NIKON Z6 :: Hands on Review

[@DouglasWiseRogers]

The image quality on this is so CLEAN! My goodness

[@RC75]

That one card slot stuff, I have been shooting millions of pictures (a lot of sport and weddings) and I never had a failure. The trick is, say Goodmorning to your camera’s and they will be good for you😉

[@LavikkaPhotography]

I must be hard core. i have 3 cameras with dual card slots but I live on the edge and only use one card!!!! Yeah thats right! Edgy!

[@roybixby6135]

How many photogs backup to both card slots? - Most just use Raw to one and Jpegs to the other...

[@martinbreslow1401]

@@roybixby6135 Some two card cameras have a fast card slot and a regular slot.

[@roybixby6135]

​@@martinbreslow1401 CF or XQD & SD slot combos are very good but I still would like to see the end of SD cards...

[@LavikkaPhotography]

@stuart innes True..... True..... Sigh... LOL

[@wadap0]

It's just dumb to treat XQD and SD as equals. They are not.

[@Life_Is_A...]

Came here from the Tony & Chelsea review of the z6. Man this is so much more professionally made.

[@jeffbird2983]

" Henri Cartier Bresson didn't have dual card slots." My favorite Ted Forbes quote.

[@bngr_bngr]

Jeff Bird people in the film era shot with 2 - 4 cameras on a regular basis. Those guys in Vietnam were covered in cameras. Two Leica's, two Nikons and maybe a fifth camera, a Rollieflex.

[@TucsonBillD]

Henri Cartier Bresson also used Leicas...

[@ropersix]

bngr bngr, like Dennis Hopper in Apocalypse Now.

[@ucnguyenminh9393]

Yep because he shoot multiple cameras, and capture a scene with a whole roll of films!

[@ilkkavuorinen493]

Robert Capa didn't have dual card slots in Normandy.

[@pahountisg]

in my opinion the best looking out of them all :) A small tank. ( Canon user here )

[@christroy8047]

Nikon Z6 user tip - you don't need to go into any menus to toggle auto ISO and change ISO.. You can switch to auto ISO simply by holding the ISO button and rolling the secondary control nob - no menu needed. ;)

[@aebonstudio7193]

Thank you for using 10 bit. Too many people overlook this pivotal feature.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Great Video Ted - Very much looking forward to getting one of these myself for video. As a nikon shooter with a boat load of lenses, being able to adapt them and gain the benefits of mirrorless is going to be awesome. My D850 will still be my king for most work, however this will give nice flexibility and new video options! Cheers, Tom

[@MichaelLaing71]

The card slot issue doesn't bug me as much in the Z6 as it does the Z7 because of the massive difference in price. Ergonomics, I am not nearly as impressed with the Z series as everyone else. Where I have to disagree is, where you are saying you can't compare this to a Sony because it is a first generation camera. Nikon have waited years to release this camera and it should have been a great camera because they have had time to develop the camera and see the mistakes Sony have made, and whilst the ergonomics (for most) seem to be better than Sony's, they completely screwed the pooch, by not having a battery grip and will only have a battery pack. Also whilst I can't say I am a fan of the 1 series of cameras, the one big positive you could say about those cameras was the AF was great, right off the bat and you can't say that about the Z6 or Z7, they are really just adequate. Overall, the Z6/Z7 are not bad camera's (there are very few really bad cameras now days). But Nikon should have got this right, right out of the box and they haven't. Through from their lens line up (the 58mm should have been available right from the get go), though to the average AF, to the single card slot and lack of battery grip. It just all feels rushed, which given the time Nikon have had to get this camera together, just feels amateur.

[@esvignettes7592]

Thankfully someone else understands. Thank you for calling it straight. Nikon should have done better for what the asking price is. Point blank period.

[@quafee]

I should have scrolled down before making my comment. This adds to my thoughts as well.

[@reeciep]

I agree with all those comments. Coupled with the fact that Nikon use Sony sensors anyway you would expect similar image quality. But some of the other shortcomings seem naive. Given the time product development takes I bet both Nikon and Canon took a hard gulp when the A7iii appeared but that is the benchmark like it or not.

[@MichaelLaing71]

@@reeciep Sony build the sensors for the Z7 but I believe they are of Nikon design. Not sure about the Z6. From what I heard. Nikon representatives where shocked about the negative reaction the Z6/Z7 got upon announcement. I think they were expecting a reaction similar to the D850.

