Nikon Z 6

The Nikon Z 6 is a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera produced by Nikon.[1] The camera was officially announced on August 23, 2018, to be released in November. Nikon began shipping the Z 6 to retailers on November 16, 2018.[2] This was the second camera to use Nikon's new Z-mount system after the release of the 45.75 megapixel Nikon Z 7 in September 2018.[3]

Nikon Z 6
Z 6 + NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Overview
MakerNikon
TypeFull-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera
ReleasedNovember 23, 2018
Lens
Lens mountNikon Z-mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeBack-illuminated CMOS sensor
Sensor sizeFull frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor makerSony
Maximum resolution6048 x 4024 (24.5 effective megapixels)
Film speedNative range of ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-204,800)
Recording mediumXQD card
CFexpress card
Focusing
FocusSingle-servo AF (AF-S)
Continuous-servo AF (AF-C)
Full-time AF (AF-F; only available in video mode)
Predictive focus tracking
Manual focus (electronic rangefinder can be used)
Focus modesPinpoint
Single-point
Dynamic-area AF
Wide-area AF (small)
Wide-area AF (large)
Auto-area AF
Focus areas273 points (single-point AF) with 90% coverage
Exposure/metering
ExposureTTL metering using camera image sensor
Exposure modesProgrammed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Exposure meteringTTL metering using camera image sensor
Highlight-weighted metering: -4 to +17 EV (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 °C/68 °F)
Metering modesMatrix metering
Center-weighted metering
Spot metering
Flash
FlashNo built-in flash
Shutter
Frame rateUp to 12fps in 12-bit RAW and single-point autofocus
ShutterElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter, Electronic front-curtain shutter
Shutter speeds30s - 1/8000s
Viewfinder
ViewfinderQuad-VGA (1280x960) EVF (3690000 dots)
Image processing
Image processorEXPEED 6
White balanceAuto (3 types)
Custom
Cloudy
Direct sunlight
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Natural light auto
Preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, all with fine-tuning)
Shade
General
Video recording1080p video at up to 120 fps, and 4K video at up to 30 fps
LCD screen3.2-inch tilting TFT LCD with 2.1 million dots with touchscreen
BatteryEN-EL15b
AV Port(s)USB Type-C, HDMI Type-C
Data Port(s)IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy
Body featuresIn-Body Image Stabilization
Dimensions134×100.5×67.5 mm (5.28×3.96×2.66 in)
Weight585 g (body only), 675 g (body with battery and memory card)
Made in Japan
Chronology
SuccessorNikon Z 6II

This more-affordable 24.5 mega-pixel full-frame model offers nearly all of the same specifications as the Z 7. Aside from the lower resolution, differences include fewer phase-detection autofocus points (273 compared to 493) and an added anti-aliasing filter. The fewer mega-pixels allow for some benefits: a higher ISO equivalent, faster 12 fps (vs. 9 fps) drive speed, greater burst depth, and the ability to capture oversampled 4K video in full-frame up to 30 fps (and also in APS-C Crop, 10 MP APS-C still images can be captured) recording.[4][5]

Three Z-mount lenses were available by December 2018, the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S FX AF, the 35mm f/1.8 S FX AF and the 50mm f/1.8 S FX AF. The F-to-Z mount adapter accessory allows for using Nikon lenses from the digital SLR series with full compatibility.[6] In late 2018, Nikon also published a "roadmap" of lenses to be released between 2019 and 2021. A total of nine products were included in that list.[7]

A DSLR version of this camera, the Nikon D780, providing similar auto focus performance and video performance, was released in January 2020.

Nikon Z 6 logo

Reception

The preliminary review by Imaging-Resource in the U.S. offered this summary of its conclusion after preliminary testing had been completed: "Overall, the Nikon Z6 is shaping up to be a very nice, all-around, enthusiast-grade mirrorless camera. ... I'm having a hard time finding any sizable criticism for the Z6. The image quality is fantastic, ... and the build quality is superb. The camera ... was easy to pick up and operate without much, if any, confusion. ... The camera feels great, works great and produces great photographs. I honestly can't ask for much more." The only negative comment at that time was that the Z 6 offers only a single XQD card slot; such cards were still quite expensive at the time and a single slot does not provide any "backup security".[8]

Digital Photography Review rated the camera's sensor as providing excellent resolution and high ISO performance, "though on rare occasions you may see banding if shadow areas are brightened ... While fine detail isn't as well preserved at low ISO or at high ISO as the best of its peers, the Z6 generally strikes a nice balance between noise and detail. Low light Raw performance is competitive with the best of its peers, which is to say it's essentially class-leading."[9] The editors suggested that the Z 6 may be preferable to the Z 7 for some photo enthusiasts. "While the Nikon Z7 may garner the most attention, the cheaper Z6 may actually prove the more impactful of the two cameras, since it'll be within reach of a larger number of photographers. And, since it captures oversampled video without a crop, it might be a more logical choice for video shooters than the higher-resolution Z7."[10]

One other criticism about the Z 6 is its autofocus system being inferior to that of Canon and Sony's offerings, as well as its DSLR predecessors, such as the Nikon D750 and Nikon D780.[11]

Update history

Nikon has released a number of firmware updates for the Z 6. The Z 6 and Z 7 have - so far - always received largely identical changes and share the same firmware version numbers. Some reviews of these cameras have been updated to reflect new autofocus features and improved autofocus performance over time.[12][13]

