Sony’s A7-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras caused a stir but it took until the 3rd generation for the cameras to deliver what enthusiast photographers really want. With the Nikon Z6 and Z7, however, Nikon skipped the evolution stage and introduced two cameras that hit the ground running.
After extensive testing, I’m happy to say that the Z6 is exactly what Nikon bills it as. An excellent all-rounder. Its 24.5Mp 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 I think Nikon has a success on its hands. The only downside is the single card port, but for many, especially those who started out shooting on film, it’s not a major issue. If it is for you, take a look at the Nikon Z6 II which was announced in October 2020.
For
Superb quality images
Excellent weather-sealing and build quality
Growing range of very high-quality lenses
Against
Single memory card slot (XQD/CFexpress)
Lacklustre battery life
No Eye AF in video
What is the Nikon Z6?
Announced in August 2018, and launched into the marketplace in November the same year, the Nikon Z6 is the 24Mp all-rounder full-frame mirrorless camera announced at the same time as the 45.7Mp Nikon Z7.
The Nikon Z6 and Z7 were Nikon’s first generation full-frame cameras, arriving after a couple of years of rumour and speculation. Although the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II were announced in October 2020, they use the same sensor and much of the same technology. Consequently, the original Nikon Z6 and Z7 are still very attractive cameras with plenty to offer enthusiast and professional photographers.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm / 5.3 x 4 x 2.7-inches
Weight: 675 g / 1 lb. 7.9 oz with battery and memory card but without body cap, 85 g/1 lb. 4.7 oz. camera body only
Features
Inside the Nikon Z6, more correctly known as the Nikon Z 6, is a full-frame (FX) 24.5Mp backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor.
As in the Z7, the Nikon Z6 pairs this chip with the Expeed 6 processing engine. However, in the Z6 it enables a maximum continuous shooting rate of 12fps. Also, 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.
Viewfinder and Screens
Nikon is aiming to combine the benefits of an SLR with those of a mirrorless camera with the Z6 and Z7. Consequently, the viewfinder has to be bright and clear. With this in mind, there are Nikon optics in the 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Fluorine and anti-reflective coatings have also been used to repel dirt and banish reflections.
With 3.6million dots, it’s a high-resolution device and it shows 100% of the image with 0.8x magnification. That resolution is the same as the Sony A9’s viewfinder. It’s great to see it in a camera aimed at a wider audience.
The EVF’s refresh rate is 60fps. As a result, the image is smooth even when following a moving subject. However, Fujifilm offers an even higher rate of 100fps with the X-T3’s EVF.
Nikon has plumped for a 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen on the back on the Z 6. 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.
There’s also a small status LCD that shows key settings on the Z 6’s top-plate.
Nikon Z Lens Mount
While designing its full-frame mirrorless cameras, Nikon also developed a new lens mount. This isn’t a decision that has been taken lightly. However, it removes some of the restrictions imposed on the optic and sensor engineers by the F mount.
The mount diameter jumps from 47mm with the F mount to 55mm with the Z mount. That gives much more scope for letting light into the camera – and future cameras. Whereas the F mount limits the maximum aperture to f/1.4 or f/1.2 at the very most, the new mount makes f/0.95 lenses feasible. In fact, there’s already one in the pipeline.
Although the diameter of the mount may have been increased significantly, the flange depth has shrunk to just 16mm. That and the lack of a mirror means that the Z6 is very slim – although there’s still a beefy grip.
Although there were only three S-Line or Nikkor Z lenses available when the Z 6 first went on sale (November 2018), Nikon has been busy and there are now 16 S-Line lenses available.
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.
Using in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) avoids having to put Nikon’s VR system in the S-line (or Nikkor Z) lenses. That should help keep size, weight and prices down.
Nikon Z6 Autofocus
As I mentioned earlier, the Nikon Z 6 has hybrid autofocusing. This is a change from Nikon’s DSLRs which use a dedicated phase-detection sensor for shooting with the viewfinder and contrast-detection focusing for Live View and video shooting.
The Z 6 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.
