Part of Nikon's next step in their imaging journey, the Z 6 Mirrorless Camera is positioned as the "all-arounder" within the new Z System. Beginning with the Z Mount itself, a large-diameter design with a short 16mm flange distance allows Nikon to create compact, yet powerful cameras and develop more advanced optics. The Z 6 is among the first in the series, and features a high-performing FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine delivering outstanding image quality and speed with a native sensitivity Range of ISO 100-51200.
On the sensor you will find an advanced phase-detect autofocus system using 273 points covering 90% of the image area, and the sensor features 5-axis Vibration Reduction technology for stabilized photos and video regardless of the lens used. This advanced hybrid AF system will also benefit video. The Z 6 features UHD 4K recording at up to 30p and can use the N-Log gamma profile along with the camera's 10-bit HDMI output to create cinema-quality video.
As with many mirrorless systems, the Z Series boasts a much more compact form factor than its DSLR counterparts. The Z 6 is no exception with its slimmed down design and lighter build, though it maintains the weather sealing and ergonomics for which Nikon is known. The camera features multiple displays and screens for ease of use, including a 0.80x 3.6m-dot EVF with NIKKOR optics and a Fluorine coating, ensuring clear viewing. The rear of the camera is equipped with a 3.2" 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD while the top offers a dot-matrix OLED for quickly checking settings. Additionally, the body is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Introducing the Z mount, Nikon's full-frame mirrorless system promises to deliver class-leading image quality and optics in a compact form factor. The Z mount itself makes much of this possible with a 17% larger inner diameter than the F mount, enabling the use of more advanced optics and lens designs, including ultra-fast f/0.95 options. for minimizing camera and lens size, the Z mount features a 65% shorter flange distance, measuring just 16mm, which allows for dramatically slimmed down body designs. The larger mount also supports faster and larger-volume communications between the body and lens to improve overall performance throughout the system.
A 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is used for all-around shooting, impressive low-light quality, and fast readout speeds to benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording. The back-illuminated design of the sensor affords noticeably cleaner high-sensitivity output for reduced noise when working at high ISO values, up to a native ISO 51200, as well as vivid and smooth quality at sensitivities as low as ISO 100. Benefitting the sensor is the apt EXPEED 6 image processor, which affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to shoot continuously at 12 fps in raw.
Utilizing the sensor and processor attributes for more than just still imagery, the Z 6 is also a more-than-capable multimedia camera. Video recording is possible at UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) using either the full-frame area or a DX crop area in 30p, 25, or 24p frame rates. Full HD 1080p video recording is also supported at up to 120p for slow motion playback, and video files can be saved to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out.
Advanced video functionalities have been added with the Z 6. This includes the N-Log gamma for capturing flat-looking footage that maximizes dynamic Range. Other additions are the ability to output high-quality 10-bit data over HDMI and an Electronic VR function for smooth handheld shooting. Focus Peaking can be used to benefit manual focus control and a Zebra Stripes option is also available to help detect over-exposed areas within the frame. Audio recording can be handled using the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external mic can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for greater control over quality, and live monitoring is possible via the headphone jack.
Further complementing video capabilities, the Z 6 is eligible for an optional ProRes RAW upgrade, enabling the camera to output ProRes RAW footage to a compatible Atomos external recorder. This upgrade provides greater color grading flexibility with the ProRes codec along with the ability to output uncompressed 12-bit raw footage over HDMI. This upgrade requires sending the camera to Nikon's Service Department for installation.
Located on the sensor is an array of 273 phase-detect autofocus points covering 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally. This provides fast and accurate focusing for both stills and video and with a wide coverage area, subject tracking will work out to near the edges of the frame. Hybrid AF is available for video, which will automatically switch between phase- and contrast-detect systems to provide smooth focus during shooting. Additionally, the latest NIKKOR Z lenses are optimized for silent operation.
Imaging
Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
Camera format | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) |
Pixels | Actual: 25.28 Megapixel Effective: 24.5 Megapixel |
Maximum Resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
Image File format | JPEG, Raw |
Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800) |
Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
Metering Range | -4 to 17 EV |
White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
Continuous Shooting | Up to 12 fps at 24.5 MP Up to 5.5 fps at 24.5 MP |
Interval Recording | Yes |
Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
Video
Recording Modes | MOV/MP4/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p |
External Recording Modes | 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds |
Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
Audio File format | AAC, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Full-Time Servo (F), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 273 |
Viewfinder and Monitor
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Viewfinder Size | 0.5" |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 Dot |
Viewfinder Eye Point | 21 mm |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.8x |
Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 |
Monitor Size | 3.2" |
Monitor Resolution | 2,100,000 Dot |
Monitor Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
Flash
Built-In Flash | No |
Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Curtain/Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second |
Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
Interface
Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: CFexpress Type B / XQD |
Internal Memory | None |
Connectivity | 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI C (Mini), Nikon DC2, USB Type-C (USB 3.0) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
GPS | No |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104';F / 0 to 40';C |
Operating Humidity | 0 to 85% |
Physical
Battery | 1 x EN-EL15b Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.3 x 4 x 2.7" / 134 x 100.5 x 67.5 mm |
Weight | 1.29 lb / 585 g (Body Only) |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 3.325 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.75 x 7.45 x 5.3" |