Is Nikon dropping the DSLR in favor of the mirrorless sector?
The DSLR cameras have gained recognition around the world and among photographers in various industries. Dental photography included! Everyone knows some of the immortal models, like Nikon D750, working flawlessly for many, many years. Even though the camera itself was often passed from hand to hand.
Recent Nikon rumors made us think: will dental photographers be forced to change their habits and start using mirrorless cameras? Or is it only a premature panic?
Even though the company’s focusing on the mirrorless cameras, Nikon isn’t planning to exit the DSLR branch yet. “It is true that we are concentrating development resources on mirrorless cameras,” but “We have not decided to end or withdraw from development. to produce, sell, and support single-lens reflex cameras” says Mr. Tokunari, Nikon’s Senior Managing Exec Officer/CFO.
This confirms Nikon’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tokusei Yoshiaki announcement at the financial results briefing for the April-June 2022 period: “Nikon will continue to operate the single-lens reflex camera business. We have not decided to withdraw from development.”
It looks like dental photographers can still use Nikon’s DLSRs and we shouldn’t be worried. Yet.
We’ll keep you posted as usual!
Don’t forget to watch our DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras online training with the first episode for FREE!
Nikon has officially unveiled the new and improved Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II full-frame mirrorless cameras! And, basically, the new cameras are very similar to the old ones. Apart from some important features like dual card slots, 4K/60p video capture, and improved autofocus performance, we get the same product as two years ago. But it doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Compare Nikon Z6, and Nikon Z7 with Nikon Z6II, and Nikon Z7II versions side-by-side and you might not see a difference:
Nikon has said before that the most important thing in its newest products is taking users’ opinions under consideration. Therefore, the new “Zs” are improved versions of their older brothers, and this seems fine and fair. You can see it yourself: the new bodies are almost identical to the older ones, apart from a slightly changed grip. No reason to cry here!
But if you’re looking for novelties, both cameras have been updated with Dual EXPEED 6 image processors, which enables to capture 4K/60p video (coming to the Z6 II via firmware in February 2021), ups the continuous shooting speed to 14fps (Z6 II) and 10fps (Z7 II), increases the size of the buffer, and promises improved autofocus performance, including expanded eye-detect and animal-detect (which now work in Wide-Area AF (L)) and better low-light autofocus.
Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II Price
The Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II are both expected to start shipping before the end of the year. The Z6 II will be available in November for $2,000 body-only or $2,600 in a kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens; while the Z7 II will be available one month later, in December, for $3,000 body-only or $3,600 in a kit with the aforementioned 24-70. The MB-N11 battery grip will be available in November for $400.
Nikon is consistent with its Z series: any new version looks almost the same and that makes working with it comfortable for us, used to the Z’s interface users. And we really do like the Nikon’s strategy based on creating low-budget models with the best available quality.
The first set of rumored specs of the Nikon Z9 has leaked! The flagship-level full-frame mirrorless camera will allegedly feature a 45MP sensor, 20fps continuous shooting, 8K video capability and more.
The specs were published by Nikon Rumors. The so-called – we’re still not sure whether this name will stay – “Nikon Z9” will be something of a mix of a Nikon D6 style body (possibly with a built-in grip), Canon EOS R5-level imaging capabilities, and Sony a9II-level autofocus.
The release of the Z9 will be in Fall 2021 and its price is rumoured to be something around $6,000 – $7,000.
But there are more details already. The camera will reportedly feature a 46MP sensor, a brand new EXPEED processor that are capable of shooting up to 20fps at full speed and capturing 8K/30p video, an improved AF with object detection, a high-res blackout-free EVF, dual XQD/CFExpress card slots, Gigabit LAN, and a “new user interface,” although there are no further details shared on that last point.
One year before the release we can’t be sure of anything and things may change, of course. But with these specs it’s clear that Nikon wants to create an epic camera for professionals.
Disappointingly, though, the rumored ISO range is no better than that of the Nikon Z7. While ISO64-25,600, expandable to 51,200-102,400, is still very capable, it’s below par for a professional camera primarily used by working sports, wildlife and news photographers. The D6, for example, has a sensitivity range of ISO100-102,400, famously expandable to ISO3.28 million.
