NIKON Z6II verses NIKON D500 FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

[@davidhoward7691]

I own both of these cameras. To me for portraits and landscapes my Z6II is preferable but if I’m shoot action and wildlife my D500 is still king. The limitless buffer makes the 10 fps shooting much more dependable. It’s just such a joy to shoot. Plus getting that extra reach of 1.5x is really appreciated for this role. When you consider the 20MP sensor on the D500 vs the 25MP on the Z6II the D500 actually has better cropping ability because it has higher MP per unit of sensor. I love both cameras but they both have a unique purpose.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

@@davidhoward7691 Hi David, yes what you are saying is sound. The D500 is a brilliant wildlife photography camera. The main reason I used the Z6II for wildlife photography is the fact that I shoot a lot of video these days. Although I've since changed to a Z8 which I think ticks every box for me. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.

[@lesleyh2007]

A really good video and comparison. Most times when comparing any DSLR to Mirrorless the message is that DSLR is dead and we are told we are crazy and lazy for not moving to Mirrorless but your video just offers good common sense reasons for both. I shoot entirely photos and do no video at all. I have been using the D500 for quite some time and find it has and does everything I need. I admit I have never used a Nikon Z Mirrorless but I do believe they are great cameras and obviously Nikon has moved onto Mirrorless cameras. As a amateur Wildlife Photographer I haven’t got a budget to rid myself of my lenses, camera body right now and for my style I don’t see a cost advantage to such a change but there will come a day when it will be necessary. Right now I still find my D500 to be an amazing camera and balances well with long telephoto lenses especially gripped. It is very customizable and it focuses extremely well for me but I am very used to its nuisances because I have used it for so long. Again I found your review very honest and refreshing. I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of both cameras.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Les, I'm really glad you found my video useful. Yes the D500 is a brilliant wildlife camera and as you shoot stills I think it's perfect. In fact it's a great shame that Nikon has stopped making it. I think the second hand value will be strong because it's such a great camera. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@MHarvey-tp5km]

This is such an excellent breakdown, I became an instant fan of your channel. I really appreciate it when real photographers give their take on things instead of just reading off a spec sheet

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much, really pleased you found my video useful. Thanks very much for subscribing as well. All the best, Steve.

[@welshwarrior5263]

Brilliant comparison. Thank you.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@welshwarrior5263]

@@SteveHedgesPhotography My pleasure. Subscribed. 👍

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks for subscribing, cheers Steve.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Steve for sharing your experience with great comments...I am only a hobbyist and at this point in time only shoot stills with my D500...I haven't considered moving to mirrorless gear yet & it is far too expensive for me.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Rob, thanks very much, really sorry I haven't replied earlier but your comment didn't show up in my notifications. Yes I think if you don't shoot video the D500 is a great wildlife photography camera, i used one for years. thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Steve.

[@cohoblue6512]

Many thanks for the comparison Steve as I`ve been contemplating taking the leap and moving to mirrorless so this is really helpful in making my decision ...

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Really pleased you found it useful. It's quite a big decision so certainly worth considering all the pro's and con's before making the change. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.

[@lesleyb26]

Was convinced a lion was going to pop out of the grass behind you 🤭 Beautiful photos that bring joy to look at. Keep on doing what you enjoy as the end results are awesome 👍

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks so much, very kind words Lesley. Yes It's so dry in my part of the world. It does look a bit like an African Savannah. All the best, Steve.

[@markjones1663]

Thought you were on safari for a minute Steve: brown grass, nice tree, and the bush hat!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Mark, I wish. Mind you we've had similar weather here this summer I think. Hope you're well, cheers for watching. All the best, Steve.

[@formicapple2]

Many thanks for this video. I use a d500 for sports and wildlife and I really like it. However, I have been looking at this camera. Great review. Exactly the comparison I needed.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Really pleased you found it useful. Thanks very much for watching. All the best, Steve.

[@patrickhawkins9087]

Excellent Review Steve, Thanks For Posting

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much Patrick, pleased you found it useful. All the best, Steve.

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

Great comparison Steve, ive been using the d500 for about 2 and a half years now and i love it still not yet ready to give it up for a mirrorless yet but i can see some adavantages like been able to change exposure on the fly while looking through the view finder thats a big one for me 👍i also use the d7500 to which is very similar with great iso but i do find i use the d500 more. One day when they make a d500 mirrorless version i'll make the move , also i find i just use the group or single point and with the d500 its got a great trick where i can flick from single point to group focus when the action happens.👍📸

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Andy, thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it. Yes the D500 is a brilliant wildlife photography camera and as I say if I only shot stills I wouldn't look at any other Nikon at the moment. Great value and great performance. I think Nikon should definitely bring out a mirrorless version of the D500. There would be a massive demand I'm sure. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Steve.

