NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: chambeshi on September 29, 2020, 15:35:54

Title: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: chambeshi on September 29, 2020, 15:35:54
So far only a teaser page on the Nikon site for 14 X 2020 to announce the next Chapter in the Z System "Z goes to a new frontier."

https://www.nikon-image.com/sp/the_next_chapter/

https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1279844.html

https://dclife.jp/camera_news/article/nikon/2020/0929_01.html

Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Birna Rørslett on September 29, 2020, 17:00:48
We'll see what they have to offer this time.

Who knows -- maybe they come to NG? and do something to our "frontier" ???
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Michael Erlewine on September 29, 2020, 18:35:27
I am not expecting much. I don't need the two slots and if it is the same sensor, I already have one in the Z7. So, I wonder what would get me to buy one since I am all manual, etc. Lower ISO? No. Better Live Screen? Possible, but I doubt it.

What is making your day with this new offering?
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 29, 2020, 18:43:21
I am not expecting much. I don't need the two slots and if it is the same sensor, I already have one in the Z7. So, I wonder what would get me to buy one since I am all manual, etc. Loser ISO? No. Better Live Screen? Possible, but I doubt it.

What is making your day with this new offering?

Nothing, but it makes sense to try to keep up with the competition.  This update may move more Nikon DSLR users who haven't yet purchased a Z camera to make the plunge or to not defect to Sony or Canon.  I'm hoping for a more substantial update next time around.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Bob.S on September 29, 2020, 20:21:31
I'm hoping for at least one really killer feature that will make all the camera fanciers drool!

..........Then when Z6 prices have sagged I can pick up a nice clean one for a good price  8)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Roland Vink on September 29, 2020, 21:57:07
I am not expecting much...
Some competitors have a "high-res" mode where 4 shots are combined with the sensor shifted 1 pixel each time, effectively giving full colour information at every pixel - no bayer demosaicing so resolution is improved somewhat, and also reducing noise. Also 8 or 16 shot modes where the sensor is shifted 1/2 pixel amounts to improve resolution even further. This could be perfect for the static, high resolution work you do. I would be a little disappointed if the new Nikon cameras do not have this feature.

For the rest, I don't expect major breakthroughs but a combination of small improvements as Nikon learns from the strengths and weaknesses of their first cameras that in combination give a better and more refined product, in the same way the D850 improved on the D810, which in turn was better than the D800.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Michael Erlewine on September 29, 2020, 23:01:48
Some competitors have a "high-res" mode where 4 shots are combined with the sensor shifted 1 pixel each time, effectively giving full colour information at every pixel - no bayer demosaicing so resolution is improved somewhat, and also reducing noise. Also 8 or 16 shot modes where the sensor is shifted 1/2 pixel amounts to improve resolution even further. This could be perfect for the static, high resolution work you do. I would be a little disappointed if the new Nikon cameras do not have this feature.

For the rest, I don't expect major breakthroughs but a combination of small improvements as Nikon learns from the strengths and weaknesses of their first cameras that in combination give a better and more refined product, in the same way the D850 improved on the D810, which in turn was better than the D800.

To me the D850 was a huge improvement, for my work, over the D810.

If the new Z7 replacement has that option AND if it easy to use, I could be interested.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Erik Lund on October 01, 2020, 09:57:51
According to the rumors site it's only marginal (too me) improvements, for a second I thought I had bought into the Z7 just before a major upgrade  :o

NikonRumors quote:

Read more:
https://nikonrumors.com/2020/09/21/updated-rumored-nikon-z6s-and-z7s-camera-specifications.aspx/#ixzz6ZbVLeBSR (https://nikonrumors.com/2020/09/21/updated-rumored-nikon-z6s-and-z7s-camera-specifications.aspx/#ixzz6ZbVLeBSR)

For sure these new features will really make the Z step up as a full featured mirrorless camera that comes even closer to theri DSLR counterparts.
Still the Z is missing a D6 equivalent as well as D850 rear lit buttons that are nice evening low light operation features, sure one can use the viewfinder but that is a workaround imho.
One thing I would have liked was the now introduced Vertical grip with buttons/controls for Z
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Bob.S on October 01, 2020, 11:08:24
If these second versions DO have an SD card slot then that's a £200 'discount' on the price right there....Plus, it takes one away from the greedy clutches of Sony marketing, which has never forgotten the 'memory stick' pleasure....
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on October 01, 2020, 13:01:41
Note that there are no officially released specifications about the Z6 II and Z7 II. All that exist are rumor site posts and they are certainly not the same as "announced" features. It could be stuff that someone made up in their basement for all we know.