[@ibdaramy5455]

Michael - You really do not seem to understand this camera. The one card slot has nothing to do with rushing this camera out. The reason is that the card slot is for a professional XQD card that is extremely reliable and fast for enhanced video performance and with zero failure in Nikon's test. And besides, this camera was designed to be ergonomically perfect with one card slot so as to fit nicely in your hands. A second card would have made the camera bulky and less comfortable. The Video AF on the Nikon Z camera is awesome. The Continuous AF for stills is something that Nikon can release a firmware update for. Why should Nikon wait for 3 to 5 extra months when most photographers do not need this features and the fact that the software can be improved and updated in your camera? So you are not making any sense in this regard that Nikon should delay the camera's release. Nikon got the camera right and according to Nikon, the sales are quite robust. This camera has 5-axis In-Body, Image Stabilization (IBIS), an industry-leading EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), 4K 10-bit N-Log High Dynamic Range (HDR) output, has the same pro build quality of the professional Nikon D850 DSLR camera, and exceptional image quality (IQ) including in low light situations. So, just maybe this camera is not for you, but for the many who are embracing this camera in high numbers.

[@stevepuddlejumperpilot6062]

I really enjoyed this video. I bought my Z6 a year or so ago, just didn't like it because it "wasn't a DSLR", and bought a D780 because it was a DSLR. Starting to come around to the mirrorless system, little by little, and your presentation got me excited about learning the Z6. Thank u for uploading this.

[@Tompie913]

One thing that's come into my calculations vs Sony is that when you factor in the kit lens, the Z6 is actually $300 cheaper ($2600) than the Sony equivalent (A7III w/ Zeiss 24-70 = $2900). And the reviews I've been able to find suggest that the Nikon 24-70 S actually outperforms the Sony/Zeiss 24-70. In fact you can add the price of the FTZ adapter and an XQD card and the Z6 still comes out slightly cheaper. Of course there's the Sony 28-70 kit lens, but that's not even in the same league and a camera as good as the A7III deserves better.

[@BokehMarket]

This was actually a fantastic review. Very concise, dispelled with all the bs, and really highlighted the positives without ignoring the negatives. Thank you

[@philipcook6191]

Brilliant review. Looked at so many yet your was the best. You answered so many questions. Thank you!

[@LMoProVisualComm]

5 years later and I've yet to have a card failure with (1) card slot... I'll report back 5 years from now...

[@Jays_optics]

I have to say this review was excellent man. Thank you. I’ve been a Nikon user for almost a year now. And I had thought about doing a switch to Sony. But after this video I think imma save money for the z6 now. I appreciate your video thank you

[@lewismuzzio8037]

FINALY! somebody speaking positively about the Z cameras. I got sick to hear the pundits self labeled photography experts trashing the Z system. I preordered the Z 6 for I have 50 legacy Nikkor glasses and would like to use the in body VR. I am also curious to see how that 12 FPS drive goes. Did you have a chance to shoot action shots on tracking at 12FPS? Thanks for your great job on this video!

[@mirabara1097]

More and more people talking positively about Z7 and Z6 after they really used it... be logical...company as Nikon would not be bringing out something that would be bad... i used this logic, ordered Z7 and i'm verry happy with it, after one month of using it .. compared to the other Nikon cameras that i own and also my Sony A7r.... it is way, way better for my style of photography (mostly landscapes)....sorry for my english, but you get it....

[@davidmoore349]

The Nikon mirrorless camera before was 1"/CX sized not APS-C I think?

[@drasiritzbir]

David Moore That is correct!

[@Hunter45s]

There was Coolpix A but it was fixed lens.

[@Hunter45s]

They also made two Aps-C mirrorless prototypes that were never released but did get some publicity/

[@roybixby6135]

Yes it was...

[@ziginox]

He also forgot about Leica's SL-mount cameras.

[@thatjordandrake]

Great work Ted. Really excited to do some video work with this one...

[@Crazy41ism]

Try to push ISO button and front dial for auto ISO.

