Nikon Z6 II + Z7 II Specs + First Thoughts + Opinion - How Industry Could Play This | Matt Irwin

#NikonZ6II #NikonZ7II #Nikon
Z6II + Z7II Officially Launched.
A run through tent pole specs, pros and cons, along with some industry analysis. Stay to the end for what I think the industry take COULD be.
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[@shiharl]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I’m not a Nikon fan boy but I had to unsubscribe from all the other channel I’ve been looking up-to for so many years, specially Tony, Jarad and Granger. I was indifferent to all the brands but recently they’ve been trying to shove Sony and canon down our throats that I feel the need to cleanse my perception of what I need to create the photos that I love. Not just see which camera has the best “eye autofocus” and get that one.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you. And yes. :)

[@Azeemmerchant]

Couldn’t agree with more bro..

[@JohnMHazlewood]

Well said

[@miloradkaravidin8818]

Welcome to the club 😁😁😁. Matt is our new guru 😁

[@01gsx1]

I get tired just to ear the other 3 guys.

[@stevewestonphotography]

I think we should celebrate Nikons decision to keep what works well, improve the weakness in auto-focus, and provide the 2 x card slots and functional vertical grip, and then price it at a sensible level, below the competition. They are giving photographers using the D810/D850/D750 the camera they have been waiting for to change to mirrorless. We all need Nikon to succeed with these updates.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I agree, for majority of folks these will hit the mark. :)

[@jpdj2715]

The best news on "II" is, Nikon colors, color space, noise, dynamic range have gotten even better. This is not an evolutionary step change for influencers, I get that, but a real step ahead for professional photographers. This makes the distance with the other competitors even bigger.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

JP do you have a link were I can drill into that stuff, I have missed it, largely, I would love to know more, because that is the stuff important to me :) Thanks Matt

[@jpdj2715]

@@MattIrwinPhotography - there's a long, very long, video on Nikon USA with McNally a.o. and it seemed to me like a "real" observation in there. I also watched a video fro a German YT channel by a photographer that really shot with the 7 II. I saw old-new next to each other and the color saturation seemed a bit more vibrant and especially the skin tones more real - on my calibrated Eizo CS2740 displays. Anyhow, since the same observation was made in Germany (I live near them, understand them, just my Germanic is more original than theirs ;) ) and the US video, I felt this must be really what it is about.

[@TaipeiGeek]

@@MattIrwinPhotography Matt, please watch the video by German KZbinr Stephan Wiesner. He's like the German version of you, very fair and balanced, shoots with both Sony and Nikon. He got access of the camera because he has good relationship with Nikon Germany, and tested the AF. It's really snappy, and he was very impressed with the camera. You can turn on auto-translate in KZbin and get English subtitles. He wasn't able to shoot in RAW, Nikon would not allow it, and no video, but he still got some nice JPEGs, and he got a lot of keepers when he shot his colleague running while he used the high-speed burst. He said no blackout, and maybe just 1-2 pictures out of the burst were not in focus. He's usually very critical in general, but he had nothing but praise there.

[@Agora1981]

@@TaipeiGeek i saw that video too.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

@@TaipeiGeek Thanks will check it out today :) And your blog, great work sir. :)

[@luispacheco9683]

I agree 100% with your vision about Nikon and the industry. Wise opinion! Regards.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much Luis. Fair Go. That is all I ask. :)

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Luis I agree with your point of view as well sir!!!

[@SeattleDigitalVideo]

@@MattIrwinPhotography I think the concept of a fair go for Nikon is good for the industry. What’s the alternative? Less camera manufacturers in the market means even less innovation and likely higher prices over the long term. As content creators it’s important to have choices to fulfill different niche applications. Is there one camera system to rule them all? Not yet anyways...and as a consumer and content creator would you like to have only choice in the camera you use? I like having options. I personally drifted away from using Nikon cameras in the digital era when video became popular and Canon cameras seemed to be a better choice for that. I’ve since used cameras from virtually every other camera company except Pentax. The Nikon Zed series and the quality of Z mount lenses is bringing me back to the Nikon world. I pre-ordered a Z7 II and am considering a Z6 II as well. Fair go it is. Now if they can just deliver the lenses and cameras so dealers have them in stock!

[@AndreasBeham]

Canon for instance receives far too little critique about creating a confusing mirrorless lineup with the M and R mount. The M mount lures in beginners which are not given a good chance to grow and the entry into the R mount is extremely expensive. As a consumer I find that very confusing. Nikon instead has one mount with both DX and FX lenses. One system.

[@mayanksinger]

i am waiting for nikon apsc z30 to come out.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Canon if they are any smart at all, will phase out the M mount as rumours say. Then pump out something cheaper than the RP, build some cheap kit lenses and maybe f/2.8 primes to get people into the system. I wish they would do APS-C again, but it looks like they only care about full frame now. Then again, I'll probably never use Canon again, not after they messed up the R6.

[@AndreasBeham]

@SF6 it's not "should use", but "can use". It's true that the diameter is larger than necessary for APS-C, but Nikon has shown that lenses can be extremely compact eg with the 16-50 kit lens. So the disadvantage is more that it puts a limit on body size. However, I have not heard voices that claim the Z 50 is too large.

[@JohnMHazlewood]

So well conveyed as usual Matt. The internet is just so toxic and you keep continuing to be the voice of reason.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks John.

[@AlanHoey86]

The most impressive point about these 'updates' is the pricepoints. Very competitively priced, especially the Z6II vs R6. I thought it would have been closer in pricepoint. As someone sold on picking up a Z6 shortly, I'm suddenly considering the Z6II seriously.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I like what I see, I am very interested to get it in hand. :)

[@lcador9]

Wrong comparison for price. The Nikon Z6 II as an intermediate camera needs to be compared with much cheaper comparative units.

[@OmarIskandarone]

@@lcador9 the Z6 II is better than the R6 in some areas: better battery life, better viewfinder magnification, better handling and ergonomics, 1QXD and 1SD vs 2SD, few more mega pixels and it's $600 cheaper

[@AlanHoey86]

@@lcador9 Of course they are comparable. Both cameras are their respective brand's answers to intermediate FF mirrorless with strong video capabilities. Many of their specs are in line with one another. These cameras alongside the A7III and S5 are aiming for the same target market. DPreview had a good point to make: "it's only really the Canon EOS R6 that pushes beyond what the Z6 II offers, and the R6 is a significantly more expensive camera, and one that - in some respects - struggles to deliver all it promises."

[@robertharper2620]

I love your attitude to fairness, reality, loyalty, respect, and traditional values , a refreshing counter to the negativity we see online and in the community. A big shout out to you Matt.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I appreciate that! Thanks Robert :)

[@jasoncario7063]

I was part of that stream haha! I am glad guys like you, monochrome memoirs, henry hudson, ricci and the rest of the real Nikon users are optimistic about these ii's. Granger and Fro came out saying they are bad cameras - WITHOUT ANY HANDS ON! Meanwhile Kai, B&H, Adorama had the actual units. Which made me think, they might just be bitter with the fact that Nikon did not bother loaning them the Zii's hahaha. Another great video discussion, as usual!

