Nikon Z6ii Live AUTOFOCUS Test/Review. No Frills, All PERFORMANCE

*All images shot on pre production camera*
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In this video I review the autofocus and low light capabilities of the Nikon Z6ii. Nikon really smashed it out of the park with this iteration guys. Hope this helps! - Will

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

In this video I review the autofocus and low light capabilities of the Nikon Z6ii. Nikon really smashed it out of the park with this iteration guys. Hope this helps! - Will

[@rbrown621jr]

Very nicely done. I ordered my Z6 II in october.

[@lcador9]

Is there a downside in not having auto eye focus beyond 5 feet as is available with Sony and Canon? Does that 5 foot distance change with the focal length of the lens, perhaps shooting with the Z 24-70 f/2.8? Thanks again for a well thought out and implemented presentation.

[@timk8258]

lcador9 it’s really more about the size of the subject in the frame. They could be 15 feet away but at 200mm you’ll still get eye detection.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@timk8258 exactly this

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@lcador9 you don’t really need it when the subject is so small in the frame. In the first segment I was shooting with a 35 so out further than 5-6 ft the subject will be in focus all over. You really need it to only lock on to the eye when you’re shooting someone filling the frame from chest up, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to see their eyeball anyway. Thanks for the support my man!

[@MeekPhotos]

Congrats on 20K! You are proof that honest channels can still make it. I have been here since 1k lol

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks brother!

[@joshblank1]

Same here

[@mainmain5303]

Me too bro Haha

[@AllSortsOfScripts]

Just subscribed here at 21K. I have watched two videos so far and I think I have learned a lot, from your channel and Nikon Z6. I am about to buy my first camera and the z6 has been my target, now I am convinced about buying it. I won’t be doing weddings so I think the z6 will be just fine. Great content my friend.

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Guys we have to remember KZbin is on the bottom of Will’s list. He’s a professional photographer with a family. Long time subscribers know Will only makes video when he’s inspired to do so. We all miss his genuine videos and insights to his shooting perspective. He “Will” pun intended come back when he can. Enjoy what we have and remember all setup and functions he shares works with the ii’s.

[@bijanfotografy]

Hi How are you ? Hoping to see a new video soon.

[@jpdj2715]

Congratulations Will, you have landed on Nikon's radar.

[@sigsegv111]

oh man .. c'mon .. I've just subscribed to your channel to learn that you've stopped making videos half year ago ... that's so pity .. you have a great content here ..

[@DieHardEddieEdwards]

There seems to be a lot of depth to this. I’m surprised you didn’t just run straight at the camera at full speed and call it a day.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

This review and the ones by Taylor Jackson, Manny Ortiz, Matt Irwin etc absolutely shame the garbage churned out by the loudmouth yahoo reviewers on KZbin. Their reviews are simply embarrassing - leaping about like absolutely no-one actually does in sport, portrait, kids, BIF or any other photographic scenario and then complaining the EVF overlay lags, even thought the images were sharp! Just wait for Northrup and Granger to go nuts with their whining. So much fake controversy around Nikon and around other brands. Actual pros who use the Nikons have sung their praises. That's far more valuable feedback.

[@grayheet]

Like some other you tubers who are talking smack like Fr......

[@DieHardEddieEdwards]

@@championthewonderhorse9733 The reviews on the channels you mentioned are from people who really use the camera in the real world. They're real photographers who really use the cameras. On other channels, they just do gear reviews and try to create buzz. You're not going to get a ton of buzz by saying everything these days is pretty great.

[@NiranjanNanda]

I think you should prepare a small course material on AF and explain what could be best for your style of photography. That can be really helpful for novices like me :)

[@ericforrest6961]

Well done, fair, honest review. Great job Nikon.

[@duanemcclun]

Nikon is right about your videos - they are good because you speak from actual experience!! Even though I wont be buying a Z6 or Z7 since I am not a professional photographer it was a good video!! Good to see you on KZbin!! Best wishes Duane

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very much appreciated Duane!

[@ddunnum]

I am not a pro either... I ended up in the Z6 because of natural progression. I started out with a crop sensor and then bought a D700 FX used. I wanted a new FX and the Z6 met my needs. You never know.

[@duanemcclun]

@@ddunnum Hi Daniel... I bought the Z50 because I have mostly DX lenses and D7100, D3300, D40, and P900. I do have a 50mm f1.8 Then my friend sold me his like new D810 with a new battery grip for $500. I bought the D810 because of the price and low light capability but I don't have FX lenses and not sure at ny age if its worth trying to go to a different format. Maybe I might get rid of the D810. Best of luck in your photography journey.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Great work Will, on the shots, the Z6 II and being on Nikon's radar. Oh and 20,000 :) 👍🏼

[@MichaelAres]

You two are my source for Nikon reviews/analysis! So honest and reliable!

