Both those are strong reasons for a Z, the Z lenses especially IF you need them for landscapes, where a Z7 is the top choice. I rely on the 15 f2.8AIP and 21 f2.8AIP Zeiss Distagons. Both are still top U-wides. I will wait and see on the Z system, as my cameras have to deliver on wildlife subjects primarily, and the D850 doubles up admirably for landscape opportunities.
The image quality in low light Z6 and D780 are both top class - close to what one can get from D5/D6 sensors, with slight advantage of 24 vs 20mp. This high ISO advantage is certainly an advantage over the D500. However, the positives of the D500 are all well known. Some photographers may rate these as key priorities.
.... After almost a month of photographing smaller birds (mostly) with a D780, I'm pleased overall after almost a month of shooting a D780 mostly smaller birds, i'm pleased overall. I mostly use the Liveview with support and in a hide, where it's simple. And this tends to be when the 80-400 G is the most useful lens. Thus, I have the advantage of negating AFFT headaches as well as Silent-shooting. I usually use a prime (300 f4 PF, 400 f2.8 PF also 500 PF) in other situations, and often with a TC - where AFFT is manageable.
The 2 glaring glitches with the D780 are:
#1. Incomplete/impoverished options in Customization options. Too often I use instant switching using AF On+AF mode with Fn (and other buttons). Judging from Nikon's deafness since late 2018, the possibility of a Firmware fix may be too optimistic.
#2. The Fn button is positioned far too low on the camera. If you do want to aim to use it, it's hard to get at. Nikon messed up here - reversed what works well on the Z MILCs, D500 D850 etc ( this D780 problem will persist for action genres even IF Nikon fix #1 with firmware.)
#3. No Grip!? Senseless false economy, especially given the D780 is also aimed at video. This and messing up layout of controls (namely Fn button) Nikon cannot afford to antagonize their loyal clients with such bizarre mistakes in camera design.
#1 #2, #3 are showstoppers that handicap the D780 for action shooting.
#1 is one factor why I traded in the Z7, but especially #4. the "almost predictably" unreliable AFC shooting against clutter. The AFC of the D780 is far better, although the smaller OVF AF window positions it < D850 < D500.
In summary, no camera is perfect. For wildlife genres, choice of camera is personal - weighing up what subjects, local conditions and how one shoots. As with the choices of today's telephotos, the main reason for these questions and debates is attributes of the top-tier Nikon cameras overlap quite closely with few differences. Admittedly, the Differences can be critical, subject to: "Reach", Light Conditions ie high ISO and IQ; Open vs Cluttered Habitats; Cropping; Size of Prints; AFC performance (a number of Factors); Haptics; scope of Customization options.
Jun 26, 2020 at 09:23 AM
Previous versions of chambeshi's message #15264799 « D780 vs D500 vs D850 for Bird/Wildlife »
