltube]

Amazing location! I’m really enjoying the Z6II and just picked up the Z 50mm f1.2!

[@job2k6]

4:13 is that a before and after? They look identical.

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

HAH. Yah. I screwed that up. And it will live here forever. :(

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Now I'm super confused with how it didn't use the original file. It was all nice, and slides in on premiere. Then in the rendered version, it is the same.

[@job2k6]

Ah bummer. Maybe you found a bug. Was interested to see how drastic the changes were with 100 dehaze. Any chance you can share the raw?

[@bigsavagedaddy5960]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Gotta love the oddities that happen in Premiere. I've had unexplainable things like that happen.

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

@@job2k6 they're not completely the same. The right one has a bit more different (magenta) tint and a tid bit stronger blacks (or shadows/darks?)

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

I would have to totally agree, the colors coming out of a Nikon camera beat what I can get out of my Canon cameras I have owned or used before, plus the Sonys. The color just looks nicer and is easier to adjust in post processing. Nikon has the color science down very well. Mind you I am comparing files to a Canon 5D3, 80D, 77D and Sony A77ii and A6000 for comparing color (I had owned/used over the years, not the latest models). I have the Nikon D750 and the Raw files are great to work in. The Nikon seems to get more usable photo files in any light compared to the Canons. Next to buy: Nikon Z6ii.

[@millerchibomba]

Love your videos, amazing work.. Hoping to get a Z6

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

It's an incredible camera!

[@cdphotography2]

So how do/did you deal with the ice on the camera. Did you just let it melt or wiped it off occasionally?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I chipped it off haha. Not sure if that's what you're supposed to do, but it didn't damage anything. If it was wet, we tried to get it off a bit faster. Key was to let the camera get up to the same temp as the air I think. Less snow sticks to your glass that way too than if the camera is warm

[@cdphotography2]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Thx TJ

[@MichaelTaylorFilms]

5:22 - there seems to be a lot of wobble in the background when you're talking to camera. Is this warp-stabilisation, or IBS?

[@Photomeike]

It's the IBIS combined with a wide-angle lens.

[@grantking4681]

Mate, where's that gorgeous little hut on the lake at the end of the bridge at around the 2min 30 mark? I'm sure all (most) Canadians know it but I'm tapping this out in Australia.

[@travborger]

Great video, helped me in my decision on the z6 ii. Keep up the great content.

[@3akoscielski]

Can you do a video on comparing the Z5 and Z6ii for wedding photography? (mostly worried about the loss of the top screen on the Z5 that show the settings, does the Z5 show them on the back screen when changing them or something so I don't need to look through the EVF to see my settings?) Looking to start the switch from DSLR (D750) to Mirrorless before I get too far into the DSLR/F-Mount system (only have one D750, 50mm F/1.8 and 35mm F/1.8 F-mount right now). I'd likely look at getting a 85mm F/1.8 for the mirrorless to compliment the 35mm F/1.8 for the D750 as my second body. Thanks, really like the content!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Main difference is going to be ease of use in low light. You can for sure use the Z5, but the Z 6II makes focus a heck of a lot easier in dark conditions. Z5 shows settings on the back LCD, so I don't find the missing top screen that much of a bad thing. I also personally do exposure from looking at the LCD or EVF and making it look good overall. You're going to notice a huge step up in quality with the Z series 85! It's really incredible.

[@3akoscielski]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Thanks for the very quick reply! Okay, so do you think that the Z6ii would be worth the extra cost for receptions, and blue hour photos on the wedding day? Since there might not be very many receptions in 2021 I'm thinking it might make sense to get the Z5 until we have a more steady income, and then get the Z6ii after, and move the Z5 to being the backup. That way there would be 2 mirrorless eventually and the DSLR/F-mount equipment can get sold. I'm more looking for my Fiance as she's been starting her photography journey in Windsor ON. sarahnichol_photography on instagram. She just shot her first wedding and the pictures she posted are stunning!

[@paulaquipel7472]

Having that lens and camera clicked to your front while riding is crazy! What if you crashed😱 oh wait never mind🤠 I am so careful with my 70-200 2.8 S I treat it like a new born baby😂Definitely the most expensive lens I’ve ever purchased. I do love it though.

[@jtes1442]

Yeah boy , I get my Z6 II in two days ! Thanks for the video !

