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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 02-12-2024, 01:53 AM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

How beautiful! My favourite color is the 'burdeaux', but I also like this blue (navy blue?) a lot.. I've decided to wait for the Z6 III, but I'm very envious of those of you who already have a Zf.
Please tell us about your experience, especially with the AF.

Regards, and enjoy your toy ;).

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 12-11-2023, 10:27 AM

Justine & Brennen
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 8
Views: 630

Thanks for sharing Eddy.
A simple and clean design. I like the mix of (secret recipe?) color and B&W. I'm sure your customers will love it.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-31-2022, 09:06 AM

Nikon Z8 rumored to have 67Mpixels
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 22
Views: 1,739

This is my first and only (digital) Nikon camera, so I can't compare menu system with other Nikon DSLRs, but after six months using it daily, I still find the menu system quite confusing.

I'm quite satisfied with the AF system, and this is the best camera (regarding AF and other features) that I have ever owned. But, I think that some improvements in AF that Nikon have developed could be included in a future firmware release; for example 3D tracking, as the present implementation is not too good (IMHO), or AF IA for birds or cars (I admit that I don't shoot any of these). That is, get 'something' that Nikon has developed yet for the Z9 (if hardware does not limit it). I don't know the reason, but there are a lot of users that are waiting for a new firmware with AF improvements.

I'm doing my best to adapt to the new system :), and I have my muscle memory adapted to Nikon, but I can't avoid comparing this camera with my old Pentax ones. But compared or not, there are things that can be improved without new hardware, for example:

* there are several buttons that are programable, but only two are fully programable, on the rest, you can only choose some limited options.
* delete button does nothing when in Photo mode, you could program another function. Some other buttons could be programmed to do different things in photo or play mode.
* main multiselector in photo mode... you can just move the focus points, that you can do with the small joystick selector. You just could program some functions when you press UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT
* zoom in/out in photo mode, I don't see much utility here, why not allow to program different functions when in photo mode.
* DISP 'cycle' button, there is a lot of room for improvemente here
* delete a selection of pictures, can be improved (yes, I'm comparing with Pentax again :lol:)

I'm delighted with the camera, AF and quality of lenses, but I see a lot of small things that could improve the handling and shooting experience, that are not difficult to implement with a new firmware release.

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-22-2023, 04:39 PM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

Thanks :D. 'Rojo burdeos', I'll not forget ;). So French...

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-22-2023, 11:59 AM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

Similar experience here. But in my case I accepted the FF compromises ;).

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-22-2023, 11:10 AM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

First of all I thank you and respect very much your comments in this thread.
I don't intend to start a debate on APSC vs FF, because they usually don't end up with any conclusion, or everyone draws their own regardless of what we get to compare.

Theory tells us that a larger sensor receives more light, and therefore will have more information about the image. From there, technology has advanced a lot and these comparisons should be made on sensors with 'similar technology', with a lot of care.
The experiences I read (or see on youtube) about photographers who change to a larger sensor, either APSC->FF or FF->MF, are that they find the dynamic range is better, and that the color information is richer, and that is noticeable when editing and manipulating the image (for example Manny Ortiz has some videos about this).

There is another point about sensor size that should have some influence. An image projected on a larger surface will have smoother transitions from light to shadow, that should be noticeable in the image. I haven't found any article talking about this. I made my own tests but, ok, these are my tests. We often do these tests to convince ourselves that we have made a good purchase.

But I am not an expert in sensor technology or physics, so this is just my opinion.

As for my own experience switching from APSC to FF, I have found the improvement to be greater than one step, but I am comparing cameras of the K3-II and K5 generation against a Z6 II (more modern), and so they are at a disadvantage.
I have not been able to compare the more modern Pentax cameras such as the KP or K3-III. But when I was considering the Z6 II, I obviously had to compare them somehow.
To make my comparisons, I used PtP charts or the DxO reports, but I think these should be just a reference, because they tell only a part of the story.

I also took an eye at studio tests from sites like dpreview. Yes, sometimes they also seem to be questionable, but you can compare the same image at different ISOs, and then you can get an idea of the real performance. Another source for comparison IMO is to download RAW images and edit them on your PC.We quickly get an idea of the actual noise, highlight and shadow recovery, how detail is maintained when you raise the ISO, if they can be easily edited, etc.
This is more or less what I was doing during months when I was looking for a new camera.

For the ZF I think we should take the Z6II sensor as a reference, as the Z8/Z9 stacked sensors are known to perform less well (regarding ISO), compared to non-stacked.

If I compare the Z6 II sensor against the K3-III, the PtP chart tells me that the K3-III is much better starting at ISO 200 (the K-70 is 'worse' on the chart), but if I compare pictures at different ISOs (dpreview site) I see that the story is very different. I at least don't see that graph advantage in pictures taken with both cameras, rather I see that the advantage is for the Nikon. What I did find similar, and maybe better, was the K1 sensor, but... you can't have everything.

