Nikon Z Mirrorless Starting Guide

Nikon Users:  Welcome to Mirrorless!

The announcement of the Nikon Z6 and Z7 ushers in an exciting new era for photography, the adaption of serious full frame cameras by one of the two big camera makers.   Sony has successfully grown by being an early adapter of mirrorless photography and their strategy is validated by Nikon’s entry into the market.   It’s not a question of whether mirrorless is the future.  As I previously wrote, mirrorless is actually already the present.  Five to ten years from now, we may already be transitioning the next big thing, but I suspect mirrorless to start to become dominant over the next few years.

This post is meant as a starting guide for Nikon users considering adopting the Z cameras.  It’s not like just buying the next iteration of the Nikon D8xx or D7xxx series.   The differences between dSLRs and mirrorless are exaggerated by many people but also understated by others.   We will address whether you should consider pre-ordering a Nikon Z camera and what you can expect when shooting mirrorless for the first time.

Advantages of Nikon Z over dSLR:

Even based on the pre-release information, there are some known advantages of mirrorless cameras, and Nikon Z cameras, compared to Nikon dSLRs:

• EVF (Electronic viewfinder):  My full discussion of OVF vs EVF can be found here.   In summary, EVFs are bigger and brighter than OVFs, they can be used for video as well as stills, they can simulate the final photograph before pressing the shutter, and they can display more information than an OVF.
• Lighter and more compact.   Both the Nikon Z6 and Z7 are reported to weigh 675 grams.  The Nikon D850 comes in at 1005 grams.  Even the lightweight Nikon D750 comes in at 840 grams.  So there is a noticeable weight savings.
• Video Autofocus:  All Nikon dSLRs use contrast detect autofocus for video, resulting in slow autofocus with significant hunting.  The Nikon Z cameras will offer far superior video autofocus.
• Superior Live View autofocus:  Exactly the same as the video autofocus.  Using a Nikon Z, the photographer will be able to seamlessly switch between the viewfinder and the LCD and get the same quality of autofocus.
• Superior autofocus coverage:   On Nikon full frame dSLRs, there is only focal point coverage over 30-40% of the frame.  Nikon Z cameras will provide focus points covering 90% of the frame, allowing you to compose your photograph with the subject anywhere in the frame.
• Silent shooting:  While the usability may be limited by slow readout resulting in rolling shutter effects, silent shutter is available when shooting with the viewfinder.
• Electronic first curtain/Vibration free shooting:  While some dSLRs have electronic first curtains, mirrorless cameras offer the potential of shooting with even less vibration as there is no mirror flipping up and down.  Vibration can impair image quality.
• Less Need for Lens Microadjustment:   Mirrorless cameras measure focus distance straight to the sensor instead of estimated based on a separate focus module.  Additionally, to some extent, the Nikon Z focuses while stopped down (At apertures 5.6 and larger).   This should result in more precise focus without micro adjustment.
• IBIS:  Internal body image stabilization:  Traditionally, Nikon dSLRs relied on in-lens vibration reduction systems.   As a result, very few prime lenses have any sort of stabilization.  Every lens attached to a Nikon Z body will get some degree of stabilization.
• Faster maximum burst rates:   Aside from the Nikon D5, the Nikon Z6 and Z7 have the fastest frames rates available in Nikon full frame cameras.  The Z7 can shoot 9 frames per second and the Z6 can shoot 12 frames per second.   The Nikon D850 can match the 9 frames per second but only with the addition of a grip.  But note, there are many caveats to the maximum burst shooting:  Exposure is locked at the first frame, the EVF will not provide a live view.

