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Nikon Z6 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon Z6

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    Main Features

    • 25MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 51200( expands to 50-204800)
    • 5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3.2 Tilting Screen
    • 3690k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 12.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video
    • 10-bit 4:2:2 at 4K via HDMI Video recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 675g. 134 x 101 x 68 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced by Nikon Z6 II
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon Z6 Overview

    First introduced in August 2018 , Nikon Z6 is a 25.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization , Tilting touch screen and Nikon Z lens mount. Nikon later replaced Z6 with Z6 Mark II. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z6 II

    Nikon Z6 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 Z6 is a member of Nikon's Z series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon Z Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    2020 25.0MP - Full frame 14.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
    Nikon Z7 II
    Compare
    2020 46.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 705g
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    2020 24.0MP - Full frame 4.5 fps 134 x 101 x 70mm 675g
    Nikon Z50
    Compare
    2019 21.0MP - APS-C 11.0 fps 127 x 94 x 60mm 397g
    Nikon Z7
    Compare
    2018 46.0MP - Full frame 9.0 fps 134 x 101 x 68mm 675g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Nikon Z6 Mark II vs Z7 Mark II vs Z5 vs Z50 vs Z7

    Nikon Z6 has an Overall Score of 88/100 and ranked #17 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #18 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 Z6 Physical Specs
    Nikon Z6 weighs 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) and has external dimensions of 134 x 101 x 68 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.68″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, Nikon Z6 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 68mm, it is not small either, 17mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z6
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z6
    Min
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    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon Z6 with the dimensions:

    Nikon Z6 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon Z6 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon Z6, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon Z6 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon Z6 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon Z6 with its main competitors:

    Nikon Z6 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Z6 Thickness vs Z6
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    675g equal weight 70mm 2mm thicker
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    705g 30g heavier 70mm 2mm thicker
    Nikon Z6 Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    650g 25g lighter 74mm 6mm thicker
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon D750
    Compare
    840g 165g heavier 78mm 10mm thicker
    Nikon Z6 Camera Fujifilm X-T4
    Compare
    607g 68g lighter 64mm 4mm thinner
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z50
    Compare
    397g 278g lighter 60mm 8mm thinner
    Nikon Z6 Camera Canon R
    Compare
    660g 15g lighter 84mm 16mm thicker
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon D850
    Compare
    1015g 340g heavier 79mm 11mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon Z6 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 Z6 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Nikon Z6 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Nikon Z6 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon Z6 has a 25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6048 x 4024 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 5:4, 3:2 and 16:9. Z6 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to 50-204800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon Z6 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 Z6 vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon Z6's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon Z6 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon Z6 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon Z6 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon Z6 has a Nikon Z lens mount and currently there are 18 native lenses available for this mount.

    Z6 also has a Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on Z6. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 14 lenses with weather sealing for Z6 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon Z6 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon Z Mount Lenses for Nikon Z6
    Model Focal Length on Z6 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR
    24-200mm 35mm FF 570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S
    24-70mm 35mm FF 500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
    24-70mm 35mm FF 805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S
    50mm 35mm FF 415gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S
    35mm 35mm FF 370gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S
    70-200mm 35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
    14-30mm 35mm FF 485gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z Lens Samyang MF 14mm F2.8 Z
    14mm 35mm FF 810gr MF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon Z6 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Nikon Z6 LCD and Viewfinder

    Nikon Z6 has a Tilting 3.2 LCD screen with a resolution of 2,100k dots. The Nikon Z6'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 Z6 back view and LCD

    Z6 has a built-in Electronic 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 resolution of 3,690kdots and coverage of 100%. 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. The magnification ratio of the viewfinder is 0.8x (35mm equivalent).

    Nikon Z6 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon Z6 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 Z6'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 Z6. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect Z6 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or Yes port.

