The Nikon Z6II was introduced on October 14th 2020 alongside the Nikon Z7II. The Nikon Z6II was a direct replacement for the excellent Nikon Z6 and was announced on August 23rd 2018, and released in November 2018.
Design and Build Quality
The Nikon Z6 II looks almost identical to its predecessor, with a sleek and minimalist design. The camera is also lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods.
One of the most significant design changes is the addition of a second memory card slot. The original Nikon Z6 only came with one XQD card slot, which was a major drawback for many professional photographers. The Nikon Z6 II, however, comes with a dual memory card slot that supports both XQD and UHS-II SD cards, giving photographers more flexibility and backup options.
Another notable design improvement is the addition of a vertical grip, which can be attached to the bottom of the camera. The grip houses an additional battery, providing extended battery life for extended shooting sessions. The grip also makes the camera more comfortable to hold, especially for photographers with larger hands.
Weather Sealing
The Z 6II follows in the footsteps of the first-generation Nikon mirrorless cameras, extensively waterproofed throughout its design. All-access ports are protected by rubber gaskets and/or raised lips. The Nikon Z7 was tested by the folks at “Imaging-Resource” a detailed and professional review; concluding, Overall, the Nikon Z7’s weather sealing is at the very top of the class among full-frame mirrorless cameras we’ve tested to date. The class-leading weather protection is a beautiful reassurance that Nikon employs high industry standards to protect its cameras from water ingress.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon Z6 II comes with a 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor, which is the same sensor as its predecessor. However, the camera now features Dual EXPEED 6 processors, which improve overall performance and allow for better image quality. The sensor also features a native ISO range of 100-51,200, which can be expanded to 204,800.
The autofocus system has also been improved, with the addition of Eye-Detection and Animal-Detection autofocus. These features make it easier for photographers to capture sharp images of their subjects, whether they are human or animal. The camera also features 273 autofocus points, covering approximately 90% of the frame, providing excellent coverage and accuracy.
The Nikon Z6 II also features 14-bit RAW files, which provide more flexibility and dynamic range when post-processing images. The camera also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, making it an excellent choice for videographers as well.
Dual Exspeed 6 Processors
Nikon has added another EXPEED 6 processor in Z 6II, to improve the autofocus speed and accuracy.
The Nikon Z6 shoots up to 12 FPS, whereas the Nikon Z 6II is capable of shooting up to 14 FPS, not a massive increase, but an increase all the same. Furthermore, the Z6 can shoot up to 35 photos in 12-bit Lossless Compressed RAW. On the other hand, the Z 6II can shoot up to 124 images, which is just over 3.5x more than the Z6.
Handling
The camera’s handling is also improved, with the addition of a larger grip and more physical buttons. The camera also features a tilting touchscreen LCD that can be used to navigate menus and adjust settings. The touchscreen is also responsive and can be used to select autofocus points, making it easier to focus on specific areas of the image.
EVF (Electronic Viewfinder)
The Nikon Z 6II has improved the blackout and EVF refresh rate of the wonderfully bright high-definition 3690k-dot electronic viewfinder, significantly reducing blackout when shooting at high shutter speeds.
Video
The Nikon Z 6II can now shoot 4K (up to 60 FPS); however, it comes with a 1.5x crop. Unlike the Z6, the Z 6II can output HDR and HLG through its HDMI port. The Z 6II can also create a movie file using the intervalometer, which on the Z 6 is only reserved for the time-lapse movie function.
The Nikon Z6 was heavily criticised due to its single memory card slot, and the lack of ability to provide backup should the XQD card fail. Nikon rectified this dreadful omission, adding dual memory card slots in the Nikon Z 6II.
1) XQD memory card slot
2) UHS-I or UHS-II SD slot.
Connectivity and Sharing
The Nikon Z6 II features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing photographers to transfer images and videos wirelessly to their mobile devices or computers. The camera also features a USB-C port for fast data transfer and charging.
The camera also comes with Nikon’s SnapBridge app, which allows users to transfer images and videos wirelessly to their mobile devices. The app also allows users to remotely control the camera and adjust settings, making it easier to capture images and videos in challenging situations.
Conclusion
The Nikon Z6 II is an excellent camera that improves upon its predecessor in many ways. The addition of a second memory card slot, improved autofocus system, and faster performance make it an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers.
Stephen 🙂
Sample Images
The images below were taken with the Z6II and the Nikon Z70-200mm f/2.8, all images were taken handheld. The images may appear a little soft due to the website’s compression; every image is very sharp.
Specifications
- Announced: October 14, 2020
- Sensor Resolution: 24.5 MP
- Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-51,200
- Sensor Type: BSI CMOS
- Sensor Size: 35.9 × 24.0mm FX sensor
- Optical Low Pass Filter: Yes
- In-Body Image Stabilization: Yes
- Image Processor: Dual EXPEED 6
- Viewfinder: EVF, 100% coverage, 0.8× magnification, 3.6 million dots
- Built-in Flash: No
- Storage Media: 1 CF Express, 1 SD (UHS-II)
- Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 14 FPS (12-bit lossless RAW @ single-point AF-C); 12 FPS (12-bit lossless RAW @ tracking AF-C); 10 FPS (14-bit lossless RAW)
- Buffer Capacity: 124 shots (12-bit lossless compressed RAW)
- Electronic Shutter: Yes
- Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 to 900 seconds
- Focus System: Hybrid on-sensor phase detection with 273 autofocus points
- Video Maximum Resolution: 4K up to 60 FPS, 1080p up to 120 FPS
- LCD Type: 3.2″ touchscreen, up/down tilting, 2.1 million dots
- Battery Life: 340 shots (CIPA)
- Weight: 705 grams (1.55 pounds) body only, includes battery and card
- Dimensions (L×H×D), Excluding Protruding Viewfinder: 134 × 101 × 70 mm (5.3 × 4.0 × 2.8 inches)