[@mickbryan8908]

Brilliant balanced review. So different from some of the other “experts” on the internet. I’ve got a Z6 and love it.

[@willorwell]

Hi Matt. Don't be dragged by the negatives on Nikon. Just keep bring good content. I shoot landscape and portrait and Nikon never failed me. The 1 system was a strategic failure for Nikon but they moved on. I still enjoy my AIS lenses and the Nikon Z lenses prove that Nikon is a great top tier company.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks you. :) Will do. Yes totally agree on the Z glass.

[@gerryvanmoorsel9345]

I believed the Nikon 1 system as the practice run and training to eventually compete in the “Mirrorless Camera Olympics”, .... they may be in 3rd place now but that is not to say they can’t be 1st or 2nd if they want to be, the Z mount has a lot of “enhanced performance secrets” no one can as yet copy.

[@madhanus]

Matt, the way you articulated your thoughts without any bias is simply superb. Excellent work. 👍. You are one of those youtubers who is genuine and honest. Keep it up.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I appreciate that. thank you.

[@ChrisMosner]

Matt, great video. I'm looking forward to 3 or 4 more before Sunday. =) Recently, as in an hour ago, I was looking at a comparison chart on DPReview comparing the Z7ii, R5, A7r4, and Lumix S1R. The chart was color-coded to show which category a camera either led in or came last in. The Z7ii did not lead in a single category - neither was it last in a single category. Interestingly, each other camera WAS last in at least one category. Even MORE interestingly, the Z7ii actually DID lead in one category that was un-color-coded - PRICE. And it really wasn't close! (I don't consider a $500 difference close... ) How is this not a big deal? Why is this important data point ignored by all "the influencers?" I see it has not been ignored by some of your viewers! Or by yourself! Cheers!

[@alanmadden771]

I think you are “right on”

[@ChrisMosner]

And..... just pre-ordered my Z7ii! I'm stoked - first high resolution camera. I own a Z6 and a D500. This will cover all my bases. =)

[@hugosoenen749]

Well done Matt, these are the videos we like to see. I like your honest review. You are not biased like some other channels, Jared, Tony, Ken... Keep ongoing.

[@mwchestnut1]

Excellent video Matt. Thank you for the wise and mature approach.

[@patrickodonnell2194]

Matt, I must say that watching and listening to your videos allows me to understand a sense of grounding and peace that has escaped me for the past 2-3 years. I thought I was going to see Nikon close it's doors. All the history, knowledge, and "buy-in" of the past 45 years with Nikon made me question everything. Now I just started watching your content within the past 6-8 months and I have never felt as though you were trying to convince me or sell me a system or concept. I, like you, have been a dedicated Nikon user since I first began taking photos back in 1974-76. My neighbor and his son would take me with them to the rail yards during the mid-70s as my friend's dad was an engineer for the AT& SF at the railyards. I also did not have my own camera at the time and the two of them had F's, F-2s, FEs, so on and so forth. They just handed me a body, film and a lens to use for our outing and that was that. I finally bought into an F2 and bought my own lenses for my time at college. I used the F2 to take most of the pix for the University News Paper as I ended up being the Editor-in-Chief. I had to photograph my subjects, develop the film and "screen" or halftone them for use in the paper. My time as Editor was 2-3 years before the advent of the PC as a publishing tool. Thus, I learned to layout the entire publication with a Compugraphics machine, lightboard, tape, and graph paper. So here we are after such a dark phase in the Industry. And, the future looks good for Nikon for a change and I feel more stable. I am not a professional-level photographer, just one who is wanting so much to make one or two useful in the process of documenting my life. Solid bodies and superior glass tell me Nikon has "buy-in." Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic! Thank you for choosing to be a voice of reason and calm expectancy, in this crazy world where people jump from system to system. Your videos help me see the whole world from a much different perspective. You are a "Renaissance Man" who brings so much positivity and "light" to this dark world! Keep up the good work because whether you see it or not, you are changing perspectives from the dark to the light. I for one am grateful for what you bring to the world we inhabit.

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Matt You Are Deeply Insightful!!! So Much Respect for your perspective!!! Keep Doing What You Do Sir!!!! Your precision of thought on Marketing is Mature & Absolutely Spot on!! The cameras themselves are fantastic!!! Nevertheless man I appreciate your courage to speak truth!!!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I appreciate that Ronald, means a great deal to me. Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing. :) Regards Matt

[@jaichndrn]

wow!!! Amazing dear Matt, what a lovely way to express that there is nothing like Perfect in this world. Being a Nikon user for past 6 years i found that we have products with a price point beyond their competitors in terms of same specs. wish to see more from you. Have a great weekend.

[@OmarIskandarone]

Tony got hammered so hard in his video he will have a hard time getting over it 😂 The funny thing is that 95% of the comments showed the opposite of his opinion: People are not disappointed, they are excited and happy and many will be buying. Nikon is bouncing back already 😊

[@cas7155021]

Thanks Matt, like others I am fed up with Tony, Jarad and Granger. Sony and Canon must be feathering their nests royally. I use a Z6 and a Z7 and a Fuji GFX100 for medium format. What counts for me and the reason I switched to Nikon in the first place is the quality of the images and what I get from the Z Cameras is unsurpassed. The Z glass is fantastic. The 24-70s f 2.8 in particular is so good the primes often stay in the bag. I don't have any problems getting my pictures sharp where I want them to be and am not that bothered by 2 card slots. The dynamic range and exposure is also excellent. I rarely take picture of flying birds and have a D500 for that which could be an argument for upgrading my Z6 to the Z6 II. I wish people would stop picking on these brilliant cameras. Which is more important Image quality or marginal differences in AF ? or the redundancy of a second card slot. A vertical grip is nice but certainly not a deal breaker.

[@kazdiller2114]

Well said, Charles. I totally agree.

[@bankroller83]

Matt, thank you for your usual calm and sensble commentary. Not only great discussion about the new cameras but some very thought provoking ideas about the current camera industry and the critics. I bought my Z7 about 3 weeks before the Z7/Z6 II rumours emerge so am not entirely convinced that I need to upgrade immediately. However another body is tempting so that I don't have to switch between my 14-30mm and 24-200mm lenses in a dusty field.

[@csc-photo]

Great thoughts, agreed on all points. I'm excited for these updates (for us, and for Nikon). I'm also really hoping they can ramp up production to meet demand - for bodies but also as they roll out remaining announced lenses in 2021. Thanks for the awesome content Matt!

