Nikon Z6III vs Nikon Z7II - Image Quality Review

[@ZJMichaels]

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[@nickdual]

I subscribed, you do too, Bro

[@richpaul8132]

I'd like to thank you for the time you've taken to make this video and the comparisons. I must say that I definitely agree with your statement regarding the Z7-II's better option for those who use crop techniques, do their own large-format printing, and are more focused on still-life photography. I've been on the serious side of still-life photography since the very early '80's.. I also do my own giclée, large format printing, and I often use cropping in my post-process work. I rarely use the video options on any of my cameras. The Z7-II is the first mirrorless camera that I've ever owned. Prior to that, I've only owned and used pro-body Nikon SLRs, (the F4, F11, & F5) and DSLRs, (D2X and D4s). For that reason, I knew I wouldn't be comfortable with the Z7-II unless I also purchased the MB-N11 vertical grip/dual battery case. That certainly helped me acclimate to the Z7-II's body style. However, I also own the Nikon D4S, which is still my favorite of the two. The Z7-II is a bit too 'gimmicky' for my tastes. I never shoot in automatic and frankly, I think when camera bodies go into the $5K+ price range, the manufacturer should leave out the "Auto" mode. They could then replace it with some other, more useful feature. I honestly don't know any photographers who own high-end, $5K & $6K Nikons, Canons, or even a $40K Hasselblad, who ever use them in Auto-mode. OK, so that said, I watched your comparisons on a 2160P/4K/60Hz monitor and my graphics card is a Nvidia 3080ti. I didn't see any noise in the Z7-II images, especially at 64, 100, and 120 ISOs. Also, you said that the Z7-II "has a bit more detail and resolution..." numerous times as you went through the image comparisons. The Z7-II had far more than "a bit more" of both! In fact, about twice as much, which would make sense given the fact that the Z7-II carries twice the megapixels. I don't know enough about this Z6III to speak about the focusing, but I can attest that the Z7-II with a Z24-120 F4S lens, had no problem maintaining focus on an MX motocross race with the target bike approaching the camera nearly straight on at about 65 to 80 mph. The focus speed was just a part of that sequence of shots, (I was shooting in continuous high mode, RAW-L). The accuracy for the focus to maintain the exposure on the selected point of the subject throughout each frame was no small feat. Still, the Nikon Z9 can outperform the Z6-II, Z6III, and Z7-II by nearly double! I have no doubt that I'll be trading in the Z7-II for the Z9 in the very near future. Anyway, thanks again for the video. I just felt that your reference to the Z7-II's detail and resolution as "a bit more", was a gross understatement at best. FWIW Rich

[@kencabeen7786]

Thank you for this! I'm trying to decide which to get, primarily for astrophotography, but also for landscape and general use. This has gone a long way toward helping me decide.

[@chiftele08]

Thanks again for the real world comparison without 6 Stops adjustments like the Tony guy... 😉

[@ZJMichaels]

You bet!

[@NetvoTV]

I going to get the 28-400mm, is Z7 ii 45mp able to get resolved with that lens? Is Zf really more fun to use?

[@ZJMichaels]

Ya the 28-400mm is fine with 45mp in my opinion. There are definitely sharper lenses, so if you're going for the absolute best image quality then a different lens would give better results. But the 28-400 does give good results and the focal range is amazing.

[@NetvoTV]

@ZJMichaels i see, thanks! By the way, I'm a freelance logo designer, would you love to have a logo for your channel to have a memorable branding for your audience and also as merch print which you can sell to your fans as well? Let me know if you interested!

[@briancarlisle2534]

I mean, both are great cameras, but for a 24mp, the Z6iii seems to be better for noise. I get the detail, but there isn’t much difference (to me) in the noise. I haven’t printed anything above a 24x36 and that was from my OM-1 (12-40 2.8 pro) no issues, clean image. So I dunno. 🤷🏽‍♂️ But I do have a question for you. Hey hey. Hi open all is well. I have a tremendous question to ask. So, a while back I traded my newer OM-1 and all Olympus lenses for the new Z6iii. I have to say, I miss the OM camera. I miss the inbody stacking and I miss the inbody ND filters. So I’m back on the fence again. I shoot landscape and I do shoot birds/wildlife with the occasional macro or astro. (I don’t do video) and well, what about picture print out size? I might print up to a 36x48. (It’s only been 24x32’s I believe) My biggest question here is image quality. In your most professional opinion, will I actually see a difference in image quality with a 20mp vs 24mp? Like; what will I be giving up on here. Obviously I won’t be able to crop in much with a m4/3, but I don’t really crop much anyway. Just looking for an honest answer and i am just having such a hard time deciding. The biggest thing is i don’t want to give up an image quality. What do you think?

[@breadpitt9687]

I know I'm not one you asked, but I believe if you do not wish to make compromises on image quality FF 24MP will most definitely be better than equivalent m4/3 sensor, especially in low light. By buying Z6III, you got a highly advanced hybrid that has made lots of improvements for video like readout speed and AF. But in the world of stills, it has nothing new to offer, so I suggest you search for more still-oriented high MP cameras within a similar price range.

[@ValhallaGuild]

Not my question but here is my opinion.You can upscale the om 1 shot or use high res mode 80mp. Noise reduction in low light is not an issue in todays software tech. Cmon 20mp vs 24 is not even in a question. I bet you regret selling om 1.

