Nikon Z7 And Z6 Full-Frame Cameras Muscle Their Way To Mirrorless Glory

Nikon has unveiled a pair of new mirrorless digital cameras that are both decidedly high-end: the Z7 and the Z6. The duo is nearly identical with the exception price, resolution, and autofocus (AF) system. The Z7 is a 45.7MP digital camera with ISO 64-25600 standard and ISO 32 and ISO 102400 expanded. Nikon's Z6 digital camera has a pixel count of 24.5MP and has sensitivity from 100-51200 standard and ISO 50 to ISO 204800 extended. Another major point of differentiation between the two cameras comes in the AF systems.

z7 f angle


The Z7 has 493 focus points while the Z6 has 273 focus points with Nikon pointing out that both cover approximately 90% of the imaging area horizontally and vertically. The hybrid AF system has an algorithm for the FX-format sensor that switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing. Both take advantage of newly-designed NIKKOR Z lenses to leverage that Hybrid AF system.

z7 f front


Z7 and Z6 both use the new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear pictures designed to take full advantage of the NIKKOR Z and F mount lenses to reduce noise and render subjects more sharply. An electronic viewfinder on both cameras promises to be comparable to optical viewfinders. The digital viewfinder on both cameras is a 3690k-dot OLED panel covering 100% of the frame and magnifying 0.8x. The camera menu can also be shown in the viewfinder if desired.

z7 f back


Both Z7 and Z6 cameras promise compact bodies designed for firm grip with buttons for AF-On, ISO, and exposure compensation placed for easy access and operation. The cameras support full-frame 4K UHD/30p movie recording in FX-based format and full HD/120p movies. Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can work in 4K and full HD modes. These cameras are the first from Nikon with in-camera vibration reduction with approximately 5.0-stop effectiveness. Rear screen on both cameras is a 3.2-inch 2100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD that tilts.

Nikon will offer the Z7 on September 27 at $3,399.95 for body only or $3,999.95 with a kit including the NIKKOR Z 24-70f/4 S lens. The Z6 will launch in late November for $1,995.95 for body only or $2,599.95 with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens.

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Shane McGlaun

Shane has been into tech since his dad brought home a Pong game when he was a toddler. A passion for gaming led to a passion for PC tech and hardware. That passion was eventually turned into a career writing about cool gadgets, computers, and automotive technology for some of the biggest publications online and in print. Shane also has a passion for the outdoors and when not writing about tech can be found hiking the trails of Colorado whilst keeping an eye open for nefarious rattlesnakes and bears.

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