NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: Birna Rørslett on May 10, 2023, 15:35:46
-
I'll make this thread a placeholder for any contributions on the long rumoured, now official 'baby Z9'.
Meanwhile, enjoy the official video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmICzTiHO88
-
€4.599,00
-
You guessed right, Birna! This release should adversely affect Z9 sales. . . and a rising price of future Z8 sales. My predictions.
-
Seems to be a reversion to the D3/D700 relationship which Nikon abandoned long ago.
-
People will be selling their Z9's for the lighter, smaller Z8, and Nikon has increased their prices at the right moment?!
-
You guessed right, Birna! This release should adversely affect Z9 sales. . . and a rising price of future Z8 sales. My predictions.
I doubt it. The Z8 is so close to the Z9 price and yet with small battery (so you have to frequently swap batteries) and no built-in vertical grip. The accessory grip doesn't accept the EN-EL18. What's more, with the accessory grip, the Z8 is significantly larger than the Z9. The second slot is SD so one has to carry two sets of cards and likely using it for backup causes a significant slowdown. It's like the Z8 was designed to boost Z9 sales. As far as I am concerned, they are succeeding.
The D700 was 43% cheaper than the D3. The Z8 is only about 20% cheaper than the Z9.
-
Well, the Z8 introductory price here is $A6,999 versus $7,999 for the now slightly discounted Z9 street price. The hand grip for the Z8 is another $A675, so the Z9 for an extra $A325 looks like a better value proposition to me unless of course the Z8 street prices fall really quickly.
...
The D700 was 43% cheaper than the D3. The Z8 is only about 20% cheaper than the Z9.
-
While we wait for a Z8 to land on out shores, why not enjoy the crisp product photos Nikon UK provided? They are reduced size-wise here to fit NG guidelines. The originals were super crisp, though. Very enticing.
The Norwegian pricing level for the Z8 is set very high, nearly 80% of the Z9. Or at least the Z9 price before the recent price hike.
-
The Z8 carries over two important Z9 features; an electronic shutter thus no shutter curtains; and the protection shield to prevent ingress of dust and dirt to the sensor.
Apparently no built-in GPS, however there are independent units that can plug into the 10-pin port for acquiring geospatial coordinates.
-
Many thanks for the picture Birna - it looks very carefully designed. Compared to the D850 we can see the huge advancements in technology
-
GPS - Smartphone apps and pp synchronisation work so well that the absence of GPS on the Z8 is irrelevant.
I have a Z9 and two Z7II bodies.
I have pre-ordered the Z8, but I am having second thoughts.
If the Z9 and Z8 had been released at the same time, I would have gone for the Z8.
But they weren't.
Mrs A, an artist, sometimes uses the Z7II, but tends to find it rather heavy.
The Z8 is even heavier.
The Z7II image quality is stunning, and, as I have shown in the Thomas Heaton Iceland thread, can take excellent action photos. As it is quite light, it is more useful to me whenever I do not need the superb Z9 AF.
If I sell the Z9 I will raise enough cash to pay for a Z8. But lose the advantages of the pro body.
My current thinking is that I should have a superb action and wildlife camera (Z9) and a lighter body for general use. The weight advantage is not enough to make me swap a Z9 for Z8 at roughly no cost or financial benefit.
So I think I will stick with what I have and cancel my preorder.
I reserve the right to change my mind.
YMMV.
-
No immediate plans for any Z8 myself. I happen to like the Z9 -- and the black Z fc. For special purposes [UV, IR, studio close-ups and photomacrography] there are Z5, Z6, and Z7 cameras. Plus the tiny Z 30 which I can share with Ruth on travels if it isn't occupied hosting a Rodenstock lens :)
First samples of the Z8 should be available in the next weeks. I'll have a look at it then, but have no plans for a full in-depth review.
-
Mamma Mia !
Here we go again...
How can I resist it?
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
mmmmmmh, most sites say Available: (official Nikon store) nikonstore.it says so, but you'll end up in a waiting line for a preordered item, btw price in Italy is 4599€
There's not going to be any Z8 around until there's an entry in the downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com (and there isn't...), so the manual can be downloaded.
