Nikon Z6 II Review

The Nikon Z6 II looks a lot like its predecessor, but Nikon has made some significant updates to its current midrange full-frame interchangeable lens camera. These include more processing power, a bigger buffer, faster shooting and better low-light autofocus performance.
Oh, yeah - and dual card slots!
Chris and Jordan have been shooting with Nikon's latest full-frame camera for a little while up in the frozen wastes of Alberta. Watch their Nikon Z6 II review to find out how they got on and if you liked this video, subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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[@uncle0eric]

Nikon comes out with camera that has an awesome sensor, two card slots, a growing collection of incredible lenses, unparalleled colors, superior ergonomics, and solid AF. But no flip out screen, so people rate it 2 out of 5 stars.

[@ljwhatup]

😆 🤣 😂 ...that is true. I don't know why people are bashing them for one thing but I have the Z6II and I love it. Nikon will fix things and then people will find something else. No camera is perfect, even Sony or Canon.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Nobody rates the Zed Six Two Two stars. It's not the camera with single card slot, extremely limited lenses option, unreliable auto white balance, no vertical grip, unreliable autofocus a.k.a. Zed Six One firmware One. Anyone who chose the original Z6 were beta testers who would have been better off choosing the alpha cameras. Again, the Z6II today has caught up with Sony, assuming Sony has nothing to release in the upcoming months.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

@Apple Pear Firmware 2 fixed the AWB bug, removed the limitation of AE with fast shutter speed, included eye-AF, etc. Firmware 3 also improved autofocus again. But on Firmware 1 it was clearly an unfinished product rushed to the market, and I no longer trusted any KZbin channel who praised the Z6/Z7 during their initial debut.

[@ljwhatup]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 i think everybody is focused on eye auto focus. Its a cool feature but one feature does not make a camera. I'm a portrait photographer and I'm already vested in nikon from dslr. I have shot Sony, Canon and thought about switching. But when I shot the other brands eye auto focus was great but they lacked in other area reviewers don't mention. For me Nikon felt natural in my hands, touchscreen was nice, EVF is better and there are more reasons. But biggest reason is the image quality and color science of the RAW files. Sony's color science was off, Canon's was ok. But nikon raw files and image quality are nice to edit.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

@@ljwhatup I am the kind of guy who always bring a ColorChecker Passport. The Sony a9 which I shoot with has less delta after corrections compared to my previous D750 which I still own and the Z6 which I have rented. The Sony a7RIV which I have also rented performed even better. I don't know why you and the rest of the internet says the Sony colors are off. They may not be flattering, but they are very accurate especially compared to the Nikon. You don't need to believe me. Please experiment that yourself.

[@matejmarti]

The joystick can be used to navigate the menu. Just set it to "same as multiselector" in the menu under f2

[@giklab]

I think we can all agree it really should be the default, though.

[@mozzman]

@@giklab Why should it be default and mimick the functionality of another assigned control and to the detriment of losing other functionality?

[@UneBoleeDAir_Photo-Tech]

Matej is right, yet I agree with Giklab ! 😉

[@giklab]

@@mozzman You are not losing functionality - it does nothing in the menu.

[@tofulosophy]

Thanks for the subtitles. But you missed one at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="106">1:46</a> and I was lost 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@kylosalvesen]

8:15 as well, literally unwatchable

[@louis993546]

+ 4:50

[@kylosalvesen]

and 10:16

[@ephraimwilliams8855]

+7:57

[@alantuttphotography]

There were about 12 missed, although 4 fell close enough to others that they may not count.

[@anupamupadhyay8918]

In a full course meal of Camera Reviews, this channel (particularly since Chris and Jordan joined) is like the final dessert which one chooses to top the experience with. Great work as always. 👍

[@geraldundone]

I adore the shots and backgrounds in this video. Very "No Country for Old Men". 👌👍

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Unless you live in the city, and it looks like complete desolation, ala mad max 😁. Cityscapes are particularly great for showing how cameras parse details, and it's my only womp womp about these dp videos. Go to the city guys!!!! (More plz)

[@Jeka85]

No

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Great movie!