That's why I say that these graphs should be taken as a reference, I would at least advise to download a batch of images and edit them at home.

Anyway, the sensor is only a part of a camera into a camera system, we need to take into account AF tech, ergonomics, build quality, lenses available, compatible 3rd party lenses, flashes or other devices, etc.

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-20-2023, 02:31 PM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

No, in Nikon world, I jumped directly from the FM10 (SLR) to a mirrorless, without parachute :D.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 09-20-2023, 03:26 PM

Nikon zed f
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 197
Views: 7,545

I think the Z6 III will have a similar body to the mk II, and of course the core will be very similar to the ZF, that is, speed 7 processor. I think same CFExpress/SD combo. Maybe a improved sensor... faster... 33Mpx?

I would like the mkIII to have more buttons, that is, those 4 fixed buttons that the Z8 has on the top left, on the top panel. And they can improve the configuration of the current buttons... many things can be improved and refined.
For me the main thing is to have the Z8 AF system. Also at least a function to quickly change focus mode, something that I think is very basic but that the Z6II doesn't have. RAW compression modes, improved sensor, but with the same low light performance... with that I would be happy :D.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-25-2023, 03:42 PM

Another morning of illicit fun...
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 36
Views: 2,852

It seems you enjoyed a lot that day. Thanks for sharing.
I remember when I first started taking a look at mirrorless cameras, about two years ago. I didn't have the opportunity to attend similar events, so I could only see the marketing :(
The autofocus improvements are one of the things I have appreciated the most after I switched. I think you can find user experiences from all brands agreeing that the autofocus on mirrorless cameras is more accurate than on DSLR cameras. Then you have the AI based modes, where the camera detects faces, eyes, planes, trains .... It's another level.
EVFs have come a long way but they will always be an electronic representation of reality, I know. Still, they have some advantages, such as real exposure preview or being able to use them outdoors in a bright day, even with the sun in the frame.
I don't always look through the EVF, I often look at the rear LCD while maintaining eye contact with my subject, and this makes me feel connected to what I'm photographing (yes, this is similar to use a phone)
But I understand that for many users an EVF will be something strange and will worsen the experience of taking a picture.
About the prices of these cameras it is true that they are in general more expensive than the DSLR predecessors, with no apparent justification, but I think a user can switch to a mirrorless camera for much less than that 10,000€/$/£. You can find mid-range cameras around 2,500, new (at least in Nikon land) , and they usually bring similar capabilities to the flagship cameras. I know that standard professional zooms add more than 2.000 to the sum (each one), but usually there are affordable options for the classic f/2,8 zooms of very good quality, at about half the price.
I can comment what it cost me to switch brands, because I did my math in an excel sheet:D : 4.000€, including a mid-range camera, 2 'professional' prime lenses, 2 'affordable' prime lenses and a dedicated flash. On the other hand I sold my old equipment for more than 2.500€, so switching cost me 'only' about 1.500€. I don't have the same lenses, but the ones I have serve me very well and I love them. I didn't buy any zoom, but I followed the 'primes route'.
I agree that these new cameras are more complicated. It took me months to get used to the new menus, options, and above all to understand the philosophy of how the camera was intended. At first, I was simply trying to use it and set it up like my previous camera. In the end I think many users end up configuring user modes with the most frequent settings, and they are done.

At the end of the day, if you like going out with your camera frequently, find it aesthetically pleasing, it feels comfortable in your hands, you can capture the moments you wnat, and you like the results when you go home and review the photos you've taken, doesn't that mean you've had a good photographic experience?

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-06-2023, 05:03 AM

Poll: What alternate camera are you shooting with beside Pentax and why?
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 97
Views: 3,604

Thanks.
'... for your preferences...'. You are 100% correct.
In the end, decisions about using this or that equipment, have a subjective and emotional part. And of course each person has their own preferences. It's all about finding what best suits your style or needs.
Regards.

---------- Post added 06-08-23 at 02:48 PM ----------

14-30/4 + 24-120/4, great combo. I believe that with these two lenses a person would cover virtually all of their photographic needs, unless they need more performance in very low light conditions.

When I made the decision to get into the Nikon Z system, my initial idea was to buy the camera and a single lens, the 24-120, which I really liked.
But after months of waiting this lens never arrived, so I cancelled the order and bought the 40mm f2, it was an inexpensive lens that served me while I rethought what to do. I was pleasantly surprised with this lens.
The 24-120 range I think covers 85% or more of what one usually needs, and f4 was an aperture I used a lot indoors for the work I do from time to time. Other than that, for day trips and outings you could use for just about everything, landscapes, portraits. It's not overly heavy. The consensus seems to be that it's better than the standard kit 24-70/4. Now I'm not so sure about getting it, having already the lenses I have, but I still miss something above 85mm and of course something below 28mm.
One lens I am considering is the 70-180mm, it seems to be very good and 'affordable', this of course comparing it to the 70-200/2.8 which is worth twice as much. Of course the 35-150/2.8 which seems to be available soon would be a solution to not changing lenses, but I think it's worth about..... 1800€? that's a lot of money.

