Nikon Z6 & Z7 Raves and Rants

[@reoflex]

I was put off by the unfair negative reviews the Z7 received. But because of the IBIS, I decided to give it a shot. Now? I’m lovin’ it. The picture quality and IBIS, together, are giving me the most beautiful photos I’ve ever made. This camera is truly outstanding. With the hand-held photo quality I’m getting from my Sigma 105mm and 135mm portrait lenses, I can leave my tripod behind. Except for action shots, my D850 is going to get a lot more resting time on my desk. The Z7 is a winner!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, the Z6 sure is too. My 850 and 500 have some finishing touches that I miss though. Dual button format, backlit buttons, remembering which direction I'm moving through images when I erase, showing me how many interval shots are left on the top LCD when shooting time-lapse blacked out, and letting me lock depth of field preview at narrow apertures while focusing in live view in the landscape. Those last few could change with firmware (Please Nikon!).

[@zaf9834]

I find the z7 struggles a little to find focus with f mount lens. If i use the 24-70 z lens its like instantaneous. Have you had the similar experience? Do you fine the d850 better?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It depends on the F lens. With my 70-200 2.8 FL ED. I don't notice any slow down at all. With my 50 1.8 F lens acquisition is faster with the 850. The difference between the 50 1.8 S and 50 1.8 F is dramatic on the Z6. The burst mode issue seems ubiquitous though.

[@PradeepPrakash]

This is how I want to see a review video ; Not some jazzed up narrative with lots of music, bling ; Technical information available here!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thank you Pradeep! I so appreciate that.

[@stanobert3475]

I purchased the Z6 with the 24-70 lens in spite of some apprehensions about purchasing a first generation product. I do quite a bit if lowlight dance performances and the Nikon DSLRs are simply too loud for this with their loud shutters, even in Quiet Mode. The Z6 mechanical shutter is much quieter and using WYSIWYG has a big advantage for constantly changing theater lighting. The electronic shutter creates banding like all mirrorless cameras do and I will use it infrequently. The first thing I noticed after shooting a rehearsal (I am a stills photographer) was how clean the higher iso images are. Very clean up to iso 12,800 and I he dynamic range is excellent. I found the continuous AF fairly good but somewhat inconsistent. There is definitely some issues with back focus but it was better than I expected. The AF is acceptable for dance but I will use my D500 for wildlife. One neat trick which I find useful is that you can set the focusing ring for exposure compensation and not wear out the command dials. All in all this camera is quite usuable in very low light but I hope that Nikon makes some firmware updates to improve AF.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Nice. That's exactly how I feel about it. Thanks for that report Stan.

[@indyvin]

Great "real world" report. Thanks for answering all the questions I had about this camera.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You're so welcome! Thanks for that feedback.

[@TheRitualChannel]

Hudson. Thank you for your comprehensive 'pro' review. You bring up great points that are very important for pros who shoot in all conditions and all subject types. No focus assist?!?!? no real DOF shown on display unless in video mode or holding the DOF button???? gosh Nikon, c'mon! We need these features to shoot fast and accurately. Having a complicated controls will create mistakes in the field. Again, thank you for the long video with all the details. Most people won't care, but for those of us who do, your information is gold.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You bet. Thanks so much for that feedback.

[@davidjohnson4451]

One of the single best reviews of the Z6 Nikon out there. I am part of a photo and video family team and I use Nikon a lot. But we are adept at aerial, land, speed, fish and wildlife and underwater.

[@myhaverphotography]

Thank you Hudson. It is great to see an intelligent and concise, non-hyped, real world review from a professional who’s work I admire and opinions I trust. I very much appreciate your honest candor.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Mark. That comment makes my week.

[@myhaverphotography]

Hudson Henry Photography That’s great! To be quite honest I skipped by it once on first glance, thinking it was yet another video of specs and hype. Then I saw it was from you and thought it would be worth watching. You certainly did not disappoint, so it added a bit of light to my day too. Thanks again. BTW I bought the Manfrotto MVH500 Fluid Head based on your recommendation and video and couldn’t be happier with it. I primarily do stills and never would have considered it over the many ball heads I have used and compared. It’s awesome! I only use a ball occasionally now with either a light travel tripod or monopod when hiking around the desert!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@myhaverphotography Nice! So glad to hear that.

[@OZZIEMV]

An answer to the single card slot would be to integrate an sd slot into a battery grip. That would be ideal for event and sports shooters.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They may do that. I'm pretty secure using XQDs. They are so darned robust.

[@pauldanesiphotography]

Bought a Z6 a few weeks ago and your reviews and information is extremely informative and helpful in learning about my new camera. I share all of your raves, as well as confirm your rants. Excited about the firmware update that is coming because it makes me feel that Nikon is not trying to sell me the next mirrorless, but trying to get the current model as a standard bearer for mirrorless cameras. Will continue to look forward to future videos on the Z6.

[@gilB_]

Great points! I just got my Z6 yesterday and I already am amazed (moving from D5500 I guess anybody would be amazed) I wonder if not showing live apertures smaller than 5.6 was for the benefit of the masses (non-pro, non-advanced amateur, us lowly people!) surely as you mention firmware fixable!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks! I'm pretty sure it's an autofocus limitation thing, but it should at least shut off in manual focus. Or have a setting to lock open depth of field preview unless you autofocus. :)

[@delamota2]

I just ordered it. I too am upgrading to the z6 from the d5500. I wasn't sure if I should get it or the A7 III but I like Nikon color science. And since I some lens as well.

[@mikelowery3075]

All cameras has quirks no matter the price of the camera, as long as one of them is not image quality , bad low light performance and build quality. The auto focus system is unbelievable in my opinion in the Z6 if you know what you are doing. I have not had any issues with it. To have a new feature like Eye AF in the Z6 is awesome will I use it on a regular basis probably not but it’s a great new feature to have.

[@MrNYCman530]

The new firmware addressed the autofocus issues and has been installed in the more recent shipments to the retail outlets.

[@DonybrookandBray]

Despite the mirrorless hype I purchased the D850 6 months ago, I have never looked back, a superb camera

[@west4coast77]

Thanks for that Hudson. Trying to decide if I should jump in for a Z6 and you've answered a lot of questions/concerns. Really like the fact that video is getting a positive response from you and others. Cheers.

[@vickileblanc]

Just to add to your awesome video. You can auto store JPGs to your phone via bluetooth or wifi, so you really don't need a 2nd card for backup. And it'll transfer full raw over WiFi to a laptop without using snapbridge.

[@fuelandsouls]

Great review. Trying to decide A7iii or Z6. Amateur stills mostly but some video. Available light portraits and street shooting. Is the fact that Sony has been in the mirrorless game longer an advantage?

[@Tloopfan]

Thanks for these insights on the z6. Just wondering if the Z6 kit lens at f/4 is any good for shooting the milkyway. Presently I have the D750 and use a 20mm prime at 1600 ISO and get some really great night sky shots (Acadia NP and Moab UT). Post processing is usually pretty quick on those but some noise is present.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'd really suggest a wider focal length MF Prime on the FTZ for Milky Way. Maybe the 20mm 1.8 or even wider. F4 makes you run a higher ISO. 24mm limits your exposure before the stars blur to about 20s, and the focus by wire nature of the new S lens makes it tough to locate infinity in the dark.

[@Jonathan.Cajica]

Great vid mate, I just bought a Z6 upgrading from a D610 and can't wait to go out and test it.

[@WahidFayumzadah]

Wohoooo just got my Z6! Upgraded from a D750. Tonight I'm going out to shoot in my city! Haha, so excited. Cool channel man, I subbed!

[@daviddowling9830]

The battery pack eliminates any clearance issues,my choice is Pro Media Gear L brackets,used on my dslr bodies work flawlessly with the Z6.The feel of the Z6 with the battery pack is as close as you can get to the D850D500etc.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ha, different tastes make the world more interesting. I love having a smaller rig and the ergonomics of the bodies themselves. I've never been a battery pack fan though. Glad you're digging it. The new Kirk L-bracket with the QD is a thing of beauty. Can't do without my Luma QD Loop strap these days. It's freaking awesome the way it's tiny swivel moves both directions and snaps into the bracket's corner with a button push.