[@grantking4681]

Matt, missed the live-stream, silly me was waiting till 11.00 pm when Nikon said the release would be. I tuned in to you to count the minutes down only to discover it was all over and done with. Never mind, I ordered my 7II this morning, mid-December was when I can expect delivery, it just might be a really nice Xmas. Will most likely get the f4 24-70 as well even though I have an F mount 24-70 f2.8 - can never have enough gear can you? I genuinely hope Nikon's got this right, from the info being fed to us in the last 24 hours, it looks as though they may have, and I'll say it again, I don't think anyone can under-estimate just how important these cameras are to the brand. I'm excited, just wish they'd release the 7II next month and the 6II in December. Patience my child, patience.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

They say it is a virtue. Sorry about the stream, the news dropped early and I decided to move fast. :)

[@TheAccidentalPhotographer]

Your comment on place and desired place with the car analogy is spot on - naturally I suspect Nikon would LIKE to be #1 but they probably have a business model based around being 2/3 because of the level of investment/returns required to be #1. Sony were no where and had to invest one would suspect billions in R&D to try and leap frog the incumbents. They went a lot earlier and (ironically forgotten by so many) put out 2 generations of meh cameras before they hit on combinations (and influencer backed combinations) that garnered attention. Another point I would add to this is that I see Nikon more in the Apple style. What I mean by that is that for years Samsung and other makers have gone huge on massive new innovations to try and topple Apple; and every release of the iPhone you get snipers bemoaning that they haven't put x,y, or z into them or haven't innovated far enough. Apple is happy to put in what it knows will work, what people want and what I call innovation tweaks - better ways of doing something rather than something new entirely. At this point in time that's what I see Nikon doing; they are (hopefully with gen II) giving nearly or equitable tracking in a camera that has arguably already got better handling, build quality, picture quality out of camera and so on as opposed to what I saw influencers bemoaning leap frogging canon and sony with this release For me it goes back to something you have said all along and Nikon themselves have said in a roundabout way. These are prosumer cameras - the mirrorless version of a 3000/5000/7000 series and the genuine pro camera will come out next year. I suspect that based on your market analogy they would want to be #1 in the genuine pro category as they were at different times with DSLR and are happy being #2/3 in the prosumer category knowing that their "almost" as good is great AND considerably cheaper not only for the body but for the amazing prosumer 1.8 glass which will sweep up the non-brand loyals

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Well said and I agree, I thought about mentioning apple in this and in the past, but so many people also hate apple ... not me. But hey. : ) Thanks for sharing, great post :)

[@guyyowell8547]

I’d love to speak with you in person about this because you are absolutely correct. These naysayers, like Jared Polin, are so fixated on EyeAF and FPS, and yet he agrees that the photos coming out of the Z-series cameras are superior to both Canon and Sony! And isn’t that the most important thing, the photos? These AF tests of people jumping up and down, or moving back and forth, are so unrealistic! Who takes portraits like that? Maybe for sports photographers there is a case, but that’s only one use-case. Also, this obsession with FPS is ridiculous!! If you need to shoot 20 FPS, then shoot a movie! It’s just ridiculous. 10 FPS is more than enough even for sports photographers. I’m watching these hearings on television, and I hear the cameras shooting at high speeds, and I think to myself, “What are they doing?” Is there really a difference from one photo to the next? These KZbin videos do such a disservice to a great company. They fail to mention how good these new Z-mount lenses are compared to every other brand, including Canon and Sony. We already have 16 native lenses! Nobody mentions that their new 70-200mm f/2.8 RF from Canon doesn’t accept their new teleconverters; or that the teleconverter can only be used on their new 100-500mm RF lens when the lens is extended.

[@wikedwhich1]

I follow Jared..largely because he teachers me so much ..but I must say as an influencer I think you could say the influence and responsibility could be looked at and acted on a bit better...like Matt has shown in this video..Well done for this message here I say.

[@johnbrittain804]

Brilliant - love watching your channel. Thank you.

[@glennkphotog]

Between this video and your last one, you have thoughtfully and tactfully closed the loop for me regarding online debates of (i) camera specs and (ii) the state of the camera industry and negativity toward Nikon. The debates are so intense and never-ending, I had to go and touch my camera (D750) and lenses to make sure they still worked. And since we are naming names, I laughed at the thumbnail of the "Other Matt" yesterday -- it showed a cartoonish, slanted, jagged red arrow pointing down, presumably to the End of the World for Nikon. His face had an OMG/surprised look that was on par with acting skills from a junior high school play. As others have said here, thank you for doing what you do.

[@wikedwhich1]

Thanks for the video...I do appreciate your message,...I must see some of your photos!!

[@MarkHummerNikonZ9]

They delivered on everything wingers complained about. Two cards, Battery grip, Auto focus. 4K 60p + more. Their listening so what more could you want. And the Pro model Z9 coming soon.

[@ChrisMosner]

You know what is really something to see: pro photographers looking over the specs of the Ziis and saying, "Two card slots, meh... not that important, but okay." Meanwhile, Influencer: "THIS IS WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE FROM THE BEGINNING!"

[@jim7953]

👋😎 Hi Jim here first time watching your channel, very impress how you told your story about giving Nikon a fair Go, I am in the market buying a camera just watching what come out and really don't need all that fun tech the more tech the more expensive it get. Will be watching more 😎👍

[@josephl.cinematographerpho4976]

Matt sorry for all the comments but I haven't watched you in a while, been hobbyist on other things of late..I compare Sony and nikon video images all day long...im a multi cam editor...The shear sharpness, color accuracy, and dynamic range is always superior to my Sony shooter footage its quite frustrating actually..Nikon is better for me...Sony has a couple of nice features over Nikon but thats it..its the final picture and video that really matters...

[@junitusbung4176]

Grewa opinion Matt, i agree with you. think Nikon did a great job on Z6 ii , i hope i can have it next year. Stay safe and God bless you

[@viddotcoach]

Nice work Matt, well articulated - drama, online, indeed.

[@Ivokbg]

I'm currently looking for a second camera to become a main to my D610. I was looking forward to Z6 II announcement in order to get original Z6 at a discount. I am now having doubts and thinking to go the extra mile for the II. Love your channel. Your objective and not obsessive way of talking is very pleasant. Like the other guy in the comments already said, I too stopped watching the other "influencer" clowns with the clickbait titles like Jared, Tony, Many. Even Matt Granger is going donwhill. You on the other hand together with Sean Tucker and Daniel Norton are a breath of fresh air in today's photography-related youtube. Keep it going!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Ivokbg, You put me in great company. :) Stretch to the II, if you can :)

[@davidwhite7543]

A month ago I replaced my d610 with a z6 ... Z6 is great definitely an improvement over the d610. Definitely going to sell my z6 and get a zII by year's end. The upgrades are worth it at that price point.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

@@davidwhite7543 : tend to agree, but for me (1) as an amateur, there's nothing on the classic that the 2 offers me, and (2) the loss in value, for me, having bought this May, kakes it a hard sell to my management (wife!) LOL

[@Ivokbg]

@@davidwhite7543 My greatest concern is using the EVF for prolonged periods of time. There is no place I can rent one and 10-15 minutes in the store don't give the full picture. How do you like EVF vs OVF? How is ergonomics for you? D610 is just about right in my hand, I thing the Z6 will be a tad too small.