[@gabrielh7718]

So glad to have people on YT like you two, thank you guys

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

@@gabrielh7718 Pleasure :)

[@PaulQuinones]

This review was exactly what I needed to see. I already pre ordered the z6ii but now I know I did the right thing. Now I can't wait for the camera to come :) Thanks for doing this review.. especially under harsh backlit conditions.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad this helped brother!

[@mlai2546]

Paul, I am thinking about ordering Nikon Z6ii. How do you feel about the subject tracking and autofocus?

[@PaulQuinones]

@@mlai2546 I've had the camera since it came out and it's definitely worth it. Faster than the z6 and improved tracking for sure. I shoot dancers and kids jumping, etc and the camera is more reliable than the z6

[@mlai2546]

@@PaulQuinones Thanks Paul. I think I will order the Z6ii. Did you go with the kit lens?

[@PaulQuinones]

@@mlai2546 no.. I got the body alone but I use the lens that are already in my cabinet

[@ChrisMosner]

Looks incredible. I pre-ordered a Z 7 ii. Can't wait!!! Thanks for this.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@MD-qp8gj]

Me to, and also bought a Z 24-70 f2.8. I've been waiting a long time for this.

[@SwanSycorax]

Me too!

[@ChrisMosner]

@@MD-qp8gj I currently own the Z6 and use the Z 24-70. You are going to love it.

[@mtj2085]

Nikon Z6ii is super responsive. They’ve added all that I was hoping for. Nikon is the new standard. WoW. Move over Canon and Sony. No more haters for me like Fro, Tony and Chelsea, Matt.

[@PushkarTutorials]

Have you seen review of the Guy with Exploded Birds Nest on his head.. I too purchase Nikon Z6ii, upgraded from d7200... and its so so so much better... all together different experience

[@jmchristian5867]

Love your channel ❤. Are you taking a break for now? I pray all is alright with you 🙏

[@ewyss9206]

No sniff tests, no wind tunnelling, no hollering, no bashing, instead we get actual professionals telling us about what the Nikon releases are actually about with pictures to prove it, thanks guys!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

I know, it's almost like a pro photographer instead of a pro clickbaiter might be more useful when it comes to reviewing a camera...

[@paulstephen2201]

Jarod does the real world reviews. Yes he does some of that crap but those reviews are detailed with pics.

[@jamesduncanlinch6322]

Yes, but no comparison either. The camera AF looks impressive until you do the same test with a modern Sony or Canon. Form me the adapter and the image quality is moving me towards Nikon , but I am aware that besides IQ and compatibility with F Lesmes it’s not like the others.

[@ewyss9206]

@@jamesduncanlinch6322 I mainly shoot D3s/D4s with AF-S Nikkors for anything I earn money with. Never had any problems with AF, but every use-case differs, I reckon...

[@ForeverYoung007]

@@ewyss9206 Do you use the D4s over the D3s in certain situations and vice versa? Curious why not the same body D4/D4 or D3/D3 for redundancy. Thanks.

[@trinkfix]

Nice Video, I found you after I done some research about the Z cams. After two years with a Sony cam, I will return back to Nikon with the Z6II. I like your channel, keep it up!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks my friend!

[@MichaelCortese1]

@arjun rai Nikon Z lenses are the best they've ever made, no joke. You will not be disappointed

[@gabrielh7718]

@arjun rai Z lenses are just epic, basically you can pick any they will be sharp sharp and have beautiful smooth bokeh, also sharp in case i forgot to mention haha

[@khengteoh4318]

Heya mate is everything ok haven't seen any new videos for a little while

[@enshongmiranda]

Do you still use the AF-S 58mm 1.4? I miss that lens so much. If I go full frame, I think I’ll go back to Nikon.

[@baronsilverton6504]

Thanks brotha - I really appreciate your channel as a Nikon (now exclusively Z) shooter - just got my Z6 II today - looking forward to putting it through the paces. I agree with you about Z lenses but I have to say, there is yet to be a substitute for the F mount 58 1.4 or the 105 1.4 - those lenses have a character which is different from Z glass - even though Z is definitely sharper. Maybe I'll just end up keeping them in addition to all my new awesome Z glass. Thanks again for the channel!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very true the 58 is GOLD

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Bro your channel is the Truth!!!! Pure, and simple you are balanced!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it!

