Nikon Z* mirrorless

All the rumours on the Z7iii seem to have disappeared.
If the Z7iii is like the Z6iii then it will hopefully have the fully articulated screen which I prefer. One of the reasons I prefer my Nikon Zf over my Fuji XT5 is the type of screen articulation. I know that for web posting 26MP is enough but a Z7iii or a Zf with 45MP would be perfect.
 
I can't see them launching a Z7iii with only 26MP when the previous 2 models have been 45.
Personally I prefer the 2 way tilt screen as per Z8 and X-T5.
Different strokes for different folks.
 
No, I've not finished processing my Arran shots yet! This with the Zfc and 16-50 kit lens.

Trees by Stephen Lee, on Flickr
 
Peter123 said:
I can't see them launching a Z7iii with only 26MP when the previous 2 models have been 45.
Personally I prefer the 2 way tilt screen as per Z8 and X-T5.
Different strokes for different folks.
Click to expand...
I think you misunderstood my post as I didnt specify clearly enough that my desire is a 45MP camera but I don't want a Z8 sized (weight and volume) camera but a Z7 or Zf sized camera and with an articulating screen like the one on the new Z6iii.

My Z7 is fine but the AF is nowhere near as good as my Zf.
There is no real advantage to me getting the Z7ii as it has almost the same features as the Z7 but with some small refinements. So I continue to wait for news of the Z7iii.

Sorry for any confusion caused by my wording in the earlier post..
 
jknights said:
My Z7 is fine but the AF is nowhere near as good as my Zf.
There is no real advantage to me getting the Z7ii as it has almost the same features as the Z7 but with some small refinements. So I continue to wait for news of the Z7iii.
Click to expand...
I'm in the same boat but prefer the other type screen.
 
Peter123 said:
I'm in the same boat but prefer the other type screen.
Click to expand...
I just hope that Nikon deliver it in early 2025 (as I expect) as I would dearly love to rationalise my camera/lenses. The Fuji GFX system is great quality but heavy. The Fuji X system is brilliant but the AF is occasionally a bit wayward and less than sure but the Nikon system that I have used since 1973 is heavier but the AF works well in the Z9 and Zf, and mostly in the Z7.
 
jknights said:
I think you misunderstood my post as I didnt specify clearly enough that my desire is a 45MP camera but I don't want a Z8 sized (weight and volume) camera but a Z7 or Zf sized camera and with an articulating screen like the one on the new Z6iii.

My Z7 is fine but the AF is nowhere near as good as my Zf.
There is no real advantage to me getting the Z7ii as it has almost the same features as the Z7 but withbe waiting for another new model some small refinements. So I continue to wait for news of the Z7iii.

Sorry for any confusion caused by my wording in the earlier post..
Click to expand...
They can't solve a firmware upgrade at the minute, so I wouldn't expect any new models.
 
jknights said:
I just hope that Nikon deliver it in early 2025 (as I expect) as I would dearly love to rationalise my camera/lenses. The Fuji GFX system is great quality but heavy. The Fuji X system is brilliant but the AF is occasionally a bit wayward and less than sure but the Nikon system that I have used since 1973 is heavier but the AF works well in the Z9 and Zf, and mostly in the Z7.
Click to expand...
I don’t see a Z7iii anytime soon. Have you looked at the Z8, I’ll be honest I wasn’t keen on the idea of extra size and weight of it, but it barely feels either and fits very nicely in the hand. I was surprised how good it felt in hand.
 
wibbly said:
I don’t see a Z7iii anytime soon. Have you looked at the Z8, I’ll be honest I wasn’t keen on the idea of extra size and weight of it, but it barely feels either and fits very nicely in the hand. I was surprised how good it felt in hand.
Click to expand...
No I havent had a hands on but it is bigger than my Z7 and Zf so it falls on that no matter how good the AF is. I have the Z9 if I need the ultraspeed. I really just want a full articulated back screen like the Zf or even better would be a Zfs which had 45MP.

In truth if I got a Z8 hands on then I might be tempted but I dont need it as I am not shooting professionally these days. I know it would be like the D3 and D700 comparisons. I loved my D3 and D3S but the D700 was just as good.
 
dcash29 said:
They can't solve a firmware upgrade at the minute, so I wouldn't expect any new models.
Click to expand...
I guess you mean the Z9 firmware that has been promised for the last three months?
 
jknights said:
No I havent had a hands on but it is bigger than my Z7 and Zf so it falls on that no matter how good the AF is. I have the Z9 if I need the ultraspeed. I really just want a full articulated back screen like the Zf or even better would be a Zfs which had 45MP.