[@skymakai]

I was thinking the same. What a great place to film a review.

[@campa_t]

true gerald

[@wilkbor]

Thank goodness for the subtitles. I would have been lost, confused and traumatized without them. Ivy was the best part of the video.

[@jlwilliams]

"Ivy" is pronounced "IDE-ved," by the way...

[@RandomTheories]

@@jlwilliams baj d vej? 👀😄

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

As always, Chris and Jordan, produce a quality review that sticks to the facts and not some kind of agenda. Consummate photography reviewers, the best on KZbin by a long shot. And I'm a longtime (22 years and still use) Canon guy who he's recently discovered Nikon and Sony the least 4 years.

[@guyyowell8547]

What you and most reviewers fail to mention about the Nikon Z-system are the amazing lenses, especially the completed trinity of 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. They are absolutely the best lenses I’ve ever used in all my years as a photographer. The f/4 lenses are good, including the 14-30mm and 24-70mm, but the f/2.8 lenses are phenomenal! I also recently purchased the new 50mm f/1.2S lens, and it’s simply perfect!

[@LysanderLH]

Thank you for this comment. I’m looking to buy a camera with a set of lenses and you just nailed what I was trying to find out.

[@MohamedMagdy-rc2sz]

I'm Happy with my new Z5 + FTZ and F mount prime G lenses!

[@brts2023]

Good to hear the G lenses work well on the Z range. I am bidding on a 50mm af - s 1.8 G atm for my new z6!

[@jtes1442]

I think that’s the best FF value going right now. It’s so underrated !

[@psoon04286]

Gonna be adding the same combo to my aging DSLR gear😊

[@lanson1001]

I also got a Z5 as my first full frame camera! Make sure to try out the Z mount lenses, especially the S-Line's, they're amazing.

[@Tristand09]

good job

[@summarity]

Nice Zed/Zee debate to distract from mispronouncing Nikon :P Edit: Y'all taking this way too seriously :D. This is a reference to an earlier video, where Chris bet on having to pronounce it "nee-kon" in future videos.

[@inmouchar]

Indeed. Nee-kon ftw.

[@ibadriba]

I guess mispronouncing Nikon is a little more tolerable than Zed/Zee. What I can say, as somebody coming from a non-English speaking country, is that I always get confused^10 when I hear the "Zee" pronunciation. (I happened to search a telephone directory for ages because I was told the name starts with "Zee"). Whereas with Nikon I do understand both pronunciations because of context, i.e. a well known brand and the channel is obviously all about cameras. But overall I literally don't care. I just found it quite funny as a running gag throughout the video.

[@jlwilliams]

Let's compromise by making Chris pronounce it "NED-con"

[@donbrooks8479]

Is it Nik-on or Ni-kon? Tomato, potatoes oh well.

[@glenns001]

@@donbrooks8479 yes most of the world pronounces it as Nik-on americans and canadians say Ni-kon

[@nohaybandaninguna]

Jordan, your baby has such a cute smile! 😍

[@letsfindout6587]

Loser. Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@kidoman7988]

@@letsfindout6587 STFU

[@bertplus]

The real question: do Canadians say "Zed-Zed" Top?

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Epic

[@zwete]

New Zealanders do.

[@johnimg]

Is A Zed Zed Top a new hoodie ?

[@nandi123]

I wouldn't recommend that in Texas.

[@zwete]

@What Are You On About Well, Murray Hewitt at least

[@NinetySix4]

Is it just me? only about 1 minute in and the FX6 is blowing my mind?! Wow what an image

[@kennethbradstedlarsen5194]

I agree. As a Z6 and now Z6II owner I can definetly feel the difference in AF performance and overall speed. I've been spending the last few weeks doing mainly studiowork and the lowlight AF performance is a lot better with the Z6II.