Like the Z 7, the Z 6 has five AF point selection modes. However, the choice changes a little depending upon whether you are In Single AF (AF-S) or Continuous AF (AF-C) mode. In AF-S mode you have the choice of Pinpoint AF, Single-point AF, Wide-area AF (Small), Wide-area AF (Large) and Auto-area AF.
Switch to AF-C mode and you’ll find Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF, Wide-area AF (Small), Wide-area AF (Large) and Auto-area AF available.
In Auto-area AF, the camera attempts to detect the subject automatically. If you press the OK button a tracking point becomes visible. You can then move this over the subject, press OK again, and the camera will attempt to track it around the frame. This operates in both AF-S and AF-C mode but it only adjusts the focus in AF-C mode.
Like the Z7, the Z6 can record 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) video at 30p with full-frame readout. Slow-motion fans will also like the fact that Full HD footage can be recorded at up to 120p.
Footage recorded internally is in 8bit colour. However, if you connect an external recorder via the HDMI connection, it’s possible to record 10bit 4:2:2 colour with N-Log for better grading and colour matching.
Using N-Log and 10bit recording extends the tonal range to 12stop or 1,300% dynamic range.
There’s also Timecode, focus peaking and zebra display. It’s also possible to adjust both the focusing speed and tracking sensitivity across 7 steps. That’s useful when you have a moving subject or when you want to slow focusing for a more cinematic appearance.
While most manufacturers are going with SD cards and putting dual slots in their enthusiast-level mirrorless cameras, Nikon went for just one XQD card slot in the Z6 and Z7. After launch, a firmware upgrade to made them compatible with CFexpress cards.
That was quite a brave decision, but it’s been made to keep the speed up and size down. A single card port is likely to be less of an issue for the Z6’s intended audience than it is for the Z7’s. It’s also something that the company changed its mind about for the Z6 II and Z7 II as those cameras have dual card slots, one accepting SD-type cards and the other XQD/CFexpress cards.
The Z6 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built-in as part of the SnapBridge system. However, the Wi-Fi can be used directly if you prefer. A dedicated CPU is incorporated into the Z6 to help maintain the connection.
Alternatively, the Z6 is compatible with Nikon’s WT-7 wireless adapter.
Like the Z7, the Z6 uses a new EN-EL15b battery. However, it can also accept the D850’s EN-EL15a battery.
Build and Handling
The Nikon Z6 has exactly the same form factor as the Z7. That means if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford both, you shouldn’t have any problems switching between the two. I certainly haven’t missed a beat when swapping around.
Both of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras feel solid and durable. And given that they have a magnesium alloy body and weatherproof seals, they should survive some serious use. I’ve used both in rain, sunshine and drizzly mist and neither missed a beat.
It’s clear that Nikon has put quite a bit of thought into the design and has done a great job of keeping the size down despite the huge lens mount.
Crucially, the grip is nice and deep so the camera feels really comfortable in your hand. The Z6 feels nicely balanced with the 24-70mm and 35mm lenses mounted. Even the new AF-S 500mm looks quite sensible on there – but then it is a surprisingly small lens for the focal length! Naturally, you have to give the lens a bit of support with your left hand, but the deep grip helps you keep it steady.
Although the Z6 is small for a full-framer and it has an extensive array of buttons and dials, there’s enough room for your fingers and thumbs.
The buttons on the back of the camera are all within easy reach – mostly by your left thumb and there’s a conveniently positioned mini-joystick for setting the AF point.
As soon as you pick-up the Z6 and start exploring the controls or dipping into the menus it’s apparent that it has a lot in common with cameras like the D850 and D750. However, the size reduction means that the button layout has been reconsidered. I think the control layout is one of the best I’ve come across on an interchangeable lens camera.
I love the fact that Nikon has allowed so much touch-control. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to, but it’s there if you do. And it really speeds some aspects.
Pressing the ‘i’ for Info button, for instance, reveals a panel of 12 features that can be selected and adjusted with taps on the screen. If want you can use the physical controls but you have to press repeatedly to navigate over to the feature you want.
You can also customise this Info screen so you access the 12 features that you need most often.
The main menu options can also be selected by tapping the screen.