I'll be waiting until Z8 is really out, and see if they implement the Z9 (easy prediction, but maybe not immediately -another easy prediction-) with Z8 novelties...
Ciao from Massimo
-
in Germany some bigger dealers start Z8 campain and offer direct upgrade prices for Z6II and 7II
-
in Germany some bigger dealers start Z8 campain and offer direct upgrade prices for Z6II and 7II
Which shops Thomas?
-
at the moment Hamer and Calumet
-
A Z8 kit is available (that is, pre-orderable) with Z8 + 24-120/4 Z-Nikkor S @ 5549€, that is you get the 24-120/4 for 950€ (RRP=1329€, not bad!)
Ciao from Massimo
-
The Z8 seems to be an awesome can do everything camera.
Personally I prefer a compact body with a custom combined arca plate / grip extender over a big pro body so would prefer the Z8 over the Z9 knowing they share the majority of key features (don't care about gps myself).
With the USB-C port you can top off the battery almost anywhere during a break where there is a USB, 12v sigaret or wall socket so the smaller battery is a complete non issue for me.
For now I am completely settled with the A7IV, 35/1.4GM and 200-600G but it's good to see Nikon is slowly filling in the blanks for a possible return to Nikon in the future :)
-
Looks really like a D800- D850 series sister camera - Very nicely done Nikon!
-
Size wise the Z8 is also closer to the D850 than the Z7II.
-
This camera ticks all the boxes for me. Perhaps a tiny bit heavy for my liking.
There’s only one small problem and there’re 4600 of them. :(
-
RIP canon :o :o :o
-
I suppose its too much to hope they'll do a DX stablemate?
There was much to be said for the days of the D3/D700/D300 trio...
-
The omission of mechanical shutter units will be a major trend started by SIGMA. :P
-
Now the only moving part is the VR-enabled sensor, instead of having a shutter life spec (for pro D series: 400K shots, Z9: ∞ ), maybe they'll introduce a sensor life spec... ;)
I read that sensor goes into a safe, parked mode when you turn off the camera, one will have to remember to turn it off before caroming down a mountain ;D
As for the size comparison, looks like I could do without an extra grip with the Z8, I added an extra grip to D70, D100, D200, D300, D600, D500, D7000, D810, Z6, Z7: they fit my hands better. Z8 seems about right for my hands as is.
Ciao from Massimo
-
Now the only moving part is the VR-enabled sensor, instead of having a shutter life spec (for pro D series: 400K shots, Z9: ∞ ), maybe they'll introduce a sensor life spec... ;)
Ciao from Massimo
My wild guess is that an APS-C camera with a full frame sensor can even eliminate the IBIS mechanism. The electric image stabilization itself has long been inplemented.
-
I saw Thom Hogan do an on-line presentation on the Nikon Z8 that was sponsored by the Creative Photo Academy yesterday (Friday) afternoon (Alaska time).
What I perceive as the biggest game changer from this presentation is the use of 10-bit HEIF files instead of jpegs (which are 8-bit). He shot an example (live) of a small high contrast set-up. The camera was wired so that we could watch the VF images; most importantly the histograms. What had been blown (highlights) for the jpeg was not blown for the HEIF. Keep in mind that he was using a pre-production camera body. The implication is that in the future we may be able to chimp 10-bit images rather than 8-bit that has been the digital standard until now. This will make a chimped image much more realistic exposure-wise when shooting raw files.
-
Now there's a Z8 entry in downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com, but there's only the 3D LUT manual, no reference manual yet.
Meanwhile, the FW update 1.40 for the Zfc has been published!
Ciao from Massimo
-
I saw Thom Hogan do an on-line presentation on the Nikon Z8 that was sponsored by the Creative Photo Academy yesterday (Friday) afternoon (Alaska time).
What I perceive as the biggest game changer from this presentation is the use of 10-bit HEIF files instead of jpegs (which are 8-bit). He shot an example (live) of a small high contrast set-up. The camera was wired so that we could watch the VF images; most importantly the histograms. What had been blown (highlights) for the jpeg was not blown for the HEIF. Keep in mind that he was using a pre-production camera body. The implication is that in the future we may be able to chimp 10-bit images rather than 8-bit that has been the digital standard until now. This will make a chimped image much more realistic exposure-wise when shooting raw files.
