NIKON D850 and NIKON Z7 EFCS Question

[Michael Erlewine]

This is a more technical question, if anyone knows. I know there is a difference between Electronic Front Curtain Shutter in LiveView and Silent Mode in LiveView.

Silent Mode is said to have some disadvantages in Live View (proneness to banding, etc.). Since in my work I need to have a pristine focus as possible, but I also like the Silent Mode, perhaps you could explain the difference and what the liabilities of Silent View are in LiveView for close-pu work like focus stacking.

[schwett]

michael, the behavior when using the fully electronic shutter seems exactly the same to me as the D850 in "SL1" silent shooting mode. i just took a couple shots with each camera in a room lit exclusively by LED light, and both exhibit the same set of bands (approx 7/15) running across the frame from left to right. i assume the number of these is a function of the sensor readout speed and the "refresh" rate of the lighting...

if your 850 works for you (or doesn't) in this mode, the Z7 will too...

[Michael Erlewine]

michael, the behavior when using the fully electronic shutter seems exactly the same to me as the D850 in "SL1" silent shooting mode. i just took a couple shots with each camera in a room lit exclusively by LED light, and both exhibit the same set of bands (approx 7/15) running across the frame from left to right. i assume the number of these is a function of the sensor readout speed and the "refresh" rate of the lighting...

if your 850 works for you (or doesn't) in this mode, the Z7 will too...

I'm not worried about the Z7,k but about both of them. What I believe I have to do is used the EFCS and not use the Silent Mode to get the best photo. That's what others have told me since I posted this.

[schwett]

yes, that's correct, unless your lighting source is sunlight or another constant source.

[Michael Erlewine]

yes, that's correct, unless your lighting source is sunlight or another constant source.

I almost always use natural daylight. Please explain how that will make this choice different. If I use daylight, does Silent Mode have not negative effects?

[Ilkka Nissilä]

I almost always use natural daylight. Please explain how that will make this choice different. If I use daylight, does Silent Mode have not negative effects?

If the lighting doesn't fluctuate rapidly, and if the subject is not moving, there shouldn't be obvious drawbacks. If the subject is moving then it's possible that the shape will be distorted since reading the sensor takes about 1/15s. Technical limitations may still exist regarding shutter speeds available and flash probably can't be used at all.

[Michael Erlewine]

If the lighting doesn't fluctuate rapidly, and if the subject is not moving, there shouldn't be obvious drawbacks. If the subject is moving then it's possible that the shape will be distorted since reading the sensor takes about 1/15s. Technical limitations may still exist regarding shutter speeds available and flash probably can't be used at all.

Very interesting and useful to know. Thanks everyone. I will keep this in mind.