[@tabishshaikh6402]

The Z6II is such a joy to use. The switch between video and stills is seamless and everything feels right. Coming from a DSLR the experience is so much better. Good job Nikon!

[@anilkumarmalviya7038]

OK much awaited one! Everyone's bashing Nikon but gotta understand their colors, their lenses are top notch! Yes auto focus, I get it but it ain't that bad as people on youtube claim!

[@anilkumarmalviya7038]

@M Tech nikon isn't two years behind the competition.. I mean if you look at the glass and the bodies now.. They are pretty much comparable to that of R6.. Well do consider the price of R6 and the rf glass n put it against z6.. Is a significant difference there. I know yes auto focus, for sure a hell of a log of improvement can be made but they are suffering from what I consider to be bad marketing and not so good people on youtube.. Competition is necessary, if Canon stomps everyone then its a huge loss for the end user.. I know nikon will pull this off and yea u rightly mentioned a 500 cut seems to far fetched but providing good discounts and with some good marketing.. Can b done.. For sure Canon is paying hefty to many just for marketing! Hope nikon finds it way!

[@corrbox2]

Gentlemen, thanks for your full review of the Z6II. Very informative, you hit all the major points for both still and video information on the new camera. Well done in a fairly short review. I think that Nikon has finally hit a camera "on the money" with this Z6II and probably the Z7II. As always, thanks you again for your review.

[@gautammukherjee2141]

Lovely, quick but quite comprehensive review... have been really waiting for your final words on Z6II before taking a plunge... keep up guys & Merry Christmas in advance !!!

[@SeanRosairo]

Perfect timing!! I'm on a binge of z6 ii videos as I'm hoping to get one soon!!

[@ccsas5398]

Having lunch while watching this was difficult. When Zee came up i found it so hard not to laugh projecting food all over the place! best fun i will probably have all week, thanks

[@trinijerson]

I just bought a Z6ii and I haven't touched my D750 since. Such a great system!

[@prl105]

Seems you hit the spot with this review fella's. Well done. It's taken a while since you last allowed yourselves sufficient time in a review to step through all the facets. Thank you for this. Jordan; you approval rating is being replaced by Ivy's. Delightful!

[@JMatic-xk9vq]

Coming back after three years I think the Nikon Z6ii is still one of the most underrated full frame cameras of our times. Ergonomics and colours are just superb. Maybe the autofocus is not on par with Sony or Canon but not everyone needs to shoot moscitos mid flight at night ;).

[@avjake]

Thanks for the outstanding review - touched on most of the points I consider relevant, and some I hadn't even considered.

[@pjc3163]

"Zed" with love from Brisbane Australia!

[@MKNYC_]

The subtitles were VERY helpful thank you so much guys

[@Krebs61]

Just bought it for my wife’s Christmas present. Hope she likes it

[@Krebs61]

@J G christmas and stuff...

[@Karmer]

I've got a Z6ii, still watched the review :-) loved it and spot on. Thanks so much.

[@ChrisGower]

As a Brit, the opening 30 seconds is wonderful.

[@HappyHubris]

I'm not in the market for a Z6ii, but I'm always in the market for more Chris or Jordan.

[@heaps.]

Thanks for the subtitles. It was difficult to understand without them 👍

[@chadhooey6092]

I just purchased the z6 2 coming from the d500 and it is an absolute joy to use, such an amazing camera, I love it!

[@mpactdesignmedia]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="175">2:55</a> - THANK YOU!!! I have been scouring vids on this camera to hear if this was still an issue. This is huge for me and how I shoot!