I think it's a reasonable guess that limited processing power has been the reason why the Z6/7 don't have as fast autofocus as some other cameras and also has limited the burst performance (ability to display EVF updates at higher fps rates, ability to clear the data in the buffer to card, ability to track moving subjects during a burst, etc.) so if Nikon indeed put in two processors, I would consider it by itself a major update.

The dual card slots and vertical grip with controls, if present, address the other criticized aspects of the original Z6 and Z7. So, basically, chances are that all the major limitations of the first-generation products are resolved in the II models. That would be pretty good, considering that they have to keep coming up with stuff to improve to continue selling cameras after the second-generation models. What else is there to do? The competition doesn't have lit buttons. There is only so much space in a tiny camera housing.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Bill De Jager on October 02, 2020, 01:08:49
The dual card slots and vertical grip with controls, if present, address the other criticized aspects of the original Z6 and Z7. So, basically, chances are that all the major limitations of the first-generation products are resolved in the II models. That would be pretty good, considering that they have to keep coming up with stuff to improve to continue selling cameras after the second-generation models. What else is there to do? The competition doesn't have lit buttons. There is only so much space in a tiny camera housing.

Potential improvements that may not be happening this time around but which could move me to purchase a body:

-Better controls, more like a D850 or even just a D780.
-Improved automated focus stacking with better control of parameters.
-High-resolution mode, as Roland mentions.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: chris dees on October 02, 2020, 11:23:34
I’m pretty happy with my Z6 right now. Only drawback for me is the tracking AF (BIF).
The second Expeed processor could be the solution to that. EVF refresh rate and start-up time could be improved with this as well.
I’m curious if this would be enough to be competative and if I can replace my D500 with a ZII.  :)
Nikon probably will add some “nice to have” features as well.
I think this will be more than just an incremental update, they have to.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: MILLIREHM on October 02, 2020, 23:04:18
It is good that Nikon shows some developement in comparison  to its competitors.
Probably the Z6II and Z7II wont make it to be on par with Sony or the new Canons in terms of speed. Would be good to have some improvements in ergonomy and Menus that are done somewhat  wrong in the Z6/Z7. I dont expecting them to be competitive with SLR for BIF.
I have got a Z6 and am not planning to buy a new Z until a Z8 or Z9 is released.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Jan Anne on October 03, 2020, 15:46:11
Good to see that Nikon keeps their mirrorless offerings fresh, still happy with my Z6 and D500 though.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Bill De Jager on October 14, 2020, 06:41:17
Well, the formal announcement has happened.  Nothing earthshaking, but some nice upgrades like a second card slot, faster frame rates, larger buffer, and a full-featured battery grip.  No pixel shift or improved focus stacking this time around. Dpreview.com (https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z6-ii-initial-review) suggests (with regard to the Z6 II) that Nikon has gotten what it can out of the current sensor and may be planning a much larger upgrade next time around with presumably a newer sensor:

Quote
Personally I wonder whether Nikon concluded there was only so far it could push the current sensor and decided to focus R&D resources on what might be possible with a next-gen chip in a future model (hence the use of two existing processors, rather than the development of a new one for this camera). That's speculation, of course, but other than the video improvements, it's hard to see what more Nikon could do with the current sensor.

I see the new models as modest updates to maintain the Z system's competitive position until substantially improved products can be released at a later date.  In the meantime, my trusty Z6mark I will do just fine for my purposes.

