Looking at getting a camera again. I still have my old L glass(50,135,180,400), so I was looking to adapt it to a Z6. I see copies going for the high $600s which seem pretty decent. Why not canon? The R seems lacking in features compared to the Z6. So does the RP. Anyways, I only take portraits(still and dancers). and hummingbird photos. Seems like a good idea to me. What say you?
From the sensor side, the Z6 is still at eye level in the 24MP FX non-stacked range.
The file quality of this sensor is absolutely gorgeous and low noise even at higher ISO values.
In addition, the Z6 Gen1 is wonderfully compact and comparatively light.
Where you have to make concessions to the Expeed7 gen with a Z6 is the AF-C area, for fast action the camera is comparatively limited.
No 3D tracking, the subject tracking of the Expeed6 Gen is really only suitable for slow and controlled moving objects, subject detection in Auto Area Mode is also not comparable.
Apart from that, of course, you also have the EVF blackouts in burst shooting.
So as soon as it comes to a lot of action, movement, sports, wildlife, I would always prefer an Expeed7 solution, even the Z50II would be preferable to a Z6.
However, if this is not the required requirement profile, then a Z6 is still a great mirrorless full-frame camera.
As long as you consciously work with the appropriate AF fields and don't rely on Auto Area AF, i.e. more in the traditional style of DSLR with Focus/Recompose and the action part of the photography is low, you won't miss much.
All this in relation to use with native Nikon Z AF lenses.
However, I cannot classify the adaptation of EF lenses and the AF performance to be expected there.
Other users can certainly say more about this.
I only adapt MF lenses, everything that has AF is Nikkor Z for me.
I have shot with Nikon Z and Canon RF, and while I really love my Z system cameras and overall prefer the system to Canon, in your situation, I’d 100% get a Canon RF body for use with EF glass. First, it will focus better. Yes, the Fringer EF adapter works quite well, but even with native glass, the Z6 is only Ok with regards to AF, especially with regards to accurate face and eye detect. If you can get a deal on an original R6, you might be able to pick one up for $1000-$1200 if you shop around. Since the Z6 at $675 plus a Fringer EF adapter ($300) gets you to $975, you can get an R6 for only a little bit more, plus $100 for the EF to RF adapter. The R6 is a great body with fantastic eye AF, will work better natively, has phenomenal IBIS, and also has dual card slots, which the Z6 lacks.
The two issues on the Z6 is the PDAF banding you'll see IF you push the exposure in post and 1-card slot (if thats a bother). Otherwise, the IQ is stellar, low light is great. If you can, I'd go for a Z6 II as those two issues were resolved. You cant go wrong with either one
The Z6 was very good for portraits, especially when used with a 85mm f/1.8 or 105mm f/1.4E (with the FTZ adapter). I used it until the Z6III came out and then upgraded. The single card slot never failed, however, I made sure to use approved CFExpress cards and batteries.
The Z6 was also good in lower light situations, but had some challenges with fast moving objects. Since you do mostly portraits, consider adding the 85mm f/1.8 S down the road. It’s a great portrait lens.