[@r1berto1]

Got my first Z6 about 18 ( + - ) months ago. Wow what a difference. After shooting Nikons my whole life, it re-ignited my passion for photography. So I decided to jump into the Z World with booth feet. Gone are all my DSLRs and f lens collection. I started buying all the Z prime / S lenses and recently got a Z6II as my main camera (the Z6 became my back-up camera). Those Z prime lenses are the cat's miaow (Z20mm 1.8 / S, Z50mm 1.8, Z50mm MC 2.8, Z24-70 / S 4, 85mm 1.8 ans the Z 70-200 2.8). I gotta cool it for a while, I'm starting to wear out my Bestbuy credit card. The colors, resolution and sharpness are off the chain. It took Nikon a little to get their ducks in a row, but I think they did it. Thanks for posting this video. Go Z go ! ! !

[@fotoarray532]

Thanks for the review. About that reported banding "issue" in Z 6 - I only saw it in the very first test shots with my new Z6 back in December 2018 and then never again. And I do a lot high contrast shooting with deliberate underexposing.

[@icogicog8287]

Thank you. This was a very good and clear review that really help in understanding the camera and the system. I shoot mostly landscape with the GFX system but I am wondering about FF for those circumstances where I want to be light but still have high megapixel count. So I am looking forward to your Z 7II review as that may be the one (given I have a lot of old Nikon glass laying around).

[@alifashrareza]

Is it just me that happy with Nikon making great camera again... although i’m a fuji user now, but i’m starting with Nikon, so they had a soft spot in my heart lol.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

As a British viewer I wholeheartedly endorse the correct pronunciation of Z, Zed.

[@COShea-iw6ii]

Three years late to the party, but I'm finally ready to move on from my beloved Pentax k3ii... my favorite lens just died after eights years use. I know this means the body isn't far behind. So, really happy to find a full frame, mirrorless with dual card slots and a screen that at least articulates in one direction. Which will make my astrophotography nights less of a pain in my neck. Thanks for another great review. You guys keep me headed in the best direction. :)

[@JeremyHalterman]

FX6 footage looks amazing!

[@pauldby1479]

love the Zee subtitles i am getting every time you say "zed"

[@karunverma1]

So the giant is fully awake now. Time for some real fun going ahead

[@terrywbreedlove]

I am happy Nikon is ignoring the very few but extremely noisy youtubers crying about the no floppy screen thing. Keeping the tilting superior screen as is is perfect for actual PHOTOGRAPHERS.

[@simontrezise8495]

Thank you. Great review, good product, lovely pictures.

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

With the ll, I do think about it. Well done Nikon Z, and thank you for the review.

[@jamesryan1939]

I was skeptical about the z6II, but after using it now it is a substantial update from the z6. The Video AF is night and day, when it loses a face or eye it sits in that area until it find another target. This is a big difference from the z6 which when it lost a face tended to jump around. The EYE AF is noticeably improved over the Z6. I love charging the camera via USB, and the WebCam app is just awesome, but it works great with the z6 also.

[@johnd5244]

Thanks for the review, I have been holding off on this to see if it would be the time to get one. Almost got the Z6 last year but the store didn’t have any lenses for it so I passed.

[@aussie8114]

I hope Liam will be able to do another review soon, he did a great job on his first one. Maybe he can review the Z7ll when you get it. He can tell us all about the zooming, the buttons, the waterproof and the rugged 🙂

[@pedrochancleta12]

This Video looked amazing!! I was in awe the entire time. (Just waiting for that z7ii review now. Hope mine comes in soon)

[@johnwood406]

I just purchased this for my wife, for her upcoming birthday. It's an upgrade from her D3300, I hope. Photographers are a finicky breed when it comes to their stuff. I went ahead and purchased a bunch of accessories as well, about 5 k worth, including a F to Z adapter for all those lenses she has. I am praying it doesn't stay in the bag and she sticks with her security blanket.

[@yervantparnagian5999]

Just sold my Z5 ( very good camera) for the Z6II . Wowzaa!

[@arda_]

One of most stunning dpreviews to look at! Image out of the fx6 is fire.

