Nikon Z6II vs Canon R5 vs Sony A7III Autofocus Comparison- This is what I learned!

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[@MannyOrtiz]

1. Always use protection: wwww.privateinternetaccess.com/MannyOrtiz 2. PLEASE READ..I was supposed to use the A7SIII for this test since it has the latest AF tech from Sony but forgot the Full HDMI cord I needed at home so I used the A7III instead (It's still great) I know...... ITS NOT A FAIR COMPARISON as many of you will remind me and completely ignore this but I'm not trying to figure out which is best because then we will be splitting hairs. I wanted to see if the Nikon Z6II has improved and IMHO, it did when using Auto Area/ wide area AF Now when it comes to subject tracking, this is when Sony will pull ahead from the pack. Real time tracking is unbelievable. Maybe in another video

[@yaasirqani4153]

Manny Ortiz I am a full-fledged supporter of photography and role model __ application now if you can I need 85mm 1.4 lenses I use 80d _____ i hope you will accept my application

[@yaasirqani4153]

You are a good-hearted brother Just help me if you can

[@uglypuppies82]

Hey Manny, I saw a great video from the Monochrome Memoirs channel where they tweak some custom settings to improve the AF performance in the z6. You should try those, and also optimize settings in the other cameras and repeat the test. Here's the custom settings for the z6ii: Change setting "a3" to "1". Change setting "g4" to "+5" and for "When to apply" choose "Always". Change setting "g5" to "High". Use AF-C.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

One thing not mentioned. The Nikon allows you to switch between right and left eye with a click,. But the Sony and Canon don't. That is a huge advantage. Get the wrong eye with a Sony or Canon and you need to recompose.

[@mcunner]

Thank you for these unbiased real world actual use-case tests

[@motograter7]

Just ordered my z6ii yesterday and excited to see it work so well compared to it’s predecessor. Great informational video once again.

[@nasrraif3957]

Congrats!

[@matic2601]

Are you satisfied?

[@l.c.ahir.]

Whice best for weding z6 ii vs z 7 ii

[@matic2601]

@@l.c.ahir. z6ii, the higher megapixels of the z7ii are not necessary for wedding shootings. Plus the z6ii has the higher burst rate (pictures per second). I would pick the z6ii

[@l.c.ahir.]

@@matic2601 thnks for information

[@mwaithephoto]

Finally a unbiased test. Just showing how things works. I appreciate this so much. I’ll be actually be switching to Nikon soon I love that body so much for me.

[@DJKeo]

acknowledging there is a simple work around or that a camera has a different work flow is a major point reviews always seem to miss with these tests

[@RejeRush]

I just switched from Canon and not looking back! Love the files that come out of Nikon.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Great ergonomics, great buttons, great IBIS, great menus, great grip and now 2 card slots, better AF, eye-AF that allows you to switch between right and left eye, and proper grip, and great IQ and colour SOOC, for a price less than Sony or Canon. What's not to like?

[@cooloox]

@@RejeRush which Canon did you switch from, out of curiosity?

[@RejeRush]

@@cooloox The EOS R. I've used the R6 as well but wasn't too impressed by the files in comparison to Nikon.

[@subhankarbarai4824]

I replaced two of my D750s with two z6ii. After shooting 4 portrait sessions and 3 weddings in less than a month of getting the camera, I did notice the same issue of no eye/face detection when the subject is small in the frame. I had to resort to subject tracking. There's one more small issue that I noticed is that sometimes I cannot move the focus to another person's face in a group shot even though the person's face is visible alongside the other person's face. But this again can be solved with shifting to subject tracking immediately. Other than these two (which can be fixed in future firmware updates) I'm absolutely in love with the z6 ii. Autofocus is great. No issues shooting fast paced events like weddings, even with non-native lenses.

[@xophaser]

I just touch AF the rear lcd screen if this happens or use the new 3d tracking on the old z6

[@subhankarbarai4824]

@@xophaser I understand that is an option but that doesn't work for me during a fast paced wedding event. I cannot take my eyes off the viewfinder but as I said, I can always use subject tracking.

[@TaipeiGeek]

Do you use Wide area Eye detect AF mode with that box?

[@subhankarbarai4824]

@@TaipeiGeek Yes you can. However I found toggling between subject tracking and normal eye/face detect as a faster and convenient option for me

[@lukaspictures]

I am glad that you have mentioned old fashioned ways of focusing. It seems that most of the people are planning to use just everything on auto. Focus tracking with lock on Fn1 button is like 3d tracking with Nikon dslr cameras and who weren't using af-c 3d tracking with dslrs??

[@atxrich]

I just picked up a Z5. Glad to see this comparison. I'm confident future firmware updates will improve Auto AF.

[@AntonisKorakakis]

@@ShotByGreenLightTV stop spamming ffs

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

@@AntonisKorakakis kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@AntonisKorakakis]

@@ShotByGreenLightTV good luck with the spam reports.

[@RiposteThis]

The Z5 already has really good subject tracking and face tracking. Firmware updates will make it even better BUT it's still quite good. You can watch a lot of videos in decent situations compared to the A7iii and it performs just as good. On top of that, the Z5 has amazing IBIS and none of the Sony FF cameras have working ibis.

[@atxrich]

@@RiposteThis completely agree, but it can always be improved, right? Fuji just pushed a firmware that gets the AF speed of the X-T3 up to the level of the X-T4.

