Z6II and Z7II Revealed

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Finally, via this sports action video shared on FM leads to some revealing context for the Z6 II for action genres - according to Nikon Canada. The Tech Specs are still strangely coy about the realized FPS shooting raw n AF modes besides S-point. Nowhere, are these spelled out (?)
Nikon is emphasizing the Eye AF - mostly the human mode. It is feasible this gimmicky feature will be expanded via F'ware update to work better on the eyes of other vertebrates (besides Cats and Dogs).

en.nikon.ca

Nikon Z 6II | 24.5 MP Mirrorless camera

The Nikon Z 6II is full frame hybrid powerhouse, with a 24.5 MP BSI sensor, dual processors, dual card slots, 4K UHD video and outstanding low-light capabilities.
en.nikon.ca en.nikon.ca

"The enhanced autofocus functions of the camera were robust and responsive."
Andrew Hancock
Action, Portrait Photographer

"More autofocus power. Optimized for stills, high-speed sequences and video work, the Z 6II’s 273-point Hybrid AF system brings performance improvements, new options for Eye-Detection AF and easier selecting of AF modes."

High-speed shooting.
Experience 14 FPS* continuous shooting at full resolution—RAW or JPG—with a buffer 3.5X larger than the previous generation and minimal EVF blackout between shots."

*When shooting in Continuous H (extended) and Single-point AF mode.

According to Nikon CA, the marketing pitch Z7 II is for events, underscoring eye-AF, and landscapes and of course video
https://en.nikon.ca/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-cameras/z-7ii.html

Note these 2 slogans highlighted on this Z7 II page:

- less Blackout....
"More clarity.
Less blackout.
Experience the best view through the Z 7II’s advanced viewfinder with minimal blackout between shots during high speed shooting (Continuous H). Nikon optics magnify the 3.6M-dot Quad-VGA EVF, and what you see is how your shot will look. Exposure, ISO, white balance, Picture Control and creative filters are all applied in real-time. You can customize what information gets shown in the viewfinder—or hide it all for a pure view."

...and improved Custom Menus....[apparently]
"Make it yours.
Prefer back button focus? Often switch between Picture Controls? Need a quick way to select focus area? No problem. Add your favourite functions to the i-Menu then access them from the LCD or EVF. Customize Fn buttons or reassign buttons you don’t typically use to activate your go-to modes, menus or settings. Navigating the camera’s intuitive, clean user interface is a breeze.
 
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While I await field test reviews I find the ZII cameras disappointing. It is unlikely I will add one of thee cameras but rather stick with the D500s I currently use and wait for the Z8/Z9. Since a switch to mirrorless will ultimately mean getting new lenses I will then evaluate adding a SONY and long telephoto zoom versus a Z8 or Z9. My gut feel is that Nikon has not adapted well to the altered camera landscape. Nikon can no longer operate like a monopoly and take its user base for granted by slow rolling technology and living on its installed base. In the interim, for me the D500 is still a terrific camera that exceeds my ability, I still have plenty of room to improve before the camera limits what I can do.
 
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While Nikon certainly makes bone-heads moves,
fcotterill said:
Finally, via this sports action video shared on FM leads to some revealing context for the Z6 II for action genres - according to Nikon Canada. The Tech Specs are still strangely coy about the realized FPS shooting raw n AF modes besides S-point. Nowhere, are these spelled out (?)
Nikon is emphasizing the Eye AF - mostly the human mode. It is feasible this gimmicky feature will be expanded via F'ware update to work better on the eyes of other vertebrates (besides Cats and Dogs).

en.nikon.ca

Nikon Z 6II | 24.5 MP Mirrorless camera

The Nikon Z 6II is full frame hybrid powerhouse, with a 24.5 MP BSI sensor, dual processors, dual card slots, 4K UHD video and outstanding low-light capabilities.
en.nikon.ca en.nikon.ca

"The enhanced autofocus functions of the camera were robust and responsive."
Andrew Hancock
Action, Portrait Photographer

"More autofocus power. Optimized for stills, high-speed sequences and video work, the Z 6II’s 273-point Hybrid AF system brings performance improvements, new options for Eye-Detection AF and easier selecting of AF modes."

High-speed shooting.
Experience 14 FPS* continuous shooting at full resolution—RAW or JPG—with a buffer 3.5X larger than the previous generation and minimal EVF blackout between shots."

