Nikon Z6 - 4 Years Later, Watch this before you buy one!

The Z6 has been my workhorse for the past 4 years. Despite Nikon being about 4-5 years late into the mirrorless market, the Nikon Z6 is definitely a camera you should not pass on.
Specs:
+24.5 megapixel Full Frame sensor
+ In Body Image Stabilization
+ 12 FPS
+ ISO 100-51,200 (with a boost to 204,000)
+ 4K UHD Video Recording
Also to add, the Face and Eye Autofocus just feels like cheating when I sold my D750 for the Z6. The Z6 is such an incredible camera. Z6 owners, please comment below and leave your experiences with yours!
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My Favorite Lens to Use on the Z6:
Sigma 35 F/1.4 ART: amzn.to/34RGbDl
Z6 + 24-70 F/4 Kit: amzn.to/356UmmK
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My camera equipment:
Nikon Z6 with FTZ adapter + 24-70 F/4 - amzn.to/356UmmK
24-70 F/4 - amzn.to/2yIhT1l
Mic: amzn.to/2VaW7wr
Lighting used: Yongnuo YN360 - amzn.to/2Pe7IqW
Memory Card: amzn.to/2T1N7Hn
*This video contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase something, I'll receive a small commission.*

[@biglebowski3486]

The Nikon z Mirrorless cameras are totally underrated. Images are stellar and the AF is a bit slower than the competition but not by that far like everyone is trashing the camera.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Agreed. It's not THAT far behind compared to the competition.

[@obedbrinkman]

yes! agreed! I honestly do not understand the Nikon bashing going on - its such a nice system the Z and glass is superb

[@jeffrey3498]

@@obedbrinkmanNikon isn't a woke company.

[@studiotrejo3047]

Thanks for the video! We use our Z6's for real estate/architecture work, headshots, product, and video. Since all the firmware updates we have not had a problem with AF and we love the colors coming out of the Z6 so we love use it. We still use our FTZ for some of our F mount lenses (Nikon 24-70, SIGMA 50 f1.4) and it works great. We even got the ProRes RAW update and have been using it for 2 years for our client video projects and it's amazing what you can do with it in post processing. All in all we love this camera and I look forward to the next iteration.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Nice!! Thanks for sharing!

[@daviddesrosiers1946]

I put down the cameras in the film era after seven years of really diving in, but I just picked up a z6. I couldn't be happier. When I was a kid, I dreamed about owning a Nikon. Now I do.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Congrats on getting a Z6! And, welcome back to photography again. Enjoy!

[@oliverbengtsson3262]

How do you find the autofocus? Ive heard mixed Reviews of it

[@daviddesrosiers1946]

@@oliverbengtsson3262 It's not Nikon's finest showing. It's shortcomings don't affect me much as most of my photography isn't of people or animals.

[@rst33079]

I love my Z6 ! For me it is an universal camera and I use it for portraits, indoor events, landscape, travelling, birds, and rarely for video. I had no problem with the side door so far.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks for sharing! Good to know your side door is still in excellent shape.

[@OurSouthAfrica]

I'm looking at the z6 as a all round camera, how has your experience been shooting sport? Do you struggle to get the action scenes in focus?

[@PuZhang-sf3ie]

You could find the replacement parts of side door in taobao,胶皮端口皮尼康Z6，but I’m not sure whether it could be delivered to your area. It doesn’t need tear down the camera body, you could fix it in few minutes by yourself, just pull that out, and get the new into the hole with the help of one pin or thin metal

[@AlexanderKrebs]

I have the Z6 since 5 days. I used my Nikon gear always for bird photography and I like Nikon. So when the spring really kicks in I give it a try in my bird photography hide. But the camera is a tool for me. I shot good images with my DSLRs and I think the Z6 will not have to hide behind them.

[@alwaysforwardyt]

z6 user here since May 2021. Just to add to your great video, l've put my z6 to the test in extreme cold weather. l'm talking Arctic winter with temps below -40ºC/F and the camera has done perfectly well. My z6 has taken severe snow storms (as you can see in some of my videos) to the point of being completely covered in snow. It has been working in such conditions for 3 months straight and, to this date, it still is going strong. 3:07 Zero problems with the side covers of my z6. l constantly remove one of them to plug the mic (check my videos) and so far so good; the covers close and seal the ports perfectly well. AF is good enough for vlogging (it struggles a bit in low light, but gets the job done). It very rarely ruined a shot. Other than vlogging l shoot in manual so to me it's good enough. Regards from DC!

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you don't have the side cover issues. Not sure why mine is like that.

