Nikon Z7 review at Photographyblog: “it feels like Nikon has got it right this time”

Photographyblog tested the Nikon Z7 and this is their conclusion:

“There’s absolutely no doubt that Nikon users have been waiting for a viable mirrorless option for some time now. The ill-fated Nikon 1 series certainly didn’t tick the right boxes for the vast majority of pro photographers, while the Z7 finally feels like the company is heading in the right direction.

The Nikon Z7 feels like a camera which can be picked up by existing Nikon DSLR users without hesitation about how it works or what certain things do. While some things will be slightly different and may take some to get used to, all in all, it’s very much like using a smaller and lighter Nikon DSLR.

Having a mirrorless model opens up certain shooting scenarios for photographers that may otherwise have been more difficult or even impossible. The silent shooting function is a great example of that and we can see it being particularly popular with wedding photographers and in other situations where being discreet is important.

That said, the Nikon Z7 is probably not the perfect model for everybody. If you shoot a lot of sports or action, there are certainly better tracking focus and burst speeds on the market – both inside and outside the mirrorless realm. There’s also the issue of the single card slot – it seems likely that many will either learn to live with the risk of one of the cards corrupting, or wait even longer to see what Nikon produces next.

Either way, it’s clear to see that this is just the beginning. Right now we have the Z7 and the Z6, but how long will it be until we see a Z3, Z1 or even APS-C models to really open it up to the consumer market. DSLR production is still going strong, but it could become somewhat of a niche in the years to come. It finally feels as if Nikon is no longer scared to admit that and is open to the possibility of the mainstream future being mirrorless.

For a first iteration of a brand new system and mount, the Nikon Z7 is really quite remarkable – it’s a truly exciting time in the market and it feels like Nikon has got it right this time.

Your move, Sony.”

MIng Thein reviews the Nikon Z7: “enough solid improvements over the D850, and not too many compromises”

Ming Thein reviews the Nikon Z7:

On an absolute scale, what we have here is not revolution but thorough evolution – much as the D3 was in its day. And as the D3, this represents a massive quantum leap of innovation for conservative Nikon; though the Z7 isn’t the second coming of sliced Jesus there are enough solid improvements over the D850, and not too many compromises (some of which are firmware-fixable). For a first try, it’s remarkable effort. Put another way: I don’t care what the fanboys say, but we’re now on the third generation of Sony A7 (fourth, if you count the A9) and they still don’t operate as smoothly.

If you’re not bothered by the D850’s size and weight, or need stabilization in lenses that don’t have it, or shoot video, or use a lot of manual focus – then you can skip this generation. But if any of those things apply to you for any meaningful portion of the time, you’re likely to find the Z7 is a worthwhile addition. Just remember that there are some differences in control paradigm, with heavier reliance on customizable menus and far fewer customizable buttons. Don’t get me wrong, though: Nikon has managed something impressive: a mirrorless device retaining all of the advantages of mirrorless, but still feeling and operating with the immediacy of a good DSLR.

Sigma press text: Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount

Sigma just issued this press text today:

Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce that we have confirmed that SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount in the current lineup do not have any issues with general operation when they are used on the “Z7”, released by Nikon Corporation, via their “Mount Adapter FTZ”.

In addition, please note the information below when using the following lenses.

・Interchangeable lenses that do not incorporate an AF drive motor will operate only in manual focus.
・Some interchangeable lenses shipped out before November 2013 that are not compatible with the latest DSLR cameras will not operate.

We will continue verification and provide updates on the operating conditions including discontinued models.

For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor.
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Nikon Z7 is now shipping out in the USA. First unboxing video.

Finally the new Z7 is now shipping out in the USA!

Nikon Z preorder links:
Nikon Z7 at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon Z6 at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 24-70mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 35mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon 50mm at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.
Nikon FTZ adapter at BHphoto, BestBuy, Amazon, Adorama, Calumet Germany. WexUk. Jessops. CameraPro.

Reflex launches three manual focusing Full Frame lenses for Nikon Z

REFLEX will launch a new Kickstarter campagn in November to fund three new Z lenses:

Ahead of the anticipated release of the Reflex model I. later this year and in a Photokina 2018 preview special, we are proud to present to its audience, the first in a line up of three full frame lenses; The Reflex 40mm f/1.8 comes ahead of a 75mm f/1.8 and a 24mm f/1.8, completing a series of large aperture primes.

The Reflex I accompanying lens series have been optimized for both SLR and mirrorless photography with a compact form factor, carrying a double gauss lens design that signs for an organic look and smooth bokeh, making it a light and ideal daily shooter for both analog and digital photography. Furthermore, it features a clicked/step-less aperture ring for videography and cine adaptation and a large focus-ring rotation angle which enables for highly accurate focusing.

While being presented at Photokina in a native Reflex AR-i, Sony E and Canon EF mount, mirrorless versions will also become available in Nikon Z, Canon RF and Leica/Lumix L mount or to Fuji X and Micro 4/3 via adaptors with the EF version. The lens will be launched on Kickstarter mid November and will ship January 2019.

Anticipated retail price will be under $400.

Via Chassimages. Thanks Mistral!