Railfan Technology > Nikon D5ii vs D8 or D9

Hi All

It has been a few years since I have posted, life has gotten in the way.  I have a Nikon D700 and looking to upgrade, does anyone have hands on with the D5ii, D8 or D9 and what are your thoughts?

Thanks
Mully
 

mully Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi All
>
> It has been a few years since I have posted, life
> has gotten in the way.  I have a Nikon D700 and
> looking to upgrade, does anyone have hands on with
> the D5ii, D8 or D9 and what are your thoughts?
>
> Thanks
> Mully
>  

I assume you mean Z8, Z9, Z5.  I'm adding the Z6 to the discussion, because it sort of fills a gap in your list.

I mostly shoot landscapes, and I'm a resolution junkie.  I'm not careless with my photo gear, but I don't baby it either.  Rain doesn't keep me from shooting -- I appreciate the sealing of modern high-end cameras and lenses.

​I have a Z8 and am pretty impressed.  I used a D810 for years, and still have it.  The Z8 is smaller and lighter, with a bit more resolution.  The Z9 is considerably bigger and heavier than the Z8, mostly adding faster focus, a bigger internal battery, and more video capability.  The guys that shoot pro football for a living use the Z9.  The various Z5s and Z6s are similar to each other, all lower resolution than the Z8 or Z9.  The Z6, especially Z6III, seems to be getting a steady stream of firmware updates applicable to video.  By including the Z9 in your query, I conclude you are willing to spend a fair amount of money.  I don't care much at all about video, and would get the Z8 again.  

A relative got a Z6II before the Z6III came out.  He loves it.

Sadly, the Z8 lacks GPS to put location tags on image files.  It seems Nikon had a size/weight target for the Z8, and GPS had to go to meet that.  I use a Solmeta GMax, which gives me lat/long to amazing precision, and also the direction the camera is pointing.  Alternatively, you can use Bluetooth and your phone GPS, but I don't think that will get you pointing direction.

Any of the Z bodies will give you in-body image stabilization, which your D700 does not have.  Of course, all your F mount lenses can be adapted to fit any of the Z bodies and you'll get the benefit of the in-body image stabilization even with non-VR lenses.

With any of the Zs you can also charge the battery in the camera using USB C, which is really handy.

Here is a link to a pretty comprehensive comparison from a major vendor.  No, I don't work for them.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_Z6+III_vs_Nikon_Z8_vs_Nikon_Z9_vs_Nikon_Z5+II/BHitems/1834803-REG_1765622-REG_1629829-REG_1889823-REG

There are some good sales on the Z6II and Z6III right now, along with some lenses.  Some of the deals include the Z 24-70, but not the quite new Z 24-70 f/2.8 Mark II.  I have the very first F mount 24-70, and love it.  It is by far my most used lens.  The latest Mark II 24-70 is supposed to be better optically (a very high bar), and also smaller and lighter.  I'll probably buy it when it goes on sale, mostly for smaller and lighter.  

Enjoy whatever you end up with!



 

Years ago I bought a D70. Liked it and as I got old I do less and less picture taking so I gave it to my Grand Daughter's husband.
Few months ago I was given a D100. Like carrying a concrete block and I can't figure the damned thing out and haven't really messed with it. What little photography I do now, I just use my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
I have a nice Canon SX1IS that does good video. I use an old Olympus 5000 for photographing my models. Aperture stopped down all the way and a tripos. Does an excellent job.
 

I should probably mention that you don't have to fiddle with all the incredible capability and flexibility of the Nikon Z cameras I discussed above.  You can make a few basic settings, and use them as a point-and-shoot most of the time.  When you need something extra, it's there.

I'd still hang on to that D700 even if you upgrade --- they have very special color rendering unlike any other Nikon due to the sensor.  Still in high demand for a used one in good condition.

Bob

I’ve been very happy with the Z9.

Posted from iPhone

I don't have any experience with the Z-mount, but another potential upgrade might be to a D850, which would of course be fully compatible with your existing F-mount lenses.
GK 

TheNavigator Wrote:
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> I don't have any experience with the Z-mount, but
> another potential upgrade might be to a D850,
> which would of course be fully compatible with
> your existing F-mount lenses.
> GK 

F mount lenses can be adapted to Z mount bodies with no loss of functionality.

You do lose the auto focus capability on the older lenses if used on the Z




sf1010 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TheNavigator Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I don't have any experience with the Z-mount,
> but
> > another potential upgrade might be to a D850,
> > which would of course be fully compatible with
> > your existing F-mount lenses.
> > GK 
>
> F mount lenses can be adapted to Z mount bodies
> with no loss of functionality.

Posted from iPhone

mully Wrote:
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> You do lose the auto focus capability on the older
> lenses if used on the Z
>
>
Do you mean the really old lenses with the screwdriver focus?  Yep, I did not consider those.

On the other hand, you gain in-body vibration reduction with a Z body, which I don't think any of the screwdriver focus lenses had.  

This thread is making me feel like a dinosaur. I still shoot with a D300S!

trainjunkie Wrote:
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> This thread is making me feel like a dinosaur. I
> still shoot with a D300S!

Dinosaurs ruled for a long, long time.

This is an interesting discussion since I've been wondering if replacing my D800 would be worthwhile, considering that an iPhone is adequate for internet photos. The photo programs such as Photoshop and Topaz can be used to tune-up many photo shortcomings. Plus, time may be coming to replace my Epson 3880 printer so a new printer could have a higher benefit. 

Adding GPS coordinates to the D800 photos has been a challenge with mostly frustrating or at least annoying aftermarket solutions. Long ago I realized the need for geo-tagging photos when I couldn't identify the location of some photos. Seems as though that isn't a solved problem with most of the Z series cameras. You'd think that would be built-in and brainless by now. 

A few years ago I put on a photo exhibit for a nearby arts organization, at their request. Nice photos appropriate for the venue, quality framing, descriptive labeling. Not just photos grabbed off the wall. (I can usually get a ribbon in their competitions.) Then the only contact I had from them was a phone call telling me to ensure everything was removed by noon on Saturday. So, I also wonder how much effort should go into photography? 

Please keep the discussion going. Appreciate the insights. 

     -Craig