A couple questions about Z7ii with the newest firmware

1) How much improved has the AF been on the Z7ii with the latest firmware version? With the FTZII adaptor specially as I will be using the FTZII, is it as fast (or even 90% as good) as Canon R series or Sony's AF? Even if it's 90% as good I will be happy.

2) Is it still worth it to buy a Z7ii new in 2023? Or should I wait for the Z7iii? If the Z7iii is likely out this year I can wait especially if it's going to be the same price as the z7ii when first released.

3) How does Nikon pricing work on their Z bodies? When a new model is out, is the MSRP the same as the current latest model? Or does the price increase with every mark?

TIA.

It really depends on what you're shooting as well as your lenses. There's a learning curve coming from DSLR's. Being in the correct mode and learning them really helps; and this is going to be different for everyone. I find Wide (L People) to cover most of what I shoot quite well.

I've used all of the various brands, and the hit rates are a bit lower. Still not the best for BIF, dim studio work, but plenty usable. What you do get is better, and I still think the Z system is the best value; especially when all gear is purchased used. IMO, for professional work the premium of the Z9 or other brand is going to be worth it.

I don't see the next Z body leapfrogging beyond the Z9 flagship either, but I hope I'm wrong. The latest firmware update mostly improved animal eye tracking, and I do think there is room for further improvement for the II's. Nikon (and rumors other than a 60mp Z8 I have no interest in,) have been SILENT on just about any development for the past year.


--
SkyRunR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
TIPS: Be kind, avoid reply with quote, and RT#M
Use the gear feature not your signature, happy shooting!
'Out of the darkness there must come out the light.' Bob Marley

skyrunr said:

It really depends on what you're shooting as well as your lenses. There's a learning curve coming from DSLR's. Being in the correct mode and learning them really helps; and this is going to be different for everyone. I find Wide (L People) to cover most of what I shoot quite well.

I've used all of the various brands, and the hit rates are a bit lower. Still not the best for BIF, dim studio work, but plenty usable. What you do get is better, and I still think the Z system is the best value; especially when all gear is purchased used. IMO, for professional work the premium of the Z9 or other brand is going to be worth it.

I don't see the next Z body leapfrogging beyond the Z9 flagship either, but I hope I'm wrong. The latest firmware update mostly improved animal eye tracking, and I do think there is room for further improvement for the II's. Nikon (and rumors other than a 60mp Z8 I have no interest in,) have been SILENT on just about any development for the past year.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. If the Z7ii AF system is similar to Sony's (wide, center, small, medium, large etc) then it won't be much of an adjustment for me as I am very familiar with it. I would mainly be doing portraits with it since I would only be using two of my current lenses on the Z7ii (70-200 G2 Tamron and the 200-500 f5.6 Nikon). I have no interest as of right now to get Z glass.

Are we likely to see a Z7iii this year and a price drop on the Z7ii? Or a Z7iii being sold for the same price as the current Z7ii?

Cameranoobie said:

skyrunr said:

It really depends on what you're shooting as well as your lenses. There's a learning curve coming from DSLR's. Being in the correct mode and learning them really helps; and this is going to be different for everyone. I find Wide (L People) to cover most of what I shoot quite well.

I've used all of the various brands, and the hit rates are a bit lower. Still not the best for BIF, dim studio work, but plenty usable. What you do get is better, and I still think the Z system is the best value; especially when all gear is purchased used. IMO, for professional work the premium of the Z9 or other brand is going to be worth it.

I don't see the next Z body leapfrogging beyond the Z9 flagship either, but I hope I'm wrong. The latest firmware update mostly improved animal eye tracking, and I do think there is room for further improvement for the II's. Nikon (and rumors other than a 60mp Z8 I have no interest in,) have been SILENT on just about any development for the past year.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. If the Z7ii AF system is similar to Sony's (wide, center, small, medium, large etc) then it won't be much of an adjustment for me as I am very familiar with it. I would mainly be doing portraits with it since I would only be using two of my current lenses on the Z7ii (70-200 G2 Tamron and the 200-500 f5.6 Nikon). I have no interest as of right now to get Z glass.