[@novembergold4144]

I'm getting mine soon and I'm super excited. I'm going from the good old D200 to the Z6 and I feel like this is going to be a massive change. Now I'm just afraid that the new cam might be "too" good for me. I am only a student and this is obviously the biggest purchase I've made in my life. I feel a bit guilty for buying this super expensive camera, but I decided to go for this professional cam because I don't want to buy a new one in a few years. I would've waited one more year to buy it but it currently sells at an extremely good price and I'm lucky that my parents are willing to give me a loan to fulfill this dream. Hopefully this one will stick with me for a really long time. Thank you so much for this video!

[@imkindofabigdeal4308]

Been debating trading in my DX stuff for a Z6 or trading up to a D500 and Z6 combo. You've made that decision easier.

[@stanspb763]

This video is obsolete but could be updated since the AF system has been updated with firmware simple file download with version 2.0 and later 2.01 as of May 2019. 1 The Eye-AF works great in stills and video, 2. AF performance enhanced to -6ev 3. The tendency to jump to the background if the focus is lost was addressed with default Nearest Object Priority with great results. 4. A number of L Brackets are available from a number of makers. Otherwise, the rest of your original review is very well done and informative.

[@mikelm222]

Good review - thx. My rave would be image & rear screen quality & my additional rant would be the black screen delay before image review - am used to that happening much faster

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Image quality? Hmm... I gotta respectfully disagree. I've used a lot of mirrorless and DSLR bodies from a lot of brands and I think it's image quality is pretty astounding. Obviously I can't crop like I can with my D850's 46MP, but for 24MP ,I've got zero complaints particularly at high ISO. The viewfinder for mirrorless is as good as I've seen yet. The back screen hasn't made much impression on me good or bad. I'll have to try the image review thing. That's something I always disable because it seems distracting while I'm shooting and drains battery power. I'd rather control that myself. Shutter AF activation and auto review go off first thing with a new body. :)

[@mikelm222]

Actually my image quality comment was a rave - so actually we agree

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@mikelm222 OH, sorry about that! I totally misread that after some toddler induced sleep deprivation. My bad. LMAO. I was like, Really, does he have a bad sample or something? :)

[@patricklindahl868]

Maybe the backlit buttons are coming with the Z8 och Z9 :)

[@astrodysseus]

Solid review backed with experience, thanks. FYI aperture not showing after f5.6 must have been fixed as on mine it's fine. I also have the D850 for over 2 years now. I can not say the Z7 is my preferred camera but it certainly does have some nice feature (eyefinder by night), usb to charge (not to power though), something i didn't hear people discuss is the more solid Z ring to attach the lens; it may not matter to many photographer but for those who calibrate their frames with flats.. it's very easy to have a 1-2mm wobble on a F mount between the lens and the body. It's rock solid on the Z7. The body is indeed much smaller than D850 but I would not say it's more lightweight with a lens.. eg my D850 with a 35mm is 1.25kg, my Z7 with 24-70 (indeed beautiful kit lens, better than some 24-70 f2.8 IMO) is 1.15kg.. so while the form factor is definitely smaller, it's not really much lighter (of course not the same lens, but still). I do like the Z7 but I didn't get a wow impression in terms of performance compared to the D850. Image quality is the same, except they tweaked differently the Z7 debayer and it seems to improve the reds and skin tone a bit (to the point it's difficult to actually achieve the same result from raw between a Z7 and D850). IBIS does work well, for videographer or hyperlapser, it's a thing, especially if your lens doesn't have VR. I suppose one of the interest of a Z system compared to DSLR is the new lens designs that become possible, and the 24-70 Z does show that; IQ is really great.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No, no Z camera yet shows smaller apertures than 5.6 except in video mode without hitting DOF preview. In still mode, it quits stopping down in live view through both the EVF and LCD. You can preview it with the DOF button, but not zoomed in. Not in still mode. It's still the same problem and I live with it and work around it, but shake my head and keep complaining... The ii models do power via USB-C at anything over 15W. :-) They are also just faster and deeper at everything, remember the exact focus position you left the Z native lenses at when you turn the camera off (even if you spin the ring) and have up to 900 seconds as metered shutter speed before bulb. Those are the improvements I dig. Well that and improved AF by a bit all the way round. All the Z lenses I've used are better. The 14-30 F4 is even better than the old 14-24 2.8 F in the corners. That mount is crazy good. I think if you try limiting yourself to using the Z camera for about 2 weeks of solid shooting and leave the 850 at home, then switch back... You may notice more of a difference. :-) I could never go back to the optical system after my years with the Zs. It's the low light AF, the low light amplification in the viewfinder, the menus and image review in the viewfinder the ability to focus through 10 stops of ND, the eye detect AF. the ability to put the camera grip up behind the 24-70 F4 in the same spot in my bag just the old body would have taken sideways... All that said, I think the D850 will likely reign as the best DSLR ever built. Nothing wrong with it. I'm just done with mine. :-)

[@yukonchris]

Nice overview. I'm curious, though. If you weren't invested in any camera system, and were approaching full-frame mirrorless for the first time, and if lens options were essentially the same, would you be more inclined to go with Sony or Nikon, or some other option?

[@konstantinoskanellopoulos8337]

Thanks for all the info, does half pressing the shutter make DoF preview also? And if yes can this function be removed from the camera's options?

[@MrRhythmPimp]

Not sure if you will read this seeing how the presentation is over two years old but here it goes... First! You're videos are a refreshing alternative to much of the crap out there. Nothing cute going on here, no attempts at clever-less humor or endless montages of you walking around, gear in hand with sentimental music playing in the background . Anyway... I have both the Z6 and Z7. I love them both and they are a fine compliment to my D810 and D500. I have used the Z6 for wildlife and attempted birds in flight with less than what I was hoping for, results. That's why I'm keeping my D500. One thing I rely on with my D500 is the ability to change focus points from group to a single point by programming one of my buttons to make that switch on the fly. For example, I have a bird in a tree and the group auto focus is confused buy branches in the way. With my D500 I can press on of my program buttons and the camera goes from group to single point focus allowing me to get a clean focus on the bird. Neither of these cameras allow this feature. Could be fixed with a simple firmware update??? Will you call Nikon and make this happen??

[@WalkingEpi]

I've been using Z6 about a month now and unlike many other Nikons from the past where I was WOW-blown away, here I'm 'and that's it?' I think bc Nikon is LATE to the mirrorless party, many of us expected a Grand Entrance, instead got a simple walk-in. I'm ok with 1 card (used medium format film, d70s, d90, d700, df - all one card bodies) and had some 2 card as well, but cards aren't my issues. It's slow action/sports af but works well for what I need. My personal BIGGEST pet peeve is inability to autofocus older F-MOUNT lenses. I think this camera was created with looking into future of photography/technology and forgetting the past.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Fair enough, it definitely is forward focused. I think the lens mount is a big move for them that they had to do. They've stayed more backwards compatible than any other brand aside from Leica's M. I'm pretty pleased with my modern AFS F mount lenses' performance through the FTZ, and all my old AIS MF glass meters fine if I program in focal length and max aperture.

[@JPStaats]

I think Nikon made a wise choice to omit the screw-drive autofocus system as battery life would’ve been a serious casualty of this “feature”. Perhaps it could be included in a future FTZ adaptor, but then it’s another thing to charge…

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@JPStaats Totally. It's a great idea, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I'd bet they are scrambling on improving autofocus performance (they aren't used to being behind there) and increasing the S lens range.