[@lilnape2604]

Thank you for pointing out the workaround for when Z6ii locks on to unwanted object. It’s so simple to go into subject tracking but reviewers rarely mention it. 👍

[@stanspb763]

It is not a workaround, it is expected the photographer to choose the desired subject. Not using the settings, just pointing the camera in the general direction it INTENTIONALLY selects the nearest subject which is appropriate for a camera to assume the nearest subject. That is a feature people like in the D850, the best pro DSLR made. Those of us who read the manual do not have problems with missed focus. Nikon assumes the photographer knows which subject he wants and allows him to select it but even if AF picks the subject and it is not the one desired, it is very easy to switch to the subject to the right or left instantly. Notice how when the Sony locked on the wrong subject it was hard to override the camera's choice. For groups or weddings, the Nikon is better reflecting how they are actually used. When the Sony selects the wrong subject you have to pull the camera off the scene entirely to let is try again until it guesses correctly. The Nikom switching between subjects with the joystick button or the multifunction button, one press of the multifunction switch in the direction of the desired target results in the focus point instantly capturing the next face in the direction you pushed the button or joystick. Works great and is perfect where subjects are close together but on different focal planes, like a group shot of a wedding party. Remember also, focus and the focus indicator is not the same. Several KZbin channels have pointed that out, Sony has a fast colored box but it does not indicate whether focus has been attained and more than one reviewer discovered that more shots were in focus on the original Z6 than a73 in burst or rapidly moving erratic subject. That is also related to focus peaking, the Z6/7 are joys to manual focus for fine are or old MF lenses because it is so accurate but Sony users seldom use focus peaking because actual focus and focus indication are not that close to each other.

[@lilnape2604]

@@stanspb763 if it’s expected for the photographer to pick the subject then why does auto area af exist? It’s expected upon the photographer in other modes but I don’t understand how you can say that when the whole point of auto area af is the camera deciding the subject especially when it has face and eye detection.

[@armend316]

@@stanspb763 well said and spot on! Nikon 850 is still my dream camera. Nikon user here thank you!

[@armend316]

@@stanspb763 you earned a sub. thank you!

[@phoniexace]

Is funny how the Sony a7iii is the oldest of all of them and it holds its own against this newer cameras! Wow

[@nongio]

@@mainmain5303 Yes and it's 2 years younger... so... what the generation number means...

[@nongio]

@@mainmain5303 Well... i think all the systems are more or less on the same plane... in this video the Nikon wins the first test,m but the Sony for example win the second and third (the model who walk in front of the camera)... so for me is a "tie"... what i mean in the previus comment is that the number of the generation doesn't count because now all have the same technology avaiable

[@RiposteThis]

@@mainmain5303 It's not even all auto focus, it's literally just the face / eye AF from a distance, lol. The A7iii doesn't even have working IBIS, and has the worst ergos. The Canon is impressive but also costs 2x as much as the Z6ii

[@maryline1306]

But these weird Sony colors and this too much digital style will never change. That's why I switched my A7 ii to a Z6 and I couldn't be happier. With the firmware 3.0 the AF has much improved, and this video shows Nikon will soon reach the top, with firmwares.

[@markshirley01]

Manny the big plus that the Nikon has is the video/photo switch - it makes it the fastest camera for hybrid work. It's essential to me. When Ive tried to use Sony and Canon cameras they can't do this as fast. I wish someone would do this test to show how good Nikons are at doing this.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@bromfed]

ever heard of Taylor Jackson?

[@baronsilverton6504]

Taylor Jackson (a very successful wedding photographer and major KZbinr) discusses this fact a lot. It is the reason that he is using the Z6 II over the Canon R6.

[@markshirley01]

@@LUITESLIFE not like on s Nikon its more action - and not everything is saved.

[@exploringtogether7907]

Finally someone who mention this!!

[@edeninco]

Actually, in this price bracket Nikon z6II really good job... Only need upcoming firmware in body 4k 60f, 10bit 4.2.2 and more accurate & first AF.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Is internal 10 bit 422 a confirmed coming update?

[@bif0978]

@@professionalpotato4764 Incorrect, Its 10bit 4.2.2 upto 30p via HDMI and upto 12bit If you have the paid pro res raw / black magic upgrade. The update coming est Feb, allows 60p internally @ 8bit in DX Crop (1.5x Focal). However I tested out the 8bit on the z6ii and I can confirm that its absolutely stunning anyways.

[@edeninco]

@@professionalpotato4764 they ware not officially declare what updated coming in next firmware.... Except for 4k 60p..as we was not expect after releasing Nikon Z6 II Firmware Update Version 1.01 Released . But we expect because of dual processor may be they add this..

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@bif0978 I see. Thanks for clarifying. I really hope they can release full readout pro-res raw and internal 10 bit in a firmware update. Having to pay an additional $900 just for 10 bit is a huge dealbreaker for me. And the line-skipped pro-res makes it as future-proof when I scale up.

[@bif0978]

@@professionalpotato4764 From my understanding. 10 bit output to an external recorder is natively supported

[@theraven871]

Its about time someone made this video. I can't believe it took this long. Thanks!

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@IanHobday]

About time someone compared last generation Sony tech with recently released Canon and Nikon bodies?

[@acna2555]

Finally an honest and unbiased AF test. Thank you for that .

[@baronsilverton6504]

HI Manny - it would be interesting to see how soon the Nikon could acquire the subject in your last test if you used the new Wide Area Large Eye detect AF mode instead of full auto - I bet it would detect her really far away if you put her in that big box - maybe even farther away than Sony and Canon - it would be worth knowing this because this mode is likely what most wedding photographers would use for a walking down the aisle shot -as opposed to using the full auto area, so as to insure that the camera isn't distracted by near to subject bystanders - and to be sure there is acquisition from farther away up the aisle. Again, I'd love to see how far away the Nikon would acquire the subject in this mode. Either way, it seems that Nikon has arrived - there is no doubt that it is now 90-95% as good as Sony and Canon - but still superior in build quality and the RAW files are second to none - with its amazing mount and the glass that's to come there is a bright future for Nikon. Thanks for your honest and enlightening videos!