In truth if I got a Z8 hands on then I might be tempted but I dont need it as I am not shooting professionally these days. I know it would be like the D3 and D700 comparisons. I loved my D3 and D3S but the D700 was just as good.
Click to expand...
I must admit I didn’t notice the weight difference that much over the Z7ii. I’m tempted by one, but would need to move on the Leica M10-P. Can’t keep too many cameras that don’t get enough use. :ROFLMAO:
 
If I take my Z8 out on its own, I don't really notice it's extra bulk or weight, but I have to admit, if I also take my Z7 II (Or even the Z6 III), then it is really quite noticeable. I'd love Nikon to start making more bodies around the size and weight of the Sony Alpha 7 series bodies, as for FF, they really are quite tiny and more akin to Micro Four thirds Olympus bodies, but I think that's probably a function of the Nikon Z having such a large mount diameter ?
 
Last edited:
My 6 year old z7 is still the most comfortable body for me.
I just want upgraded AF, 3 way screen and would take a larger capacity sensor if offered.
 
Peter123 said:
My 6 year old z7 is still the most comfortable body for me.
I just want upgraded AF, 3 way screen and would take a larger capacity sensor if offered.
Click to expand...
I came from the Sony A7RV to Zf. I must admit to looking over my shoulder at times.
The Sony GM primes are superb.
 
Sootchucker said:
If I take my Z8 out on its own, I don't really notice it's extra bulk or weight, but I have to admit, if I also take my Z7 II (Or even the Z6 III), then it is really quite noticeable. I'd love Nikon to start making more bodies around the size and weight of the Sony Alpha 7 series bodies, as for FF, they really are quite tiny and more akin to Micro Four thirds Olympus bodies, but I think that's probably a function of the Nikon Z having such a large mount diameter ?
Click to expand...
I don't know how small they can make a Z-mount camera but it does seem the Z8 is larger and heavier by choice since that's what some people prefer, it physically seems similar to the D850 despite not having a mirror box or viewfinder prism. I do prefer the smaller design of the Sony A9 but the Z8's other strengths are worth it.
 
I was under the impression (by the silly rumour we have to endure these days), that is was for the z9, z7ii and possibly z8. Which has supposedly been held up by the z7ii engineering.
 
Last edited:
On the subject of rumours, even though this isn't a rumour, just that it's reported on Nikon Rumors, Nikon has two new unknown cameras registered in Thailand, One registered, on 18th November and the other today (12th December).

One is "rumoured" be be a P1000 replacement, but no rumours about what the other one might be.

Not sure if it means anything in terms of guessing time scales, but the Z50II was registered on the 2nd August 2024.

Time scale wise it should be a Z5 or Z7II replacement (or something else entirely), but I don't think we will see a Z7III until after we get a Z8II.
 
I've had my Z7ii for four years now and feels so complete to me that the usual yearnings for an upgrade simply haven't occurred. I absolutely love it.

I guess my shooting has changed though as it used to consist of a lot more action in sport and wildlife. The Z7ii can't touch my D500 for lifting, pointing and shooting in one brief movement and still getting a respectable image. With a wildlife trip coming up late next year that might be the trigger for change I guess, or I might just think more about set-up and anticipation. Either way, we really are blessed with this kit aren't we?
 
Betterpolo said:
The Z7ii can't touch my D500 for lifting, pointing and shooting in one brief movement and still getting a respectable image.
Click to expand...
Interesting comment that I have found to be true.
My D500 and Nikon 200-500mm is a brilliant birding solution, much better than substituting the D850 or Z7 with FTZ adapter.
I really had to do several test runs at it as I initially didnt believe it as the D500 is so much cheaper body. I must repeat test with Zf and Z9.
 
jknights said:
Interesting comment that I have found to be true.
My D500 and Nikon 200-500mm is a brilliant birding solution, much better than substituting the D850 or Z7 with FTZ adapter.
I really had to do several test runs at it as I initially didnt believe it as the D500 is so much cheaper body. I must repeat test with Zf and Z9.
Click to expand...
That would be really interesting!

Always felt the DX00 cameras were a mini-cheat mode. The amount of the equivalent D5 we got with the D500 was way out of proportion to the considerable price drop to be gained. Obviously only for anyone happy with with the smaller sensor but this wasn't an issue for me then.