[@SkandaTejasw]

Wow, congratulations, have fun waiting the last couple of days and shooting for years after! Curious about when you'd backordered it, since I only placed my order 10 days ago and have no indication as to how long the wait will be. I'm in the US.

[@brts2023]

Love love your videos mate. Reason I got a z6 was basically because of your review. The z6 is still a great camera right? I'm not a wedding shooter or anything like thag yet, just learning my craft

[@neerajr3134]

Could you please say at whch focal length could you get shake free images @1/3rd of a sec

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

I think this is in an upcoming video. But yah, if I’m standing still, 1/3 of a second is possible. 1/10th is probably a more reasonable normal use though for me since all the frames are great. 1/3 you gave to do a few frames to make sure

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Should also note that that’s completely handheld

[@jerrym8140]

I happen to love this camera as well and looking forward to getting my first S lens soon. I’m going with the 35 as I have the 24-70 2.8, 85 1.4, 80-200 2.8 old work horse, and a nifty 50 1.8 as well as a Sigma 105 2.8 macro. But haven’t had a 35 but once tested the sigma art 35 and loved it and almost bought it since I didn’t have this lens. Glad I waited and as from what I have heard the S 35 is as good as the art lens and it’s native to this camera so I’m excited. Happy shooting

[@teddyevans8008]

this place is on the bucket list!

[@ceoisbk87]

Any word on the Lightroom update?

[@FM-fh3zt]

Great video! I think more people should include straight out of camera photos and videos to better understand how the camera handles the files by itself. Would you say that 24MP is enough for enthusiast photography? I'm one step from buying the Z6II and I want to be sure it's a good investment. Thanks, and cheers from Italy!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

In my opinion 24 is great for everything. We did another pretty large print (67 inches) and it looked great. If you crop a lot in post, the Z 7II might be the way to go for the extra resolution.

[@sexysilversurfer]

24megapixels is perfect for just about anything. Unless you need to crop more than half the frame or you are intending to heavily photoshop or print extremely large detailed images more than A1 you will find it the perfect amount. The amount of people who buy 30 plus megapixels cameras and then just post photos on Instagram and Facebook just bewilders me. 😂

[@FM-fh3zt]

​@@TaylorJacksonPhoto I'm mainly considering the Z6II rather than the 7 for price and low light performance. But if 24MP allows to print that big, that's insane! Thank you very much for your advice

[@FM-fh3zt]

@@sexysilversurfer thanks for your advice!

[@smkunder1]

Love your videos, now you have me thinking my original Z6 is out of date. Unfortunately can’t upgrade right now

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Nah the z6 is still a great camera

[@alechurch85]

Hi Taylor, great content as usual! Watching your videos I've started flirting with the Nikon Z system to replace my fuji system. Since I'm no pro, I was wondering if a Z5 would be a good option for me or if I should go for the Z6. I'm worried about the Z5 low light AF which seems lacking compared to the Z6. At the same time I would like to stick to SD cards instead of investing 400€ on memory alone. I would rather spend the money on a 35 1.8 instead :)

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

If you don't need two card slots, I'd probably get a deal on the original Z6, and see if they'd include XQD card(s). Even though it's a few years old, it's still a fantastic system. Z5 is also a great option if you're able to take a little bit more time (or use manual focus) when conditions get really dark. That all said, (sorry to confuse hah) Fuji also makes incredible cameras, and if you already have the glass, the XT4 and even XT3 if you're just doing photography, are incredible cameras as well. Rumour sites up with the XE4 coming up soon as well.

[@alechurch85]

Ahaha thing is there are no bad cameras around these days! Replacing my x-t2 with the newer model could be an option for sure, I'm just not sold on fuji raw files and the way they handle detail in lightroom. I've been playing in some NEF files and they look way more natural and less digital to my eyes. Decisions decisions...

[@kalimarus]

Alessandro, I hope this helps. I picked up a Z5 and the low light AF isn’t bad with faster glass, like the 1.8 primes. It’s actually focusing in lower light better then my D750 with those lenses (D750 is rated -3 EV). With lenses like the 24-200 which is F4 at the widest aperture it is worse than the D750 in low light, but not that bad, mostly at F6.3. You need to be in pretty dim conditions and with a slow lens for it to be an issue. I’ve also found that it generally nails focus then will hunt to fine tune it with those slow lenses in really dark conditions. If you use AF-C and the back AF button you can just tap that and it’ll be in focus 9/10 times very quickly rather than holding it and waiting for it to fine tune/hunt. I’ve been very happy with the Z5 as I don’t need the faster burst rate of the Z6 line or the non-cropped 4k video. (I just use my iphone mostly for video). But if those are things you need I’d go for the Z6. It’s nice not having to buy readers for the XQD cards if you use an ipad/iphone to edit as I do. That’s just extra savings. I personally prefer the mode dial on the Z5 on the right side as well without the lock on it. You get the shutter/aperture settings already in two places in the EVF and the back LCD so a third redundancy to that isn’t necessary imo. I hope that helps!