Disadvantages of Nikon Z compared to dSLR:

• EVF.  Yes, I listed it as an advantage but it’s also a disadvantage.   It can lag during burst shooting at high frame rates.  It drains battery.   It can take a moment to “wake up” when the camera is turned on.   It displays less dynamic range than the human eye can see with an OVF.  And some people just don’t like it.
• Single card slot:  Nothing precludes a mirrorless camera from having dual card slots.  But in Nikon’s case, they include dual card slots on all of their full frame dSLRs but only a single card slot on the Z6 and Z7.
• Battery life:  The Z6 and Z7 are rated for only 330 shots.  Even if they get far more in practice, Nikon’s dSLRs are typically rated for well over 1,000 shots.
• Untested AF-C:  Traditionally, autofocus was the weak point of mirrorless cameras but it has gradually improved.  In my opinion, Sony only recently hit the point where AF-C can be comparable to dSLRs.   Prior to the current generation, Sony mirrorless cameras were clearly inferior to dSLRs when it came to continuous autofocus and autofocus tracking.   For the Nikon Z system, this is currently an unknown.
• Lack of Native lenses:  Only 3 native lenses by the end of 2018, meaning most users will need to adapt lenses for quite a while.
• Less sophisticated AF system:  Dpreview.com has significantly reported upon this.  Essentially, Nikon has essentially imported the rather rudimentary autofocus modes from their dSLR live-view system as opposed to the more sophisticated AF modes found in their OVF systems.
• Burst shooting limitations:  As noted above, the Nikon Z cameras have a faster maximum burst rate, but the Nikon Z6 and Z7 do not have very deep buffers.  Even more importantly, they are limited to 5.5 frames per second with a continuous live view.  In comparison, the Nikon D750 does 6.5 fps.  The Nikon D850 does 7 fps without grip and 9 fps with grip.

Who Should Pre-Order a Nikon Z camera?

To be frank, it’s smarter to wait rather than pre-order.  Thinking solely with your brain, it makes the most sense to wait.  Read the reviews, make sure there are no unexpected flaws in the new technology.  Even give Nikon a chance to correct any firmware issues.   So the smart move is to wait.

Putting aside the truly smart move, there is an excitement to being an early adopter.  Personally, I can be impulsive and I’ve purchased several cameras and lenses upon release.  (Nikon D750, Sony A7riii, and several lenses arrived at my door upon release date).  Nikon has already indicated they won’t be able to fill all pre-orders.  Despite being on the market for a year, the Nikon D850 is still on backorder.  So if you are a bit impatient to add a Nikon Z camera to your bag, you may be in for a long wait if you don’t pre-order.

Let’s start with:

Who should definitely NOT pre-order a Nikon Z:

• If you’re risk averse, do not pre-order.   Pre-ordering is a definite risk.  New cameras may have flaws that are gradually reviewed over the first few weeks in the market.  So if you want to make sure you know every negative of a camera before you purchase, don’t even consider pre-ordering.
• If you don’t already own Nikon F-mount full frame lenses, then don’t pre-order the Nikon Z.   Going a step further, if you don’t already own Nikon F-mount full frame lenses, you shouldn’t really be considering the Nikon Z system yet.  By the end of 2019, there will only be three lenses for the Nikon Z system.  Thus, unless you anticipate those three lenses filling all your needs, there is no reason to adopt a Nikon Z camera yet.   If you already own Nikon F-mount full frame lenses, then you can use those lenses with an adapter as Nikon gradually builds up the Z system.  But doesn’t make sense to buy a Nikon Z camera, in order to buy new F-mount lenses solely to use with an adapter.

• If you’re largely a sports/action shooter, then wait.   Nobody has done in-depth testing of the Nikon Z cameras yet.  Reports of the autofocus quality are mixed.  I’m confident that the Nikon Z autofocus system will be good enough for many uses but shooting action is more demanding on the autofocus system.  So the action shooter should definitely wait for more complete reviews.   Additionally, the system is launching without any real sports lenses, nothing longer than 70mm.

If you’re still reading, then..

 Who Should Consider Pre-Ordering the Nikon Z:

