Nikon launched its unique duo of full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2018 after which refreshed each fashions just a few years later with the Nikon Z7 II and Nikon Z6 II. The updates weren’t huge, however there have been just a few key enhancements which are more likely to enchantment to those that invested within the unique Z6 and Z7. If you happen to purchased a Nikon Z6 you is perhaps on the fence as as to whether it is best to improve. On this Nikon Z6 II vs Z6 comparability we’ll discover the cameras’ key specs that will help you make a selection.
Like the unique Z6, the Nikon Z6 II is the all-rounder companion to the upper decision Z7 II in Nikon’s Z sequence vary of full-frame mirrorless cameras. It’s primarily geared toward fanatic photographers, however it’s additionally more likely to enchantment to skilled photographers, maybe marriage ceremony photographers, who don’t want the bigger information sizes that the Nikon Z7 II delivers.
Sensor
- Each cameras: Full-frame (FX 35.9 x 23.9mm) 24.5MP bottom illuminated (BSI) sensor
Each the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 share the identical full-frame (FX) 24.5-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor, which produces pictures with 6048×4024 pixels. Which means they measure 51.2x34cm or 20.2×13.4inches at 300dpi.
Whereas that’s not the identical stage of decision because the Nikon Z7 II and Z7, it’s nonetheless loads of element and greater than sufficient for many photographers on the market.
In our assessments of each the Nikon Z6 II and Z5, noise is managed extraordinarily properly. In actual fact, solely at ISO 51,200 can we begin to discover lack of element in some low distinction areas.
Processor
- Nikon Z6 II: Twin Expeed 6
- Nikon Z6: Expeed 6
Trying on the Nikon Z6 II vs Z6 Whereas each the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 use Nikon’s Expeed 6 processing engine, the corporate has added a second Expeed 6 processing engine for the Mark II. That further energy increase allows the Z6 II to realize a most steady capturing fee of 14fps – 2fps increased than the Z6 – with full autofocus and metering functionality. What’s extra, that fee might be maintained for 200 JPEGs or 124 uncompressed 12-Bit uncooked information.
The Nikon Z6 II additionally presents the identical native sensitivity vary because the Z6 at ISO 100 to 51,200, which is expandable to ISO 64-204,800.
Autofocus system
- Each cameras: Hybrid with part and distinction detection (273 factors)
Nikon has stored the identical 273-point hybrid autofocus system that makes use of each part and distinction detection, with factors masking 90% of the sensor. Nonetheless, Nikon has made some tweaks to the AF system within the Z6 II which have improved each monitoring and low-light efficiency.
Low-light shooters will discover that the Nikon Z6 II can focus right down to -6EV when utilizing an f/2 or sooner lens. To place that in actual phrases, this type of mild stage is much like the sunshine forged by 1 / 4 of the moon.
Nikon added human and animal eye AF to the Z6 by way of a firmware replace after it was launched. These haven’t solely been added to the Z6 II as customary, however in addition they now operate in video mode. That’s excellent news for marriage ceremony, portrait, way of life and wildlife photographers and videographers.
Video
- Each cameras: 4K UHD at 30p (and as much as 60p with Feb 2021 firmware)
The principle distinction in video between the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 is that the Z6 II has eye detection focusing for people and animals. In any other case, the Nikon Z6 II video capabilities stay largely the identical because the Z6.
Each the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 can report 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) video at 30p. Nikon additionally launched a firmware replace in February 2021 that gave customers of each cameras the choice to report 4K video at 60p.
It’s price noting, although, that this 60p recording possibility will probably be topic to a 1.5x crop issue. This implies, for instance, {that a} focal size of 24mm will appear like 36mm.
Sluggish movement followers will even like the choice to report Full HD video at as much as 120p.
Inner video footage is in 8-bit color, however you’ll be able to push this to 10-bit 4:2:2 with N-Log with an exterior recorder by way of the HDMI connection. This offers you extra flexibility for grading and color matching.
Just like the Z6, the Nikon Z6 II additionally presents Timecode, focus peaking and zebra show, and you may modify the focusing pace and monitoring sensitivity to fit your topic.
Viewfinder
- Each cameras: 0.5-inch 3.69-million-dot digital viewfinder
Just like the Z6, the Nikon Z6 II presents a 0.5-inch 3.6-million-dot digital viewfinder that boasts fluorine and anti-reflective coatings to repel filth and scale back reflections. Each cameras’ EVFs additionally present 100% of the picture with 0.8x magnification.
There are increased decision EVFs on the market, if this can be a essential specification for you, however the viewfinder on the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 is excellent and presents a transparent view of your picture.
Display
- Each cameras: 3.2-inch 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen
Just like the EVF, the Nikon Z6 II and Z6 additionally share the identical 3.2-inch, 2,100,000-dot tilting touch-screen. Each cameras’ touchscreens are responsive, permitting you to rapidly set the AF level or swipe via pictures or menu settings.
Whereas the display tilts, it can’t be tilted via 180°. This implies you’ll be able to’t see it from in entrance of the digicam for those who had been attempting to movie your self.
Stabilisation
- Each cameras: 5-axis in-body picture stabilisation
Though Nikon makes use of lens-based stabilisation (VR) for its DSLRs, it launched 5-axis in-body stabilisation (VR) with the unique Z6 and Z7. The Nikon Z6 II additionally presents IBIS (see which cameras have IBIS) and supplies a shutter pace compensation worth of 5EV.
Storage
The one, XQD reminiscence card slot (see the most effective XQD playing cards you should buy at present) was one of many huge criticisms of the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7. Fortunately, Nikon listened to its customers and just like the Z7 II, the Nikon Z6 II has twin reminiscence card slot.
There’s one XQD card slot (with CFexpress compatibility added by way of a firmware improve) and a second slot for SD-type reminiscence playing cards. This new slot accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC media and is UHS-II compliant.
What’s extra, there’s an possibility within the menu that enables customers to specify which of the playing cards is the first one after which set the second card to behave as an overflow or back-up. Alternatively, you’ll be able to ship uncooked information to 1 card and JPEGs to a different.
Ought to I Promote My Nikon Z6?
As you’ll be able to see from this Nikon Z6 II vs Z6 comparability, the Z6 is a superb digicam and Z6 II is healthier. However is it higher sufficient to warrant upgrading? It actually relies on your wants. For lovers and informal shooters, your Nikon Z6 most likely nonetheless has all the things you want.
However for those who shoot weddings, portraiture, and even sport and wildlife, the additional energy increase from the twin processing engines could possibly be an enormous bonus. So will the power to make use of human and animal eye AF monitoring in video mode. These customers ought to strongly take into account promoting their Z6 and shopping for a Nikon Z6 II.
It’s most likely unlikely that the enhancements Nikon made within the Z6 II will entice many current Z6 customers to improve, however for those who’re a Nikon DSLR consumer or anybody trying to take the step up into full-frame pictures it is best to significantly take into account promoting your present equipment and investing in a Z6 II.
It truly is a strong all-rounder that may do something. Its construct and dealing with are very intuitive. It’s highly effective, quick, delivers nice outcomes and is extra responsive than its predecessor.
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