Please do a full review of Z7II and Z6II. As wildlife photographers we want to know how these new cameras perform in a) autofocus, focus tracking, ISO performance, frames per second both in 12 bit and 14 bit, buffer, blackout issues, and so on. These cameras are tested to their limits only during fast shooting in sports and wildlife. Please do the favor.
You all prolly dont care at all but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me
@Myles Terrance i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
Wonderful! Had river otters play in the 'wave' off the bow of my canoe once -- of course a camera nowhere in reach :) Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Steve, I have been watching your Top Twenty images series. Absolutely stunning photos that you can rightly be proud of. My wife and I visited Yellowstone and the Tetons a few years ago and were almost overwhelmed by the sheer variety and abundance of wildlife. We saw elk, grizzlies, black bears, wolves, eagles, etc,. etc., and I managed to get some wonderful (by my modest standards!) photos, especially of bears and Cubs! Everyone should visit Yellowstone at least once (or two or three times) in their lives as it is a truly magical place. I feel that your photos testify to the absolute majesty of the scenery and wildlife. Well done and keep up the good work! Alun
You're right, what an amazing experience. Our gulf coast otters are much more shy since Hurricane Sally...but then, they still might be hitchhiking back from Montgomery in the wake of the storm. Great job of tracking them in the water. I look forward to your review comparing the Z7 mk2 to the older version. It's always fun to tag along with you.
Glad you kept cruising around! In more years than I like to admit, I’ve only seen one a couple of times. Any suggestions on where to look? River or side channels? Keep cruising and sharing.
Had my 7ii for a week now and loving it. Not had any wildlife opportunities though due to lockdown restrictions in the UK, weather and various other circumstances.
I have my eyes on the 7ii as well Brian, being a D500 owner at the moment. So many RUclips vloggers are trying to rubbish Nikon at the moment, I don't know who to believe. One thing is for sure I can't afford to switch brands, as I am too heavily invested in Nikon gear.
Thank you for the video..... I’m planning to purchase my very first DSLR - Nikon D750 with (85mm 1.8 + 50mm 1.8 G lens). I’m wondering is it still worth to buy this camera considering 5 years old?. Purpose of buying a camera is for taking Portraits, Still, Landscape, Bird, Product photography (learning) and of course my kids. It would be really great if you throw some lights on my concern to make a wise decision.... other options I have considered is Nikon D780 with one of the lens and Z6ii with the kit lens... Thank you and looking forward to your recommendation.
What lovely critters - life looks sooooooo good for a river otter. I'm tempted to crack open A Wind in the Willows for another read. Thanks for the video, Steve. Can't wait for your thoughts on the Z7ii. I've given up hope on mine arriving before Christmas, unfortunately.
This is the Video I have been waiting for after your unhappiness with Auto Focus with the Z7 (Which is my camera) I want to upgrade so lets watch the Video to find out
the auto focus looks unsure of itself, even when it is nailing it, it sometimes stutters out of fear to constantly check it's in focus (the stills aren't sharp at all either, so possibly an older crappy lens)
I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on the Z6II. Considering a jump up from my D7500. Living vicariously through your photography! Keep up the good work.
Love this video Steve.. Thanks for sharing your inaugural experience with the Z7II. I added a Z6II to my bag last month as well, and also had the good fortune to photograph fishing otters... and muskrat... among other species with the camera. The AF "stickiness" is vastly improved, and likely to get better w/ firmware updates. Your final otter shots are the "bomb!" I love the isolation of the little guys in the snow... great portfolio material for sure.
@@SteveMattheis that was my first thought. But I recently did the same thing with a GoPro & Media Mod mounted on my R6, and it was much quieter. I used a Rode Wireless Go receiver on the GoPro and the mic on my shirt was right below the R6 as I shot.
I think the 600 mm f/4 lens helps any camera to make great images, and having photogenic river otters is better yet! Is it time to say the z7 is better than the D850?
At the end of the video was that an electronic hand warmer in your hand. Wife bought me one last year but have never seen anyone else using one. Great video as usual.