Are we likely to see a Z7iii this year and a price drop on the Z7ii? Or a Z7iii being sold for the same price as the current Z7ii?

Click to expand...

No one knows for sure when a Z7iii will come out, but this year is very likely. Nikon is a little behind Sony and Canon's release cycle. It's important for them to release updated bodies to compete with the R6II, A7IV, S5II, R5, possible R5II, and A7RV.

As much as I'd really like for a Z8, the Z6III and Z7III are more important releases. Ideally, we'd get all of these and then some.

CP+ is next month. If you need something pretty soon I'd wait until then. If Nikon doesn't announce anything at CP+ I'd buy what you need unless you're willing to wait an indefinite amount of time. Nikon's fiscal year ends in April, so it's possible they'll announce something in May to get the year going. Or more likely they'll announce something in the fall. So it all depends on how long you're willing to wait with no definite information.

skyrunr said:

It really depends on what you're shooting as well as your lenses. There's a learning curve coming from DSLR's. Being in the correct mode and learning them really helps; and this is going to be different for everyone. I find Wide (L People) to cover most of what I shoot quite well.

I've used all of the various brands, and the hit rates are a bit lower. Still not the best for BIF, dim studio work, but plenty usable. What you do get is better, and I still think the Z system is the best value; especially when all gear is purchased used. IMO, for professional work the premium of the Z9 or other brand is going to be worth it.

I don't see the next Z body leapfrogging beyond the Z9 flagship either, but I hope I'm wrong. The latest firmware update mostly improved animal eye tracking, and I do think there is room for further improvement for the II's. Nikon (and rumors other than a 60mp Z8 I have no interest in,) have been SILENT on just about any development for the past year.

Click to expand...

100% on point.

Nikon seems (for quite a while now) to be pretending that they never even released the Z7II/Z6II.

The Z7II has been a solid camera for me, but I'm a little disappointed that Nikon couldn't get more out of an AF upgrade that is fairly small at this point.

If possible, I think you'd be better off waiting for the next body.

Robert

Cameranoobie said:

1) How much improved has the AF been on the Z7ii with the latest firmware version? With the FTZII adaptor specially as I will be using the FTZII, is it as fast (or even 90% as good) as Canon R series or Sony's AF? Even if it's 90% as good I will be happy.

2) Is it still worth it to buy a Z7ii new in 2023? Or should I wait for the Z7iii? If the Z7iii is likely out this year I can wait especially if it's going to be the same price as the z7ii when first released.

3) How does Nikon pricing work on their Z bodies? When a new model is out, is the MSRP the same as the current latest model? Or does the price increase with every mark?

TIA.

Click to expand...

I'm also really hoping they announce a new Nikon body at CP+, either the Z8 but preferably the Z7iii. I also agree the Z6 and Z7 series are more important than the Z8. I want some better video specs as well as improved LCD, at least a 3 way axis tilt or preferably the Z9 tilt and flip screen.

I wouldn't put off getting something even if Nikon released a body yesterday. Mostly based on how long it took to get a Z9 if you weren't NPS, pre-ordered, or were willing to pay a 200% markup. The next lens releases will be equally interesting. The 24-200VR and 24-120F4S were also marked up 130% for several months.

Just wait a year and you can get things used. Just like computers and smartphones. This is the way.

OFF TOPIC: Best-Buy doesn't have pre-ordering so you had to hawk-eye inventory with a hack to get anything for MSRP. NOTE: They have a 15% restocking fee even within 14 days, so avoid them at all costs. The manager's can't override the computer system to satisfy customers either. I've had several problems with them.