About the 14-30/4 is a lens that I like a lot and is an option that I am considering to cover the 'wide part'. According to all the reviews it's a very good lens for its price, it's not too heavy and it supports 82mm filters without needing an adapter, which is a plus. A lot of people is happy with this lens.
Although I have another candidate for this position, and that is the Z 20mm/f1.8 S, which seems to be one of Nikon's best lenses. A bit cheaper than the 14-30. F1.8, 77mm filters...
But well, one lens at a time, I'm also waiting to see if Nikon gives us that AF upgrade for the Z6/7 II, which looks like it's finally coming, or brings out a Z6III with Z8 features.
Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 08-05-2023, 04:46 PM

Poll: What alternate camera are you shooting with beside Pentax and why?
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 97
Views: 3,604

Here we go...
I have a Nikon Z6 II since January 2022.
After that, I have been dropping Pentax almost completely. In fact I have ended up selling all my old equipment to finance the purchase of the new one.
Considering the points in the survey, in my case I would apply the point of autofocus performance, better sensor quality (color depth or ISO), lens availability, smaller size, mirrorless technology and the subjective and discussed topic of moving to FF format, 'because it's better'.
I was at a point where I needed to redo my gear and start from scratch, even considering what was available from Pentax (e.g. the K1), but I decided to try another system and go mirrorless.
The Z6II has grown on me, it's not Nikon's top of the line camera and the autofocus isn't quite up to par with the Z8/Z9, but still, this is one of the points I've appreciated the most in this time once I understood how to make it work. Other than that the sensor is fantastic and I really appreciate the dual native ISO, at 100 and at 800. The camera is relatively small and light, which I appreciate a lot as well. I would even say it may be too small to hold comfortably for a long time. I purchased two pancake lenses, 40mm f2 and 28mm f2.8. Also two others from the S (Premium) series: 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8. These last two lenses are superb and I am delighted with them. But the pancake lenses are surprisingly good.
I now use a lot more JPEG format, whereas before I used to shoot in RAW 99% of the time.
I like Nikon's color science, I find RAWs easy to work with. JPEG files have great quality and it is also possible to give them a boost, but I am trying to set up the camera to shoot JPEGs to my liking.
When I want to go out light or go with the family I use the camera with one of the pancake lenses, so it's a very discreet piece of equipment. If I need more quality or have an assignment, then I put on a grip extender (YC Onion) and use the 'S' lenses.
Not only do I use the camera more on outings with the family, but I am moving away from using the cell phone to take these types of pictures.
As you can see, I now use only prime lenses, but I used to use mostly zooms, but I don't know if this will continue. When I have an assignment, it is very stressful to be changing lenses continuously.
Regards.

Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 06-13-2023, 02:31 PM

X2T-P received: first tests and first disappointment
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 38
Views: 7,916

Hello.

I don't have any Pentax trigger now or the AD360 (mk I), as I sold a lot of equipment, but I remember perfectly that, with the X2TP or XproP, and the XTR 16 receiver you could fire the AD360 without issue at speeds below the sync speed (1/180 on Pentax APS-C).
About HSS, if I remember correctly, you just need to allow HSS on the trigger side (you can do on both triggers), then you need to set the AD360 in HSS mode... I think you need to press the MODE and SET buttons at the same time to set HSS mode on the AD360.
You should be able to sync up to 1/8000, but I remember that at max speed you get some banding.

Maybe another forum member still have the nice old AD360 mkI and can confirm that.

Regards,
Javier.

Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 06-14-2023, 12:36 AM

X2T-P received: first tests and first disappointment
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 38
Views: 7,916

You are welcome. I have re-read my own review of X2TP. The problem I had was with remote on/off on older flashes, like the AD360 mkI, but as for remote triggering or HSS, that did work fine.
Godox doesn't seem to care much about compatibility with older flashes, they never fixed this problem.
That was one of the reasons why I ended up selling my old flashes (the 433 MHz ones), and stayed only with 'modern' equipment, i.e. 2.4 GHz flashes.
Apart from the problem with switching on and off from the trigger, the AD360 is a very good flash, has enormous power for the price, and is relatively portable.
To sum it up:
- can you trigger your AD360 using your X2TP? Yes
- can you trigger your AD360 in HSS mode? Yes, you must enable these options manually on your trigger and flash.
- can you turn your AD360 on and off remotely from your X2TP ? No, this is what doesn't work, you will have to do it manually.

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-29-2023, 03:25 AM

Ausreenact
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 5
Views: 647

Thanks a lot Eddy. Great pic, a photographer devoted to his work :lol:.