The Z system lens map released last month promises ten new lenses between now and the end of next year, six of them S-line and one being DX. These include the already announced 50/1.2 and 14-24/2.8 lenses.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Nikfuson on October 14, 2020, 09:07:26
To most of the Z user base I think the II's are nice but not deal breaking.
I see the two cards and grip as the main upgrades (none that will make any difference in my world).
It is kinda disappointing the dual processors seemingly bring a slight boost in performance only.
Neeeext!
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: chambeshi on October 14, 2020, 09:12:20
Sometime later this month, hopefully, we should be able to comb the e-manuals soon to check how comprehensively (?) Nikon has improved Custom options and focus-aids etc - ie expanded as per list of fixes (long awaited). Nikon UK Shipping dates are 5 November (Z6II) and 12 December (Z7II)

Specifications etc
https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/mirrorless/professional/z-7ii#tech_specs

https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/mirrorless/enthusiast/z-6ii#tech_specs

https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/accessories/mirrorless/mirrorless-power/power-battery-pack-mb-n11-for-specific-z-series-cameras

https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/nikon-announces-the-next.html

https://www.slrlounge.com/nikon-z6-ii-z7-ii-announcement/

Z II Brochure, regional websites have yet to upload respective editions - only in Japanese so far: https://chsvll.nikon-image.com/products/mirrorless/common2/pdf/Z7_2_Z6_2.pdf
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Erik Lund on October 14, 2020, 09:33:08
The original announcement for the new Z system the Z7 made me think of “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Up there with the release of the D1 and the FX D3 camera - Must own cameras.
The latest Mark II updates is more like - This is just to silence the dual card-slot crowd  :o

Sure they will be a bit 'faster' in all aspects re raw calculating power and super nice with the vertical grip. - So considering everything very well done again Nikon!
Now Z9 that will be amazing  ::) 8)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Birna Rørslett on October 14, 2020, 10:30:24
Nikon explained at the press Launch that the main "step forward" was the dual EXPEED 6 processors, which allowed much more sophisticated in-camera processing. AF performance is claimed to be boosted s well.

The new EN-EL15c battery has larger capacity and in the new cameras can be recharged concurrently with shooting. Nikon said this was aimed to facilitate video and web camera usage. The cameras are backwards compatible to the earlier battery models, fortunately.

I foud the improved grip MB-N11 quite useful as it not only adds more battery capacity, but also control buttons to allow the camera better to be operated in portrait mode. 

Nikon reps confirmed the new camera bodies are ever so slightly thicker than the previous Mk.1 models. This is to alllow the SD card slot and the beefier main processor board.

Buffer capacity is huge and in practice at least with a fast storage card near unlimited.

I asked the Nikon reps about what measures had been taken to mitigate striping behaviour and was promised an in-depth answer as they called on the upper tiers of the organisation to answer my question, but that "might take some time".

All in all, an evolutionary step forward to underscore Nikon's deeping commitment to the Z system.

We were given a lot of sample images to show off the newer lenses (50/1.2S, 24-70/2.8S, 70-200/2.8S etc.), however I'm not sure NG should provide them for display as they take a lot of our limited storage space. Anyway DPreview probably has them available for download. Let them cover the bandwidth bill :)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 14, 2020, 15:25:23
im actually more interested in the grip :o :o :o
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on October 14, 2020, 16:42:57
Since I haven't entered the Z-system yet, I find that the arrival of the Z7 II will be a good entry point for me. I am especially interested in the improved AF-performance, which I hope will at least equal that of my D500.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: John Harkus on October 14, 2020, 19:31:06
Since I haven't entered the Z-system yet, I find that the arrival of the Z7 II will be a good entry point for me. I am especially interested in the improved AF-performance, which I hope will at least equal that of my D500.

I'll echo this, I've been looking at a Z6 to compliment the Df, but the only option of new expensive memory cards and a new card reader was making me lean more towards a Z5. Being able to use SD cards gives me a £200+ price reduction, and some increased performance too. Bonus!
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Tristin on October 14, 2020, 21:31:42
People balked at me saying the Z6/7 were lacking features like vertical grip, exposure/drive control and dual cards merely because Nikon's short-term strategy is clearly to strip features and use their re-introduction as selling points for the next cameras . . . and here we are with Nikon highlighting dual cards and vertical grip as major selling points for the next Zs.  8)  Nikon is really gonna blow minds when the next gen Z includes revolutionary new controls for exposure and drive modes.  ;)