Snapshotx7 said:

No one knows for sure when a Z7iii will come out, but this year is very likely. Nikon is a little behind Sony and Canon's release cycle. It's important for them to release updated bodies to compete with the R6II, A7IV, S5II, R5, possible R5II, and A7RV.

As much as I'd really like for a Z8, the Z6III and Z7III are more important releases. Ideally, we'd get all of these and then some.

CP+ is next month. If you need something pretty soon I'd wait until then. If Nikon doesn't announce anything at CP+ I'd buy what you need unless you're willing to wait an indefinite amount of time. Nikon's fiscal year ends in April, so it's possible they'll announce something in May to get the year going. Or more likely they'll announce something in the fall. So it all depends on how long you're willing to wait with no definite information.

Click to expand...

I don't need the Z7ii right now but there is a current sale here in Canada with the body only being $500 off and that's a pretty decent discount if you ask me. Not sure when it's on until and I was thinking of jumping on it. But if the Z7iii is out this year and it's going to be the same MSRP as the Z7ii then I can wait. How did the pricing on the Z7 work when the Z7ii was released? Did the Z7 drop in price?

skyrunr said:

I wouldn't put off getting something even if Nikon released a body yesterday. Mostly based on how long it took to get a Z9 if you weren't NPS, pre-ordered, or were willing to pay a 200% markup. The next lens releases will be equally interesting. The 24-200VR and 24-120F4S were also marked up 130% for several months.

Just wait a year and you can get things used. Just like computers and smartphones. This is the way.

OFF TOPIC: Best-Buy doesn't have pre-ordering so you had to hawk-eye inventory with a hack to get anything for MSRP. NOTE: They have a 15% restocking fee even within 14 days, so avoid them at all costs. The manager's can't override the computer system to satisfy customers either. I've had several problems with them.

Click to expand...

Ya I'm on the fence right now with the $500CAD off (body only) right now. But if Z7iii is around the corner and is going to be the same MSRP ($2999) I can wait.

I've tried searching for Z7ii refurbs here in Canada but with no luck. I believe I've checked a couple of times now, the first time about 6 months after it released. I am fine with refurbs (much prefer them over used). I am okay buying brand new too, you know the history of the camera and know that it's never been dropped of thrown down the stairs.

Cameranoobie said:

1) How much improved has the AF been on the Z7ii with the latest firmware version? With the FTZII adaptor specially as I will be using the FTZII, is it as fast (or even 90% as good) as Canon R series or Sony's AF? Even if it's 90% as good I will be happy.

2) Is it still worth it to buy a Z7ii new in 2023? Or should I wait for the Z7iii? If the Z7iii is likely out this year I can wait especially if it's going to be the same price as the z7ii when first released.

3) How does Nikon pricing work on their Z bodies? When a new model is out, is the MSRP the same as the current latest model? Or does the price increase with every mark?

TIA.

Click to expand...

IDK that the FTZ is impacted that much by the AF on the camera. The lenses and camera together will be the biggest thing as the FTZ is mostly a tube with electrical contacts to transmit data to/from the lens and camaera body.

When I had some F-mount lenses, they operated at least as fast, if not faster and more accurately using single-point (non-AF-C, non tracking), than they did on my D750. I would say generically speaking, if we're just talking about acquiring focus, it's good. Tracking subjects is another story and probably not as good as some of the DSLRs, but I think this is the same with or without the FTZ (either version).

Where the D750 probably did better was focus acquisition in low-light (dark situations with little contrast) but in good light, the Z's I feel are a bit faster for focus acuisition, probably partially because it has on-sensor AF versus a separate focusing module.

