DESCRIPTION
Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera: 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.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a useful zoom that covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to portrait-length. Its constant maximum aperture of f/4 keeps the exposure the same all the way through the zoom range and makes it a smaller, lighter alternative to an f/2.8 zoom. In terms of the design of the optics, a unique aspherical extra-low dispersion element and three aspherical elements are used to help reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions across the entire zoom range, so that images are sharp and clear. Both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings have been used to control flare and ghosting for better contrast and colour rendering in bright and backlit conditions.
Along with the optics, a stepping motor offers quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus, as well as full-time manual focus override, so it can be used for both stills and videos. A programmable control ring can be set to make changes to the camera and exposure settings easy to understand. The lens also has a barrel that can be pulled back without buttons to make it smaller when not in use.
- Standard zoom covers a wide-angle to portrait-length range and is designed for FX-format Z-mount mirrorless cameras.
- Constant f/4 maximum aperture affords consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also contributes to the relatively lightweight design and compact form factor.
- A unique aspherical extra-low dispersion element is incorporated into the optical design, along with three additional aspherical elements, to greatly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations, distortion, coma (comatic aberration), and flare for consistent edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination.
- A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting.
- Stepping motor delivers impressively smooth, quiet, and fast autofocus performance that is well-suited to both stills and video applications. Full-time manual focus override is also possible and an internal focusing design is used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds.
- Programmable Control Ring is, by default, set to adjust manual focus, but can also be used to control aperture or exposure compensation.
- Specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting rates.
- Rounded seven-blade diaphragm promotes a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.
- Exposed elements feature a fluorine coating that affords protection to the optical system against dust, grease, and water droplets.
- Dust- and moisture-resistant lens barrel benefits the lens' use in inclement conditions.
- Button-less retractable design maintains a compact form factor when the lens is not in use.