[@ronaldpollard8990]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs REAL Content Solid INFo, and Skilled Usage Bro. And NOT "Bought". HUGE Respect for your skill and your insight!!! #keepWinning!!!

[@reckerproduction9468]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs The z6ii seems promising, now it's up to me to raise the money for its purchase

[@frankline.gonzalez-dwindt2355]

Thank you for your always objective reviews. I really want to upgrade to the markII, but very sadly, the trade in price for the Z6 is ridiculously low. it would be great if Nikon could offer some kind of incentives to existing Z owners. Other than that, glad to see that Nikon is catching up

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

The Z6 is still an amazing camera for sure. We will still be using our Z6’s for a while longer as we cycle out to the Mark 2’s

[@K4783]

Nice practical review of the AF improvements. I am most impressed with the Eye Detect when coming directly towards you and staying in the same plane when moving around crazy. Definitely see the difference from my Z6.

[@ducatilex]

Mine is coming very soon (hopefully tomorrow). I came from Canon 6D and wanted a fresh start. I wanted to step into mirrorless for a while now and I am gonna do it with the Z6II and 50mm 1.8 Z lens. Will add the 85 and 35 1.8 Z lenses later. Can't wait to try it! Thanks for the video

[@loihpatli]

Thanks for the review! I'm really hyped about these improvements!

[@adamyoung3770]

I'm looking forward to someone doing a wildlife review as I'd love the Z7 II if it can AF well. This was very positive!

[@LittleSarahxo]

Exactly the comment I was going to make! Will the Z6ii or Z7ii be suitable for fast moving wildlife? (fingers & toes crossed!)

[@zZola_Photography]

If you find a wildlife review please tag me in it. I am dying to know how the tracking works with non human. I'm hoping the z7ii on dx mode will be able to compete with the D500. Then maybe I can sell my d500 and pick up the z6ii and z7ii as a complimenting pair.

[@brucesterlowden140]

@@zZola_Photography Steve Perry busy on this!!! Check his forum at Backcountry Gallery and he’ll be letting people know once he’s done his usual thorough testing

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

He’s officially a Nikon ambassador! Lol just joking. Great that they watching man that’s amazing

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haha maybe one day!! Appreciate the support brother

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

You’d be an amazing one. You so real and thorough. They would go to another level. You’d bring an amazing audience to them

[@HJN67]

Not going to happen before he learns to call them by their real name Z6 II & Z7 II. Not anything "mark" II. It is not a Canon camera. I was actually sad to hear him use the world "mark" as I have followed him for a long time and know how passion he is about the Z line.

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

@@HJN67 someone is in their feelings heavy!!!! Somebody get this guy a bottle and a clean diaper!!!!! “ I was sad that he he used the word Mark” lol wow guy

[@s1n112]

Nnew vids please,whats going on?

[@asitde]

Great review!!! I have been a Nikon SLR shooter since 1983, only as a hobby. You have been a great influence on me and I recently upgraded from my D7200 to a Z6. I mostly shoot landscape. Z6 is a wonderful camera. I have right now Z 24-70 f/4 S and Z 50 f/1.8 S lenses. Sold 3 of my F glasses, but kept the 20 f/1.8 G. Congratulations on reaching 20 k subscribers.

[@jeffpolk4800]

Salivating at the mouth waiting for mine to come! Got the Z5 for a backup came yesterday.

[@pamalkabodikotuwa5482]

Awesome video as always. This is the kinda review people want to see. I hope that the hateful comments towards nikon and their z cameras will rest after this...

[@josephcole3187]

35mm is gonna have a deeper dof did you try an 85mm and did you see any trouble in extended high speed continuous ... is it a necessity to upgrade from original, agree with you on the S lenses just got the 85mm after renting it absolutely amazing 🤙🏻

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hey Joseph, AF works just as good with a wide range of focal lengths! Only thing is that low light AF works better with wider lenses. Also, high speed continuous AF locks on perfectly. Really amazing

[@jpdj2715]

Dual card slots. People have been complaining about one - I personally do not need more than one. They also have complained about the price of CFexpress Type B cards (or XQD). Taking Sony "Tough" cards - my preference - as reference, looking at prices at e.g. B&H (NY, NY), a 128GB SD card with UHS-II interface does $1.64 per GB. Would you call $1.72 shockingly more expensive for the 128GB CFexpress card? Knowing the latter is sturdier, less easy to loose, faster to upload your images to your computer? Now look at the 512GB CFexpress Type B card and we get at $1.27/GB. Interesting, isn't it?

[@timk8258]

JP dJ This is a strawman argument. People that wanted an SD slot already have a bunch of cards and they’re not going to go out and buy the latest, fastest UHS-II card they can find. Personally I’m glad I’ll only have one CFx slot to fill instead of two since it’s going to save me hundreds of dollars.