[@pjdilip]

Great video, and you had a good workout... but the poor camera mount?😅😅

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed it. Both camera mounts survive. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.

[@RJPhotographics]

Thanks for this. I'm thinking now might be the time to go from D4 to a Z camera if the burst speed and C-AF are on par.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

@@RJPhotographics Hi , yes I think this is a good time to switch. I would certainly go for a camera body that has animal and bird eye detect. I have a Z8 now and it's an awesome camera. Great AF, 20 FPS and pre capture,although pre capture is only possible in jpeg. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.

[@RJPhotographics]

​@@SteveHedgesPhotographyI've got an OM-1 for the wildlife that's giving me a superb keeper rate with the subject detect stuff, I need a big Nikon to step up for very very low light event photography, I figured watching a wildlife test would show any weakness in the AF. I just use spot c-af and joystick for events. Going to be nice having more focus points, ibis and silent shooting.

[@leeroller193]

Appreciate the video. Well presented. I have one question. Does waving that super-tele around by the camera body ever cause problems with the lens mount? I see you have the tripod support turned upside down on that lens so I’m assuming you regularly support the weight of that lens on the camera body

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Lee, when I'm taking photos I'll either have the camera on a gimbal or fluid head. I will also use a camera strap, with either option they will be connected to the lens collar. That way the lens mount doesn't get any strain on it and the camera mount isn't damaged. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.

[@Rob.1340]

Cheers Steve. Sticking with my d500 for now. Will invest in mirrorless in the future, like the silent shutter option. Thanks again. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Rob, Yep the D500 is a brilliant wildlife camera which is great value and produces a fantastic performance. Yes the silent shutter is a real bonus for nervous animals. I think Nikon should bring out a mirrorless version of the D500 , they would sell bucket loads. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Steve.

[@headshotke]

Lol when I see you with that hat and glasses just think about johnny depp fear and loathing in las vegas, good video ;)

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much Bart, glad you enjoyed it. I've not been likened to Jonny Depp before so that's a first for me. Thanks for watching,all the best, Steve.

[@roycejohnson929]

Yes I have to agree, the D500 was a good camera but an area that concerned me was the AF was like a machine gun and the Z6 ii are very similar. I changed to Olympus Em1 Mk iii back in 2020 and have never regretted it, the focus system is far quicker and more reliable, I now have the OM-1, have had it since it first came out, it is a game changer for Wildlife, also Olympus has some of the sharpest lens on the planet, I mainly use the 40-150 F 2.8 and 300mm F4 with teleconverter. When on silent mode it is practically noiseless ! a bit too quiet ! another great feature amongst others is Pro capture, it buffers many images before you actually take the shot , quite a camera, just its my preference for wildlife as well as Macro. Cheers

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Royce, yes a fine choice. The OM-1 in particular is a brilliant camera for wildlife photography. As you say the lenses are excellent and pro capture can be a game changer. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Steve.

[@KGsPhotography]

Great comparison Steve. Even though I’m a Canon shooter the same principles apply, for me the electronic viewfinder is a godsend when doing video. That was the main reason for me going to Mirrorless. Also I don’t need to put my reading glasses on when reviewing my images through the viewfinder which is another bonus. Cheers Keith

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much Keith, Yep I didn't mention about reviewing the images through the viewfinder but you're right that is a huge bonus. Thanks for watching, keep well, cheers Steve.

[@fernandwilkin2289]

Hi Steve. I've just looked your video and I like it very much. Your comparison is very good, but... I've those two cameras too and I use it for wildlife too. For the quality, it's OK for both. The Z62 is best for the sound : the animal hear nothing (with D500, it's a Concerto of Kalachnikov). But for the autofocus, except pictures with subject very isolated, the Z62 is worst : a lonely piece of grass just before can make the picture bad, and the systems "auto animal" are lack. I take pictures of badgers, mouses and other little who like stay in the grass and it's a nightmare... except, I said, that they heard nothing.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Fernand , thanks very much really glad you enjoyed it. You're absolutely right the Z6II is so quiet and certainly beats the D500 in that area. As for focusing again I have to agree with you , animal tracking on the Z6II is only for things like cats and dogs which is of no use to us wildlife photographers. I hope Nikon up their game when it comes to auto focus on their mirrorless cameras. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@WalksOnTheWildSide]

I also thought you’d gone on safari when your video first came on Steve. 😂 Amazing how a heatwave can make the UK look like Africa. This video was still interesting to me even though I’m not a Nikon shooter. I think a lot of the comparisons you gave apply to all brands’ APS-C vs FF, and DSLR vs mirrorless. I wouldn’t want to go back to a DSLR but I certainly miss the DSLR start up time you mentioned. Good work.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much Scott, yeah doesn't the UK look brown and parched at the moment. I'm sure that will change in the near future. I'm the same I wouldn't go back to just a DSLR now but there are things I miss. I think in time the slight irritations with mirrorless will get ironed out. I remember when I bought my first DSLR it took 2 seconds to start up, that was a real pain. The conversation was digital or film then, time moves on doesn't it? Thanks for watching, cheers, Steve.