Great video! Really looking forward to your full review of the Z7 II, and your impressions of the dynamic range v the Z6 II. Like others I’m interested in a D850 comparison. Looks like it might really be a winner. Great photos on a tough day for photography... wondering also what sort of exposure compensation you used to correct for the snow. DaveinMN
Steve, great video. Looking forward to your full review on the Z6II (as hobbyist photographer can't really afford the Z7II). I am from South Florida, not sure how long I could be there in the very cold weather.
I've seen some reports that the ZII autofocus gets fooled by falling snow. Since you frequently shoot in wintry conditions and were in falling snow while photographing the river otters, I'm wondering if you have yet to form an opinion of the gen II Zs' AF performance while snow is falling? If not final opinions, any initial impressions? If you've experienced some hunting, is it something that can be addressed through AF settings adjustments? Thanks!
Great images Steve! Based on your field experience: D850 or Z7ii for wildlife photography? (Not considering the better video AF that mirrorless offers) Thanks, Jorn
Swapped my D850 for a Sony A9. 20 frames a second and lightning fast autofocus. Only thing I miss occasionally is 25 rather than 46 mp in good lighting! No comparison the Sony beats it in all other regards the world is going crazy and mirrorless!
@@CamillaI Yes the A9ii is the king of mirrorless autofocus. It also costs 50% more than a Z7ii. Nikon's dedicated sports/action/wildlife camera is a D6, not a Z7ii so I think it's comparing apples and oranges.
@@DarrenW1 Nikon have done really well and are certainly not far off the mark now that's why Sony are bringing out an A9III in January, great to have competition
Fantastic footage and images Steve!! Looking forward to hearing your review of the Nikon Z7 II. I’m still fascinated over the 600mm selfie stick 😁 Cheers!
My question is are the Z6 and Z7 Mark ii's ready for shooting birds in flight? That's about all I shoot is birds of prey in flight and I am currently using the D500 and I want to get started buying the new Z mount glass especially the upcoming 200-600mm and was wondering what your thoughts were on how well the AF on the Z cameras compare to the D500 and D850..
Lovely Otter footage you need some birds in flight though to check out the autofocus of the Z7II. I think it will compare very well with the Sony A9 awesome 👍😍
I'm feeling cold just watching this video Steve! My observations are that the AF seems good when you are taking more static shots out in the open but struggles somewhat in the video clips where the Otters are amongst the dark scrub. However, you did shoot in some pretty extreme, harsh conditions!
The adaptor for your f mount on the 600 mm lens appears to work flawlessly. Is that true? I’d like to upgrade from my d750, and I’m wondering about lens compatibility. Thanks for any advice!
i love this guy, my first thought was "Hes such a dad" but he's the cool dad that buys pizza for his kids when they have friends over and stuff ahahahahahahah
It's an impossible question to answer unless you're in a lab using very specialized equipment. As I said, they are sharp enough for me and I think I have reasonably high standards. But if I said they are really sharp, or maybe 8 out of 10 sharp, would that mean anything to you? It's totally subjective.
I think it was the operator struggling. Trying to keeping quick diving otters swimming in the frame while hand holding a 600f4 at close range isn't easy.
I cant wait to see how you think it compares to the D850. I need to upgrade and I am between the Z7ii and D850...and then I wonder if I should wait for the D850 successor. Another great video and cant wait for the next one. Happy Holidays!
I upgrded from D850 to Z7 the best move I ever made and I LOVED my D850 ..Want to go to the Z7II as I need Autofocus improvement and I love the extended beyond 30 sec for long exposure so cant wait for Steve's review
@@Nilz4FR Hmmm I didn't realize I called in mark 2 but I guess old habits die hard. Lots of youtubers are calling it zed seven two also, you'd better go police them as well... Ha!
IMHO one of natures' most incredible creatures. Beautiful capture and thanks for sharing.
Images are beautiful..... Nice video... Love seeing the otters in action.... I enjoyed this video 💓
Thanks!🙏
exceptional pictures in the snow at the end of the video...
Thanks!
Please do a full review of Z7II and Z6II. As wildlife photographers we want to know how these new cameras perform in a) autofocus, focus tracking, ISO performance, frames per second both in 12 bit and 14 bit, buffer, blackout issues, and so on. These cameras are tested to their limits only during fast shooting in sports and wildlife. Please do the favor.