[@alechurch85]

@@kalimarusthanks for the info, it's very valuable! My use case would be absolutely 0 video and very few instances where a fast burst rate would make a real difference. It's always difficult to understand what "dim light" means on the internet. Can you please elaborate on that? I'm pretty sure I would use a fast lens anyway to focus in low-light conditions. For the life of me I can't tell a single instance where I had to shoot an image at f8, 1/4 of a second and ISO 1600.

[@kalimarus]

@@alechurch85 Dim would be something like under a table in a room lit with a 60w bulb. In that kind of light something like the kit lens at F6.3 can struggle a bit. As you said though when are you using a lens like that in low light? At F1.8-F4 it does fine in those conditions. I haven't had it be a limiting factor yet using the Z5 coming from a D750. If it does struggle to focus and it's that dark manual focus is just a twist of the ring anyway in those few situations. I'm quite happy with the Z5 as I didn't need the higher end video requirements of the fast burst rate. I don't think the difference between the BSI sensor on the Z6 or the sensor on the Z5 would be enough to justify the higher cost.

[@jaymarshotit6382]

Currently using Nikon d5200. The z6ii is my dream camera. One day🤞🤞 much love from Kenya🤝

[@sashikantanayak6354]

Can we do VBlog for KZbin ?

[@marclabro]

nice tuto. Can you please explain how you configure Z6II for AF ? do you configure FN2 with subject tracking, how do you start tracking and help AF with red and yellow boxes ? Another topic : memory cards. which types do you use for CFE and SD, which card reader ? when SD is backup, how do you manage the 2 cards for importing, cleaning both cards,... in lightroom.

[@lailaphong2066]

I came, I liked, I subscribed

[@laurent3691]

Thx I Love Nikon👉

[@justduit1879]

Z6 II just the camera of my dreams...

[@ramonarias1234]

Nice!! more like this!

[@coSTONEco]

So, a funny thing happened to me on a night hunt; I bring this up due to your testimony of durability. I somehow released the lens from lock on the body and dropped it... Like REALLY dropped it. It slammed the asphalt full force. I spun to get out of the street when I lost it and it hit. demolished the lens protector, but the lens itself is working perfectly as far as I can tell. I am no super pro, but I can not see any difference in performance at any level of the lens functionality. In fact, it didn't even so much as scratch the casing... nothing. 🤯

[@jonqphotography2016]

Always inspired after watching your video! And I love my z6ii too!!! 📸

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@garrethalphonso]

Z6ii vs D780 please :)

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Hah I actually sold my D780 since I went all Z series glass. Word on the rumours site is that Nikon might be dropping another D850 style camera, which would be very interesting! (Nikon doesn't tell me anything about future products though haha)

[@iajayinc]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto But which did you like d780 or z6ii. I am looking to but either of the two and confused a lot. I need for daily family candid photos, mainly my 2 year old daughter.

[@ravikiranmadival6612]

Z6|| or z7

[@sqar4858]

Nice video 👌👌

[@justgreat5608]

Still love my D850

[@neermansapkota]

Why I am Watching this? Even I know I can't buy NIKON D- series too 🥺

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

Instead of fingerless gloves, may I reccommend cycling gloves. No fingers are freezing outside AND you have a grip on both your palms and your fingers

[@jay-by1se]

If you don't need autofocus to work right I think the camera is amazing.

[@jaimesison8863]

Poor me! Can't even get my hands on that camera..been using my Nikon D600 with kit lens and the cheap nikkor 50mm f1. 8D and both my lenses are now having fungus. If someone could donate me their old camera I would be very happy because I don't have any money to buy a new one. I'm from the Philippines. Hope you Sir @Taylor Jackson could help me.

[@Brian.Melnyk]

You came to town and didn't message me? T.J.!

[@davidhenderson5051]

Something is wrong with this Channel.. you are no bashing Nikon?? Why??