Regards,
Javier.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-28-2023, 02:12 PM

Ausreenact
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 5
Views: 647

Nice Job Eddy.
I love the low angle pic you posted here.
I love the Fujifilm simulation you used too (with your tweaks or whatever you did :lol:). I entered the Cobal Image site just to take a look... well I think I have too many image profiles... I should learn how to use them properly first.

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-14-2023, 01:47 PM

XT4 > XH2S Journey
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 14
Views: 1,058

Is clear for me that you are quite happy with the XH2S ;).
In my case, exposure variation can be seen on the LCD/EVF before the pic is taken, but there isn't a setting to disable this behaviour. As @digitalis commented, shooting in manual can be an option to avoid this.
Eye/Face AF was a fantastic feature I got when I entered the mirrorless world.
As you commented, beyond AI algorithms, one thing I have found in the mirrorless world is the accuracy of focus. I have left AF tuning, or focus-shift issues behind. I don't have many complaints about the AF on my camera, although there are things that still need polishing or improvement (I knew this before I bought the camera).
Currently, in the Nikon Z world, the Z9 is the one with the most powerful and sophisticated AF, and we poor 'mk II' users are still waiting for some of that technology to come to us in some firmware update (which I don't know if it's possible).
After a year, I think I more or less understand how AF works in my camera, and when to use AF modes. If the subjects are small in the frame, I found that it is better to just using a single focus point on the main face. When I want a close-up of the face, mid body, head and shoulders... then yes, eye AF it's invaluable.
I've always had my eye on Fuji cameras, and was tempted by the XT4. After watching your video, I think it's a good thing I didn't buy it in the end :lol:.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 04-13-2023, 03:31 PM

XT4 > XH2S Journey
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 14
Views: 1,058

Thank you for sharing your experience.
I think I can imagine that scene where the face AF failed you miserably. I don't know if this situation has happened to you more than once. I think you have thoroughly tested the AF of your XT4 before making this decision. I agree that a lack of confidence in the AF is a reason to think about changing cameras, and even brands. In my case, this was one of the reasons that made me consider looking for another system.
I'm glad you are doing better with the XH2S, that you found a solution within Fuji, and didn't have to consider switching brands.
I only do work sporadically but I understand that there are situations where you expect the camera to perform as it should, such as a group portrait in a place with normal lighting. You just expect the camera to do its job.
By the way, on Nikon Z, when it detects a face, that variation in exposure you comment in your video can also happen. I think it tries to match the exposure for an average skin tone.
Best regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 01-18-2023, 01:09 PM

A Pentax user with a new Z6 II
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 7,315

Not idea about prices in South Africa, but in my area I found Z5 and Z6 (used like new) for very similar prices. I think Z6 is a better option, except for the expensive CF express card.
I tested a basic adapter for Pentax-K->Z and mounted the DA 50-135mm just for fun. Obviously I could not change aperture (you need a lens with proper aperture ring) but I could focus wih ease and surprisingly the camera handled the exposure correctly, including exposure compensation (in this case the camera calculates the needed ISO).
There are a lot of adapters for mount lenses on Nikon Z, some are quite basic and others support autofocus and most of the Z feaures. You can take a look at a video of 'CameraVille' titled "Nikon Z6II my favourite system" (or something similar).

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 01-19-2023, 03:49 AM

A Pentax user with a new Z6 II
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 7,315

Hello Graig,

I suppose this behaviour is similar in other mirrorless cameras. AFAIK, on DSLR cameras, the lens' diaphragm is fully opened when you look through the viewfinder and the camera is getting focus, regardless the aperture you set on camera. Once you click the shutter, the camera sets the correct aperture and takes the photo.

On mirrorless cameras (not sure about all brands), when your set for example aperture f2.8, the camera sets the diaphragm to f2.8, etc. So the camera shows you the real DOF on the LCD/EVF. Focusing is also adquired with the selected aperture, which helps to avoid 'focus shift issues' in some lenses (see https://photographylife.com/what-is-focus-shift).

If you look at the lens while changing aperture you can observe that the lens diaphragm is changing too.

But this feature has a 'limit', and the camera only closes diaphragm up to f/5.6. So for f/6.3 (I said f/8, but it's not correct) and above you are not seeing the real DOF. Anyway, you can program a button to see the real DOF if desired, similar to the (optical/digital) preview button you have on Pentax cameras.
In my case I rarely use apertures above f/5.6, so I found this behaviour very convenient.

Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 05-29-2022, 03:29 PM

A Pentax user with a new Z6 II
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 7,315

Hello.

I've finished my 'spring assignments', and I think it's time to recap the experience with this camera.
I'm kind of an official photographer at a church near home.
This is not really a lot of work, as usually there are few assignments during the year, concentrated in May/June, when First Communions are celebrated.
In my view, I divide the ceremonies into two parts: portraits at the altar, and the proper ceremony. Each part has its own lighting and camera settings.
About one hour before, I take portraits of the kids and his family, usually at the altar. I prepare my illumination with two off camera flashes and diffusers, I take light measurements with the help of my photometer, and set the white balance using my SpyderCube. This year I decided to change my typical illumination and used two big translucent umbrellas, one beside the other, wide front lighting. This setup gives me an 'easy' and soft lighting, adecuate for kids alone or families of any size.