[@Tilburger72]

Thanks for your good video and comparison. I recently got involved in a discussion for a Z6II for wildlife photography. People say BIF is very hard due to the blackout of the EVF. I use a Z6II too with the Z100-400 and I don't find it's an issue. The 400mm is for me more of an issue because is 80% of the time to less for BIF. What's your experience with blackout? Is it an issue for you? I never shot a D500 but when the mirror is going up, does that also be a kind of a black-out? Thanks for sharing

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi I don't really find the black out a problem to be honest. Obviously it would be better not to have it but I've been using a Z6II for wildlife photography for over 2 years with no problems. Yes you do get a similar effect with a DSLR such as the D500. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@etienneamien]

The D500 is such an amazing camera and a bargain nowadays!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi, yes it's an absolute bargain and still a fantastic wildlife photography camera.

[@smkunder1]

I use the Z6ll , when you say you use 9 points group, what mode is that found on. I don’t see group mode in my camera. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Steve, glad you enjoyed my video. So for the group of 9 AF points firstly you need to be in AF-C mode (continuous focus) Then go to AF-area mode in the quick menu and select Dynamic-AF this will give you your 9AF points. Hope this helps, all the best, Steve.

[@strongandco]

I came to much the same conclusion each time the Z6 models were released and as I'm only concerned with stills photography I always saw the Z6I or II as a sideways step and based on initial reports on the continuous autofocus system, for action shots such as BIF, I still consider the D500 to be the better of the two, although to be honest I've never had enough of an incentive to test this out. As it stands, to get the sort of jump in image and af quality that we've seen in the past, you have to look at the D6 or at more expensive cameras from other systems. Although if you can get in close the D850 with grip is a good option. Right now though the D500 with the 200-500 mm lens still offers the best value for money for the enthusiastic amateur interested in getting into action and wildlife stills photography and it looks like it will take a while before the better technology from more expensive cameras filters down into a camera at the original D500 price point. I also agree the D500 is definitely not very video friendly, it will take decent video but it certainly has it's limitations.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Yep totally agree with everything you say. D500 with the 200-500mm zoom is still a brilliant combination for stills action photography. I think Nikon are missing a trick at the moment, there would be a huge market for a mirrorless version of the D500. Especially if it had bird eye detect. Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best, Steve.

[@nikoslefkaditis7004]

Nikon d 850 or z6 ii Thanks!... '

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi that's a tricky question. On the one hand I think the D850 is still a really good option. The auto focus is probably slightly ahead of the Z6II and it has a higher resolution which is good for cropping. But the Z6II will get you into the mirrorless system which is the future when it comes to photography. The Z6II is also much better if you shoot video. If it was me I'd have a look at the Nikon Zf because it has animal eye detect which is something the Z6II doesn't have. Hope this helps. All the best Steve.

[@liselottefrejdig1112]

It is also a question about money.. I don't have work/salary. So I keep my D500 and F100 and are happy with them. The Z6II may be good, but it isn't cheap and invest in new Z lenses? Or the FTZ adapter? Nah, nothing in it for me..

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

The D500 is an excellent camera, I've still got mine. The main reason I bought a Z6II is for shooting video. If I only shot stills I would probably have stayed with my DSLR camera bodies. All the best, Steve.

[@nigelmadeley7798]

Quite right. Buying used, it’s £1,500 for a D500 and 300/f4 (giving 450mm efl) versus £3,600 for a Z6ii and 500/f5.6 (with adapter). That’s some difference. And that’s before thinking about size and weight. If I only shot still subjects I’d think of a Z5, but for action pics on a budget, a DSLR is hard to beat.

[@lovenaturesavenature9544]

sir, if I want to buy a new one, which should I buy??? my purpose is wildlife and bird photography.

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi, obviously you will need to make a decision based on your personal requirements. But my own opinion is if stills photography is the most important consideration to me then I would personally go for the D500. If shooting video is important and stills photography is less important I would personally go for the Z6II. If the Z8 is released soon I think I would wait for that camera because the AF will be better than the Z6II. It will be more expensive of course. Hope this helps, all the best, Steve.

[@kahnfrancisco]

What camera did you used for this video?

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi I used a Nikon D500 and Nikon Z6II for this video. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@kahnfrancisco]

@@SteveHedgesPhotography i mean the camera recording this video?

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Ah sorry about that. I used a Nikon D5600 DSLR. It's got a flip out screen which makes it easier to shoot vlogs. All the best, Steve.

