PRICES CHECKED NOV 3, 10:15 PM ET335 PRODUCTS · INDEPENDENT BUYING GUIDES
hero product shot: Nikon Z6
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Nikon Z6

6.5

A 24-megapixel full-frame Nikon with stabilization and 12 fps bursts, held back by a single card slot; suits general and light video work.

Nikon Z mount
PRICES · 1 STORECHECKED NOV 3, 10:15 PM ET
RetailerBody only
AmazonNewPrime deliveryAS OF NOV 3, 10:15 PM ET
$1,997LOWEST
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eBayPre-ownedFrom independent sellers. Condition varies.
CHECKING EBAY
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Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 10:15 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

Build around it

EVERY OPTION IS CHECKED AGAINST THE Z6
Lens✓ Fits the Z6
Power✓ Fits the Z6
Storage✓ Fits the Z6
Audio✓ Fits the Z6
Bag✓ Fits the Z6

Spec sheet

SENSORMegapixels and sensor size. Full-frame gathers more light than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds, for cleaner low-light shots and more background blur.24.5MPFull-frame
BURSTThe fastest frames per second the maker quotes. Top speeds often use the electronic shutter and may limit autofocus. Higher helps for sports, wildlife and kids.12 fpsFastest the maker quotes
VIDEOThe highest video resolution it records internally.4KMax internal
IBISIn-body stabilisation. Each stop lets you shoot at half the shutter speed without blur, so 8 stops means very steady handheld shots.5 stopsIn-body
BATTERYShots per charge on the CIPA standard test, using the rear screen. Real-world numbers are often higher.310CIPA shots, rear screen
WEIGHTBody with battery and card, without a lens.675 gWith battery and card
MOUNTWhich lenses fit natively. Other lenses may work through an adapter.ZNikon Z

Photo

SensorResolution, size and build. Stacked sensors read out fastest, which helps fast action and cuts rolling-shutter wobble.24.5MP · Full-frame · BSI
Native ISOThe standard sensitivity range. Higher ISO lets you shoot in dimmer light, at the cost of more noise.100–51,200
ShutterFastest mechanical and electronic shutter speeds. The silent electronic shutter can freeze faster motion, but may bend fast subjects on slower sensors.1/8000 mech
Flash syncThe fastest shutter speed you can use with a regular flash. Higher is better for flash outdoors in bright light.1/200 s

Video

Max resolutionThe highest resolution and frame rate it records internally. More than 4K gives room to crop or stabilise in editing.4K 30p
Best 4K frame rateThe fastest 4K frame rate. 60p and above lets you slow footage down smoothly, and 120p gives 5× slow motion.4K 30p
Crop at 4K 60pWhether 4K 60p uses the full sensor width. A crop makes your lens act longer, so wide shots get harder.No 4K 60p
Colour depth10-bit records far more colour detail than 8-bit, so footage holds up when you grade it. Worth it if you edit video.8-bit 4:2:0
Log profileA flat picture profile that keeps highlight and shadow detail for colour grading later.N-Log
Raw videoRaw keeps the most image data for editing, at much larger file sizes. Some cameras only record it to an external recorder.ProRes RAW over HDMI (paid upgrade)
Open gateRecords the whole sensor area, so you can crop the same clip to both widescreen and vertical video.No
Clip length limitThe longest single clip the maker allows. Heat can still stop recording earlier in hot conditions.29 min
Audio jacksA mic input for better sound, and a headphone jack to check what you are recording.Mic + headphone
HDMIFor an external monitor or recorder. Full-size HDMI is sturdier than micro HDMI.Micro
Cooling fanA built-in fan lets the camera record for long stretches without overheating.No

Body & handling

ViewfinderElectronic viewfinder resolution and magnification. More dots and a bigger magnification give a sharper, larger view.3.69M-dot, 0.8×
Rear screenFully articulating screens flip to the front for vlogging; tilting screens are quicker for photos at waist or overhead height.Tilting
Card slotsTwo slots let you record a backup copy at the same time, which matters for paid work like weddings.1x CFexpress B/XQD
Weather sealingSeals against dust and light rain. Pair it with a sealed lens.Yes
USB-C powerCan run from a USB-C power bank while shooting, not just charge the battery.Yes
BatteryThe battery model, for buying spares.EN-EL15b
Size (W × H × D)Width, height and depth as the maker publishes them: the body only for interchangeable-lens cameras, including the built-in lens for compacts. Makers measure slightly differently. Compare bodies in the size tool.134 × 100.5 × 67.5 mm

How the Z6 connects

Works with

3

Competes with

3

Steps up and down

1

Adapts from

1
  • Nikon F via FTZ IIAdapted lenses keep autofocus
Compare withA7 IVR6 IIZ6 IIThe Nikon Z6 family →

Pros and cons

COMPARED WITH 29 FULL-FRAME CAMERAS, $1,299–$2,998
Cons, and what fixes them
  • –Lower 4K frame rates

    4K 30p. Rivals here typically have 4K 60p.

    Nikon Z6 III4K 120p instead of 4K 30p$1,997 · Same priceAlso fixes: shorter battery life, weaker stabilisation, slower burst.See the Z6 IIICompare
  • –Shorter battery life

    310 shots per charge. Rivals here typically have 410 shots per charge.

    EN-EL15c batteryA spare doubles your shots between charges$60 · Add-onSee the EN-EL15c battery
  • –Weaker stabilisation

    5 stops of stabilisation. Rivals here typically have 7 stops of stabilisation.

    Nikon Z6 III8 stops instead of 5 stops$1,997 · Same priceAlso fixes: lower 4K frame rates, shorter battery life, slower burst.See the Z6 IIICompare
  • –Slower burst

    12 fps. Rivals here typically have 30 fps.

    Nikon Z6 III60 fps instead of 12 fps$1,997 · Same priceAlso fixes: lower 4K frame rates, shorter battery life, weaker stabilisation.See the Z6 IIICompare
Prices accurate as of Nov 3, 12:30 PM ET and subject to change. We may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you. How this works

From the retailer

AMAZON · AS OF NOV 3, 10:15 PM ET
  • Large, full frame Z mount for Revolutionary optical performance
  • Nikon-designed 24. 5MP backside illuminated image sensor
  • 273-Point on-sensor Phase detect AF system
  • Up to 12 fps; 4K Ultra-HD video; 6K time-lapse; 1080P/120Fps slow motion
  • Compatible with NIKKOR Z lenses, over 360 F-mount NIKKOR lenses
ModelZ6
Part number1595
ColorBlack
Release date2018-11-16