No doubt Nikon is aiming for prototypes of the Z9 to be ready for testing at the 2021 Olympics (as Canon is planning for the rumored Canon EOS R1), with availability by the end of 2021. Here are the full leaked specs, courtesy of Nikon Rumors:
NIKON Z9 Specs
to be expected in the fall of 2021
• No official plans for Nikon Z8
• Prototype Z9 cameras may be tested at the Tokyo Olympics next year
• A D6 body combined with Canon EOS R5 imaging, α9II AF, and blackout-free EVF
• 46MP sensor
• 20 fps
• 8k30p, 4k120/60/30p
• New EXPEED processor designed for 8k
• Improved AF (Object detection AF)
• Two XQD/CFX type B memory card slots
• ISO 64 – 25,600, Hi1, Hi2
• High resolution, blackout-free EVF
• New user interface (no second LCD screen on the back like he D6)
• New battery: Nikon EN-EL18x
• Gbit LAN, USB-C, WiFi, GPS
• Price: $6,000 – $7,000
Nikon has just registered a new camera overseas that could be the Nikon Z7S or Nikon Z6S, the refreshed versions of the existing Z7 and Z6 cameras. The new camera has some upgrades, including dual memory card slots, dual processors and 4K 60p video.
Rumors about the Nikon Z7S and Nikon Z6S are dating back to early July, when we first learned about the Nikon Z5.
And now, just a few days ago, the Japanese super sleuth Nokishita spotted an FCC certification for an unreleased Nikon camera with the product number N1932.
The tweet says: “Nikon’s unpublished digital camera “N1932” has passed FCC certification. Equipped with Wi-Fi (11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. If the orientation of the antenna is the same as Z7 etc., the width of the main body is around 140.6 mm, the height is 68.5 mm or more (EVF part etc. are not included), the thickness is 36.6 mm or more (grip part and lens part etc. are included).”
Those dimensions are similar to those of the Z6 and Z7. Does it mean that we will be getting a Z7s pretty soon? Time will tell.
Nikon takes care of the mirrorless full-frame cameras users!
After last year’s patch with Eye AF for the Z6 and Z7 bodies, the newest Firmware 3.0 update provides us with ProGrade and Lexar CFexpress (type B) cards support.
Butthe biggest change regarding this patch is the one about the AF mode, which was a bit defective.
What’s new? Switching the autofocus modes is much easier now, as it can be done with F1 and F2 buttons on a body or lens tube (if you’re using a compatible lens with the Z mount). This means that the focus tracking operation in AF-C mode is improved and similar to the 3D tracking we know from Nikon’s DSLRs. It can be easily toggled on and off by simply pressing the shutter-release button halfway or holding down the AF-ON button while shooting stills in AF-C mode.
Release either button and the focus point returns to its previous setting. Moreover, switching from the AF screen with Auto-Area mode to subject tracking can be assigned to an Fn button. This is a step towards personalization.
Other corrections have been made in areas like the viewfinder brightness, the iOS Bluetooth connection and the rare phenomenon with horizontal lines on some photos.
The D750 was one of the most popular DSLRs and we are not surprised by it. But now, with the D780 already available, it is time to ask yourself: should I change my oldie?
Improved Autofocus in D780
Maybe it is not the key feature and not everyone likes using it, but if you do, you will see the difference.
In conventional DSLR mode, the D780 uses the same 51-point AF module as its predecessor but the AF system is informed by information from a 180,000-pixel metering sensor (the D750 has a 91,000-pixel sensor). This is only the first part of the improvement. The D780 received algorithms from those of the D5 professional sports camera, so its AF performance should be outstanding.
Moreover, the D780 has on-sensor phase detection, which provides the kind of distance information needed to quickly drive DSLR lenses. It also gains the AF tracking system from the Z-series cameras, including Face and Eye detection modes.
This detection will be a visible improvement for portraits, which seems really useful in everyday dental photography.
