Switch from Canon R to Nikon Z???

[Captive18]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).



2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).


3). How is the customization?



4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

 

[Wahrsager]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

You might find this Taylor Jackson video comparing the R6 and Z 6II useful:

 

[Captive18]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

You might find this Taylor Jackson video comparing the R6 and Z 6II useful:

Thank you! Haven’t seen that one!

 

[Antal I Kozma]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

HI,

I am a Nikon user, have been for several decades and I like my choice. I am not a hardcore "defender of the Nikon system knight" though. I am interested in other systems too just to see what they can do and what innovation they bring to the world of photographers.

A friend of mine with whom I often do birding outings is an old time Canon user. He presently uses the R5 with a converter that allows him to attach his 500mm f4 and 1.4x teleconverter to the R5. It is a fantastic gear in my opinion. I have the Z9 in my hands since late January, I am very happy with it. That said, if I were a Canon user I would be just as happy with the R5 for birding and wildlife.

So, I do not see switching from high end Canon to high end Nikon would make too much difference. They are both good systems with their respective pluses and cons. It never crossed my mind seriously to switch to Canon just because they had a yard of advantage over Nikon.

Now that Nikon has the Z9 and the new 800mm S lens is soon hiring the shelves I as a birder cemented into Nikon's system even further. If I would be a Canon shooter with the R5 I only would consider switching to Nikon for the Z9 + 800mm PF lens combo for birding and wildlife. Otherwise I would stay with my R5.

Best regards, AIK

 

[beatboxa]

I can't compare to the Canon but here you go:

2) ...I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

Nikon indeed did release a firmware update for subject tracking; but subject tracking is still not its own area mode like 3D tracking. To access subject tracking, you have to enter Auto-Area mode; and then from within Auto-Area, you have to hit the "OK" button to switch into subject tracking mode.

The improvements Nikon made were that once inside subject tracking mode, you no longer have hit "OK" a second time to start or stop tracking--now, tracking begins and ends as you focus (AF-On or half-press).

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

Yes. There are several ways. The default: hold the ISO button and turn the dial.

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Excellent.

 

[Cat Nip]

Somehow all his video and stills inserts look completely off regardless of the system he shot them with.

 

[jthomas39]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

2. subject tracking

I normally use AF-S and single point focus on my Z6.

I set up mode U3 as my Subject / face tracking mode.

I like this setup, since I can easily switch back and forth with just the mode dial. No menu popups needed.

From a New Z6 user thread:

Switching to subject tracking mode

I usually use AF-S, but I also have U3 on the dial set up for AF-C, and with F1 set to start up Subject Tracking. Pressing F1 puts a white box in the center of the frame. Move the camera to place the box over a moving subject, then hold AF-On. It'll track that subject all over the frame. Cool! (I expect that a half-press shutter will track too, but I have AF-On Only set.)

And this mode has face and eye detection turned on, so if there's a face in view, it'll automatically start tracking it, no button press needed.

I like that I can have these settings available with just 2 clicks of the dial from my usual Aperture dial, and can switch without even looking at the dial. The U3 mode overrides my usual focus and F1, F2 buttons, then they revert back to normal when I dial back to Aperture.

My settings for U3: a4-face eye detect ON, f2-Custom Controls-->Fn1: Subject Tracking. Also AF-C and Auto-area AF. All these changes revert back to my usual settings when I'm out of U3.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4. change ISO

The ISO button is near the shutter.

Hold it down, and:

front dial switches between ISO and Auto ISO

rear dial changes ISO.

I have "release button to use dial=ON" setting. So I can press and release the ISO, then use a dial to click through the ISO choices. A half press of the shutter sets it. (I use this more for Exposure compensation, letting me take my time and evaluate the view with different compensation values.)

There's also an "Easy exposure comp" setting, which doesn't require using the ISO button, just a dial.

Auto ISO minimum shutter speed:

There are settings on the Shooting menu that adjust how low a shutter speed the auto ISO uses before it starts raising ISO.

The classic rule for shutter speed minimums is 1/focal length. For example, 50mm= 1/50 second. But with IBIS, it can easily go lower. So the adjustment allows two stops in either direction from this rule. And the minimum changes as you zoom or use a different lens, as expected. So my 24-70 at 24 defaults to 1/25, but I have it one stop slower for easy handholding, going down to 1/13 (the closest shutter speeds to the rule)

 

[GXAlan]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

Not direct comparison, but I am fortunate enough to run multiple systems. My R body is the Ra and RP and previously had 1D’s and 5Ds. I have the Z9. I also have Fuji X/GFX and spent extensive time with my cousin’s A9.