[@Capcity44]

I agree with everything you said in this video. My F mount lenses work better on the Z6 than they did on my DSLR bodies. The only negative for me is capturing fast moving subjects., But since I know that is a weakness, I kept a couple DSLR bodies for situations where I know Fast movement tracking will be needed.

[@user-wq8wu5qc9d]

We use our Z6 for in-house studio work for various hair care products and also how-to videos with educators and models...thanks for sharing this video!

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks for sharing! Awesome to know how you're using your Z6!

[@billburns6545]

Thanks for the review, well done.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@mainemonty]

I went from a d750 to a z6 as well..I use it for motorsports

[@justindrumm8]

Im currently waiting for my z6 to get delivered. Its my first nikon mirrorless camera and cant wait

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Nice! Update the firmware and you're set.

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

i just bought a used z6. first time full framing. gonna be using old pentax lenses at first cause i got some already. gonna prb get some Z lenses later tho. we wil see.

[@shanley1190]

Loved this breakdown as I'm looking to get the Z6 and an FTZ 1st edition adapter to match my current F mount. My style of shooting will work with the Z6. I currently have two D610s

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thank you! You'll definitely enjoy the Z6. I'll have to get my hands on a D600 or D610 someday.

[@obedbrinkman]

yes! love my Z6! I use it for photography as well as video ::: the AF is very much improved through firmware updates - I do not have much complaints tbh!

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!

[@Steve-qi7hc]

I just got a notice from the Nikon store they are having a sale on gear. The Z 6 is selling for $999 refurbished direct from Nikon. I bought a Z 6 Mark 2 last year. I really haven't used it a lot because of the weather. I'd rather use old beater cameras in winter weather. The times I've used it I've gotten great results. I use it for bird and wildlife. The Nikon AF-P 70-300mm works great with the FTZ adapter. I also have a native Z 85mm lens. I'd like the 105mm for macro stuff, bugs and flowers, but need to save for it. Nice review thanks

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Nice! Thanks for sharing, Steve. I've seen many Z6 users use it for wildlife and get spectacular shots.

[@fotowalo]

Thx 4 the video :-) I use the 76 for my Portraiture and Nudeartwork. Very happy withe the combo of the 24-120 and the z6. The S lenses are far better the any other Nikonlens before (due to the biger opening and therefore more 90degree-light on the sensor)

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Great! Thanks for sharing!

[@gabevanderbroek3768]

Dude my story is exactly the same. Got my D750 the same year, got my Z6 the same year. Stoked for the same reasons haha. Gotta love it.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Nice! The Z6 is an incredible camera. Enjoy it!

[@me4jas]

Can you tell how good handheld focus stacking is with z6 ?

[@georgedavall9449]

Yes! @04:07 I have the same lens, the Tammy SP 45mm f1.8, a great lens, but will NOT play nice with the FTZII adapter. My lens is not running latest firmware, as I would have to send it in and have Tamron do an update, just so I can use it with my TAP console. Ridiculous. The Tammy works wonderful on my trusty D700. And that is where it will stay! Great video! Peace

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks and yes! I love using the Tamron 45 on my D700 as well. That lens is under rated!

[@withvictors]

Keep going! Good!

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks!!

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

Thanks. Regards

[@minuteman2006]

In regards to the FTZ adapter, I have had excellent results using the Viltrox FTZ adapter for my Nikon's. Lenses that did not work with the Nikon FTZ, worked fine with the Viltrox. AF and face/eye tracking worked superb when in my Nikon FTZ the AF did not work at all or the AF would hunt significantly.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Interesting. Thanks for the information. I wonder if it's a software thing with Nikon's FTZ. Because some of the "newer" Tamron lenses don't work with the FTZ too.

[@minuteman2006]

@@BoostLeekdMedia it totally is a software issue. My Tamron 85 f1.8 di vc won't work with the Nikon FTZ but works fine with the Viltrox

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Z6iii will be a worthy upgrade, hold out for it. I still have my Z6 and the AF subject acquisition was a bit wonky but the Z6ii isn't any better. The Z8,Z9,Zf fix all that but the Z6iii is what I'm most looking forward to.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Same as well, just waiting on the Z6iii. It's a bummer that it took a few firmware updates to actually have a "reliable" autofocus as well.

[@leansantiago2035]

Hi bro! I was thinking of jumping into Z6 from my current D5300. I was more of a hobbyist than a pro. At most, what I usually do is some events like birthdays, weddings, and mostly fashion photography (runways like). Do you think Z6 would be a good match for me? Thank you... more blessings to come to you and your family.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thank you! And yes, the Z6 is a VERY nice upgrade from the D5300.

