Why I'm adding a Z6 II to my kit

[jcgamble]

My lightweight travel kit has a D500, D7200, 500 f5.6, 300 f4E, TC-14E III and Sigma 18-35 f1.8 in a MindShift Gear Backlight 18L. Two lenses that may substitute for the 300, are the Nikkor 70-200 f4 and 70-300 FX AF-P. The Z6 II/FTZ will replace the D7200 and the 24-70 f4 S will replace the 18-35. There are two big things I gain by adding the Z6 II, silent shutter and low light performance. I'm primarily a wildlife photographer and I have scared a lot of animals away with my D500 shutter going off. I really waited for the Z6 II to get the increase in buffer and better autofocus performance. I have the D500 for fast action, and am hoping that Nikon has a fast action DX mirrorless replacement in the next year or two when my D500 shutter finally hits the end of its cycle. The combination of DX and FX gives me a little more flexibility in focal length choice when using those lenses. Seems like the Z6 II will be the perfect compliment to my D500, and could back it up in a pinch.

 

[Martin_Farrell]

Dont forget you should only use the electronic shutter for non-moving subjects!

 

[Rassie]

I use electronic shutter for moving subjects quite often. There are times when electronic shutter use can be problematic as described here https://photographylife.com/mechanical-electronic-shutter-efcs

I have not run onto rolling shutter effects yet. All the images below were made with electrronic shutter. It's my default shooting mode.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Martin_Farrell]

I use electronic shutter for moving subjects quite often. There are times when electronic shutter use can be problematic as described here https://photographylife.com/mechanical-electronic-shutter-efcs

I have not run onto rolling shutter effects yet. All the images below were made with electrronic shutter. It's my default shooting mode.

View attachment 10766

View attachment 10767

View attachment 10769

That's fantastic. Lets hope Nikon have cracked rolling shutter. Wonder what CMOS refresh rate they are know getting? Do you ever get the banding problems with internal lighting?

 

[Steve]

I believe the read speeds on the electronic shutter on the Z cameras is about 1/15th of a second, however, I can't readily prove it. I believe that's what people (smarter than I) have determined. It's still a bit slow and I sure wouldn't want to try it for hummingbirds or even songbirds, but it can work well for other subjects.

 

[Rassie]

Do you ever get the banding problems with internal lighting?

I tested for that recently, and yes, banding is a reality with artificial light when using the electronic shutter. Best to use mechanical shutter in artificial light.

 

[CTaylor]

I use electronic shutter for moving subjects quite often. There are times when electronic shutter use can be problematic as described here https://photographylife.com/mechanical-electronic-shutter-efcs

I have not run onto rolling shutter effects yet. All the images below were made with electrronic shutter. It's my default shooting mode.

View attachment 10766

View attachment 10767

View attachment 10769

The article you quoted about the effects of different types of shutters is excellent! Thanks.

 

[ccirelli]

Similar path here, I "gifted" my D7200 to my wife and replaced it with a Z6 (I don't have the Z6II yet, that's coming this spring ). I have 3 Z lenses (20 1.8, 85 1.8, 24-70 4), the 70-300 AF-P 4.5-5.6, and the 200-500 5.6. Plus two zoom lenses for the D7200 (70-300 DX, 18-200 DX).

I'd love to add a D500 to my kit - I think the Z6II (or Z7II) and the D500 are the IDEAL combo - best of everything! I heard rumors of a D500 update (D580), so perhaps I'll grab a price-dropped D500 next year. Some rumored specs:

Nikon D580 Rumored Specs
20MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
14FPS Continuous shooting speed
Dual Card Slot CFX B / SD
4k 60p
Price approx $2000

 

[AnnetteJane]

I believe the read speeds on the electronic shutter on the Z cameras is about 1/15th of a second, however, I can't readily prove it. I believe that's what people (smarter than I) have determined. It's still a bit slow and I sure wouldn't want to try it for hummingbirds or even songbirds, but it can work well for other subjects.

Good to know ! I’ve been using the electronic shudder exclusively...hummingbirds included. Picture below is Costa Hummingbird. Currently using the Z7 and waiting for Z9 ..always looking for a better shot and looking forward to trying more hummingbirds WITHOUT electronic shudder. Z7 using 70-200 mm f 2.8 before the z lens came out. 1/3200 sec f4 Ville Del Palmar, Loreto, Mexico Jan 2020

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Steve]

Good to know ! I’ve been using the electronic shudder exclusively...hummingbirds included. Picture below is Costa Hummingbird. Currently using the Z7 and waiting for Z9 ..always looking for a better shot and looking forward to trying more hummingbirds WITHOUT electronic shudder. Z7 using 70-200 mm f 2.8 before the z lens came out. 1/3200 sec f4 Ville Del Palmar, Loreto, Mexico Jan 2020View attachment 10866

I don't see any rolling shutter effect in that image, although that wing position makes it less likely.

 

[AnnetteJane]

I don't see any rolling shutter effect in that image, although that wing position makes it less likely.

After reading article on rolling shutter effect, thankfully I havent experienced it yet even though mostly shooting in electronic shudder. Still, great information to have.