After pics at the altar but before the ceremony, I make another lighting setup to illuminate the church's interior and give better lighthing to the kids, who are sitting in the front row.

This church is not really dark. During a typical day in May/June (bright and sunny days here) I can get correct exposure indoors at ISO 800, 1/80 f2.8. Correct doesn't means good, because there is a mix of natural light coming from colored glass windows and incandescent artificial lights. Also, this settings have been at the limits of my equipment, regarding to what I consider minimal quality when I deliver a pic (noise, focusing accuracy, etc). This year, it was a cloudy and rainy day, so I took 'natural' pics at ISO 800, 1/80 f1.8 and +0.3EV in post. This is 1+2/3EV less light than usual.
During the ceremony, I usually set my camera at ISO 320, 1/160, f4-4.5, and use off camera flashes. External flashes are set at 1/4 power or more. ISO 320 has been usually my max. During some moments at the ceremony, I avoid using the flash, and so I set my camera at ISO 800, etc.

So, what did I change this year ? A month before the ceremony, I had only one lens for my Z6II, the 40mm f/2. My initial plan was to get the 'do-it-all' Z 24-120mm f/4 S. As I use my camera at f4 during the ceremony, this lens could be used from start to finish. But the lens never arrived, and finally decided to get the Z 85mm instead, that is a terrific lens. So I made a kind of 'forced' transition from two cameras + two zooms to one camera + 2 primes. Similar to the typical 35mm + 85mm prime combination for events, but using the 40mm instead of the 35mm.

Another decision was to use just the Z6II. I grabbed the K3-II+17-50mm too, to have a backup just in case, but I didn't use it.
The last thing I was thinking on, was about the settings. My initial idea was just to replicate the same settings I was using past years (my ISO 320 f4 thing). But here there is a feature about the Z6II that made me change my mind: a second base ISO.

The Z6II has a dual gain sensor with two base ISOs: the main base ISO is ISO100, where you get the cleanest image, the better DR, etc. But this camera has a second base ISO at ISO800, that is also quite clean, and has very good dynamic range. On my tests, checking ISO 800, I discover that ISO 800 is just a 'tad' worse than ISO 400, regarding noise, etc, and better than ISO 500 or ISO 640. At ISO800 I found that I could recover near 2EV of overexposure. Regarding underexposure I can recover up to 3EV and get a very usable image, to my standards. Sure it can recover more, but I was not interested in higher ISOs.

So I decided to set the camera at ISO 800 for the whole ceremony (except when I went outside, of course). This way, I could get a bit of ambien light (1EV if sunny) and set my flashes at lower power settings. Previous years my flashes were set a bit above 1/4, this year I set them at around 1/16, two stops less. This means a more discreet flash burst.

Another difference, this year, was the focusing settings. I used 3 kind of settings:
* AF-C + 'dynamic AF area' when kids were moving (procesionals and similar)
* AF-S + eye AF, for individual portraits of kids
* AF-S + 'small AF box' with classical focusing algorithm, for the rest
Past years, I used central focusing point + focus and recompose.

After reviewing all the pics I found that the focusing accuracy was very high. Very few pics were clearly misfocused/unusable, way less that past years.
About the results, I'm quite happy. Nikon color science is different to Pentax, but I can't say that one is better or worse than the other. I'm pleasantly surprised by the 40mm f/2, that is a great lens for the price, color rendering is very nice, sharpness is high enough... a humble plastic lens, that does not belong to the professional 'S' class, but that I used in more than 80% of the pics I took.
I noticed a different 'look' on the images this year, but it's not only different color rendering. I suppose it's because I changed to FF sensor, DOF is now shallower... It's not easy to explain, I suppose it's a kind of 'FF look', just different to what I was used to past years. For my style, I prefer this look. For other kind of pics, maybe APS-C is more adequate.

The experience using primes instead of zooms was positive, but I still find stressfull to change lenses, so maybe it's better to have two cameras (a lot more $$ :( ). I think that 35mm is maybe more adecuate for general pics than the 40mm, so I'm thinking about getting the 35mm f1.8 and forget aboout the 24-120mm.

About post edition, no problems with the pics. Capture One has a good support for this files, edition was easy and really quick. It tooks me less time than past years.

I delivered printed pics past days to the parents. Moms were delighted with the pics, and I sold them all, so this have been a good month for me.

Recapitulating, has my experience with the Z6II been positive? The answer is yes.
Could I have done the job this year with my Pentax gear? Of course, I have been doing it for the last 10 years.
Could I have done the job with the K1-II or the new K3-III? I made it with a K3-II/K5 so, why not?