Link to the recording here as long as it stays up (posted by someone at DPreview, which is still tagging along...) :
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/j-zTdhJ-Y9CpzNPnQadko0IOYcM0fVUQZo1gu8-fNFaO500ufQuJSq0XL1so39EL.E68FW3HXAzM0G2Uz (https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/j-zTdhJ-Y9CpzNPnQadko0IOYcM0fVUQZo1gu8-fNFaO500ufQuJSq0XL1so39EL.E68FW3HXAzM0G2Uz)]
He also pointed out the similarity in size to the D500...
-
I am really tempted, must sell a kidney or just most of the not very often used equipment ??? (D500, D800 some lenses and the Df :-\ )
It should nice replace a D500, just put it in DX mode, and you have the "reach" of the D500 and nearly the same pixel dimensions. (as with D500 and D850).
-
New versions of the software are out, supporting the Z8:
NX Studio Full Ver. 1.4.0 2023/05/23 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/242.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/242.html)
NX Tether Full Ver. 1.0.4 2023/05/23 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/241.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/241.html)
Picture Control Utility 2 Full Ver. 2.4.15 2023/05/23 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/239.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/239.html)
Camera Control Pro 2 Full Ver. 2.36.0 2023/05/23 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/238.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/238.html)
Wireless Transmitter Utility Full Ver. 1.10.0 2023/05/23 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/237.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/237.html)
N-Log 3D LUT Full Ver. 1.05 2023/05/16 https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/236.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/sw/236.html)
Ciao from Massimo
-
With all these 'new' kidneys for sale, the kidney price must go down :)
The Z8 looks tempting, I freely admit. I'll try to resist, though. Must -- resist.
-
It should nice replace a D500, just put it in DX mode, and you have the "reach" of the D500 and nearly the same pixel dimensions. (as with D500 and D850).
Reach is a bit of a myth. It is only cropping.
-
Reach is a bit of a myth. It is only cropping.
Say you are photographing the Moon, with a lot of black sky around it, with DX crop mode you have a more efficient usage of your memory card and your stacking of images will not require a memory card swp. Sometimes it's useful!
Ciao from Massimo
-
Say you are photographing the Moon, with a lot of black sky around it, with DX crop mode you have a more efficient usage of your memory card and your stacking of images will not require a memory card swp. Sometimes it's useful!
Ciao from Massimo
Yes there can be advantages to DX, but reach is not one of them.
-
THE Z8 REFERENCE GUIDE IS OUT, LOOK HERE:
https://crossgate.nikonimglib.com/dsd_redirect/redirect.do?P=GdwvS71&R=PXS9c96&L=ypFBO05&O=fnq1L00 (https://crossgate.nikonimglib.com/dsd_redirect/redirect.do?P=GdwvS71&R=PXS9c96&L=ypFBO05&O=fnq1L00)
Please notice it's a hefty 948 pages!
Ciao from Massimo
-
I am really tempted, must sell a kidney
Does it have to be one's own kidney? I'm asking for a friend.
-
I'm selling my trusty D850 on Ebay. My Z8 is shipping and on its way. I may be tempted to sell my Z9 (which I find too heavy a lot of the time) and I still have my much-used Z7 II.
-
It should nice replace a D500, just put it in DX mode, and you have the "reach" of the D500 and nearly the same pixel dimensions. (as with D500 and D850).
I too am not convinced by the Z8 as an upgrade path for a DX F mount body.
Years ago, I compared the results of my D300 with a D700 and later a D800 when used with telephotos for wildlife photography.
After cropping the FX images to give me the same dimension image as I got on the D300, I wasn't convinced the benefits were enough. Maybe my technique was poor, but all shots were taken using a 300mm AFS f4 on a tripod.
What I'd really like is a mirrorless equivalent of the D500 type performance.
But it doesn't seem Nikon is interested in that niche
-
Z8 results are likely to be significantly better than D800 because of improved focusing accuracy. You might be positively surprised.