[@lesgregory4469]

Like you I have both of these cameras. It's a hard question to answer. I do love the Z6iii for the autofocus and yet I do miss the extra resolution when I use the Z6iii. I still have a 850 but as many ask, I do prefer the Z 7ii over the 850, but as you say it totally depends on what type of photography one does. I do quite a bit of studio work and when it comes to portrait work the autofocus on the Z 7ii is perfectly fine. If you are shooting wildlife or birds in flight etc the Z 6iii is fantastic and is by far better than the Z 7ii

[@ZJMichaels]

Yeah the Z6III is def better for autofocus and video. I do hope Nikon will release a Z7III with high resolution + their advanced autofocus while maintaining the smaller form factor. The Z8 is almost perfect for me but I prefer the smaller bodies, especially when adding an L-bracket

[@StaffyDoo]

I own the Z8, which is a bit big for street photography :D At the moment of writing this, I'd grab a Z7 II without a second thought, as it is currently on a rebate of $1000 in most big retailer shops. I don't care if tomorrow the Z7 III is released (most probably given the vast reduction in price); it is still a great camera, and I can enjoy it for well a year until the successive firmware upgrades bring the new model to a usable state. As a fellow software engineer, you know what I'm talking about. And as proof, there is my beloved Z8 :)

[@ZJMichaels]

Ya the Z7II is a great deal right now with that awesome discount. Even the Z8 has a nice discount at the moment. Good time to pick up Nikon gear! I do wonder if there will be even better discounts during black friday this year

[@alexfournier9956]

KEEP MY NIKON Z7 II FOR NICE CROPS INPORTRAIT ANDANDSCAPE.. NO NEED FOR ACTION AND VIDEOS I HAVE NIKON Z6 II WITH BRAW IN VIDEO NOW SO GOOD

[@mixa0082]

Hi I'm still indecisive between these two cameras. I want to change to mirrorless from my d850. I do newborn photography using mostly natural light. I would go for the z7ii but I'm not sure about the noise but then z6iii has got less megapixels. What would you recommend?

[@ZJMichaels]

Hmm well the Z7II will have same resolution as your D850 if that is important to you. The Z8 will have same resolution plus superior autofocus and video features, so that may be an option as well. Z6III is great all around but yeah it does have the 24MP instead of 45MP. You could maybe try renting the camera(s) and see what you like before purchasing

[@nappandocumentary.9926]

@@ZJMichaels Z6III

[@nicedward7544]

The d850 is a better camera than both of these... I'd keep it unless you go to the z8 or z9

[@leonfisher]

Can the Z6iii be used with an L bracket? (does the flippy screen prevent that?) Also, I wish the Z7ii had Starlight view. Have you had a chance to use it on 6III? Great comparison as well. I expected the desk to cost much more.

[@ZJMichaels]

Yes the Z6III can be used w L brackets, but the flippy screen does lose some of its range of motion. I currently use a RRS universal L bracket on mine... I often remove the L part when I'm just shooting video so I have full range of the screen. I haven't used starlight view... I typically just adjust the screen brightness up or down when I need to

[@fernandocrespo5360]

Z7 II for sure

[@NetEmmaGaming]

There is so much more visible saturation in your z6III examples

[@ulflundh5813]

Z8

[@araskoca8172]

I guess z6iii better for wildlife vid/photo but then which one is better compared to lumix s5ii or z6iii?

[@chiftele08]

For wildlife, action, Nikon has the best range of tele lenses on the market if you really want highend quality. Some of them have inbuild teleconverters, for many a game changer. Of course, everything depends on your budget.

[@Kibwunga]

Yeah but if you have to downscale, then the 45 mp is rendered useless.

[@davidgrousseau1632]

Good work and intresting comparison ! I would have loved to see a comparison between the Z7II vs the Z6 III's 96mpx mode. Can't wait to see what's next ! Thanks

[@ZJMichaels]

Thanks! Oh good idea. I pretty much never use that mode and forgot the Z6III even had it haha. Maybe I'll give it a try sometime

[@nevvanclarke9225]

24 megapixels is average for 2024....in 2106 nikonnmade 24 megapixlea dslrs....no cropping I wouldn't buy a 24 megapixel camera

[@Joe.484]

How about shoot the image so that you dont have to crop. 24megapixels more than enough for 98% of the people. Wanna shoot big commercials? Go for middle format.

[@Frippin-MTBD80]

Fill the frame better, that's good field craft. I've been shooting with my old 10mp D80 for fun and have been getting great images.

[@vitusbering6453]

For landscape photography the original Z6 is still good...

[@Commonyou7149]

Not for sports and kids, but for others z6 is more than enough.

[@JohnCross-rz5uq]

Nikon Z7II ! The Z6III is $500 more with less megapixels !!!

[@ZJMichaels]

The Z7II is definitely a good deal! Buying used, you can get even more bang for the buck

[@Blitz_Shorts]

Z6iii 500$ expensive and far better AF, Video features and Quality of life improvements.

[@Frippin-MTBD80]

lol MP is one dynamic of many in a camera. Z7 II has excellent sensor but the III is far superior on autofocus, speed, and especially video which Z7 III is ideal for at all. I've been shooting with my D80's 10mp sensor for fun and have been getting great images.

[@TimDillardPhotography]

LOL MP mean very little once you get over 16.

[@bluemystic7501]

@@TimDillardPhotography I shot on a 100mp Fuji for a big project and I was surprised how there wasn't THAT much of a difference between 100mp and the 24 of my Nikon.

[@chelseadaddy7061]

Combine the two cameras: buy a canon r5!