[@blindsleep]

Middle finger can roll it. I know it sounds awkward, but I have the record button on my D750 setup as ISO select and that's how I do it.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Yup, just started back (after a 10 year lay-off of shooting... mostly film on my beloved F5) to shoot video... bought the D7500 and returned it the minute I realized that THIS is Nikon’s strategy for video... waiting for delivery

[@CanadianArchivist]

Thank you for the review. I’d prefer the Z6 over the Z7 because of the fact I’m used to a 24 megapixel camera and the files will be smaller. The other thing is the video capability of the camera. After months of speculation and early review of pre-releases, it’s nice to have your statements regarding this camera now in full release

[@stepheneckert4006]

Great review Ted! Always nice catching up with you on these press trips man

[@theartofphotography]

Thanks Stephen! Catch you again soon I hope. We have too much fun for sure...

[@soulchildpaul]

Everyone keeps making excuses for Nikon saying the Z series is version 1 but why should people put down their hard earned money on something not up to scratch? They are a big enough company with enough resources to bring out something that competes or wait until they can. Honestly if you are heavily invested in Nikon and do not wish to switch you are better off waiting for their updates

[@masiguru9982]

I sold all my Nikon cameras and kept the glass when I switched to Sony. I see a Nikon mirrorless in my future, just not the near future. I can wait.

[@HughWalker]

Thanks Ted, as a long time Nikon shooter I am very impressed with Nikon's first true foray into the full frame mirrorless space. I am also more intrigued with the Z6 than I am with the Z7. but i will probably wait for Nikon to bring out a few firmware upgrades before I purchase one. Thanks for the review.

[@EricDye]

I have a preorder on this camera! So excited to use it for video over my D750!

[@johnv6586]

@@mmmkay1421 no

[@feifeishuishui]

I have preordered Z6. I will probably keep my D750 as well.

[@Creativqueen]

Mine just arrived today. Super excited! Replacing my Canon 50D which was good to me for almost 9 years :) Can't wait til the battery is charged and I can start using it

[@michaelmckeept]

Ted, If you have looked at a Sony teardown you'd see that the "second" card in the Sony R cameras takes less than half the volume of the UHS II main card slot. That's probably the reason that Sony's second card is crippled speed wise. Considering how much larger the XQD card is compared to SD and considering that it reads and writes at twice the UHS II speed, there is undoubtedly a big heat dissipation requirement for the Nikon. I'm not saying that having one card is adequate for everyone. I am saying that having a second card alongside the XQD card would require a significantly larger body. Personally, when I rented a Sony, I found that writing RAW+JPEG to both cards sometimes bricked my camera for a few seconds as the buffer cleared. It's one of the reasons I didn't go with Sony.

[@EnterSpacebar]

Exactly why people need to read and know beyond the surface literature of camera specs. Also, nobody mentions the future compatibility of the Z bodies with CFExpress (even faster then XQD) or the fact that Snapbridge backs up in real time, as you're shooting, over wifi, to your phone or laptop or tablet.

[@mtxxxx4861]

The Z6 video looks outstanding !!

[@bearstapely]

Your videos are so clean, what are you shooting on? Looks great! Love your reviews too. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@alpha_soldierpr9906]

Thanks for providing us with this Nikon Z6 Review. I've been rocking my Nikon D3500 for almost 2 years and I've been learning a lot w/ this entry camera. Now I feel like I need to step up on my photography journey and add a mirrorless camera to my photography passion. I really wanted to jump into the mirrorless cameras since I feel like I max out my Nikon D3500 potential. I'm looking for more crisp , sharp & clear results w/ a more dynamic looking and also a camera that makes editing simplier. Thanks to your amazing review and explanation video, you convinced me to get this camera. I do agree w/ what you said about the buttons layout Nikon always use for their cameras. Easy access to everything and easy to navigate through. One thing I didn't see that I was looking for was if the screen is able to pop and be adjusted for those low angle shots we always try to get. Is it adjustable?

[@Tompie913]

One tiny correction - the Nikon 1 mirrorless wasn’t APS-C. The sensor was actually much smaller than that. Smaller even than MFT, more like a point and shoot sensor

[@FelixJorgenfelt]

Great review Ted! The Nikon Z system is for me the most interesting mirrorless option for landscape photography. For someone who actually loves being out in nature and needs a reliable tool to capture images I do think these two cameras are just perfect. I'm actually considering upgrading from my, now, really old D600. The only issue is that I love my Panasonic for video... Haha. Not yet convinced that there is one system that is perfect for both photo and video.

