NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: tommiejeep on May 16, 2019, 07:59:46

Title: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: tommiejeep on May 16, 2019, 07:59:46
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/327.html

Interested to see what folk here think.  I held off buying until the release.
Doesn't seem too many of the gang in Scotland have taken a Z6/7 , and may not be the place to download , but would be interesting to hear from a group.
Cheers,
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: chambeshi on May 16, 2019, 09:40:37
Yes, the eye AF function is now present [in a4]. But I've yet to try it on a human. There is Technical Service Advisory guide just out:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-advisories/technical-service-advisory-for-users-of-the-nikon-z-6-and-z-7-cameras.html

And this video on setup and tweaking the new Eye-AF mode:

https://youtu.be/RPJHDSOFD5c

Shutter blackout is much less shooting High-Continuous. In d5 you can now set Shutter Type to 1 among a choice of 3. Not only Mechanical or Electronic but also to 'Auto', in which the camera selects Shutter Type based on shooting conditions. I haven't yet found out what the thresholds are, but previously set in Electronic mode it was not possible to select faster than 1/2000. In Auto this upper bound is removed, obviously.

Scrolling through the Custom settings, this new Firmware hasn't updated customization options - these are limited wrt critical functions. This cripples my Z7 in key respects. For one, unlike a D850 (or D500) I cannot toggle between the AF setting on to an alternative AF mode [eg Dynamic-Area and Single-Point]. Playback menu settings remain limited; they are still not segregated from Photo Menu. So setting the Fn button to Image-protect in Playback makes it useless, as it cannot be set to a complementary custom command for Shooting.

While it's great to see Nikon coders have focused efforts on updating a feature in AF, they have not acted on the intense effort first Z owners expended in feedback on forums etc to prioritize straightforward fixes. So the message many customers will take from this is, "You do not matter." Sad
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Michael Erlewine on May 16, 2019, 09:48:49
I can't seem to get the firmware update to install.

I downloaded the "W" Windows version and unzipped it. I then copied the .bin file to a XQD card that I formatted in-camera. It says it is "33,019 KB"

I put the card in the camera and in SETUP, chose Firmware. But only the version 1.00 is shown. There is no second version. I have tried this many times. Any idea what the problem might be. I have a full battery.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: chambeshi on May 16, 2019, 09:53:35
Hi Michael
With XQD card in slot, turn on Z. Select Firmware under Setup Menu; choose Update and it should query to Select Yes to Update from 1.0 to 2.0

regards
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Birna Rørslett on May 16, 2019, 11:01:54
You need to put the new .bin file into the root folder on the card. Put the card into the camera, switch on and go to setup. The old firmware is shown and a line below, there should be an Update option to select.

Just did the update on my Z6 and so far all is OK.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Birna Rørslett on May 16, 2019, 11:32:53
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/327.html

Interested to see what folk here think.  I held off buying until the release.
Doesn't seem too many of the gang in Scotland have taken a Z6/7 , and may not be the place to download , but would be interesting to hear from a group.
Cheers,

At the moment we have updated firmware of three or four Z6/7 and found no issues. Practical field testing continues.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Michael Erlewine on May 16, 2019, 12:41:11
I found out WHY the firmware update will not work.

You have to use the "b" battery that comes with the Z7, not the earlier "a" battery. PLEASE NOTE. Nikon EN-EL15b
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Hugh_3170 on May 16, 2019, 14:14:08
My new Z7 arrived last week, and the EN-EL15A battery I had in it did work for my firmware upgrade this evening. 

It was charged at the 95% level, so maybe that could be the issue.  I recall on an earlier Nikon DSLR I had that one needed to use fresh batteries to do the firmware upgrade - can't remember which model it was, but I do remember the need to have the battery fully charged.  Hope this helps.


 
I found out WHY the firmware update will not work.

You have to use the "b" battery that comes with the Z7, not the earlier "a" battery. PLEASE NOTE. Nikon EN-EL15b
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Michael Erlewine on May 16, 2019, 15:13:04
My new Z7 arrived last week, and the EN-EL15A battery I had in it did work for my firmware upgrade this evening. 

It was charged at the 95% level, so maybe that could be the issue.  I recall on an earlier Nikon DSLR I had that one needed to use fresh batteries to do the firmware upgrade - can't remember which model it was, but I do remember the need to have the battery fully charged.  Hope this helps.

