After exploring the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, we have no doubt that there’s more to see in the full-frame category. One of Canon’s main advantages is its price, but if your budget allows an extra jump, the good news is that you can access the Nikon Z6 body, one of the best full-frame cameras on the market. Improved autofocus, a high-definition viewfinder, stabilization with any lens, excellent images and solid construction easily justify the extra effort.
You might think that competition among camera manufacturers is rougher in the entry-level segment, since it gets more attention from beginners and first-time buyers, but the fight for our money extends across the entire spectrum, and we have true titans battling at much higher levels.
One of the most striking cases is the full-frame cameras that average around €2,000. Last December we talked about the Sony Alpha A7 III, and if you decide to go that route, I guarantee you won’t go wrong. However, that camera has strong rivals, starting with the Nikon Z6. Technically, the Z6 is the Z7’s younger sister, but if we closely compare specs, the price-performance ratio plays in its favor.
Nikon Z6: Shoot, Record, Enjoy
Officially announced in August 2018, the Nikon Z6 features a 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, accompanied by the Expeed 6 image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 51,200, with a boost in both directions of 50–204,800, while shutter speed ranges from 1/8000 to 30 seconds. Its 3.2-inch main LCD is touch-sensitive and tilting (170-degree viewing angle), with a resolution of 2.1 million dots. On the viewfinder side, we discover a small beast with 3.69 million dots, 100 percent coverage, and a 60 Hz refresh rate.
The autofocus system on the Nikon Z6 uses a hybrid configuration with 273 phase-detection points. At launch, Nikon had to leave some autofocus functions on the back burner, including eye detection, but the latest firmware update released in July adds this option and fixes several bugs. It’s almost the same autofocus we find in the Z7, with the difference that there are fewer points available (493 vs. 273). It might not be the easiest to configure on this mirrorless, but once you master it, its results are very solid, even in low-light situations.
At first glance, the interface of the Nikon Z6 doesn’t seem too complex. A trained eye will surely spot similarities with the company’s DSLR models, which sounds good because we always appreciate familiarity in controls. The top is dominated by a small OLED control panel (with good visibility) and two dials. The secondary dial sits at the front, below the shutter button (a bit hidden, I must admit), while the other three buttons are dedicated to video (you have to change the position of the lever first), exposure compensation, and ISO values.
I imagine the joystick will feel small for some users, but it’s not impossible to use, and it just takes a bit of getting used to. Instead of enabling dedicated function buttons, the Nikon Z6 puts its customization into three inputs on the mode dial, U1-U2-U3. The rest of the modes are divided between Full Auto, Programmed Auto (P), Shutter Priority (S), Aperture Priority (A), and Manual (M). For the rest of the details, check the updated manual. It’s 500 pages, but it applies to both the Z6 and Z7.
Unlike what we saw on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the video on the Nikon Z6 is almost a dream. The camera has no problem recording 4Kp30, p25, and p24 at 144 Mbps with oversampling, using the full sensor width. Add to that a 1080p120 and p100 mode for slow motion, 10-bit output for external capture, autofocus and five-axis stabilization (three with an adapted lens), and configuration sandboxing (meaning still and video settings are separate). Some rolling shutter moments are inevitable, and no SD card will do here: the Nikon Z6 uses XQD modules.
Accessories for Nikon Z6
At the time of writing, the Nikon Z6 body costs €1,700, but you can add a mount adapter for €89 more, or go straight to a kit with a 24-70 lens for €2,300. It may be one of the most complete full-frame cameras, but its potential multiplies with a small investment in the right accessories.
Batteries and Power
With a total of 310 shots per full charge, it’s not a bad idea to buy an additional EN-EL15 battery if you plan to put the Nikon Z6 through long sessions. The best part is that a Gloxy EN-EL15 battery costs just €20, and it will work without incident in the full-frame. At the same time, the Gloxy 2-in-1 charger for home and car will help keep all those spare batteries in great shape, and it’s under €25. Product codes: "DI622,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-87".
Tripods and Supports
At 675 grams, the Nikon Z6 is a bit heavier than the average mirrorless, but that’s nothing to complain about given its spectacular construction. On the other hand, a good tripod for Nikon Z6 is easy to find at an unbeatable price. The Gloxy GX-T6662A remains in the €60 range, and its combination of price, overall design, and specs make it a great candidate to accompany your Z6. Prefer something more compact? Then the answer is the Clampod Takeway T2, a revised and optimized model with new supports for tripod mode and the same firm grip as always.
Backpacks and Bags
The weather sealing on the Nikon Z6 is as good as its build, but no one can afford to neglect transporting and storing a camera that costs over €2,000. That said, today we’re going for safe options: among backpacks, the Gloxy Pro AW is available in three sizes, with wide, comfortable straps, a padded interior that’s customizable, additional tripod support, several secondary pockets, and a rain cover. If you’re looking for a smaller solution, it’s hard to resist the Delta 400a Fancier bag, which can hold the Z6 with the lens attached. Product codes: "GloxyPRO,Fancier400a".
Flashes
Need a little light for your Z6? It works very well in low light, but you know how it is. A cloud that betrays you, spaces that don’t help, the available light is of low quality... sooner or later, as a photographer, you’ll have to force the lighting hand, and for that we recommend two Gloxy flashes. The first is the Gloxy GX-F1000N, a professional flash with the price of an enthusiast model, delivering a guide number of 58, recycling time under two seconds, and great compatibility with Nikon bodies. The second is its younger brother, the Gloxy TR-985. Guide number 54, great flexibility in its head, two-year warranty, and you save €40.
Storage
I mentioned it above: the Nikon Z6 uses XQD modules for storage, significantly more expensive than a conventional SD card, but once you see the read and write speeds, it all becomes clear. Two options to consider, both from Sony, with 32 and 64 gigabytes of capacity. The 64 GB version writes at 150 MB/s, more than enough for the mirrorless’s 4K modes. Product codes: "IM713184473,IM713184474".
I admit it: it’s easy to recommend the Nikon Z6. Its images are fabulous, and 4K recording makes other cameras envious. It also has very tough competitors, with the Sony Alpha A7 III at the forefront. Is it perfect? No, because we’d like to see better performance in extreme action situations, and more flexibility from Nikon regarding mount specifications... but those are minor details. If you can reach it, don’t hesitate. Good luck!
