Anyone Second Guessing Decision to Switch to Nikon Z from DSLR: Nikon has a Trade Up to Z promotion that is tempting me to trade in my D810. It seems that some initial AF concerns with...

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Nikon has a Trade Up to Z promotion that is tempting me to trade in my D810. It seems that some initial AF concerns with the Z7 were resolved with a firmware update. Wasn’t sure if anyone has experience to share after switching from a D800, 810, or 850 to a Z6 or Z7. Thanks.

Bill_de Loc: US

I added a Z6, but it will not replace my D850 or D500. Of course firmware updates may improve things, but my guess is I won't be switching to the current generation "Z". The focus is better after the firmware update, but still needs improvement. The startup time coming out of sleep mode is unacceptable in many situations.

If I was seriously looking to "switch" to mirrorless full frame right now it would probably be Sony. But quite frankly for what I do the DSLR meets my needs.

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Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Bill_de wrote:

I added a Z6, but it will not replace my D850 or D... (show quote)

Totally agree with you the Z6 focuses slow in dim light and the wake up time takes far to long.

gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

Maybe I am just not picky enough, but I love my Z6. I still have my D850, but using it seems like a lot of work while the Z6 is just fun. I find myself reaching for the Z6 more often and just using the D850 when I don't have to carry it very far.

Haydon

Brucej67 wrote:

Totally agree with you the Z6 focuses slow in dim light and the wake up time takes far to long.

Thanks for keeping it real Bruce. It may take the second generation of the Z series to match the performance of the D850. Your comment unites with other testers on the net. We sometimes have to wait for more than one rendition before we reach satisfaction.

I'm encountering the same with Canon's R series. Several features have been removed that just don't make the model interesting enough, and some additions just aren't refined to an acceptable level.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

joehel2 wrote:

Nikon has a Trade Up to Z promotion that is tempting me to trade in my D810. It seems that some initial AF concerns with the Z7 were resolved with a firmware update. Wasn’t sure if anyone has experience to share after switching from a D800, 810, or 850 to a Z6 or Z7. Thanks.

When, and only when, Nikon improves there focusing systems on the Z, I will stay away for now. Hopefully on the next version of Z's will have it right.
I never buy the new version of a camera until the bugs leave.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I am really trying to use my Z7 but I prefer my D5 and D850 for shot certainty. I am not confident that I will get the shot when using the Z7. Got spoiled with speed and low noise of D5. D850 is almost as reliable, just have to watch shutter speed/steady hand to avoid soft images. Z7, not used to it.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Robertl594 wrote:

I am really trying to use my Z7 but I prefer my D5 and D850 for shot certainty. I am not confident that I will get the shot when using the Z7. Got spoiled with speed and low noise of D5. D850 is almost as reliable, just have to watch shutter speed/steady hand to avoid soft images. Z7, not used to it.

Doesn’t Z7 have IBIS??

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

rehess wrote:

Doesn’t Z7 have IBIS??

Yes

CO

billnikon wrote:

When, and only when, Nikon improves there focusing systems on the Z, I will stay away for now. Hopefully on the next version of Z's will have it right.
I never buy the new version of a camera until the bugs leave.

I agree. Nikon has a new patent for a dual-pixel autofocus system similar to Canon's. Hopefully, if they implement that, AF performance will be improved. I'm holding off also. I might purchase a second generation mirrorless Nikon if AF is improved a lot.

ksue Loc: Ohio

I love my Z6; had it since June. Switched from a Sony a7ii and find the Z6 to be far superior. I still have my Nikon D610 for backup, but I don’t foresee it getting much use. I’m an amateur photographer and shoot mainly travel, nature and still life. Like any camera, your satisfaction level will be subject to past gear and experiences. Good luck!

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The choice is simple, if the DSLR gets too heavy to carry around, go mirrorless, there's no advantage in photo quality going from one system to another.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

joehel2 wrote:

Nikon has a Trade Up to Z promotion that is tempting me to trade in my D810. It seems that some initial AF concerns with the Z7 were resolved with a firmware update. Wasn’t sure if anyone has experience to share after switching from a D800, 810, or 850 to a Z6 or Z7. Thanks.

What do you normally photograph? That question will help you determine which camera upgrade will be best for you. As an example, if all I shoot is landscapes how fast does an AF need to be? LOL Adams took forever to get his images focused! If I shoot sports it needs to be as fast as I can get (or afford)
If focus speed is important, then the Z cameras might not work for you. If it's not, then look at the other attributes of the camera. Because some are complaining about an aspect of something you're interested in, only you can decide its relevance.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

The Angry Photographer on YouTube announced last night that in four days Nikon is announcing a new camera that he thinks may be a game changer. Said he heard this from a very reliable source, and although the Angry Photographer is pretty quirky he’s usually spot on.

He said it could be a hybrid DSLR/Mirrorless Camera? I’m not clear on why someone would want that, but he seemed pretty excited about the possibility. He said worse case it would be a 30+ MP camera and have “endless” buffering.

Another toy for you Nikon shooters!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Fredrick wrote:

The Angry Photographer on YouTube announced last n... (show quote)

That will likely turn out to be the D6
https://nikonrumors.com/2019/08/30/nikon-d6-to-be-announced-on-september-4th.aspx/