To achieve the expected high performance in a D500-like Z mount camera, a new stacked sensor would need to be developed (Fuji is using a stacked APS-C sensor in the X-H2S but it might not be something Nikon can easily use due to differences in data processing pipelines and Nikon would likely want to "do their own thing" costing R&D funds). Would making such a camera improve Nikon's financial results? In my opinion, the Z6 III should be a higher priority for Nikon. It would not necessarily need a stacked sensor but the improvements to focusing from using Expeed 7 would probably be significant enough to improve Nikon's standing greatly in the overall ILC market.
If the cost a Nikon DX Z camera with stacked sensor would be similar to Fuji's X-H2S (2999€ in my country), would you still be interested in it, considering that the D500 cost much less?
Perhaps in the future a D500-type Z camera can be made.
-
If the cost a Nikon DX Z camera with stacked sensor would be similar to Fuji's X-H2S (2999€ in my country), would you still be interested in it, considering that the D500 cost much less?
Thanks Ilkka, I realise I'm in a bit of minority here.
The last full frame body I owned was a film one....
Sadly I take few shots with focal lengths under 100mm.
I'm happiest above 200mm.
To achieve the reach and results I get with 300mm on DX on a full frame body would seem to require something over 400mm.
The Z lenses all seem very attractive, both performance and weight-wise.
But my transition using this path would seem to be
- Z8 body UK price £4,000
- 400mm f4.5 UK price £2,600
- 1.4 TC UK price £600
Obviously I could initially just use the FTZ and my existing lenses but I'd have lost the reach
At some stage, this is a switch I may well take. But probably not yet
Having re-thought this, I realise the D500 isn't what's holding my results back.
I am the weak link in this chain!
But I still enjoy seeing what you guys are doing with this kit and I may even rent one sometime
-
I too am not convinced by the Z8 as an upgrade path for a DX F mount body.
Years ago, I compared the results of my D300 with a D700 and later a D800 when used with telephotos for wildlife photography.
After cropping the FX images to give me the same dimension image as I got on the D300, I wasn't convinced the benefits were enough. Maybe my technique was poor, but all shots were taken using a 300mm AFS f4 on a tripod.
What I'd really like is a mirrorless equivalent of the D500 type performance.
But it doesn't seem Nikon is interested in that niche
The idea behind the use of the Z8 to replace the D500 is that the resulting pixel count will be the same as in the D500. Off course the price is higher :'(
-
The idea behind the use of the Z8 to replace the D500 is that the resulting pixel count will be the same as in the D500. Off course the price is higher :'(
The Dx mirrorless Zfc z50 etc score a similar pixelcount compared to their larger ff Z mounts!
-
A thoughtful review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCcMMMuuvI0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCcMMMuuvI0)
-
A thoughtful review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCcMMMuuvI0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCcMMMuuvI0)
Yes, I agree. My Z8 arrives tomorrow. I also will put up my Z9 for sale once I check the Z8 out, along with a RRS L-Bracket and three batteries for the Z9, and a Hoodman eye-cup..
-
Nearly 5 years after introduction of the Z7, time for a new Nikon. I ordered it on Thursday, it arrived yesterday. It is very easy to like this one. So much more resemblance in handling and controls to the D850 compared to the Z7, next to all the other goodies that should be well known by now.
In order to get up to speed on tripod, I modified the D850 RRS bd850-UL l-bracket by means of file and Dremel. Shortened the pin and removed some of the protrusion on the vertical leg.
-
My Z8 arrived today. As I thought, it is just the right weight for an old guy and handy, too. I'm selling my Z9, with the RSS L-Bracket, 3 batteries, and Hoodman eyepiece.
-
Congrats on your new camera!
The Dx mirrorless Zfc z50 etc score a similar pixelcount compared to their larger ff Z mounts!
And a little bit higher that’s the reason I use z50 for not action bird photography
Colin we are on the same boat, I’m waiting for a D500 replacement if ever, but not so sure, Z8 looks tempting :)
Framing is much easier on FF for birding and I show the advantages even on my Z6
-
Lovely to read of Eddie and Micheal getting one to actually use (plus several more of you i expect)
Colin we are on the same boat, I’m waiting for a D500 replacement if ever, but not so sure, Z8 looks tempting :)
Interesting to read about the framing Nasos.