[@tubularificationed]

I'm afraid that Nikon Z might well become the new Pentax of the mirrorless age, because Z is a lonesome-island monopoly system with no 3rd party support, but instead it has a too limited choice of too monopoly-priced (overpriced) lenses. Z's market share (which is still not departing) will not attract any 3rd party AF lens support (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina) in any foreseeable future. So I think that Nikon will continue to lose market share, and in e.g. 10 years the Z market share might have declined towards the levels where Pentax is currently in the DSLR world. I'm so pessimistic about Z for the longer term, that at the moment I don't intend to upgrade from my Nikon D7200 to Z. Instead, I'm awaiting what 2021 will bring (e.g. an A7 IV update, and then re-assess the options again).

[@Stefan1968ful]

@@tubularificationed Ah, that is ok. Nikon will be a good attachment to DJI, Fuji or Sony. Nikon owns a lot of patens which can be exploited.

[@arunashamal]

​@@tubularificationed lol..dude... people to this day make professional videos with 50 year old Nikkor glass. Pro photographers use old Nikkors all the time. Nikkor is the second most popular lens system after Leica M..Do you think anyone running out to buy a Tamron or a Sigma that is more than 20 years old? If anything, 3rd parties want Nikon more than Nikon want them.

[@livejames9374]

@@tubularificationed rumor has it tamron will make z Mount lenses. nikonrumors.com/2020/06/15/rumors-tamron-to-make-mirrorless-lenses-for-nikon-z-mount.aspx/

[@subhankarbarai4824]

@@tubularificationed I have the Tamron 24-70 2.8, Tamron70-200 2.8, Tamron 35 1.8 and Tamron 85 1.8, Sigma 12-24 2.8. I shot 4 portrait sessions and 3 weddings in less than a month after getting the camera in hand and faced no issues in autofocus. To substantiate my statement, our website is www.subhankarbarai.com What more 3rd party support can I ask?

[@jcleiker]

Is there any debate that manny has become the best still photography KZbinr over the past year? His videos are so well done, I watch when I’m not particularly interested in the subject. The other big camera channels just keep getting stranger. Keep it up Manny. Appreciate you. Peace and love

[@adamwhalley3287]

Would love to see this test now with the new Z6ii firmware. From my very-unscientific tests at home, I think it'll now find face/eyes at a very similar distance to the R5 in this video. Also, I think it's really important to see even though 1 company is ahead of another, these cameras and AF systems are still fantastic, and they've come very far in the last few years!

[@boat_life]

I am a Z6 owner and I am very happy to see some great quality from the Z6 II

[@nagual2335]

Awesome, let's not forget that Z6ii and Z7ii have more powerful processors, which means Nikon can release firmware updates in the next year and very likely to reach Sony/Canon level without the need to upgrade the body. Nikon will surprise us all in the end, I'm confident about it

[@pratapkrishnan3950]

That's what I am investing in. Z6 had great firmware upgrades and hoping Z6ii will also see significant upgrades.

[@aneesahmed4564]

Yes 🙌🏻 I absolutely agree with this. Eos r5 Is too costly and it cannot be compared with Nikon z6 ii . But I’m pretty much sure that Nikon will give it back to all canon and Sony users , thank you. Happy Christmas 🎄☺️🙌🏻

[@TheTejas1920]

@@aneesahmed4564 I believe the image quality and the files from Nikon body are much better than Canon... Canon seems so unsaturated and boring... I'm talking specifically about the R series not DSLRs... Canon DSLR colours are better...

[@eM4rio]

how is the situation after the year? :D not as expected, huh? ;))))

[@nagual2335]

@@eM4rio I own Z6ii happy with the AF, it does the job pretty well. Not Sony level but very close. Nikon still got time to release better firmware update

[@ExploreCreateCapture]

Love how your content is always straight to the point🔥

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@nagual2335]

Manny’s channel is a treasure

[@nathanjimenez1562]

Z6 ii has gotten even better with updates it would be interesting to see how they stack up now

[@OkwyUgonweze]

At this stage it's safe to say that autofocus gap is closed among the big three. The nikon only lag at this time is when the subject is relatively small in the frame, and that can be easily fixed with firmware. Time for attention to shift to ergonomics, lens quality and durability.

[@RejeRush]

Agreed! Since when is how good a camera soley dependent on auto focus? The z6ii has so much more to offer!

[@RiceCubeTech]

The siii is leaps and bounds ahead of the a7iii, it’s only a matter of time before the iv gets the same one and widens the gap again. The siii is incredibly tenacious and honestly is way more accurate than the nikon or canon. The siii doesn’t get tricked by the lamp post the same way the a7iii does.

[@nubscrub]

"easily fixed" how do you know it's easy, are you part of their development team? 😛

[@CGYPP]

@@RiceCubeTech except that Many says the very opposite in this review

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

One BIG advantage Nikon has is the ability to switch focus between the eyes with a click. It's fantastic. I had a Sony and it often went to the wrong eye and to get it off the eye I had to turn away and recompose. With the Nikon, if the AF has gone to the wrong eye, I can click it across in a split second. The Sony A9s do that, and cost more than 2x more. I don't think the Canon does it. It's a big benefit.

[@riotrob]

Don’t all of these cameras have a focus “stickiness” setting. Wouldn’t that change the various outcomes?

