The Nikon Z 6II is the new all-round full-frame system camera from Nikon. This successor of the Z 6 maintains the same resolution of 25 megapixels but now has double EXPEED 6 processors. The buffer memory was also expanded, and Nikon found space for a second memory slot (UHS-II SD) without the camera getting bigger.
Click on the lens for specifications, prices and test results.
TEST RESULTS Nikon Z 6II: | |
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Like the Z 6, the Nikon Z 6II has a resolution of 25 megapixels. Thanks to the double EXPEED 6 image processor, it is faster and the autofocus works better.
With the full-frame system cameras from Nikon, the Z 6II takes the place between the entry-level model Z 5 and the top model Z 7 II. The Z 6II is not a completely new model but builds on the strengths of the Z 6 from 2018. Nikon has listened to the criticism of the real or alleged shortcomings of the Z 6.
BUILD AND OPERATION
For example, the Z 6 received a lot of criticism from internet gurus because there is only one memory card slot. Nikon listened to this and gave the Z 6II a second card slot. In addition to CFExpress (Type B) or XQD memory cards, you can now also use an SD (UHS-II) card. The dimensions remained unchanged: like the Z 6, the Z 6II measures 134 x 101 x 70 mm, with a weight of 705 (including battery). The battery is Nikon’s latest model: the EN-EL15c battery. As a result, autonomy is higher. The Z 6II achieves 410 shots with a full battery, compared to 310 for the Z 6. In addition, the Z 6II comes with an optional battery grip MB-N11 with buttons to operate the Z 6II. The batteries in the grip can be changed without switching off the Z 6II.
The Z 6II supports charging via USB-C, and can therefore also be continuously supplied with power, for example while making time-lapse recordings.
PERFORMANCE
As mentioned above, the resolution of the Z 6II remains unchanged compared to the Z 6. The 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor captures images with 6048 x 4024 pixels and has an ISO range of ISO 100-51,200, expandable to ISO 204,800 equivalent.
However, the output of the sensor is now processed by two EXPEED image processors. This increased computing power enables a higher sequence speed: in Continuous H (Extended), the Z 6II photographs at 20 shots per second, where the Z 6 takes only 14 images per second. Thanks to a larger buffer memory, it also lasts 3.5 times longer than the Z 6.
The double EXPEED processors are also noticeable in the autofocus performance. The hybrid AF system still contains 273 focus points but can now also focus in less light (down to -4.5 LW). In addition, the Eye and Face Detection AF now also work in Wide-Area AF (L) mode.
Video
The Z 6II and Z 7 II are the first Nikon cameras to support Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF during filming, enabling continuous focusing on the eyes of humans, dogs and cats. The Z 6II shoots in 4K UHD video quality with full pixel readout. At the moment, the frame rate in 4K is still limited to 30, but after a firmware update that is expected to be available in February 2021, that will be 60p, as on the Z 7 II. This is limited to a 1.5x crop of the sensor.
To film in RAW format, an external recorder is required. For both models, 10-bit output to an external recorder with N-Log is possible, as well as capturing new HDR (HLG) video and output in 12-bit ProRes RAW.
Nikon Z 6II SAMPLE IMAGES
The Z 6II will be available at the beginning of November at a recommended price of €2199. As soon as we receive a test device, we will publish a full test.
Check out the test of the Nikon Z 6 here.
| Nikon Z 6II specifications | |
sensor | 25 Mp |
| video | 4K UHD 30 fps (60 fps after upgrade) |
| ISO | ISO 100 tot 51.200, |
| max. series speed | 14 fps |
| storage media | 1x CFexpress (type B)/ XQD, 1 x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| battery capacity | 410 shots |
| dimensions | 134 x 101 x 68 mm |
| weight (incl. battery) | 705 g |
| list price | € 2199.00 (body) |
| importer | www.nikon.nl |
| rating | |
| image quality | – |
| focus | – |
| light metering | – |
| white balance | – |
| screen/viewfinder | – |
| price-to-quality | – |
| bonus | – |
| final score | – |
Conclusion: Review Nikon Z 6II
The Z 6II will be available at the beginning of November at a recommended price of €2199. As soon as we receive a test device, we will publish a full test.