[@nancyk9475]

Awesome video! Thank you! I have a d750 and finally going to order a Z6 with FTZ and 24-70 f4. I do landscapes wildlife travel street and low light - no video, but can’t wait to test out the low light.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You'll love it. If you consider my links I'd be much obliged. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

You can program the function buttons to stay activated by pressing and releasing for ON, then pressing and releasing to turn OFF. Regarding your DOF preview complaint.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That has zero to do with the DOF preview issue and I have never liked the extra button press that necessitates for the bulk of settings I adjust with use of the dials. Press and turn simulateously, release and done is much faster for me. The DOF preview issue is a complete inability to liveview the image zoomed in to 100 percent at any aperture smaller than 5.6 for critical landscape, macro or still life focus. You have to hit DOF preview to see those smaller apertures and DOF preview cancels the zoom back to a fit view. It's impossible to see in still mode and there is no reason for it.

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Ok, I see your complaint. I never felt a need to zoom in while I was checking DOF at smaller apertures. Yours seems to be a special case. Regards.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@jeffreyprokopowicz9842 anyone doing critical focusing in the landscape or for still life can benefit from it. Hence the large format photographers carrying loupes for the ground glass. I used and taught the technique for years on Nikon's live view capable dslrs from the D700 to the D850. It feels very odd they took it away. Especially since it's not a limitation in video mode. I'm certain it's too protect AF, but we should be able to disable it for critical tripod work when manual focusing.

[@jeffreyprokopowicz9842]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Point taken. Thank you.

[@mjotase]

Hello! How are you? I'm matias from Argentina. Could you tell me more about the different apps to use with the camera? I understood that they only worked with nikon apps. I have a Z6, fall in love.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Do you mean editing apps? I'd highly recommend both Adobe LIghtroom Classic CC and ON1 Photo RAW 2019. If you have no prior photo editing experience, then ON1 is probably the easier to learn of the two. I help coach in thier Plus Photography community. Both are powerful image editors and photo asset management tools.

[@bartkeppens5377]

great video, am still in doubt though, was thinking of getting a D850, because I like the DSLR "Pro" body design (similar to my D500 and D700), but now I'm thinking of getting either the Z6 or Z7. I don't shoot video, but on the other hand have no plans to produce large prints either. I mainly take out my camera on hikes, where I tend to shoot a bit of everything (Animals, landscape, birds, plants,...) so I'm looking for an all round FX camera.... I find it difficult to decide. I have some FX glass like the 70-200 F2.8 VRII, the 24-70 F2.8G, the 300 PF, the 50mm F1.8G and the 105 2.8 macro, and I'm just looking for the best all round FX body (mirrorless) to attach to them...

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Oh man. I really think you'd love the Z6. This is an older video. Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/haGtc6ePjN-IfJo & kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJikpmxsiMemppY The Z6 is just a fantastic jack of all trades with incredible high iso preformance. If you buy, I'd so appreciate it if you considered using my links. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks Thanks!

[@jakecaminero]

Really dig this man. Very informative and to the point. No bias just good and useful knowledge. Thanks for the content man🤘🏽.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@likandros3633]

by far the best review. Thank you

[@corujariousa]

The big thing against the Z6 in my opinion (Z7 too) is the fact the image sensor is exposed when you remove the lenses. That is a big risk. I hope Nikon will add a protection screen/shutter in new editions, similar to the Canon mirrorless cameras. Thanks for the video!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I've found that I'm getting about the same (or even less) dust on my sensor with the Z cameras as I do with my Nikon DSLRs. I'm changing lenses a lot in dusty places, but they're doing a really good job staying clean. That was not true wirh my Sony mirrorless systems. They're also a lot easier to clean when needed since the sensor isn't tucked way back under the mirror box. It's a non issue for me 6 months in.

[@corujariousa]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks! I am still concerned given the cost of a potential problem w/ that but appreciate your professional input.

[@stevetqp9152]

An excellent video, sir! As a landscape and product photographer, I am strongly considering selling my Fujifilm X-T3 kit and going with the Nikon Z7, and have a question please...Are you able to upload images (jpegs/nef) to a computer via a USB-C cable, INSTEAD of using an XQD reader? (In other words, leaving the card in camera at all times, like I can do with my X-T3.) Also, I am weighing getting either the "kit" 24-70 Nikkor S or the newer, sharper, much more expensive 24-70 f/2.8 Nikkor S. (Though I've read several reviews stating exactly what you said, i.e., the very good image quality of the f/4, I have also read other reviews (T&C) stating that it's "relatively unsharp"). Being a sharpness and detail fanatic, would you recommend the latter (f/2.8) over the f/4 zoom, since it'll be used in combination with the Z7? Thank you, Hudson!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The F4 is insanely sharp. No idea what others are talking about. Yes, you can transfer and tether via usb C. You just annoyingly can't run the camera off USB power. Tether tools dummy batteries work great for me though. If you consider using my links id be much obliged. :) www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@janherrstedt3437]

This feature is exactly what i been looking for with macro-photography and manual fokus - using f 11-16 with Sony or Fuji makes it difficult to se where you have placed the exact fokus ( on the insect eye ex ) and in dim light there is a lot of noise I would have liked even more that it stayed wide open as DSLR´s are doing . And when taking portraits in dim light with speed lights and again using f 8-11 , the fuji and sonys stops down to this aperture when half pressing the shutter and make the evf very noisy . If firmware fixes it , I hope you can choose both ways - I have a Z7 in order just because it does not stop down to more than f 5.6 .

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I really like how the live view on my D850 and D500 handle it. Stop down by default, but set the DOF preview to lock aperture wide open for exactly the reasons you're describing. That's what I'd like them to do with the Z cameras at least in manual focus mode. With Sony I think that feature would be nice too, but it's not the biggest deal to spin aperture open to get a look at the fine focus with a clean view before stopping down. I really hate that I can't see how much of my scene is in focus without holding a button down. I'm used to zooming in to 1:1 and looking all over the frame in the landscape to easily find an accurate hyperfocal distance and determine if it is enough. Holding a finger on a button really messes that up. Again, this Z6 isn't my landscape camera. It's a low light and video camera for me. But, if I had the Z7 instead of the 850, I'd be really upset about it.

[@talialiber2389]

That is great content Hudson Henry! To the rants I would add the fact that the electronic shutter speed caps at 1/2000s when the mechanical one goes up to 1/8000s. On other mirrorless cameras, the electronic shutter speed goes way past the mechanical shutter wich offer the ability to shoot wide open in bright daylight. On a Fujifilm X-Pro2 I was able to shoot portraits at F1.2 on the 56mm (eq. 85mm) on teh beach in the middle of the day. On the Nikon Z6, same setting, at F1.8 and 1/8000s I was overexposed. That is annoying.

[@marianelkassab3066]

Most balanced review of Z6 Thanks

[@davidjohnson4451]

Putting in a second SDHD card slot SLOWS down the entire process. Wonder why Nikon went with just the QCD Card? Because they are perfectionists. If you want a second card, then you probably don’t care what the failure rate of QCD cards. It is practically NONE. Not putting in the second card slot was actually superior. We found thisnto be true with even the Nikon D 7500. Only ONE SDHD Card. We haven’t had one single failure, ever. But QCD is far better. The autofocus for stills needs to be improved to at least D7500 standards though. Single focus grid selection and learn to use rapid thumb shifts ofnthat helps a lot. The Z6 is simply one of the single best cameras ever made on this planet. The 24-70 S f4 is perfect. What they need ASAP is a 70-200 S f4 NOT a honking big expensive 79-200 S f2.8. Nikon should have stayed with f4 minimum aperture here! That is the single best NEXT Z Mount lens. There are MANY optical perfection reasons for the 70-200 S f4 lens, not the bigger f2.8. If you do not understand why the you have never dabbled in lens design!

[@petermalone7869]

Thanks for the great video. I know you did not cover the shooting menu options in this...is there anything unique to be aware of or should we just go as the manual says? On a related comment, i upgraded from the Nikon D750 but for some reason i can't export my raw images into Lightroom. I am assuming there is something i must have to change but can't find much guidance out there....Thoughts??

