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Upgrade to Zf or Z6iii?

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I was in a similar situation to you.

I would get the Z6iii first because it covers pretty much all your needs. The ZF is a nice personal fun camera and it's more than capable of being a back up camera for pros. However, the layout on this camera prevents it being A camera. It's best suited for walks around, short trips, personal projects and while on holiday.

The Z6iii on the other hand is a jack of all trades. It might not be as fun to use when compared to the Zf or has a high megapixel count like the the Z8. If you want an all rounder camera and can do wildlife photography, get this camera first!

The final thing, Nikon haven't released many compact lenses for the ZF to benefit from. There are other lens manufactures but it would be nice at some point Nikon release a compact tele and maybe ultra wide especially now they could use a modified ZR casing for a compact Z camera. Just my thoughts.
 
To the OP


The Zf is such a different body, I’d say your decision must focus on form factor rather than performance per se. However if you want a traditional body, then the Z5ii could be a consideration as well.

Personally I’d get the Z6iii
 
Last edited:
adhall said:
Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice as I consider my next step in the Nikon Z system.

I haven’t done a lot of photography over the past few years, but I used to shoot with a D800 and had a solid set of F-mount lenses. Recently, I made the move to a Z5, mostly for convenience and size, and I’ve been enjoying the simplicity of a smaller kit.

I took the Z5 on a recent holiday with just the 24–70mm f/4 and the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8, and I was genuinely impressed by how travel-friendly the setup was. Simple little things like being able to charge the camera via USB in the car between locations was a welcome bonus.

My main interest is casual landscape photography, but I’ve also started dipping my toes into bird photography. I recently picked up the 300mm f/4 PF, and it seems to pair well with the Z5 so far.

Now, and with a work cash bonus in hand, I’m thinking about upgrading. The Zf looks very tempting. I love the styling and the tactile controls, but I’m wondering how it stacks up against the Z6 III in terms of autofocus performance, especially for birds in flight. I don’t shoot video, so I’m only concerned with stills performance.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s used either (or both) of these cameras for similar purposes. Is the Z6 III worth the extra cost for someone in my situation? Or would the Zf be more than enough?

I know the topic is subjective and it all depends on my needs etc. But, if anyone has experience with both, I’d love to hear your opinions. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Click to expand...
I'd get the Z5 II instead of the Zf unless you're OK with the ergonomics of the Zf (they are basically the same camera internally).

Otherwise the Z6 III will be better for things like action / sports, but if you don't do that stuff, the Z5 II might be a better choice (and about $400 cheaper I think). That's what I'd do. I have the ZF and while I like it, with longer glass (and using a grip) it's not that comfortable to hold. Granted for landscape you'll probably be on a tripod many; times, but I would go handle a Zf first at least before committing to one to see if you like it.
 
skyrunr said:
You're welcome. I tried the Zf because it was the most affordable FX Expeed7 body at the time. It isn't as customizable as the Z6III either. Those dials and less buttons sort of create more problems than they solve. It feels much nicer than the Zfc though. I prefer playback and delete on the right hand, and I couldn't quite setup the Zf to work with another Z body such as the Z50 or Z7II.
The new (nearly identical) layout of the Z6III, Z5II, and even the Z50II is pretty slick too. More like a DSLR, but without those handy simple switches. I'm hoping we see a 45mp compact body (OG Z7 sized) eventually. However, it makes sense for it to be a ZfII as well, as a landscape/street camera.

If you're into not standing out as much on the street, maybe even a ZR. I want to pair it with my Z6III, so I'm waiting for a sale even to try it out. I don't want to shoot theater or some sports without an EVF, so I don't see myself with two ZR's either. ;)
Click to expand...
Thanks again for your thoughts.

This has been a good exercise for me to think through the issues that matter for me. As much as I love the retro style, perhaps the Zf is not for me.

If I had to choose between optimising for wildlife or landscape, I’d go landscape every time. For me, that means high resolution is a bigger priority than shooting speed, so I’d lean toward something in the Z7 line rather than the Z6. I know there’s the argument that 24MP is enough. And that’s true. I have printed large prints that look great. But it’s the flexibility that I like. And because I’m not a pro, file size, HD space, processing time etc. are all non-issues for me.

Is there a successor to the Z7 anywhere on the horizon? From what I’ve gathered, it seems like it’s not likely in the short-to-medium term. And I really do like the speed improvements of the EXPEED 7 cameras.

I haven’t had a chance to handle the ZR yet, but I’ll definitely give it a try when I see one in-store. It could be an interesting option, though I suspect I’ll still be waiting for that higher-resolution body to really scratch the landscape itch.
 
adhall said:
Is there a successor to the Z7 anywhere on the horizon? From what I’ve gathered, it seems like it’s not likely in the short-to-medium term. And I really do like the speed improvements of the EXPEED 7 cameras.

I haven’t had a chance to handle the ZR yet, but I’ll definitely give it a try when I see one in-store. It could be an interesting option, though I suspect I’ll still be waiting for that higher-resolution body to really scratch the landscape itch.
Click to expand...
There is, the Z7ii. But it is not much of an improvement over the Z7.