Sensor and JPEG engine
In dental photography, we are using mainly RAWs, but every once in a while there is no time for the postproduction and JPEGs are can be a salvation.
The sensor in the D780 is a newer design, either identical or closely related to the one in Nikon’s existing Z6 mirrorless camera. This means it has a BSI (backside-illuminated) design and, more significantly, dual-gain architecture.
This allows the camera to have a maximum dynamic range at base ISO with improved noise characteristics and better flashlight battery performance. What is more, these features will let the flashlight to work faster for portrait and intraoral photographs, when we are using the maximum aperture and we need more light.
We would expect the D780 to produce JPEGs with better sharpening, more pleasing colour and more sophisticated noise reduction compared to those from the D750.
The D780 should also offer a slight upgrade over the D750 for Raw shooters, but it won’t be crucial when deciding whether to upgrade.
The mirrorless AF in a DSLR
The D780’s live view interface is directly borrowed from the Z-series cameras. It will work slightly differently than the through-the-viewfinder system: AF tracking needs to be actively cancelled and always resets to the central position.
But if you’ve only shot with a DSLR before, you’re likely to be immediately impressed by how well the live view AF performs. Particularly for taking pictures of people, and we always pay special attention to these features in Dental Photo Master.
It looks like the D780 tries to combine the DSLR and mirrorless best features at the same time.
Build and Design
The Nikon D750 and D780 are largely similar in design, but there are a few changes you may want to be aware of. Here’s a comparison of the cameras’ rear layouts:
The biggest change is that the D780 adds a dedicated AF-On button, so you no longer need to assign the AE-L/AF-L button in order to enable back-button focusing. Other, smaller changes include shuffling the live view button up to the top, moving around the and info buttons, and moving the AE-L/AF-L button down a bit. Also, the negative magnification button which once doubled as an ISO control is now doubling as a metering control instead.
In the top view, the changes are minor. The only important change is that the metering button on the top has been replaced with an ISO button (a welcome change, in my opinion), and then shifted to the right.
Summary
The D780 shoot at 7fps rather than the D750’s 6.5fps
Switch to live view and electronic shutter mode and the D780 will deliver 8fps or 12fps if you’re willing to take the slight dynamic range penalty of dropping to 12-bit mode.
The optical viewfinders are the same: pentaprisms with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification.
The D780 still has an in-body (screw drive) focus motor and AI tab, to allow its use with a broad range of older F-mount lenses. The D750 had both features, but notably, the FTZ mount adapter for the Z-mount cameras doesn’t.
The D780’s rear screen still tilts up and down on a rugged-feeling cradle as the D750’s did, but the dot-count has doubled and it’s now touch-sensitive, making the camera much more usable in live view mode. This seems more like a mirrorless lovers thing, but it is a good way to check what is the best way for you.
The video mode is one of the least important in our work, but it is worth to point that one of the clearest enhancements on the D780 is its video performance. This is immediately apparent from the fact it can shoot up to 4K/30p or 1080/120p, rather than the 1080/60p of the D750.
The most immediately apparent difference is the lack of internal flash. Nikon says the camera can be better weather-sealed if you don’t include a pop-up flash, but any dental photographer looking to use the D780 must be aware of the additional cost, as he will be forced to buy an additional transmitter.
The D780 uses the latest EN-EL15b battery. It looks like a slightly more angular version of the existing EN-EL15 batteries, the distinction being that the ‘b’ variant can be charged over the camera’s USB socket. The D780 can still use the older 15a and 15 batteries but without USB charging, and with significantly reduced battery life if used with the original EN-EL15 batteries not marked Li-Ion20.
Should I buy a D780?
If you are still a DSLR person, but thinking about changing it to a mirrorless camera in the future, the D780 is a good first step to take. Thanks to these features you can check how does the viewfinder less work looks like and if it satisfies you.
Working with a viewfinder and using the manual AF while taking the intraoral photographies is more precise. On the other hand, it requires a bigger physical exercise, so maybe it is worth to give a live view a chance and spare our spine? The D780 offers two possibilities: live view with a better AF straight from the mirrorless and a viewfinder taken from the DSLR.