• As a second/backup camera:  There isn’t much downside to purchasing a Nikon Z camera as a compliment to your current Nikon full frame dSLR, as it can be used to provide certain advantages as certain times.  For example, a D850 owner could use the Z7/Z6 for when they want something lighter, when they want silent shutter, or when they want to mix in some video, while sticking to the D850 for their most critical work and more action-based photography.  A D5 owner may stick to their D5 for sports but add a Z6/Z7 for landscapes, travel and video.
• You want the image quality of the D850 without the weight:  In terms of pure image quality, most people would agree that the D850 is the best dSLR you can buy.  But with a weight of over a kilogram, it’s not for everyone.   If you can live with the disadvantages discussed above, the Z7 can give you the basic IQ of the D850 with a 30% weight savings.  This may be ideal as a travel camera, for landscapes, for posed portraits.  But action remains to be seen.
• You want to do more video (with autofocus) alongside your stills:  Many professional videographers rely on manual focus.   If you do want the convenience of autofocus with video, it’s nearly unusable on Nikon dSLRs.  The Nikon Z6 and Z7 offer better video specs than Nikon dSLRs in addition to offering vastly superior autofocus.
• Non-action shooter upgrading from D6xx/D750/Df:  If you shoot action or need dual card slots, then stick with your current camera, at least for now.   But for others, the Z6 will be a nice upgrade over the D750/D6xx, Df.  The newer sensor will almost certainly bring IQ improvements.  You’ll get a smaller lighter camera with the newest touch screen, Snapbridge, 4K video, IBIS.

Pre-Order the Nikon Z7 Here.

Pre-Order the Nikon Z6 Here.

 

After You Get the Camera:  Adapting to Mirrorless

Some photographers get frustrated when they switch to mirrorless because there are just changes in the workflow that they weren’t expecting.  There are some negative changes to the work flow but if you are well informed, then you can also take advantage of some very positive changes to the work flow.

• The camera is not instantly ready to shoot.   With a dSLR, you can use the optical viewfinder even when the camera is “off.”  Once you turn on the camera, it’s ready to shoot almost instantly.   A mirrorless camera takes a short time for the EVF to “wake up.”  It’s not a longer period and I don’t know what the start-up time will be on the Nikon Z6 and Z7 but expect it to be around a second.  One second isn’t a whole lot of time but it’s not instant.   Thus, you need to anticipate the shot and make sure the EVF is “awake” before that decisive moment comes.
• Take advantage of the EVF:   A great aspect of the EVF is the ability to see a simulation of the photo before you shoot.   That should mean significantly less chimping.   Eyeball your exposure and white balance before you shoot.
• When chimping, take advantage of the EVF:   You should be doing a whole lot less chimping in general.  But when you do want to review your images, you can do it without removing your eye from the viewfinder.   You can also view all your menus and make all your adjustments without ever removing your eye from the viewfinder.
• Say goodbye to focus and re-compose!  This is a major change to the way I was shooting.  With dSLR focus points groups in the mid third of the frame, I was constantly focusing and re-composing for portraits.  The Nikon Z6 and Z7 have focus points covering 90% of the frame.  You should never have to focus and re-compose again.  This ultimately leads to more precise focus and a faster simpler workflow.
• Take advantage of silent shooting:  I’ll be posting soon on how to avoid banding with mirrorless cameras.  When used correctly, the ability to shoot with the viewfinder, absolutely silently, is a major advantage of mirrorless cameras for many situations.

Adjusting your Gear:

• With the sensor right up front instead of hidden behind a mirror, the mirrorless sensor becomes a dust magnet.  Be prepared to always carry a rocket blower and clean your sensor much more often than with a dSLR.   The Altura cleaning kit is well made and affordable.

• The Nikon Z6 and Z7 may be more compact than a dSLR but the included camera strap is still less than ideal.   I love the Peak design for mirrorless camera strap.  
• The Nikon Z6 and Z7 is rated for a mere 330 images per battery charge.  This is likely a very conservative estimate but it’s still wise to carry extra batteries.  At least one extra battery for casual shooting and two extra batteries for heavy duty daily shooting.  The Nikon EN-EL15b battery is capable of USB charging in-camera  but the Nikon EN-EL15 batteries will still be compatible.
• If you’re coming from a camera with a built-in flash, be aware that the Nikon Z6 and Z7 do not have one.   I’ve owned and used the Nikon flash system but I’ve come to prefer the Godox flash system which is much cheaper and actually much more versatile for wireless shooting.

Help Wanted

If you enjoy reading this blog, please follow me on twitter and/or accept notifications from this blog.  I hope to add more articles about the Nikon Z system but not sure how much I’ll personally be able to use the system.   If you’re an enthusiast or semi-pro and want to write about the Nikon Z system, I’m looking for a contributor or two.   May even lead to earning $$$ a bit.   If interested, e-mail me at picklepiephoto@gmail.com