Z 6II

My Z6 is ironically pretty much a dedicated video camera now, in a rig. Because even though its internal video can't keep up, its 10-bit UHD output for Prores 422 recording is great. And I've set it up to be easy to grab out of its rig when I want to use it as just a normal camera again. And ironica

Also if it's in your budget, get the Nikon Z5II, it's newer than the Z6II and performs much better

I'm going to go against the grain here, I really think the Z6ii is the better choice here. If you're a total beginner, the Z6ii is going to give you so much that your phone can't, and the $400 that you'll save can buy you a 50mm f1.8 S lens off the used market, which is an absolutely incredible lens

The eye detect issue was fixed in a firmware update a few years ago for the Z6ii. I have only used the Z6ii but would not hesitate to get another Nikon when I get around to upgrading.

The 18-55-lens is APS-C lens so using it would be significantly underutlizing the camera - no meaningful performance improvement on FF body like Z6ii. The longer zoom allows for larger light collection, but you'll lose a bit or "reach". Z6 ii is better camera in most ways apart from one: AF - the So

You already said you don't need to, so don't. Based on IQ, you won't notice a worthwhile difference with a Z6/Z6ii in daylight (BSI/higher native iso helps for low light a lot though.. Z6/Z6II are Nikon's best "low light" cameras ever, with Zf close). To me, a worthwhile (cheapest) upgrade begins wi

Another vote for the D500. It has a learning curve and a D7500 would be just as good for your purposes, most likely. A V60 card is plenty fast (and much cheaper than the fastest V90 cards). I’ve always bought used. A used 70-200 f/2.8 (Tamron, Sigma, or Nikon). Once you get the bug you might go for

I started with a Z6ii, then a Z7ii and now have a Z8. The cameras are definitely excellent, and the Z8 is a real winner I'll bet you'd be comfortable with coming from the D850. But the most amazing thing about this system isn't in the camera - it's the lenses. The Z line of lenses are incredible acr

Conventional wisdom seems to be the Z5II is better, and I won't argue because I haven't used one. I went through the same mental gymnastics you're going through. Long story short, my budget was about $2K for lens and body, and I went with a used Z6II (much cheaper than a Z5II) and splurged on an ope

Assuming that you're in the US, I would look at KEH/MPB, or Nikon's refurb sales... If you don't want to look at DX cameras, I would probably try out the Z6ii (lists at KEH for $1150). Nothing like the Z8 for AF, but if you use single-point, or possibly one of the area-modes, you might still be happ