Steve, you should be very definitive about what you classify as "low light" before you steer someone into expecting a noise free image. I'm telling you that I have shot the D500 and it is crap at ISO > 1,000. Now, it is a great camera in the sunshine and I shoot high school sports--soccer and baseball--- all day long with no noise or problems so long as the sun shines. But when it gets cloudy or dusk approaches and the ISO climbs to 1000, I switch to my D3s. So is it a low-light camera for everyone? Maybe for you, but absolutely not for me. I am saying that any ISO >1,000 with this camera is going to give you noise.

I currently have a Nikon D7100 and to be honest it meets my needs. I have been into photography since 1967 and now retired and my needs have been greatly reduced. Mostly my photos are of people in church/business presentations or basic activity. I normally have 5 to 10 photos published with newspaper articles each year mostly getting awards or just family type shots. Last year I did a 2 DVD package of historical events shooting documents and stills (2,045 photos) for a scholarship fund. I have been thinking of purchasing a new camera mostly for faster focus, better low light performance and better detail although I am not displeased with my D7100. I am between two camera choices now but have a third coming.

I have not used a full frame camera and can't judge what detail improvements I would receive but the Nikon Z6 on sale now has the AF Eye detection software which would be a great tool. I called Nikon and asked if I purchased the Z6 from them could they send one currently out of production that would not be subject to the recall and was told they cannot, you get what you get. On the other hand, the D500 although not full frame could use all the lens I have (5 that covers my needs) and covers the faster focus and low light requirement.

I would like to know what experienced photographers would choose. The Z6 is now on sale for $2,399.95 with the 24-70 mm lens (4.?) and a free FTZ adaptor which is a savings of $450.00. Currently the D500 body only is $1,499.95 and with the 16-70 mm f2.8 4E ED VR lens which I like it goes for $2,099.95 which is a retail savings of $670.00. While I like the savings, I don't want that to drive my decision.

Would you select one of these or hold off to see what the new D760 due out in the fall has to offer or see which other Nikon cameras will get the AF Eye detection upgrade? Thanks for any input.

Hello Country Boy
I can say that hands down the Z6 is a great camera. Especially with the 24-70 F4 Lens.
There is a lot to be said for a rig that is a bit smaller, lighter and takes tack sharp pictures.
Google the Z 24-70 F4 lens vs the F2.8 standard lens and you'll find that it is just as sharp if not more so.

Also, you'll find that the F4 lens on the Z6 performs the same or better in low light as a crop sensor camera with an F2.8. This is because of the larger full frame sensor and that it uses the latest Back illuminated sensor technology.
Back to the base rig being smaller and lighter, it really is a big deal (at least to me) when spending hours with the camera around the neck.

One thing to be aware of though is that your field of view will equal the lens rating. This is something that you probably aren't used to. For instance, the 24-70mm lens on the Z6 will have the viewing equivalent of an 18-47 on your 7100. I think however you will find that it is the perfect range for the type of photography you described. (Nikon picked this range because it's one of the most popular)

Battery life of the Z6/7 has been mentioned in reviews and forums. I can say that for most it is not an issue. I typically spend 4 hours at a time walking around snapping, and have yet to change a battery.

You could of course stick with the 7100, but the improvements that have been made since the 7100 was released 6 years ago are significant.
Good Luck

Steve, you should be very definitive about what you classify as "low light" before you steer someone into expecting a noise free image. I'm telling you that I have shot the D500 and it is crap at ISO > 1,000. Now, it is a great camera in the sunshine and I shoot high school sports--soccer and baseball--- all day long with no noise or problems so long as the sun shines. But when it gets cloudy or dusk approaches and the ISO climbs to 1000, I switch to my D3s. So is it a low-light camera for everyone? Maybe for you, but absolutely not for me. I am saying that any ISO >1,000 with this camera is going to give you noise.