The "a" battery was charged, but perhaps it was slightly off and since it is less powerful to begin with, the Z7 did not accept it.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 16, 2019, 16:04:02
In my case doesn't matter which battery - it must be 100% charged. Everything went OK, sensitivity in low light raised dramatically, as well as focusing speed. After updating most of my previous settings sat to default, watch it. Need to check Eye AF in real condition out, in working nice. Gonna take time for me.  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: tommiejeep on May 16, 2019, 16:08:33
At the moment we have updated firmware of three or four Z6/7 and found no issues. Practical field testing continues.
Good to hear that the group is on the case  :) .
Keep having fun in Scotland,
Tom
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: atpaula on May 16, 2019, 16:24:02
I was expecting another focusing aid for manual focus lenses. I simply don’t like peaking highlights.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on May 16, 2019, 21:04:48
In FW2.0 there is now an option (d5) to automatically switch between full mechanical and electronic first curtain shutter (EFCS); convenient in case one is using EFCS (to limit shutter shock) and a shutter speed faster than 1/2000s is needed.

Observing the Z7 shutter sound it looks like that for shutter speeds up to 1/250s EFCS is used; faster than that and it is full mechanical shutter.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: gryphon1911 on May 16, 2019, 22:02:26
In FW2.0 there is now an option (d5) to automatically switch between full mechanical and electronic first curtain shutter (EFCS); convenient in case one is using EFCS (to limit shutter shock) and a shutter speed faster than 1/2000s is needed.

Observing the Z7 shutter sound it looks like that for shutter speeds up to 1/250s EFCS is used; faster than that and it is full mechanical shutter.

That is what I was hoping for and will reconfirm with my Nikon Z6 tonight or tomorrow.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 17, 2019, 09:19:49
Came across this, some issues with ibis

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-advisories/technical-service-advisory-for-users-of-the-nikon-z-6-and-z-7-cameras.html (https://www.nikonusa.com/en/service-and-support/service-advisories/technical-service-advisory-for-users-of-the-nikon-z-6-and-z-7-cameras.html)
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 18, 2019, 19:27:37
That is what I was hoping for and will reconfirm with my Nikon Z6 tonight or tomorrow.
Is anything done? Please share! THX in advance.  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: golunvolo on May 18, 2019, 20:49:53
I´ve use the new firmware and eye AF in people, far and close. Using 3 f1.4 primes fully open and the 70-200e, also fully open. It worked very well. Af in low light worked better too. I have put some samples in the Z´s thread:
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,8075.855.html
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: benasaj on May 19, 2019, 01:41:05
The service advisory allows you to check your serial number to see if it is in the affected units. Fortunately, my z7, bought within the last 2 months, was OK.

Installed FW 2.0. May not solve everyone's hopes and desires, but I'm stoked. It's a good start and there are needed and welcome improvements.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: chambeshi on May 19, 2019, 11:19:28
Checked mine with big relief it's not an offending camera !

My Z7 arrived early October. Its SN# is under 7800250, so presumably one of the first out of the Sendai factory. If recent and early releases are fine, this suggests a dodgy batch went wild
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Hugh_3170 on May 19, 2019, 12:38:05
My Z7 is not affected.  Its serial number is 74020XX.

(BTW, does anyone know how to decode these serial numbers as to their date of manufacture or region that they are destined for?)
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 19, 2019, 17:28:03
My Z7 is not affected.  Its serial number is 74020XX.

(BTW, does anyone know how to decode these serial numbers as to their date of manufacture or region that they are destined for?)
As far as I remember, all of my Nikons here, in the USA, begun from 3. My Z7 is 30105...   LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Roland Vink on May 20, 2019, 22:35:46
BTW, does anyone know how to decode these serial numbers as to their date of manufacture or region that they are destined for?
I collected some serial numbers and the regions they come from here:
http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html#Z

So far I have not received a lot of info so what I have published is rather limited. It's not possible to pinpoint the date of manufacture from the serial number. The start date of manufacture (which I take to be the date the camera is announced) along with the purchase date of new cameras can give me a rough estimate though.
If anyone wants to contribute to my list, PM me or use the email address on the site. If you can include the purchase date and region (or region code above the barcode on the box), that would be very useful.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: chambeshi on May 21, 2019, 12:50:17
I collected some serial numbers and the regions they come from here:
http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html#Z

So far I have not received a lot of info so what I have published is rather limited. It's not possible to pinpoint the date of manufacture from the serial number. The start date of manufacture (which I take to be the date the camera is announced) along with the purchase date of new cameras can give me a rough estimate though.
If anyone wants to contribute to my list, PM me or use the email address on the site. If you can include the purchase date and region (or region code above the barcode on the box), that would be very useful.