[@qamstel]

My work horse too at almost 100k photos. I don't care about what youtubers say. Z6 surprises me time and time again and puts my desires to upgrade to shame :D

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

I have to check where my shutter count is at with mine. It has to be around 100k (or more) too. It sucks the Z6 is getting some hate because it's still a phenomenal camera, especially since you can find one for under $1000.

[@qamstel]

@@BoostLeekdMedia cause our favourite hobby outside of photography is watching camera reviews on KZbin and that field is dominated by Canon and Sony supporters who care only about eye af 😂

[@MichaelAres]

People don’t understand how much bang for your buck the Z6 and Z6ii bring especially if you’re mainly doing portraits.

[@ShatteredInsights]

I know you’re a Nikon user but I have a Fuji X-T1 I love. (I hate the AF on the X-T1 though it sucks). I was trying to decide between investing more in the Fuji system and getting an X-H1, or getting a Z5 or Z6. (I previously exclusively shot Nikon - D40, D3200, D3300 and loved them all.) Do you have any thoughts on the difference? Love your channel btw

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Thanks! I think both the Z6/Z5 bodies are great. The X-H1 specs look great too. I guess it just depends how many lenses you have for Fuji and Nikon. I haven't used the XH1 but I have friends that use Fuji and love it. I think if you're going for more of a 'compact' setup, the Fuji cameras are the way.

[@ShatteredInsights]

@@BoostLeekdMedia The X-H1 is kind of big, and I miss having bigger cameras. The ergonomics on the z5 and z6 remind me of the h1. I only have two native Fuji lenses for my x-t1 - the 35 and viltrox 56. The rest are adapted vintage lenses. How do you find the colors to be on Nikon? I worry I might miss the film simulations lol

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

@@ShatteredInsights The colors are pretty good. I do like the film simulation that fuji has though. I haven't had any color issues with my Z6.

[@giselamacedo6209]

I was wondering if it would work properly for aircraft photos. I need something with fast fps (12 in the specs, like I saw) and great AF. sometimes the backlight happens but not all the time. Anyway, a used one is what my money can buy and it would be great to have an opinion about it. thanks

[@giselamacedo6209]

also, I have nikon dslr lenses, I read here that the AF works great with the ntz adapter. will that work that fast with planes?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

The Z6 is more than enough to capture aircraft photos. Just make sure you have a modern lens that will autofocus with the FTZ adapter. In my experiences, a decent lens is pretty crucial to get the captures you'd want for aircrafts. I have an old 200-500mm lens I use on my DSLRs and it was great but I'd imagine the latest Nikon 200-500mm is significantly better too.

[@giselamacedo6209]

@@BoostLeekdMedia thank you SO MUCH for this. I'm buying the best lens I can afford... gonna work them out and see if I'll keep them or switch for others!!!

[@Insomnia_Central_]

I’m saving up to get a Z6 hopefully by the middle of this year. I had a nikon d5600 but it got stolen

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Ah! That's unfortunate! But the Z6 is totally worth the wait! Good luck and hope you can get your hands on one.

[@gasbike100mpg]

i still have my d5500, get great pics, but lower light could be much better. its a matter of time before my d5500 gets swiped. thats what makes me not want to buy anything over 500 bucks, feel bad when stolen or dropped in the lake! be well.

[@ThraceEmpire]

i love my z6.

[@AdolfoTupas-ld6ev]

I want to purchase Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera.

[@andy0031]

Hello By any chance Do you use battery grip?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

I do not use the battery grip for the Z6

[@Youmemba]

My only gripe is the banding when pushing shadows. Luckily they fixed that on the z six mark two

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Yeah, the banding is pretty wild past ISO 8000.

[@Youmemba]

@BoostLeekdMedia looks like a swirly eye ball lol

[@bar_288]

i have exact same side door issue on my z6..

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Yeah. It's super annoying. Apparently, it's very well known issue too :/

[@oliverbengtsson3262]

Is the autofocus good enough for stuff like car photography and street photography? 😃

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

100%. Mine has been a workhorse for automotive track events and car shows and it's also been with me during vacations. It's definitely more than enough.

[@heythere6983]

My concern is buying used and knowing Nikon doesn’t fix anything that isn’t from US. I even heard anything from ebay could end am issue too . I also had a repair shop tell me it would be difficult to find any repair shop that would have the parts to any z camera . So if you buy used and it isn’t from your country you’re gonna have a hard time if you ever need to fix anything

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

It's one of the reasons why I only buy local. Anything outside US, it's either a scam or too good to be true. And yeah, it looks like you have to be a NPS member to actually have Nikon repair your camera on a timely matter too.