I’m pleased that Nikon has enabled the Auto ISO mode control via the ‘i’ menu. On DSLRs like the D850 it’s in the main menu and it can cause confusion when adjusting the exposure settings. Strangely, you still can’t access the Auto ISO options via the dedicated ISO button though.
Controls
Nikon has used a mode dial like the D750’s on the Z6. I much prefer this approach to the button and dial system of the D850. I think it’s quicker and easier to select the exposure mode that you want.
Across the top-plate and on the back of the camera you’ll find all the buttons that you’d expect. The AF-on button is conveniently placed for back-button focusing lovers.
Screens
In addition to the tilting 3.2-inch2,100,000-dot screen on the back of the camera, there’s a status screen on the top-plate to show key settings. It’s a nice touch that adds to the high-end feel. It even adapts the lighting conditions so you’re not dazzled.
The main screen is very responsive to touch and there’s plenty of detail visible. It can also be tilted up or down to give an easier view at high or low shooting angles. Thanks to the small size and weight of the camera, it’s easy to hold the Z6 steady while looking at the screen and shooting video.
As you’d expect you can set the AF point and trip the shutter with taps on the screen if you want. Unfortunately, there’s no trackpad option to use the screen while you’re looking in the viewfinder though. Perhaps that may come with a firmware update?
Viewfinder
If you think you don’t like electronic viewfinders, you need to look at the 3.6million-dot EVF in the Z6. It’s great. Aside from the fact that you can see how changing exposure or colour settings impacts upon the image, the view is very natural. And if you follow a moving subject, there’s no lag or tearing. It’s as close to an optical finder as you can get while still having the benefits of an electronic finder.
It shows an accurate preview of the image so it can be relied upon for assessing exposure, white balance and colour.
If you’re quick and shooting in an automatic or semi-automatic mode, you may spot the brightness of the image changing in the viewfinder when you lift the camera to your eye. However, it happens quickly so you may not notice it. The Canon EOS R does the same thing but slower so it’s more noticeable and annoying.
Performance
After shooting extensively with the Nikon Z 7, I had a pretty clear idea how the Z 6 would perform and I’m happy to say, it has lived up to my high expectations.
Having a lower pixel count on the same size sensor gives the Z6 a few advantages over the Z7. The larger pixels are able to gather more light which means that noise levels are lower – not that the Z7 struggles in that area! Also, as the sensor is used for autofocusing, the AF system is more sensitive. And the smaller file sizes of the Z6 means it has a faster maximum continuous shooting rate (12fps) and deeper burst depth. For example, you can shoot 44 large fine Jpegs in one burst with the Z6 and 25 with the Z7.
When I was photographing football with the Z7 I had to be mindful of the burst depth with the Z7. When I was shooting with the Z6, however, I didn’t find the burst depth restricting.
Nikon pitches the Z 6 as an all-rounder, which means it needs an autofocus system that can cope with a wide range of subjects and conditions. After shooting with the Z 7, I was already reasonably confident about the Z 6’s autofocus (AF) system. And now I’ve been able to photograph a football match with the Z 6, I’m even more impressed.
The conditions at the match were perfect, low sun giving a nice warm glow and good contrast. And the Z 6 responded well, getting everything I pointed it at sharp. It also proved extremely good at keeping the subject under the active AF area sharp.
As the match progressed and the sun began to set, the light became more challenging yet the Z 6 kept up well. This is especially impressive as I was shooting with the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED mounted via an FTZ adaptor. The majority of images were shot at the 400mm end where the maximum aperture is f/5.6.
As I also had the Nikon Z 7 with me, I was able to compare its performance in the same conditions. Its AF system good but the Z 6’s is just a bit snappier. Also had the Sony A7 III with me, although this benefited from an f/2.8 lens, and the Z 6 compared very well indeed.
Further good news is the Z6’s AF system copes a bit better with low-light than the Z7.
Image Quality
The 24.5Mp Z6 produces images with 6048×4024 pixels. That means they measure 51.2x34cm or 20.2×13.4inches at 300dpi. That’s more than enough for most photographers. And while it can’t capture the same level of detail as the Z7, there’s plenty of detail on show.