Hi Roland
Earlier, I just emailed you the SN of my Z7 #780024* and 24-70 f4S 2001114*, made in Thailand. On arrival in Cape Town, early October, I understood from the local distributor (the biggest in subSaharan Africa) that my Z7 was the first unit landed in S Africa (kit with FTZ): ordered soon after the Z System launch in Tokyo.

Your database is unique but its coverage hinges on data. It seems some of the lenses are quite far behind what's out there eg 500 f4E

kind regards
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Roland Vink on May 22, 2019, 01:02:37
Thanks, I have a few other emails with new serials to add to my database, I'll try to process them this evening.

For many years when building my database I used to scan ebay regularly as it has many pictures of lenses with serial numbers, it was my main source of data. I receive maybe a handful of emails per week with new information but this is still very useful as it often includes the purchase date (lacking from most ebay listings) which gives rough guide on the age of each lens.

The old manual focus lenses are well covered. In many cases the earliest recorded serial number is within a few hundreds or tens of the known start number. Statistically the last recorded serial number should be similarly close to the actual last lens produced, so my data should be fairly complete.

The serial numbers for discontinued AF lenses are less complete or accurate. First, because the serial numbers on early AF lenses are very small and don't easily show up on ebay pictures so it was hard to get new data (in the last few years many Japanese sellers include high quality photos so I have been able to obtain more information). Second, because the AF lenses did not interest me much so I spent less time researching them :o

Serial numbers for lenses in current production are more difficult. For these I rely on people to email me new information, it is rare to see serial numbers for new (or near-new) lenses on auction sites. If someone emails me with the serial number of their shiny new lens then that model is, for the moment, up to date on my database. I tend to receive information from enthusiasts and professionals, so my information is skewed towards the high-end gear. Generally I receive more info about newly introduced models so my earliest recorded serial can be quite low, but interest tails off after some months or years so the highest serial can be quite out of date. There a some lenses where I didn't receive new info for a year or more.

It's even worse for the kit lenses. Even thought they are made in huge numbers, I almost never receive new serial numbers for them, the people who buy them don't visit my site. Even when I get a new serial number for an AF-S 18-55 kit zoom, they are produced so fast that my data quickly goes out of date. I don't have much interest in trawling through ebay auctions to keep these current...

And I admit, after maintaining my site for 25 years or so, my energy to keep it up to date is not what it was. I add new items as they are introduced for the sake of completeness and respond to emails when I receive them, but I rarely have the time to actively look for new serials. Maybe time to pass it on to someone else?

Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: tommiejeep on May 22, 2019, 05:26:28
Hi Roland,
I think finding someone to take over your site may be tough. I do not know but maybe a group of folk helping with individual sections with you coordinating. You do a fantastic job and , heck, I have lost interest/energy to even maintain my Smugmug site  :( .  Worse, I sometimes lack the energy and motivation to get out and shoot  >:(
Sorry I've not been very forthcoming on support in recent times.  I pass your Link along to the younger generation of Photographers  who are lost when it comes to Nikon lenses, particularly the older ones.

Keep up the great work as long as it is personally rewarding.
All the best,
Tom
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on May 22, 2019, 07:06:49
Roland, just want to say your site has been useful to me in tracking down a few lenses (400mm f/5.6 P.C auto, 55mm compensating, 85mm 1.8 K, 105 f/2.5 sonnar type) which I’m quite happy to have found. I can understand the burn-out. I ran a blog for a decade, but at some point it just becomes a bit of a chore, or maybe I just said all I had to say!

Please accept my thanks for building your list and keeping it available!

Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Airy on May 22, 2019, 07:17:21
Hi Roland,

Having maybe 30 old Nikkors on my shelves, and one on my camera right now (guess what? a Noct), I can only say thank you.

I am amazed to see how much "work" is done for free by passionate people: most Wikipedia contributions, and especially the good ones, also fall into that category.

I'd see at least three possibilities to expand your work (assuming that finding another person as dedicated and competent as you are will be difficult):

- a take-over by Nikon. Not very likely to happen, but who knows.
- Or maybe they should offer you a job, telecommuting-style, with two paid stays in Tokyo every year :) (wet dream)
- a move to Wikipedia.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Roland Vink on May 22, 2019, 11:47:45
Woody: the last 500 f4E recorded on my site (no.201656) was bought new in 2016, so that is well out of date!