[@jpdj2715]

@@timk8258 - I appreciate that in a way, but. All solid state memory wears out because of rewrites. Cheaper cards are more limited than more expensive at that. If those people are professionals, they should replace cards as a risk mitigation more so than using dual cards. And pros have tax deductible expenses, so would not complain. Then we need to see that a very fast UHS-I card will likely not be able to reach that speed in a UHS-II slot. Early card & reader benchmarks pointed that out when UHS-II got introduced. So I must admit that I cannot give too much empathy to specification complainers who don't earn a penny with a camera.

[@timk8258]

JP dJ I earn my entire income with my cameras. I have several 128gb sd cards that are only a year old, no reason to replace them yet unless I run into a performance issue, which is unlikely seeing as I rarely shoot at high framerates and the Z6ii has a large buffer

[@jpdj2715]

@@timk8258 - again, appreciated. I understand your reasoning. And suggest you study a bit on "TBW" (Total Bytes Written). This unit is specified sometimes with, e.g. SSD, storage. You want to prevent getting into "performance issues". If a card's controller and firmware do a good job, at some point, the card capacity will start to drop, not the performance. Second, when computers (here they're called camera) write the same data to two storage devices this is often called RAID 1. This protects against losing 1 device ("slot" or card) but does not impact data integrity. My experience in enterprise IT is that RAID 1 can be hit by controller failure and can corrupt both devices. I warned against that in other YT channels and wondered if people had actually suffered from that. Recently, two people responded they had fallen victim to this. Ten years professional photographer and 40 years of computer science and AI in academia and enterprise business side ... Just plan card replacement as a wearable and make sure their depreciation is well included in your rates. If and when you can tether, do. If you use professional quality fast cards you might be able to sell them after, say 100 uses of 100% their volume. Compare Samsung EVO with Samsung PRO SSD to see TBW difference. There's easily 10 times difference between them. Note that a card called pro can be faster but doesn't necessarily have more TBW for that. Some "influencer" with deep IT knowledge said in one of their videos they buy the largest card and leave it in the camera until it is full, then put a new one in - keeping the full card as backup. But they earn money influencing. The wear of flash memory is in rewrites - electrical engineers use the term "brown out" next to black out. Low level (slow) format speeds brown out up. This is predictable and a card's controller maintains track of cell usage=wear. It does wear leveling by storing data in revolving places. But, fill a card 100% and all cells have been worn once. Enterprise SSD may have much more flash memory than advertised in brochures and to the user as a way to increase TBW lifetime.

[@cannondale1100]

Fantastic!! Thank you! I was waiting for this. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks Tom!

[@robertvarner9519]

Hope to see new videos.

[@seethroughdifferentlens]

Got my camera yesterday...taking out to field tomorrow and test it.

[@bebitonenita65]

Please let us know

[@MSmatt76]

How did your test go? I did a shoot today using a strobe and some moving kids to test the autofocus. I dig the Z system and used the Z6 and Z7 a lot but disappointed with the Z6II so far.

[@sebastianfurst3057]

Will, everything okay with you? Its been many months since you last updated and you seemed so enthusiastic (and the content is awesome). Anyways, hope you & your family are healthy and we see you someday soon again on here. Take care

[@DezSantana]

Good stuff. The backlit scenes was a good test. Thank you for showing us this, and thank your model for participating.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks very much for watching my friend

[@Cary_mac]

I really appreciate the honesty of your channel and depth of reviews with said honesty. I was a bit struck at the speed at which Nikon was adapting to the market. I loved my D850s and even old D750s when shooting weddings but wanted to push to mirrorless. Having said that I moved to Sony and although it is likely one of the most robust systems in terms of the lenses and accessories it offers but the 'feel' isn't quite the greatest. I love love loved the buttons and the way my Nikons felt. I loved the file handling and color retention. I loved the lenses it offered for DSLRs. Come to 2020 I'm hard on Nikon because I loved the system so much(their service is far from good in my experience for the $$) and I held onto my last d850 and beloved 58mm 1.4 for as long as I could before my fall weddings came through. I'm a s*** or get off the pot kind of person. I enjoy the z6ii but wish other manufacturers also came up with lenses for the Z! At the end of the day I would like to test the z6ii with some lenses but wish Tamron or Sigma would come up with lenses for Nikon. Then and only then will I come back. To me the days of a 5lb rig on one side(body + 70-200 for traditional weddings) are in the past. I picked up the amazing tamron 70-180 and it's a game changer. Tl:dr I loved Nikon but other brands in the irrorless segment offer what I personally 'needed'.