    Battery

    Nikon Z6 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 330 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon Z6
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Olympus E-M1X with its 870shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon Z6 vs Olympus E-M1X or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon Z6 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 470shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 410shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 610shots Yes Yes Yes
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon D750
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1230shots Yes No No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Fujifilm X-T4
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 500shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon Z50
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 320shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Canon R
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Nikon Z6 Camera Nikon D850
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 1840shots Yes Yes Yes

    Nikon Z6 Video Features

    With Nikon Z6, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p, 25p, 24p fps with bit rates up to 144 mbps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Nikon Z6 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.

    Z6 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Nikon Z6 also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Nikon Z6 a very suitable camera high quality videography.

    Nikon Z6 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon Z6 can shoot continuously at max speed of 12.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately Z6 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Nikon Z6 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 273 points to choose from.

    Nikon Z6 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Focus Stacking

    Macro shooters will love Nikon Z6's Focus Stacking feature. In this mode, Z6 automatically composites multiple shots taken at different focal positions using focus bracketing to create a single image with maximum depth of field.

    Nikon Z6 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon Z6 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
    5-axis Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    4K (UHD) Video
    No crop on 4K Videos
    10-bit 4:2:2 at 4K via HDMI Video recording
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    25.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    51.200 Max ISO
    273 Focus Points
    Large 3.2 Screen
    2.100k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    12.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    External Microphone Port
    External Headphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    3690kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    0.8x magnification - Large Viewfinder
    Good Low Light ISO - 3299
    Top LCD Display
    Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV
    Flash Sync Port
    Focus Bracketing
    Focus Stacking
    Remote control with a smartphone
    EV -3.5 Focus Sensitivity
    High Video bit rate of 144mbps
    Magnesium Alloy body elements
    Real time Animal Eye AF
    Webcam Functionality
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon Z6 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    Low Battery Life: 330 shots
    Heavy Body: 675g
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon Z6 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon Z6 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon Z6 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon Z6 has a score of 78 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 Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z6 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon Z6 for Street Photography

    Nikon Z6 has a score of 96 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z6 for Street Photography

    Nikon Z6 for Sports Photography

    Nikon Z6 has a score of 77 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    273 Focus Points
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    Anti Flicker feature

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z6 for Sports Photography

    Nikon Z6 for Daily Photography

    Nikon Z6 has a score of 93 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    675g
    Body Thickness 68mm

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z6 for Daily Photography

    Nikon Z6 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon Z6 has a score of 52 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 Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 25.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon Z6 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon Z6 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon Z6 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon Z6 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon Z6

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon Z6 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon Z5
    Nikon Z5
    Compare
    Nikon Z6 II
    Nikon Z6 II
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Fujifilm X-T4
    Compare
    Nikon Z50
    Nikon Z50
    Compare
    Canon R
    Canon R
    Compare
    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare

    Nikon Z6 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon Z6 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon Z6's price range.

    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Nikon D780
    Nikon D780
    Compare
    Pentax K-1 II
    Pentax K-1 II
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Nikon D810
    Nikon D810
    Compare
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Canon 5D MIV
    Canon 5D MIV
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon Z6
    Does the Nikon Z6 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon Z6 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon Z6 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon Z6 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon Z6?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon Z6?
    is the Nikon Z6 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon Z6 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon Z6 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon Z6?
    What is the Weight of Nikon Z6?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon Z6?
    Nikon Z6 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Z6
    Announced 2018-08-23
    Body Type SLR-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon Z
    Number of Lenses 18
    Focal Length Multiplier 1x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Size 3.2
    Screen Resolution 2,100k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 3,690k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.8x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12.0 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
    Max Flash Sync 1/200s
    Flash Modes Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow 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 95
    DxO Color Depth 25.3
    DxO Dynamic Range 14.3
    DxO Low Light ISO 3299
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01mm2
    Sensor Resolution 25 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6048 x 4024
    Max Native ISO 51,200
    Max Boosted ISO 204800
    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 273
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, 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 Yes
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 675g
    Physical Dimensions 134 x 101 x 68mm
    Battery Life 330 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type XQD card
    Storage Slots 1


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