Tom: no need to be sorry about lack of recent support, over the years you have contributed far more than most. If everyone who used my site had contributed what you have, I could have left my day-job years ago :o :)

Jack: thanks for your comments - the 400 P.C is a cool lens 8)

Airy: thanks also. Yes it would be nice if my site had some official backing, just imagine if each lens had a page with details of the optics, specs, design background - something like the 1001 nights pages crossed with the product pages for current lenses. For older lenses, I think Nikon records are not always 100% accurate so maybe staying independent is better :o. A paid flight to Japan would be nice, would love to visit the Museum :). The closest I had to official communication was from Nikon France who were setting up a system for photographers to register their serial numbers. They were curious to know where I got my information from. Wikipedia (or should that be Nikkorpedia?) could be an option if I decide to "park" my site, but I doubt it would be updated or kept as accurate. I guess I will keep going until a clear alternative arises.

Maybe time to get back to the topic of this thread...




Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Hugh_3170 on May 22, 2019, 14:21:23
Agreed - I didn't mean to side track the Z6 and Z7 Firmware Experiences discussion with a Serial Numbers discussion, but my Z7 Serial Number started with a 7 wheeras the D850's sold here in Australia start with an 8.

Maybe we need a new topic for the serial number discussion?


.....................................................
Maybe time to get back to the topic of this thread...

Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 26, 2019, 17:07:13
So what I am waiting for the next update: IBIS and lens's VR (if any) should merge and work simultaneously, as some other manufacturers already do, but stop any of them if the speed reaches 1/1000 and faster, in auto, if you wish so. Shutter MUST close the sensor when you switching the lens, in auto, again. Battery grip, of 5-6 AA batteries, to save size and weight, because last update is draining its own battery even faster. To prevent such the draining, turning camera off MUST stop camera-battery connections at all, with your auto choice, of course. Time of wake-up is too long, about 1.5-2sec. Terribly outdated, should be 0.4-0.6sec, not more.  That is what I wish now, we will see next.  THX! LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: chris dees on May 26, 2019, 20:57:11
AFAIK IBIS and VR are already working together. I think 3 extra batteries in the pocket is less weight than a grip. I can understanding people are interested in a portrait grip, but that’s it. The rest are nice to have, but for ME of no value .
My number 1, 2 and 3 priority are AF tracking/speed. Other one for me is the registration of EXIF with MF-lenses.
For now I’m pretty happy with my Z6
Everyone has his own priority list.  :)
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on May 27, 2019, 14:30:55
So what I am waiting for the next update: IBIS and lens's VR (if any) should merge and work simultaneously, as some other manufacturers already do

As far as I know, this is what Nikon do also: if a VR lens is mounted, the in-lens VR compensates for those axis of freedom that it can, and the in-camera VR adds the other freedoms of movement to the compensation.

Quote
but stop any of them if the speed reaches 1/1000 and faster, in auto, if you wish so.

I think there is a bit of a problem with such an approach; namely, VR helps keep the viewfinder stable, and if your shutter speed is close to the limit (e.g., on aperture priority), then the camera will stop and start VR as the exposure varies over and under the threshold. This would be highly disruptive. The user needs time to adopt the hand-holding technique to the VR algorithm in use (or none) and this can take a few seconds. The VR system may also need a short time to start and stabilize. I would not want the camera to suddenly start or stop the VR while I'm shooting.

Quote
Shutter MUST close the sensor when you switching the lens, in auto, again.

I suspect the Z shutter is so close to the mount that it would be easily damaged if left closed when a lens is not mounted on the camera.

Quote
Battery grip, of 5-6 AA batteries, to save size and weight, because last update is draining its own battery even faster.

A larger battery is needed, and a proper vertical grip with controls would be great to have, however, Nikon decided against this in the Z6 and Z7. I imagine if they make higher-end models, they may choose to offer a vertical grip option. The problem is that the interface for the vertical grip increases the camera size and weight slightly, and Nikon seem to have prioritised the size and weight. I can see how they made this decision, but it doesn't serve everyone's needs. On the other hand, Nikon may not be aiming to please everyone.

Quote
To prevent such the draining, turning camera off MUST stop camera-battery connections at all, with your auto choice, of course.

Well, that would be nice, but all modern cameras use a small amount of current even when they are off. I suppose this may be necessary to maintain the camera's settings, date and time etc. and to make it possible to have it wake up as quickly as it does. If the battery is removed and replaced, it's possible that the startup time becomes longer (I've seen 3-6 seconds reported for Sony start-up after battery is inserted).