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hi Peter, You're most welcome! I did another video on setting up the Z6 if you look through my timeline. I'm going to do another in the next month or so now that I have even more experience with it. If you update Lightroom to the most current version they have added support. You can also download the free Adobe DNG converter which supports conversion of the files, but I personally prefer to keep the original RAW files instead of converting them.

[@markshirley01]

Thanks Hudson - what lens were you using for the first lowlight images you showed at the beginning of your friend with the city behind him.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's my F-mount 50 1.8 on the FTZ adaptor. I just got the 50 1.8 S from B&H night before last. It's a bit sharper I think, but the real reason I wanted to try it out was that I found the face detect focus tracking for Video would hunt a little with the old lens on the FTZ and it was noisy and jerky as it focused. I wanted to test if the native version worked better and more silently for the kind of self-interview video things I do here. The answer is absolutely YES. It is rock solid and smoothly tracks and holds my face silently from close focus to far. I wouldn't have bought it for stills, but I want that wide aperture for Video work without having someone else focusing or being locked on a mark.. For now those two lenses and the FTZ are all I need.

[@markshirley01]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto yes - I was thinking of the 24-70 and the 50 native lenses. I'm a hybrid event shooter that uses Nikon and the Z6 is a camera I'm looking forward to using. Thanks for your videos they are very helpful.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@markshirley01 I'm so glad. It is a low light beast and the viewfinder is nice and bright as long as there is even a sliver of available light to work with. I'd have it with some fast glass for low lit events either on the FTZ or off.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@markshirley01 Oh, I almost forgot. If you'd consider using my links (in the description) I'd hugely appreciate it. They help keep me doing these kinds of videos. :-)

[@dhexistentialist5215]

As a companion to my d850 I find it great as a composition tool when shooting into the sun. I get a rough composition with the z6 which saves my eye from burning out then swap lens onto the d850 for the final shot.

[@andreaszografos6055]

Great review. I own a d850 and I'm thinking about buying a z6 mostly for stills but also 4k video in low light. I love the d850 images but I think it struggles in low light situations. I'm not sure though if the low light capabilities of this camera justify this purchase since I'm very satisfied with d850 overall, except the high iso performance. Is there a remarkable difference in the high iso performance between d850 and z6?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

YES! It's a huge and remarkable difference. The Z6 has wonderful low-light ability. I'd take the plunge and give it a shot. They have some great deals on it. Try to get the 24-70mm F4 with it too. You'll be blown away, don't let the naysayers fool you. I'd suggest you get it right before you'll have time to carefully test it. If you get it from B&H or Amazon, you have 30-days to send it back for a full refund. I did that fully expecting to hate it and send it back. Instead I bought the Z7 too after a couple of months. I have links at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks and they help support the work I do. Thanks!

[@intercoolerintercooler4406]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I'm looking to do video, landscapes and low-light sessions since I have a D500. Which Z model for that? Thanks!

[@DB-nl9xw]

Do a review of the glass of the Nikon Z. After watching your review I will get the D850. Hopefully Nikon sort future releases of their mirrorless. Does the Z6/Z7 have a 8K timelapse?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I already did... :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZKvc6tqYtSnZpY I believe the Z7 will output 8K time lapse, but I don't ever produce in camera time-lapse. I shoot the files and assemble them in post. You can make 8k time lapse from anything captured over 33MP.

[@dr1141tube]

Wonderful review. My Z6 arrives tomorrow and I can't wait to get to grips with its capabilities.

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Thanks Hudson for this video! Im a 850 and 500 owner, and have been on the fence for upgrading/moving to the Z series. I know the Z series are not replacements for, but as an addition to. I shoot mainly Landscape and Wildlife second, hence the want/need to keep my 500. I do love the 850, for all the reason's you listed. But for me, it is either the 850 goes and bring in the Z, or keep the 850. I don't have the $$ to do both. I was curious on the auto focus issue though. Didn't Nikon just come out with a firmware upgrade to improve that, or was that just for the auto-eye focus? Thanks again for the informative video! Keep up the great work!

[@coolbeyblade5]

Rob Roy I just bought a z7 as an upgrade from my D500. I love the z7 but for true street photography it can’t keep up with a dslr for two reasons. After a certain amount of time the camera goes into a sleep mode which takes a while to wake up from. And two the focusing system isn’t quick enough to keep up with quick spur of the moment stuff. I don’t see a reason to “upgrade” from the d850 to the z7 other than the size and for video

[@evanh75]

Thank you for the review. May I ask a question? Some reviewer said that the tracking af works as it should in electrical shutter mode. Is that right?

[@jpdj2715]

Nice video. As to "fast" lenses, with the eVF we do not need them to be able to see what we are shooting and with very high usable ISO we don't really need them as well. Also, the "fast" lenses often have more chromatic aberration than the "slow" ones, plus the former are heavier. I would even prefer absence of CA over resolution, to some extent.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

There are still times and places for the fast glass though. I was shooting Dia de Muertos in Michoacan in candlelit graveyards and the 105 1.4 was a magic lens in those conditions. The Bokeh and low ISO quality of that compared to even a 2.8 was a huge difference.

[@geneduprey6938]

Any work around for af lock on and tracking for birds in flight? I shoot Bald Eagles and other birds and have fair results.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I sure think so. Check out this much later video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJikpmxsiMemppY

[@GeorgeLoch]

One thing I like about the Sony A7III is the ability to preset the movie dial and the S&Q dial so that I can easily switch from 4k/24p 180º to 1080/120p 180º. Any chance of setting that up on the Z6? Thanks for your thoughts!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's easy to use the i menu to switch resultion and frame rate, or you can program it to any number of buttons when in video mode. I really love how you can map the Z's controls independently for whether the lever is in still or video mode. It also remembers what settings were last used in video when you switch back from stills, so mine is generally pegged at 1/50th, but I'd have to move the dial to 1/250 for 120fps since it doesn't have a 180 degree setting. You could use some of the 3 user setting modes to accomplish it if it's that's critical.

[@stillinthestream]

Really helpful. After lots of reading and considering between the A7Riii and the Z7 I’m leaning towards the Nikon. Currently shooting with Olympus and looking for low light performance and landscape resolution and dynamic range. What are your thoughts re third party lenses? I have a Tamron 90 which I love and have heard the 28 - 75 has beautiful bokeh and is also very sharp. I’m assuming the Tamrons for Nikon will function well, but unsure if the VR will will work in concert with the IBIS. Any idea?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It will be brand by brand I'm sure. I used that 28-75 for quite a while, I even took it up Denali on a film job in 2013. It is light and sharp. I'd check with them. My guess is that if the VR is designed to work with Nikon, then the Z cams will incorporate it, but again it's worth an email to Tamron.

[@stillinthestream]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the reply! That is good advice. Just watched Three Blind Men and an Elephant review of the Z7 and really liked the point about how good the kit lens is, and it's not that expensive, and I believe you recommended getting the bundle with the kit lens AND the adapter. My only hesitation now is to see what Panasonic releases... hope it is soon!

[@Hodenkat]

Just bought a Z6 and I'm not at all impressed with the EVF. I notice pixels when I'm looking at tree branches and other thin, detailed objects especially in bright conditions. For some reason I don't think it's correct to say it can be charged while in use. There's a battery eliminator you can get, and you can charge the battery while installed, but not while the camera is on as far as I can tell.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Only the ii has operational charging. You're likely in manual focus and using peaking. You can turn that off. There's no pixelation visible to my 20/10 eyes... It's vastly superior to any evf I've used over the past 30 years, immensely so in low light situations.

[@Honkus]

Great video. I have been on the fence of selling off my Fuji X-H1 various lenses to get the Z7 + Kit lens, 35 1.8. I primarily shoot landscape and macro, and the resolution of the z7 has me very interested. With no true Z mount landscape or macro I have been dragging feet on selling off my gear, but I have heard great things about the 24-70 and I could get by with that and FTZ until more Z lenses are available. What do you think about the lens solutions for these shooting scenarios?