[@davidwhite7543]

@@patrickmolloy6994 I'm trying to convince management (my wife) as well that the camera I bought a month ago needs to be updated. I totally understand.

[@OracleFP]

Matt I love your honesty, this vlog took the words right out of my mouth, I don't have the spare cash to keep buying the latest camera, I am getting sick of the channels I have watched for a few years wanting to put the nails into Nikon's coffin, I am only a hobbyist and I bought with what cash I had a very good low use D810 which I love, let's hope Nikon continue to make excellent cameras💗

[@ju2705s]

Fair go for Nikon ❤️... that's why I pre ordered my 6ii even though I didn't shoot with Nikon last 3 years. Great video Matt. Ps: it seems they have updated also the mechanical shutter but didn't noticed that anywhere... a German YT channel did compared both biside and the new one is much quieter and less vibrations

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great pickup, yes perhaps they had to, to get the faster frame rates, and less black out .... :) thanks for the intel.

[@kontrolla1]

Great stuff Matt. Your observations are spot on. I have pre-ordered the Z7ii and battery grip and I am excited to get them and start using them. Being a wildlife photographer I am also excited about the 400 and 600 prime lenses that Nikon have just added to the Z lens roadmap. They may be the best wildlife/sports lenses we have yet seen from Nikon and that is saying something.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great news Paul, indeed, the 70-200 2.8 is fantastic, I think these will be too. :)

[@reckerproduction9468]

@@MattIrwinPhotography I really enjoy your honesty

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Thanks Matt for a great video! New subscriber here, and have seen a few of your videos now. Love your input and take on various aspects of photography. I'm a long time Nikon lover. Started with a Canon AE-1, but migrated over to the D90 as my first digital camera. But now, the D500 for Wildlife and D850 for Landscapes have been my go-to's for a few years, and I'm not sure I can part with them..lol. But, the Z series has me excited to jump into the Mirrorless realm. And these 2 were what I was waiting for. Thank you for your positive Nikon support. They have been getting dumped on for a while, and in this day and age, let's face it........every digital camera you buy is going to be great. As you said, these are just personal preferences. Me? I love the Nikon menu, the button layout, the backlit capability, touchscreen, etc. Now with the Z6 II and Z7 II, the little thing about the 900 sec timer now is BIG for me. I love long exposure, and so having this is great! Thanks again for all your quality videos. Keep up the great work Matt!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you sir, welcome aboard :)

[@smkunder1]

Great review, love honest words and not superficial click baits stuff like some of the other guys. I dumped them a while back. Keep doing what you do!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks Steve. :)

[@duncanwallace7760]

Kai does the best moving focus videos.... he is the master. My Z7 is my light landscape + hiking camera, so I'm most excited about Z9, which I could use for Wildlife as a replacement for my D4. BTW spot on about all the absurd negativity over niche specs. It's hysteria a lot of the time. I love what Kai said about the Z system. Pretty much summed it up for me.

[@oliverlane4050]

Some great points here, I love the car analogy, makes perfect sense. They all make outstanding equipment but in different ways for different people and use cases.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Exactly, I mean Ferrari don't make $35,000 sedan I can take my kids to school in, does that make them a fail .... No. Suzuki does not make a hyper car which can hit 280 MPH, is that a fail ... No. Thanks so much Oliver. Cheers Matt :)

[@oliverlane4050]

@@MattIrwinPhotography you certainly have some very well thought out, level headed points and ideas! Also on another note, Ricci (another top chap who I have met a number of times at Nikon UK and is always very helpful) I seem to remember is pronounced ‘Rishi’. Wishing you all the best and keep up the great work 👍

[@roccop33437]

Matt, you make perfect sense .... rather than drooling over spec sheets decide what it is you need rather than what you want. I still have my Nikon F from the 60's and love to fondle it once in awhile. I know that F's can be used as hammers if you don't have one handy. I have no idea how many photos I have taken with it and I think if I ever bought a roll of film it would take photos as good as it did the last time. Some of my photos from that era are my best I've ever taken. There is something to be said about taking a single picture vs shooting 500 shots and figuring which one you want to keep rather than taking THE picture you wanted to begin with. Your car analogy is solid ... do you really need to go from point a to b in a car that can go 150mph when the speed limit is 55mph? Would a Chevrolet work as well as a Lamborghini for your use case scenario?

[@radekprusa3405]

I would mention one important thing. Camera is a tool to take pictures. To fulfill your needs at taking pictures you want. Just choose one which fits best your needs and budget and... (NOW THE MOST IMPORTANT THING)... close the specs sheets and go out to take some outstanding pictures. All the cameras nowadays are capable to do that. If you will not get any, its you who failed, not the camera. And no item in spec sheet will save you...

[@enricomarconi8358]

Couldn't agree with you MORE man...!! Let's leave the specs to practitioners of camera mental onanism people out there...

[@EveningReport]

Thanks for this Matt. Once again you have digested and presented (blindingly fast too) the important elements of development packaged into the Z6II. Much appreciated, because your info is able to be relied upon (unlike some of the hairy commentary out there). I found myself agreeing with your assessment of market too. And, found myself thinking... and what about that fabulous Z glass. Oh man, I bought the 20mm f1.8 a few weeks ago, and, when I went out to the coast on the first night, set up looking South-West, and saw the Milky Way appear like a glorious rapture, I smiled and gave a hat-tip to Nikon. :) Great episode Mate.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you sir. Yes I want to talk about the updated lens roadmap, just did not want a 45 min episode :) Coming soon :)

[@rodolfokairath5255]

Very good analysis I just expected these new changes and I go for the Z62

[@Mister_M3780]

I will get the Z 7II. Unfortunately my model shooting trip to Fuerteventura was dropped because of Covid-19... But now I get parts of my money back, that I can now spend into the new gear! 😅 Have a wonderful day, Matt! Greetings from Hamburg, Germany!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cool Jens. Greetings to Hamburg. Hope to make it back to Europe soon(ish) Cheers Matt

[@felm.974]

Thank you Sir! The way you think, is the right way to think, it is not a race,.. it is all about loyalty and commitment and Nikon has shown us commitment and that's why we have given them our loyalty.

