I have owned the Z 6 now for about six months. It has quickly become my favorite camera and my first pick when I am selecting a camera to use. About me: I am a hybrid shooter. I shoot run and gun style family videos, timelapse, and the night sky. I have only shot on Nikon cameras as my support system all use Nikon professionally and will let me try out their glass before I purchase. I have personally owned the D610 and still own D810 and D850.
Pros:
light
Z lenses (love the silent video autofocus)
video autofocus
Sharp EVF
low light performance
IBIS-VR
Cons:
Lack of native, wide, fast lenses
EVF and monitor brightness difference
First off, I want to address the biggest complaint I have heard about this camera — dual card slots. Most of my cameras have had dual card slots, and I find myself using the second slot not to shoot redundant but to separate video and photo or as overflow for when I fill the first card. This was nice because as I purchased higher MP cameras, I did not buy larger cards, so it was nice to have the overflow onto the second card. With my introduction to the XQD card on the D850, I choose to get 120 GB cards. They are expensive, but they are much faster. I would rather unload a full XQD card as compared to an SD card. Even the latest generation SD cards that I own are at least 1/3rd slower than my XQD card.
I love how light this camera is. When paired with f2.8 glass, this weight difference is not night and day different. However, when paired with the F-mount 50 f1.8 lens (my favorite adapted lens), the Z 6 is very light and very capable.
My favorite capability of the new system is the video autofocus. As a Nikon user who is not expert in manual focus, I love this feature. Nikon will continue to improve the autofocus system as shown by their efforts to add eye-AF. In close shots I think this AF system excels, I hope that future firmware updates will increase the functionality at further distances.
I find the in body VR to be very helpful. I am now hand holding shoots that I would have previously skipped without a tripod. When paired with a Z-mount lens, VR is improved even further.
Speaking of the z-mount lenses, they are the perfect partners to this new system. ESPECIALLY when it comes to AF and video! Silent AF paired with negligible focus breathing is fantastic! The 24-70 f2.8 s was my first native lens, but it won't be my last.
As mentioned earlier, I love shooting the night sky. To shoot without tracking, this requires a wide, fast lens. That is something this system lacks. I have used the 14-24 f2.8 f-mount adapted. This combo does give outstanding results. The adapter is just one more thing to pack/forget, which is why I am looking forward to the day a high performing native lens is available for astro on the Z-mount.
The display is super sharp, which makes checking focus on stars very easy. When shooting the night sky, I use a loupe for checking focus on the D850 and D810. I found that the loupe is not needed on the Z 6. Additionally, the night sky is made easier with ISO invariance and improved performance (dual native?) at ISO 800.
As lenses will resolve with time, my only real con is the difference in brightness on the EVF and the monitor. Even on the lowest setting, I think the EVF is too bright and shows a picture brighter (higher exposure) than it will be exposed. I think the monitor is accurate, but the EVF is too bright.
I wish they were matched in brightness.
Overall, I love this system. It has hiccups just like any system, but for my style of shooting it is excellent. I have no reservations saying to buy it. It is not going to make you a stand up videographer/photographer, no camera can. However, it makes the experience enjoyable for me, which means I am practicing more.
There is a newer model of this item:
Nikon Z 6II | Versatile full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera | Nikon USA Model
$1,596.95
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This Item  Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $899.00 | $3,696.95 | -7% $1,480.56 New Price: $1,596.95 | $1,796.90 | $696.95 | -20% $1,596.95 List: $1,996.95 |
| Delivery | Get it May 1 - 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Apr 26 | Get it May 3 - 6 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Touch Screen | ||||||
| Face recognition | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Sold By | District Camera and Imaging | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | Adorama | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | — | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches | — | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
| lens type | No lens included | — | Zoom | — | Wide Angle | Zoom |
| zoom type | Optical Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | — | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom |
| shooting modes | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Program, Shutter Priority, Aperature Priority, Manual | Automatic | — | Automatic | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| connectivity tech | HDMI, Bluetooth, USB | Wi-Fi, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB | USB | USB, HDMI | USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
From the manufacturer
All-around performance. All-around amazing.
The Z 6 is perhaps the most adaptable camera we’ve ever created. It’s at the sweet spot of speed, resolution and low-light performance. This is mirrorless versatility as only Nikon could create.
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Sharp Details from Edge to Edge
The Z 6 combines a 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI image sensor with Nikon’s advanced EXPEED 6 image processor for the sharp, vibrant, high resolution photos and videos that Nikon is renowned for.