Noise is also controlled extremely well. At ISO 3200, for instance, there’s only the merest hint of noise visible in images at 100% on-screen. However, I’d be inclined to keep the sensitivity setting below the ISO 51,200 native maximum if possible. At this value, some out of focus low contrast areas lack detail. The cracks between distant paving slabs become lost, for example. However, if the background has a bit more contrast, the detail looks pretty good, so it’s something the keep in mind rather than make a hard rule. Nevertheless, I’m happier keeping the ISO to 25,600 or lower.
Exposure
I customised the manual focus ring on the Z lenses I was sent to adjust exposure compensation. I find this a really intuitive way to work. This means that when I’m shooting in aperture or shutter priority, I can tweak the exposure as I’m looking in the viewfinder. It’s a tad easier than reaching for a button and rolling a dial.
With this set-up, I had no reason to switch away Z6’s matrix metering system. In many situations, it delivered an accurate exposure by itself, but there were a few occasions when I reduced the exposure just a little.
Dynamic range
I found that the Z7 has an impressive dynamic range, so I had high expectations for the Z6. And indeed it is capable of capturing a wide range of tones in a single image. This means that it doesn’t burn out the highlights quickly and the shadows don’t turn inky-black at the slightest underexposure. It also handles tonal gradations well so there are nice, smooth transitions.
These points are especially useful to landscape photographers. It means that clouds aren’t an amorphous mass of white and there are details the shadows. It also means that they can manipulate the exposure to get the perfect result. In tricky conditions, for example, they can underexpose to ensure all the highlights are retained and then brighten the image to bring out some texture in the shadows.
I deliberately underexposed a few raw files and then experimented with their processing. This reveals that heavily underexposed images can withstand significant brightening, up to 5EV in some cases.
You can then bring down the brightness of the lighter areas to produce a more balanced exposure. In some instances, you can produce an HDR-style (high dynamic range) image from just one shot. But with a subtler hand, you can also produce more natural looking images.
As you’d expect, high ISO images can withstand less brightening. They lack detail and look mushy if you push them too hard.
Dynamic Range Example Images
The shot on the far left below was taken at ISO 400. It’s an extreme scene with the sun in the shot and I underexposed it dramatically to get lots of colour. Of course, this is at the expense of the tree in the foreground, but as you can see from the brightened version in the middle, the detail is still there.
Zooming in to 100% reveals a hint of chromatic noise. But when a more realistic degree of brightening is applied, it’s far less visible.
Original Image
+4.2EV Brightening
Balanced Processing
The image on the far left below was shot at ISO 100 and deliberately underexposed to make it almost black. Increasing the exposure of the raw file when processing it in Adobe Camera Raw makes it a little too bright (middle below), but it demonstrates what’s possible. Again, there’s a little noise visible in the darkest parts of the trees if you look for it at 100% on screen, but it’s not problematic. The last version (far right) was only brightened by 4.2EV to create a more pleasing result. It keeps the noise nicely concealed.
SnapBridge is Nikon’s combined Bluetooth and WiFi system that simplifies connecting your camera and phone to transfer images or control the camera remotely. Well that’s the theory. It’s had a chequered past. I first used it with the Nikon D500 and it performed very well, only occasionally requiring the app to be restarted to trigger the automatic image transfer.
Subsequently, I’ve tried to use it with other cameras and it’s been less helpful. In fact, in some instances, it’s been downright frustrating, especially when trying to control the camera with a phone.
Nikon has been working on the system for a while trying to improve it. I found the Z6’s SnapBridge works well. It connected easily enough to my iPhone and most images transferred across automatically.
However, if the camera and phone were out of range at any point, I usually had to restart the app or toggle between its Camera and Phone icons to remind it to work. The Remote photography option, which allows you to control the camera with a phone also worked well. There’s a short delay between tapping Remote photography on the app and the connection to the cameras being made, but the connection seems pretty stable.
The camera also responds quickly to a tap on the phone’s screen to set the AF point or fire the shutter.
Nikon Z6 Battery Life
As I mentioned earlier, the Z6 uses a new EN-EL15b battery. Under CIPA testing conditions this has a life rating of 310 images, which doesn’t sound a lot. However, in real-world shooting situations, I find I can get many more images than that from a single charge.
