Nikon Z6: A Strong Debut

Nikon is tipping its full-frame mirrorless camera system with two bodies and a trio of lenses.

- JIM FISHER

The Z6 is the 24MP option, with 12fps burst shooting speed and a noticeably lower price tag than its twin, the 45.7MP Z7 ($3,399.95). Its mirrorless design puts focus right on the sensor, so it offers a significantly wider area of focus coverage than an SLR. And while native lenses are a little scarce, an adapter adds compatibility with Nikkor SLR lenses. The Z6 is a strong option for any photographer shopping for a full-frame camera, though we give preference to our Editors’ Choice, the Sony a7 III, a third-generation design that’s a bit more refined and has a larger lens library backing it.

TWIN BODIES, DIFFERENT CAPABILITIES

Nikon opted to use identical body designs for the Z6 and Z7—the same approach Sony uses with its similar pair of cameras, the 24MP a7 III and 42MP a7R III. It’s a plus for photographers who may utilize both a Z6 and a Z7, as buttons, controls, and the like will be in the same place regardless of which camera you pick up.

The body measures 4.0 by 5.3 by 2.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.3 pounds loaded with a battery and XQD memory card. It is protected from dust and splashes, features a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, and, perhaps most important, looks and feels like a Nikon, down to the narrow red stripe that accents the grip. From the outside, the only difference between it and the Z7 is the model badge.

Nikon states that the Z6 is built to the same standard as the Z7, and it certainly feels like that’s the case. Roger Cicalia at Lensrentals took a Z7 apart and found it to be one of the best-sealed cameras he’s seen, and he takes a lot of cameras apart for repair as part of his rental business. Lensrentals hasn’t yet taken a Z6 apart to confirm that its internals are as robust.