Hi everyone,
I was conducting a Low Light / Night Photography workshop last night for Nikon participants. We were photographing the Marina Bay Sands skyline during blue hour. I took 2 shots using JPEG FINE* format as I wanted to get an impression of how good the Z6's JPEG performance was with a straight forward hand-held shot.
For me, photographing a high dynamic range scene using JPEG is a "worst case" type condition. If the JPEG file performs well then I can safely assume that Nikon's NEF RAW file with the same exposure would perform even better in terms of dynamic range recovery.
Photography Setup for the shot
Nikon Z6
Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/4.0S
Captured at 24mm focal length
Hand-Held
JPEG FINE*
AUTO ISO (ISO selected was 6400)
1/30s
f4.0 (wide open)
Exposure Compensation -0.3 stops
In-Camera Noise Reduction : Normal
Picture Control : STD
JPEG FINE* NOT Post processed
As you can see from the above Z6 JPEG unedited file:
- there are a couple of areas with blown highlights
- other than that exposure looks good in other areas
- shadow details also look good
Z6 / Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4.0/S Impressions
DETAILS
Screenshot of UNEDITED ISO6400 JPEG file at 400% magnification
- details looks superb even at ISO6400
- fine details are nicely rendered and clearly seen
- magnified image looks relatively clean & smooth even at ISO6400
EDGE DETAILS / GRAIN CONTROL-NOISE PERFORMANCE
Screenshot of UNEDITED ISO6400 JPEG file at 400% magnification
- EDGE Details & Crispness are excellent , consistent & comparable to details away from the edge
- A really excellent performance at ISO6400
- Grain control / Noise Performance of the Z6 at ISO6400 is just fabulous
HIGHLIGHTS RECOVERY
Area 1
Original Screenshot of UNEDITED ISO6400 JPEG file at 300% magnification
Highlights Recovered version
Area 2
Original Screenshot of UNEDITED ISO6400 JPEG file at 300% magnification
Highlights Recovered Version
Final Version of Highlights Recovery
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Overall a superlative performance in terms of
- Details
- EDGE Details
- Grain Control / Noise Performance @ISO6400
- Highlights Recovery for a JPEG file
The above says a lot & provides a great initial impression of BOTH the Z6's sensor implementation AND the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/4.0S lens performance even at the edges.
The Z6 and Z7 definitely are producing image files of the highest quality at extremely high ISOs which rival my current reference the mighty Nikon D850 with equivalent F-mount Lens.
I am very happy that these 1st generation Full Frame Mirrorless cameras are providing the results that I am expecting from a Nikon.
More testing & sharing to come.
Till then, take care, stay safe & HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!
Cheers,
Andrew