Nikon "Z" Series Mirrorless announcement
Nikon finally released information on their new mirrorless cameras. Yes, 2 cameras were announced, each with specific strengths.
Screen grabs from Nikon's USA front page:
Still image features:
Video features:
0
Comments
Z7 Specifications:
Price: Starting at $3,399.95
Compatible Lenses:
Z mount NIKKOR lenses
F mount NIKKOR lenses with mount adapter; restrictions may apply
Autofocus:
Autofocus System: Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
Detection Range: -1 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF)
Detection range: (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 °C/68 °F)
Lens Servo Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking
Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus Point: 493 (single-point AF)
AF-area Mode:
Pinpoint
Single-Point
Dynamic-area AF
Wide-area AF (S)
Wide-area AF (L)
Auto-area AF
Pinpoint and Dynamic-area AF available in photo mode only
Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing center of sub-selector
Focus Modes:
Pinpoint
Single-point
Dynamic-area AF
Wide-area AF (S)
Wide-area AF (L)
Auto-area AF
Pinpoint and Dynamic-area AF available in photo mode only
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points 493
Vibration Reduction 5-axis image sensor shift
Autofocus Fine Tune Yes
Shutter:
Shutter Type Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter; electronic shutter
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb, time, X200
Fastest Shutter Speed 1/8000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed 30 sec.
Flash Sync Speed Up to: X=1/200 sec.; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 sec. or slower; Auto FP High-Speed sync supported
Bulb Shutter Setting Yes
Shutter Release Modes Single frame
Low-speed continuous
High-speed continuous
High-speed continuous (extended)
Self-timer
Frame Advance Rate Low-speed continuous: 1-5 fps
High-speed continuous: 5.5 fps
High-speed continuous (extended): 9 fps
Continuous Shooting Options Low-speed continuous: 1-5 fps
High-speed continuous: 5.5 fps
High-speed continuous (extended): 9 fps
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution 9 frames per second
Self-Timer 2, 5, 10, 20 sec.; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 sec.
Timer duration electronically controlled
Exposure:
Exposure Metering System TTL metering using camera image sensor
Metering Method Matrix metering
Center-weighted metering: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame; weighting can instead be based on average of entire frame
Spot metering: Meters 4 mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Highlight-weighted metering
Metering Range Matrix or center-weighted metering: -3 to +17 EV
Spot metering: -3 to +17 EV
Highlight-weighted metering: -3 to +17 EV
Exposure Meter Coupling CPU
Exposure Modes Auto
Programmed auto with flexible program (P)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Manual (M)
User settings (U1, U2, U3)
Exposure Compensation -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available in modes P, S, A, and M
Exposure Lock Luminosity locked at detected value
Picture Control Auto
Flat
Landscape
Monochrome
Neutral
Portrait
Standard
Vivid
Creative Picture Controls: (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon)
Selected Picture Control can be modified
Storage for custom Picture Controls
Sensitivity:
ISO Sensitivity ISO 64 - 25,600 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 32 equivalent) below ISO 64 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 102,400 equivalent) above
ISO 25,600; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity 64
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity 25,600
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity 32
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity 102,400
Active D-Lighting Can be selected from: Auto
Extra High
High
Normal
Low
Off
Active D-Lighting Bracketing Yes
Flash:
Flash Bracketing Yes
X-Sync Speed 1/200th sec.
Top FP High Speed Sync Up to: 1/8000 sec.