1) Personally, I find the Canon grip to fit me more like a glove whereas the Nikon Z9 grip doesn’t “feel” as good initially but provides a more secure grip with better stability. I have size 7-7.5 gloves. I would prefer the Nikon if I had sunscreen on my hands/sweat, but I think I would probably prefer the Canon after a long day.



2) I may get flamed here, but I find the Z24-70/2.8S to be worse than the EF 24-70/2.8 adapted to the Z9 with a Fringer adapter.

Initially, I thought that the A9 had faster AF for “close focus, tele range” but the Z9 is able to single out the eye where the A9 can only see a face and it can see a face when Sony doesn’t see anything.

But my keeper rate with the Nikkor 24-70/2.8S is lower than the EF 24-70/2.8 II adapted to the Z9. I think for video, the Z lens is better and potentially at 24mm the Z lens is better. But at 70mm, the Canon glass is better.

All of the reviews that put the Z9 behind the R3 and A1 are likely attributable to the focus motors in the 50/1.2 or 24-70/2.8 between the different systems.

3) IBIS is superb on the Z9. Pairing it with the EF 400/5.6L, I get very effective viewfinder stabilization. The viewfinder image is more stable than the Olympus 150-400 @ 400 (800mm equivalent) on the M1X. It’s not apples to apples due to the 2X difference but that tells you how good the Z9 is because the Olympus 150-400, M1x is considered one of the very best OIS/IBIS combinations for any system.

I have read somewhere that a z7-2 competed favorably with the E-M1 Mk III where the E-M1 is able to maintain very good sharpness to ridiculous multi second exposures but that the Z7 II was actually able to beat the E-M1 for “excellent” sharpness by 1/3 or 1/2 stop.

4) Subject tracking on the Z7 isn’t as good as the Z9 or Canon’s. The lens motor choices for native Z glass definitely contributed to that perspective and I have not tried EF glass on Z7.

For customization, ISO, weather sealing, all are pretty reasonable. LensRentals felt the Z7 and R5 were similar although it did seem like the R5 was marginally better in the seals having some suction during disassembly.

 

[Captive18]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

3). How is the customization?

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

Thank you!

Not direct comparison, but I am fortunate enough to run multiple systems. My R body is the Ra and RP and previously had 1D’s and 5Ds. I have the Z9. I also have Fuji X/GFX and spent extensive time with my cousin’s A9.

1) Personally, I find the Canon grip to fit me more like a glove whereas the Nikon Z9 grip doesn’t “feel” as good initially but provides a more secure grip with better stability. I have size 7-7.5 gloves. I would prefer the Nikon if I had sunscreen on my hands/sweat, but I think I would probably prefer the Canon after a long day.

2) I may get flamed here, but I find the Z24-70/2.8S to be worse than the EF 24-70/2.8 adapted to the Z9 with a Fringer adapter.

Initially, I thought that the A9 had faster AF for “close focus, tele range” but the Z9 is able to single out the eye where the A9 can only see a face and it can see a face when Sony doesn’t see anything.

But my keeper rate with the Nikkor 24-70/2.8S is lower than the EF 24-70/2.8 II adapted to the Z9. I think for video, the Z lens is better and potentially at 24mm the Z lens is better. But at 70mm, the Canon glass is better.

All of the reviews that put the Z9 behind the R3 and A1 are likely attributable to the focus motors in the 50/1.2 or 24-70/2.8 between the different systems.

3) IBIS is superb on the Z9. Pairing it with the EF 400/5.6L, I get very effective viewfinder stabilization. The viewfinder image is more stable than the Olympus 150-400 @ 400 (800mm equivalent) on the M1X. It’s not apples to apples due to the 2X difference but that tells you how good the Z9 is because the Olympus 150-400, M1x is considered one of the very best OIS/IBIS combinations for any system.

I have read somewhere that a z7-2 competed favorably with the E-M1 Mk III where the E-M1 is able to maintain very good sharpness to ridiculous multi second exposures but that the Z7 II was actually able to beat the E-M1 for “excellent” sharpness by 1/3 or 1/2 stop.

4) Subject tracking on the Z7 isn’t as good as the Z9 or Canon’s. The lens motor choices for native Z glass definitely contributed to that perspective and I have not tried EF glass on Z7.

For customization, ISO, weather sealing, all are pretty reasonable. LensRentals felt the Z7 and R5 were similar although it did seem like the R5 was marginally better in the seals having some suction during disassembly.

Super helpful. Thank you!
Interesting to read that the Z7 II beat out the E-M1 and competed with the E-M1.3 for IBIS!

 

[GXAlan]

Nikon Z7II IBIS performance compared to other cameras - Nikon Rumors

The German Foto Magazin published in their August edition (available on Amazon) an interesting test comparing the IBIS of the Nikon Z7II with other mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z7II was the best performer with perfect results up to 7 EV (they promised only up to 5 EV). Canon and Sony didn‘t...

nikonrumors.com

here is that comparison. I still think the Olympus 150-400 is going to be my preference over the Z9/PF800 but since you like the RF100-500, you may not.

