Nikon has officially unveiled the next chapter of the Z series with the arrival of two new full-frame mirrorless cameras! With more power and features, the ultra-high resolution Nikon Z 7II, for those with an eye for impeccable details, and the versatile Nikon Z 6II, for dynamic creators! With upgrades in both design and performance, the Z 7II and Z 6II expand the Z series into a more robust mirrorless platform while still bringing Nikon’s renowned technology and loved features!
Starting with the similarities of the Z 7II and Z 6II, both of these cameras are Nikon Z mount, which is larger than any other full-frame mount, letting in significantly more light for the best possible image quality. The wider mount also allows for exciting new concepts in optical design, giving lens designers the flexibility to create Nikkor Z lenses with more edge-to-edge sharpness than ever thought possible. These new cameras expand the possibilities of the superior Z mount with performance upgrades designed to improve the quality, workflow and shooting experience for Nikon Z series users.
Both the Z 7II and Z 6II have some impressive new features and upgrades driven by customer needs for more innovation and creativity. At the heart of these new cameras is the implementation of two EXPEED 6 image processors, turbocharging performance to improve processing speed and increasing burst capability for stills, all while increasing power efficiency. Externally, both cameras have been built for the elements with robust weather sealing while still having user-focused ergonomics and an intuitive interface. They also offer improvements such as dual memory card slots, with one CFexpress (type B)/XQD slot and one SD card slot (UHS-II), for maximum versatility and peace of mind. Users will also benefit from more power and comfortable vertical shooting with the addition of the optional new MB-N11 battery pack with a vertical grip.
Updated with a feature-rich autofocus system, the Z 7II and Z 6II quickly acquire focus and track subjects throughout the frame. For more precise autofocusing, Eye and Face-Detection AF is now available in the Wide-Area AF (L) mode, which works to avoid focusing on distracting elements by isolating selected portions of an image. Additionally, both models have an improved low-light AF detection range that is capable of acquiring subjects in challenging lighting.
The Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II expand boundaries of video with 4K UHD video and enhanced video output at an increased frame rate of 4K (UHD) 60p, plus Eye-Detection AF mode when recording video. The cameras also allow users to reverse the focus ring orientation on the fly, benefitting those who are used to manual focusing using traditional cine lenses on set. For added flexibility in post-production, 10-bit N-Log and HDR (HLG) output offers more detail, dynamic range and contrast in captured footage while, the optional 12-bit ProRes RAW upgrade delivers greater creative control for professionals and advanced videographers.
Taking a closer look at each of these cameras, starting with the Nikon Z 7II, the Z 7II promises high-resolution stills and video for users who need ultimate performance to achieve exceptional image quality in every shot. A powerful upgrade to the Nikon Z 7, the Z 7II is the ideal camera for capturing highly detailed portraits, landscapes, weddings, events and commercial photography when there is no compromise on image quality.
The Z 7II features a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor to help capture intense detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and outstanding clarity. The exceptionally clean native ISO range from ISO 64 to 25,600 offers the functional freedom to shoot at wide apertures in bright light or in-studio with minimal noise. With up to 10 fps maximum shooting speed at full resolution in Continuous H (extended), the Z 7II can handle fast burst rates with more than triple the buffer capacity of the Z 7 (in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW). It also has 493 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points that cover 90 percent of the frame, quickly and accurately acquiring subjects, even at its far edges. Finally, the Z 7II is capable of acquiring focus in half the light (as low as -3 EV), making it a reliable tool for low-light scenes such as weddings and indoor events.
Moving on to the Nikon Z 6II, the Z 6II is the most versatile Z series camera yet, balancing speed, power, low-light ability and advanced video features for dynamic creators who need pro-level performance and reliability. Building on the vast pro-calibre video capabilities of the Z 6, the Z 6II is capable of recording 4K UHD video quality with full pixel readout, demonstrating the advantages of mirrorless technology. The Z 6II is capable of a variety of frame rates, including 4K UHD 60p with full pixel readout, which is planned to be available in February 2021 via a firmware update. It is also capable of 4K 30p, as well as Full HD 120p for slow motion.
Designed with videographers in mind the Z 6II’s AF speed and tracking sensitivity are adjustable to meet creative needs, while the focus ring is also reversible. Useful indicators for focus peaking, zebra stripes and timecodes help capture the best possible footage in-camera and simplify workflow. Just as the Z 7II, 10-bit output to an external recorder with N-Log is possible with th4e Z 6II, as well as the capture of new HDR (HLG) video and output in 12-bit ProRes RAW with the optional upgrade. For those who choose the upgrade, additional support will also be included for Blackmagic RAW when using the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR recorder. Both the Z 6II and Z 7II are the first Nikon cameras to support Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF with video recording, enabling continuous focus on the eyes of humans, dogs and cats.
The Z 6II features a 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for crisp stills and video capture with impressive detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and impressive, low light performance. To confidently shoot in challenging light, the camera has an impressive ISO range from ISO 100–51,200, expandable up to ISO 204,800 equivalent. With the addition of dual EXPEED 6 Processors, the Z 6II boasts a fast 14 fps3 continuous shooting speed, providing quick performance for capturing action, with more than 3.5 times the buffer capacity of the Z 64. The enhanced AF system of the Z 6II features 273 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points for easy subject acquisition and tracking throughout the frame, including at the edges. Finally, the Z 6II is capable of focusing in half the light (down to -4.5 EV) and easily acquires focus in extreme, low light scenarios, making it an ideal option for capturing nightscapes and events.
For even more information on Nikon’s newest Z cameras check out our website!
For the Nikon Z 7II, click here!
For the Nikon Z 6II, click here!
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