My first impression would be that everything was smaller in the viewfinder....but I guess you might not lose as many shots with birds half in/out of the frame?
Meanwhile, please go ahead and get one.... i'll happily buy your F mount 500mm off you, as you switch to Z glass !!! :P
-
The Dx mirrorless Zfc z50 etc score a similar pixelcount compared to their larger ff Z mounts!
Nikon cameras with the highest pixel pitch are, respectively:
Nikon 1J5 (Pixel Pitch 422 pix/mm, same Pixel count as D500 and Z50, and D6)
Nikon 1J4 and 1V3 (pixel Pitch 396 pix/mm)
This is due to the CX sensor, which is only 13.2x8.8 mm²; crop factor is 2.7x, with respect to DX (1.5X) relative to a full frame.
The FOV of a 500mm on a 1V3 is the same as a 1350mm on a FF camera.
By comparison, Nikon D850 and Z7-Z9-Z8 have a pixel pitch of only 229 pix/mm
D500 and Z50-Zfc have a pixel pitch of 236 pix/mm
I use a 1V3 for astro photography: the Moon fills the 1V3 frame completely with a 500mm lens +TC1.4
Ciao from Massimo
-
.... and the protection shield to prevent ingress of dust and dirt to the sensor.
Even I have enough cameras, so beside alle the other qualities from the Z8, this could be the "drop" for me.
I hate dust after shooting with the D3x - not even the Nikon repair-shop (DFA) could clean it (or me), so it was send to Sweeden to be cleaned (they did it at last ).
Yes I know how to shift lenses and best not outside, but it creeps in.
-
About the protection shield/Z8: I asume you can have the shield activated with the FTZ adapter mounted and also unmount the FTZ adapter and so on - still using the shield acitivated all the time ?
-
About the protection shield/Z8: I asume you can have the shield activated with the FTZ adapter mounted and also unmount the FTZ adapter and so on - still using the shield acitivated all the time ?
Yes, the shield doesn't interfere with the adapter or lenses in any way.
-
Thank You, Ilkka Nissila
-
Problem with the Z8. When I try to use "Focus Shift" with the 'START' button I get a "Clock Not Set" error.
I see that I did NOT have the Nikon EN-EL15c battery in, but rather Nikon EN-EL15b battery. Apparently the clock ran out because it could not use the Nikon EN-EL15b battery but wanted me to have the Nikon EN-EL15c in the cameral.
Any thought about how to fix this? I did but the Nikon EN-EL15c, but apparently it takes a day or two to reset the clock. Your suggestions appreciated.
-
Can't you run the camera off A/C mains?
-
Can't you run the camera off A/C mains?
I have an older EH-6 that does not fit the newer Z cameras. What exactly do I need?
And if I had constant power, would that also reset the clock. I am trying to set the clock.
-
You in all likelihood need an EL-18b or newer battery in order to use the EH-7P a/c charging adapter.
If you have the Z9, wouldn't you have the EH-7P already? It was included with my Z9.
-
You in all likelihood need an EL-18b or newer battery in order to use the EH-7P a/c charging adapter.
If you have the Z9, wouldn't you have the EH-7P already? It was included with my Z9.
Will the constant power of the EH-7P (probably in my box) also reset the clock?
-
Will the constant power of the EH-7P (probably in my box) also reset the clock?
Yes, I do have the EH-7P and plugged it in. I turned it on and it still will not let me use the 'Focus shift" it still says that I need to "Set the Clock"
Will leaving it plugged in set the clock or is something else not working?
Appreciate the help.
-
Yes, I do have the EH-7P and plugged it in. I turned it on and it still will not let me use the 'Focus shift" it still says that I need to "Set the Clock"
Will leaving it plugged in set the clock or is something else not working?
Appreciate the help.
I figured it out and it was much more ignorance on my part. When they said 'Set the Clock" I thought they referred to some internal clock I know nothing bout. Apparently all they mean was set the Time Zone and time....which, when I did, all worked perfectly. Thanks for helping the helpless. LOL.
-
So, do you *have set* the clock?