[@BaaPhoto]

Nice Opinion piece =) I'm not sure I will upgrade my Z6 to the version II, perhaps later when/if there is a sale. What really make me happy is the roadmap update with a 400 and 600, Just cant wait for that and the Z9 :)

[@Satchmo58]

Hi Matt. Thank you for this relaxed talking about this great cameras. They are still not perfect, but they trie to open a perfect way (nearly ;-) for good good "machines". Iam from Germany (cologne), sorry about my bad speech. Greetings from "Rhineland", Harald

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

My pleasure! Greetings - a good friend of mine lives in Cologne, works for Dorint Hotels, do you know Dorint? Cheers Matt

[@Satchmo58]

@@MattIrwinPhotography: Yes, I know it very well. My eldest son had his graduation ceremony (high-school diploma) in this house

[@skyrunr]

Fair enough summary! So far I love my Z6II. Nobody is talking about how much nicer the shutter feels and sounds. The other Z's feel like consumer cameras compared the Z6II. I'd explain is as the difference between the D70 and d300 or D7xxx and D500. Night and day. So much more is better, but this is one few are mentioning. (I realize you didn't have it in hand when this video was made, lol)

[@davescamera4089]

Matt I agree with your statement about Nikon’s place in the market. I think this position give them a great opportunity to build a customer base that can’t or don’t want to afford the more expansive cameras of Sony and canon. It also buys them time for improving their lineup and do a little smaller steps while they are struggling with the crisis. I think Nikon will grow strong in the next years.

[@madcauchyren6209]

Finally someone is talking fairly for Nikon.

[@jimowens8105]

Like you Matt, I have owned cameras from many of the top companies in the past 40 years. The pace of change for change sake is part of our consumerism culture. There have been 4 major technology changes that have totally changed the consumer camera market expectations. 1) Digital 2) Video 3) Mirrorless 4) Internet. These 4 factors moved the market from the "Optomechanical" camera companies to consumer electronics companies who are used to having 3 or more generations of product in process at the same time. Think how our vocabulary has incorporated "gen" into the description of products or services. The industry imposed social pressures to not only own the latest "gen" device, but to wait outside the store overnight to buy it on the launch date are insane... My own use case is landscape and studio photography and the cost/benefit of switching from my D850 to a Z camera (or any mirrorless system) has not reached the tipping point (yet).

[@rongopro502]

I do absolutely agree with you Matt...You just put the it the right way...There are already to many Frownows that are dissing Nikon because of what ever it is...just stay as objectiv as you are right now and it will bring you a lot of subscribers. I am always very happy with your comments and looking forward to see more.....greatings from the Netherlands, Ron

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Ron :)

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

I agree 100% with you brother. Especially about Nikon staying in their own lane. People always wanna compare one against the other, but me personally as a creator, I can’t do what others do, but others can’t do what I do, because I’m in my own world and what i do satisfies the ones who love what I do, I’m not here to please the world. Just my world.

[@sidewaysthroughthekitchend3075]

i cant this answer. the z7 in monochrome, does the colour filter allow for the a live view of the monochrome scene with colur highlights beforee post? like the p series bridge cameras (scene mode)

[@peterlooper7956]

Matt, you're brilliant!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers Peter. :) Matt

[@kavishrajpaul6065]

Agree 100%. I have used every iteration of nikons flagship cameras from the Nikon d3 to the d5 and found them to be amazing tools for the job. When I bought a z6 I was so surprised how good the files were and the autofocus was better than expected. I can still create the images I really love. I will be picking up a Nikon z6 2. I think their economics, beautiful files and ease of use is fantastic. As for the backlash, I am actually speechless. My first camera was a Nikon d60 . I used that camera for 3 years and never assumed it was the tools job to get the image, it was my responsibility to create the image. Today’s ‘so called creators’ want a camera that can think for itself. I wonder if we as creators are loosing that magic of figuring it out, mastering the tools we have and above all else, mastering light and composition. There is too much talk on gear and too little on photography and the art of creation. I use Nikon cameras for my wedding work and use a Fuji x100f for my music images. That particular camera does not have good autofocus or all the bells of whistles of today’s cameras but how that camera makes me feel allows me create better images with compared to a superior camera with better specs. Anyway I wish all the companies well. Competition is great and the consumers will benefit in the end. Thanks for your channel Matt. Love your positive attitude and images. All the best mate

[@MarkHummerNikonZ9]

Love the plantation shutters in the background.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hey Mark thanks, how you doing, what do you think of the new Cams?

[@jeffreyvandenberg4107]

Thanks very much for your open-minded perspective on this industry. I totally agree with your opinion that people should be more positive and grateful for what we have rather than being always negative and complaining about what we don't have. I have recently purchased a Nikon Z 50 with the kit lenses and am really happy with it for now. After a period of 29 years I got interested in photography again and with this camera I got hooked again. I'm thinking about pre-ordering the Z 6II-body and start with the Z50 kit lenses for now. What are your thoughts on that. Would really appreciated your feedback.

[@pauldhoff]

How the hell did I take pictures 50 plus years ago when I was the only processer. ;)

[@christroy8047]

Matt - again well done! Something no one talks about (ever) is Nikon's lossless compression algorithm for their pro cameras. Lossless compression means exactly that - literally half the file size requirement of my Sony A7 III (My Sony has a crappy compression algorithm that throws away data so I always use the full size RAW files). No one give Nikon props for that, and as a computer engineer I have no idea why. For those Sony users out there, I really like my A7 III and have nothing against Sony at all, but why they can't get a good compression algorithm that doesn't throw away data is beyond me. Cheers /Chris.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

For sure Chris, Nikon are great at doing the long term things that matter. Ergo's, weather sealing, Z mount, compression, dynamic range, high ISO, lenses just to name a few. All massively important aspects of photography. : )

[@manilamartin1001]

Well said. I still shoot d850 and d4s but checking out the new cameras. I'll probably switch with the 9. The mirrorless cameras are getting better and better

[@neilmartin8143]

Great thoughts as ever. Pricing definitely moves me more to the Z6 II but have to think hard about having extra MP’s or not ....

[@corrbox2]

Very interesting review. I agree with the majority of your points. I watch KZbin to learn, not to hear "pontifications", and "prognostications". The camera business is very, very competitive. Profits make a company successful. Profitability allows a company to reinvest, do more research, and retool. Then they come out with the newer models. People feed on negativity. It's sad, but, that's just the way of the world. I am hoping to continue to learn as much as I can to use my Z6II to it's fullest potential. Thank you for your examples, thoughts and comments. It is greatly appreciated. 😊 📸 👍 👌

[@robdlain9145]

Very well said Matt. I watched so many other channels and most of them are now putting Nikon down. I'm 59 years YOUNG and I've shooting Nikon since I was 13 years OLD. I've gone through a few Nikon bodies and so far, I'm sticking to IT. I'm brand loyal as long as I get what I want. Many of my friends photogs have switched to Sony and asking what the hell I'm still doing with Nikon. Well, screw them because I'm sticking to my Nikon and I love the brand, the quality of the images and their products. Now, since I'm getting wiser, I ain't chasing speed in AF, or Eye AF or anything else in a camera but quality and Pixels. Recently, I gifted myself with a Hasselblad X1D II 50C to do just that and enjoy my details. However, my Z7 and D850 are still by my side wherever I go. Just love them. Thank you for this lovely video. 👏🏽🙏🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 🙌🏽🙌🏽 and I couldn't agree more with @shihar.