[@davidschloss2656]

Yes. Also the Sony isn't in Real Time Tracking-that's the mode designed to stick to eyes even if objects are in front of the subject. (Disclaimer, I work with Sony's media team.)

[@bechinook5834]

Just for the clarification, it would be good to mention how the AF responsiveness was set up on each camera. I have Focus tracking on my Nikon z6ii set up to Fast and it reacquires focus from a blocked shot super fast.

[@AlanHoey86]

Yeah, I believe this is the case with all. I can tweak the sensitivity settings of my z6II, such as time delay in refocusing on objects that obstruct the subject.

[@uglypuppies82]

I saw a video from Monochrome Memoirs which showed how to tweak the settings in the (original) z6, and the Eye-AF was significantly improved. I think Manny should try those settings.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@senalirving]

This video along with Matt irwin's view is what we need more of. Very unbiased fair. I want to get the Z62 so bad, but chose to order a 50 1.2s instead. I will focus on getting glass first for my original z6 :)

[@ghas4151]

I added a Z6 II to my Z6, and while I see a noticeable improvement in AF and general responsiveness, the Z6 is still an amazing camera. That 50mm f1.2 on the other hand is going to be epic. You’ve done the right thing.

[@senalirving]

@@ghas4151 heck yeah man. I love how the af is. I'm just so happy seeing good news with nikon. I want all cameras to succeed. Not leica. They suck hahahha

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

5:51 , 100,000% agreed. There's soo many benefits for having a solid autofocusing system. These 3 cameras are definitely top-tier, especially for someone that is JUST getting into photography too. Excellent video Manny, really enjoyed the comparisons! I still love my Z6 :D

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@RejeRush]

Great video! Would love for you to compare the the clarity/sharpness, dynamic range and colors of the Nikon, Sony and Canon. Cameras are more than just the auto focus. Rarely do people actually talk about how amazing the files are that come out of the Nikon.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@maryline1306]

Nikon and Canon are ahead : colors are more natural, contrast and rendering are more film-like whereas Sony is more digital. Canon sensors dynamic is average...

[@jonathanroman8285]

Thanks for the feedback Manny! Definitely gives a better perspective on this new nikon!

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@jtes1442]

Can't wait to get my Z6II. The Canon and Sony's are great cameras, but I love Nikon's raw files and its ergonomics. Decent test, but it seems all everyone focuses on (pardon the pun ) is eye AF.

[@Jeppyboi83]

Absolute legend. Its good you point out the strengths and weakness of the camera without trashing it. That's how a review should be.

[@GaryJahman]

Basically you cannot go wrong with either of these camera's. It's crazy how far Sony is though. It's a camera from 2018 🤯 Thanks Manny for the effort!

[@artmaltman]

Great news! Nikon has my favorite ergonomics. Looks like the eye face AF will fulfill my needs now just fine.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@moealyasini2784]

Till you go home and half of your photos (moving subject) is slightly out of focus ! That’s what made me sell my Z6/7 I see some improvements finding the subject but how quick is it to follow a walking person God knows but i dont trust Nikon anymore. Truth said: their files are amazin

[@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz]

@@moealyasini2784 "half of your photos (moving subject) is slightly out of focus!" Then you are a bad photographer!! Shame on you not the camera!

[@moealyasini2784]

@@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz lol yeah? Then why are all my photos are in focus now with my Canon R5 ? Lol you’re stupid

[@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz]

​@@moealyasini2784 The stupid thing is when a photographer like you relay 100% on the camera to get the photos in focus! ... sorry you are just a camera user not a true photographer. You know!! The best photographers in the history didn't have all these technologies in the past but they created art that will last forever!

[@Mr09260]

Nikon will always catch up and end at the Top ..ALWAYS

[@nubscrub]

You're a hardcore fan

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

ASML laughs in EUV

[@cooloox]

Well it wasn't on top in this video, so I beg to disagree 😂.

[@khamid1]

A7IV dropping next year, time for Nikon to "catch up" again.

[@dadanardi5541]

bruh a7iii doesn't have the latest focusing tech

[@rjacob06]

Now you have definitely given me a reason to upgrade from my Z6. Thank you.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@chriswalker6233]

How much you want for it

[@rjacob06]

@@chriswalker6233 I am not selling it yet.

[@frankline.gonzalez-dwindt2355]

Thank you Manny for sharing this. When the Z6 was launched there were many many "reviewers" hitting Nikon for the failure on the AF eye detection (with good reasons). It is a surprise for me that, now that the Z6II is out for more than a month, only few have made real AF comparison and most of the reviewers stayed silent.

[@legend240891]

For Sony a7 III, you can set the AF Tracksense to Responsive so it won't stick as much and will acquire focus on the new object.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@Tornado.EOS.Software]

There's a neat utility called Tornado NKN for Nikon cameras. I've heard good things about it, it's easy to use.

[@thelifeofryan8683]

This is the most comprehensive test of these cameras that I have seen yet. Great job!

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸🔥kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@TheGoldenPlanet2099]

Honesty made manny have more followers even that his main gear is Sony but he is really an honest photographer and we can trust him unlike some other misleading embassadors of some brands who cheat consumers with thier fake opinions to get some more money from some brands. I always trust Manny and Toney. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrClarkeGaber]

That eye af is insane on Canon. It hunts that eye like a bloodhound.

[@baronsilverton6504]

True that - it is impressive! Seems like Nikon is right there though, and I doubt it will be long before they are all literally on par with each other, which means its time to start looking at other criteria - like build quality and the quality of the RAW files. That said, all the cameras today are awesome. If you can't get the shot with any of them, then you aren't a photographer.