What is really crazy is what you can get second-hand from that and earlier eras in the DSLR market. I know we've moved on in terms of focus quality, resolution, ISO etc etc but the amount of creativity available for that level of money is incredible really.
 
Betterpolo said:
That would be really interesting!

Always felt the DX00 cameras were a mini-cheat mode. The amount of the equivalent D5 we got with the D500 was way out of proportion to the considerable price drop to be gained. Obviously only for anyone happy with with the smaller sensor but this wasn't an issue for me then.

What is really crazy is what you can get second-hand from that and earlier eras in the DSLR market. I know we've moved on in terms of focus quality, resolution, ISO etc etc but the amount of creativity available for that level of money is incredible really.
Click to expand...
If I remember correctly I related it to the fact that the D500 AF sites seems to be spread evenly across the viewfinder whilst the D850 seemed to have the AF sites more centrally located.
It may have been this that allowed me to capture more sharper images with the D500 than the D850.

Or I could also have been having a strange day!! ;)
 
jknights said:
If I remember correctly I related it to the fact that the D500 AF sites seems to be spread evenly across the viewfinder whilst the D850 seemed to have the AF sites more centrally located.
It may have been this that allowed me to capture more sharper images with the D500 than the D850.

Or I could also have been having a strange day!! ;)
Click to expand...
That sounds sensible since if you take the AF module designed for an FF camera and use it on an APS-C camera, you're going to cover proportionately more of the smaller sensor.

One of the advantages of mirrorless cameras I just take for granted now.
 
jknights said:
If I remember correctly I related it to the fact that the D500 AF sites seems to be spread evenly across the viewfinder whilst the D850 seemed to have the AF sites more centrally located.
It may have been this that allowed me to capture more sharper images with the D500 than the D850.

Or I could also have been having a strange day!! ;)
Click to expand...
That makes sense I think. The D500 was a lower spec version of the D5 which was aimed at pro photo-journalists and was all about speed, speed, speed. Even with cut back spec the principle of a wide range of AF points is likely the case. I took a lot of photos of club cricket with mine and it was usual to be able to zoom in and see the seam on a ball that is travelling at a serious rate.

Sounding like a fanboy but did love it. But as I said I have moved on and completely adore my Z7ii, it really does meet my needs for now.

Is the Z9 the fist Z class really designed for fast moving action I wonder or does the Z8 fulfil that capability I wonder. This is the only thing that would facilitate any sort of upgrade in the short-term.
 
Sootchucker said:
If I take my Z8 out on its own, I don't really notice it's extra bulk or weight, but I have to admit, if I also take my Z7 II (Or even the Z6 III), then it is really quite noticeable. I'd love Nikon to start making more bodies around the size and weight of the Sony Alpha 7 series bodies, as for FF, they really are quite tiny and more akin to Micro Four thirds Olympus bodies, but I think that's probably a function of the Nikon Z having such a large mount diameter ?
Click to expand...
I personally found the Sony mirrorless bodies to be too small. Once you stick a full frame lens on it the small body weight advantage was lost. I found them difficult to hold as my little finger always disappeared off the end. I ended up buying a L bracket that was pretty an extension of the camera base to make it easier to hold.

My favour ever Nikon camera was the D750. I found that to be an ideal size for me.

I can see why if you like the size of the Z7II why the Z8 would be too large. I feel its size is in between the D750 and D810.

IMG_3918.jpeg

For me it’s nearly my ideal size when using it with long lenses like the 400mm f4.5. It balances quite nicely with that lens. It’s not too big with the 24-200 or 14-30, although I’d like it to be a little less high as it does fit in the f stop micro/nano ICU like the canon R6 did with a small lens like the 24-105 f4 or 70-200 f4.
 
rob-nikon said:
I personally found the Sony mirrorless bodies to be too small. Once you stick a full frame lens on it the small body weight advantage was lost. I found them difficult to hold as my little finger always disappeared off the end. I ended up buying a L bracket that was pretty an extension of the camera base to make it easier to hold.

My favour ever Nikon camera was the D750. I found that to be an ideal size for me.

I can see why if you like the size of the Z7II why the Z8 would be too large. I feel its size is in between the D750 and D810.

View attachment 440953

For me it’s nearly my ideal size when using it with long lenses like the 400mm f4.5. It balances quite nicely with that lens. It’s not too big with the 24-200 or 14-30, although I’d like it to be a little less high as it does fit in the f stop micro/nano ICU like the canon R6 did with a small lens like the 24-105 f4 or 70-200 f4.
Click to expand...
Hi Rob, I'm behind on the Z range. Was the larger size a design choice or a necessity because of the spec/new tech in it?
 