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Maximum Low-Light Capability
The Z 6’s image sensor along with the Z Mount’s light gathering potential and Expeed 6 noise reduction free you to capture photos and videos at extremely high ISO settings—up to ISO 51,200.
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New Z Mount
Z series cameras have the widest lens mount of any full-frame camera. This means more light, faster performance, sharper images, and thrilling new lens designs with up to f/0.95 max apertures.
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12 FPS Continuous Shooting
Shoot up to 12 FPS at full resolution in Hi+ mode (12-bit RAW or JPEG) without the need for an external battery pack. When speed matters—and it always matters—you’ll catch the shots others might miss.
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Connections? It's Got a Few.
Easily transfer photos and videos to your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the Nikon SnapBridge app for your Apple or Android-powered phone. Or use your phone as a remote monitor to see what Z 6 sees.
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Silent Mode
A great advantage of a mirrorless design is the ability to shoot in near silence. Quietly capture important moments during recitals, weddings, newborn photography…anywhere silence is golden.
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Cinematic Powerhouse
4K As It Was Meant To Be
Capture cinematic 4K UHD/30p video in full-frame using the total width of the Z 6’s sensor.
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Cinematic Powerhouse
Slow Motion Videos
Capture every detail of movement with 120 FPS for fluid slow motion in 1080p High Definition.
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Cinematic Powerhouse
Travel Through Time
Use Interval Timer to capture full-res stills or create time-lapse video files right in the camera.
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Cinematic Powerhouse
Maximum Detail
10-Bit N-LOG preserves more detail in shadows and highlights to make color grading more precise.
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Cinematic Powerhouse
ProRes RAW Support (Additional Purchase Required)
Record ProRes RAW via HDMI to an ATOMOS Ninja V (required firmware and Ninja V sold separately).
1 Full Frame 4K Ultra HD 2 Slow Motion 3 4K Time-Lapse 4 10-Bit N-Log 5 ProRes RAW Support
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Fast, Accurate Focus
273 on-sensor AF points cover 90% of the frame (approx.) horizontally and vertically. Subjects are acquired quickly when they enter the frame and tracked throughout the frame, even to the far edges.
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Eye-Detection AF
Eye-Detection AF is a powerful tool for capturing portraits that locks focus on your subject’s eye—useful when your subject keeps changing their pose or there are multiple subjects in the frame.
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Animal Detection AF
Capture still images when focus is acquired on a dog or cat's eye or focus on the face during video recording, even in situations that were previously difficult for auto-area AF.
Requires Firmware 3.0
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Subject Tracking AF
Whether shooting with the EVF or the LCD screen, Auto Area AF reliably tracks and maintains the focus on a subject even when the subject briefly turns away from the camera or moves out of view.
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Up To 5 Stops Of VR Image Stabilization
Powerful in-body 5-axis VR image stabilization is applied to whatever NIKKOR Z lens you’re using. Up to five stops of image stabilization in up to five directions—yaw, pitch, roll, X and Y.
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Feels Like a Nikon
At Home in Your Hands
A deep grip design and balanced weight with comfortably placed buttons. Unmistakably Nikon.
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Feels Like a Nikon
The Forecast Is: It Doesn’t Matter
Weather sealed against dust and moisture like other Nikon Flagships. No need to baby this camera.
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Feels Like a Nikon
Oh, What a View
An ultra-high resolution display and Nikon optics combine for an EVF experience unlike any other.
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Feels Like a Nikon
Brilliant. Bright. Stunning.
The beautiful high-res touchscreen is sharp and clear and can tilt for shooting at difficult angles.
1 Ergonomics 2 Flagship Durability 3 High Res Viewfinder 4 Tilting Touchscreen
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True Review On Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera.
