The Nikon Z6 is just one of 2 full-frame mirrorless cameras which Nikon introduced in August of 2018. It's quite similar to the big brother, the Z7, together with the main differences being the detector (24MP vs 46MP) and the drop in settlement that comes along with it. The Z6 also has fewer phase-detect autofocus points (273 vs 493) because of this lower-res sensor. Otherwise, you are getting the same rugged physique, the same (mostly) comfortable controls and access to a small but soon-to-grow collection of Z-mount lenses.
Specs apart, the Z6 is for a very different audience than the Z7. The latter is really for people seeking ultra-high resolution and might also be considering cameras such as the Sony a7R III and also Nikon D850. The Z6, on the other hand, is meant to be be more appealing to those looking to upgrade in the crop-sensor cameras or previous-generation full-frame DSLRs.
The Z6 will ultimately be contrasted to the DSLR sibling, the D750 (that will be getting on in years, but still very competent ). While the two cameras have various designs, they function similarly, with autofocus modes and video being the most crucial differences.
Nikon Z6 Key specifications:
24.5MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor
Hybrid autofocus system w/273 phase-detect points
Up to 12 fps burst shooting (Raw + JPEG)
3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder
2.1M-dot tilting touch LCD
OLED top plate display
Single XQD card slot
UHD 4K capture up to 30p
10-bit 4:2:2 N-Log output over HDMI
Up to 100Mbps H.264 8-bit internal video capture
SnapBridge Wi-Fi system with Bluetooth
24.5MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor
Hybrid autofocus system w/273 phase-detect points
Up to 12 fps burst shooting (Raw + JPEG)
3.69M-dot OLED viewfinder
2.1M-dot tilting touch LCD
OLED top plate display
Single XQD card slot
UHD 4K capture up to 30p
10-bit 4:2:2 N-Log output over HDMI
Up to 100Mbps H.264 8-bit internal video capture
SnapBridge Wi-Fi system with Bluetooth
If those specs seem familiar, it is because they're almost equal to that of those Z7, together with resolution and the amount of AF points function as main differences. You can reap the advantages of the lower resolution sensor when shooting bursts, with a top frame rate of 12 fps (vs 9) along with the capability to capture additional photos per burst. Otherwise, you're getting exactly the exact same design and creations found that the Z6's big brother, which can be significantly more expensive.
The Z6 is marketed body-only for $1999 or with all the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S lens for $2599. If you buy the $249 FTZ (F-to-Z mount) adapter in precisely the exact same moment, Nikon will probably knock $100 from the purchase price.
What's new
While comparing the Z6's specs against the Z7 is nice and most importantly, in fact shoppers are contemplating that the Sony a7 III along with Canon EOS R, both of which can be priced around the $2000 mark. While we were very smitten with all the a7 III, the same was not the case for Canon's first full-frame mirrorless camera. There could be other users who need a full-frame Nikon, but aren't sure whether to find the D750 (that will be quite the deal nowadays ) or even the Z6.
While comparing the Z6's specs against the Z7 is nice and most importantly, in fact shoppers are contemplating that the Sony a7 III along with Canon EOS R, both of which can be priced around the $2000 mark. While we were very smitten with all the a7 III, the same was not the case for Canon's first full-frame mirrorless camera. There could be other users who need a full-frame Nikon, but aren't sure whether to find the D750 (that will be quite the deal nowadays ) or even the Z6.
Z-mount
The Z6 and Z7 use the new Z-mount, and it can be a stunning departure in the F-mount that has been in existence for decades. It is a much shallower and wider bracket and its 16mm flange-back space between the mount and the detector usually means that virtually any lens can be adapted on the camera.
The Z6 and Z7 use the new Z-mount, and it can be a stunning departure in the F-mount that has been in existence for decades. It is a much shallower and wider bracket and its 16mm flange-back space between the mount and the detector usually means that virtually any lens can be adapted on the camera.
