Nikon Z6 Review
Most reviewers agreed that Nikon hit one out of the park with the Z6, which is interesting because they were decidedly mixed about its higher resolution and more expensive big brother, the Z7. The Nikon Z6 scored high marks across the board. In particular, reviewers loved the image quality, especially in low light when shooting at high ISOs. (The Z6 has an ISO range of 100-51,200.) The camera was also fast overall, with the ability to fire off up to 12 frames per second, even in Raw image mode. The Nikon Z6's in-body stabilization was effective too, making it a great all-around camera suited for a range of subjects. Video shooters liked the Z6's 4K footage, with one reviewer calling it "the best full frame camera for video." In terms of the user experience, both the Z6 and Z7 are some of the best designed mirrorless cameras on the market. The Z6's dust and splash resistant camera body was comfortable to shoot with thanks to its ergonomic grip and intuitive menu system and controls. The electronic viewfinder was crisp and bright, and the tiling rear touchscreen helped when shooting from different angles. There were a few quibbles with the Nikon Z6. For one, the camera's single card slot in the less common XQD format was disappointing, while others felt the autofocus subject tracking to be on the slow side, making the Z6 not ideal for shooting sports and action. Other than and rather poor battery life (around 310 shots), the Z6 is a winner.
"Nikon certainly hasn't held back with the Z6, and any worries that it would miss the mark are dispelled as soon as you pick it up. Until now we'd have had little hesitation in recommending Sony's Alpha A7 III if you were in the market for a well-specced full-frame camera at around the $2,000 price point, but the Nikon Z6 is in many ways the more compelling option." - Tech Radar, read the full review here.
"The Nikon Z6 is a well-built full-frame mirrorless camera that produces excellent stills and 4K video. Autofocus is reliable most of the time, including during burst shooting, though selecting a subject on which to track is clumsy. The camera's built-in image stabilization works well on native and 'classic' Nikon glass." - DPReview, read the full review here.
"The Nikon Z6 is always going to be somewhat overshadowed by the more powerful and higher-resolution Z7, but actually it’s a much more versatile camera, as well as being much more affordable. On paper it could easily come across as being a little bit dull but worthy; in practice its finesse, performance and image quality are just awesome." - Digital Camera World, read the full review here.
"With better low light sensitivity, faster performance, and a lower price, the Z 6 stands out from its higher resolution peer. Image quality is excellent, the design is both rugged and comfortable, and the in-body stabilization breathes new life into Nikon’s F-Mount lenses when used with the FTZ adapter." - Digital Trends, read the full review here.
"Quite simply, the Nikon Z6 is one of the best cameras currently on the market and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with a purchase." - T3, read the full review here.
"The Z6 in particular is an amazing value at just $2000, with few missing features compared to the $3400 Z7. This is Nikon’s best camera ever made for video – and it doesn’t sacrifice stills quality to get there." - Photography Life, read the full review here.
"The Nikon Z6 is a terrific, well-rounded camera. The body is compact and robust yet features lots of physical controls. Image quality is very good, the AF performance is terrific (and even better now with updated firmware) and the video features -- while not groundbreaking -- are a nice starting point for those getting more seriously into video shooting." - Imaging Resource, read the full review here.
"For Nikon shooters looking to make the switch to a versatile, premium-quality, mirrorless camera, the new Z6 full-frame model is a no-brainer. It offers a familiar form factor, seamless compatibility with F-mount Nikkor lenses, and compatibility with Nikon speedlights and other DSLR accessories. Even if you don’t own a bunch of Nikkor F glass, the affordable do-everything Nikon Z6 is a rugged, lightweight, high-performance option, built to Nikon’s uncompromising standards.The camera offers an uncommon combination of speed, versatility, image quality and features for the price of $1,995 (body only). " - Shutterbug, read the full review here.
"Get this Z6 instead of the Z7. The Z7 doesn't run as fast, no one needs the Z7's extra resolution (24 MP is more enough for anything unless you really are printing 6 feet (2 meters) wide or more) and the Z6 costs much, much less." - Ken Rockwell, read the full review here.
"[The Nikon Z6 is] an excellent all-rounder. Its 24.5Mp sensor captures images with a good level of detail and attractive colors. Meanwhile, its AF system is fast and reliable and the burst depth is deep enough to make it useful for shooting sport." - Camera Jabber, read the full review here.
"I fell in love with this camera and actually ordered one for myself. The Nikon Z6 body excels for portraiture in an outdoor and studio setting, and is also pretty amazing as an event/wedding/nightlife camera body as well. Even with its occasionally random autofocus, the camera absolutely shines in low light settings." - SLR Lounge, read the full review here.
"If you want a decently-priced full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6 is a great choice. It's a no-brainer if you already own (and like) Nikon lenses, especially if you shoot both video and photos." - Engadget, read the full review here.
"Arguably the most well considered and capable of any full-frame mirrorless camera on the market. Nikon has got the lens mount right, the quality right and, despite strong competition from Sony's well-established range and Panasonic's forthcoming S1, we think any photographer would be mad to not give the Z6 a look in." - Pocket Lint, read the full review here.
"Image quality is fantastic, and it’s really only likely to be those that really desire to have a super high resolution sensor to work with that should discount the Z6 over the Z7. For the price, you get a fantastic camera and we can see this jumping straight to the top of many amateur and enthusiast photographers wishlists – and perhaps even finding a place in a pro’s kitbag too." - Photography Blog, read the full review here.
"The Nikon Z 6 is the company's high-speed, full-frame camera with a 24MP sensor and a class-leading 12fps burst rate. It's a strong debut thanks to excellent ergonomics, in-body stabilization, and 4K video." - PC Magazine, read the full review here.