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DPReview: Capturing volcanoes in Guatemala with the Nikon Z6
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Reviews with images
Great Features and Image Quality in a Lightweight Body
These are my first impressions with the Nikon Z6. I will update this review as I learn more:I loved shooting the Fuji X100 series for it's light weight and simple UI. But The ultimate shooting experience has always been with my Nikons. When we got focus peaking and meaningful fps with the D850 I was happy, sold the X100T, and have been happily gripping my D850 wherever I go with the lightweight 35mm 1.8 and a 70-200 f4. I toss in the 20mm 1.8G and 300mm PF when I travel and keep the 60mm and 105mm macros handy, as needed. Been shooting Nikon since the D1, then D70, D200, D600, and now the current generation (as of Nov 2018).(I will need to test the new diffraction compensation mode (leaving off for now), and how this might interact with the AA filter, vs the D850)Onto the camera:The Z6 takes great pictures. I attached two ISO 25600 (insane!) pics to this review, edited in camera to jpeg normal. Pics of the kids look even better and I'm looking forward to attaching this to my telescope and 20mm for nightscapes. Nikon image quality. 2 Thumbs, all the way up.Handling: Left hand is fine. Play and delete buttons are top back left. Mode dial requires a push of the center button to turn. Nothing to see here, folks. It's fine.Right hand: It's OK. New layout, which is ok. AF-On and joystick nub are where they should be. As is D-pad - as accustomed as I am to the DSLRs I found these three important controls well placed. The challenge was with the 4 lowest buttons. As it is now, I find myself looking at those (menu, shooting mode, + and -). If I wasn't programmed for my DSLRs I am sure this wouldn't be an issue - there is no perfect layout for everyone and the camera makers do their best. It's different from my D850, as it should be. I'd have tried to do things a little differently but Nikon didn't ask me. :) Otherwise, I like the grip. I wear small or medium size adult male gloves, and my hand fits perfectly over the grip and finding the AF-On button with my thumb is comfortable.I usually utilize the depth of preview button on my DSLRs. Doing so here seems pointless/useless so I will make that button do something else. For now I have it set to change focusing modes, as it is quicker than using the i menu. Second front button is set to "My Menu" which works for me.Ergonomics: I usually use a Fusion Photo Gear plate with a Herringbone Hand Grip and Black Rapid sling straps. The plates and hand grip don' fit or feel right, which has sent me on a wild goose chase. For now I have a plate on that is compatible. Will update this once I find a proper solution. The problem is the FTZ adapter gets in the way of all the various plates I have in inventory. Something functional will come along, but in the meantime I am hacking things together. Since it's so light, I added a leather wrist strap to the grip side for when the strap isn't needed but I want to keep the camera secure to my body.Usage: I'll use the FTZ but I won't like it. It works. But it feels weird and adds odd length. My 70-200 f4 chirps and creaks something odd while in continuous AF mode, hunting within a certain zone. 75% seem to be in focus, at ISO 21500. The 70-300 AF-P seems to move similarly, albeit much more quietly. Same hit rate. But it was dark when I tested.Will keep an eye on this because the d850 nails these lenses in the dark. Will have to test with some nightscapes and parties.Menus are familiar. If anyone knows how to make the ISO move in 1 stop increments, please lmk. I either keep glossing over it, or it isn't there. :/The usable AF points over the whole frame: genius. Finally. Well done, Nikon.Weight and Carrying: Love the light weight of the Z6 with the 35mm S lens. This is why I could leave the Fuji X100 - the kit is larger but not obnoxious and the lens and image quality will keep me coming back for more. For travel, I'm happy with this combo. With the 70-200or300, even more so. Will be nice to have native lenses at some point, though.4 stars until the lenses come, and we all learn more about the Autofocus system. I appreciate what the FTZ adapter is supposed to accomplish but I just don't like it in af-c with the 70-200 f4. I had big hopes here, and maybe I have to better understand the focus system. Hopefully this gets sorted out via firmware updates, if not in a re-education of how to use the AF system. Chasing kids, pets, birds, and such is so easy with the 3D tracking on DSLRs that it became my default AF mode. Yes, I am spoiled, but it really is that fast and useful. That said, there's nothing really wrong with the Z6 autofocus system. I believe it works as it was designed, and we can auto-track just as the manual describes. It's the extra step it takes to get there. If 4.5 stars were an option, then that's what I would rate it.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2018
I've been shooting with a D5200 since 2013 and wanted to go fullframe. Was going to buy the D750 in 2017 but video is important to me and I couldn't justify spending $1500 on a body that lacked good video focus and limited me to 1080@60p. So I looked at the Sony a7iii and was about to buy it when the reality of their high lens prices discouraged me. I mean you can get excellent Nikon mount Tamron/Sigma quality lens for significantly less than the cost of an equivalent Sony lens (I got many quality 3rd party Nikon lens for less than $800 while the equivalent Sony is greater than $2000). As great as the Sony a7iii is that sunk it for me...so I decided to wait. Well I'm glad I did as later in 2018 came the Z6 and I bought it as soon as I could. Now 2 months later and several assignments I'm still happy with the Z6.