I continue waiting on Z mount to receive full-featured cameras that aren't cannibalized for market strategies.  I wish the staff Nikon have in camera development had half the confidence in Nikon's brand as their lens people do.  They clearly think marketing cannibalized features is their only path to selling enough units.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: chambeshi on October 15, 2020, 08:09:21
Much of the forums' responses are distinctly pathetic that Santa Claus has delivered the wrong camera - not what they asked for Xmas... One of the more mature mature assessments of the specifications (still incomplete) - let alone real world testing

http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html#500mm_wars_1
“….1. When the dust settles (including after some of the expected firmware updates over time) I suspect that the Z7 II will end up being simply an EXCELLENT "all-rounder" of a camera. And, despite the pounding that I think the camera will get in online forums, I think that that those who buy it with an open mind will grow to just LOVE it.”
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Wally on October 15, 2020, 17:49:08
Not everyone needs a grip or dual cards and so on but all the improvements are welcomed and rather evolutionary.
Alltogether a Z9 or pro model will be amazing.

For me no need to upgrade my Z6 at this time.
This new situation with attractive pricing opens great opportunities to snag used units.
I am looking at Z7s in excellent condition for below $2000.- already
This is a small cost of opportunity instead of missing out because you're waiting for something even better
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on October 15, 2020, 18:05:05
I don't think that the version II's are meant as an upgrade for existing users of Z cameras. I think they are a refresh for those who have not moved to mirrorless,
I'm excited to hear about Z9.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: CS on October 15, 2020, 18:38:35
  They clearly think marketing cannibalized features is their only path to selling enough units.

So, nothing new is happening here, they continue to market as they have in the past. Entirely predictable, IMO.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Tristin on October 15, 2020, 23:16:42
So, nothing new is happening here, they continue to market as they have in the past. Entirely predictable, IMO.

I was surprised by the controls removed from the Zs.  Even the D70 had these.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on October 16, 2020, 14:43:11
People balked at me saying the Z6/7 were lacking features like vertical grip, exposure/drive control and dual cards merely because Nikon's short-term strategy is clearly to strip features and use their re-introduction as selling points for the next cameras . . . and here we are with Nikon highlighting dual cards and vertical grip as major selling points for the next Zs.  8)  Nikon is really gonna blow minds when the next gen Z includes revolutionary new controls for exposure and drive modes.  ;)

I continue waiting on Z mount to receive full-featured cameras that aren't cannibalized for market strategies.  I wish the staff Nikon have in camera development had half the confidence in Nikon's brand as their lens people do.  They clearly think marketing cannibalized features is their only path to selling enough units.

I think there is no need to go into conspiracy theories or find evil motives regarding why the products have certain features or not. The second card slot, second image processor, and vertical grip all add to the cost and size of the product, and especially with the vertical grip, how much is left of the main attraction of mirrorless which is smaller and lighter, but high quality cameras? They are still smaller and lighter but the difference goes down as features are added.

I think Nikon have a very good grasp of camera design from the point of view of usability and ergonomics. Some manufacturers cram in a lot of physical controls in the smaller surface of the mirrrorless camera, but then if you have long and thick fingers, it becomes more difficult to use those buttons. Nikon went with intermediate size of camera body, well-designed grip, and slightly reduced number of physical controls (compared to mid to high-end DSLRs). I think the designs are well thought-out and e.g. glove users will appreciate that the buttons are large and there is clear space between them. Yes, it means there are fewer custom function buttons and maybe some control has to be accessed via menu, but I think the most important controls are there. If they add more buttons without making the camera of larger size, they become harder to access.

