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.

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 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.

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.