[@maxkobzev5742]

Loved the comment on Zenit

[@nvidiagputalk6677]

I'm loving that RB67 lens on a Z series! I have an RB67 system I picked up for £300 and would love to try out their glass on a mirrorless camera.

[@waynemarkovich8842]

Matt as usual a great video! A couple things on the focus updates of the two new cameras. First I was watching the Nikon Europe live announcement yesterday and in the side live questions a watcher asked if the new models focus tracking was as good as the new Canon R5 and Nikon did respond with: YES they are comparable! Second I watched a youtube video today by Stephan Wiesner. It's in German but he is using the new cameras and shows a running focus test and the results which are very impressive all shots were in perfect focus. Take a look you don't need to understand German to see the results.I also agree with your marketing thoughts most don't really understand the business world clearly you do!

[@romanpul]

And he also has the ne 50mm f/1.2 in that video

[@waynemarkovich8842]

@@romanpul He must be well connected!

[@josephl.cinematographerpho4976]

Hey Matt...great video as always, what do use to edit your videos, nice clean cuts, right amount of graphics, good titles and superb audio. nice clean videos...good job putting it together, I think if you are invested in Nikon the 2 version is a great 2nd body or could be a primary body...got a z6, z50, the S lenses is what keeps me hooked on Nikon...I think its a good buy even with the z9 coming as its gonna be a 6k camera, too pricey for most...Matt do you think the z6II would drop in price by February should I wait?...im good with a z6 and z50 as a 2nd body for now

[@HSalamista]

Hi Matt, can you please do a video on adapting lenses with M42, Practica, Pentacon, Canon EF-S, Sony, Minolta or Canon FD if possible. Mainly which adapters have you tried and which ones work and dont work. Thank you!

[@rajoosolanky780]

I agree with you fully Matt about Nikon for their Quality Products. What they have offered in ll were those missing features when compared to other brands. Would have appreciated if they offered improved EVF as USP & Sensor Protective device to stop dust & dirt entering the body when you release the lens over the competition. Rest is Ok for the price around USD 2000 for Z 6ll. Keep sharing Matt we all love your VDO's immensely. May God bless you, Take great care of yourself & family. 🙏🙏🙏

[@stevelink21]

Hi Matt, Very interesting and thought-provoking video as always! As a landscape and product photographer who recently moved from the Fuji X-System to the Nikon Z7 System, I am quite pleased with the jump in overall image quality I see, especially in large prints via the Z7 and the superb Nikkor S optics! (The XT-3 and the XF Fujinon lenses were quite good as well. I only desired an even higher level of sharpness and detail retention in large prints, hence my main reason for going FF.) Firstly, though I'm always interested in "new" bodies (and lenses), please correct me if I'm wrong, but from everything I've heard about the Z7 ll, there is no improvement in image quality, in terms of sharpness and dynamic range, since the sensor is identical to that in the Z7. Granted, as you expalined, there is improvement in speed, AF, video, dual processors, 2 card slots, and vertical grip option, but for us landscape shooters, I'm thinking that overall image quality remains the same (which is quite good indeed!). Regarding your calling the Z7 and Z7ll "middle of the road", I don't quite understand how a near $3,000 camera can be classified as such...especially with the "top quality" images it can produce. (Perhaps you mean "middle-of-the-road only in terms of "Speed", rather than image quality?) Not to mention the superb, as you say, "Classic" Nikkor S 50 f/1.8 lens! Anyway, I'm quite happy having gone back to my original brand...the Nikkormat FT3 was my very first SLR back in the '70's, and of course, still "works" today. Thanks again, sir!

[@FormlessPhotography]

Whilst I know all users (Nikon) won't be completely satisfied, and I totally understand, I totally get what Nikon is doing and personally (just speaking for myself) I like it. Obviously Nikon was late to the show of Mirrorless and lots were disappointed in that. I have a 2 year old and I choose to look at their entrance to Mirrorless the same way I look at my daughter in age. I think they sat back and watched everyone else's approach to see how they can innovate and play the long game. They had the Z mount in mind for quite some time I'm sure and the designers and product managers were clearly aware of the hit they would take; 1.) Because of the difficult task in converting DSLR users to mirrorless (Lets not forget the tons of loyal DSLR/OVF users that refused to subscribe to the idea of an EVF, some still do! Lol) and 2.) The implementation of the new massive mount. This was going to be a set back for some time and I'm certain they were prepared for that. Risks and innovation do not come cheap. I've heard some persist that "Nikon is an arrogant company" and while that's fine they're entitled to their own opinions, maybe we as human beings used to having what we want when we want it, without thinking of the masses of desires and requests, have become a bit spoiled and entitled, (myself include at times) and this is why I say that..... A huge consensus suggests "Nikon is behind" "Nikon is playing catch up". I can't help but chuckle inside because I think to myself, how could they be behind when if you take the term "INNOVATION" by definition, the Z mount is exactly that! Largest diameter and shortest flange distance ever! Again, that is innovation by definition. Sure Sony burst onto the scene with these new mirrorless bodies and took the industry by storm and canon was not far behind and they have had their problems along the way as well. I think people need to realize when speaking about Sony that they are an ELECTRONICS company first! So when you see a massive lens collection and light speed AF, you have to understand, they have the billions in capitol to dump into R&D and push what their idea of an SLR is. They are not a camera company, electronic first. This is why they have the smallest mount that will essentially be on their bodies for decades to come as mounts don't change as frequently as new bodies do. Canon on the other hand has great equipment that can not be denied obviously, but I would argue as great as canon's glass is, that's not the only thing pushing them into the massive occupation of market share. Where canon excels is marketing and influence. They have the influence of say an @Peter McKinnon who by the way seems like a great guy. Super energetic, knowledgable and objective in his approach which I can appreciate most. Like @Matt Irwin, I have never heard him bash another brand; simply speaks to what he likes and why. Nikon is missing out on this area of marketing and influence, with an industry that is getting younger everyday. (Apple doesn't help 😂) In conclusion, I feel they have given us as users as much as they possibly can while still staying true to their brand and product. These things take time and are never easy in a service driven industry. These new cameras (while others will continue to scream "this is what they should've did years ago") are perfect in my opinion to bridge and continue converting DSLR users over and keep evolving AF which is literally all that I can see aside from better marketing and influencers to help push the brand for newer users. To those that continue to say "Nikon is dying/Dead", I say you clearly don't understand business. Nikon is unlikely going anywhere anytime soon as it is a valuable brand that someone will surly invest in their future, worst case absorb. There's enough Nikon photographers and gear out there that there that there will continue to be support in some form or another. Sure that will mean no new products or official repair but, meh. That said, there is not guarantee that any of the manufactures can continue without overall changes as the overall photagraphy market (outside smartphones) continues to decline. Ath this point all are vulnerable- some less than others due to their brands other activities (Ex. Sony: electronics, televisions, playstation etc. and Fujifilm is sustained by a profitable Pharma business) Simply put don't be fooled thinking Nikon is dying; all companies are suffering. Sorry for the long windedness in your comments Matt. -Cheers