[@VadimOm]

you should not switch, there is not to much of a difference lenswise for landscape work you can get away with 16-35

[@Honkus]

I did decided to keep X-H1, and after selling a few little used lenses i got the FX 8-16 2.8 lens. Between that and the 3 other lenses I kept I am set for a "light" and lean setup in the field.

[@LEXPIX]

Nicely done. I too noticed the DOF quirk on the Z6 and thought I had entered a strange setting combo.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks. I wish that was the case.

[@rbboser]

thank you for this review. Very well done and very helpful as I am trying to decide if now is the time to move to mirrorless.

[@PatrickHochner]

Thanks a lot for this video. As someone currently using a D850 and considering a Z6 (gave up on the Z7), I have a couple of questions for you: - how do you compare the Z6 low light results with the Sony A7 III? - As I really like "playing" with focus and bokeh, I'm a bit concerned about the F4 of this new 24-70 zoom -- what do you think? Would using the 24-70 f2.8 be an option? - there is no mirror, so when one changes the lens, the sensor is directly exposed -- could that become an issue with getting dirt on the sensor? (Sorry, that is more than two questions). Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Patrick. Great to see you here. :-) Yeah, the 850 is a way better tool than the Z7 I think. The Z6 is all about low light and video. -I wish I had more time with the A7III to compare, but i can tell you the low light on the Z6 is mind bending. Seriously it's very usable at 20,800. I have shot a lot with the A7RIII and I can say the viewfinder on that camera is almost as good as the Nikon's. It's a bummer they didn't put that in the A7III too. My problem with the Sonys is that I always feel cramped using them . I bump buttons and change settings when I don't want to. I know the menu system, but i feel like it's more awkward than the Nikon. Some of that is just the fact I've shot Nikon for so many years, but it's palpable. -Yes, you could easily use the 24-70 2.8. The new F4 is lovely, but doesn't go very wide. It's a perfectly balanced knock around lens for this camera. I just got the 50 1.8 S and It's quite wonderful on it too. The thing the native lenses get you is better video focus tracking and silent operation for video. I'm about to put up an ON1 Plus video I shot with the 50 at 1.8 in my studio where I didn't focus at all. I just let it recognize my face and auto track it. It's the video on Sharpening and NR in PR2019 coming in the next week. The S lenses are quite amazing for that, not needed for stills though.The FTZ works great. -Yes, all mirroless cameras I've used need constant blowing out and sensor cleaning. The good news is that Nikon locks down the IBIS so you can do it with it turned off and it's easier with mirrorless since you don't have to reach in so deep to get to it. I'm quite enamored with it for video and low light. For static landscapes I'll stick with the 850 and for action I'll reach for the D500 or the 850. :-) My need for video quality alone with what I do makes this a keeper.

[@PatrickHochner]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks a lot for clarifying these points, Hudson. My main point is low light street photography. As Xmas is around the corner, I'll talk to the wife about this... who knows, I've been good. Thanks again, I appreciate you're taking the time.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@PatrickHochner My fingers are crossed for you. :-) I'm kind of hoping Santa brings a 105 1.4. ;-) It's funny, I just really am having fun using this camera. Something about it is delightful. Again, it couldn't replace my 850 / 500 combo. But the odds are large that on a given trip it comes along as the 2nd to one of those and that saves a bit of space and weight over bringing both of those instead.

[@PatrickHochner]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I'm a bit puzzled by your comment about the lenses. They kind of look "light and cheap" to me (but are quite pricey actually), mainly compared to the current Pro series of Nikkor lenses. Except for the limited aperture, are they really as sharp and contrasty?

[@bouffiboy66]

Hi. I've the same feeling with sony's cameras that you describe above so that I will not consider to buy it. I'm currently looking for a camera for indoor sports (for my kids) and general use also. It's really difficult to find a mirrorless camera for sports. A friend of mine has a Z7 and he makes wonderful pictures with it (no sports), even in very low light. I thought the Z6 could be a good choice but according to what you said in this video, it seems not. I had the idea to wait for the Panasonic S1 but it has a contrast autofocus which is very slow... Thanks for this complete video. I found all the information I need and I subscribed, of course.

[@jasonramirez2940]

Has the tracking gotten any better with the introduction of eye af?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Tracking and aquisition is amazingly better in every mode with FW2.0

[@jasonramirez2940]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto that is amazing to hear, thank you

[@StGeorgeSaint]

In depth, thorough, helpful, excellent review. Much appreciated

[@drwho353]

Great Video!!! Thank you. Really enjoyed what you had to say. I bought the camera about a month ago and love it. Very much an amateur but thrilled I found you. (Also intrigued by some of the gear in your studio - so I'll go look to see what else you have to say!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Chris. So glad you got something out of it! Did you see the other vid I did on setting the camera up? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXMpmOHfN5qpM0

[@atyl1972]

has the aperture 5.6 issue been resolved with any firmware updates?

[@lrivera18]

I am in between the Z6 and Sony’s A7iii. Any recommendation? For some unknown reason I am biased towards Nikon as I have a D5100 and an older 35mm fm10. Thank you.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If you are comfortable with Nikon's controls and menus, then I'd go with the Z6. They both have nearly identical image quality, but the Nikon has a nicer viewfinder (the a7iii missed out on the a7Riii's viewfinder update which is as nice as the Nikon Z's) while the Sony has a bit better bird action tracking. Both are great with people or pets. One thing to note. The less expensive nikon Z lenses like the 24-70 F4 or 14-30 F4 are insanely good. It will shock you. The cheaper Sony lenses are not always. You can't go wrong with the newer nikon glass. Whatever you do. Have a blast. You'll love the change.

[@patronusphotography]

I'm a Canon shooter (your sympathies welcome), and I recently re-looked at the Z6 and it seems very capable and very comparable to the A7iii. How is the Z6 battery life, especially in "walk around all day and shoot" mode as one would while traveling? I'm seeing reports of 300-400 shots per charge and others of 1000+ per charge. What are your findings at this point? Also, what has been fixed by firmware so far? Thanks so very much, I enjoyed the vid!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

1000+ for sure. It's really comparable to my DSLRs if I limit the big screen on the back and use the viewfinder primarily. It's comparable to them in Live View as well when using that big screen. I expected a big Sony like drop especially when reading the CIPA stats and was blown away with pleasant surprise. I totally can relate. I remember when I was begging Nikon to build something more than 12MP after years with the D700 and all the Canon 24MP beasts out there. ;-) Things cycle.

[@patronusphotography]

That they do! Thanks so much for the info--I really appreciate it!

[@mgotovac]

I am Nikon shooter. I have D600 and two fast primes 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8. What do you thing would be the best upgrade for my hobbyist photography? I mostly take pictures of my kid and friends. 1. Z6+FTZ 2. D850 (very good price now) 3. Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 OS (wait for better AF mirrorless from Nikon) Tnx

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Sorry I didn't get a notification of this comment somehow... D850 for now. You will not regret that buy. It's the best camera I've ever touched. So well rounded and wonderful. There's nothing I'd rant about with it. It's near perfect.

[@jonathanhiggins504]

Hi would you have a model number for the Kirk l bracket please thank you

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Johnathan. There are links to everything in the description. It's linked right here: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks. If you click on the Z6 setup at the top the L-bracket is in there.

[@alexniko13]

Hi. I have D850 and GH5s. In your opinion would it better swap GH5 go Z6?Regards

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Wow that's a tough one. I assume you mean for video. The GH5 is a sick video machine if you know how to use it. In good light it has capabilities the Z6 does not like internal 10 bit recording, swiveling screen and a better audio preamp. As far as being a joy to use and low light work, the z6 runs away with it. Wait till you look through its viewfinder or back LCD. If we're taking stills, z6 all the way of course.

[@alexniko13]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for replay. Just was mistake from me GH5s should be typed in. Probably will be close to Z6 for low light.

[@alecdonnell7616]

Great point about focus assist! Such a great feature for videos.

