Nikon Z6

The Nikon Z6 is a high-resolution FX-format camera in Nikon’s compact, large-diameter, and full-frame Z mount. We also carry the updated . Key features of the Z 6 include:

• Exceptional image quality in a compact build

• 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 processor

• Improved autofocus and focus tracking

• 4K UHD video capture

Nikon Z System. The Z6 is one of the first cameras in Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount system, which gives you exceptional image quality and optical design in a compact build. This system’s inner diameter is 17% larger than the F mount, allowing for more advanced optics and lenses, while the 16mm flange distance is 65% shorter than the F mount, which makes for markedly slimmer body designs. Z-mount cameras are only compatible with Z-mount lenses, and Z-mount lenses only work with Z-mount cameras.

Unmatched Image Quality. The 24.5MP full-frame sensor is paired with an EXPEED 6 processor to give you a native ISO range of 100-51,200 and an extended ISO range of 50-204,800. The sensor’s back-illuminated design gives you clean, low-noise images at high ISO values, while its lack of a conventional low-pass filter gives you exceptional sharpness and resolution. The EXPEED 6 processor gives you a 12 fps continuous RAW-shooting frame rate and ensures speedy functionality.

273-Point Phase-Detect Autofocus. The Z6’s AF system offers 273 phase-detection AF points that cover 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally, making it great for stills and video. Improvements to Nikon’s tracking focus system promise even better continuous-focus performance, including tracking out to the edges of the frame. The Hybrid Autofocus mode automatically switches between phase- and contrast-detect systems, which makes it ideal for video.

Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction. Nikon has finally joined the photographer-friendly party and integrated a 5-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction system into the Z-Series cameras. This superlative VR system offers up to five stops of compensation from camera shake with native Z-mount lenses. Additionally, it is jointly compatible with VR-enable F-mount lenses when using the , albeit with only 3-axis stabilization.

4K UHD Video. The Z6 isn’t just for ultra-sharp stills; it’s capable of in-camera 4K UHD recording at 24/25/30p, Full HD at up to 120p for slow-motion playback, and uncompressed output to an external recorder via HDMI mini out. The N-Log gamma lets you capture flat-looking footage with a high dynamic range, the Electronic VR feature gives you smooth handheld shooting, and you get 10-bit data output over HDMI. Unlike previous Nikon mirrorless cameras, the Z6 includes focus peaking and zebra warnings. You can capture stereo audio in-camera or externally via 1/8-inch mic input, while a separate 1/8-inch headphone input enables precision audio monitoring. Need to stream RAW footage over HDMI to a recorder? Check out the the .

High-Res Electronic Viewfinder and LCD. The built-in EVF boasts 3.6m-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.80x magnification to give you a bright, clear view of what the sensor sees. The tilting 3.2-inch 1m-dot rear touchscreen LCD can also be used for image composition and review when shooting at arm’s length.

Compact, Professional Build. As you’d expect, the pro-grade Z6 is built like a beast. The magnesium-alloy body features dust and weather sealing, so inclement weather and harsh climates won’t be able to stop you. The form factor, ergonomic grip, and anti-slip material all add up to a camera that was designed with extended shoots in mind, while the joystick makes for fast and intuitive option and focus-point selection.

XQD Compatible. The Z6 includes one XQD memory-card slot for superior speed, capability, and reliability. It’s also compatible with Type B CFexpress cards.

Power Options. The included EN-EL15b battery gives you up to 310 shots per charge and can be charged in camera (the AC adapter is only available by request). If you opt to rent the separate , you can increase battery life by approximately 180% and gain the ability to hot swap batteries while you’re using the camera. The Nikon Z 6 is also compatible with and batteries, but you can’t charge those in camera.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Z 6 uses Nikon’s SnapBridge platform to transfer images from the camera to a phone or tablet. Using Bluetooth, you can quickly transfer low-res proxy files to share; tag your files with dates, times, and locations; and operate the camera remotely with shutter release and live view display.

The ‘affordable’ Nikon Z is really a nice camera and the one I’d try first if you’re going to check out the system and decide if you want to move this way. From a handling and ergonomic standpoint …

The ‘affordable’ Nikon Z is really a nice camera and the one I’d try first if you’re going to check out the system and decide if you want to move this way. From a handling and ergonomic standpoint this will tell you what you need to know and if you’ve already seen D8xx image quality, then you know what that’s about. Overall I’d say it’s a really good generation 1 system; it’s got some things I wish they’d done better but they got most of it really right.

I don’t need to tell you what needs to be better, hundreds of Sony fanpeople are doing that daily from anonymized addresses in Eastern Europe. But it’s superbly weather sealed, very usable, the Z lenses are very good and the system noticeably smaller than a SLR. A really good camera that’s very usable and the official Gateway Camera to the Z7 and inevitably Z7II.

January 2019