Quote
Time of wake-up is too long, about 1.5-2sec. Terribly outdated, should be 0.4-0.6sec, not more. 

Sony A7R III and A7 III are the Z7's and Z6's primary competitors, and their startup time to first shot according to imaging resource testing is 1.7 sec. Nikon Z7 and Z6 have 1.5 sec. I don't quite understand how you you come to the conclusion that these startup times are "terribly outdated", unless you are saying that the measurements are inaccurate, or that all these cameras are outdated.

Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: tommiejeep on May 27, 2019, 14:52:05
Well, the Z6 arrived a couple of hours ago.  Haven't looked at manual yet or started setting up.  Updated to FW 2 using battery from D500 while the 15b is charging.  Changed AF to dynamic and clicked a couple of shots.   I was worried about start-up time . Not a worry, I did not even complete saying one thousand one (not one thousand and one)  to myself and clicked.  Start up was big problem for a7rii shooting Events but not bad on the a7iii.  I will see what happens coming back from Sleep.  The work around for the a7rii and a7iii was to never let them Sleep.  Happy camper  :D   Now the long process for learning the camera, FTZ, LM-NZ adapter, MF aids, setting up the menus.  All good fun....not  ;)
Tom
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 27, 2019, 17:04:20
Illka, I could be agree or, partially, disagree with your comments, but, that's why, I've added, or I meant that: "AUTO choice". It is simply what I need - off, auto or manual of every new options, as well as much more, what will bring new mirrorless amazing technics. Already existed machines, or new much more advanced ones, we will see. BTW, IBIS + VR still is not fully clear for me, but I really need the AUTO choice to be off, this way or that. Nikon should enlightened us on its algorithm. There are a lot of 1.0 - 1.4 lenses around the corner, I want to get as better bokeh as possible, in every situation. New much more juiced batteries already existed, about 4X, could be transformed to EL 15 size, but needs absolutely new charger, 2 of them with new charger will be around $400, what is not a solution for everyone. Thank you for your time!  LZ   
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 27, 2019, 17:09:20
AFAIK IBIS and VR are already working together. I think 3 extra batteries in the pocket is less weight than a grip. I can understanding people are interested in a portrait grip, but that’s it. The rest are nice to have, but for ME of no value .
My number 1, 2 and 3 priority are AF tracking/speed. Other one for me is the registration of EXIF with MF-lenses.
For now I’m pretty happy with my Z6
Everyone has his own priority list.  :)
That's right - priority list! While the AF tracking speed is not that important for my stile, I understand your needs completely! THX!  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 27, 2019, 17:14:18
Well, the Z6 arrived a couple of hours ago.  Haven't looked at manual yet or started setting up.  Updated to FW 2 using battery from D500 while the 15b is charging.  Changed AF to dynamic and clicked a couple of shots.   I was worried about start-up time . Not a worry, I did not even complete saying one thousand one (not one thousand and one)  to myself and clicked.  Start up was big problem for a7rii shooting Events but not bad on the a7iii.  I will see what happens coming back from Sleep.  The work around for the a7rii and a7iii was to never let them Sleep.  Happy camper  :D   Now the long process for learning the camera, FTZ, LM-NZ adapter, MF aids, setting up the menus.  All good fun....not  ;)
Tom
After you became a master of it to the deepest bottom, you will be amazed with its possibilities! Good luck!  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: tommiejeep on May 28, 2019, 05:30:03
Thanks LZ, I have to laugh.   I think the only camera that I 'mastered of its; deepest bottom' was the Nikkormat 50+ years ago  :D .  I normally understand how a camera works to shoot what I shoot and then dive into the manual when I have to (want to)) shoot something different.   The more modern the camera, the more interdependencies of the settings.