[@1208aa]

I agree with everything you wrote.

[@ZoranvonderHeide]

Sigma is part of the L-Mount alliance (Leica, Panasonic + Sigma). Conflict of interest. Sigma would have some nice lenses for the Z-Mount.

[@lekkerpruven887]

@@ZoranvonderHeide Sigma wil come to Canon and Nikon. The systems are quite similar 54mm 55mm diameter. Flange distance I don't know for both. So Sigma can probably design a lens that is almost perfect for both. Sigma builds and sells lenses. Canon has the highest market share. So it wouldn't make sense not making lenses for Rf. I hope Z will follow because the systems look a lot alike. Sigma already claimed to release Rf in 2021.

[@Cary_mac]

@@yan-jk1ti I wouldn't consider adapted lenses. It would be a step backwards in a sense. I get you though. Tamron lenses are amazing. They're developing a 135 1.8 for sony atm!

[@Cary_mac]

@@yan-jk1ti I'm good. Sold all of my old nikon lenses so buying old when they're developing new again is a step backwards.

[@jasoncario7063]

A thorough, real world review of an actual user and not just a spec sheet reader!

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

Woooo z6ii shipped today. Z6 sold two days ago. Let’s goooooooooooo!

[@alangadgets]

I'm resisting the urge to upgrade (i'll admit it's more of a want than a need) but you are not making it easy, brother! haha

[@dansoto3791]

Wow! Thanks, great shots and review. I'm shooting a D850 now and and want a Z6 II...been waiting for real reviews like this versus guys comparing specs of the camera to others. BTW, what lens are you using to make your video? Thanks.

[@timk8258]

Great video! It’s awesome to hear another wedding photographer discussing the AF in real world terms (what does and doesn’t work on a dance floor) instead of only seeing a test in relatively easy lighting situations. Far more concerned with low light AF than how fast someone can run at my lens and stay in focus while bobbing and weaving erratically. It seems that on the production cameras that subject tracking will automatically switch to eye/face detection when possible (based on Polin’s video) but based on everything else I’ve seen I don’t think that was on the preproduction models. Looking forward to that!

[@grayheet]

Well done proper review not like some others who have been talking smack, Nikon gave everything they want and they still talk smack... Cough (Fr.. and Nort....)

[@markshirley01]

Please Nikon allow video backup even if its 1080p. Im a hybrid event shooter, photo only backup doesn't cover me.

[@MD-qp8gj]

I"ve seen complaints about Z6II not focusing on eyes at more than 10 feet compared to Canon R series. What I don't get is why would a camera need to do that if depth of field at 10 feet from a 50mm @1.8 is 1.3 feet?

[@matsudakodo]

Exactly. It's smart to save the processing when it's not needed. At 10 feet, faces and eyes are in focus with almost any lens.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

4 reasons: 1) First, you should not use the whole DOF here, because if it focuses on the nose for example, then you don't care about the DOF in front of the subject which would be 0.6 feet, but rather the DOF from the nose and behind, which would be 0.68 feet. This is why you must make your calculations with the worst case scenario in mind. 2) From what I've seen, you need to be a lot closer than 10 feet with a 50mm lens to get eye focus on that camera, closer to 6 feet, so the DOF behind the subject is now only 0.24 feet (around 7cm) 3) Nikon has a 50mm f1.2 lens ... and now the DOF behind the subject is about 4.5cm only. Again, if the face AF focuses on the nose, you're going to miss the eye. 4) For purely artistic reasons, you get better looking photos if you place the focus exactly on the eye, as you would get a nicer transition in front and behind the eye.

[@Gynra]

@@youuuuuuuuuuutube DoF is actually 1/3 in front of the plane of focus and 2/3 behind, I believe. So in the example of 1.3 feet, it would be 0.43 feet in front and 0.87 behind.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Why? Because controversy means income for pro clickbaiters who happen to review cameras.

[@Username89039]

I can get the z6ii for £1700, the z6 for £1100, a big difference. But this really does look good, the AF is awesome. I really don't care for Sony. I went from long term Nikon to Sony and it has some good specs but it has all the ergonomics of a microwave. And I'm always thinking it's about to stop working, it just feels fragile. You might have just sold me the Z6 ii...

[@jpdj2715]

Very nice test and shots. Do you think you can do shots in your professional work that you would not do before because you were afraid to miss them?