My main concern was the Z6's compatibility with my Tamron 24-70 2.8 and Tamron 70-300 vr. I'm pleased to report they both work but with some minor nuances. The 24-70 works well except when focusing continuously it looses functionality (screen goes white while it calibrates) for a split second then continues focusing like nothing happened (once every 8 seconds or so as you continuously engage focus). On the other hand the 70-300 performs (see picture of bird at 300mm in tack sharp focus though covered with leaves - cropped to allow pixel peeping) but with the same issue with the addition of a very faint buzzing sound when VR is activated on the lens. Also did a test with a friends Tamron 70-210 f4 and it totally does not work. You get the message "Error. Press and release shutter button again." that does not go away after you press and release the shutter.
Did some night shots (FTZ, Tamron 24-70 2.8 A007N, Altura flash unit) at an event and boy I had to work to get focus. Forget auto focus continuous and face detection at night and be prepared for the drudgery of auto focus single and checking to ensure target focus. To be fair focus is about as good as that on my D5200 (though it does not feel as snappy). However, my focusing with the Z6 was really hit or miss at first but when I got use to it my keepers increased.
Don't throw in the towel yet for this wonderful camera. High ISO pictures show much less noise and performs better than many top full frame cameras and you don't have to worry as much about focus calibration issues. Also did a whole night shoot with one half charged battery and it still has 2 bars to spare.
The Z6 feels well built compared to the D5200 and is noticeably heavier (with FTZ adapter on) than my D5200 with a 3rd party grip attached. The informative and excellent EVF, awesome touch LCD, high frame rate with fast clearing bufffer, much lighter than dslr alternative, awesome dynamic range, superb video, etc makes this camera a joy to use.
My main concern was the Z6's compatibility with my Tamron 24-70 2.8 and Tamron 70-300 vr. I'm pleased to report they both work but with some minor nuances. The 24-70 works well except when focusing continuously it looses functionality (screen goes white while it calibrates) for a split second then continues focusing like nothing happened (once every 8 seconds or so as you continuously engage focus). On the other hand the 70-300 performs (see picture of bird at 300mm in tack sharp focus though covered with leaves - cropped to allow pixel peeping) but with the same issue with the addition of a very faint buzzing sound when VR is activated on the lens. Also did a test with a friends Tamron 70-210 f4 and it totally does not work. You get the message "Error. Press and release shutter button again." that does not go away after you press and release the shutter.
Did some night shots (FTZ, Tamron 24-70 2.8 A007N, Altura flash unit) at an event and boy I had to work to get focus. Forget auto focus continuous and face detection at night and be prepared for the drudgery of auto focus single and checking to ensure target focus. To be fair focus is about as good as that on my D5200 (though it does not feel as snappy). However, my focusing with the Z6 was really hit or miss at first but when I got use to it my keepers increased.
Don't throw in the towel yet for this wonderful camera. High ISO pictures show much less noise and performs better than many top full frame cameras and you don't have to worry as much about focus calibration issues. Also did a whole night shoot with one half charged battery and it still has 2 bars to spare.
The Z6 feels well built compared to the D5200 and is noticeably heavier (with FTZ adapter on) than my D5200 with a 3rd party grip attached. The informative and excellent EVF, awesome touch LCD, high frame rate with fast clearing bufffer, much lighter than dslr alternative, awesome dynamic range, superb video, etc makes this camera a joy to use.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2019
I've had the Nikon Z6 for a couple of months. I'm coming from a D3, which I have been using since 12'. I didn't have any af-s lens so the switch over has been a little stressed. I bought a F-mount 50 1.4 af-s to go along with the camera and damn the image quality is stunning. I would recommend this camera even if you have all "old" lens, the focus peaking is super helpful and you can nail it 99% of the time. The only problem I've faced was during astro photography the EVF just can't get bright enough @f3.5 so lens that are not prime aren't a great option. Otherwise what an amazing tool for portraits, landscape, and studio photography!
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Top reviews from other countries
Chris Kabutto
Una de las mejores cámaras Mirrorless Full Frame del mercado
Reviewed in Mexico on July 23, 2019Amazon Customer
Full Frame y excelente tecnología a buen precio
Reviewed in Mexico on July 5, 2020