For me the decisive edge that makes me buy into the Z system hasn't really happened yet, but the camera bodies seem to be there already. I'm used to medium telephoto primes and tilt/shift lenses which are absent in the Z lineup, but if I consider Z an addendum to my current existing DSLR system and don't try to make it an all-purpose setup, then there should not be any problem. I could use it for portraits, landscape, and travel, for example, and general short focal length work. The lenses for that are already there. There is just no travel to speak of. ;-)

In the II generation cameras, I think the most important improvement is improved AF (eye focusing and generally autofocus in low light). In my brief sessions testing the Z7, I mostly tried it for indoor portraits and it would sometimes nail the focus and sometimes miss completely, and I couldn't really see what was going wrong. The image quality (when in focus) was superb with the Z 50/1.8. I hope this has been rectified in the II models (Nikon say "superior subject acquisition" which should be exactly the problem I'm talking about) and if it is, then the cameras probably can work for me. However, I had also issues with what the EVF displayed and how the shots came out, and that's another area which I need to evaluate. I'm so used to optical viewfinders that if I photograph a living person with an EVF, I don't seem to get the images I thought I was capturing, and this is something of a critical area for me. With OVF I know how to shoot and get the expressions I am trying to get.

However, the excellent optics nonetheless make the Z system attractive. I just need to work out my issues with the viewfinder if I want to ride along, or elect to use it for tasks that don't require the viewfinder.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Tristin on October 16, 2020, 21:45:43
I think there is no need to go into conspiracy theories or find evil motives regarding why the products have certain features or not.

I don't think it's evil in the slightest, just a marketing strategy I am not fond of.  And it can't be a conspiracy, as such strategies aren't criminal.  Doesn't change my love for Nikon!  :)

Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: CS on October 16, 2020, 21:50:07
I don't think it's evil in the slightest, just a marketing strategy I am not fond of.  And it can't be a conspiracy, as such strategies aren't criminal.  Doesn't change my love for Nikon!  :)

Those of us that have kids know that even though we love them, we don't always love everything they do.   ;)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 17, 2020, 12:29:54
I just realized that the 28-70 2.8 does not work with a Z  :o :o :o

Af works but i get fee error
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Akira on October 17, 2020, 14:05:46
I just realized that the 28-70 2.8 does not work with a Z  :o :o :o

Af works but i get fee error

I'm pretty sure you have confirmed this, but have you set the aperture ring all the way to the smallest aperture (largest number) in orange?
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Birna Rørslett on October 17, 2020, 14:57:46
Alternatively, use a piece of a toothpick or matchstick to pus down the sensor of the FTZ so it will not report any missing set smallest aperture of the attached lens :) In this manner you also can evaluate depth of field at apertures larger than f/5.6.

(I usually secure the pushed-in tab by a drop of epoxy glue)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 17, 2020, 17:07:17
yes i did :o :o :o

this is terrible. i was hoping to buy an 80-200 2.8S ::)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Birna Rørslett on October 18, 2020, 10:32:30
Must be bad contacts, then. AF lenses work in terms of metering via the FTZ (no autofocus though, for this you require AFS)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Erik Lund on October 18, 2020, 11:09:52
yes i did :o :o :o

this is terrible. i was hoping to buy an 80-200 2.8S ::)



Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S works perfectly on Z7
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 18, 2020, 11:21:13



Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S works perfectly on Z7

are you getting the FEE error?
my main interest is the 28-70/2.8

i dont want to apply a toothpick on my beautiful FTZ adapter :o :o :o
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Akira on October 18, 2020, 13:13:06
are you getting the FEE error?
my main interest is the 28-70/2.8

i dont want to apply a toothpick on my beautiful FTZ adapter :o :o :o

Using a beautiful toothpick will solve the problem.   :o :o :o
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Birna Rørslett on October 18, 2020, 14:50:38
I just verified with my latest [non-modified] FTZ and the AF-D 35-135 Nikkor that FEE *will* display if the lens is not locked to the smallest aperture. However, once the toothpick-enabled adapter is used, everything works and apture figures are properly displayed.

Thus the problem Rick encountered is either the minimim-aperture lock on his 28-70 lens is defective, or the contact pins don't make the required connection to the FTZ. Use a toothpick to temporarily push in the minimum-aperture sensor on the FTZ to see if apertures are displayed.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: golunvolo on October 18, 2020, 15:29:51
My 80-200 2.8 ed has the little pin in the lens ring broken so it displays de same error. I have pasted a little piece in the lens to fulfill that conection (little piece of metal painted black) same result, no toothpick needed, although Birna’s solution will fix every lens you put in the ftz...
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Erik Lund on October 18, 2020, 16:23:18
are you getting the FEE error?
my main interest is the 28-70/2.8

i dont want to apply a toothpick on my beautiful FTZ adapter :o :o :o
Also the 28-70 2.8 AF-S Has no error


