I am exploring video mostly for wildlife. I am pretty much tied into the Nikon ecosystem. Any thoughts on a camera? I have a Z7ii with 24-120 and 100-400 Z lenses with an 800mm on order. No intention of becoming a YouTube star, I just want something serviceable.
Video camera
- Thread starter pnbarne
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Alistair
Well-known member
Unfortunately the Z7 line is Nikon's least capable Z camera when it comes to video. But it still qualifies as serviceable I would say.
The Z6 series is better. The 4k does not line-skip and 10 bit log as well as Pro Res raw is available with an external recorder but you will need to send it to Nikon to add the Apple license for the latter (approx. $200 IIRC).
And then of course there is the Z9 which is a beast of a video camera. It does it all and as a package is currently unmatched is this regard.
The Z6 series is better. The 4k does not line-skip and 10 bit log as well as Pro Res raw is available with an external recorder but you will need to send it to Nikon to add the Apple license for the latter (approx. $200 IIRC).
And then of course there is the Z9 which is a beast of a video camera. It does it all and as a package is currently unmatched is this regard.
Your gear is fine optically. I would start with what you have.
You might want to consider a hotshoe mounted Shotgun Microphone and feeding in audio in. The KEY is supporting the camera/lens and smooth panning. I use a pan tilt head when I use a tripod.
I used DaVince Resolve 18 (the free version) until I upgraded to the Studio version -- once you learn how to plan, shoot, assemble, edit, colour manage (this is both hard and simple) and transitions, add audio commentary etc.... and then other visuals -- video post production is "wonderful" and a great consumer of time. I would not go overboard on resolution or fps for your initial attempts -- this just eats storage and processor capacity.
Spend time on "your identity" and the "look" you are seeking to achieve. Then plan the shots you "need" to tell the story you want the video to tell. I would keep your initial attempts relatively short and work out how and when to include stills and other media in your "product".
It is worth you having an eye on what audience you want to watch the video -- this is essential -- but initially just start out with the basics.
Obvious you can just make some recordings of opportunities as they arise and work out what you will do with them later. BUT -- having done this far toooooo often -- better product comes from spending a little time to plan.
Upfront - Intro (you and the storey you are telling) - - [ - the arc of your storey - ] - - Closing - byline - upcoming etc...
Garfield
Well-known member
Obviously the Z9 is leaps and bounds ahead of every other Nikon camera when it comes to video capability, but your Z7II will get you started. I used to shoot video with the Z6 & Z7 and other than the fact that the Z6 has a stop better ISO performance there's very little practical difference in IQ between them. The biggest downside is the relatively poor video autofocus compared to alternatives from other manufacturers and they only support 8-bit codecs which leaves very little latitude for grading (post processing). But that can be a great learning platform as well since it will force you to learn from your mistakes more quickly. 
Even though I shoot an A1 and Z9, I shoot manual focus 90% of the time because the AF modes are simply unreliable in many wildlife situations, so it's just learning technique. The good news is that when exposed and shot correctly Z7/II IQ can be surprisingly good.
Even though I shoot an A1 and Z9, I shoot manual focus 90% of the time because the AF modes are simply unreliable in many wildlife situations, so it's just learning technique. The good news is that when exposed and shot correctly Z7/II IQ can be surprisingly good.Thanks. Since I mostly do stills starting with the Z7ii makes sense and it’s cheaper than buying something new.