Nikon Z6 or Z7?

[BruceSD]

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I'm thinking of buying a nice used copy of either the Z6 mark 1 or the Z7 mark 1.   

I only shoot manual focus lenses, so auto focus speed and accuracy are not a concern.  Also shooting fast with a big buffer is not a concern either.   I no longer make large prints, so the higher resolution of the Z7 is not a benefit to me either.

All I really care about is image quality (and staying within my limited budget). 

Given the above, is there much the Z7 offers that you think might make me want that camera instead of the Z6?

thanks,,,

[Ilkka Nissilä]

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I'm thinking of buying a nice used copy of either the Z6 mark 1 or the Z7 mark 1.   

I only shoot manual focus lenses, so auto focus speed and accuracy are not a concern.  Also shooting fast with a big buffer is not a concern either.   I no longer make large prints, so the higher resolution of the Z7 is not a benefit to me either.

All I really care about is image quality (and staying within my limited budget). 

Given the above, is there much the Z7 offers that you think might make me want that camera instead of the Z6?

I have used the Z6 II for two years and currently have Z8 and D850 which have similar but not identical sensors to the Z7.

The Z6 and Z7 are very similar except for the sensor. The Z7 has  a 45 MP sensor without anti-aliasing filter so you get a bit higher sharpness but the Z6 has better high ISO image quality and can record better quality video.  I really liked the Z6 II's image quality (which should be similar to the Z6). Currently I use the Z8 for my Z system shooting and that 45 MP sensor is definitely capable of producing images with a great deal of detail at low to mid ISO but I'm not entirely convinced about it at high ISO; it is certainly usable but doesn't quite shine as much as the Z6 II did for high ISO work. A lot of people will scream to disagree and say that there is no difference after post-processing but I don't agree with that based on theoretical arguments as well as practical experience.

I would make the decision based on at what ISO range you expect to do most of the shooting.  If a lot of it is ISO 1600 and higher then get the Z6. If you plan to do any video work then I would choose the Z6. If most of your shooting is photography in the 64-1000 range then get the Z7. Even if you don't need large prints you might still see an improvement in detail when using the Z7 at those lower ISOs, and at ISO 64 it can really shine by taking all that light in.

With regards to manual focus assist features, I believe all the mentioned cameras have focus peaking which can be useful. In-camera VR can be a wonderful aid to shooting with prime lenses in dim conditions. Also the ability to use EFCS helps to avoid shutter shake.

[Birna Rørslett]

I don't disagree with Ilkka, but probably would pick up a nice second-hand Z6. The reason it is more forbearing with older lenses and 24MPix is more than adequate for day-to-day shooting. Some would prefer adding a grip to the camera, but the decision to do so is how the camera handles for the end user.

I do have several Z7 and use them exclusively for studio and macro work, tasks for which they are excellent. An Z8 might be a possible replacement but there is not any pressing need as long as my Z7 units work well. EFCS is a must, though, and as my subjects are stationary, only confers advantages.

[paul hofseth]

the advantage of a bigger sensor is that one may easily make crops and enlarge parts without too much loss of detail. Although I dislike using high ISO settings and have not tried that, I presume that high ISO pictures from the larger sensor  shrunk to compare with Z6 may prove viable.

p

[Fons Baerken]

Going from a Z6 to a Z7_2 i found the Z6 far more responsive, quicker in general, better noise profile and if you have a D850 i would take a Z6 for general shooting, (or a Z5, or a Z fc etc.).

[BruceSD]

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I wish to thank everyone for your excellent comments!

After reviewing them, and my needs, I believe that I will go ahead and purchase a Z7.

[Hugh_3170]

Factor in the cost of XQD and/or CF Fast cards, as these can be very expensive compared to SD cards. 

I would be personally more inclined to go for the Z6 Mk2 or the Z7 Mk2 that both support SD cards via their dual SD/XQD-CF Fast card readers (rather than the earlier cameras that only support XQD or CF Fast Cards).  When card costs and their readers are factored into your purchase price, the newer Mk 2 versions of these cameras might present a superior value proposition. 

[BruceSD]

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Thanks Hugh 3170.   Great suggestion!!!

[golunvolo]

Bruce, I can see that you have already made your decision but, I have the Z6 and have used the Z7 (and d850) just to see if I wanted to change. I don't print large (usually) either and the IQ of the Z6 is just amazing with a very strong high iso capabilities. The files are also more manageable in size and for post. Right now the prices are in a good  place for used ones.
  I hope this helps

[Ian Watson]

On that note, my Z6 produces lovely 13x19" prints. Usually, I use 8.5x11". A quick check of KEH shows that a Z6 would only cost two-thirds the price of a Z7. That would help towards a card or another lens. Or you could just enjoy the saving.

[pluton]

The raw files generated by my Z6II show an excellent ability to recover detail from deep shadows.  Better than the Z7II, D800, or Fuji X 16MP cameras that I've used.  The 4K full frame video from the Z6/Z6II looks very nice indeed. 24 megapixels works well for most subjects. IMO, very few lenses can create detail that fully makes use of 36 megapixels, let alone 45 megapixels...especially if the camera is used hand held.

[Erik Lund]

If one doesn't need the higher mega pixel count, the Z6 24 MP is much more forgiving when doing manual focus.


With Z7 at high MP, smaller pixel sites also, one has to be more careful when manual focusing, even with older lenses,,, They are quite sharp many of them,,,

[Anthony]

The Z7/II produces glorious images.