[@R2X2Z]

@@baronsilverton6504 I have the Z6 and R6. R6 files are good and AF is just fast! But I'm finding Z6 RAW files (not even the Z6ii) better. Just more flexibility and dynamic range IMO.

[@Mr09260]

@@baronsilverton6504 The Nikon Z Mount is the Opposition Killer though ..

[@baronsilverton6504]

@@R2X2Z Its pretty well known that Nikon RAW files are among the best in the business. Canon has always lacked for dynamic range - the DR is better on the R5 and R6 than past Canon cameras but not yet up to Nikon's level - so yes your experience is more confirmation of this fact. I also find the build quality superior on Nikon to both Sony and Canon - this has yet to change either.

[@baronsilverton6504]

@@Mr09260 Agreed - going forward Nikon should be able to develop the best lenses. They should be able to maintain best edge to edge sharpness due to the closest flange distance of 16mm and any other lens can be adapted to Nikon but not the other way around. Sony E mount is already adapted to the Z system and apparently the adaptor works very well. It will not be long before Canon RF lenses can be adapted as well - but Z glass can never be adapted to the RF system. Nikon definitely has the long term edge - assuming that they survive the next 12-24 months - but I believe that they will. I think they can afford to lose money for a few years - this was built into their model moving forward. They are taking the steps in layoffs etc that they need to take to get past this time period and back on top :)

[@will2chill357]

Now, with this improved autofocus, Nikon rules! Great grip, EVF, autofocus, buffer, image quality. Boom!

[@Makta972]

Nikon rules ?! It's a dead company. They are next on the list.

[@will2chill357]

@@Makta972 on your list?? :D if so, i am not afraid :)

[@markbrejcha3179]

If you're already invested in a system, then auto focus like this isn't a deal breaker regardless of brand. But if you're coming into a system from nothing, then there's no reason not to get the best bang for your buck

[@opalyankaBG]

These AF test always baffle me a bit. I've had a few cameras over the years, they've never been state-of-the-art regarding AF performance but I've never used such a large AF area when shooting portraits. I would only use that when tracking objects that cover a large part of the frame. For portraits however, I'd use a single point - it's always worked for me. I simply don't want a computer to decide for me what my object is in the frame.

[@MannyOrtiz]

Whatever works for you 👍

[@TaipeiGeek]

@@MannyOrtiz I wish you used Wide area Eye detect AF mode with that box. Since Nikon has that and others not, it would be good to show the advantage of Z6 II. People will buy the camera just because of that feature.

[@jae52247]

But, that is the point of Eye-AF or Face AF. The camera finds the eyes or face of a subject in the frame for you. I used to use a small AF area or single AF point with less advanced cameras AKA DSLRs and old mirrorless cameras to focus when photographing portraits. Your camera can still miss focus or focus on something else if the subject continuously moves, if the AF area is still too big, or if the focus is just off. But, with these cameras, you don’t have to worry about those things. They will lock onto an eye. Yes, they will occasionally miss focus, but you don’t have to move your AF box around or do focus and recompose.

[@RichardJPhotog]

Great comparison brother..Having an R5, An A7r3, and an XT3, Ive got to say...we learn muscle memory what each body is capable of. I think all 3 compared here are exceptional. Weve gotten spoiled. Every so often, I grab my old Pentax K1000, I bought in 79. It really makes you grateful of all the current camera tech. If you own any of these bodies and cant make a great capture, its you, not the camera body. Give Di and the fam my love...since day 1 brother.

If you have those cameras, can you compare how fast AF of A7r3 vs Canon R5? Is A7r3 still good at the moment?

[@matsudakodo]

I will respectfully reach the opposite conclusion as Manny on the last test. It seems the Nikon is the only one trying to figure out what the subject is. You wouldn't put a giant blurry bush prominently in the foreground of a portrait so I can't fault the Nikon for focusing on it instead of a distant person. Remember, this is Auto-Area AF mode. Imagine doing street photography and getting annoyed at the Sony and Canon if they focused on the person and that is not what you wanted it to do. We bash on cameras that don't focus well on the closest subject so we're asking to have it both ways here. The camera doesn't know the intent of the photographer so with any of these very good cameras, it's up to us to take the photo. I think they are all good but the fact that the Nikon is offering such a camera at prices that undercut the others is impressive.

[@matsudakodo]

@@n0f4ke74 I'm a Z 6II user and you're right, one of the wide area modes would have been better in that scene. I was just commenting on the results of the Auto-Area AF mode.

[@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz]

​@@n0f4ke74 You are right. i'm happy with my New Nikon Z5 and i don't like using Eye Af even if i have the best Sony camera! because i like to move my focus point to the place i want in the frame and i will not relay on Eye Af and hope my subject eye be in focus. if you need the MAX. benefits, then use your original skills and let the EVF help you to do that, but not to let the camera do everything. (The pilot switch off the Autopilot during landing and takeoff) Thanks!

[@lymancopps5957]

Its possible those cameras would be diverted by passers by. The Nikon Z II cameras have a context box to tell the camera where you expect your subject, and the camera will limit its search to where you tell it.

[@benjamingless7120]

For 40% of the price of the Canon you get 90 % of the performance. Seems like a good deal to me.

[@TheRichard2025]

Explain please!

[@benjamingless7120]

@@TheRichard2025 z6ii : 2000€, eos r5: 4385€. And the Speed of the z6ii is only a little bit slower.

[@cooloox]

@@benjamingless7120 Dishonest comparison. These cameras are chalk and cheese. Try birds in flight or high speed sports. Look at the megapixel count. You'd need to compare the Z6ii to the R6 or Z7ii to the R5 to keep it real.