As for buying a Z7 II in 2023, I'd say go for it. Nobody really knows when the next set of Z bodies will be released. If we don't get a Z7 III, then it will be a Z8 which will probably be in the $4000 price range. And quite frankly, other than maybe a resolution bump to 61MP, I don't see the Z7 getting that much improvement in terms of AF. They'll save that for the Z6 III and Z8. Right now they seem to be on sale for $300 off their $3000 regular price, so I'd say at $2700 for a 45MP FF, with dual card slots, grip option, and IBIS, that's not a bad deal. And unless you're doing some sports photography, it's a good camera all-around. If i Had to replace one of my Z bodies, I would have no problem buying another Z7 II today..... because as I mentioned, I don't think a Z7 III is going to bring any major improvements other than perhaps resolution.

--
NOTE: If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread/article..

sirhawkeye64 said:

IDK that the FTZ is impacted that much by the AF on the camera. The lenses and camera together will be the biggest thing as the FTZ is mostly a tube with electrical contacts to transmit data to/from the lens and camaera body.

Click to expand...

Does the FTZII adaptor make the Z7ii feel clunky at all?

sirhawkeye64 said:

When I had some F-mount lenses, they operated at least as fast, if not faster and more accurately using single-point (non-AF-C, non tracking), than they did on my D750. I would say generically speaking, if we're just talking about acquiring focus, it's good. Tracking subjects is another story and probably not as good as some of the DSLRs, but I think this is the same with or without the FTZ (either version).

Click to expand...

Good to hear this. Running the latest Nikon firmware is the continous focus a big improvement from Z7i?

sirhawkeye64 said:

Where the D750 probably did better was focus acquisition in low-light (dark situations with little contrast) but in good light, the Z's I feel are a bit faster for focus acuisition, probably partially because it has on-sensor AF versus a separate focusing module.

Click to expand...

I have been told that Z7ii struggles in low light, I wonder why.

sirhawkeye64 said:

As for buying a Z7 II in 2023, I'd say go for it. Nobody really knows when the next set of Z bodies will be released. If we don't get a Z7 III, then it will be a Z8 which will probably be in the $4000 price range. And quite frankly, other than maybe a resolution bump to 61MP, I don't see the Z7 getting that much improvement in terms of AF. They'll save that for the Z6 III and Z8. Right now they seem to be on sale for $300 off their $3000 regular price, so I'd say at $2700 for a 45MP FF, with dual card slots, grip option, and IBIS, that's not a bad deal. And unless you're doing some sports photography, it's a good camera all-around. If i Had to replace one of my Z bodies, I would have no problem buying another Z7 II today..... because as I mentioned, I don't think a Z7 III is going to bring any major improvements other than perhaps resolution.

Click to expand...

I guess it depends how focused Nikon is in continuous firmware updates for their current Z bodies for years to come. I've never seen or even felt a Z in hand to this day. I may give it a try, have 14 days to test it out.

MrHollywood said:

skyrunr said:

It really depends on what you're shooting as well as your lenses. There's a learning curve coming from DSLR's. Being in the correct mode and learning them really helps; and this is going to be different for everyone. I find Wide (L People) to cover most of what I shoot quite well.

I've used all of the various brands, and the hit rates are a bit lower. Still not the best for BIF, dim studio work, but plenty usable. What you do get is better, and I still think the Z system is the best value; especially when all gear is purchased used. IMO, for professional work the premium of the Z9 or other brand is going to be worth it.

I don't see the next Z body leapfrogging beyond the Z9 flagship either, but I hope I'm wrong. The latest firmware update mostly improved animal eye tracking, and I do think there is room for further improvement for the II's. Nikon (and rumors other than a 60mp Z8 I have no interest in,) have been SILENT on just about any development for the past year.

Click to expand...

100% on point.

Nikon seems (for quite a while now) to be pretending that they never even released the Z7II/Z6II.

The Z7II has been a solid camera for me, but I'm a little disappointed that Nikon couldn't get more out of an AF upgrade that is fairly small at this point.

If possible, I think you'd be better off waiting for the next body.

Robert

Click to expand...

IMO the two most important updates to the Z6/7 ii are a much faster frame rate without the viewfinder 'slideshow mode' and bird eye AF.