As I told at the beggining of this thread, Z6II ergonomics are maybe not so great, menus are well... a bit awful... not everybody likes a EVF... but, regarding final results, the Z6II is a great and reliable working machine. You can get great lenses not too expensive, and it has a good support by 3rd parties. I think the Z system, as a whole, is very good. About using this camera for casual/familiar outing, I think it's perfectly adecuate, you can grab this camera and a 40mm, and you get a really light combination, very comfortable to use. If you like a camera with OVF, more 'traditional', or you just like DSLRs, maybe this camera is not for you.

For now, I will continue down this route.

King regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 01-17-2023, 03:56 PM

A Pentax user with a new Z6 II
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 7,315

Hello again folks, and Happy New Year.

I started this thread long time ago, but I left one point pending to close. As a New Year's resolution, I have decided to end the thread with my experience related to flash use.

NOTES ABOUT FLASH USE, TTL, AND SYNC SPEED

I never used a proper Pentax flash. My main flash was the Metz 48 AF-1 that I used during years, then I 'upgraded' to the Godox V1, that it's a flash and a controller. So for the Z6II I bought a V1 for Nikon. It was a kind of natural choice, but I'm still searching a flash with less weight, enough power and integrated trigger.

Nikon has a proper flash system that they call CLS, and one advantage is that it takes into account the subject you are focusing to. But unfortunately, it seems that the Godox V1 does not support the CLS, so I'm using the 'standard TTL' for Nikon (that is fooled when you have some big dominant black or white area in your scene).
I didn't found a lot of difference between the two TTL systems (Pentax & Nikon), except that, in my tests, exposure is quite different for the same scene. There is a difference of around 1EV between the two. Pentax is a bit on the overexposure side, and Nikon is on the underexposure side. Maybe I prefer underexposure.

I don't use TTL a lot, so I didn't have to change the way I use the flash in one camera or the other.
Options for rear curtain sync, red eye reduction... are more or less the same.
There is not slow sync settings on Nikon, but you can set your minimum flash sync speed instead.
To my eyes, the TTL preflash is less noticeable on Nikon.

When using flash on camera, I usually set M mode with fixed ISO. I don't use P, A, or other modes. Nikon has an option to change flash behaviour when you have auto-ISO enabled, so you can choose to add (mix) ambient light to the photo, or to get flash light only, it seems to give good results. This is useful for A o M modes with auto-ISO, but I don't use flash on camera with automatic modes a lot, and I'm not sure if Pentax has a similar feature or settings combination. Maybe the P mode in Pentax is similar, as P mode tries to mix flash and ambien light.

As I can't get CLS with my V1, flash use is more or less the same compared to Pentax.

But let's see some interesting differences, when you need to mix manually ambient and flash light, usally with OCF and camera in M mode.
The most common way of doing it (AFAIK) is:
A - to measure ambient light. Just by using your camera metter, dedicated metter or by taking 2-3 pics and review
B - to decide the amount of ambient light. Here you maybe underexpose ambient a stop or so
C - to add flash light. There are a lot of options here, you can try using TTL and then compensate, just use flash manual mode, take a couple of pics and see the back LCD, or use your flash metter to get a good ratio flash/ambient (50/50 or whatever you like)

But one advantage on mirrorless is to see the preview on the LCD or EVF, that is a huge time saver for me: I'm seeing the real thing, live histogram and exposure bar, so it's super easy to adjust ambient light to your taste (that is, you do steps A and B super-fast): I just move aperture and speed dials, and I'm done. About step C, I see no advantage on a mirrorless.

Another plus happens when you put your dedicated flash or trigger on camera: the EVF or back display shows you an image with corrected brightness. This is to allow you to see the scene and to allow focusing. With the press of a button you can disable this behaviour, and see the real ambient light (or check that you get no ambient light). Sometimes you need to get no ambient light at all, and sometimes you want to balance ambient and flash light.
Live preview and enabling/disabling corrected brightness, saves me time when I prepare off camera flash lighting. It's really helpful IMO.

Another difference is related to the sync behaviour. In my Pentax cameras, sync speed for the flash is 1/180 (1/200 on other Pentax cameras). But, regardless of the flash you put on your hotshoe, you can't go beyond this sync speed (without enabling HSS). With some triggers, like the Godox XT2, you can make some 'tricks' to sync above this speed without using the proper HSS feature. I have discovered that, with a Pentax camera, you can still get good flash sync at 1/250 or 1/320.

On the Z6II, I can sync at any speed without activating HSS or using any auxiliary device. At 1/250 I still get all the frame properly illuminated by flash; at 1/320 I start to get some dark frame at the bottom of the image (but still usable), and so. The usefulness of this is debatable, but you have the option to do it (see Strobist: SLC-2L-02: Two-Speedlight Daylight Group Shot).
I found no problems with the Godox V1 Nikon version. I'm still using my Pentax triggers (XProP & X2TP), but I'm selling them to get a proper Nikon trigger, because I need the 'corrected brightness feature'.