[@alivia4907]

Or you could just go with the r6 and get basically everything except the megapixels in the r5

[@MWRredundant]

The $2500 r6 has the exact same af performance as the r5

[@ericthestone]

Now we need an APSC version of this: A6600 vs XT4 vs Z50 vs M5

[@Whatreally123]

You mean the Z50

[@RiposteThis]

It really looks like the Z6ii is doing really good. I'm excited to get mine, especially for that price.

[@jamesryan1939]

I was shocked how much better the z6 II was than my z6. I also found the same things you pointed out, but also EYE AF is more accurate, I am not getting eye lash AF like the z6. Also in video, EYE AF works great, but the AF is improved, on the z6 when it loses the face it tends to hunt for a new subject, on the z6II when it loses the face or EYE it hangs out in that same focal plane till the subject is back.

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

Always came back to Nikon they produce amazing files and make best bodies i got used D700 and Man that is real hot DSLR to hold on and it 13 years old and still produce sharp images.

[@MissionNova]

You mentioned the X100V as your walk around camera. I switched from Fuji to Sony and I have to admit this is the only part of the equation I couldn't in Sony land. Amazing camera. Love mine.

[@sjm.photos]

great test , what im surprised about is how massive the nikons focus points are. compared to the canon and sony. having used sony for 14 years when we first got eye af 5 or 6 years ago before anyone else it was a game changer. and now the improvements is incredible it means you can do things we couldnt before high speed shots wide open and still get tack sharp eyes its so so good and it doesnt matter what you decide to use they are all great.

[@butinsho]

I’m getting the same results with my z6 ii. Compared to my a7iii the subject/face has to be nearer in order for the focus overlay to find it. This is using the 24-70 with the FTZ adapter and auto area eye detect. I thought it’s because I’m not using a native lens but it looks like Manny is with his test and has the same result. If you zoom in though it will find the eye/face. If you switch to wide area eye detect it’s the same, the subject has to be near or else it will not find the eye. My workaround is just use single point in this situation. Now if you compare the colors between the z6ii and the a7iii? That’s a different story although as they say it’s subjective.

[@visionz_n_media]

You should have tried nikon's wide area eye/face af in the distance test to see how well it would focus in that scenario. Seeing that it is a feature Nikon purposely put in the new systems its only fair to use it and see if it gives it an edge over the competition.

[@oscarthis]

This has to be the best z6 ii video! Killed it bro!

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@ddunnum]

Nice balanced review free from brand shaming. Much appreciated. It was interesting to see how well all three of these cameras performed. Thank you Manny

[@LarryL619]

Hey Manny. I would love to see you revisit the Z6 mk1 with the new 3.4 firmware. I weigh my purchases on your reviews and would love to see if the original Z6 would make a nice budget kit with the update AF algorithm.

[@wristcheck350]

AF-C + Single point AF mode is the most reliable focusing system in my short experience using the z50 when taking photos either use the D pad to move around the focus square or touch to focus from the screen. Auto area AF/Face detect is more reliable for video.

[@dishxpert]

Very good and unbiased test. The Eye AF of all 3 are very good while the x1.5 more expensive R5 is vv good. Lets see what a Z6ii firmware update will bring!

[@cooloox]

Terrific video, Manny. Great to see how good the AF is on all these current cameras. Thanks for the effort you put into making this video.

[@AnthonyFerrell]

So glad someone finally made this comparison!! Definitely still love my A7iii but this was awesome!

[@simon.revill]

On the Z6: if in Auto Area AF it focuses on a subject in a different focal plane than what you have in mind, all that is required, is a quick move of the focus ring to that focal plane, then upon reactivation of autofocus, it accurately acquires focus on your chosen focal plane.

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@michaelf7742]

Great video. Thank you so much. I am wondering why there is still no comparision of the Nikon Z 24-70 2.8 with the Sony GM 24-70 2.8 and the Canon RF 24-70 2.8. Everyone says lenses are most important but nobody makes a comparision or have I missed it 🤔

[@Petukbhai838]

The way of compression style and process is appreciable

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

It's also possible to use the area Face AF on the Z6II when the subject is farther away.

[@butinsho]

Yes you can although if the subject is already far or small in the frame the wide area eye detect will be just like using single point AF. It won’t even find the eye. On my a7iii it will detect the eye at a farther distance whether you use zone or wide area AF.

[@livejames9374]

@@butinsho at further distance depth of field is over a foot and it doesn’t matter if it’s face or eye because all will be in focus.

[@DA-yd2ny]

on the sony use back button focusing. the centre button on the wheel is programmed for face detect - eye focusing. i have no problems with my A7iii. not as good as the EOS R5 i suppose, but still excellent

[@Username89039]

About to swap back to Nikon after 2 years with Sony. Z6ii. I like a camera that feels strong and ergonomic.

[@liamgoodvisuals]

It’s a good swap honestly. I shot 150,000+ photos on Sony A7iii’s and then moved to Nikon Z6 and now Nikon Z6ii and I haven’t regretted the switch.

[@bjure8111]

Went z6 from A73, haven't looked back once. Ergos are top notch.

[@vncdvncd8331]

Nice test. Would also love to see how exactly this new Z6II "zone face" area works and feels in various situations. Well, maybe some day... ;)

[@edinaimagery2377]

I've had the z6ii for about a week and I love it!!! Heads up to those who plan to buy one, look up now how to convert the raw files because none of the Adobe products can read it 😭 I have a way to do it now but it was research. Great video Manny and thank you for including nikon in the comparison. Keep up the great awesome videos 😁👍

[@ljwhatup]

I have the Z6II and I used nikon software to convert them to tif files then import into lightroom or photoshop. Tif are big in size but I wanted to keep the quality. Until they release a update for raw files, this my process.