For example, I shot 1090 images during the 90 minutes of the football match. As I was shooting raw and Jpeg files simultaneously, I actually recorded a total of 2180 files. These images were shot is short bursts but I was shooting for much of the game.
At the end of the game, the battery was very low but I still had enough power to shoot another 39 images of the sunset. Even then, the battery wasn’t completely depleted.
We asked two professional photographers for their thoughts on the Z6 after shooting with it. Here’s what they had to say:
Tom Mason: Wildlife and nature photographer
Over the last few years I’ve been increasingly interested in mirrorless cameras. As a wildlife photographer the draw is not really for shooting stills, as when it comes to performance and workhorse durability my D850 and D500 are hard to beat, but more so, it’s down to video. As a solo shooter I also film videos and behind the scenes content for Youtube, and hence have been looking for a hybrid system that offers me the solid video functions yet adapts to my existing kit – cue the Nikon Z6.
When originally announced the Z6 was the obvious choice of the two new Nikon mirrorless cameras. The lower MP and full sensor 4k readout was highly attractive, with the faster 12fps and high ISO performance another draw if this was also to double as a backup camera. The key selling factor was the FTZ adaptor, that would enable me to work with all my existing Nikon lenses and supercharge them with new video features.
First experience
I was lucky enough to have a Z6 loaned to me in order to test it out and immediately on removing it from the box I felt at home. Having shot on Nikon cameras for over 12 years, the ergonomic feel, button layout and menus were exactly as expected. A huge contrast to some of the tiny button, cluttered mirrorless cameras I had tried from other brands. The grip feels solid and my hand hugs the camera, with my fingers being able to easily reach all of the key controls. The EVF is nicely extended from the back of the camera, meaning your nose isn’t pressed up against the screen for a very comfortable user experience, something Nikon has always excelled at.
My first experiences with the camera were strange coming straight from my D850, the EVF with live histogram and depth of field preview gives shooting a different feel, not a bad one, just different. I think for those entering into photography these added guides will be a huge benefit enabling people to nail exposure more accurately the first time. Of course for video the EVF is a revelation, focus peaking and zebras are present and the camera is setup for shooting video without the need of additional viewfinders/loupes that are required for a DSLR. Making switching between video and stills a real breeze.
AF System
The AF system functions well for stills, however, is a little slower than my top-level DSLR’s for moving subjects and birds in flight, as would be expected. In video mode however, it is apples and oranges with the Z6 giving full-time video AF that is simply awesome for moving subjects and my own behind the scenes content. Testing it out, I was very pleased how it would track my face or any subject that I put the cursor over and I am sure with firmware, we are going to see this system be refined even more. You’ll notice I keep coming back to the video features because for myself it’s the major reason for adopting a Z6 into my bag.
Having shot the camera for a week looking at the files in Lightroom I was highly impressed, the colours and IQ are exceptional, with the ISO performance also being stellar. The video looks great, with the flat profile leaving a nice room for grading. We have already heard that Nikon will also be updating the camera to output RAW video, something that is really going to expand the scope for what this little camera can achieve.
Nikon FTZ Adapter
I totally forgot to mention the FTZ and the reason is because you don’t notice it. Adapting my lenses to the Z6 I encountered no issues. The focus and performance of all of my native F mount glass seemed basically unchanged bar the slight drop in AF speed that is down to the camera. This is a huge deal for me as originally I was looking at the Z6 as a sole video shooting camera that could use my Nikon lenses.
As of right now I am adjusting my kit and will be purchasing a Z6 in the near future. The additional video features make it a no brainer for my work and I know that the camera can perform alongside my D850 as a backup for stills. With the new lenses and additional firmware updates coming for the Z series I’m really excited to see where the system develops and am sure in a few years time I’ll have multiple Z mount bodies and lenses alongside my dependable F mount kit.
Leon Neal: Editorial photographer for Getty Images
I’ve been eagerly waiting for Nikon to release its first proper salvo in the mirrorless war so have enjoyed getting to grips with both the Z6 and Z7 over recent months. The Z6 is my weapon of choice due to the faster frame rate and smaller file sizes. While both bodies share the same top-notch ergonomic design that I’ve yearned for when trialling mirrorless bodies by other manufacturers, the guts of the camera have enough differences to mean you have to really consider what you’re actually wanting from your new Z series camera.