The combination of this brief thickness and a 55mm mount diameter (25% wider than the current F-mount) gives the designers lots of space to direct light into the corners of their sensors without being constrained from the mount's throat. Nikon claims that this will let it make lenses with apertures as broad as F0.95 and, honestly, it is already working on you.
Nikon also released an F-to-Z mount adapter that permits the use of F-mount lenses on the newest cameras. This includes a mechanical tether lever built in, enabling full use of AF-S and AF-I lenses. Older AF-D lenses may provide car vulnerability (but no autofocus) along with AI lenses will have full metering. There's no aperture tab for use with'AI' or older lenses, though, or so the camera will not capture a aperture value. On the other hand, elderly pre-AI lenses can mount perfectly and work in stopped-down mode in aperture priority or manual exposure shooting.
Sadly, Nikon states that it will not be discussing the technical details of the bracket with third-parties, preferring for now to safeguard earnings of its own lenses (this is not a surprise, the F mount wasn't open either, and Canon does exactly the same with its EF and RF mounts). So, unlike Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-Mount, third party manufacturers will have to reverse-engineer the Z-mount so as to provide harmonious optics.
New sensor
Underneath the mount is a 24.5MP BSI-CMOS sensor which while'Nikon-designed' is almost surely made by Sony. The detector has 273 PDAF factors and, while not as pronounced on the Z7, striping/banding may be understood in darker tones, restricting dynamic selection, although this seeing this happening in the real world is not likely.
Underneath the mount is a 24.5MP BSI-CMOS sensor which while'Nikon-designed' is almost surely made by Sony. The detector has 273 PDAF factors and, while not as pronounced on the Z7, striping/banding may be understood in darker tones, restricting dynamic selection, although this seeing this happening in the real world is not likely.
Nikon states that the on-sensor AF system is rated down to -2EV having an F2 lens attached, that can be 1 stop lower than the Z7. If you put the camera in to'low light' mode, it supports light speeds down to -4EV, although the AF speed and refresh speed of the EVF suffer as a outcome.
The Z6 can support continuous shooting at around 5.5 frames per minute if you need updated live view between shots. If you are not attempting to follow actions and do not require live opinion, the Z6's'High+' mode can take even quicker. This mode allows complete autofocus but also locks the exposure settings later taking the first picture. High+ shoots JPEGs and 12-bit Raws in 12 fps or 14-bit Raws at 9 fps.
Given the gap in resolution it is not surprising the Z6 has a deeper buffer than the Z7. Having said that, the camera buffer does fill up quickly for a camera in this class. The buffer is essentially bottomless should you fall down to'normal' continuous high style. Considering that Nikon's very own D500 and D850 have bottomless buffers at any given rate, we have to wonder if corners were cut the Z6 and Z7. Also notice that, despite quick XQD cards, then it may take some time to clean the buffer and return to shooting at full speed.
Body and handling
Even the Nikon Z6 is extremely well-built and includes a modern style that does not stray too far away from its DSLR origins. It's roughly equal in size to the Canon EOS R and Sony a7 III and lighter and smaller compared to the Nikon D750 (but not with a lot). The Z6's build quality is top-notch (and others concur ), and whose lasting, weather-sealed body remains surprisingly light in the hand.
Even the Nikon Z6 is extremely well-built and includes a modern style that does not stray too far away from its DSLR origins. It's roughly equal in size to the Canon EOS R and Sony a7 III and lighter and smaller compared to the Nikon D750 (but not with a lot). The Z6's build quality is top-notch (and others concur ), and whose lasting, weather-sealed body remains surprisingly light in the hand.
The Z6 has an extremely great grip which places most controllers in each reach of the fingers, even though it's a small stretch to achieve the customizable buttons which sit against the lens mount. It is rather easy to wind up resting your thumb on the AF-point joystick, which is fantastic if you would like to correct the AF point but not-so-great if you accidentally bump it and get kicked out of playback mode. Another thing which may bother large-handed people is that there's no real support for the pinky finger. A battery grip that will extend the grip is still in evolution, but isn't yet offered.