I see you already found out :)
The internal clock battery will recharge after a while making the camera clock run for a while and then pulling the battery out won't reset the camera. After some years the recharging is less effective and you need more often to reset the camera time. I encounter this all the time with my old V1 or Panasonic cameras.
-
So, do you *have set* the clock?
I see you already found out :)
The internal clock battery will recharge after a while making the camera clock run for a while and then pulling the battery out won't reset the camera. After some years the recharging is less effective and you need more often to reset the camera time. I encounter this all the time with my old V1 or Panasonic cameras.
Of course, I that some internal clock that only you, and a couple of your friends know about. It never occurred to me that it was to set the clock that I know about. LOL.
-
I posted this bug report also elsewhere but thought I'd do it here as well.
I found an apparent bug in the operation of the Z8 with the MB-N12 grip. The multi-selector for vertical shooting should mirror the camera's multi-selector (according to the MB-N12's manual as well as the correct behavior in earlier cameras such as the D6 and D850) but in this case (with the Z8) it actually acts like the sub-selector. I was really confused when I run into this but eventually figured out what it is doing. It's something I can live with but I'd prefer the functionality of the previous cameras (as described in the manual).
In full-image playback the sub-selector's two axis (left-right and up-down) switch between consequtive images and between first images of bursts. The multi-selector on the camera instead allows one to switch between consequtive images and between playback display info modes (i.e. whether blinkies, RGB histogram etc. are displayed or just the image). The latter would be my preference for the multi-selector on the vertical grip. I don't want to switch between first images of bursts just about in any scenario as when I'm reviewing I really want to look at individual images.
Anyway it's a minor issue but still I'd like Nikon to fix it so it matches the description in the manual as well as the previous cameras. Or at least offer an option to configure the camera so that this is the case as an option.
I do like the Z8 and it clearly fits my intended use (silent photography at concerts, funerals, weddings etc.) but it does feel a bit like making ghost images when there is no sound from the camera when taking pictures. ;-) I don't like the artificial speaker shutter sound as it sounds different depending on the camera orientation and depending on ambient sound level I might not hear it in one orientation (or if increased in volume, it might be too loud in the other orientation). So I keep the shutter sound off and am getting used to it. Maybe...
However, to me it doesn't have the image quality at high ISO that the Z6II or D6 have, and I'm hoping Nikon would make a variant of the Z6 II with Expeed 7 and better AF performance on approaching subjects which was the main limitation of the Z6 II's AF system for me. The keeper rate fell significantly when the subjects were approaching the camera. Another limitation is the tendency to focus on vertical lines in the background if the main subject is dark or lit from the behind. This problem exists on both the Z6 II and Z8 but the D6 handles such situations much better with its all cross-type AF system.
Anyway the Z8 is a bit against the philosophy that I have for photography - I would prefer to carefully view the subject and monitor what is happening and then decide on a single image to capture at the right moment, minimizing post work. The Z8 is more designed to capture ALL moments and while that technique is effective (certainly since the camera can be easily set to shoot at e.g. 30 fps when required) but I really find it a pain to deal with the post work from this approach. So why not just shoot in single shot mode? Because it takes discipline and I still find watching on the computer screen on the camera for a long time tedious and irritating, although the delay is much shorter now and it can be used to time single shots which I couldn't do with the Z6 II.
Anyway I hope Nikon puts out an improved 24MP FX camera rather than making all of their cameras super high resolution. I would be very happy purchasing a 24MP FX model with similar EVF speed and close to similar AF performance that the Z8 has, either in a Z8 or Z6 series chassis. I'd probably use it most of the time instead of the high-resolution Z8. Because then I'd have less post work to deal with and most images are not printed large either, and somehow I felt the Z6 II images in indoor low light had a magic which I don't find in the Z8 images in similar scenarios.
-
Some interesting observations here Ilkka
it doesn't have the image quality at high ISO that the Z6II or D6 have,
...[needs] better AF performance on approaching subjects which was the main limitation of the Z6 II's AF system for me. The keeper rate fell significantly when the subjects were approaching the camera.
tendency to focus on vertical lines in the background if the main subject is dark or lit from the behind. This problem exists on both the Z6 II and Z8 but the D6 handles such situations much better with its all cross-type AF system.