I think it's a design choice since the cameras don't need to be that large given there's no mirror box or prism in the mirrorless designs, the Sony A9 and A1 bodies were the first bodies with the FF stacked sensors (the A9 the 25MP version and the A1 the higher resolution version) but are far smaller:

Compare camera dimensions side by side

camerasize.com camerasize.com

The taller design of the Nikon means it doesn't into bags as easily (even larger ones) where the Sony slips in with ease and it's easier carrying the Sony in hand if I need to for any reason compared to the bulk of the Z8. It's not a deal breaker and I can't see them making a smaller version but it's one of the few aspects I'd change.
 
Betterpolo said:
Hi Rob, I'm behind on the Z range. Was the larger size a design choice or a necessity because of the spec/new tech in it?
Click to expand...
I don’t think so. I guess it was more of a choice to make a camera similar to its DSLR counterparts.

JohnMcL7 said:
I think it's a design choice since the cameras don't need to be that large given there's no mirror box or prism in the mirrorless designs, the Sony A9 and A1 bodies were the first bodies with the FF stacked sensors (the A9 the 25MP version and the A1 the higher resolution version) but are far smaller:

Compare camera dimensions side by side

camerasize.com camerasize.com

The taller design of the Nikon means it doesn't into bags as easily (even larger ones) where the Sony slips in with ease and it's easier carrying the Sony in hand if I need to for any reason compared to the bulk of the Z8. It's not a deal breaker and I can't see them making a smaller version but it's one of the few aspects I'd change.
Click to expand...
It would be good if the Z8 was a little bit shorter. That probably could possibly be done by changing away from the round viewer to the rectangular one. Mirrorless cameras definitely could be smaller than DSLR’s though I feel they can get too small.

I mainly use long lenses. I’ve found the Z8 balances a bit better with long lenses due to its weight. Having previous used the Nikon d750 and 200-400 f4 the Z8 and 400 f4.5 combination to be a revelation in size and weight that I don’t really see the larger size of the Z8 compared to other mirrorless cameras.
 
@chris321 @wibbly and the collective.

Am I right thinking you have the Z6iii. ?
Any thoughts or observations to share ?
 
trevorbray said:
@chris321 @wibbly and the collective.

Am I right thinking you have the Z6iii. ?
Any thoughts or observations to share ?
Click to expand...

I do! I really like it, but haven’t probably tested it out yet due to a new baby arriving at the same time. So have got plenty of experience with it in low light or a stationary sleeping child, but that’s about it it!

It feels very familiar to my original z6, but a lot more responsive. Should hopefully give it a bit more of a test over Christmas, and then get out to do some wildlife in the new year for a proper test!
 
I think that the issue with all these different cameras and assessing them is that we all have slightly different needs and shooting styles.
I used to like just the screen on the back of the camera of my Nikon then using Fuji cameras as well I liked the flip up/down and tilt but now I prefer the fully articulated screen. That is just one feature. When you the add in all the other things like fn button placement, menus, etc.. The assessment become very much a personal assessment and its set of compromises.
 
chris321 said:
I do! I really like it, but haven’t probably tested it out yet due to a new baby arriving at the same time. So have got plenty of experience with it in low light or a stationary sleeping child, but that’s about it it!

It feels very familiar to my original z6, but a lot more responsive. Should hopefully give it a bit more of a test over Christmas, and then get out to do some wildlife in the new year for a proper test!
Click to expand...
Congratulations on the newborn. Plenty of opportunities coming your way.
 
Just wanted to show my Zf with recently bought 20/1.8G ED lens.
Taking it on a trip tomorrow, will see how 20mm performs in narrow streets of Marrakech.

20241127_145452_.jpg
 
Last edited:
Betterpolo said:
That makes sense I think. The D500 was a lower spec version of the D5 which was aimed at pro photo-journalists and was all about speed, speed, speed. Even with cut back spec the principle of a wide range of AF points is likely the case. I took a lot of photos of club cricket with mine and it was usual to be able to zoom in and see the seam on a ball that is travelling at a serious rate.

Sounding like a fanboy but did love it. But as I said I have moved on and completely adore my Z7ii, it really does meet my needs for now.

Is the Z9 the fist Z class really designed for fast moving action I wonder or does the Z8 fulfil that capability I wonder. This is the only thing that would facilitate any sort of upgrade in the short-term.
Click to expand...
In my opinion the Nikon D500 still smokes mirrorless.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top