[@edinaimagery2377]

@@ljwhatup funny enough I tried using the software but it kept closing out on me every time I tried to convert it lol 😆 😅 so I ended up using a different method. Thank you tho for the recommendation!

[@ybasurf]

This video is so informative and actually shows what we go through in the real world. Great job Manny. Thank you!

[@Mowikan]

Great real world test. As a new portret shooter, this is how it works. The only thing I really mis on my fuji is limiting the focus. In the studio i want to set a maximum for focussing. So if i am between 3 and 5 meter from my model, that i can restrict the camera between these two values. This would speed up auto focus big time!

[@smashexentertainment676]

So which one should I pick if the bushes are my main subject?

[@skurt2752]

I shoot on 3 Z7 and guess what? I’ve never had any focusing issues you know why? Oh wait, because I manual focus. To many photographers rely on auto focus for everything.

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Thank u

[@nagual2335]

Happy 97 Bday to you

[@joenicolette]

Have fun with your slow AF workflow and OOF photos, grandpa 😌

[@skurt2752]

@@joenicolette youd be surprised on the age bud. I just don’t rely on autofocus. Take auto focus away from those who do and what happens? You get blurry images because you don’t know how to focus.

[@nagual2335]

@@joenicolette lol it’s truly remarkable how in 2020 people still hold on to cumbersome workflows when technology can free them 😂😆😂. But.... it’s a free country 👋

[@charliipresley]

Anyone know how the z6 is after the latest firmware?? I hear it’s pretty solid for the price in 2021

[@suhail451]

Would be good to see a comparison with the z6 ii's new 1.1 firmware update

[@stanspb763]

The idea that a camera needs to guess the subject is strange, and to slight a camera that assumes closest subject, as it saying in the manuals for both the DSLR and Z body manuals seems to be intentionally biased against the brand you have been against from the beginning. The nearest subject is a feature and if you have something else in mind, tell the camera and it does a great job., and tracks it well wherever it moves in the frame. If the sony decides a different subject it wants in focus, the af has no easy way to correct its poor choice, and even more difficult when there are more than one subject in the frame.. Using the camera as intended and you would not have that problem. Any Nikon shooters will confirm they have remarkably few missed focus shots. It would be unusual in a 500 shot studio session or wedding to have ANY missed focus shots. Since AF is not an issue for those who understand the function of Auto Area and other modes, a rundown on other features like the best-in-the-industry mount, resulting in the stunning corner to corner sharpness with all S lenses, the files you showed had better color than Canon or Sony and in fact your lovely model looked unwell in the Sony frames. Ask people to pick the shots, which look best, without revealing the camera before their pick and guaranteed you would get the same results other channels got, SOOC images just have better color on the Z6/7. Compare build quality, handling, menus, weather sealing, connectivity and durability and you can see why the channels that push Sony do not mention the worst build quality in the industry, with the worst access to support and spare parts to keep them function for decades.

[@Avinash-wg7xl]

if only internet was wise enough to understand... its borderline stupidity to see videos basing nikon for silly reasons

[@MannyOrtiz]

Totally understand where you are coming from. However, being someone that is fortunate enough to have their hands on the latest and greatest tech in cameras, this is the only thing that stands out to me about the Z6II. Until you experience what the other brands have to offer is when you will start to become spoiled lol I’ve praised all of the other benefits of this system on other videos. You make great points about build quality ext but this video was specifically based on wide area AF since that’s how I shoot.

[@MannyOrtiz]

Yeah man off with their heads! 😂😂

[@FrankTaeger2021]

Interestingly, the New modes, where you have large AF fields wherein eye af runs... would have been very interesting to see in that "loses the person while moving away" test.

[@Virgo-888]

Love Nikon’s color

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@JasperIbe]

Found it quite interesting that you compared the focusing to the A7iii.

[@vito9087]

Im sticking with sony on this one the color science is rumoured to be vastly improved for the A7iv when it comes out and the menus are already much better. After that there's not much to complain about when it comes to Sony.

[@theidahohuskies]

Dang that autofocus on the R5... lightning fast. Crazy that this technology exists these days. It's a complete game-changer for photography.

[@MannyOrtiz]

Yeah some will argue that it takes away from the process but when you are on a job or trying to get the best shot possible, it will be your best friend

[@stanspb763]

Provided it guesses the subject you wanted.

[@MannyOrtiz]

@@stanspb763 When photographing one person It gets it right 99% of the time. When you have multiple people, that’s when I use a diff focus mode

[@baronsilverton6504]

@@MannyOrtiz And it seems that is where the Nikon system shines - can more easily choose between subjects with Eye Detect AF and can switch to wide area L to isolate the correct subject. Canon should add something like this - Sony too for that matter. Nice Nikon innovation - they all make each other better!

[@eddierosas7108]

A7III. The Focus area has to be set to "zone" not "wide" as you have it when using the eye/face detect. Way faster and accurate focus compared to Nikon.

[@maxipadthai]

You can adjust a7iii af responsiveness from 1 to 5. Default is 3. I always change to 1 when I shoot sports and need to lock onto a particular subject.

[@AlanHoey86]

You can do this with all the cameras.

[@maxipadthai]

@@AlanHoey86 I can only speak from my own experience, and I find a7iii's af tracking at default setting not very sticky.

[@amazocosmic2933]

@@AlanHoey86 the nikon z6 and z5 have this?