I'm curious how often any of these are cropping up for other users (either NG users, or elsewhere online)?
I'm guessing Nikon's first Z full professional user's camera may have needed some compromises.
Also perhaps expecting the best of both the Z6II and D6 is maybe optimistic (but maybe any backward steps from the D6 feel less acceptable?)
You'd think AF issues on subjects approaching the camera would affect a large number of sports scenarios, plus some faster wildlife......there aren't other menu settings which can allow better options for this are there?
(I remember a previous NG user Tony Oaten finding these on earlier iterations of the Dx range)
-
Also perhaps expecting the best of both the Z6II and D6 is maybe optimistic (but maybe any backward steps from the D6 feel less acceptable?)
Right.
You'd think AF issues on subjects approaching the camera would affect a large number of sports scenarios, plus some faster wildlife......there aren't other menu settings which can allow better options for this are there?
The approaching subject problem was with the Z6 II, e.g., when a person or people walk towards the camera, there is a high chance that the camera loses focus on the main subject and focuses on something in the background. Using dynamic area instead of wide area did improve odds but it's less precise and quite a large area in the Z6 II. However, the Z8 so far has done very well on approaching subjects at least in outdoor daylight situations. Low-light situations can reduce the odds but not beyond reasonable. The remaining complaint I have about Z8 AF is that due to the only linear phase-dection sensors available, the camera tends to favour vertical lines instead of lines in any direction and thus backlit grass behind the animal is easily picked up by the AF system. There are tricks that can be used, i.e. if the main subject is really out of focus and background features are focused on by the camera, then manual assist can help, turning the ring to approximately focus on the intended subject can help the camera pick up and focus on the correct subject. But this is of course an extra step. I hope that mirrorless cameras are developed with cross-type phase-detection sensors as this would reduce the emphasis on vertical lines which are often found in backgrounds in nature. Olympus (OM Systems) at least has made mirrorless cameras with cross-type sensors, maybe others too. I recall that Nikon has patented some designs of sensor AF systems for cross-type detection as well.
I tend to use the custom wide-area AF area modes on the Z8 (similar to custom group-area in the D6) and this allows me to define the region of the frame where the subject's face is likely to be in my composition. This reduces the chances where the camera focuses on unintended subjects or parts of the scene and is of great help. I've very happy that they have implemented the custom AF area modes because it allows me to give enough a priori information about my subject and composition to the camera yet leaves some freedom for me to adjust the framing without having to move the focus area around.
The video AF has been excellent on the Z8, beyond my expectations. I was shooting a model with a wearable device and had to follow the subject by walking backwards in pedestrian traffic with the camera held in my hands (well I did use a gimbal). I also used a tripod for telephoto shoot where video was recorded of the approaching model in a well-lit indoor environment (with large windows). In both scenarios the camera produced perfectly focused footage on the model with the camera set to auto-area AF and human subject detection. The main issue was that when walking backwards on cobblestone streets with camera in my hands the risk for tripping over was quite high, but luckily it all went well and nothing happened. It was the first time I felt that what is essentially a still camera in origin (being made by Nikon) did not show any disadvantage in focusing compared to a purpose-made video camera in any of the situations where we shot, on the contrary, it did very well. What remains to solve is the lack of ND filters (I had to shoot at f/13 at times due to the amount of light on a bright day) and Nikon should consider making camera models where this is offered. (One might say that it's a hybrid so no in-built NDs are typical of such cameras but it's a major convenience issue for video and Nikon has come so far in the functionality for video that they might as well take that step, even if it is only one camera model.)
-
I just vent out for an AF speed test, and also a test of the my ability to get some speed blur.
The cars where as I focus @1/1000 sec, so will nor see those boring images. (Speed apron. 40-60km/h not F1 or Le Mans speed)
While panning I was surprised over the EVF, so much better that my D500, surprise :o
Z8 70-200 f2.8 F-mount. 1/125 sec @f6.3 ISO 64. (adjusted I LR, it was overexposed ;))
-
For those interested: just a few days ago Nikon released the first Z8 firmware update, ver 1.01.