Yes - it's challenging subjects where it is an issue. And it's hard to access. At the end of the day, that combination means it is not as useful as the new approach with the Z9.
It seems to be ideal for subjects that are perched and taking off.
Dilemma with the Z6ii and Z7ii
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Yes - it's challenging subjects where it is an issue. And it's hard to access. At the end of the day, that combination means it is not as useful as the new approach with the Z9.
It seems to be ideal for subjects that are perched and taking off.
The z9 definitely sounds intriguing. It sounds like one mode can do nearly anything from the videos I've watched. I've never been particularly fond of subject tracking or 3D tracking.
You're correct. It's that tracking box that comes up when you hit OK that I'm talking about. I don't expect automatic tracking from the Z6II otherwise, but what I did expect, and will be satisfied with, is if that tracking box performs better and sticks to a flying bird or running animal. I don't have an issue with placing that box on the animal to begin with, but then I do expect the camera to stick to the animal better than it does currently. Since it's only good for slow-moving things like wandering animals or ducks/geese swimming along that mode is relatively useless to me. When things move that slowly I can just as well use wide-area AF-C or even 3D.
JanH
Active member
It is my understanding that you can assign the tracking box to a function button for quicker access if you plan on using it regularly.
Yes I have mine on function 1
Roy
Well-known member
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Crawdad
New member
I switched to Canon after realizing the focusing and tracking performance of my Z6II were woefully bad. I now own a Canon R5 and R6 and am satisfied that I made the right decision. When I get a bird in flight in the viewfinder, almost always it is expertly tracked and the focus point is right on the eye. It will even find the eyes of insects. I have watched the various videos put out by Nikon Ambassadors concerning the Z9 and am not impressed when you factor in their bias. What camera did Steve take to Africa? Sony A1. Of course, he still semi-sweet talks Nikon, but analyze not only what he says about Nikon gear, but what he does not say, and what he now uses. IMO, for bird and wildlife photographers Nikon has fallen behind and will never catch up to Sony and Canon, which are much larger companies with vastly more resources.
Certainly doesn’t seem so in the short term.
I agree with a bit of what you say…but Steve didn’t have the Z9 available to him of course.
I’ve even pondered buying a A1 or R5 as a wildlife only camera and selling one of my Nikon bodies. I assume this would create confusion and I could only use the body with the wildlife lens I purchased with it. I’m weary of getting a Z9 at this point but it would make more sense logistically to stay with Nikon. I’m really torn what direction to go if any.
JanH
Active member
I am glad you made what sounds like the right choice for you.
Accept for BIF I think the AF systems of most cameras today, Nikon Zs included, are pretty amazing. When it comes to tracking fast moving subjects, Canon especially has made very impressive strides in the last 2 years. Nikon is clearly behind, but I have confidence Nikon's engineers are also are getting there - we will soon know more about how well the Z9 does. Video, too, is another area where I wish Nikon would update its midrange cameras (10 bit internal please).
But here's the thing for me. As Steve (SH1209) has stated, his Zs do most of what he needs them to do very well. Shooting BIF is fun to do, but there many forms of photography I like as much or even more, and there are many other things besides AF that come into play - DR, color science, exposure, WB, low light capacity, handling, etc. The Z6/7 IIs have most of those things down to a T. Moreover the new Z lenses are pretty amazing, and, apart from (coming) native long Z lenses, have a great selection, and are relatively affordable (though I wish we had more native Z third party options). If shooting BIF or fast moving subjects was central to my photography hobby or profession, I would probably make a different choice (Z9 will likely do it, but I couldn't afford it). But for almost all of what I do Nikon works and has worked very well and I see no reason to change systems at this point. Best.
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FB101
Well-known member
There really hasn't been a comparison by a wildlife photographer of A1 / Z9 / R3 / R5 so I'd avoid jumping to conclusions. The driver for many of us who switched to the A1 or R5 was in good part because they were the only options realistically available (with a wait) for the last 9 months - and then we realized in use that the A1 and R5 are truly nice cameras and that Sony and Canon mirrorless systems have matured in so many ways that in the end, Nikon is not compelling anymore once you have made the switch.
That's very far from saying the Z9 is or will be inferior to the A1 / R3 / R5 or that Nikon will be behind forever. I actually don't believe that. But I also don't believe the Z9 is compelling enough to get anyone back who recently switched to Sony or Canon.
Once Steve Perry, Steve Mattheis and Mark Smith who all shoot multiple systems have a chance to shoot all cameras for sustained periods of time, then we'll have a clearer view of whether any system surpasses the other. Till then, we can happily assume they'll be within spitting distance of each other for performance and will be differentiated more by ergonomics, lenses and 3rd party support than anything else.
I agree - that's a very logical perspective. What I'm sure we'll find is that with flagship bodies, each manufacturer has it's own niche or advantage with regard to a specific feature or subject, but the others are not far away.
We also need to keep in mind flagship bodies represent about 125,000 units per year across all brands - out of 5.5 million cameras sold. That's under 3% of ILC cameras. Flagship features that are major differentiators will be diminished delivering products for other price points. And if your camera is the prior generation, you can still make great photos even though you don't have features of the latest flagship model. In comparison, models below flagship levels will fall short to some extent.
Some photographers will always want the latest and greatest gear. But for working pros as well as other advanced photographers, the gear is providing incremental benefits but is rarely a game changer for very long.
crjPO
New member
If one is on the fence about purchasing a Z6 or Z6II I'd definitely look at the used market for a Z6 - there's a ton of inventory and one can get a low exposure camera for much less than us first adopters. One wouldn't be out that much cash if you wanted to upgrade later but you'd have the access to all the fantastic Z glass - The Z6 is a great camera for just about everything but BIF. If that's not your thing there's not much to loose IMO.