All works, no toothpick needed
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 19, 2020, 02:27:24
Yikes!!!

thankfully, I didn't buy that lens :o :o :o
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: chambeshi on October 30, 2020, 14:05:14
e-Manuals released - only for the Z6  II

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/556/Z_6II.html
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: richardHaw on October 30, 2020, 14:15:53
i tried both this morning...

not compelled to buy any since i already have the Z6 :o :o :o
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 04, 2020, 16:06:32
A short Z6 ii review by nikon ambassador Jasin Boland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5_PliEiJ04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5_PliEiJ04)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Luc on November 04, 2020, 21:14:39
I just watched a webinar by Nikon Netherlands on the Z6II and Z7II. I've noted a few highlights.
- about 0,5 stop lower noise at high iso's
- less banding with shadow recovery
- viewfinder blackout improved
- faster and more precise autofocus for F lenses > 200mm and Z lenses > 70mm
- overall autofocus performance improved
- autofocus performance slow-->fast Z7-->Z6-->Z6II/Z7II
- additional/seperate autofocus modes Wide Large and Small for eye detection humans/animals
- virtual horizon less obstrusive
- better energy management --> improved battery life
- firmware upgrade possible via Snapbridge


Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: CardBoardBoxProcessor on November 16, 2020, 20:52:07
My D810 sold on eBay. Good thing because it's value was plummeting fast. Now, I make no money on photography but I really enjoy it as a hobby. I mostly shoot landscape and astrophotography. I heavily use tilt shift lenses and take like 15 minutes to set up a shot. I'm not quick. sometimes I try to do birds but that's just trying.

I could probably get a used z7 on eBay for ~$1800-2000. But then i would need the FTZ adapter and a cfe or xqd card so another couple hundred for decent size. all said I am sure it'd be $2100-2200 post switch.

I do not really think there is anything that the z7ii has that I especially need but I am told the differences between z6 and z6ii are pretty impressive. so I have a fear of regret.

should I get a z7 used or is a z7ii with it's slight alterations really going to e worth the $800 more then z7 or so it'll be in the end?

thoughts and supporting arguments please :)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Michael Erlewine on November 16, 2020, 21:33:25
My D810 sold on eBay. Good thing because it's value was plummeting fast. Now, I make no money on photography but I really enjoy it as a hobby. I mostly shoot landscape and astrophotography. I heavily use tilt shift lenses and take like 15 minutes to set up a shot. I'm not quick. sometimes I try to do birds but that's just trying.

I could probably get a used z7 on eBay for ~$1800-2000. But then i would need the FTZ adapter and a cfe or xqd card so another couple hundred for decent size. all said I am sure it'd be $2100-2200 post switch.

I do not really think there is anything that the z7ii has that I especially need but I am told the differences between z6 and z6ii are pretty impressive. so I have a fear of regret.

should I get a z7 used or is a z7ii with it's slight alterations really going to e worth the $800 more then z7 or so it'll be in the end?

thoughts and supporting arguments please :)

If you are into landscape and astrophotography, probably the original Z7 is just fine. I do close-up work and landscapes, however I might spring for the Z7 II for these reasons.

The dual Expeed processors opens the door to a lot of in-camera calculations that could, with firmware upgrades, be important.

The dual processors make autofocus and tracking probably of much higher quality and usefulness.

Keep current and have something newer to trade in on the next upgrade or a larger or more pro Nikon mirrorless, although you might lose some here too.

The rest of the new or improved features you probably don’t need. We all often have regret, either way. LOL.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: PeterN on November 17, 2020, 09:44:20
In my brief sessions testing the Z7, I mostly tried it for indoor portraits and it would sometimes nail the focus and sometimes miss completely, and I couldn't really see what was going wrong. The image quality (when in focus) was superb with the Z 50/1.8. I hope this has been rectified in the II models (Nikon say "superior subject acquisition" which should be exactly the problem I'm talking about) and if it is, then the cameras probably can work for me.