See this review by a well respected person: https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount-cameras/nikon-z-camera-reviews/nikon-z7-ii-camera-review.html
 
Replied by PM, RE: Sony talk. ;)
 
skyrunr said:
Mr Bolton said:
I've considered getting a more modern ergos body for faster paced shoots, and reading through this thread I wonder if the Z5II would have enough buttons. Also, does it have U1/2/3? Not doing a ton of video, also tilts the calculus in favor of 24mp non-stacked sensor models.
Click to expand...
YES, the Z50II, Z5II, and Z6III are nearly identical in layout, and have the most flexible Nikon button customization to date. Eventually, I'd like to compare the Z5II to a Z50II with the crop factor for sports and telephoto use. Now the Z5II has faster FPS, but no popup flash, which I miss on an entry level model. (D750/D7xxx/Z50/Z50II/etc.)
There's room for improvement as the redundant (with the joystick) multi-pad cannot be remapped. Some of the lens button options are limited. Upon the Z6III's release, we could not customize the illumination (I don't use the display) button, and that was fixed with the last firmware update.
Click to expand...
My only point of real concern with the Z6III is the lack of mechanical shutter. 85 percent of my shooting is concerts under (sometimes truly awful) LED lighting. On my Fujis I had to ensure I wasn't even using EFCS or I could get flicker. But maybe it isn't as big of an issue as I think it could be?
 
Mr Bolton said:
skyrunr said:
Mr Bolton said:
I've considered getting a more modern ergos body for faster paced shoots, and reading through this thread I wonder if the Z5II would have enough buttons. Also, does it have U1/2/3? Not doing a ton of video, also tilts the calculus in favor of 24mp non-stacked sensor models.
Click to expand...
YES, the Z50II, Z5II, and Z6III are nearly identical in layout, and have the most flexible Nikon button customization to date. Eventually, I'd like to compare the Z5II to a Z50II with the crop factor for sports and telephoto use. Now the Z5II has faster FPS, but no popup flash, which I miss on an entry level model. (D750/D7xxx/Z50/Z50II/etc.)
There's room for improvement as the redundant (with the joystick) multi-pad cannot be remapped. Some of the lens button options are limited. Upon the Z6III's release, we could not customize the illumination (I don't use the display) button, and that was fixed with the last firmware update.
Click to expand...
My only point of real concern with the Z6III is the lack of mechanical shutter. 85 percent of my shooting is concerts under (sometimes truly awful) LED lighting. On my Fujis I had to ensure I wasn't even using EFCS or I could get flicker. But maybe it isn't as big of an issue as I think it could be?
Click to expand...
The Z6 iii has a mechanical shutter. The Zr doesn't have one (since it's video oriented).

With my Z6 iii, I shoot 95% of the time with electronic shutter. But I rarely shoot concert lighting or fast action.

~~~~

illumination button

"Upon the Z6III's release, we could not customize the illumination (I don't use the display) button, and that was fixed with the last firmware update."

It's helpful that I can reprogram the illumination button. But it's an awkward stretch for my index finger while shooting. It helps that I could locate it by feel, since it's slightly raised above the surface. Hmm, maybe use my thumb? But it's not quick to locate and press with the thumb either.

So I moved my usual My Menu to it, instead of my old setting of the video button. That's good, I'm not shooting when using My Menu, so I'm holding the camera differently. I do use My Menu quite often.

I suppose I could get used to using the menu button and the joystick to reach My Menu quickly. (The navigation to My Menu depends on my most recent menu view.) Maybe I'll try that for a while to see if I like it. But what other command would the illumination button be good for?
 
jthomas39 said:
Mr Bolton said:
skyrunr said:
Mr Bolton said:
I've considered getting a more modern ergos body for faster paced shoots, and reading through this thread I wonder if the Z5II would have enough buttons. Also, does it have U1/2/3? Not doing a ton of video, also tilts the calculus in favor of 24mp non-stacked sensor models.
Click to expand...
YES, the Z50II, Z5II, and Z6III are nearly identical in layout, and have the most flexible Nikon button customization to date. Eventually, I'd like to compare the Z5II to a Z50II with the crop factor for sports and telephoto use. Now the Z5II has faster FPS, but no popup flash, which I miss on an entry level model. (D750/D7xxx/Z50/Z50II/etc.)
There's room for improvement as the redundant (with the joystick) multi-pad cannot be remapped. Some of the lens button options are limited. Upon the Z6III's release, we could not customize the illumination (I don't use the display) button, and that was fixed with the last firmware update.
Click to expand...
My only point of real concern with the Z6III is the lack of mechanical shutter. 85 percent of my shooting is concerts under (sometimes truly awful) LED lighting. On my Fujis I had to ensure I wasn't even using EFCS or I could get flicker. But maybe it isn't as big of an issue as I think it could be?
Click to expand...
The Z6 iii has a mechanical shutter. The Zr doesn't have one (since it's video oriented).

With my Z6 iii, I shoot 95% of the time with electronic shutter. But I rarely shoot concert lighting or fast action.

~~~~

illumination button

"Upon the Z6III's release, we could not customize the illumination (I don't use the display) button, and that was fixed with the last firmware update."

It's helpful that I can reprogram the illumination button. But it's an awkward stretch for my index finger while shooting. It helps that I could locate it by feel, since it's slightly raised above the surface. Hmm, maybe use my thumb? But it's not quick to locate and press with the thumb either.

So I moved my usual My Menu to it, instead of my old setting of the video button. That's good, I'm not shooting when using My Menu, so I'm holding the camera differently. I do use My Menu quite often.

I suppose I could get used to using the menu button and the joystick to reach My Menu quickly. (The navigation to My Menu depends on my most recent menu view.) Maybe I'll try that for a while to see if I like it. But what other command would the illumination button be good for?
Click to expand...
Oh, oops. For some reason I thought it lacked a mechanical shutter. Probably due to all the noise being made about high ISO shadow noise in video.

I do really enjoy the top plate LCD on my X-H1, so having that feature is also a +1 for the Z6 series.
 
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