[@kahnfrancisco]

Thank you sir

[@jasonrich8074]

good for sports for the z6 ?

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Jason, yes the Z6II would be fine for sports photography. Although there are other mirrorless camera bodies out there that have better auto focus such as the Canon or Sony camera bodies.

[@jasonrich8074]

@@SteveHedgesPhotography okay! i already have a nikon d500. is the focus really that bad? in videos i seen it seems to be really fast. unless thats because im comapring it to my dslr

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Jason, the focus is quite good actually. I can get many well focused images with it. I just think Nikon is behind some of the other camera makers when it comes to auto focus apart from the Z9 of course. All the best, Steve.

[@trevorridgers2923]

Hi Steve, a very interesting video thanks. After a lot of deliberation I upgraded my D7200 to a D500 in June this year. As I mainly shoot stills I came to the same conclusion as you. However, there is a major drawback to the D500 which you didn't mention, "silent shooting". It was something I decided I could live without when I purchased the D500. But, when I'm shooting from a hide or at close quarters and the bird takes of as soon as I press the shutter button I do wish i had silent shooting. I could really understand that being a game changer for some people. Otherwise I just love the D500........

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Trevor, yes I was kicking myself for not mentioning the silent shooting that's possible with a mirrorless camera body. It's a definite bonus when the subject is very close. Thanks for watching and commenting,all the best, Steve.

[@Audimann]

You should really try a D700. The shutter sounds like a machine gun😅😅😅

[@Zak.r_photography]

The z6ii has bird eye tracking?

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi Zac, the Z6II has eye tracking for cats and dogs but not for birds. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@Povilaswildlife]

Only thing is silent shutter photography in wildlife

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Yes the silent shutter is a real help when photographing wildlife. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.

[@northwesttravels7234]

I was under the impression that with a big lens you can damage the camera holding it that way

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

As long as you're not putting the lens mount under too much strain it should be fine. All the best,Steve.

[@marcbossa7402]

Bonjour, merci pour cette vidéo. On a tout de même l'impression qu'avant le verrouillage sur l'oeil des caméras de dernière génération il était impossible de faire de belles images d'oiseaux, d'animaux, de sportifs ou d'objets dynamiques. Bientôt le critère d'excellence technologique sera de n'avoir plus aucun "savoir faire" et tout matériel qui ne prendra pas une décision automatique à la place de l'opérateur sera à mettre à la poubelle. Le marketing conditionne totalement les mentalités et rend l'homme de plus en plus incompétent 😖🤔

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Thanks very much, pleased you enjoyed the video. All the best Steve.

[@ele4853]

No comparison. Even the Z9 today with the latest firmware 4.1 today is not comparison to BIF with the D500. The camera is so good that I purchased a brand new one as a backup. The best autofocus system ever built by Nikon. BIF? there's nothing better out there. I do have the Z9 and the Z800 PF. The D500 locks into autofocus in a snap of a second and does not let go for the rest of the tracking, even when you have a busy background behind the BIF. The Z9 is not as good and still lacks behind the D500 on that matter. I wish Nikon launches the D7 with autofocus sensors spread all over the viewfinder. theMulti-CAM 20K 153-point AF system fits the width of the D500 frame. That is the difference to the D5 (has the same autofocus module in it) which I purchased brand new and sent back. You have to put your BIF on the center all the time and when you try to recompose like I do on the D500 the D5 loses focus. There's not enough sensors spread to do that. I have heard that the Multi-CAM 37K autofocus system on the D6 it's even better. However, Nikon insists on having the sensors in the center of the frame. No, it did not spread 1.6X to the side like they say. Tell me about "funny" marketing from Nikon... Remember when they have made a big splash about the Z6 and the Z7. LOL what a failure at the time! The sensor distribution on the D6 has the same "scale" compared to the D5. It's not enough. Had they spread more sensors into the frame like the D500. I would've moved to the D6 in a heartbeat. Hopefully they will realize that the Multi-CAM autofocus system is superior to reading pixels on a mirrorless sensor and will not kill the DSLR pro line. They have registered the "Names" D7, D8 and D9 when they launched the D6. Let's see what happens. Meanwhile, let's have fun!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Hi , what you say is very interesting. I also really rate the D500. It has great auto focus, good image quality and noise control. I do use my Z6II most of the time now because I shoot a lot of video as well as stills. This type of hybrid shooting is where a mirrorless camera body comes into its own. It's a much better option than a DSLR. If you're mainly shooting stills then the D500 takes a bit of beating. Thanks for getting in touch, all the best, Steve.

[@Yupthereitism]

Z6ii all day

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

I have both cameras and I think both have their place. Depends on what we are using them for. Thanks for watching, all the best, Steve.