You all prolly dont care at all but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account??
I was stupid forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me
@Jaxx Kameron Instablaster :)
@Myles Terrance i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im trying it out now.
Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Myles Terrance it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much, you really help me out!
@Jaxx Kameron you are welcome =)
Just loved your time with these wonderful critters. Your video was brilliant.
Thanks!🙏
13:54 will 100% be award winning!!
Love that picture!
Thanks!🙏 I love it too
Oh, I need to add a very warm greeting from the sunny Oregon coast. Hope you are enjoying your Holiday Season to the utmost!!!
Wow what a great vid! My first time out there I saw an otter and couldn’t believe it. it was so cool.
All images looked great man, that first one, head sticking out of the snow was just art!
Thanks!
Merry Christmas!!! Always enjoy your videos and photos!
Thanks you too👍
Awesome Otters! That must have been so much fun to watch those little guys. Being out in nature always beats Netflix!
Yep, they put on an excellent show 👍
Wonderful! Had river otters play in the 'wave' off the bow of my canoe once -- of course a camera nowhere in reach :) Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks you too👍
👍👍 Great video Steve. Happy New Year!
Thanks you too👍
Great manner of presenting and great shots! Thx.
Thanks!
Steve, I have been watching your Top Twenty images series. Absolutely stunning photos that you can rightly be proud of. My wife and I visited Yellowstone and the Tetons a few years ago and were almost overwhelmed by the sheer variety and abundance of wildlife. We saw elk, grizzlies, black bears, wolves, eagles, etc,. etc., and I managed to get some wonderful (by my modest standards!) photos, especially of bears and Cubs! Everyone should visit Yellowstone at least once (or two or three times) in their lives as it is a truly magical place. I feel that your photos testify to the absolute majesty of the scenery and wildlife. Well done and keep up the good work! Alun
Thanks so much🙏
Steve I enjoyed the video and what a great place you have there for getting great pictures and videos. thanks
Thanks!
Superb video...They just get better...Entertaining as always, Thanks for sharing, Steve
Thanks!🙏
Cannot wait for more work with Nikon Z7II :)
Me too😬
Wish you would’ve talked more about the z7ii and what makes it better.
My thoughts exactly.
As I mentioned, I'll do a full review later. I don't feel comfortable reviewing a camera that I've only used for a few hours.
You're right, what an amazing experience. Our gulf coast otters are much more shy since Hurricane Sally...but then, they still might be hitchhiking back from Montgomery in the wake of the storm. Great job of tracking them in the water. I look forward to your review comparing the Z7 mk2 to the older version. It's always fun to tag along with you.
Thanks!🙏
Awesome video Steve!! Thanks again. My D750 broke and i just rented the Z7 and can't wait to get out later today (7am and dark in Alaska right now)
Have fun out there 👍
Glad you kept cruising around! In more years than I like to admit, I’ve only seen one a couple of times. Any suggestions on where to look? River or side channels? Keep cruising and sharing.
I find them in the rivers and the side channels and the small creeks... so they could be anywhere there are fish 😬
Great video. Glad I happened upon your channel. The otters were awesome! Thanks for posting.
🙏
Had my 7ii for a week now and loving it. Not had any wildlife opportunities though due to lockdown restrictions in the UK, weather and various other circumstances.
I have my eyes on the 7ii as well Brian, being a D500 owner at the moment. So many RUclips vloggers are trying to rubbish Nikon at the moment, I don't know who to believe. One thing
is for sure I can't afford to switch brands, as I am too heavily invested in Nikon gear.
Beautiful pictures Steve! I enjoy your videos so just keep them coming.
...the old 600mm selfie stick...🤣
Thanks 👍
Thank you for the video..... I’m planning to purchase my very first DSLR - Nikon D750 with (85mm 1.8 + 50mm 1.8 G lens). I’m wondering is it still worth to buy this camera considering 5 years old?.
Purpose of buying a camera is for taking Portraits, Still, Landscape, Bird, Product photography (learning) and of course my kids.
It would be really great if you throw some lights on my concern to make a wise decision.... other options I have considered is Nikon D780 with one of the lens and Z6ii with the kit lens... Thank you and looking forward to your recommendation.