But if you are a mirrorless fan and you can’t imagine working with a viewfinder, you should not take this even under consideration and go straight towards a cheaper mirrorless.
What should be the reasons to buy the D780? If you have a significant investment in F-mount lenses, your style of shooting demands an optical viewfinder, or simply if you prefer using an optical viewfinder, it might be a good choice.
Our Recommendation
As most of these comparisons, the choice between the Nikon D750 and D780 is all about price.
Personally, I still consider the D750 to be one of the best values in Nikon’s lineup, especially used, for dental photographers on a budget. The other benefits of the D780 are still quite good, and they may be enough to put the camera over the line for you. If your budget is limited, for a price difference of $800, I’d rather buy the D750 and a good lens.
Nikon Z50: first APS-C mirrorless Z-system camera. Is it worth to use it instead of a DSLR?
Why should the beginners take it under consideration? First of all, Z50 is small and easy to use every day and keep it in any dentist office. One of the features we like is its ability to remember individual settings.
Unfortunately, its performance is not enough to satisfy professional dental photographers. The main disadvantage is the lack of matrix stabilization, which is essential when it comes to dental photography. What’s more, the Z50 has only one memory card slot and battery, that will last only for 300 photographs.
But, of course, this camera has some advantages. We like its magnesium frame, big and convenient grip, 3,2″ touchscreen and electronic viewer with 0,68x zoom and 2,36m resolution. The producer assures that the 209-point AF system will make us happy, especially it cooperates with the eye-tracking system.
What about the lenses?
Here is the rub. The biggest problem for professionals is the limited availability of DX lenses with Nikkor Z bayonet. Of course, one can use the adapters, but – as we all know – it’s not so comfortable. If you need a camera for professional photography, you might wait for a wider range of lenses.
Nikon Z50 will be available in November, and its price is a really nice surprise. The body will cost $859. Very reasonable price for a beginner.
Is it the end of the DSLR?
We appreciate that Nikon refreshes its offer with this Z50. We see it as an equivalent of D7000, even though it looks as a smaller Z6 or Z7.
Nikon gives us a signal: the DSLR era is coming to an end. But is it really? Mirrorless cameras are of course smaller, lighter, more modern. But is it enough to push the good old DSLRs out of the market? After all, the optical viewfinder seems to be irreplaceable for some photographers.
How will this competition work out? Only time will tell.
Stabilization system may not work properly. The producer announces a free recall
D5, D500 and D750 were flawless and for a minute we thought that Nikon has solved its problems and knows how to avoid manufacturing defects, so common in the past. Unfortunately, the nightmare is back, and it’s attached to company’s key products, the mirrorless full frame Z6 and Z7. What’s more, the news comes just one day after the newest update has been released.
The stabilization is not able to use its possibilites, Nikon says
“We have noticed that the reduction of vibrations doesn’t work properly in some of our Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras. We will repair them for free” – says the producer.
As Nikon doesn’t explain exactly what does this defect mean for the user, we guess the problem lies in the VR mechanism. Otherwise, this could be solved with the firmware update. Nikon wouldn’t say which part of the camera may be out-of-order. Instead, the producer has prepared a special search engine for Z6 and Z7 owners.
How can I check if my Nikon is broken and what should I do next?
First of all, you should use the search engine on the official Nikon’s website. If your camera shows up as the one with this problem, you should contact the closest Nikon service point. Employees will check your camera and repair it, even if your warranty is expired or not valid in your region.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this matter may cause. The Nikon company will pursue the effort to avoid similar problems in the future – ensures the producer.
A screenshot of the Z7 serial number checker website.
NIKON goes ahead expectations with its FTZ mount adapter
This is great news for all of us, dental photographers. From now on, Nikon’s FTZ mount adapter will be included for free with the purchase of all Z6 and Z7 cameras in the United States.
Previously, it costed around $250 when bought on its own and $150 when bundled with the Z6 or Z7 camera. Now you can forget about this expenditure and spend the money otherwise.
We hope that Nikon will expand its offer to countries in Europe and other markets. After all, there are fans of the Z6 and Z7 all over the world.
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