[@agatarek_pl]

Hi there, thank you so much for your videos. I am searching for any info according to noisy lenses I use with adapter (35mm, 50mm, 85mm). I have RODE - VideoMicro On-Camera Cardioid Condenser Microphone and still captures all noises from focusing ! I am devastated because I don't have budget for another equipment :/ Any advice? Or maybe I could buy some cable to put mic far away from camera? I would be very grateful for any advice, thank you so much, best Agata

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, you'll need to manually focus those to get them quieter for video. The other problem I find with autofocus F-mount lenses through the adaptor is that they have a jittery look to the focus. It's not smooth. The 50 18 S and 24-70 F4 S are wonderful, smooth and quiet. I doubt you'll be able to avoid noise autofocusing with the FTZ adapter and an on camera mic. The new S lenses are going to be essential for that. I wish I had a better answer. I bought the new 50 1.8 S for exactly that reason despite already having the latest 50mm 1.8 F-mount lens :-(

[@agatarek_pl]

Thank you so much for your time and answer, It’s strange... before I purchased the camera I watched so many reviews and no one mention it... I think it is very important information:( I’m quite disappointed, I really bought that camera to have all in one and to be able to use my lenses on video as well 😩... Have an amazing day, with love Agata

[@FotosyMas.]

I’ve had the Z6 for 3 weeks now. I use Canon and Leica and was disappointed with the EOS R so I thought I’d give Nikon a try. While the camera is great I haven’t gotten any “wow” feelings so far. I find my 6d II more enjoyable to use and the images coming out of it and the 5D IV look more pleasant to my eye. I’m planning to return it in the next couple of days and eat a nasty 15% restocking fee at Best Buy.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's the low light and video that entice me. Otherwise, I agree the DSLRs are still better than mirrorless overall. My D850 is the best camera I've owned yet.

[@ingjohnalfonso]

Hi thanks for your review, I have owned a ton of dx and fx cameras, currently a Z6 and a very good D750, but I started to move into the z line of lenses, they are great and super sharp, I'm only remaining the 85 1.8 g and the 70-200 2.8 vr ii, for the rest I Invested in z mount glass(14-30, 24-70, 35mm). So now the D750 doesn't have much use, I'm thinking to change it for other camera in the z system, something that complements and could be back up for one to another, but I don't know if the z7 apart from the hi res sensor for landscape can justify the price, or if other z6 could be the one but just live with medium size sensor for landscape but great for video an low light, or even I thought that a z50 could be just a cheap backup camera, great for video, all in the same system, easy to carry. I do landscape, architect, portrait photography and I moved heavily into video, also I'm a former wedding photographer. I really want to be in only one system, But I don't know if the z7 will justify the price, or if the z50 could be good enough in a pro environment? What could be your advise?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If you don't need the resolution, the z6 is a champ. I love it. Landscape usually let's you do panos to increase resolution too. The 50 is a great tiny camera, but it's low light is nowhere near the 6's and I'd like to see some more dx lenses. 35mm and 50mm wide aperture dx pancakes would be amazing. The body is so small it feels a bit odd with bigger lenses. Works fine, but feels odd

[@ingjohnalfonso]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto great advise, thanks a lot!

[@jsgamechannel1763]

What do you think about adapting pl mount lenses on the z6 or z7 for video since there is in body stabilization ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Absolutely. As time goes on, you'll be able to adapt any system's lenses on to this mount since it has the shortest flange distance out there. So cool that. The IBIS is awesome. I'm loving it with my older Nikon non-VR glass. :-)

[@ribdicqlousribs3165]

I appreciate the review, particularly since you’ve shot Nikon for some time. Replacing my D610 for full frame, every day photos. I have a D500 for sports, but want to add something full frame. Stuck between Z6 and D850. I’m an enthusiast, not a pro. Leaning toward the Z6.

[@BradyHommel]

I would make the switch to mirrorless. So you can start getting the new lenses. I contemplated the d850 as well. But have not regretted getting the z6. I now have 2 of them. Just posted a video on my 1 year review.

[@jamescook5931]

Have you personally compared the image quality between the Z7 and Z6? On the Z7 I find that the image quality is better on the Z7 in DX mode. Could you please tell me the advantage the Z7 has over the Z6? Thank you.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's a bit apples to oranges comparing 24MP to 46MP. I have the D850 already so I did not purchase the Z7 as it has the same sensor. The Z6 is a significantly better video camera since it has less downsampling to do for 4k output. The Z7 does line skipping to accomplish that. Since the sensor is the same in the Z7 and D850, I'll say that at lower ISOs the bigger sensor is just incredible and far surpasses the 24MP sensor in the Z6 for enlargeability. That said, once the light falls off and you rise above 1600 ISO, the Z6's new 24MP sensor blows the doors off anything I've shot with. It's very clean right up through 20,800 ISO and even correcting for resolution, I'd take it every time in low light. The other way the Z6 shines is in handling and performance. My little time with the Z7 indicates it doesn't have the buffer or processing speed of the D850. It feels a bit slow like the D800 did. The Z6 is identical, but feels fast as it processes and stores images half the size. Crop mode giving you higher quality would indicate a lens that isn't quite sharp at the edges as all you are doing is shutting down the outer part of the sensor. Stop your lens down to F8 in nice even light and take a shot on the tripod in FX and DX mode using exactly the same settings, then crop the two to compare apples to apples. I'd be very surprised if you see a difference. My thought is that the Z7 is not as good a camera as the D850, but the Z6 is in a class all by itself. MY D850 and D500 have been sitting in the bag a lot more lately because of it. :-)

[@jamescook5931]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks dude. So if you didn't own the D850 or the D500, would you still purchase the Z6 for photography too?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

If only one camera? It's the D850 for sure. I think it's the best camera on the planet now unless your main focus is wildlife and action, then it's the big, lightning fast D5. Two cameras? D850 & Z6. I'm debating selling the D500. In crop mode the D850 is nearly as fast and has nearly the same buffer with the same resolution. :) The D500 is great in low light, but it can't touch the Z6 there. Thing is though. The next generation or two will almost certainly see those cameras eclipsed by the mirrorless bodies. The DSLR is hitting its design pinnacle I think.

[@satyayaya14]

i want the z6 because now im currently using d750..but im afraid that if im using the ftz adapter the autofocus speed would be an issue..should i get the z6 with 1 slot and expensive xqd card :| or totally change to sony a7iii .. btw im using it for wedding and studio work, need an accurate and fast af..any advice?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I say use this link to buy and test the Z6: bhpho.to/2JdtoCC They will take it back anytime within 30 days. The FTZ has zero, repeat zero performance degradation with Nikon's good F-glass. The new firmware V2.0 really cleans up AF performance: Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5u0pp2wn9h8mrM and this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqaufJKof8hnh5I. I believe as a Nikon user, you'll hate Sony's cramped ergonomics, poor build quality and convoluted menu system. You'll love the Z viewfinder (particularly in low light) and silent shooting modes for what you do. Thanks for using my link. It helps.

[@MrMingyau]

great video! question: i have a d750. have been wanting to get a d850. im mainly travel and landscape photography. now the z's have come out and always wanted to go mirrorless. debating on z6 or z7. for mainly landscapes and astrophotography. also i have a 24-70 f2.8 lens already. no need to buy the kit lens right?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ming, sorry I didn't get to this till now. The Baja Trip got me a bit behind. For pure landscape, I'd say the Z7 for the resolution, but if your overwhelming passion was astro... Then I'd go Z6 all the way. It's low light performance is astounding. I don't think you need the 24-70 if you have the 2.8, but it is a great little knock around lightweight lens that really suits the camera well and it's razor sharp at all apertures edge to edge. If you want more resolution in landscapes just do panoramas. :-)

[@forcedmedia]

Our whole studio production staff and crew was created because we were all hardcore Nikon users. And we used the Z6 and Z7 as camera one and agree with a lot of the topics you speak on. But what turns our stomach is everything Tony & Chelsea Northrup spew from their ignorant rhetoric about Nikon.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

:)

[@ErmenegildoConte]

Nikon just update the firmware to add eye focus, did they improve focus speed as well?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm working on a vid about that now. :)

[@JPStaats]

Great video from a real-world perspective by a talented photographer. Just a quick clarification: I’m not entirely sure that the camera can be on/operational while it’s charging via USB, as stated. It would be great if this was possible, especially during long time-lapse sequences. My Z6 stops charging (charging light goes off) as soon as I turn the camera on while plugged into a USB power source. I’m hoping Nikon will change this with a firmware update as a time-lapse sequence now requires interruption to change/charge the battery.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ouch, I read Gunther from LR timelapse about that and hadn't checked. You're right. I just checked something else though. My tether tools relay: amzn.to/2CeLaA8 with the EN EL15 adaptor: amzn.to/2CfOjzD works with it. A firmware update would be much nicer though. I've heard there are already 3rd party firmware hacks to allow internal 10-bit recording. Fingers crossed for some changes.