Flash Control TTL: i-TTL flash control; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix, center-weighted, and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash Sync Modes Front-curtain sync
Rear-curtain sync
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Slow rear-curtain sync
Slow sync
Off
Flash Compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available
Flash-ready Indicator Lights when optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes as underexposure warning after flash is fired at full output
Accessory Shoe ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Color Information Communication, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, unified flash control
White Balance:
White Balance Auto (3 types)
Choose color temperature (2,500 K–10,000 K)
Cloudy
Direct sunlight
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Natural light auto
Preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored), all with fine-tuning
Shade
White Balance Bracketing Exposure, flash, white balance, and ADL
Movie/Video
Movie Metering TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Movie Maximum Recording Time 29 minutes 59 seconds
Movie File Format MOV
MP4
Movie Video Compression H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Movie Audio Recording Format Linear PCM
AAC
Movie 4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 30 fps
4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 25 fps
4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 24 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 120 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 100 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 30 fps x4
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 25 fps x4
Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 24 fps x5
Actual frame rates for 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively
Quality selection available at all sizes except
3,840 x 2,160, 1,920 x 1,080 120p/100p, and 1,920 x 1,080 slow-mo, when quality is fixed at high
Movie Audio Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity can be adjusted
Movie ISO Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 64 to 25,600)
P, S, A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 64 to Hi 2) with selectable upper limit
M: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 64 to Hi 2) available with selectable upper limit; manual selection (ISO 64 to 25,600 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV) with additional options available equivalent to approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 102,400 equivalent) above ISO 25,600
Movie Active D-Lighting Can be selected from:
Auto
Extra high
High
Normal
Low
Off
Time Code Yes
Drop frame
Movie Log Gamma Output N-Log with View Assist (HDMI output only)
Movie e-VR Yes
Movie HDMI Output Yes, up to 10bit
Start/Stop supported
Movie Focus Peaking Yes
Movie Highlight Display (Zebras) Yes
Time-Lapse Movie Up to 4K UHD; Silent mode option
AF for Movie AF Speed and AF Tracking Sensitivity can be adjusted
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I followed the arrival of the Nikon mirrorless with great interest and many expectations. Also because this year I've to update my gear with a new camera body.
Unfortunately I wasted my time, I'll continue in the SLR world, without having a choice.
Nikon has (probably, since there are no field tests) made a couple of little gems to recover the lost field with Sony. The advantages of a mirrorless combined with the possibility of using the "old" F-mount lenses and many interesting features - especially a camera made for use in low light like the Z6, that I already saw in my backpack - were thrown into the trash by the lack of a basic and fundamental feature for any professional today: the presence of two cards that can be used in backup mode.
Nikon has disappointed me so much...castrating their entry into the ML world and making itself ridiculous compared to their competitors.
This my 2 cents...anyway If you read in the web (nikonrumors, etc), you'll see that almost everyone has had the same reaction.
As it is, Z6/Z7 will be surely very good cameras, but not professional. Expensive amateur cameras.
(with all respect for amateurs: if they lose their files they don't suffer the clients wrath as happen to us)
sebastian
wedding and portrait photographer in italy | facebook | instagram
The Nikon Z6 and Z7 are very similar in design so rather than relist the extensive specifications of the Z6 here is an abbreviated comparison of both cameras (hopefully correct but consult the Nikon pages for accurate information):
Commonalities of both the Z6 and Z7:
Image Sensor Format
FX
Sensor Size
35.9 mm x 23.9 mm
Storage Media
XQD memory cards
Battery / Batteries
One EN-EL15b rechargeable Li-ion battery
EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 can also be used, but note that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge and that charging AC adapter can be used to charge EN-EL15b batteries only
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
5.3 in. (134 mm) x 4 in. (100.5 mm) x 2.7 in. (67.5 mm)
Approx. Weight
20.7 oz. (585 g)
camera body only
Z6 Specifics
Starting at $1,999.95
Effective Pixels
24.5 million
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution
12 frames per second
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 100 - 51,200 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 or 2 EV (ISO 204,800 equivalent) above ISO 51,200; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Z7 Specifics
Starting at $3,399.95
Effective Pixels
45.7 million
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution
9 frames per second
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 64 - 25,600 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 32 equivalent) below ISO 64 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 102,400 equivalent) above
ISO 25,600; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I mostly agree and was disappointed in Nikon with the D7500 for the same reason; a single card slot in an otherwise nicely specified camera. (I own and still recommend the D7100 and D7200 instead. For someone getting started in event work the D7200 can still make sense.)
There are still those who do shoot professionally using cameras with a single card slot, but you are correct in that nothing can kill your business for any sort of an event, but especially weddings, like the major loss of images for any reason. Entire reputations are often lost in those circumstances.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
@ziggy53 nowadays, for me, having 2 cards should be a must for all cameras. Such as airbags on cars. Apart, maybe, only the cheaper compact ones.