Up till now, I mostly shot indoor portraits with the Z7 and share your experience. I thought it was me doing something wrong. It might be a reason for me to switch to the Z7Ii (or add a Z6ii)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: mxbianco on November 17, 2020, 16:46:24
There is a v.1.01 Firmware update already for the Z6 II (posted today on https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/382.html (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/382.html)), addressing an overexposure issue when shooting in continuous release modes and with human/animal eye detection.

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: MILLIREHM on November 19, 2020, 00:11:29
I got a quick view on the new Z6 II/Z7 II bodies. They are a bit thicker (due to the two card slot) but that  does not come to view on first sight -its not toosignificant.
Certainly there is improvement but the main annoyances of the Z6/Z7 interface are still present (which is imho the misconcepted individual menu system, the misdesigned PSAM .. U3 wheel, the disability of assigning the shooting mode to any other button than the one on the right side of the back (or the infomenu) and the lack of possibility to set exposure values in full stops.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on December 11, 2020, 14:12:17
Z7 II now is in stock in some stores in Finland.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Hugh_3170 on December 12, 2020, 07:13:56
Also in stock in Melbourne, Australia.

Z7 II now is in stock in some stores in Finland.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: fentriss on December 12, 2020, 09:08:20
Also in stock in Melbourne, Australia.
And, germany, bavaria, Munich. with adapter, 3459,--, euro. bye bye,richard
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Akira on December 15, 2020, 17:38:29
Dpreview just posted the review of Z6II.  Interestingly, the image quality test shows that the images of older Z6 looks cleaner with less chrominance noise at ISO 12800 and higher.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z6-ii-review
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Airy on December 15, 2020, 17:48:38
From the review : "The Z6 II's image quality is indistinguishable from that of its predecessor, including at in low light, at high ISO settings."

It is also my impression, while it is apparent that the color calibration of the tested Z6 and Z6 II is different.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Akira on December 15, 2020, 18:05:04
From the review : "The Z6 II's image quality is indistinguishable from that of its predecessor, including at in low light, at high ISO settings."

It is also my impression, while it is apparent that the color calibration of the tested Z6 and Z6 II is different.

Did you compare the dark grey background areas of RAW images at ISO 12800 and 25600?  Interestingly, the well lit areas look cleaner on Z6II, but the dark areas look cleaner on Z6.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 16, 2020, 12:17:54
Did you compare the dark grey background areas of RAW images at ISO 12800 and 25600?  Interestingly, the well lit areas look cleaner on Z6II, but the dark areas look cleaner on Z6.

I cannot say I agree to that with respect to the low lights (assuming we are looking at raw files, jpgs are pretty mushy in both at high ISO). It varies a bit with dark region, I would say on average pretty much the same but perhaps generally some better detail on the Z6 II. (Both are as expected better than Z5 at high ISO.) Also the banding in the exposure latitude test is minimal compared to Z6, about the level of the Z5, Z50 and the Sony. That alone would be deciding for me (having used and still own the D7100). It will be interesting to see what Bill Claff's  stacked sensor heat maps will bring in that respect.
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Nikfuson on December 18, 2020, 12:45:12
Got the Z6II on loan and one of the improvements is the compass, inclinometer, whatever it is called. It is much less obtrusive...GOOD!
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 20, 2020, 02:18:52
Sensor heat maps of the Z6II look really good with respect to the banding at Bill Claffs site,
https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/Sensor_Heatmaps.htm (https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/Sensor_Heatmaps.htm),

The same with the Z7II vs Z7, although Z6II looks a little better than Z7II and Z5.
 
No big surprises with respect to photographic dynamic range,
https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm#Nikon%20Z%206,Nikon%20Z%206II (https://www.photonstophotos.net/Charts/PDR.htm#Nikon%20Z%206,Nikon%20Z%206II)
Title: Re: launch - Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II
Post by: Nikfuson on December 20, 2020, 11:36:06
Apparently Nikon has not simply transferred the imaging parts over from the I's to the II's without some engineering.
Also, from what I can see, the viewfinder is a little less grainy at low light levels whereas the back LCD seems about the same.
(will try and exemplify with some iPhone shots of the viewfinders tonight).