[@Jimmypro18]

Great video and congratulations for being in Nikon radar. I have a question watching your video and it would be great if you give me a little more feedback. You mentioned that with Z6II you can use AF-S with auto area utilizing the beam in the dance floor. My question is that this mode is locking the focus in the instant you press the button, how this is working with moving subjects since I assume that you have people there that are dancing and moving. The moment you grab focus even if the focus is spot on and I believe it is ... the subject will move until you click on the shutter. Thank you very much :)

[@HampshireHog63]

That focus tracking into the sun was very impressive! Glad to see that Nikon have been watching you, it must have been awesome to get that pre-production copy, a real vindication of your commitment to getting the best out of the Z system. 🤘

[@peterkaltoft8032]

Just wanted to leave a message and say hi. Hope you and your loved ones are all doing well.

[@romanpul]

Nice review 👍 Interestingly the preproduction version Nikon has send you doesn’t seem to have the EyeAF override for the tracking mode. The production version which they send to Jared Polin is automatically switching to EyeAF when it detects eyes on the tracked subject

[@MSmatt76]

Good stuff, picked my Z6II up today, can’t wait.

[@robertosantiago5080]

Hello from Malden, I just found your channel, Thank you for your informative videos....Z7ii pre ordered..

[@maeu59]

Have you tried the Z5? I’m looking to move out oF a z50 to FF for obvious reasons, I’m not a pro or anything and not really concerned about video, I do some low light, no flash dance photography, also I like indoor natural light. I’ve heard the z5 isn’t the greatest or not even better than the z50, would the z6ll be the best option or overkill for my needs?

[@kennethbradstedlarsen5194]

Looking really good. Ordered mine yesterday. Great video. Thank you 🙂

[@山大-b3r]

According to Nikon just Z6ii, no "mark" )

[@HaraldEngels]

I just noticed that you stopped to create videos for your channel. You produced several videos which I really liked to watch. I read your note about that and I can follow you with some parts of your argumentation - especially regarding the bad effect of social media. I just wanted to let you know that you are/will be missed. Finally it is all a question of your mindset. You can "play" social media according to your own rules - you must not follow the mainstream and get stuck in thinking to Likes, Clicks and Subscriptions. Nevertheless, thank you for your contribution.

[@jtes1442]

Man, so glad for us Z users ! Really excited about the AF improvement . Z lenses rock and so does your channel !

[@p3rrypm]

Sorry, but there’s plenty of evidence Nikon hasn’t improved the AF enough to match Fuji, Canon, or Sony. Why is it that they’re so far behind in this area and why is it that people feel the need to justify the in choice in bodies, to the point that they will run videos like these, trying to debunk real world examples. It’s a fact, the Nikon Z6 II still has the worst Eye AF of the bunch and Face Detect AF still has extremely limited range. Just improving the low light AF and making sure it gets that target up close isn’t enough of an improvement to justify an upgrade or purchase of these bodies. The only area that I was completely satisfied with the accuracy and speed of the Nikon AF, was the pet AF and that’s not a good thing.

[@Mr09260]

It pleases me so much this improvement ..However Just retired so only enough money to get one last camera for my Hobby of Astro and Wildlife photography so its Z7 now ..roll on Z7 III then i'm done forever Lol

[@jonathanbradford9403]

First off, thank you for this video, there are not many like it out there and it does give me confidence in the af. As you may have àn ear at nikon I will throw out a suggest box item because the improvements are great, but I feel as though they could have gone one step further, charged a little more and rounded these out better to the point where the could have been marketed as being better than the competition with a couple uncommon features these cameras should already be able to handle. First, I would love to know why sd cards are even still a thing. The First response I'll get is every has them, followed by there cheap, agreed on both counts, but if there both xqd the z6ii records redundant video and the z7ii gets 10fps in compressed raw to both cards with possibly a very minor buffer decrease. I mean we have already paid 2500-3500 depending on your currency, more for the Z7II, for the Z6ii body whats a little more better secondary slot. As far as the size of the slot in the body xqd cards fit slots the size of sd cards now. They are pushing the dual procesors so hard that it is a little disappointing there not being utilized better for writing to the cards. They had time to adjust for it I mean Sony had this figured out for stills with A7R4/A9II. From the video side Panasonic laid out this requirement with S1H for video. I am not expecting like 120 fps in 4k, 6k or 8k, but it would be nice if they would take they have and maximize it rather than bottleneck it. I mean, I don't expect an a7siii or S1h on the Z system, but that means the Z6 has to the guy for video and this very minor change makes a huge difference. My second pick, is the screen l, but you covered that. It just doesn't add much value in its current state.

[@jeremyn6726]

I wonder if any further firmware updates will come for Z6 or if Nikon will just say pony up for the Z6ii if you want improved performance. Some things like not switching planes of DOF when in Eye AF mode make sense and should be updated without requiring a second processor.

