DESCRIPTION
Nikon Z6 II: Multimedia Workhorse
The Nikon Z6 II is an improved version of the all-purpose mirrorless camera created for high-end photo and video applications. It offers additional speed, versatility, and performance. The Z6 II maintains its well-known compact size and coveted image quality despite the extensive enhancements, which is advantageous for professionals who create multimedia images.
24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and Dual EXPEED 6 Processors
For all-around shooting, impressive low-light quality, and quick readout speeds to benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording, a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is utilized. The back-illuminated sensor's architecture allows for both vivid and smooth quality at sensitivity levels as low as ISO 100 and significantly clean high-sensitivity output for decreased noise while operating at high ISO values, up to a native ISO 51200. Dual EXPEED 6 image processors, which benefit the sensor, give the camera system a plethora of speed, including the capacity to shoot continuously at 14 fps for up to 124 consecutive frames.
UHD 4K Video Recording
The Z6 II is a more than capable multimedia camera since it makes use of the sensor and processor's capabilities for purposes other than still images. Full pixel readout up to 30p is supported for UHD 4K video recording, and up to 120p for Full HD 1080p video recording is supported for slow motion playback. Video files can be saved to internal memory cards in cameras or as an uncompressed file via HDMI out to an optional external recorder.
With the Z6 II, advanced video features have been included, including as HLG (HDR) for recording HDR-ready footage and N-Log gamma for shooting flat-looking footage that maximises dynamic range. The ability to export high-quality 10-bit data through HDMI and an Electronic VR feature for fluid handheld filming are additional improvements. A Zebra Stripes option is also provided to assist in identifying overexposed regions of the frame, and Focus Peaking can be used to improve manual focus control. The built-in stereo microphone can be used for audio recording, or an optional external microphone can be attached via the 3.5mm stereo connection for further quality control, and live monitoring is accessible via the headphone jack.
In addition to enabling raw video output to Blackmagic Design Video Assist external recorders and unlocking UHD 4K recording at 60p and 50p frame rates, firmware version 1.10 further enhances eye-detection performance in Auto-Area AF and Wide-Area AF modes.
273-Point Phase-Detect AF System & Vibration Reduction
An array of 273 phase-detect autofocus points on the sensor covers 90% of the image's horizontal and vertical space. This enables quick and precise focusing for both still images and moving pictures, and because of the vast coverage area, subject tracking will be effective up to the boundaries of the frame. For smooth focus during filming, hybrid AF, which automatically switches between phase- and contrast-detect systems, is an option for video. The most recent NIKKOR Z lenses are also designed for silent operation. Regardless of the Z-type lens being used, in-body 5-axis sensor-shift vibration reduction may correct up to 5 stops of camera shake. When using the optional FTZ Adapter, this system can also be used with 3-axis stabilised F-mount lenses.
Body Design
- A large 3.2" 2.1m-dot LCD screen is available for bright, clear, and vivid image playback and live view shooting. The screen has a tilting design to benefit working from both high and low angles, and it is also a touchscreen for more intuitive operation, navigation, and settings control.
- A 3.6m-dot OLED electronic finder is present for comfortable eye-level viewing. It has a high 0.80x magnification and uses NIKKOR optics to guarantee a sharp, clear image. The finder also has a fluorine coating for easier cleaning.
- The top panel of the Z6 II is configured with a dot-matrix OLED display to provide quick access to important camera settings.
- Configured with one CFexpress Type B/XQD memory card slot and one UHS-II SD card slot, flexible file storage is possible with the option to use repetitive, overflow, or segregated storage methods.
- A robust magnesium alloy chassis is both dust- and weather-resistant to benefit working in harsh climates and inclement conditions.
- The ergonomic grip and overall form factor is shaped to benefit handling for extended periods of time and is further accentuated by an anti-slip material and a joystick for seamless settings and focus point selection.
- Built-in SnapBridge connectivity to enable seamless transfer of low-resolution imagery as well as remote shooting capabilities. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Wi-Fi enables communication between the camera and a smart device and, additionally, the mobile device can remotely trigger the shutter and display a live view image from the camera to enable working from a distance. Additionally, SnapBridge can also be used as an easier method of updating the camera's firmware.
Second Generation Z
Improving upon their initial efforts, Nikon has revised the Z6 platform to offer more speed, faster processing, and greater versatility without sacrificing the beloved qualities of the original camera.
- Dual EXPEED 6 image processors offer increased buffer performance, a faster 14 fps continuous shooting rate, and noticeably reduced blackout times in the viewfinder.
- Updated autofocus now includes Eye and Face Detection for both humans and animals in the Wide-Area AF mode, for both photo and video recording.
- Timed long exposure shooting is now possible for up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) without the need of an external remote.
- Dual memory card slots offer more flexible file storage capabilities; one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II slot permit overflow, segregated, and repetitive saving options.
- USB Type-C port permits in-camera charging or continuous power for on-the-go charging or extended shooting times.
- The rotation direction of the focus ring on lenses can be switched to suit one's familiarity.
- Support for HDR (HLG) mode when recording externally gives instant HDR-suitable video files for immediate playback. N-Log is also available for enhanced control during post-production and grading, too.
- Future firmware update will add UHD 4K 60p recording, in addition to the current 30p frame rate.
- Eligible for an optional ProRes RAW upgrade, enabling the camera to output ProRes RAW footage to a compatible Atomos external recorder. This upgrade provides greater color grading flexibility with the ProRes codec along with the ability to output uncompressed 12-bit raw footage over HDMI. This upgrade will be available in early 2021.
- The SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used to update the camera's firmware, instead of relying on a memory card-based system of updating.
- Updated creative shooting modes include Multiple Exposure, 20 different Picture Control settings, and in-camera Timelapse recording. There is also a Focus Shift mode for recording up to 300 sequential frames with the focus position shifted between exposures for focus stacking applications.
- Compatible with optional MB-N11 Power Battery Pack for additional battery life and improved handling.