But since this is not so, at least professional cameras, or aspiring to be, should have 2 cards.
This policy is incomprehensible...would almost think of a sabotage within the Nikon company/engineers in favor of other brands
Surely there are some professionals that will use it... hope so for Nikon. But I think the only professionals who could use it are the photographers who work in studio and have a workflow where they download photos directly into the backup.
For everyone else working in the field...an "err" on the camera's display could be fatal.
sebastian
wedding and portrait photographer in italy | facebook | instagram
Nikon Z6/Z7 video previews:
DPReview TV: Nikon Z 7 Hands-On First Impressions (In Seattle!)
Nikon Z Mount full frame mirrorless cameras unveiled! - Jessops
Nikon Z6 & Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera preview (vs Sony a7 III & a7R III, Nikon D750 & D850) - Northrup
First Look | Nikon Z 7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - B&H
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I hate to say it, but a second card slot really adds very little in the way of size or weight to a camera body - seems a very strange choice of priorities to me, and apparently many others, for what seems to otherwise be very impressive cameras. How could this have slipped by? Do they expect most images to be downloaded via near field wireless perhaps??? Or videographers to be using an HDMI type cable to an off body video and sound recorders like lots of large video cameras??
In a few years, 5G type spread spectrum should easily be capable of just that, but not yet
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
While the first "Z" series Nikon mirrorless "previews" were largely positive, driven by Nikon's Press Release limitations, there are now revelations in potential shortcomings.
1) Single memory card for both bodies. While I suppose that I could have understood a single card slot for the Z6, the decision to omit it from the Z7 seems off-putting and short-sighted.
2) Short battery life. 330 shots (CIPA) for the Z7. 330 shots is awfully paltry by today's standards. The Nikon D850 is rated at 1840 CIPA for still-image acquisition, for example.
3) Need to use the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ for lens selection for now. The Nikon mirrorless lens roadmap is pretty limited to start, meaning that you will need to use Nikon "F-mount" lenses for many/most serious/professional applications at the start. While the viability of the lens adapter is not known, early reports of usability are pretty good.
4) No Patterned AF-Assist from flash. I have only seen one report on this but it seems that these Nikon mirrorless bodies are unable to use a flash's patterned AF-Assist light. Nikon appears to have chosen to use an on-camera assist light, which is better than nothing but not a professional substitute. I've had to shoot wedding receptions in both a bar area and an outdoor, night-time European tent setting. In both cases the on-flash AF-Assist light saved my butt in providing fast and accurate AF acquisition. This is something that only dSLRs currently provide (as far as I have been able to discern).
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Professionals work with many levels of camera. The D5 is a "pro body". The D850 doesn't have a pro body, but does have a professional control layout.
The Z6 and Z7 aren't "professional" in a couple of respects. As you have pointed out, they do not have 2 card slots. They also do not have contacts for battery grip with portrait shutter release and controls (there will be a battery grip, but it will be similar to that sold for consumer grade Nikon DSLRs, displacing the internal battery). Both cameras have a PSAM dial on the left (no scene choices, but not really pro), and lack some of the dedicated buttons found on Nikon DSLRs that have a pro control layout.
There will likely be a Z series camera that more completely fits the "pro" category, just not this year.
While it would have been nice to see a "completely pro" Z series camera, it makes some sense for Nikon to lead with the enthusiast level camera. Some professionals will use it (not many wedding photographers), and (imho) lots of enthusiasts will buy one.
The exciting news is that Nikon chose a lens mount that bodes well for lenses that support superb image quality. That will keep professionals interested, and Nikon will (eventually) provide them with body designs that are suitable.
I think the Z/7 is the first, not the final, word on what Nikon can do with this mount. I'm really looking forward to seeing exciting new cameras and lenses (even though I have no intention of replacing my D850 with a 6 or 7).
Chooka chooka hoo la ley
Looka looka koo la ley
Nikon Z6 Z7 review first looks - not a Sony killer yet!
ziggy note: Gordon Laing is a consummate professional photographer with broad capabilities and extensive interests. Always good to get his insight.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I agree with your other comments.