Version Release date Notes
1.02018-11-23
  • Initial firmware version
2.0[14]2019-05-15
  • Added eye-detection autofocus in stills mode
  • Added auto-exposure tracking to 12 fps high-speed extended mode
2.20[15]2019-12-17
  • Added support for CFexpress memory cards
  • Added option for paid (200 USD) 12-bit ProRes RAW external recording upgrade[16]
3.0[17]2020-02-17
  • Added animal (dogs and cats) eye-detection autofocus in stills mode
  • Added animal face-detection autofocus in movie mode
  • Improved subject tracking autofocus
3.10[18]2020-07-21
  • Added support for updating the firmware of F-mount lenses through the FTZ
  • Added support for remote control of external recorders using the Atomos protocol
3.20[19]2020-12-17
  • Added support for Blackmagic RAW recording to Blackmagic Design external video recorders on cameras with the RAW upgrade installed
  • The ISO sensitivity of movies recorded in ProRes RAW can now be altered in Final Cut Pro X
3.30[20]2021-04-25
  • Added voice memo feature
  • Added focus recall on wakeup option (restores last focus position instead of returning focus to infinity)
3.40[21]2021-11-10
  • Improved eye-detection autofocus
  • Added support for new lenses (24-120/4S, 28-75/2.8, 400/2.8S TC VR) and the FTZ II
3.50[22]2022-10-20
  • Customizable control assignment for focus position recall
  • Improved focus position recall
3.60[23]2023-07-12
  • Added support for MC-N10 remote grip

Video capabilities

The Z 6 can internally record a range of 1080p and 4K video formats. External recorders can be connected via a HDMI type C connector. The Z6 always provides a "clean-feed" output without any on-screen displays in video mode.

Resolution Frame rate Bit depth Recording mode Available picture profiles Sensor area Sampling mode
1920x1080 24/25/30 fps 8-bit Internal and external Picture profiles incl. "flat" profile FX
DX		 Downsampling
?
1920x1080 50/60 fps Internal and external FX
DX		 Pixel binning
?
1920x1080 100/120 fps Internal FX Pixel binning and downsampling
3840x2160 24/25/30 fps Internal and external FX
DX		 Downsampling
?
1920x1080 24/50/30 fps 10-bit External Picture profiles incl. "flat" profile
N-Log		 FX
DX		 Downsampling
?
1920x1080 50/60 fps External FX
DX		 Pixel binning and downsampling
?
3840x2160 24/50/30 fps External FX
DX		 Downsampling
?
3840x2160 24/25/30 fps 12-bit External ProRes RAW (requires raw video upgrade) FX
DX		 Pixel skipping[24]
1920x1080 24/25/30/50/60 fps External FX
DX

See also

References
  1. Kelion, Leo (23 August 2018). "Nikon mirrorless cameras will battle Sony". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-08-24.
  2. Z6 to ship this Friday for $1999/DP Review
  3. "Nikon Unveils Z7 and Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras, New Z-Mount Lenses + Adapter". Photo District News. 23 August 2018. Retrieved 2018-08-23.
  4. "Nikon Z6 is a lower resolution, less expensive Z7". DP Review. 25 November 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  5. "Nikon Z7 vs. Nikon Z6". Imaging-Resource. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  6. "The ultimate in optical image quality". Nikon USA. 27 November 2018. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  7. "Nikon's three-year lens roadmap includes 58mm F0.95 Noct". DP Review. 2018-08-23. Retrieved 2018-12-29.
  8. "Nikon Z6 Review". Imaging-Resource. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 2018-12-22.
  9. "Nikon Z6 First Impressions Review". DP Review. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  10. "Nikon Z6 is a lower resolution, less expensive Z7". DP Review. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  11. "Nikon Z6 Review - Page 3 of 10". Photography Life. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  12. Butler, Richard (2019-06-19). "Nikon Z6 and Z7 scoring updated to reflect firmware v2.0". dpreview. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
  13. Rose, Carey (2020-03-13). "New firmware brings improved AF usability: Read our updated Nikon Z6 and Z7 reviews". dpreview. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
  14. "Z 6 Firmware 2.00". Nikon. 2019-05-15. Archived from the original on 2019-07-18. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
  15. "Nikon Z 6 Firmware 2.20". Nikon. 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
  16. "Firmware Ver. 2.20 Released, Adds Support For CFexpress Memory Cards; Paid Service To Install RAW Video Output Function Also Begins". Nikon. 2019-12-17.
  17. "Z 6 Firmware 3.00". Nikon. 2020-02-17. Archived from the original on 2020-05-06. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
  18. "Z 6 Firmware 3.10". Nikon. 2020-07-21. Archived from the original on 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
  19. "Nikon Z 6 Firmware 3.20". Nikon. 2020-12-17. Archived from the original on 2021-03-03. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
  20. "Z 6 Firmware 3.30". Nikon. 2021-04-25. Archived from the original on 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
  21. "Z 6 Firmware 3.40". Nikon. 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
  22. "Z 6 Firmware 3.50". Nikon. 2022-10-20. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  23. "Z 6 Firmware 3.60". Nikon. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  24. Lumo, Falk (2020-01-11). "The conundrum of Nikon Z6 ProRes RAW". Retrieved 2021-11-14.
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