[@dr.sommer5069]

Nice video. But you cannot charge the battery via usb while the camera is running.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, I just found that out too. Luckily it works with my Tether Tools Relay en-el15 setup, but it's another thing they should fix in firmware.

[@jpdj2715]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto- you mean the dummy battery box with power supply connector? I thought if that with this question. Charging may imply AC availability (or power bank). Anyhow, does the Z-7 not take power from the USB-C connector? Then you do not need the surrogate en-el15 box/cable.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@jpdj2715 Yep, but you can plug that Case Relay into any USB battery block (ie one for a phone) and go all night shooting time-lapse and such. The Z cameras do charge with the new EnEl-15b battery (not the older a version) over USB-C, but not with the camera on and functioning. :-( Firmware fix maybe?

[@jpdj2715]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto- but, does Z-7 run off USB-C? I know it does not charge the battery, but could the USB-C power the camera in stead of the battery? The user manual mentions the dummy en-el15 adapter for AC powering, but nowhere mentions USB charging (nor potentially operating off USB bus power).

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@jpdj2715 Nope. Sadly not. I think tether tools is your best option for powering it externally. I've run my D850 in live view all night with that Case Relay setup and a small Anker phone charger battery block.

[@NikolajFreiesleben]

Nice review. I like your style to make review.. Im thinking about selling my D4 and get Z6. I dont think I Will go back to dslr after D4.

[@theymstudio1387]

Nikolaj Freiesleben in about to pick up a Z6 and keep my D4... I’m going to miss the robust body :(

[@BJJandBS]

Mate is that the Panasonic G9 sitting on the table? How do you feel about that?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey there, it's a GH5. I'd say it's a better video camera in good light if you don't need full frame. My buddy is a filmmaker and works with it all the time. He did a comparison on another recent video in my feed, but more for video. I haven't tried the G9, but I'm curious about it and the full frame model to come. Those guys make ripping good cameras.

[@BJJandBS]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto yea ive been on the fence about getting a new camera for awhile and contemplating sitting tight until I can get my hands on the panasonic s1 when it comes out. They do make some killer stuff and great usability.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@BJJandBS particularly if video quality is an objective. They do some great codecs.

[@jpdj2715]

FTZ adapter - I think a passive tube with some contacts and wires could be cheaper. Potentially a recovery plan for a camera price $200 too low (or so). I would have expected, for this price, an adapter with a motor in it to AF the old Nikon glass.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's certainly a good reason to get one of the kits with the 24-70 and the FTZ to make it more reasonable as a package if you buy now. That lens is quite astounding. I imagine there will be third party alternatives for the FTZ before long though.

[@dontgetmadgetwise4271]

I can't imagine this product being used as a profit leader. Perhaps the cost is incurred to ensure precision construction and fit. It is essential that the lens remains extremely well aligned with the sensor despite the mount extension.

[@jpdj2715]

DoF beyond 5.6 not visible? Bummer. Please Nikon san, give us lenses with what the old Hasselblad/Zeiss lenses had: shutter/aperture connected fixed EV and aperture dependent DoF scale. How difficult could that be? If you cannot amplify the eVF enough, then at least give us the information in another way.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The EVF amplification is not the problem. It stops down in video mode and looks clean and beautiful. When you hit DOF preview it looks clean and beautiful. I think it's about autofocus performance (which means they really have some work to do there). But at least let us lock it stopped down, particularly in MF mode. Firmware update please!

[@janherrstedt3437]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto This feature is exactly what i been looking for with macro-photography and manual fokus - using f 11-16 with Sony or Fuji makes it difficult to se where you have placed the exact fokus ( on the eye ex ) and in dim light there is a lot of noise I would have liked even more that it stayed wide open as DSLR´s are doing . And when taking portraits in dim light with speed lights and again using f 8-11 , the fuji and sonys stops down to this aperture and make the evf very noisy . If firmware fixes it , I hope you can choose both ways - I have a Z7 in order just because it does not stop down to more than f 5.6 .

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@janherrstedt3437 I really like how the live view on my D850 and D500 handle it. Stop down by default, but set the DOF preview to lock aperture wide open for exactly the reasons you're describing. That's what I'd like them to do with the Z cameras at least in manual focus mode. With Sony I think that feature would be nice too, but it's not the biggest deal to spin aperture open to get a look at the fine focus with a clean view before stopping down. I really hate that I can't see how much of my scene is in focus without holding a button down. I'm used to zooming in to 1:1 and looking all over the frame in the landscape to easily find an accurate hyperfocal distance and determine if it is enough. Holding a finger on a button really messes that up. Again, this Z6 isn't my landscape camera. It's a low light and video camera for me. But, if I had the Z7 instead of the 850, I'd be really upset about it.

[@valioso78]

This seems like a bonkers choice on nikon. I am going to test one this weekend, but man.

[@RoyLouden]

Have you used all the Z lenses so far? If so, which is sharper; the 35mm or the 50mm?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I haven't used the 35. i have a rad zeiss 35 f2. I think the 50 is amazing though. Very freaking sharp and I love the bokeh. In video mode the stepping motor makes af silent and seamless.

[@RoyLouden]

Thanks. I'm sure the 24-70 f4 is sharp, but not as sharp as the 50.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@RoyLouden it's crazy sharp too. Edge to edge at f4 even.

[@JohnEllisJohnENikon]

Thanks Huson. Very helpful review. I think i will wait for 1 or 2 more generations of the nikon mirrorless. I have a d750 which does very well in low light and nails most sports with group auofocus. I shoot a lot of basketball usually with a 24-70 2.8 tamron and nail focus >90%. I Shoot mostly at iso 6400 and stay stopped down to 2.8. The slightly better iso performance and better edge to edge sharpness especially with newer lenses would be nice but in reality i probably wouldnt notice for my photography

[@TheGeoDaddy]

I’m liking it (Z6) but I’ll only be lovin’ it when they deliver ProRes RAW for the Ninja V for the promised “game change” that they were touting! Otherwise, I’d be happy with my D7100 for the RARE instances when I don’t use my simple iPhone. As the whispered Bubba... “It’s the Video, stupid” we NEED video that can be tweaked in Post!

