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Nikon D6 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon D6

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    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
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    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 and Nikon F lens mount. 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

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon D6 has an Overall Score of 83/100 and ranked #5 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #32 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    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
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Nikon D6
    Min
    Average
    Max

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

    Nikon D6 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon D6 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon D6, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon D6 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon D6 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    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
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D850
    Compare
    1015g 255g lighter 79mm 13mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D5
    Compare
    1415g 145g heavier 92mm equal thickness
    Nikon D6 Camera Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    1440g 170g heavier 83mm 9mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon Z7
    Compare
    675g 595g lighter 68mm 24mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D780
    Compare
    840g 430g lighter 76mm 16mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D750
    Compare
    840g 430g lighter 78mm 14mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D500
    Compare
    860g 410g lighter 81mm 11mm thinner
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    675g 595g lighter 68mm 24mm 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.

    One of our favourite features on Nikon D6 is its illuminated buttons which makes it easier to find and press the right buttons under dark conditions.

    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 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon D6 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 Lens 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 for more detailed lens search.



    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.

    Nikon D6 back view and LCD

    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
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D850
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 1840shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 3780shots No No No
    Nikon D6 Camera Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    5472 X 2886 2850shots Yes No No
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon Z7
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D780
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 2260shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D750
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1230shots Yes No No
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon D500
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 1240shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon D6 Camera Nikon Z6
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes Yes 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.

    Nikon D6 PROs and CONs Review

    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
    Autofocus at f8 using 15 focus points
    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
    Illuminated Buttons
    Remote control with a smartphone
    EV -4.5 Focus Sensitivity
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon D6 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    Heavy Body: 1270g
    Report a correction
    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 63 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.
    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.

    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare
    Nikon D5
    Nikon D5
    Compare
    Canon 1D X III
    Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    Nikon Z7
    Nikon Z7
    Compare
    Nikon D780
    Nikon D780
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Nikon Z6
    Nikon Z6
    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
    Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    Leica SL2
    Leica SL2
    Compare
    Sony A7R III
    Sony A7R III
    Compare
    Fujifilm GFX 50R
    Fujifilm GFX 50R
    Compare
    Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Fujifilm GFX 50S
    Compare
    Canon R5
    Canon R5
    Compare
    Panasonic S1R
    Panasonic S1R
    Compare
    Nikon Z7
    Nikon Z7
    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?
    What is the Weight of Nikon D6?
    What are the Dimensions 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


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