Nikon Z6
Nikon · Mirrorless · 24.5 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon |
| Model | Z6 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 23, 2018 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 134 x 101 x 68 mm |
| Camera weight | 675 g |
Optics83/100 | |
About the OpticsNikon Z6 Overview and OpticsThe Nikon Z6 receives an optics score of 83/100. It features a 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, providing high-resolution images. The camera’s shooting speed is 12 frames per second, allowing for swift capture of fast-moving subjects. Utilizing the Expeed 6 processor, the Z6 delivers fast performance and excellent image quality. The camera’s DXOMARK score for its sensor is 95, indicating strong performance in today’s market. The Nikon Z6 is equipped with a Nikon Z lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of high-quality lenses. The camera’s built-in image stabilization ensures sharp and steady images, even in challenging shooting conditions. With an aspect ratio of 3:2, the Z6 produces well-balanced compositions suitable for various applications. The Nikon Z6 proves to be a strong contender in the current market due to its impressive optics and advanced features. Its high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and wide compatibility with lenses make it a reliable choice for photographers seeking top-notch performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.5 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6048 x 4024 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon Z |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 6 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 2730300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 369000009900000 |
Video83/100 | |
About the VideoThe Nikon Z6 boasts a video score of 83/100, reflecting its impressive capabilities in this area. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring high-quality video output. Additionally, it supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, allowing for smooth motion capture and stunning visuals. A noteworthy feature of the Nikon Z6 is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create captivating time-lapse videos with ease. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in today’s market, the Nikon Z6 stands out as a strong contender for those seeking excellent video performance. The Nikon Z6’s video capabilities make it a top choice for both amateur and professional videographers. Its high-quality video output, combined with its smooth frame rate and built-in time-lapse functionality, ensure that this camera is a solid investment for anyone seeking outstanding video performance. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, MP4 |
Features87/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Nikon Z6 scores an impressive 87/100 in the features department. With a 3.2-inch screen size and a resolution of 2,100,000 dots, the display is clear and vibrant. The camera offers touchscreen functionality, making it easy to navigate menus and controls. However, the Z6 does not have a flip screen, which may be a limitation for some users. In terms of connectivity, the Nikon Z6 is well-equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for easy sharing of photos and remote control of the camera. Despite these advanced features, the Z6 lacks GPS functionality, which could be an important feature for some photographers. Considering these specifications, the Nikon Z6 holds its own in today’s competitive camera market. Its combination of a high-resolution touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth make it a strong contender for those looking for a feature-rich camera. However, the absence of a flip screen and GPS may be a drawback for certain users. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 21000001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery35/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Nikon Z6’s storage and battery performance receives a score of 35/100. This camera has only one memory card slot, which accepts XQD cards. In comparison to other cameras in the market, the single slot may be limiting for some users. The battery life of the Nikon Z6 is 310 shots, powered by an EN-EL15b battery. This battery life falls short when compared to other cameras, but the Z6 compensates with USB charging capability. | |
| Memory card | XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | EN-EL15b |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 310 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |