Sell my D500 and replace it with a Z7II?

[Nikondale]

The issue is the Supreme Commander has limited me to three D bodies. In order to add a Z7II I would have to sell my D500, my least used D body. I have read about the Z system on this site. I will be using the Z with current Nikon glass. So, if you were in the same boat as I, would you move to the Z7II? Does the Z system offer enough to supplant my D500?
Your comments will be most welcome as I like to mull over the thoughts of fellow photographers.

 

[abc123brian]

For me, it would depend on the usage and other gear. I have the first gen Z and haven’t yet used the second gen. The Z7 does many things better than the D500 and the D500 does a few things significantly better than the Z7. I have three bodies I use often. The Z6, Z7, and D500. I primarily use the Zs but if I’m doing something where the AF is going to get challenging or speed is needed, the D500 is used. I bought the D500 for wildlife to compliment the Z6 (later added the Z7). The D500 is a very fast camera, AF is fantastic, and it being a crop sensor, the AF covers more of the frame, bringing it closer to the Z. I find the Z to be fantastic for slower moving and static wildlife and the recent firmware updates make it ok at some faster moving subjects. from the reviews I’m seeing, the AF on the Z7ii is improved but still not to D500 level (which is to be expected). I know you’re asking about the Z7ii, I have It preordered and haven’t used it yet, but my point is I’m not buying it to replace my D500 and don’t expect it to for my usage. I’m looking for it to replace my first gen Z and wondering if it is improved enough to justify it.

 

[armchicago]

I think abc123Brian nailed it. For action wildlife/sports, it’s not a replacement. Sold my D500 and regretted it almost immediately. Picked up a used but nearly brand new D5 at a steal of a price, so I’m happy again. Always comes down to what kind of photography you do most, right?

 

[jbk2forum]

I think that the Supreme Commander may have the answer for you. The real issue is not which camera is best for your BIF....there is much discussion about the Z7ii and it hasn't been run through its paces by us normal people. No doubt it will be great.
But....
The real issue will be whether or not you feel the need to transition to Z lenses! The SC may suggest that if you want Z lenses you may have to dispose of your FF lenses. So, one decision may affect your future satisfaction and budget. I guess this is the Big Picture. Good luck.

 

[gaknott]

I am a very literal guy, so in reading your original post I do not see a problem. Keep your D500 and you still have (3) D bodies. You are simply adding Z bodies to your arsenal; how may of those can you have? Kidding aside, I do not have Z bodies (yet) and there is so much movement and improvement going on with them right now, I would sit tight and see what happens in the next few months; you may ultimately move to the Z body and regret making the move too soon because of what improvements are to come in the near future.

 

[BillW]

Which other D bodies do you have? I kept my D500 & D850 for BIF and other fast action when I bought the Z7 and later the Z6. I could see someone deciding to keep a D850 in preference to a D500 if they needed to give up a body to get a new Z, as a DX crop in camera or in post on a D850 is pretty much the same as a D500 file. Of course, you only get 7 fps on a D850 (9 with a grip) versus 10 fps on the D500.

I am hoping the autofocus on the new Z7II and Z6II is significantly improved and expect to upgrade. But for now, I will continue to keep the D500 and D850. Initial comments from Steve and others seem to indicate a good improvement, but that the ZIIs probably are still not up to the D500/D850 standard.

 

[Strodav]

FWIW, IF your goal is to become a better photographer, keep your money for now and study and practice with what you already have. If your goal is to have the latest and greatest gear right now at this moment, sell your Nikon system and buy a Canon R5 and the Canon lineup of glass that supports it. I'm hearing surprisingly great things about their 600mm f/11 glass for $700. If you are wed to Nikon, wait for some 3rd party reviews to come out before selling a very good wildlife / birding camera for a lot of unknowns. Personally, even if I add a Z7II, I'd still be using my D500 for birding because of the higher pixel density and 1.5 crop factor. Until we know whether the animal AF system on the Z IIs work as well as Canon's animal eye AF system, you are shooting in an extremely low light situation.

 

[Nikondale]

I want to thank all for responding. At the present time I use my D5 and D850 99% of the time. The D500 is just an extra travel body, not used to any great extent. I think I will hold off on the 7ZII and wait until more user information is posted on this site by actual users. Again, your comments are most appreciated.