Cameranoobie said:

sirhawkeye64 said:

IDK that the FTZ is impacted that much by the AF on the camera. The lenses and camera together will be the biggest thing as the FTZ is mostly a tube with electrical contacts to transmit data to/from the lens and camaera body.

Click to expand...

Does the FTZII adaptor make the Z7ii feel clunky at all?

Click to expand...

I don't have the FTZ II, but the FTZ I doesn't feel that clunky. I would imagine the FTZ II would be less clunky since it doesn't have the foot (the FTZ II is kind of like an extension tube since it lacks the foot).

Cameranoobie said:

Cameranoobie said:

When I had some F-mount lenses, they operated at least as fast, if not faster and more accurately using single-point (non-AF-C, non tracking), than they did on my D750. I would say generically speaking, if we're just talking about acquiring focus, it's good. Tracking subjects is another story and probably not as good as some of the DSLRs, but I think this is the same with or without the FTZ (either version).

Click to expand...

Good to hear this. Running the latest Nikon firmware is the continous focus a big improvement from Z7i?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't say big. It's an improvement but I also don't shoot a whole lot of stuff that needs continous AF. Also I got rid of my Z7 gen 1 about 18 months ago so I can't compare the latest firmware, and so at the time, yes the Z7 II was better, but with the recent firmware updates on the gen 1's, I'm not sure if that helped close the gaps. I did feel that they fixed perhaps a few things like the eye/AF tracking I feel is a bit better, but still probably not up to where Canon and Sony are, but they are "better" but I wouldn't say it's a "big" improvement.

Cameranoobie said:

Cameranoobie said:

Where the D750 probably did better was focus acquisition in low-light (dark situations with little contrast) but in good light, the Z's I feel are a bit faster for focus acuisition, probably partially because it has on-sensor AF versus a separate focusing module.

Click to expand...

I have been told that Z7ii struggles in low light, I wonder why.

Click to expand...

Likely the pixel density. Both of my Z7's struggled more than my Z6's.

Cameranoobie said:

Cameranoobie said:

As for buying a Z7 II in 2023, I'd say go for it. Nobody really knows when the next set of Z bodies will be released. If we don't get a Z7 III, then it will be a Z8 which will probably be in the $4000 price range. And quite frankly, other than maybe a resolution bump to 61MP, I don't see the Z7 getting that much improvement in terms of AF. They'll save that for the Z6 III and Z8. Right now they seem to be on sale for $300 off their $3000 regular price, so I'd say at $2700 for a 45MP FF, with dual card slots, grip option, and IBIS, that's not a bad deal. And unless you're doing some sports photography, it's a good camera all-around. If i Had to replace one of my Z bodies, I would have no problem buying another Z7 II today..... because as I mentioned, I don't think a Z7 III is going to bring any major improvements other than perhaps resolution.

Click to expand...

I guess it depends how focused Nikon is in continuous firmware updates for their current Z bodies for years to come. I've never seen or even felt a Z in hand to this day. I may give it a try, have 14 days to test it out.

Click to expand...

Yeah. I think the gen 1's may not receive any more updates (besides lens and accessory compatibility updates -- no new feature/performance updates though most likely), but the gen 2's should have another 3 years of firmware updates and improvements I'd think.

sirhawkeye64 said:

I don't have the FTZ II, but the FTZ I doesn't feel that clunky. I would imagine the FTZ II would be less clunky since it doesn't have the foot (the FTZ II is kind of like an extension tube since it lacks the foot).

Click to expand...

Thanks. I haven't see the adaptor mounted on yet to see how much bulk it adds.

sirhawkeye64 said:

I wouldn't say big. It's an improvement but I also don't shoot a whole lot of stuff that needs continous AF. Also I got rid of my Z7 gen 1 about 18 months ago so I can't compare the latest firmware, and so at the time, yes the Z7 II was better, but with the recent firmware updates on the gen 1's, I'm not sure if that helped close the gaps. I did feel that they fixed perhaps a few things like the eye/AF tracking I feel is a bit better, but still probably not up to where Canon and Sony are, but they are "better" but I wouldn't say it's a "big" improvement.