Hi Steve, thanks for sharing. The photos and video were awesome,
Thank you🙏
Great images and video Steve! I'll be out there for a week starting Friday. Hopefully we will see you in the field.
Have a great trip! I'll be out of town starting Saturday so unfortunately I'll miss seeing you...
Guess Steve took your warning seriously! 🤣
@@bluejays5660 😀
Great video again Steve, Beautiful photos of a Beautiful Creature. 👍🏻
Thanks!
What lovely critters - life looks sooooooo good for a river otter. I'm tempted to crack open A Wind in the Willows for another read. Thanks for the video, Steve. Can't wait for your thoughts on the Z7ii. I've given up hope on mine arriving before Christmas, unfortunately.
Yes they always seem to be having a great time
This is the Video I have been waiting for after your unhappiness with Auto Focus with the Z7 (Which is my camera) I want to upgrade so lets watch the Video to find out
the auto focus looks unsure of itself, even when it is nailing it, it sometimes stutters out of fear to constantly check it's in focus (the stills aren't sharp at all either, so possibly an older crappy lens)
Probably my favorite video to date! Love the otters!!
Thanks!🙏
Steve, what an incredible and fun experience! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on the Z6II. Considering a jump up from my D7500. Living vicariously through your photography! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching!
Love this video Steve.. Thanks for sharing your inaugural experience with the Z7II. I added a Z6II to my bag last month as well, and also had the good fortune to photograph fishing otters... and muskrat... among other species with the camera. The AF "stickiness" is vastly improved, and likely to get better w/ firmware updates. Your final otter shots are the "bomb!" I love the isolation of the little guys in the snow... great portfolio material for sure.
Thanks! and I agree...
Beautiful! Thanks Steve!
That was otterly awesome to watch! Fantastic images.
Ha!
Awesome video and images! Only comment: the mechanical shutter sounds rather loud for a mirrorless camera. Was it just the audio? Thanks!
It just sounds loud because the GoPro is in the hot shoe
@@SteveMattheis that was my first thought. But I recently did the same thing with a GoPro & Media Mod mounted on my R6, and it was much quieter. I used a Rode Wireless Go receiver on the GoPro and the mic on my shirt was right below the R6 as I shot.
Very nice.. Enjoyed..
Thanks!
Amazing photos at the end and great video too :)
🙏
Awesome shots, totally love otters of all kinds. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks! You too!
Amazing otter photography- just stunning!
THanks!
Fantastic photos Steve, thanks for sharing them, seems the new cameras are a big improvement in the af dept ! Cheers.
Yes they do
I think the 600 mm f/4 lens helps any camera to make great images, and having photogenic river otters is better yet! Is it time to say the z7 is better than the D850?
Still trying to figure that out😬
@@SteveMattheis Happy New Year!
At the end of the video was that an electronic hand warmer in your hand. Wife bought me one last year but have never seen anyone else using one.
Great video as usual.
Haha yep👍
Awesome shot and video. I wonder how it works with teleconverters such as the 2x.
I only have the 1.4 but it worked really well. Better than my D850 for sure.
Great video! Really looking forward to your full review of the Z7 II, and your impressions of the dynamic range v the Z6 II. Like others I’m interested in a D850 comparison. Looks like it might really be a winner. Great photos on a tough day for photography... wondering also what sort of exposure compensation you used to correct for the snow. DaveinMN
I was shooting manual for these. I just get the snow to be almost at the right edge of the histogram and then I just shoot and shoot and shoot
Steve, great video. Looking forward to your full review on the Z6II (as hobbyist photographer can't really afford the Z7II). I am from South Florida, not sure how long I could be there in the very cold weather.
Great video for a Sunday evening from London UK
I've had one on order for months.. Can't wait.
Hang in there...
Thanks. Was great Steve!
Thanks!
Superb video Steve! Always put a smile on me whenever I see you've uploaded something!
Those otters just seems to be so chilled out! 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
What lenses did you use? The images that you took were excellent.
Mostly the 600f/4 for these
Awesome stuff 👍
Thanks!