On my first cup of coffee and the Z6 journey begins  :)
Tom
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: golunvolo on May 28, 2019, 08:56:27
Congratulations on your new tool!
   I have been shooting with mine this weekend. Probably the d750 will go in favor of a second z6 body.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 29, 2019, 01:09:47
One more thing has came to me - if there is no room for second slot, is it possible to set inside the body extra chip with wider memory ability? I really knew how the camera looking inside, there is small free space for it. Look, there is already existed micro cards of 500GB, and even 1TB! If you put the back LCD horizontally, free space on the inner board will be on the left side. So, if, God forbid, something happened, or one really needs to filming something, why not? To keep myself safe, I am ready to pay some extra to Nikon for such the thing. OK, such the innovation could be impossible, so, any comments?  THX!  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on May 29, 2019, 12:20:30
While a large internal flash would be possible, then the contents would only be possible to access via the USB connector (yes, I understand there is also wifi, but given that it is Nikon wifi, I would not bet my files on it working  ::) ), which in itself could be broken, so in such a case the files might not be possible to retrieve. With a removeable card interface you can either use the USB interface or a separate card reader, so there are more ways of transferring the files. I personally do not like to use the USB interface because I can imagine a scenario where the camera is pulled accidentally from the cable and potentially dropped. This is the primary reason I use a card reader, the other is that I don't want to strain the USB connector unnecessarily. I need it for tethering but don't want to use it where it is not necessary. Internal storage has the additional problem that it may not be possible to upgrade in size.

I am sure Nikon could add a second card slot and interface for vertical grip by making the camera slightly larger and more expensive. But since the Z6 and Z7 are the first generation, they don't offer everything. By the time Nikon have a reasonably complete native lens lineup for the Z mount, I am sure they will also offer camera bodies which have dual card slots and vertical grip options. Also they need to work on the AF, buffer and other aspects of the camera design. The lack of a second card slot is a signal "this is not meant to be used for critical applications where image loss would cause significant hardship." Even if you had the second card slot you might still miss some shots because of the AF. So for those applications where you must get the shot, it makes sense not to use a first generation product.

I think Nikon simply wanted to make the camera and lenses what they perceived as the ideal size and the decisions on some features to omit were based on that. However, as time goes by they can probably make some of the internal components smaller and thus perhaps accommodate the missing features, or if nothing else, by making the camera body slightly larger. But, in the first generation you always have some flaws. Personally the lack of native telephoto lenses and some aspects of the way the AF works are more serious issues than the lack of second card slot or vertical grip for that matter.

Note also that the D7500 has neither a second card slot nor vertical grip. I suspect the lack of vertical grip offering in that camera is due to poor sales of the grip for the D7100/D7200. Of course that may be that people don't want it on this type of a body, or they may have bought a much less expensive third party grip. This gives then the impression to Nikon that "accessory vertical grips don't sell well on small ILC bodies", whether it is true or not. It may also be in order to promote the sales of the more expensive D500 body. But as there is no doubt going to be user feedback, they may later change course on these things. I would probably have bought the D7500 if they had kept all the D7200 features. But sometimes the designers make decisions which turn out to be mistakes in retrospect. In the case of the Z6/Z7 I think if the next bodies are larger and more expensive there will be some criticism about that too (though some of us like larger bodies).
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 29, 2019, 14:18:36
Ilkka, I've read all of it very carefully. Agree. Yeah, USB connections, as well as Nikon's WiFi, ain't reliable. But what I mean - all of the info from inner memory could be transferred to its own removable card, in seconds, or to outer info collector of any kind, via middle device, from the XQD slot to any extra drive. Not big deal, technically. And I can't be agree more on your futurospective sight on next bigger bodies, while nobody may keep third-party makers from manufacturing hand-grips for already existed Z6-7 type bodies. Yeah, very interesting to see what are the ways the others thinking! Thanks,  LZ
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: gryphon1911 on May 30, 2019, 14:46:35
Is anything done? Please share! THX in advance.  LZ

Sorry it took so long to confirm...but yes...in shutter type mode AUTO, it appears to me via audible confirmation that the EFCS is in effect at 1/250 and slower shutter speeds, where as anything above that (1/320 and above) is using the full mechanical shutter.   Also confirmed that in AUTO shutter type, you can select shutter speeds up through 1/8000.
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on May 30, 2019, 23:18:58
Thank you, Andrew!
Title: Re: FW 2.0 for Z6 and Z7
Post by: longzoom on June 15, 2019, 15:36:50
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48064362433_44f42b7f2c_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gehqq2)2019-06-14 059-1 (https://flic.kr/p/2gehqq2) by l[url=https://flic.kr/p/2gehpWM](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48064360853_cf5ceeded9_h.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/longzoom/)2019-06-14 059-1-2 (https://flic.kr/p/2gehpWM) by longzoom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/longzoom/), on Flickrongzoom[/url], on Flickr.  Yes, this face/eye option is fantastic. I've never seen anything better focused from Nikon. Z7, 80-400G, f5.6.  LZ