Click to expand...

So the AF improvement from the Z7i to the Z7ii is pretty minimal. Some reviews make it sound like the AF is vastly improved on the Z7ii.

sirhawkeye64 said:

Yeah. I think the gen 1's may not receive any more updates (besides lens and accessory compatibility updates -- no new feature/performance updates though most likely), but the gen 2's should have another 3 years of firmware updates and improvements I'd think.

Click to expand...

3 years of support from Nikon should be decent. Do you remember how many years of support Z7i got for firmware?

Cameranoobie said:

sirhawkeye64 said:

I don't have the FTZ II, but the FTZ I doesn't feel that clunky. I would imagine the FTZ II would be less clunky since it doesn't have the foot (the FTZ II is kind of like an extension tube since it lacks the foot).

Click to expand...

Thanks. I haven't see the adaptor mounted on yet to see how much bulk it adds.

Cameranoobie said:

I wouldn't say big. It's an improvement but I also don't shoot a whole lot of stuff that needs continous AF. Also I got rid of my Z7 gen 1 about 18 months ago so I can't compare the latest firmware, and so at the time, yes the Z7 II was better, but with the recent firmware updates on the gen 1's, I'm not sure if that helped close the gaps. I did feel that they fixed perhaps a few things like the eye/AF tracking I feel is a bit better, but still probably not up to where Canon and Sony are, but they are "better" but I wouldn't say it's a "big" improvement.

Click to expand...

So the AF improvement from the Z7i to the Z7ii is pretty minimal. Some reviews make it sound like the AF is vastly improved on the Z7ii.

Click to expand...

I would say, but I'm not the best person to ask. I could only compare to when I had the Z7 II when it first came out and whatever firmware the Z7 had at the time (I think 3.2 maybe). But I would maybe rent both and maybe compare. I just know the Z7 II is likely going to have a longer shelf (and that's sort of a given) since it's 2 years newer. My guess is the Z7 support will end soon (within the next 12-18 months).

Cameranoobie said:

Cameranoobie said:

Yeah. I think the gen 1's may not receive any more updates (besides lens and accessory compatibility updates -- no new feature/performance updates though most likely), but the gen 2's should have another 3 years of firmware updates and improvements I'd think.

Click to expand...

3 years of support from Nikon should be decent. Do you remember how many years of support Z7i got for firmware?

Click to expand...

Well, they're still supporting it, but we haven't reached the 5 year marker on any Z yet. But historically (with a few exceptions, the D7100 being one of them) Nikon generally goes about 5 years for firmware updates (feature/functional updates) and overall support. However, I think since they view the Z as being a long-term system, they likely will (almost have to) continue updates for lenses, but don't expect any major feature/performance upgrades or bug fixes beyond about year 5-6 -- unless they are fixing a bug that makes the camera unuseable or just annoying -- I think that's why the D7100 got a firmware update recently even though it's about 10-11 years old now -- it addressed a rather annoying bug people were running into). And so I'd say 5 years is fair game.

But don't let that stop you from getting a gen 1 body (I had contemplated getting one before they're gone as a backup/secondary high-res body to accompany my Z7 II). If you don't need the fast AF/tracking, then it can be a great option as a primary camera or even a backup camera. Most of the more recent updates for it have been AF related and lens compatability and if you're just shooting things like general photography, travel, landscape or portraiture its a very capable camera (the only thing it may struggle with is fast moving subjects that need to be tracked, so sports or wildlife probably).

--
NOTE: If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread/article..

I have the Z7ii and use it primarily for landscapes, wildlife, and sports.

I find complaints about the AF to be grossly exaggerated. With practice hit rates are pretty good, and better than I was getting with DSLRs (D7100, d7200).