[@exs1803]

Nice review of the Z6II. Love the camera. Most important is the autofocus.

[@floridasbestdroneandvideo3503]

Nice work! I love this camera for video. Nikon has really come a long way in video production!

[@Rica-In-Love]

THE INTRO 🤣 Thanks for the Subtitles!

[@ronlongwellphoto]

Great video. I’m American, so found the subtitles super helpful. Thanks, Chris! You’re awesome!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@JeremyHalterman]

When the music kicked in I thought someone was honking their horn outside my window 😂

[@theymstudio1387]

Holy shit me toooooo

[@giordanorossi4316]

You guys are great, keep up the good work

[@RC534]

The quick switching of eye-AF mode is something I'm definitely missing on my Canon R6 so kudos to Nikon for implementing this. We have two photogenic cats so I like to switch often between people and animals. The closest thing is defining custom menu, or defining it via the custom modes (C1, C2, C3 which seems quirky to me). Switching via the quick menu as with the Z6 II is not (yet) possible. Maybe a FW update might change it... fingers crossed.

[@lukesmith5470]

I set tracking to Fn1, then press once to bring up tracking box, half press shutter or af-on button to start tracking. When you release button tracking box goes back to starting position and you can press fn1 to exit tracking box and return to auto area mode. Much more like 3D tracking mode on DSLR but you can use the 90% frame coverage for mirrorless. Don’t use the ok button way any more.

[@joebledea]

you guys are hilarious, thank you for the very entertaining reviews!

[@ronboe6325]

I added the Z6II as a possible replacement for my D500 where I need the speed for shooting agility dogs. I have found that it does very well. I need to use Dynamic Area AF for the faster Border Collies but slower dogs allow me to use the Animal Eye AF if I feel compelled to take the time to switch modes. This when using the F mount 70-300mm lens (great lens, light weight, the whole package is a lot lighter with the Z6II). Fast autofocus, fast card, light weight, very fast frame rate - it's a winner. Next: birds in flight.

[@michaeltrue]

Thanks for the review and captions. I think there is a Zed drinking game in the works here. Cheers!

[@robertodepetro1996]

Great video as always

[@Nick-13]

Excellent review, thanks

[@JaysonYan]

Still can believe they have less than 300k sub. I think they are the best camera reviewer and watch all of their video.

[@donbrooks8479]

Think you both for a honest review.

[@dillank3240]

Watching this video, I discovered a nice place for a walk near my home. Thanks!

[@future62]

"Same body, same sensor...what is this going to do to change my life?" You guys know your audience better than we know ourselves

[@LMActionsports]

I have the Nikon Z6 for the past 22 months and been extremely happy with it. I don’t use video hardly at all and do mostly portrait photography. So while waiting for the new Z62 to come out how do you say to get the Nikon Z5 and try. And wow for portrait photography the camera is a beast. The image files look identical to my Z6. And the auto focus seems to be faster on the Z5 with adaptive lenses then my z6, why I don’t know. I think I’m gonna wait until Z72 comes out and give it a try. Great video I love seeing your daughter all smiles the video portion. She is adorable with the red hair.

[@venky98j]

Man the colour grading in these DPReview videos is amazing!!!

[@detectivejonesw]

Has the low light performance improved? I think the noise reduction took away lots of detail on the original z6/7

[@AntonioRodriguezSilver]

The commitment to the "Zee" subtitles is admirable :)

[@wparo]

I wish I watched this review before getting the Olympus EM1 iii and then the Panasonic S5. I think would have saved some time and money. Ziz iz a Great review, thank you.

[@quiztasiarocks]

Currently deciding between the Panasonic S5 vs the Z6iii when it comes out. This video was really helpful though, thanks guys!

[@maze400]

I am glad to hear they addressed the banding issue of phase detect sensors, it was the biggest issue I had with the "Z" system. Do you think the banding is increased because the sensor is a BSI sensor? Does the Z5 have the same banding issues (not being BSI) or has the dual processor corrected it (if not completely) at least hides it better with what I assume is AI? Enjoyed the video Chris, look forward to hearing from you.