I've seen some reports that the ZII autofocus gets fooled by falling snow. Since you frequently shoot in wintry conditions and were in falling snow while photographing the river otters, I'm wondering if you have yet to form an opinion of the gen II Zs' AF performance while snow is falling? If not final opinions, any initial impressions? If you've experienced some hunting, is it something that can be addressed through AF settings adjustments? Thanks!
Yes, I have also noticed that the AF likes to focus on the snow in front of the subject.
Great images Steve! Based on your field experience: D850 or Z7ii for wildlife photography? (Not considering the better video AF that mirrorless offers) Thanks, Jorn
Too soon to tell but so far so good!
Swapped my D850 for a Sony A9. 20 frames a second and lightning fast autofocus. Only thing I miss occasionally is 25 rather than 46 mp in good lighting! No comparison the Sony beats it in all other regards the world is going crazy and mirrorless!
@@CamillaI Yes the A9ii is the king of mirrorless autofocus. It also costs 50% more than a Z7ii. Nikon's dedicated sports/action/wildlife camera is a D6, not a Z7ii so I think it's comparing apples and oranges.
@@CamillaI give this video a watch "Nikon Z7II vs Sony A9II - AUTOFOCUS TEST" the Z7ii has made a huge leap forward
@@DarrenW1 Nikon have done really well and are certainly not far off the mark now that's why Sony are bringing out an A9III in January, great to have competition
Hey Steve, thanks for this first real world infos! The otter 🦦 at around 5:50, filmed between the branches, was that AF or M focussing?
This is awesome! Great job! The only time I've seen otters was years ago before I had a camera, this has inspired me! I'm going to find some otters!!!
Thanks! Good luck out there👍
These otters love the cold and the snow. What a weird animal.
So playful!
Awesome footage! I hope I can travel to the US to join u for an workshop in 2021!
That one with the teeth!!!!😍
Haha yep they know how to devour trout.
Great video Steve! I'm fascinated by otters. We have a lot of them here in eastern N.C., but they're very camera shy.
Just great videos Steve, love the otters (only caught them once here in Sweden), would you recommend Z7II without the the grip for wildlife?
Was the video of the otters hand held with IBIS and VR?
Yes
@@SteveMattheis very exciting to hear and see. I'm hoping to do wildlife from my kayak. Shooting a dslr for video with no ibis burns my muscles.
New sub today...Did you try animal eye focus on any or all of these? Thanks in advance. Ed
I tried but it didn't recognize otters... So far it has only recognized my dogs (Nikon says it will recognize dogs and cats only).
Fantastic footage and images Steve!! Looking forward to hearing your review of the Nikon Z7 II. I’m still fascinated over the 600mm selfie stick 😁 Cheers!
Thanks!🙏
Steve - Very nice as always
THanks!
My question is are the Z6 and Z7 Mark ii's ready for shooting birds in flight? That's about all I shoot is birds of prey in flight and I am currently using the D500 and I want to get started buying the new Z mount glass especially the upcoming 200-600mm and was wondering what your thoughts were on how well the AF on the Z cameras compare to the D500 and D850..
Yes I think they are but watch my reviews when they come out because I'll talk about it.
@@SteveMattheis will do!
beautiful images. however, I would have been interested to better understand how you configure AF, subject tracking,... in photo and video.
You should feel honored my son chose to watch your otter video (he loves otters) over bedtime stories! Great footage and stills another job well done!
Haha ok I'm honored 🙏
Thanks for doing this Steve. Can't wait to hear what you think about the mk2 Z's and whether or not it's worth the upgrade from the mk1's.
Great video. I love otters 🦦. Excellent photographs as always.
Thanks!
Was any of the otter video taken with the Z7 II?
All of the footage except the GoPro in the hot shoe was shot with the Z7ii
@@SteveMattheis the otter pictures and video were awesome. With the video did you have a chance to try the 4K60p?
Great work as always .
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video Steve! Those otters are the cuttest!!!
Great video! The Z7II looks pretty solid. I am curious did you try electronic shutter at all and if so could you tell any difference in image quality?
I haven't used the silent shutter yet but image quality should be excellent with the potential of some distortion of moving objects
If someone can’t afford a z8 or z9 would you recommend the Z6ii or Z7ii ? Or save up for the better camera?