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

No I like it a lot. And the best way we can understand each other is to share :)

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks Matt. Totally agree with your opinions re the on-line content. Personally I am so glad I stuck to Nikon. Yes, I looked at certain US vloggers but have long since stopped watching their heavily biased output, particularly the one who seems intent on predicting Nikon will go bankrupt. As I said before, I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the Z7ii to compliment my Z6, which has blown me away over the past nine months I have been using it. Also waiting for the Z 70-200 f2.8 to drop as I have had that on order for a couple of months!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

I think the Z7II will be so much fun. Thanks Matt

[@RichardIII_YT]

Thanks for another great perspective. I rented a Z6 and thought it was a great camera and I think Nikon has released a solid update to the Z line at a great price point. Unfortunately for me, since I shoot 90% video, it wasn't what I was hoping for (no crop 4k60, flip screen, no record time limits) but that doesn't make it a bad camera. It's just not the best tool for my needs, but I'm sure many people will love it. I held off on ordering an A7 Siii until I saw what Nikon was coming out with so now I'll order that, but I'll keep my Nikon D5500 as a kick-around camera because I still like shooting Nikon.

[@henrydesrosiers3583]

Interesting approach to the situation. I personally will shoot my Nikons as I have for the past 50 years beginning with my Photomic FTn. My current D7100 and my fabulous D850 with a complement of lenses and accessories is all I need. And when the time comes, I will get a new Nikon of the day. I am giving Nikon the 'GO'.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

You sure are Henry. Cheers Matt :)

[@stanspb763]

After thinking of my needs and options and my current mixed system after seeing the live stream. I think I have a clear path now. Sell all 18 the F lenses, all fast primes or 2.8 zooms, sell the D850 and D800, keep the Z6 and add the Z7 II, 70-200 S, and 50 1.2, and maybe a grip. I have had grips on all my Nikon's since moving from Canon in 2008. I thought that not having the option with the Z6 was going to be a problem but in the two years since getting my Z6 and it taking over 95% of my shooting, I found the great handling of the Z bodies I never missed the grip despite doing a lot of portraiture and verticle studio shots. $400 is lot for a grip that is not really essential. The D850 feels naked without one. I also added a hand strap on each body, including the Z6 so long sessions or days shooting never tires my gripping hand, and adds a lot of security. The only feature in the cameras I was sorry did not make it into the Z cameras was the patterned near-infrared AF assist light that allowed excellent AF in dark scenes. The little green led version on the Z cameras is ineffective because it is dimmer and any lens seems to block it. I tested the claim that triggering the flash infrared Assist light was not possible because of filters over the sensor, and not having a separate metering/focus sensor in Mirrorless. By triggering an SB900 mounted on a D850 such that the infrared polarized pattern covered a subject while trying Z6 AF in a totally black room. It worked perfectly using the Z6. So I am not sure why triggering a flash assist light function was disabled i the Z cameras.Very low light AF works really well, however, -6ev however if there is any light on the subject. Otherwise, everything about the Z bodies works great including AF. It focuses better in low light than the D850. I know the results will be better than the excellent D850 due to the S lenses. That is reason enough to dump all the top of the line F lenses.. I always liked my 85 1.4 G, 85 1.4 ART and 50 1,4 ART But these great lenses are not so great when compared to the 50 1.8 S and 85 1.8 S, and the 2,8G and E 24-70 look pretty pedestrian compared to both the f/4 and 2.8 S versions.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Exciting Stan, I cannot decide between the 7II or 6II yet ... of course it will be all about use case. Cheers Matt

[@HeroGambit]

We could argue that the tracking technology already exists, but that means going with nvidia. For that I can give an example of skydio2 real time tracing, real time environment checks plus video exporting (of course we are talking about a small sensor). I hope this will be the future where the sensor readout is instant(minimal lag) no matter what you do.

[@MrBratius]

I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a Sony A 7iii, but now wanting to know if I should wait for the Z 6ii. I love Nikon and now my anxiety is up....lol

[@johnbenford2256]

Thanks Matt, common sense, I have decided to take the plunge and have pre-ordered a Z6ii, the second slot to take SD cards will be very useful, and the low light focusing. I have got a good deal on my old Z6 and also my Fuji XT-3 which I hardly used and could not really get comfortable with, so hopefully no money will need to change hands. Off subject I had one xqd card play up, the Z6 refused to read it or format it. Resolved by reformatting in a card reader with the pc. Worh trying if anyone else has the same issue.

[@krisnacater]

Good point of view, Matt. I agree with you. Nikon did a great job to make Z6 ii. Even i still thinking that Z6 is really good camera

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Agreed, nothing changes how good the Z6 and Z7 are. They are still the same cams. Which I use daily :)

[@SpaklesDr]

Help me out. I am looking into a new ff camera for my hobby of landscape photography and portraits of my family. Looking to pick up a Z7ii with the upcoming 14-24 S. My other desire is the R5 with the 15-35 RF. What to do? Probably save the cash and stick with my aps-c. But what is the fun in that?

[@johnvaleanbaily4859]

Good on yer Matt. Quite right.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Cheers John :)

[@dmac5x1]

I couldn’t agree more with your philosophy ! I will admit to being a recovering gear head myself but I’ve noticed that the people who are the most obsessive about camera specs take lousy photos. I’m going to wait a couple of months and then give the Z7 II a fair go.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Good on you Mike :)

[@guyloughridge4628]

Matt, you gave us a very honest view the camera industry. I agree. "Let Nikon have a Go". Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm (and others) all have terrific products. Your entire video is right on target regarding the hostile dialog on the Internet. Let's all recognize the wonder that each of these companies have brought us. All of them have brought us a vibrant and competitive marketplace. Regarding Nikon, my first camera in the late 1960's (that dates me) was a Nikon F. I currently own a Nikon Z7 and it is wonderful in the hand. It produces fabulous results. I also own view cameras and medium format digital cameras. There is NOT a do-everything, perfect camera system, because that is not possible. Enjoy the journey.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you sir. Here here!! :)

[@stephenlpitts]

Perfectly stated!

