IDguy Loc: Idaho

Deleted

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...I'm with you. My Z6 is continuing to delight in the great majority of areas many complain about. Haha, I'm not shooting my fast action with it as I have D5/500, and I have a high MP D800 for specialty work. But for general photo work the thing is stellar, and I'm just discovering how good the video functions are. <shrug> YMMV. So much of any given piece of equipment is in the methods and knowledge of use. Try learning to use a wormdrive Skilsaw sometime...'nuff said.

Summitridge

Great comment! Thanks!

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...to add on a bit: I find the technology is quite a bit *different* than my DSLR's, in a familiar Nikonese kinda way. I suppose one's particular affinity for tech in general, and "touch" in particular, has much to do with the learning process. If you can bring yourself to push past the built-in hurdles, some joy will be attained, IMO...

Mike1017

YEP

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Yes I meant shutter...thanks for the correction.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Folks: if you don’t use ”quote reply” in many cases we have no idea what your comment refers to. UHH does not thread your response under the post that inspires you...it goes to the bottom of the list.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

I've reached the same conclusions. I returned my Z7 after two weeks. I need a camera that can do more than portraits and landscapes.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

I discovered another reason why M4/3 cameras (as my GM5 and little Olympuses) don’t show much dust. They have thicker glass on the sensor, moving the dust particles away from the sensor elements. Add in this to generally using lower fstops leads to gradual loss of contrast instead of visible dust spots. Since it happens slowly users are unlikely to notice.

mak02645

This is a general reply to the original question - I have both the D850 and the Z 7. I bought the Z 7 last September and have taken thousands of pictures with it since then using both Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses (with adapter). Both of the cameras are exceptionally well made, high-end cameras and you won't be disappointed with either. The bodies are both about the same cost. But they have different strengths. My wife and I specialize in theater and performance photography (often in low light) and we do portraiture, events, and take on a variety of assignments for area magazines. Most of our work is hand held, so weight is a factor. We rarely photograph birds-in-flight or sports. If these were my interests, the D850 would be the clear choice. But its weight is a liability for me, making it no fun to travel with or carry around for long periods. The Z is a very solid camera, smaller and lighter than the D850. And it is much easier to carry for long periods and travel with. The smaller size has caused Nikon to remove some of the buttons on the body, meaning you need to use the menu for some controls (like formatting the card)--a minor inconvenience. The Z also has only one card slot (the D850 has two). Both use the XQD card which is very fast and excellent, though pricey. (The D850s second slot is for an SD card.) When the Z 7 was first issued, people complained about the single slot, but I simply carry a back-up card for emergencies. The Z cameras use the new larger diameter and short flanged Z-mount lenses. Only a few lenses have been released so far, but they are all excellent. (The 24 - 70 f/2.8 is my favorite 24 - 70 zoom of all I've used, but it's not cheap.) You can use any recent Nikon F-mount lenses with the use of the FTZ adapter (recently included in the purchase price) without loss of quality. Nikon engineers claim that the Z-mount lenses offer design advantages and I believe them, but understanding why is above my pay grade. Finally, I should mention that the focus module for the Z series cameras is different from Nikon's DSLRs. There is something of a learning curve to mastering it. I'm pretty comfortable with it now, but that wasn't the case when I first acquired the camera. Overall, my own opinion is the Z 6 and Z 7 point the way to the future. The next mirrorless cameras that Nikon releases will no doubt address some of the quirks of these initial offerings. But all things considered, the Z 7 is a great camera as it stands now and I find that I'm using it most of the time when given the choice.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

For your low light use you might prefer the Z6.

Nikon is on the (slow) track to fix some user issues with firmware update. Their first didn’t do anything for me but I’m hopeful for future updates.

I find not having randomly placed buttons a great improvement compared to my D800. At least the D850 lit the buttons but I now prefer touch screen...which 850 also has.

Maybe the three U modes will help on your button concerns.

Jayne Loc: Wisconsin

Can anyone tell me if the Sigma 150-500 zoom lens will auto focus with a z7 and adapter?

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Guess you cannot read. I said you can only use DX image with DX lenses. You can’t use the other image areas. Like my other points: fact!

If you damage yours with cleaning Nikon won’t fix it under warranty.