Nikon’s foray into the full-frame mirrorless market was long-anticipated, and the company had enormous expectations on its shoulders to deliver a camera that could deliver what enthusiast photographers really want.
When the announcement finally came, we got not one, but two Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras: the Nikon Z6 and Z7. As if they need any introduction.
Some people point to the Sony A7 III and say Sony got there first with the true all-rounder, and the A7 III is a remarkable camera indeed. But keep in mind the III in its name. It was until the third iteration of Sony’s ‘all-rounder’ in the A7 series that it finally hit its stride.
What’s impressive about Nikon’s emergence in the full-frame mirrorless market is that it seems to have skipped the evolution stage entirely and has produced a superb all-rounder in the Z6.
The Z6’s 24.5-megapixel sensor captures images with a good level of detail and attractive colours. Meanwhile, its AF system is fast and reliable and the burst depth is deep enough to make it useful for shooting sport. Add in the fact that the Z6 has the same solid weatherproof build and lovely handling as the high-resolution Z7, and the Nikon Z6 could be one of those rare cameras that becomes a modern classic.
You can buy the Nikon Z6 and its various kits at a wide range of dealers, such as Adorama, B&H Photo Video, Wex Photo Video and Park Cameras.
Why buy the Nikon Z6?
- Fast 273-point hybrid focusing system with phase and contrast detection
- Excellent low-light performance
- 5-axis stabilisation
- 4K video at 30fps
Like the Z7, the Z 6 uses the new Expeed 6 processing engine. However, in the Z6 it enables a maximum continuous shooting rate of 12fps. The standard sensitivity range is also ISO 100-51,200, expandable to ISO 64-102,400.
This is backed-up with a 273-point hybrid focusing system that uses phase and contrast detection. The imaging sensor is used for the focusing so there are pixels dedicated to the AF system. It means that the AF performance is the same whether you’re shooting using the viewfinder or the screen.
A 0.5-inch EVF boasts Nikon optics, 3.6-million-dots, a refresh rate of 60fps and 100% coverage with 0.8x magnification. It’s a joy to use.
Nikon has plumped for a 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen on the back on the Z6. Unlike Sony, Nikon hasn’t limited the use of the touch-control, you can tap and swipe on the screen to navigate the menu, make setting selections, set the AF point and scroll through images.
In another break from Nikon tradition, the Z6 has a 5-axis stabilisation system built in. This is claimed to give 5EV of shutter speed compensation.
The Z6 has 273 AF points that cover around 90% of the sensor. As a result, you can focus on areas much closer to the edge of the frame than you can with a DSLR. This means you don’t have to use the focus-and-recompose technique. In addition, you can track subjects around more of the imaging frame.
And like the Z7, the Z6 can record 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) video at 30p with full-frame readout. Slow motion lovers will also like the fact that Full HD footage can be recorded at up to 120p.
Get the full run-down on the camera’s specs and performance in our in-depth Nikon Z6 review.
Best Nikon Z6 Deals
Below are some of the most current – and best – Nikon Z6 deals being offered today from a wide range of retailers.