Nikon

This video has a click bait title and it’s done in a style that won’t appeal to everyone. But it’s relevant to this blog so we’re posting it for your benefit:

Having 10-bit out over HDMI is less of achievement now that we are dealing with cheap 12-bit from the Blackmagic Pocket 4K.  10-bit internal should be the minimum.  Nonetheless, if you need a small, light hybrid camera there are more options out now than there have ever been, one of which is the Nikon Z6:

We expect the Z7 image quality to be similar but slightly better than that of the D850.

Here are some of the relevant details about the Z6 and Z7:

• Both do 4K at 30/25/24P and 144Mbps (H.264)
• 10 bit / N-Log / 422 is only on HDMI out (boo!)
• Focus peaking, zebras
• IBIS
• Questionable battery life (we need some good tests on this)
• $3400 for the Z7 and $2000 for the Z6

Some video samples:

Who would have thought we would say the day where Nikon bested Canon for video in their DSLR. The D850 is an exceptional stills cam. Perhaps the best stills cam with its sensor size. So having great video is a bonus too and makes for a great hybrid camera.

Keep in mind this is a hand-held sample shot in a camera store with a 105mm lens that does not have image-stabilization. There are some concerning features to this video though (rolling shutter and jitter). However, as the technique wasn’t appropriate we can’t really make any conclusions.

With better technique:

It’s hard to tell from this two minute video how good the Nikon D850’s video quality really is. The lack of IBIS definitely requires more thoughtful and supportive movements. But compared to Nikon’s previous attempts at video this is obviously their best yet.