[@TheGeoDaddy]

And the “single memory slot” is a total non-Issue - for Video use the Ninja - seriously! You will tire of the ordinary quality of video on card once you use an external recorder and can capture video with a lot more latitude to fix exposure and color in this imperfect world.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Focus is the BIG problem.. you can’t Pull Focus because the manual focus is not deterministic ie sharp at 4ft then 8ft and back to 4ft cannot be exact (as with true Manuel Focus) and Video does not support Eye Focus... do these is a LOT of Hit or Miss that will always keep this as a non-Professional Video Camera. Same with the IBIS can’t be turned off when you have the camera locked down on a tripod... though there should seldom be a time when your camera is locked down when you are shooting video anyway.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@TheGeoDaddy Yeah, the Z lenses are not the best for precise manual focus video, but that's where the FTZ rocks with all the available F-mount glass out there. It's a candy store of high end manual focus glass for the video maker. For quick AF video applications, the face detect does a surprisingly good job without eye detect for video (KZbin stuff for example). I'm not sure it's as important to have eye detect for most video work since the resolution is much less extreme than stills, particularly for the Z7 with it's 46MPs. If you're being particular enough to need eye detect, say doing a cinema bound film, then you're probably using a manual focus lens on the excellent FTZ. I've had no issues at all with my manual focus F-mount glass on the FTZ for video or stills. I'm sure the ProRes will come as promised. Both Atomos and Nikon have an incentive to deliver. Nikon is one of the rare players that doesn't have a pro video line to undercut with such a move.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Wait, so you are saying the FTZ lenses are predictive for pulling focus??? Haven’t tried it yet but that would solve my issue ‘cause I would only pull focus off a tripod

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

There are awesome manual focus lenses that work wonderfully on the FTZ adaptor. Nikon, zeiss, Voight lander, etc... :)

[@elysiumcore]

Lost me at can't track fast moving subjects - pets my D500 ..you are still my fav :)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Firmware 2.0 really addressed that. It's much much improved. I have later videos on that. :)

[@subject8123]

My only complaint is the lock on focus tracking. It feels clunky as all hell, activate by half press of shutter(or af-on button) deactivate lock on by pressing ok button. Should deactivate by releasing half press/af-on button. It’s only noticeably clunky when your target leaves the frame and it tries to acquire whatever it can.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, for fast moving action with firmware 2 on, try using AF-C with AF-F (the auto area AF mode) instead of dynamic. It's just a big wide bracket and the camera makes all aquisition choices. It's amazing for fast sports and birds in flight, but then again frustrating for static subjects. I keep AF mode swapping mapped to my Video button up top (only for still mode) to switch with the command dial without even taking my eye off the viewfinder. I've been blown away by how well AF-F mode works in action scenarios like birds in flight. It's the key with the Z's.

[@prottentogo]

well in min 17:00 your shutter speed is way too slow in the first place. that's motion blur.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Not so in this case. This was 1/1500th in Shutter priority mode. I always shoot motion in S mode to freeze or blur with control. It racked back to too close a focus distance hunting for the lost subject.

[@prottentogo]

Interesting. It really looks like motion blur. But It did expose during the af rack, right? Then it would be some sort of weird af-rack-motion-blur which also you could experiment with and call it the "Hudson Technique". 😃 @@HudsonHenryPhoto

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ha, yeah, it's wierd. I've been experimenting more and it just breaks down in continuous burst. I was shooting kiteboarding in Baja last week in "semi auto mode" and it could keep up as long as I didn't hold the shutter down. I could fire 3-4 frames a second by hand no problem with everything tracked and sharp, but the second I lay down the burst, it starts back-focusing and loosing the target. I wonder if the announced future Firmware update with AF improvements and Eye detect will be targeted at this problem.

[@Burnningsoul]

usb will only charge when the camera is not taking pics

[@18JEM1]

I am really having a hard time deciding between this cam and the Sony a7 III. In my humble opinion the Sony a7 III is better cam.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Each has strengths and weaknesses. The Nikons build quality, 10bit 4k video ability, weather sealing and evf are better I think. If your a nikon shooter with glass, it's a no brainer. Otherwise, it boils down to a preference really. They're both great. My biggest gripe with the a7riii is that they didn't share the a9 / a7riii viewfinder with it. That one is almost as nice as Nikons. My gripe with the Nikon in comparison is the DOF preview issue that I hope they fix in firmware.

[@naturealbums]

​@@HudsonHenryPhoto Your review was very good thank you I've sub'd. I'm also keen to see you review the a9 you hinted at. The points you made about the low AF performance for the Z6 I think the Sony a73 might be much better for example the kid on a swing test. I am also finding it difficult to decide, AF tracking is very important for me. I do have Nikon and Canon lenses if I went with an A9 I could adapt the Canon lenses. I could also go with Nikon but probably better off with the D850. So it's either A9 or the D850 or If the A73 swing test is good that would be the cheapest and best option.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@naturealbums I seriously doubt the A7iii can compete with the swing test compared with the 850. I base that on using the A7riii. The A9? Maybe, but I still think they are a few years from eclipsing Nikon's latest DSLR tracking. The 850 is just an incredible camera. If I could only have one body, that would be it. No question. There's nothing it doesn't do well. In crop mode it has the same resolution as the D500 and nearly the same speed (albeit with a slightly reduced buffer). The live view is much better than anything except the Z's, the 4K video is very good. Wonderful touchscreen controls and built in focus stacking are a neat bonus. It may be the best DSLR ever built if everyone turns R&D to mirrorless. And I truly believe there is not a mirrorless camera that can touch it for all round performance. Also remember those adapted lenses aren't going to operate as well as native mounts when autofocusing, particularly across brands. The best experience I've had with adapted lenses and autofocus is with the Z's FTZ and Nikkor AF-S modern DSLR glass (the 1.8s and the 70-200, 14-24, etc).

[@naturealbums]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you very much for the detailed very informative reply, you've made my decision easier! I've played about with the D850 at the camera shop and I couldn't imagine I could get a better camera.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@naturealbums I can't imagine that you could. :-) I LOVE mine. If you buy local, then bravo. If you mail order, I'd love it if you consider using my links page. It helps out with this work. thanks! www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@angelesphotography6102]

Speaking of autofocus, the focus in this video seems to be changing

[@coltoncyr2283]

Great review! I’ve been waiting for a trust worthy and real life review for this camera and BANG here it is! However, you say you like the Z6 for your videos, buuuut if you weren’t loaded with a D500 & D850, would you still go for the Z6 for all its remaining factors?? I’ve been contemplating the Z6 or Sony a73, coming from a D5500 with Nikon lenses, (some third party...) I haven’t felt confident staying Nikon... but I want to haha! For an enthusiast and non professional, would a Z6 be a great step? I enjoy landscape and WANT a low light beast. Again awesome vids!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Go Z6. You will not be disappointed. Coming from Nikon, you will love it. If you were a dedicated birder or sports shooter primarily, then I'd urge you to stay DSLR for a little while longer, but the Z6 holds it's own just fine if you time your shots. It tracks well. Using it in the landscape and in low light for street or landscape is just a wonderful experience and it's viewfinder blows the A7iii away. I think Sony blew it not putting the top viewfinder of the A9 and A7Riii in the A7iii. The Sony control layout, menu system and grip positioning frustrates me whenever I use it. I'm constantly inadvertently bumping buttons and changing settings. The Z6 fits like a glove. I love it.

[@jpdj2715]

Single slot - what about tethering? (WT-7?) How big are the risks of malfunction - of cards versus camera? People complain about card failures - there are cheap SD fakes. And faster cards may have a lower life expectance. SanDisk have these industrial SD cards guaranteed at extreme temperatures and up to 128 TBW (total tera bytes written to these cards, implying numerous cell resets). But at a maximum speed of 20 MB/sec. Now photo-pros use Extreme Pro cards that have no guaranteed TBW, basic temperature range, yet able to extreme speeds. And them folks expect cards to last through eternity. Even dual slots cannot protect against this level of thinking as it has a high likelihood of two cards failing at the same time. Also, if I shoot RAW + JPEG, my camera gets slower. So I set slot 2 to backup: mirroring or RAID 2 in IT speak. If card failure is caused by a faulted I/O controller on the camera "motherboard" or a software glitch, it will impact both cards (assuming the two slots are on the same controller.)

[@TheCallie52809]

Well done. You just got yourself another subscriber.

[@alecdonnell7616]

amazing review. thank you very much!

[@bob.5371]

Great review on the Z series Nikons Henry, thank you. It will definitely give me pause before I lay down a wheel barrel of money on this one. As for the video, I have dabbled with Time-laps, but my D810 does a far job with that. At this point I rather focus my efforts on getting better. Again, thank you for that review.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for that feedback Bo. The 810 is a great camera. These Z's show promise, and they excel shooting in low lit conditions and at video (particularly the Z6). I'd stick to the 810 or 850 for landscapes and action though.

[@m4nc1n1]

how is the tracking now 3.0 is out?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Check out my most recent video. :)