[@bijanfotografy]

Many thanks ... waiting for a video like this instead people talking over web specifications ... finally I think I will go for Nikon Z now ...

[@dance2jam]

It's been two years since this release. "Will" he return. Realize you have other priorities. Enjoyed your channel.

[@troyphillips1077]

The price is very nice for what you get and I don’t have one . Definitely getting the Z6ii before the coming summer . Unless Nikon brings out something better.

[@marka351]

Geat video, I have pre-ordered the Z7 II and the S 70-200 lens. Can't wait for them to arrive, looking forward to trying out mirrorless for the first time.

[@kapurar]

Looking to switch from the D750 to the Z7II. Hoping that the Z7II will as good as the Z6II. Thank for the honest review.

[@troyphillips1077]

I dig this 35mm f/1.8 and it may be the first lens I get with my first Z . I really like the 14-24 f/2.8 but dang bubby it’s a chunk of cash .

[@joshblank1]

I was torn between R6 & Z6ii. I am leaning towards Nikon for skin tones, 1.8 primes optics & rendering. Canon has better tracking (eye AF 40 feet away instead of 5 feet), newer top shelf processor, better FPS without blackout, better grip. I think Canon colors are bland though, Nikon has better saturation. But Canon is crazy for releasing comparable lens that are inferior (50 1.8 & 85 2.0), these are not impressive. Nikon now has profiles like Fuji, that’s cool. Canon has HDR HEIF files. There is no perfect camera. But if I choose Nikon, I know they will catch up to Canon on next generation processors. Nikon it is...

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haven’t seen the new canon lenses but yea, the Nikon S lenses are completely insane. Colors are so easy to work with and backgrounds are so beautiful

[@danielvilliers612]

There is a Chinese test of the Af of the z6ii vs R6 and the comments from another photographer who has both.

[@BalloonInTheBalloon]

My Z6 II is on the way. the original Z6 is a great camera so I am looking forward to the updated version.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You’re gonna love it 🔥

[@markuehlein805]

Nice to see you today. Totally agree with your video. I sold my Z6 two days ago and today the Z6ii shipped. I shoot family, events and weddings and can't wait to start shooting. F mount lenses are good but I also feel the new prime S lenses image quality are unlike anything I have ever seen.

[@skyrunr]

You had me with the shutter! I got my Z6II this morning. After three months of trying every Z and comparing them to my D500, one of my biggest gripes was the sound and feel of the shutter. I'd describe it as ca-chunk versus ca-chunk-plink. I know this has to do with the electronic and mechanical shutter, which helped but has a few limitations. When I went from a D70 to a D200 I noticed. When I went from my D500 to a D7100 backup I noticed. All other Z's feel consumer grade to me. The Z6II matches that pro feel! WOW. I can't give up a funct button for the play button on the right hand though. Fingers crossed they'll offer more re-assignment options.

[@hoseahiggins3055]

Excellent review as always. Man now I'm wondering if to push all the way for the Z6ii or the Z6... Hmmm... Choices choices!

[@darrellsy4735]

Hi there, how about the firmware update 3.40 on nikon Z6? Any thoughts?

[@jinsan9105]

Great improvement, beautiful model. Thanks for this video.

[@csc-photo]

20K! Congrats! Love your content 🙌🏻 Thanks for the great Z6ii video, definitely planning an upgrade next year 👍🏻

[@martingrierson1152]

Thanks for having shared your comments on the focus tracking and AF. Thoroughly reviewed. Extremely helpful for me, Z6 user with mixed feelings (I bought it 2 years ago as an improvement to D750 lack of focus tracking. Found that firmware 3 did catch up to good standard on focusing, stills focus. But fast moving tracking was still on the To Do list. I see that Nikon addressed well this matter. Really appreciated your experienced review.

[@JPStaats]

I won’t be upgrading my trusty Z6, but it’s refreshing to see an honest hands-on account from a respected professional of its replacement, especially the improvements made on the eye-AF. Nikon seems to be categorised as the mirrorless underdog at the moment, but I’ve always vehemently supported the underdog for the win, and will not change my ways…

[@vincentdupin4375]

Soo happy for nikon. It's an amazing camera 😍! Thank you for sharing your experience. Take care!

[@martyseppala3757]

Will, great videos on your channel keep up the great content! I just traded my Z6 for the Z6ii, Nikon hit a home run with this body!! The Z mount lens are super sharp, another home run!!

[@mzeeshanch]

Hello, good day. Hope you are doing great. Do you have problems with sensor dust with the Z6 cameras? I ask because when you change lenses the shutter doesn't cover the sensor like it does in the Canon mirrorless cameras.