Steve, I am getting ready to buy a Z6 II or a Z 7 II, which would you think is the best for wildlife, stills and video? Thanks
If you make large prints or find yourself cropping a lot, go for the z7ii. Otherwise the z6ii. That's my quickie answer, hope it helps...
Lovely Otter footage you need some birds in flight though to check out the autofocus of the Z7II. I think it will compare very well with the Sony A9 awesome 👍😍
Haven't had a chance at birds in flight yet with the z7ii but the z6ii works marvelously
I'm feeling cold just watching this video Steve! My observations are that the AF seems good when you are taking more static shots out in the open but struggles somewhat in the video clips where the Otters are amongst the dark scrub. However, you did shoot in some pretty extreme, harsh conditions!
👍
What lens are you using? It’s about the diameter of your noggin!
600mm f/4👍
The adaptor for your f mount on the 600 mm lens appears to work flawlessly. Is that true? I’d like to upgrade from my d750, and I’m wondering about lens compatibility. Thanks for any advice!
Yes it works great 👍
Did you shoot some using the silent shutter? My Z7 sounds nicer, I’m sure. I’ll bet otters have great hearing...
I didn't use the silent shutter. The otters knew I was there and didn't seem bothered
@@SteveMattheis Fair enough. I nearly missed your super shots at the end of the video by the way. They are fabulous!
Hows the tamron 100-400 AF on Z bodies?
It works well 👍
Steve, is the focus on the Z7ii better because of firmware or the camera body itself?
Probably both but the Z7ii has double the processing power of the Z7 so I"m sure that helps.
the old 600mm selfistick - oh yeah, not bad man, not bad...
what is your thoughts on the future with the d850?
The D850 still makes awesome photos
i love this guy, my first thought was "Hes such a dad" but he's the cool dad that buys pizza for his kids when they have friends over and stuff ahahahahahahah
Hmmmmm is this a compliment or an insult? Both?
@@SteveMattheis no no no its a compliment man:) im sorry if i came off that way my bad, you give me morten hilmer vibes.
I mean yeah I liked the video but I LOVED THE BEARD.
Thanks?
Awesome! :)
Glad you like it!
How sharp are the photos? They don't seem to be very sharp but that's perhaps an issue with youtube resolution.
How sharp? Hmmm. Sharp enough for me. But to each their own.
@@SteveMattheis You obviously didn't understood the question. Thanks anyway.
It's an impossible question to answer unless you're in a lab using very specialized equipment. As I said, they are sharp enough for me and I think I have reasonably high standards. But if I said they are really sharp, or maybe 8 out of 10 sharp, would that mean anything to you? It's totally subjective.
Looks lite the C-AF struggled a bit when you followed the otters swimming towards you in the video.
I think it was the operator struggling. Trying to keeping quick diving otters swimming in the frame while hand holding a 600f4 at close range isn't easy.
I cant wait to see how you think it compares to the D850. I need to upgrade and I am between the Z7ii and D850...and then I wonder if I should wait for the D850 successor. Another great video and cant wait for the next one. Happy Holidays!
I upgrded from D850 to Z7 the best move I ever made and I LOVED my D850 ..Want to go to the Z7II as I need Autofocus improvement and I love the extended beyond 30 sec for long exposure so cant wait for Steve's review
Too soon to tell but so far so good
What did you use to shoot the video? Was it the GoPro or one of the Zs?
Both
fyi: it is NOT "mark" 2
Please elaborate.
@@SteveMattheis Nikon emphasized several times that the new models are called "nikon ZzzzzzSevenTwo" without the "mark"
@@Nilz4FR Hmmm I didn't realize I called in mark 2 but I guess old habits die hard. Lots of youtubers are calling it zed seven two also, you'd better go police them as well... Ha!
@@SteveMattheis no worries...just letting you know - Nikon btw pays me $12.14 per post
All this from someone that has no content on his channel and wants to criticize. Pretty sad and petty.
You look a little bit like Ricky Martin lol
Hmmmmm only a little bit?
@@SteveMattheis lol, yeah, I meant to say a lot, :D