So here’s the thing: Nikon cameras and lenses have been my Go To for almost 30 years. They have served me very well and I’m pretty heavily invested in the system. I am surprised that it took Nikon a long time to jump into the full-frame mirrorless arena, but I’m very happy they finally have, and the Z6 and Z7 look like winners to me.
Not surprisingly, the online trollers and “look at me” types started bashing the cameras as soon as they were announced. And their complaints were based only on the released specs – not image quality from real world experience using the camera.
Among the fault finding: only one SD card slot (and of the new XQD type), smallish buffer, short battery life, no eye-recognition autofocus, and only 30fps 4k video.
Personally, none of those supposed shortcomings matter to me. I am primarily a nature/landscape photographer, and while I do photograph wildlife, it’s not my main focus (pun intended). I also do a lot of general travel photography. Video doesn’t matter to me at all.
I’ve never used the dual SD card slots in my other cameras for in-camera backup and rarely have filled a 64GB card in a day or two of shooting. I’m rather selective about what I shoot, and with the incredible dynamic range of Nikon sensors, I don’t have to bracket exposures very often. Yes, I wish the Z7 had dual slots, but even with the large files from a 45mb sensor, I think I’ll be fine just adding a couple of 128mb XQD cards to my collection of SD cards.
The Nikon Z7 has a buffer capable of 23 frames on continuous shooting. I’d like to see a larger buffer, but it’s not really a problem for the kind of photography I do. When photographing wildlife, I use my Nikon D7500, which can do 50 frames of 14-bit RAW files (and the crop sensor means my telephoto lenses have more reach).
As for battery life: the CIPA rating of 330 shots per charge shouldn’t be a problem for me. My understanding is that the CIPA ratings are rather conservative anyway. And welcome news: the spare EN-EL15 batteries that I already have for my other cameras will work in the Z7.
The autofocus system in the new Nikon Z7 promises to be a big step up from what I have with my D750 and D7500. Do I wish it had the ability to recognize and lock on a subject’s eye? Certainly, but again not that big of a deal for a landscape photographer. What is more important is focus points spread across almost the whole sensor area.
Admittedly there are a few areas where the Sony full-frame cameras seem to have an edge, and the new Canon mirrorless may also, but I think the Z7 compares very favorably, and with the Nikon-made adapter so I can use all my existing lenses, I’m no longer tempted to switch systems.
I do a lot of hiking and walking with my cameras, and didn’t want to lug the size and weight of the D850, even though by all accounts it is among the very best cameras for nature/landscape photography. I’m really happy to see that Nikon has produced a camera that promises equally outstanding image quality in a significantly smaller and lighter body. And bottom line, it’s image quality that really matters, right?
So yes, I ordered the Nikon Z7 as soon as it was officially announced, and with Nikon NPS priority service, I hope to have the camera soon after they start shipping.
And what about you? If you’re a Nikon shooter now are you happy with these new cameras? If you have another system, isn’t it exciting to see these new tech marvels?
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