[@jsward96]

I’m originally from England, but have lived most of my life in the States. But even when I speak in an American accent I pronounce Z “zed.” Which sounds very Canadian… despite my never living there!

[@a-og.3469]

Just so you know, you do have to press on OK to lock the tracking, but if you half press on the shutter button, it will track it also until you take the shot or unpress.

[@NoName-rg3np]

That Nykon Zee is pretty great!

[@mainmain5303]

Great review

[@49sixteen]

Thanks for the video, DedPedReview!

[@Jantonvid]

very well done but the should probably shoot some moving subjects to show off that new exspeed processor.

[@rickitowner]

Thank you for the great video! I am looking to upgrade from a Nikon D500. Wondering if this is the route to go. Mostly sports photography, but also interested in portrait as well... Is this the camera for me?

[@mahfuzulhoque3465]

Awesome video again!!!

[@AndySnap]

Thanks for the Zeds from this viewer in the UK (thats England for Zee folk...). I missed on the Z6i because it was so obviously missing things every other camera has these days, but the Z6ii is a properly rounded design, so really looks appealing as my next Nikon.

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Does the Z6 II skew towards magenta in underexposed scenes? @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="181">3:01</a> the underexposed image that was brought up seems very magenta. Also no mention that there is no internal LOG or 10-bit on the video side as a negative?

[@armaankakodkar1696]

I think I’ll be jumping from my d750 to the z6ii. I have a question however... My main lens is currently a 24-70 f/2.8 Sigma lens and I’m not sure whether to keep the lens or sell it and get the Z 24-70 f/4. Any help appreciated!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Nee-kon Zed Six Two A camera begins with a 2 and ends with a 2

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Nee-kon Zed roku Nee

[@gosman949]

Just bought a used Z6 at a very good price! I guess the timing was right as the older cameras will be coming down in price. If I like the interface and the way the camera performs, I see a Z7II in my future!

[@draven1018]

Love your videos

[@gr33nDestiny]

The FX6 looks pretty nice, nice review thanks

[@tomd4748]

Yeah ok lol try carrying that around the city

[@bdk1417]

Thank you for bringing me down gently at the beginning for what I was about to be exposed to. Wouldn't have not known what to do otherwise.

[@danieldougan269]

Thanks for the subtitles. I wouldn't have understood otherwise! :D

[@nagual2335]

Great. Nikon image quality is second to non! When will the Z7ii review be coming? Can't wait!

[@TheTimaphylin]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@carltonmediaproductionsllc955]

Does anyone know if the flickering issue in shadows while recording at certain ISO with N-log is also a problem on the Z6 II as it was with the Z6?

[@TaipeiGeek]

Nikon is selling a ton of these. They are sold out here in my country. That wasn't the case with the Z6. Also some lenses are not available, the 2.8 zooms. I think now the Z system is quite mature compared to 2018, so people are switching from DSLR and other brands. Nikon did a good job.

[@julianray]

Love the location and feel of this video. I've said it before and I'll say it again... It would be way more relevant and helpful to the reviews if you shot the video of the camera ON the camera you are reviewing! That we we can see real world look, feel, flaws, strengths, and over all what the camera can do. Yes shooting a review of the Eyemore S1 with a Alexa LF may be fun and yield great video but…… The only thing that has ever been lacking in these reviews is the video component. Great work and keep up the No Country For Old Men look. I always thought you two where close… 🤣

[@anthonysamra7777]

Great Review! Thank you

[@mbkhan1046]

awesome review as usual. but you missed placing a subtitle for Zed/Zee while Jordan was discussing the video capabilities of the camera. Ha!!! USA USA USA. Would it be possible for you guys to show and compare the images from different cameras for quality and sharpness in the video reviews? Thanks again for your great work!