The lenses are exceptional.

For portrait work, I would be extremely confident in the Z7ii AF hit rate.

BBMT said:

I have the Z7ii and use it primarily for landscapes, wildlife, and sports.

I find complaints about the AF to be grossly exaggerated. With practice hit rates are pretty good, and better than I was getting with DSLRs (D7100, d7200).

The lenses are exceptional.

For portrait work, I would be extremely confident in the Z7ii AF hit rate.

Click to expand...

Great to hear this as insurance. Do you shoot any action or moving subjects at all?

sirhawkeye64 said:

I would say, but I'm not the best person to ask. I could only compare to when I had the Z7 II when it first came out and whatever firmware the Z7 had at the time (I think 3.2 maybe). But I would maybe rent both and maybe compare. I just know the Z7 II is likely going to have a longer shelf (and that's sort of a given) since it's 2 years newer. My guess is the Z7 support will end soon (within the next 12-18 months).

Click to expand...

Longer support for Z7ii is a bonus for sure.

sirhawkeye64 said:

Well, they're still supporting it, but we haven't reached the 5 year marker on any Z yet. But historically (with a few exceptions, the D7100 being one of them) Nikon generally goes about 5 years for firmware updates (feature/functional updates) and overall support. However, I think since they view the Z as being a long-term system, they likely will (almost have to) continue updates for lenses, but don't expect any major feature/performance upgrades or bug fixes beyond about year 5-6 -- unless they are fixing a bug that makes the camera unuseable or just annoying -- I think that's why the D7100 got a firmware update recently even though it's about 10-11 years old now -- it addressed a rather annoying bug people were running into). And so I'd say 5 years is fair game.

Click to expand...

I wish I had hands on experience with Z7. Really wish I could try it out. Here Z7 is only like $500 less than Z7ii.

sirhawkeye64 said:

But don't let that stop you from getting a gen 1 body (I had contemplated getting one before they're gone as a backup/secondary high-res body to accompany my Z7 II). If you don't need the fast AF/tracking, then it can be a great option as a primary camera or even a backup camera. Most of the more recent updates for it have been AF related and lens compatability and if you're just shooting things like general photography, travel, landscape or portraiture its a very capable camera (the only thing it may struggle with is fast moving subjects that need to be tracked, so sports or wildlife probably).

Click to expand...

Cameranoobie said:

Longer support for Z7ii is a bonus for sure.

I wish I had hands on experience with Z7. Really wish I could try it out. Here Z7 is only like $500 less than Z7ii.

Click to expand...

Havent tried Z7 series, but my camera is Z6, and tried a Z6ii, the biggest difference for me was the eye / face detection when using the wide-area AF (the large red boxes one) in the Z6ii, which is absent in the Z6.

other than that, I feel the AF performance on the Z6ii is a bit more responsive on detection and locking, a bit stickier in tracking, and generally I am more confident in using the Z6ii than the Z6.

Also, the Z6ii has an SD card slot, so it is a bit more convenient since I dont have to bust out my CF reader to transfer jpegs.

That said, the og Z6/7 arent slouches, functioning just fine for me, photographed a few weddings, football and basketball matches, and all went fine.

If you have the funds, the Z6/7 mark II is the better option, but as long as you can work around the Z7 AF, it is a good buy.

Cameranoobie said:

BBMT said:

I have the Z7ii and use it primarily for landscapes, wildlife, and sports.

I find complaints about the AF to be grossly exaggerated. With practice hit rates are pretty good, and better than I was getting with DSLRs (D7100, d7200).

The lenses are exceptional.

For portrait work, I would be extremely confident in the Z7ii AF hit rate.

Click to expand...

Great to hear this as insurance. Do you shoot any action or moving subjects at all?

Click to expand...

Yes. I shoot High School softball and soccer. Even some BIF. Sure, the AF misses some, but it is really pretty good overall.