 

[whoosh1]

That said, if I were a Canon user I would be just as happy with the R5 for birding and wildlife.

So, I do not see switching from high end Canon to high end Nikon would make too much difference.

Exactly. There has to be a specific reason to switch from one system to another. And if there is a specific reason you want to switch (like the 800mm PF), all those questions the OP asked would not matter even if they were not as good on the Nikon side - you would just adjust to whatever it is on the Nikon side. Same if one were contemplating a switch from Nikon to Canon. Unless one has only 1-2 lenses, system switching is very expensive and should be contemplated only for a clear benefit for one side or the other.

They are both good systems with their respective pluses and cons. It never crossed my mind seriously to switch to Canon just because they had a yard of advantage over Nikon.

Now that Nikon has the Z9 and the new 800mm S lens is soon hiring the shelves I as a birder cemented into Nikon's system even further. If I would be a Canon shooter with the R5 I only would consider switching to Nikon for the Z9 + 800mm PF lens combo for birding and wildlife. Otherwise I would stay with my R5.

Best regards, AIK

 

[chambeshi]

Circa 2019 I considered the L-System seriously from the standpoint of a long time Nikonian. Then and still today, the lack of telephotos and a decent LTF adapter for F-mount lenses killed this notion.... And Nikon has caught up with Z mount options which are all very good in the S Line, and there are many F-mount AFS options to adapt.

Obviously, such system comparisons vary according to genres, and I shoot wildlife mostly with some landscape and less travel photos. Judged from this bias, it's rather hard to match the scope of telephotos for Z-mount, not least the four Phase-Fresnel primes (3 out in the wild, 400 on Z roadmap).

The differences between the flagship FX cameras has levelled out since late 2021, and each brand will continue to refine its AF as well. Besides and beyond the sensors and AF engines the ergonomics are as important.

Nikon Imaging stated earlier this week their primary objective is to release 16+ more Z lenses alongside their priority to "Deploy advanced features from the Z9 across the lineup"

Beyond this pluses/minuses of this year's cameras, nothing has changed the dictum of 'Marry the Glass, Date the Bodies...'.


Z System - Total of 36 by the end of 2023 are all known: Another 16+ by 2025

 

[NikonokiN]

Just curious, has anyone switched from Canon R system to the Nikon Z system?

I did. Changed from R5+RP to Z6ii+Z50 - see my equipment history. But I switched not for the reasons you listed. Additionally, I'm a long-time Nikon shooter to begin with so it was very easy for me. Your experience might be quite different.

If so, a couple more questions:

1). How did the IBIS compare? (Specifically IBIS of the R6/R5 vs. Z7II).

Didn't notice much of a difference.

2). How does the subject tracking compare? I’ve heard and read that there are a few steps to initiate the subject tracking on Nikon Z’s…(not sure if this has been updated in a firmware or if there are real-world work-around with function buttons).

Couldn't be easier now. On both my Z6ii and Z50, I set FN1 button to activate subject tracking, and AF-ON button to initiate tracking. 1) Press FN1 once, tracking square appears in the center; 2) put the tracking square on the subject to be tracked, press and hold the AF-ON button, and the square tracks the subject; 3) let go of the AF-ON button, tracking stops and the focus square goes back to the center. Repeat 2) and 3) to track another subject. When finished tracking, press the FN1 button and the square disappears.

With FN2 set to change various auto focus/area modes, changing among various focus modes has become second nature to me.

3). How is the customization?

I really like how I can customize my Z cameras, particularly the Z6ii. On my Z6ii, 7 most commonly used settings such as auto focus modes and AE Lock are assigned to dedicated buttons, 12 less frequently used shooting functions such as metering modes and time lapse are placed and grouped together in the i-menu, and 8 less frequently used system settings such as monitor brightness are put on the first page of My Menu with priority sorting (and I intentionally leave the Menu button at My Menu). This way, I can quickly access 27 settings by pushing just one button. That's about all the settings that I need to change, frequently or infrequently, in any situation.

4). Is there a fast/simple way to change ISO?

I use the dedicated ISO button with front and back dials, but the quickest way to change ISO is to assign the lens control ring to that function, if your lens has one. I find it's too easy to accidently change ISO with the lens control rings, so I disabled that function on all my lenses.

5) how have you found the weather-sealing to be?

I'm only a hobbyist and I (intentionally) never shoot in the elements without sufficient protection, so I can't comment on that. If I'm not mistaken, however, weather sealing is one of the strongest aspects of the Nikon cameras.

Thank you!

Good luck!