Following the initial fanfare during release, there was a lot of comment about the single card slot but it’s not something that I personally worry about. I’ve never had an XQD card corrupt on me and I never shoot to two cards in the cameras I own which do feature dual slots.
The battery life seems to have been really underplayed by Nikon in the launch material as I have shot many hundreds of images on the Z6 without the battery coming close to depleted. I must admit that I’m a little baffled as to why they chose to be so conservative with their figures relating to shots per charge.
The mechanical shutter is, without doubt, the quietest shutter that I’ve ever owned and I find myself shooting in this mode all of the time, saving the mirrorless option for when I really do need total silence. Despite being hungry for a silent mirrorless camera for a few years now, I’ve discovered that I don’t enjoy silent shooting anywhere near as much as I imagined. I guess I’m now in the old school category of wanting to actually “feel” the photo being taken.
Highs and Lows
My absolute highlight of both of the Z series cameras currently available is the exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness that is recorded in your images, due to the new wider “Z mount”. It’s such a pleasure to be able to crop a frame out of anywhere in the image. Despite loving the classic “F mount”, it simply cannot compete with the Z mount for clarity and sharpness. I know that this doesn’t sound good for anyone with a storeroom full of Nikon F mount glass but it’s simply the truth.
My least favourite aspect of the Z6 and Z7 is the visible shutter roll when shooting in silent while panning. It was a major issue with all of the other brands producing mirrorless cameras until very recently so I guess it’s just a part of Nikon’s learning curve but I’ll be happy to see it eradicated in future models.
Having used both models and settling on the Z6 as my favourite of the two, I can clearly see the future capabilities of the range. I won’t be surprised by this time next year, I have a D6 over one shoulder and a Z series camera over the other.
The Nikon Z 6 goes head-to-head with the Sony A7 III, with both offering a 24Mp full-frame sensor and a collection of advanced features.
Nikon has done a better job with the handling of the Z6. The Sony A7 III and a Z6 both have touch-screens for example, but Nikon has made much better use of the technology than Sony. However, Sony’s AF system has a slight edge with subject tracking. It’s just a shade more reliable.
The Z6 makes a great choice of camera for anyone with a collection of Nikon FX lenses, but for others it’s less clear.
Follow the link below for further thoughts on how they compare:
The Canon EOS R was Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera. It has a 30.3Mp sensor, which means it should resolve a fraction more detail than the Nikon Z6, but there’s unlikely to be a great deal in it. The Canon camera also has a 5,655-position AF system that works impressively well in low light.
Canon introduced some interesting handling features with the EOS R, some of which have been better received than others. The customisable lens ring, is generally popular, for example, but the M-Fn bar on the back of the camera is dividing opinion.
Nikon photographers have reason to be a bit happier about the Z6 and Z7 than Canon photographers are with the EOS R.
By giving the Z6 and Z7 the same specification (with the exception of anything pertaining to their pixel count) and identical build and handling, Nikon has given users a real choice without compromise. You can have a lower price and lower resolution for better low-light performance and faster continuous shooting without having to miss out on the weather-sealing.
The Z6 is a great price for a full-frame camera with so many features. I think that it’s the camera that many Nikon photographers have been holding out for. It combines the handling that you expect from a Nikon DSLR with some great mirrorless camera advantages. The electronic viewfinder is superb, coming as close to an optical viewfinder as you could wish for.
Further good news for existing Nikon photographers that the Z6 works very well with Nikon F lenses. The autofocus system is very fast and accurate with lenses like the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 E FL ED mounted via the Nikon FTZ. It’s also good in low light. It’s a bit behind the Canon EOS R in that respect, but it focuses well even in quite dim conditions.
Nikon is aiming the Z6 and Z7 at photographers who already have a range of Nikon lenses. However, their handling and image quality make them enticing options for a wider audience.
It’s a shame about the single card slot but I think that’s less of an issue for Z6 owners than Z7 photographers.