[@perandersen2015]

Hi Matt, You get it spot on. I like your thoughts! I used to enjoy some of the YT channels talked about here because I thought they - at that time - had something meaningful to say. Now - for me at the least - they have become click-bait lovers and one of these guys put a show up that has become so ridiculous that I'm off. Am I getting old? Probably... but I don't see myself in that way ;-) Anyway, I understand that people want more good stuff coming. I do too. But really...! How many of us need all the tech that is put into these beasts? As you say Matt, probably only 1-5%. I think it is a great achievement that we now can take 20 fps, but I have a D500 and Z6 and I rarely use their highest fps. For my usage I don't need 20 fps and I believe most of us don't. I can see sport and wildlife photographers benefit from it, but that's not where the big money is. After all we don't all do sports- or wildlife- photography for a living. So it's more a "show off". I'm not sure if any man can score a women by asking her to come home and check the 20 fps on his new camera. But hey..., if it works it works :-) . Sorry for my bad humor. No offence to anybody... Another thing is -as you also mention Matt - how are the companies going to differentiate their various models if they put everything into the entry level camera? Who would buy the more expensive one? The cell phone marked has come to a point where its hard to find a good reason to get a new one because they all are so good now and can do 98% of what consumers need. So they struggle to come up with new gimmicks that you cannot be without. That's how the commercials go. Right? A well known "fruit" cell phone company is very good at that. The same thing is starting to happen in the camera industrie and now we see all these spec. that are more "wauuuw spec." than "need spec." but something that people with a weaker heart believe they have to get now because the commercials indicate that you cannot be a succesful photographer without it. I feel Nikon is more focused on what makes a good camera, and they have never splashed a new camera out at a high pace and this will most likely continue. The Z cameras and lenses are very thoughtful items that silently grows on you. Simply because they are very good products. So guys. Relax! Go and take picture. Embrace and learn to use what you have now. You probably don't use to its max anyway. I know I don't. You might be different of course. No problem. Go get that other camera brand and be happy - until the other brand comes with something more hi-tech. :-) Sorry for the long post, I simply couldn't keep it in me any longer... Take care!

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thanks so much for sharing, means a lot to me and the community. Cheers Matt

[@sic04250f]

Good update I reckon. Damn I'd love it if Sony gave me the ability to shoot longer than 30 sec without an external intervalometer. Very useful for astro foreground exposures.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Yeah, it is helpful I agree, and I would have thought a few lines of code to get it done, if that :) Although perhaps NR algorithms are different .... hmmmm ????

[@RaySweeting]

Hey Matt great commentary, what camera company has done more than Nikon in the last few years in terms of product releases? Cameras and lenses galore

[@milosantic1985]

I got nikon z7 II today so tomorow i go to pick it up...have one question: Which memory cards to get?What you think about sundisk cf express 120gb and 32gb second one...tnx for your advise...greetings from Paris

[@cobra52563]

Love my Z6 classic 😃 I will use it for many more years to come does everything I need. I suspect the classic models will get very affordable on the used market since so many people have GAS , maybe a Z7 in my future......

[@patrickmolloy6994]

me too. There's nothing in the '2' that I need. Very happy withe the classic model. I had the D7100 and saw no need to "upgrade" too the D7200. But almost 5 years later I did get the D7500, which lasted a year until the Z6 :-)

[@cobra52563]

@@patrickmolloy6994 I did upgrade from the 7100 to 7200 just because I got one on Craigslist for 350.00 . It was a little crisper and I'm guessing the IIs will be similar . Not enough to replace at full retail IMO

[@BernardSolomon]

First. A lot of pundits, the usual suspects are very disappointed. I am not. Thanks for a different perspective.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

That's because (a) they are professional moaners / jerks (b) they have to generate traffic and clicks so they have clickbait titles and ranty opinions to generate income. They are increasingly a joke and unwatchable.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Happy here too. The prices are good, and these cams will be solid. Cheers Matt

[@jackyleecs]

Good point. Give it a fair go. :) The Z6II and Z7II specs are good enough for me. I only need to get a body with a FTZ adaptor. I can use my existing SD cards. There is no need for me to invest more on the more expensive XQD / CF Express cards. :)

[@suhail451]

Refreshing to see this type of video. Absolutely depressing watching those ex-Nikon guys diss the camera as "incremental" and "last place" without ever using it. Have both Z6 and A9ii and I much prefer using the former for its colour science, image quality SOOC, and ease of use. Looking forward to the Z9. BTW, very glad to see your subscriber base continually increasing.

[@dct124]

Hopefully Nikon takes my advice and simply adds a 1/4" screw hole to the Z50 grip to allow for a finger loop hand grip (similar to Leica Q) They also should be selling a top down tripod where users mount the camera via hotshoe, which is the only way to allow complete access to all controls, batteries, sd card, ports and full view of the LCD screen. I also suggested they update the camera to Auto Rotate the LCD picture via menu setup option. Where if you choose to hold your camera right side up, the LCD screen will flip orientation allowing the camera to then be used in a flip up manner. Also allow the footage to be auto orientation corrected in camera when the option is turned on. Again the camera can literally be mounted to a tripod via hotshoe or handheld via lens or handgrip. A user could also attach a handgrip via hotshoe for vlogging which would double as a traditional top mounted handgrip many still use for recording video especially at low angles while on the move. I'm probably going to reacquire the Z50 but really really wish they'd upgrade to UHS-II for a slightly better buffer clear time when in high speed fps. That or make an APS-C version of the D500 in a Z50 body. If they did a few tweaks to the Z50 I'd honestly be all in on the Z system. Right now I'm between Olympus E-M1 MkII and D500 which both I'll buy secondhand. If they tweak the Z50 I'll buy it new, this time with both lenses and FTZ adapter.

[@batsta3d]

Your wise insight is going to make me buy a camera I don’t need! Nikon need to send you some gear so you can give us the real insights into how they work in the field. I think it’s fair to say your subscriber base would appreciate your insights. It would help turn the negative persona being slung on the Nikon brand. I know more me, the ergonomics of the Nikon gear is what keeps me in the system.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Thank you! :)

[@jph364]

Hi Matt - you think some (smaller) improvements will also make its to the Z6/Z7 as firmware update?

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Hard to say what will happen with firmware on the Z6 and Z7. I think they might ...

[@scljr1987]

Totally agree. As soon as a spec sheet comes out on something new, the general internet picks it apart for what it doesn't or can't do. Never mind that nobody has it in hand or tested to see what it does. I ordered the Z6 II cause it fits my needs. My wife shoots with my Z6 so I will just let her have that now. I dont need a flippie screen or 4K 60. The vast majority of the consumer buying the camera will NEVER or almost NEVER use those features on a constant basis. No company gives you everything that you want/need in one package. If they did, then the market for the future would be dull for them and would have to wait for vastly new technology to improve on that. Nikon seems to have listened to what most people asked for and gave it a pretty good price point and as always nowadays, the firmware upgrades can make a camera virtually new later on. All the brands have their advantages so if you need something a brand doesnt have then move on. Bashing the living shit out of it cause it doesnt fit your needs makes no sense and helps no one.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Indeed, live and let live. And the bleeding edge is for the few. :)

[@thetnaing8830]

I'm still shooting with old D800 + 70-200VR2/ 16-35VR combo which still deliver 99% what I want, and I'm gonna jump straight to either Z7 or Z7ii. I don't have slightest doubt that the Nikon mirrorless body will deliver 100% of what I need.