WHAT CHANGED SINCE I GOT THE CAMERA LAST YEAR
Initially I was using the camera the same way as my previous DSLRs, looking at the EVF with instant review enabled. Frecuently checking pics after being taken.
As time passed I learned to use the AF system (not perfect but quite good for me), using proper modes depending on the scene. I trusted the AF system much more so I didn't need to review pics so frecuently. I never needed to AF tune any lens with this system. Also, as I see the preview there is no need to review the pic after, except when using f/8 and above, or using flash.
I'm not using the EVF a lot, maybe I use it when I need to be 'inside' the action, but usually I look at the back LCD, and I found this way to be very convenient, as I can look at my subject and the final pic at the same time, I think there is still a connection with your subject by using the camera this way. At first I found it funny to see a lot of photographers using the back LCD instead of the EVF, but now I'm doing the same thing.

I have two small lenses (Z 40mm & Z 28mm) that I get with me when I want to travel light, or I'm with the family. I find Z 28mm to be most usefull as a general travel lens. These lenses are really cheap, small, and of surprinsingly good quality.
I also bought a couple of more 'pro' lenses: Z 35mm and Z 85mm, both f/1.8 (I'm avoiding 3rd party lenses by the moment). I'm really loving the 35mm on FF, and It's becoming my most used lens. f/1.8 lenses are well built, have great quality and are on the small and light side. And they are not expensive (well, at least the lenses I've bought). At this moment I'm not missing zooms.

After a year I still consider this camera to be a good value with a great price/features ratio. There are a lot of Z lenses and 3rd party lenses available. As many users, I'm still waiting for a good firmware upgrade to improve focusing and fix or add some needed feaures. Time will tell if this firmware is finally released or not. There are more cameras on the way and sure this model will be surpased soon, but I think it will serve me well for many years to come.

Regards,
Javier.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 03-17-2022, 04:44 PM

A Pentax user with a new Z6 II
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 7,315

Hello, I'm still here. It takes time to write, correct (English is not my native language) and make sure what I put it's not too boring.

This was one of the reasons why I got finally the Z6II.

Regarding the viewfinder I feel comfortable with it. It's only 60Hz but I think it keeps 60Hz most of the time, except when you zoom at 100%. In general the image is fluid, but if for example a vehicle passes quickly from left to right you do notice the 60Hz, and that you are using an EVF. Surely a 100-120Hz viewfinder and double the resolution would be much better, but I don't dislike what I have.
About the FPS and the feeling in action shots. The Z6II has two high FPS modes: 'H' and 'H*'.
In 'H' mode you get up to 5.5 fps, so less than for example K3 generation cameras, but what you get is similar to a DSLR, that is, you get live view with some blackout between frames.
In 'H*' mode you don´t have live view, so you are seeing the pics you are taking, that is, up to 14 images per second. I suppose that It's not the best for very fast action and tracking. It's not a issue for me, as I really don't need a lot of FPS. I think that I maybe used the 8FPS of my K3II (in daylight)... 5-6 times, and just for testing it. I use to shoot in single mode.

Thanks, I'm quite happy with the Z6II, and the camera is growing on me as the days go by.

This camera needs time to know how to use it. The location of buttons, menus, usability... is very different. As I commented, Pentax is better in this aspect, IMO. But the Z have several configurable buttons, plus configurable buttons and controls on the lens itself, so the difference is not so big either. I'm configuring the most used functions on buttons, the 'i' (quick) menu and the 'My Menu' to change quickly the most used setting. I'm getting 'muscle memory' and learning how to use the Focus modes. Every few days I reconfigure one or two buttons and discover some tricks about using the camera, so this is evolving.

Exposure modes, mettering modes, White Balance and Picture modes are similar to Pentax, although Pentax have more 'refinements' regarding exposure modes, like hyperprogram or program lines, and Nikon seems more 'basic'. On the Nikon side, I find that the Auto White balance modes are more accurate. Also the focusing system is integrated with the focusing modes. For example, if a person is detected, the exposure changes to expose the face 'correctly' (I think the K3III have something similar, but on the Z you can see how the exposure is changing 'live'). I mostly shoot in RAW and M mode, so I'm not too worried about Picture modes or exposure modes. I made some adjustments to get JPEG files for casual pics, when I don't want to post-process.

In general, I found the Nikon RAW files easy to process, with a lot of headroom for adjustments, and easy to get the results I like. Before buying the Z6II I downloaded a lot of sample RAWs for editing. My idea was to see if I just could get the same 'mood' I'm used with my Pentax RAW files. Considering that my older cameras are quite 'veteran' (K3II & K5) I got a noticeable jump in quality - in my subjetive opinion, of course - I have changed sensor, focusing system and lenses, and everything sums up. Anyway, I'm satisfied with the quality I've got and I think I spent the money well. Another 'side-advantages' of the Nikon RAW files are: allow compression & resizing on camera, the profile lens is integrated into the RAW file, in general are more compatible with my RAW editor (the last one is not a 'point for Nikon', but it's an advantage).

