Nikon Z6
Announced August 23, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon Z6 is a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers excellent image quality and low-light performance in a compact, weather-sealed body. While it offers impressive handling and 4K video capabilities, the camera is limited by a single XQD card slot and an autofocus system that occasionally struggles with erratic subjects.
Weighted from 40 reviewer scores
Pros
- Capable 4K video recording
- Effective in-body image stabilization
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Excellent image quality and low-light performance
- Sturdy weather-sealed build with comfortable ergonomics
Cons
- Single memory card slot
- Autofocus limitations with moving subjects
- Screen lacks full articulation
- Average battery life
- Limited native lens selection
- Launch price $1,999 (USD)
- Sensor 24.5MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
What the Reviewers Say
All 40 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 89/100
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.
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Nikon 300mm f/4E PF + FTZ Adapter: 300mm, f/4, 1/2000s, ISO 100 Summary The Nikon Z6 is a terrific, well-rounded camera. All in all, as we said at the end of our Field Test Part I, there isn’t a lot to complain about when it comes to the Z6.
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Compact, lightweight and highly capable, the Z6 is Nikon's first solid mirrorless full-frame camera release.
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It was one thing for Nikon to outdo Sony’s A7R III with the magnificent Z 7, but to do the double and create the Z 6, which with all things considered is a better camera than the Sony A7 III, is quite a remarkable achievement.
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The Nikon Z 6 offers a 24mp full-frame sensor in a more compact mirrorless camera body, with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and high-speed continuous shooting at 12fps.
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[Y]ou’re somebody who does a bit of everything – landscapes, portraiture, action and so on, then the Z 6 is in all likelihood the best all-round camera on the market right now.
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The Nikon Z6 is the best all-rounder full-frame mirrorless camera you can buy right now.
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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!
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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.
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We think the Nikon Z6 is the best full-frame 4K mirrorless camera for the money. It’s feature-rich and affordable.
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The Nikon Z6 honestly is an amazing camera and I even might find myself investing in one given I love the image quality as much as my Sony A7R III.
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My experience so far having shot on the Z6 a week now has been largely positive and I think that a lot of that has to do with the ergonomics.
- Digital Trends 9/10
With better low light sensitivity, faster performance, and a lower price, the Z 6 stands out from its higher resolution peer.
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The Nikon Z6 is an impressive all-around camera. It packs a ton of features and great performance into a competitively priced body.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Price-wise, the Z6 is more affordable for photo enthusiasts, particularly if they don’t require really high resolution and they can take advantage of its increased sensitivity range.
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While not a perfect mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6 gets so much right — superb ISO range, excellent handling and shooting, simple yet fully-featured menus, and all at a good price.
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If you own Nikon glass, the Z6 or Z7 is without question what you want.
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Arguably the most well considered and capable of any full-frame mirrorless camera on the market.
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Nikon Z7 is leading in terms of resolution and commanding a high price for it, the Z6 reviewed here delivers highly competitive value with a lower resolution that allows it to be faster and more sensitive to light.
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If you have a ton of Nikon glass in your equipment closest. If you love a cinematic large-format image. If you love a great electronic viewfinder with nearly zero compromises. [T]hen the Nikon Z6 may be for you.
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Nikon Z6 and adapted Nikon 28mm f/1.4 lens – f/5.6 | 1/3200 | ISO 125 I'm currently shooting with my Z6 every day (see some recent family photos below).
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[...] I have to say that my overall impressions of the Z6 are positive. It is definitely not perfect, but I actually do recommend it unless the banding issue is a problem for you or you need the best autofocus performance available.
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This camera is truly incredible, and I wish that I had picked it up much sooner. It does everything I want it to for portrait and wedding shoots.
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So how was the overall experience shooting with the Nikon Z6? Pretty positive I would say.
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Definitely the biggest downfall of this camera is the single card slot in it, but if you can get over that I think it's a very well performing camera.
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Nikon got a lot right with the Z6, only a few things wrong, but left a number of small details in the weeds that could use some tuning/fixing/snipping, just as with the Z7. Other than that, I find the Z6 to be a well-rounded camera that rarely gets in my way.
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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.
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Nikon has clearly invested the Nikon Z6 with excellent quality and good usability engineering. Once I have the controls customized I quickly felt at home, able to make adjustments easily with the exception of burst speed and buffer.
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As of right now, yeah, I like this camera. Yeah, I really like it.
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I think the Z6 is more than capable. Again, I've used cameras like the Z8.
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I think it's a great camera with a great set of features and especially for me looking for the video stuff, it's going to be something that's integral to my Nikon kit, so it's highly recommended and yeah, a very enjoyable camera to use.
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The Nikon Z6 is an awesome camera for experts because it has a 24.5MP full-frame sensor that takes clear pictures. It works great in low light and has a fast 273-point autofocus system to keep things sharp.
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Having had a Nikon Z 6 on loan for an extended period, I’m reluctant to return it. While no single camera is the perfect answer for every photographer in every situation, this one addresses many of my needs, and, I think, would probably address many of yours.
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Don't know if that's gonna ever happen, but so far I absolutely love this camera. I really have nothing but good things to say about it.
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With stellar image quality, excellent build, and a growing lens ecosystem, the Z6 remains one of the smartest buys for photographers and hybrid shooters who want performance and value.
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It’s not without its quirks, but they certainly aren’t enough to hold it back as a great camera choice for pro and semi-professional shooters, both for stills and video.
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When you combine the photography and the videography part, I feel Nikon has made a very, very good mirrorless system.
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Just the handling of this camera over the year has been awesome. It feels good in the hands, it's got a DSLR feel to it just a small compact body and this is even with a L-bracket.
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At the end of the day, my favorite micro 4/3 camera has been the gh5, I still use that all the time. My favorite APS-C camera is the Fujifilm XT-3, and my favorite full frame is the nikon z6.
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Depending on what you're using it for, it could be a pretty good value option. Typical price in this is a fair bit less than something like a Sony A7 III.