[@AlanHoey86]

@@amazocosmic2933 Yes: 'Blocked Shot AF Response', it's under A3 in the settings.

[@wazm]

Yes please. As others have said, please do this again with FW 1.10.

[@MDMiller60]

Well done Manny.

[@GabbyTech]

great comparison

[@KamenKunchev]

Just makes you think how much money other camera makers throw at yuotubers to talk trash about Nikon. Z6II is an amazing camera. I own the first gen Z6 and I am really happy with it. I will be sticking with it for quite a while with all the new lenses coming out.

[@philipgowdy]

One of the most relevent videos of today. Great stuff Manny.

[@richardwanbon3087]

Awesome work as always Manny! You are a leader in your reviews - transparent and fair which is key. The one thing that's really missing in this video though is a look at the images. There have been lots of examples where the EVF looks like you have focus with the eye AF but it's actually out of focus somewhat (or vice versa). The live view is important, but less important than the final image. Thanks!

[@rodneyturnerphoto]

Would like to see how Wide Area AF (L) in the Z6ii works on a shoot. Good video.

[@MannyOrtiz]

I already have one. It works great

[@jdawg206A]

I'm a bit confused why so many people are saying the Nikon Z6 ii has "caught up" with Sony A7iii. Did we watch the same video? The A7iii blew the Z6 ii out of the water using eye AF and was still able to lock on the subject's face at a farther distance than Nikon. The video also shows Sony's AF is still far more responsive. The only thing the Z6 was more superior was being able to re-focus on the subject's face after passing a light pole but honestly you could just re-focus with any camera. Not too impressed for a camera that just came out when the A7iii has been around for 3 years already...

[@Riedle_]

The Sony A7III was released almost 3 years ago and AF better than cameras coming out at the end of this year. I can't imagine how much better the Sony A9 II can do...

[@jtes1442]

AF is great on the A7III, but it's only one aspect of the equation. There is more to a camera than just AF.

[@RiposteThis]

It's eye AF is better than cameras coming out this year, but the other AF it is not. Plus it doesn't have ibis, and has the worst ergos. The Nikon subject tracking is absolutely incredible.

[@Riedle_]

@@jtes1442 That's a video which focuses on the AF, so do I. Also, the A7 III it's at 1/3 of the price of the R5...

[@Riedle_]

@@RiposteThis The A7 III HAS ibis, Canon and Nikon had to put them in their camera because Sony did. The Nikon tracking is the worst, but that's know. Again, if Manny had used the A9 II or the A7S III which have a superior AF than the 'old' A7 III...

[@RiposteThis]

@@Riedle_ It technically has IBIS, but it DOES NOT WORK. You can watch a million reviews about it, you can check multiple sources. The E mount is a CROP SENSOR mount, so when they put the FULL FRAME SENSOR into that mount, the mount covers the corners of the sensor, so the IBIS can't move the sensor enough to actually do anything. The Nikon eye AF tracking is the worst forsure, but the subject tracking option is the best. Until Sony gets rid of the E mount and moves to one better, it'll never have IBIS, which is super shitty.

[@kenchen704]

There is one more note. If you program a switch to eye-af, and you press and hold that, the Sony only looks for faces and locks on eye regardless of what’s in frame. Just a thought, it might have seen obvious, but I didn’t know it until I tried it, now I kind of get why Froknowsphotos and the Northrops do that

[@ShotByGreenLightTV]

A7iii 📸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn-zoJiLhZqFl6s

[@wassimal-malak2591]

excellent test . waiting for a full review of the z6 II's AF .

[@jamesspicewilliams8835]

The tip you gave at around 5:30 was tremendous. Seems as though Nikon heard you with the new firmware update. I look forward to your review on it. Keep up the good work. I love how you've stayed humble.

[@baronsilverton6504]

It would be great if you redid this testing with Nikon's newer firmware which was released since you did this video - as of today it is version 1.2 for Z6/7II

[@baronsilverton6504]

For example - the Z6II struggling in the video around 3:45 with distance to the subject - this has been specifically addressed with the new firmware - it would be great to see how it did now in comparison.

[@subhajitdas6058]

For both photography and cinematography please suggest A7 iii 85 1.8 sigma 35 1.4 sigma Ad200 V1 Gimble Ronin sc 2 Z6 ii 85 1.8 s 35 1.8 s V1 Gimble Ronin sc 2 Ad 200

[@mcm111able]

1:30 on the sony you can put eye af on a seperate button .. it wont focus on anything else than an eye/face ... you just didnt used the camera right ;)

[@s45510325]

it's more proper to compare R5 with a92 or a7R4, although canon and sony doesn't switch to face in second scene, their focus speed still offer shorter time.

[@christamber2081]

It’s nice to finally see an unbiased review of the Z6ii. I think it’s time for you to make a switch to the dark side Manny. Everyone in Toronto’s known for years that Nikon would catch up. This is only iteration two and the best is yet to come.

[@fredbrackely]

The Canon R5 color look blanched out compared to both the Sony and the Nikon.

[@natedagreat90]

I think reviewers should revisit the nikon z6 ii with firmware 1.6 it has gotten much better since launch especially the eye af. At 3:25 the z6ii can definitely pick up the eye and face much sooner than in this video

[@jimsaibits]

Thanks its hard to find autofocus review of z6ii with latest firmware. I am in between z6ii and Sony a7c2. Mainly looking to shoot kids playing, portraits and low light, so continuous face and eye autofocus performance is required. Do you think z6ii will be good enough for it? a7c2 is only about $200 more with similar lens configuration.

[@angelrushkov1027]

@@jimsaibits just curious what did you end up choosing and did it met your expectations?