LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

You will hate the big raw files. Stay with small megapixel. Friend with R5 shoots jpeg to keep files small?!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Don't get in a big hurry to dump your lower pixel count camera. Sometimes 46MP is way overkill. Understand what choices the Z7ii offers, then decide what to do.

User ID

Thaz what I use. Theyre incredibly fast. I have a 128 in the Z6 and a 320 in the Z7.

Maybe not everyone needs type B and maybe theyre actually faster than my cameras. But I knew I would skip the basic XQD and use an Express. When I noticed that the first version of Express was superceded after only about a year by the Express type B, I figgered there must be a reason ... and I was just really fed up with researching so I just went with type B.

Also, if I dont keep the Zs long term, I spoze the type B helps with selling them. Ive got only $2400 in the pair of bodies, so its not like "til death doth us part". Acoarst Im approaching $1000 for cards, reader, and some lens adapters.

BTW you are not fully done with sticker shock about the cards if you have not yet priced the readers :-(

tcthome Loc: NJ

I don't believe you mention what you shoot. The benefit of the switch would be the EVF. And EVF Black out at higher shooting speeds. If you shoot outside in live view on the rear lcd & can't see because of the sun, this is where mirrorless comes into play. I don't own one but supposedly you can zoom in in the EVF for critical focus (landscape/macro) while seeing the as will be exposure & playback/phot review. Not to mention should you decide to shoot some video. As someone mentioned already, the IBIS would also be an welcome feature but considering in focus photos have been taken for years & years...
Have a camera store within a decent driving distance? If so, go play with one. If you can afford it, go for it.

Edit: Not sure about your D780 but the new mirrorless usually have more focus points reaching out farther to the edges of your viewing area also.

ELNikkor

My D750 is starting to show its age, so I also am making a consideration for mirrorless, though in no hurry. Each "step-up" I've made has had to be major or not at all. IBIS, faster frame rate, more crop-ability, better lenses; all point to a D7II + Z compatible "S"-line lenses in today's choices. (I don't do adapters or old-style lenses on new-style bodies!) But I would not buy a Z7II. I'll wait until the next generation or two as Nikon advances into the future.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Blazing fast, like 3 to 4 times as fast as an XQD card, which I only thought were fast.

ksmmike

I shot with a D750 (similar to the D780 and in some ways the Z6II) for years. I went for the Z7II. I like the bigger files for cropping. Yes, someone mentioned the blackout and it can be a pain at times. However, I also like being able to see the exposure in the view finder.

I also agree with someone who mentioned waiting for the next generation if you're not in any hurry. Granted, I'm guessing it will be at least a year before it's in your hands if not longer. The Z7II with the new lenses are without question an upgrade over the D750 or D780 with F mount lenses. A huge upgrade, not really, but an upgrade.

I do miss some shots of fast moving subjects with the Z7II that I would have gotten with a D850 or even a D750. The Z7II is a landscape stills camera. It is also a wonderful portrait camera if your subject is sitting still. I can get great shots of the family when sitting, posing or not moving about to fast. I do miss shots of my grandkids when running around but I also admit to getting better at learning the focus styles on the Z7II and I'm getting better at capturing sharp focus. I haven't tried as much with sports or BIF but I don't think the Z7II is designed for that type of shooting. It can do it, yes, but the Z9 is that camera. I too am hoping the next generation of Z cameras will be a more well-rounded camera like the D750 or D850 were for me. But if you want a stills camera for landscape, the Z7II beats the D780 all day long with a good S lens.

Mike

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

Thanks for the details, Mike. I am more of a landscape / travel shooter and enjoy doing street photography when the urge strikes. I don't know that I would have a frequent need to shoot fast moving objects, but I do have three great great nieces and nephews between 1 and 6 years old, so....yeah, they move pretty fast! After reading all the thoughtful responses here, however, I'm tempted to wait for the next generation. I've only had the D780 for about 18 months or so, and it does what I need, even though it sounds like the Z7ii would be a nice upgrade in terms of landscape photography. The IBIS, better lens quality, and EVF viewfinder are all very appealing, but not sure it's worth the investment quite yet. Hm.....

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

Just be aware that if you head out in this direction, especially the 45MP Z7ii option, you will next start collecting the Z mount lenses. Take a picture of your mound of cash now before it's gone.

ksmmike

I know I'm waiting to see if Nikon releases more firmware to help with the AF on the Z7II. If they do, I'll be less likely to buy a new camera (no doubt Nikon knows that too). You might want to consider selling any F mount lenses now that you dont use often. I know I did that to get ready for the switch to mirrorless. I bought the 20mm and 85mm Z lenses when they went on sale before I had the Z camera. I had sold off some lenses that I was no longer using on the D750. It took away some of the sting to the wallet of getting everything all at once.

I doubt the Z8 or whatever Nikon releases will be a big upgrade for landscapes and portraits from the Z7II. Sports and wildlife maybe but not landscapes and portraits. And BTW, I shoot some video with the Z7II and in my opinion it does a good job. I have no issues shooting video with it.

Mike

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Why not rent a Z7II with a 24-70 lens for a week? It would probably help you get a crystal clear answer to your questions.

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

Unfortunately I can’t even find a place that has them in stock. But that’s a great option.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

These folks are reliable and easy to work with. https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon-z-7ii

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

[Most people buy more camera than they really use, kind of under the assumption that a more expensive camera will take better photos, maybe for status, I don't know. A better idea might be to buy a camera that fits your skill level and what you shoot. No one but you can make that determination.[/quote]

My philosophy whether stronger engines in cars, better shooters in firearms, ... Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY