Nikon D6 Review

Main Features

21MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 102400( expands to 50-3280000)

3.2" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

14.0 fps continuous shooting

4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video

Built-in Wireless

1270g. 160 x 163 x 92 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Replaced Nikon D5

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Nikon D6 Overview

First introduced in February 2020 , Nikon D6 is a 21.0MP Pro DSLR camera with a Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor. Nikon replaced the older D5 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Nikon D6 has an Overall Score of 83/100 and ranked #7 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #25 out of 1212 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Nikon D6 Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Nikon D6 Compared to other DSLR Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon D6 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

4K (UHD) Video

Touch Screen

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

21.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

102.400 Max ISO

105 Focus Points

Large 3.2" Screen

2.359k dots LCD Resolution

1/8000s High Shutter Speed

14.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (3580 shots)

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

0.72x magnification - Large Viewfinder

105 Cross Type Focus Points

2 Storage Slots

Top LCD Display

Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV

Flash Sync Port

High Shutter Life Expectancy - 400000 cycles

Focus Bracketing

Remote control with a smartphone

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CONs

No Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

Heavy Body: 1270g

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Nikon D6 Lens Mount and Lenses

Nikon D6 has a Nikon F lens mount and currently there are 309 native lenses available for this mount. Besides providing one of the largest selection of lenses, Nikon F mount also has backward compatibility which means that you can use F mount lenses even dating from 1960s. It is also well supported by the lenses form third-party manufacturers.

Nikon D6 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 70 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 71 lenses with weather sealing for D6 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Nikon D6 Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon F Mount Lenses for Nikon D6

Model	Focal Length on D6	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G	70-300mm	35mm FF	425gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.4G	50mm	35mm FF	290gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR	80-400mm	35mm FF	1340gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD	150-600mm	35mm FF	1951gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f1.8G	50mm	35mm FF	185gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR	70-300mm	35mm FF	745gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8G ED	24-70mm	35mm FF	900gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR	105mm	35mm FF	720gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Nikon D6 Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

Nikon D6 Sensor and Photography Features

Nikon D6 has a 21.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 3:2 and 16:9. D6 has a native ISO range of 100 - 102400 which can be boosted to 50-3280000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Nikon D6 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon D6 vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Nikon D6's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Nikon D6 Physical Specs

Nikon D6 weighs 1270 g (2.80 lb / 44.80 oz) and has external dimensions of 160 x 163 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.42 x 3.62″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Nikon D6 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 92mm, it is not small either, 15mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D6

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

Nikon D6

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Nikon D6 with the dimensions:

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon D6 with its main competitors:

Nikon D6 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs D6	Thickness	vs D6
Canon 1D X III Compare	1440g	170g heavier	83mm	9mm thinner
Nikon D5 Compare	1415g	145g heavier	92mm	equal thickness
Nikon D850 Compare	1015g	255g lighter	79mm	13mm thinner
Nikon D780 Compare	840g	430g lighter	76mm	16mm thinner
Nikon Z6 Compare	675g	595g lighter	68mm	24mm thinner
Nikon D500 Compare	860g	410g lighter	81mm	11mm thinner
Nikon D750 Compare	840g	430g lighter	78mm	14mm thinner
Nikon D4 Compare	1340g	70g heavier	91mm	1mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Nikon D6 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Nikon D6 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon D6 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Nikon D6 LCD and Viewfinder

Nikon D6 has a Fixed Type 3.2" LCD screen with a resolution of 2,359k dots. The Nikon D6's 3.2" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

D6 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.72x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Nikon D6 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Nikon D6 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11ac + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Nikon D6's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our D6. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect D6 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

Battery

Nikon D6 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 3580 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Nikon D6 has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Pro DSLR Cameras

Nikon D6

Min

Average

Max

Nikon D3X with its 4400shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon D6 vs Nikon D3X or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

Nikon D6 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Canon 1D X III Compare	5472 X 2886	2850shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D5 Compare	3840 x 2160	3780shots	No	No	No
Nikon D850 Compare	3840 x 2160	1840shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nikon D780 Compare	3840 x 2160	2260shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon Z6 Compare	3840 x 2160	330shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D500 Compare	3840 x 2160	1240shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nikon D750 Compare	1920 x 1080	1230shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D4 Compare	1920 x 1080	2600shots	No	No	No

Nikon D6 Video Features

With Nikon D6, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Nikon D6 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.

D6 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon D6 also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Nikon D6 a very suitable camera high quality videography.

Nikon D6 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Nikon D6 can shoot continuously at max speed of 14.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately D6 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

Nikon D6 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 105 focus points and 105 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

Nikon D6 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Nikon D6 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Nikon D6 in 5 different photography areas.

Nikon D6 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D6 has a score of 67 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Good Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D6 for Portrait Photography

Nikon D6 for Street Photography

Nikon D6 has a score of 64 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing

Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D6 for Street Photography

Nikon D6 for Sports Photography

Nikon D6 has a score of 94 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 14.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
105 Cross Type Focus sensors
105 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 3580 shots

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Anti Flicker feature
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D6 for Sports Photography

Nikon D6 for Daily Photography

Nikon D6 has a score of 69 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Large Body

1270g
Body Thickness 92mm

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D6 for Daily Photography

Nikon D6 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D6 has a score of 49 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 21.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Nikon D6 for Landscape Photography

Nikon D6 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Nikon D6 compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of D6 and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon D6 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon D6

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon D6 amongst Camera Decision readers.

Canon 1D X III

Compare

Nikon D5

Compare

Nikon D850

Compare

Nikon D780

Compare

Nikon Z6

Compare

Nikon D500

Compare

Nikon D750

Compare

Nikon D4

Compare

Nikon D6 Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Nikon D6 with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Nikon D6's price range.

Sony A7R IV

Compare

Sony A7R III

Compare

Fujifilm GFX 50R

Compare

Fujifilm GFX 50S

Compare

Canon R5

Compare

Panasonic S1R

Compare

Nikon Z7

Compare

Sony A9 II

Compare

Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon D6

Does the Nikon D6 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Nikon D6 have RAW support?
Does the Nikon D6 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Nikon D6 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Nikon D6?
What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D6?
is the Nikon D6 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Nikon D6 have Touch Screen?
Does the Nikon D6 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon D6?

Nikon D6 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Nikon
Model	Nikon D6
Announced	2020-02-11
Body Type	Large SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Nikon F
Number of Lenses	309
Focal Length Multiplier	1x
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3.2"
Screen Resolution	2,359k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.72x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	900s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/8000s
Continuous Shooting	14.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Flash Modes	Normal, redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, rear-curtain sync, off
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	Full frame
Sensor Dimensions	35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area	858.01mm²
Sensor Resolution	21 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5568 x 3712
Max Native ISO	102,400
Max Boosted ISO	3280000
Min Native ISO	100
Min Boosted ISO	50
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	105
Number of Cross Focus Points	105
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	1270g
Physical Dimensions	160 x 163 x 92mm
Battery Life	3580 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in
Storage Type	Dual XQD/CFexpress slots
Storage Slots	2