A side note about the ISO on the Z6II. According to my measurements, the Z6II is at least 1/3 EV more sensitive than my veteran cameras (K3II & K5). Taking a photometer as reference, the Z6II is near spot on regarding ISO.

Time for a sample. This is a quick pic one of my daughters illuminated by a small softbox (f4, base ISO). Some edition in Capture One. The 40mm f2 is not a portrait lens and adds some distorsion if you get close, but it's my only lens, and I'm surprised how good it is. I like the results such as color, focus precision, not bad bokeh, easy to edit...

The Face/eye detection has changed the way I take portraits. I was using mainly focus and recompose, using the central points as they are more accurate and fast, then blocking the focus and recomposing. Now I only need to compose, and let the camera take care of focusing. This is quicker, more productive, less stressful. I found a good review of the 40mm f2 here -> https://alikgriffin.com/nikon-z-40mm-f2-review-and-sample-photos/

I got the camera for a couple of outings with the family. The Z6 with the 40mm lens mounted is relatively light (880g.) and discreet. It's not a pocketable camera, but it's small for what it is, a FF camera. So it's easy to carry, and the 40mm lens is very versatile for many types of photography such us street, family or candids.
Here is a snap I took the last weekend. I enjoyed the outing and the experience with the camera and kids, leaving EVF/OVF aside. And... it also can take quite good videos. I'm not a 'video man', but it's good to have this feature.

Base ISO, 1/200 f/2. Not the most stressful or difficult pic, but I got the face in focus at the first try; and before having this system, this kind of 'children action shots' were complicated for me (and yes, I can be a clumsy photographer). But, the Z6II was up to the task, so I can say that it's more than adecuate for 'family outing with children playing'. Of course, it's not the only camera in the world that can do this, but at the end of the day, you can only enjoy the camera you carry with you.

My feeling about the EVF. It's clear that you are not seeing the real thing, but a kind of simulation, but it's not like seeing a mini-TV, you get used to it. I use the viewfinder or the back monitor, which is comfortable for some shots at difficult angles, and I've found the articulated screen to be very comfortable. It's very difficult to speak about the experience with a EVF, you need to look at, and you can like it or hate it, I suppose. In my case I used OVF until now, and it has not been a so drastic change, but if you need to see the real image when shooting, I guess you'll always miss the optical viewfinder.

I commented that I make some paid works during the year, but I'm not a full time photographer, I just only get some extra income from photography.

There is a workflow that I think I'm going to change when I photograph families. I usually 'put' the families in front of the altar, I give some easy posing instructions, take some pics, then I review on the back panel if everything is in focus (zoom a bit and scroll to find faces), no blink eyes, etc. But until I'm back home and see the images on the monitor, I can't assess whether the focus is okay, and sometimes I find front focus or backfocus. I have several families to photograph, and not a lot of time, It's stressful.
I initially configured the Z to not review the images on the viewfinder, it makes me feel a little strange. Also, when auto-review is configured, you don't see your last picture immediately, there is a noticeable delay (my K3II is way faster than that). But I found a new workflow, taking advantage of the EVF:
I configured auto-review on viewfinder.
So I look through the viewfinder, compose and let the camera to get the eye/face
After taking a pic, I keep the shutter half-pressed, so the pics are not show on the viewfinder and I can continue seeing the live view
When the 'action moment' ends, I release the shutter button, then the camera shows me the pics I took in quick succesion, but keeps the last one on the viewfinder. Now I'm doing the 'review task' but without leaving the eye from the viewfinder.
I can quickly press the zoom button and I can see the eye/face where the camera focused at 100%, instant focus review.
I half-press the shutter and I get the live view again, I don't need to take my eye off the viewfinder.

I think this new workflow are going to save a lot of time for this kind of pics.
I have some comments about the flash, sync, HSS... but this post is too long for now. Sorry for that.
Regards.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 12-24-2022, 12:53 PM

Joint Gingerbread House
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 5
Views: 410

Lovely pictures.
Merry Christmas, Eddy and family.

Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands 11-25-2022, 12:32 PM

XT4/XT30II Formal Posed Work & Event Photography
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 3
Views: 645

Thanks for your detailed explanation.

In sunset scenes, I've seen some photographers adding a ligh in the 'same' direction (side) as the sun. This way, all the light comes from the same side and it's less obvious that you are adding light to the scene. Sometimes a bit of gelling is added to the flash light to mimic the sun light. I think this setup gets a more natural effect.
So I think you got it. Your photos may seem quick and casual at first sight (I think that's your intention), but it's clear you took your time thinking about the setup before taking them (and you spend your time learning and practicing before). Thanks for sharing.

Regards.

Forum: Winners' Showcase 10-08-2022, 01:38 PM

September, 2022 Winner: Milkyway and the lighthouse
Posted By morenjavi

Replies: 121
Views: 1,387

I would like to nominate this photo.

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