[@nic9042]

In your opinion- would this be a good camera for youth sports?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

100%! The Z6 is a SOLID camera for any sports. Just make sure you read and understand the autofocus settings.

[@PeterR0035]

I have over 200 Nikon FF lenses and a FTZ adapter feels like blasphemy so no Z camera for me... other than smaller, I don't see too much advantage... what is your idea about these 2 options for general use?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Depends what kind of photography you're doing. One of the reasons I never switched was because of the amount of Nikon lenses I have. If you have no use for a Z camera because the Nikon DSLRs are working for you, more to you! One of the only reasons why I went with the Z6 is for it's video recording capabilities.

[@dragonslayer8027]

Did nikon z6 have eye autofocus on video mode?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

It does not from my experience. If anything, it has face detection but it's extremely hard to tell because in video mode, the af points do not show.

[@thegrayyernaut]

Nikon may not be racing against the other brands, but they always release good stuff, in my opinion. (as a Fujifilm guy)

[@ihatesjws669]

No one ever talks about burst rate.

[@Aviator168]

How is it on animal eye tracking?

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Unfortunately, the Z6 (first model) does not have this option. But, I've no issues capture animals.

[@Aviator168]

@@BoostLeekdMedia I thought this feature was included in their firmware update.

[@vanlee0831]

If you move from DSLR to Z6,Z7, even Zfc, yes you will definitely feel big jump in af. However, after you have used Z9 or other brands mirrorless cameras , you will feel Z6 , Z7 lag a lot !

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Haha, yeah, after I used a Z9 for 15 minutes, I didn't even want to go back to my Z6 haha. BUT, the Z9 is definitely a total beast compared to the Z6/Z7 cameras now. Thanks for sharing!

[@Phresh2life]

Couldn't agree with you more! I was perfectly content with my Z6 until I rented a Z9, now I'm saving up for the Z8.

[@user-mc5pd4en6i]

just bought it yesterday😂

[@jackyyao8231]

z lens or g,it's a problem.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

The only Z lenses I have is the 40 F/2 and 28 F/2.8. I don't have the 35/50/85 Z F/1.8 lenses. In my opinion, the G lenses are perfectly fine. If you are pixel peeping (looking at your images at 100%) for sharpness at wide open aperture, then the G lenses are good but definitely behind the Z lenses in terms of sharpness. I still use my prime Nikon 'G' lenses and they've been perfectly fine.

[@mcmiroum4641]

Hahaha i have the problem wirth the side

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

Seems like every Z6 owners have this issue lol. I really hope the Z6iii doesn't have this issue.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I'm making a video if the Nikon Z9 is still good in 2023 also. LOL

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

LOL. The Z9 is now 2 years OLD.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

@@BoostLeekdMedia Tell you the truth if a camera is good its good. 4K is eight megapixels so really all you need today if you have a 4k or 5k monitor is eight but even six is fine. Only thing I really don't like about the Z6 is no dual card slots but I only really care for weddings and one time events. By the way you should do another old camera review but with DXO PhotoLab or DXO PureRaw Deep PRIME best noise reduction. Just don't use xD as it can have mix results. At super high ISO it seems its using AI to try and fix things. Regular Deep PRIME really does remove noise. If you want to edit in Lightroom export to DNG.

[@InterMaus]

"this was Nikon's first mirrorless camera" Nikon 1 series cameras are sad now, you forgot about them lol

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

haha! I actually remembered them. Just had to edit it out of the video. What I actually meant to say was that it was "Nikon's first Full Frame mirrorless camera" lol I need to get my hands on the 1 series soon... Also, I hope some people remembered the DL line that was ALMOST released too! lol

[@gabrielvaldezr]

face and eye auto focus is incredible? that is absolutely not true. it struggles to find the eyes of the subject unless you are in the most perfectly lit environment and also close to the person

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

I think that goes for any camera being in a perfectly lit environment. Any camera will struggle in lowlight.

[@gyanprakashraj4062]

ANGOOR KHATTE HAIN...😄😄😄😄

[@rotvonrat]

The Z6 is a good camera but you didn't mention any of the elephants in the room .. and there are some serious ones that us Nikon shooters don't mention and I wonder why not (have also had the camera since it came out, but the quality is nowhere near what Nikon previously produced).

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

I think the image quality is still REALLY good. If anything, the Autofocus is behind. Also, what 'elephants' did I miss? I know there are a few lol

[@shemmac4700]

What are the elephants in the room? you have peaked my curiosity