As for the battery, some tests have shown that it is much more durable than expected. Luckily.
As for a more professional body, as mentioned from @T. Bombadil, it seems (from interviews) that in future more professional models will be released.
I didn't hope to have a miniaturized D5 right away, but at least a worthy heir of the D750...!
(for services up to 10/12 hours, less weight is important when using two cameras hanging on the shoulders).
sebastian
wedding and portrait photographer in italy | facebook | instagram
Nikon appears not to have an exhibit at the IBC 2018 show, but a third-party mount conversion company did show a prototype for "PL" mount lenses onto the Nikon "Z" series bodies.
PL Cinema lenses on Nikon Z6 Z7 and Canon EOS R, MTF Services Lens Adapters, IBC 2018
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
This is encouraging and enabling.
The DPReview Music Video
Shooting a music video shot with the Nikon Z7
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Nikon Z7 Auto Focus REVIEW | Good, Bad, or ATROCIOUS? Is Sony Better?
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Notice about compatibility for Nikon Z7 with Tamron lenses
https://tamron.com/news/press_release/20181004.html
[The preliminary statement, in its entirety]
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Toglife with the Nikon Z7 in Iceland
(Not really any insight into the Nikon Z7, I'm afraid, but the episode is shot with the Z7 in frigid temps.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rBOPzglKRA
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I think the big question is what are you shooting? What advantages to full frame are you looking for? With the lens selection being so limited it might be better to go FX DSLR and buy used if possible that way if Z mount is the future you'll get a few good years out of any lenses and not lose too much if you do switch over.
I'm an available light shooter so I'm right there with you waiting to see what the Z6 will be and if there's going to be a D760 soon. They've pushed the Z6 off an extra 2 months VS the Z7 and aren't letting too much be known about it so either its not a big leap in terms of performance VS the D750, or they don't want it to lure potential Z7 buyers away. Only time will tell.
Also XQD cards are also about 4x more expensive than 95 mbps SD cards so that kinda sucks especially for those of us who already have say 4 128 GB cards getting 2 128 GB XQD's would be 450+ on top of the price of the cameras.
NIKON Z6 RAW Files Are AMAZING | Should SONY & CANON be WORRIED? - Jared Polin
If I understand correctly, Jared is re-hashing some images he shot at the Nikon event earlier. (I think this because, discussing the Z6 and new Nikkor 50mm, f2.8S lens, Jared says, "... They're not even out yet.") Still, Jared has converted some of the files to DNG format and he says you can open these in Adobe products, so that's very cool, although the final Z6 colors may be slightly different in the production version of the camera.
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DPReview TV: Nikon Z7 review
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
NIKON Z6 :: Hands on Review (The Art of Photography)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Both of these videos are from Gordon Laing
Nikon Z7 review IN-DEPTH part 1: controls, AF, action
Nikon Z7 review IN-DEPTH part 2: quality, movies, wifi
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Nikon Z7 Review: Great photos, great video, imperfect autofocus (Engadget)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
I currently use a Pentax K-1, at around half the price, and actually the only real win for the Z7 for me would be phase-detect autofocus in live view mode. Along with the cost and overhead of changing to a completely different system -- no thanks.
Now, I am not a pro by any means, but even at the enthusiast level I really like having two SD cards, among other things.
Nikon Z6 Review: Is this the best full-frame mirrorless camera for video?
Engadget
Published on Dec 19, 2018
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Nikon Z7 - My Thoughts After Five Months Of Use... - Steve Mattheis
Published on Mar 1, 2019
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Nikon NOCT 58mm f0.95 - Hands On (Native Z-mount)
Matt Granger
Published on Mar 3, 2019
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
NIKON Eye Autofocus is here & IT WORKS!
Matt Granger
Published on Mar 3, 2019
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Nikon Z6 / Z7 REVIEW “One Year Later”...SORRY NIKON!!!
Dec 26, 2019
Jared Polin
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Note to all Nikon Z6 and Z7 owners who shoot video:
You can upgrade your body to shoot ProRes RAW®
For more details: https://dgrin.com/discussion/comment/2102178/#Comment_2102178
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums