Auto focus of Z7/6: I am thinking to upgrade my D800 to a Z6. However I have seen comments about the auto focus of Z6/7 that indicate Z’s auto focus works not as well some others, e.g.

jayli9973

I am thinking to upgrade my D800 to a Z6. However I have seen comments about the auto focus of Z6/7 that indicate Z’s auto focus works not as well some others, e.g. Sony a7 III. I would appreciate if someone can share their experience of using Z6/7. Thanks!

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

All the comments on Z6/7 probably relate to the first firmware version . With the latest version the focus and other features are much improved . You will also be able to use the lenses from your D800. With the extra MP and no low pass filter you will get a big boost in quality

jayli9973

Thank you! I remember The firmware added Eye AF but not sure if it takes care of other issues such as slow low light AF.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I shot a wedding in Erie PA with the Z6 and the 24-70mm f2.8 S lens and here is what I experienced (I had the latest firmware update):
1. In dime light of the wedding and reception focusing was very slow on moving subjects and I missed many shots due to slow focusing. My D850 or D810 would have done a better job focusing.
2. Time intervals between shots the Z6 turns off power to conserve the battery, however when you attempt to take a photo the camera wakes up slowly and you miss shots.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Brucej67 wrote:

I shot a wedding in Erie PA with the Z6 and the 24... (show quote)

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wonder if "upgrade" is the right word. Would that really be a big step up. The D800 goes back a few years, so I guess there are some technological advances.

D800 vs Z6 -
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/nikon-d800-vs-nikon-z6
https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-Z6-versus-Nikon-D800___1269_792
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-Z-6
https://cameracreativ.com/compare/nikon-z6-vs-nikon-d800
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D800-vs-Nikon-Z6/detailed

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

When I up graded my D800 I went for a D850.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have a Z6 and a D850. The Z6 is nice and light with the 14-30 and 24-70 F/4.0. The D850 is head and shoulders above the Z6 in speed and ease of use. As mentioned above the Z6 takes a long time to wake up. And low light focusing is slow.

The Z6 is fun to play with and gives excellent results under the right conditions. It might even be considered fast handling if moving up from a view camera. I would not choose it over a dslr as a primary camera.

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mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

jayli9973 wrote:

I am thinking to upgrade my D800 to a Z6. However I have seen comments about the auto focus of Z6/7 that indicate Z’s auto focus works not as well some others, e.g. Sony a7 III. I would appreciate if someone can share their experience of using Z6/7. Thanks!

Depends on what you like to shoot. i bought a Z7 for landscapes and night photography (although Z6 is purportedly better at night). Most of my landscapes don't move, so speed of focus isn't an issue.

A D800 wasn't known for fast focus and high FPS. If I anticipate action shots, I have the D500 ready! If your upgrade is for fast action and quick reaction shots, then a D500, battery grioped D850 or new D5/D6 would be good.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Bill_de wrote:

I have a Z6 and a D850. The Z6 is nice and light with the 14-30 and 24-70 F/4.0. The D850 is head and shoulders above the Z6 in speed and ease of use. As mentioned above the Z6 takes a long time to wake up. And low light focusing is slow.

The Z6 is fun to play with and gives excellent results under the right conditions. It might even be considered fast handling if moving up from a view camera. I would not choose it over a dslr as a primary camera.

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rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I have a Z6 and a D500. I shoot a lot of indoor / low / poor light sports. Think basketball, volleyball, arena football and gymnastics. I did the firmware upgrade to my two f2.8 Tamrons (24-70 & 70-200). Frankly I am VERY pleased with the performance of the Z6. In fact it has become my primary camera. The focus is fine and I enjoy the fast frame rate. I've also pushed the ISO to 10k. After doing basic editing in Lightroom I exported them and put them through Topaz's DeNoise. VERY happy with them.

Take a look at some of my images from an arena football game here:

https://rickcornell.zenfolio.com/p202671276

The first few are with my D500. The ones from the Z6 start around image 19 or 20. (click on the "Info" tab to see which camera and my settings. Frankly I don't think I could be happier than I am with the Z6. The D500 is now mostly used to get that little bit extra "reach".

I realize everyone has their own opinion and "specialty" but I am very happy with what I have gotten from my Z6.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

In reference to my earlier comment about shooting at 10k, here are several examples. Zenfolio didn't like my efforts to upload the raw files, so I converted them to jpg. That is the only work done on them. Personally I was so impressed with the results I am no longer concerned about shooting at that high ISO. Check them out: https://rickcornell.zenfolio.com/p857040834

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

rcorne001 wrote:

I have a Z6 and a D500. I shoot a lot of indoor /... (show quote)

It is hard to tell where your focus point is on the Z6 photos, but I suspect you were using group focus and a slower aperture (not F4).

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

Yes, I was using group focus. I was also shooing 1/1000 fully open at f2.8.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

mikeroetex wrote:

Depends on what you like to shoot. i bought a Z7 ... (show quote)