[@lisalouisekeen4191]

Great review. Should be ordering a z6 ii this week. Can't wait. Going to be hard letting go of the D750 but this is going to be a huge improvement. And please with the performance of an f mount lens as that's what I'll be using for the time being.

[@lukebaker4399]

Great video. I'm almost sold. Great colours from Nikon as usual!

[@jrarsenault2413]

A very nice, honest appraisal. The Atomos footage is especially useful to show how brilliant the new camera is. Your lovely wife got a work out with the autofocus eye tracking! I'm probably staying with my Z6's for now, very happy with the camera with the firmware updates. But it's nice to know Nikon wants to regain their position and is actively working that. Congrats on the 20K, I've been around since the early crew and have enjoyed every video you've produced. Continued success to you!

[@xophaser]

I got the z6, the update has been fine, people can debate all they want what is the best. I will skip this version and hope for a Z8 or 9.

[@MichelleValbergPhotography]

Great review! Great auto-focus performance with wildlife photography too!

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

Pick mines up Saturday the store just called me!!!! Got my first wedding next month so excited

[@bwb896]

I am getting my Mark II this week !! ~ any word on a 70-200 f/4 Z lens ?

[@MichaelAres]

Thanks for taking the time to review this. I was hoping you’d show how it works with multiple people on the frame. All the others videos so far have already shown how it is with one person, hoped this review was a bit more different.

[@paulricchiuti8002]

Thanks for this excellent video. What focus mode were you in?

[@christophotos]

Hey bro, For stills would you recommend the sony a7iii or nikon z6ii? note, i can get the sony ~500£ cheaper, so do you think the difference in price worth the upgrade in performance? thanks man!

[@bencollins7684]

Definitely the Z6ii. I was torn between the A7iii and the Z6. I'm really glad I went with the Z6. Although the autofocus of the A7iii is slightly better than the Z6, the Z6 autofocus is great for almost all situations, and the Z6ii will be even better. Ergonomics, colours, EVF, controls and useability, build quality and weather sealing, etc, basically every metric other than autofocus is better on the Z6. The Z6ii autofocus will be better (possibly better than the A7iii based on this video) and allows you to use (cheap) SD cards as well. The Z lenses are also far superior. The Z 1.8 primes are more expensive than the Sony or third party 1.8 primes, but superior than the 1.4 primes. They are REALLY quality glass and very good value for money. The FTZ adapter also allows you to buy used F glass for a discount and use it on your Z.

[@flickrchannyuk4396]

Thanks Will and Sarah for another awesome video! Looking forward to seeing the art you're going to create with the 50mm 1.2S

[@joshuameadows4165]

You are right about f-mount glass vs the new S glass. My z-mount glass ( 14-30mm f4, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, and 50mm 1.8 ) is optically better than my f-mount glass was and worth the investment for ease of use, quality improvement, and speed improvement. I'm really interested in seeing the improvement of the II's. I'm still using my D500 for sports / birding but it might just be time to retire that body and get a Z6 II (or maybe Z7 II) to pair with my Z7.

[@joshuameadows4165]

Also not related to this video, but I do recommend the Kirk L-Bracket for the Z6/Z7 as it pairs nicely with the FTZ adapter, and if you want an Arca-Swiss compatible foot for the new 70-200 they have a nice replacement foot. www.kirkphoto.com/lens-mounting/nikon-auto-focus/z-70-200mm-f-2-8-vr-s/replacement-lens-foot-for-nikon-z-70-200mm-f-2-8-vr-s-lens.html

[@ZakViemon]

Nikon is in for a ridicule. It has been 2 plus years for them to implement the 3d tracking , and its implementation is just pitiful. Coming from a Nikon D4, D4s and D5 this camera is not even remotely close. The 3d tracking on my pitiful DF is even better than this, nailing focus and getting the shot every time. Sony and Canon have put the nail in Nikons coffin with their last releases. The r6 is the D4s and D5 equivalent and it costs half the price those cameras cost. It is just sad after 12 years of shooting Nikon to not be able to follow them on the Z path.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to hear from you!

[@88omarz]

Awesome video as always waiting on my upgrade.

[@ketankadam5669]

According to some youtube photographers all that matters is subject tracking.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It’s pretty much all I use for my line of work

[@yan-jk1ti]

indeed stupid ,never about the amazing quality.Even better then the xt4 i owned..

[@rejeandube9467]

Hey, where have you been? Have not heard from you for months, miss your videos

[@hitmanhart22]

This is fantastic....the Nikon d500 as a mirrorless