*When shooting in Continuous H (extended) and Single-point AF mode.

According to Nikon CA, the marketing pitch Z7 II is for events, underscoring eye-AF, and landscapes and of course video
https://en.nikon.ca/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-cameras/z-7ii.html

Note these 2 slogans highlighted on this Z7 II page:

- less Blackout....
"More clarity.
Less blackout.
Experience the best view through the Z 7II’s advanced viewfinder with minimal blackout between shots during high speed shooting (Continuous H). Nikon optics magnify the 3.6M-dot Quad-VGA EVF, and what you see is how your shot will look. Exposure, ISO, white balance, Picture Control and creative filters are all applied in real-time. You can customize what information gets shown in the viewfinder—or hide it all for a pure view."

...and improved Custom Menus....[apparently]
"Make it yours.
Prefer back button focus? Often switch between Picture Controls? Need a quick way to select focus area? No problem. Add your favourite functions to the i-Menu then access them from the LCD or EVF. Customize Fn buttons or reassign buttons you don’t typically use to activate your go-to modes, menus or settings. Navigating the camera’s intuitive, clean user interface is a breeze.
Click to expand...

Some thoughts about that sports video...

That sports video is interesting, but sadly I don't think it really tells us much. The thing is, I can drop a couple dozen tack-sharp BIF images into this thread taken with the Z7 - but that doesn't mean it's my first choice or that I achieved an acceptable keeper rate. We don't know how many tries / shots it took to get what they showed. I can go out with my Z7 and get action shots anytime I like - I just get more keepers with other cameras :)

I'm hoping (really hoping) that the Ziis are better, but I think we won't know until non-Nikon sponsored photographers get their hands on one.
 
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Steve said:
While Nikon certainly makes bone-heads moves,


Some thoughts about that sports video...

That sports video is interesting, but sadly I don't think it really tells us much. The thing is, I can drop a couple dozen tack-sharp BIF images into this thread taken with the Z7 - but that doesn't mean it's my first choice or that I achieved an acceptable keeper rate. We don't know how many tries / shots it took to get what they showed. I can go out with my Z7 and get action shots anytime I like - I just get more keepers with other cameras :)

I'm hoping (really hoping) that the Ziis are better, but I think we won't know until non-Nikon sponsored photographers get their hands on one.
Click to expand...
Yes absolutely, so often with wildlife subjects hit rates and thus reliability are crucial. Too of the many opportunities that we encounter are too fleeting if not unique.

It would be straightforward for a Nikon Ambassador to test the Z7 II and Z6 II vs the Z6 vs D850, D5 and D6 on representative subjects. And use some quantitative comparative data as to AF precision/hit rates/image quality/low light etc. This would present a truly objective opinion as to where they see such New cameras in their own work. Not only action vs landscapes, portraits, weddings etc etc ranked on in this case the +ves / -ves of MILC vs DSLR.

It is questionable if Nikon HQ would encourage let alone approve such presentations (especially using pre-production units). But it would be a refreshing change in marketing strategy and I suspect contribute to a reputation of professional honesty.
 
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This Nikon lad, Mark knows his subject, which makes a change. Interesting snippet about the aspheric in the 14-24 f2.8S

Besides his highlighting all the pluses of the Z-mount for lenses etc, he makes a hard sell that Z 7II replaces D850. Let's wait for independent testing ;)

Thanks for sharing (y)

shaned said:
In this video, the Nikon person states timing of the planned tele lenses, which appears to be in 2022 if I heard correctly. This means that any new wildlife optimised cameras will be mid to late next year. Possibly two cameras?

Click to expand...
 
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BTW, the discussion about lenses begins around the 4 minute mark.
Based on the comments of the Nikon Rep, it appears that Nikon is still intending to introduce the two telephoto zooms in 2021... I have pre-ordered the Z6II w/ the hope of using this with the 200-600 or 100-400mm lens... hoping that either will exceed the image quality of my bulky 200-400 f4. After buying the 80-400G twice and 200-500 (once) as potential replacements for the 200-400mm lens, I sold the former and still haul this beast around wherever I go. If Nikon introduces a sharp and fast 100-400 that does not exhibit a nervous bokeh, I may finally have a worthy (and affordable) replacement.

Excited to see what comes next!
 
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