[@jackmarkham1516]

You called for questions. Here's one. When using manual focus lenses that are chipped, does the Z6 camera behave as does the Sony a7r3 when manual focusing? That is, does the Z6 with an F mount AF-D lens auto magnify with focus peaking when the focusing ring on the lens is turned? I can absolutely always nail focus using manual focus native FE mount lenses on my Sony a7r3 with auto magnification and focus peaking.

[@pl173]

I have asked a friend with a Z7. I believe with the Nikon, you can MF any time, but you need to press the zoom button to magnify.

[@jackmarkham1516]

I appreciate your checking for me. Pressing the zoom button to magnify is the only way to magnify that I see mentioned in the Z7/Z6 manual. The auto magnify feature of my a7r3 is just so nice. I had hope that the Nikon would have it too.

[@pl173]

@@jackmarkham1516 I have the A6500. The DMF and magnifier is very responsive with the Sigma 16 f/1.4, but slow to respond with the Sony 35 f/1.8 OSS -- I have to turn the focusing ring quite a bit before the camera realizes that I am trying to override the AF. Sometimes I wish there is a zoom button to make it magnify on demand, whether I am using AF or MF.

[@gorgollum]

Excellent review, informative and straight to the point

[@precisionc3656]

What people are missing when they talk about the missing extra card slot is that you can connect to a PC wirelessly and set transfer images to auto and while you shoot on the Z6 or Z7 it will transfer both NEF and JPEG as your shoot. That to me is way more valuable as a way to provide redundancy.

[@dirkluchtman]

Thanks a lot for posting this very nice, early in depth look at the Z6. Perhaps you can advise me: I am making up my mind between this and the A7iii. As a casual photographer who occasionally (on weekends mainly) shoots landscapes and my kids, I want my camera to be fun and inspiring to use. As such, I am drawn to the Z6 due to its much better viewfinder and better touch screen implementation. However, the somewhat flawed autofocus compared to the A7iii makes me doubt whether the z6 would be the right choice. Furthermore, there are some great lenses fitting the sony FE mount, such as the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and many other good native lenses. Yet I had the Canon 6D before with a very limited autofocus system and was totally fine with it...... Thanks for any tips you may have. Btw, I already had a look at the EOS R and I am not interested (mainly due to limited Video Features). The XT3 is also on my mind, but prefer full frame. Before making a final decision, I will probably wait for the Panasonic full frames to come out. But for now, the decision is between the Z6 and A7iii

[@roberthubbard1445]

Just bought the Z6. Will pick it up on the 20th. Good video review. Gives me some things to consider.

[@Yalelax]

Thanks for the in depth review. Did Nikon fix the issues to which you alluded?

[@scottcampbell3973]

Love the video! Thanks for educating us. Quick question; if I purchase the Atamos Ninja will I be able to have simultaneous recording on the Atamos and internally on the Z6? Thanks!

[@RS.Outdoors]

How does it compare to the A7iii. Have used the A7r2 and actually downgraded to the A6300 waiitng on all the new cameras coming out. Still not sure on going to the A7iii and to be honest as a landscape photographer and filmmaker the Z6 is really appealling. Will wait for the A7000 to appear then decide.

[@hanss9239]

I've always liked the Nikon colors better.

[@VE3DAL]

Great review! I'm thinking about to get one. One slot card is not a problem for me, the only down side is very expensive cards.

[@AndySnap]

A good review on a camera that has received a surprising amount of 'bad press' in it's Z7 form. I think how one likes the Z cameras comes as much from how comfortable you are with the mirrorless design concept, regardless of manufacturer. Some photographers simply prefer a dslr, while other embrace mirrorless more comfortably. I've used Lumix cameras alongside my Nikons for years, and happily switch between the two, actually preferring the lighter weight and versatility of the Lumix. Hence I was immediately struck by how Nikon-like the G9 is, and then how G9-like the Z7 is. So the Z6 could be a very good replacement for my well-used Nikon dslrs? But then we have the Lumix S1 to look forward too...

[@asnowboards1]

Very nice review. One thing I would really like to point out is that Nikon is NOT at a disadvantage in comparison to Sony... despite this being being the first full frame mirrorless generation from Nikon. Sony had to do all the pioneer work and all Nikon had to do is get the things right that Sony initially did wrong. To me it makes it pretty surprising that they went for one card slot... people gave Sony s..t for years for only having one card slot and Nikon decided to copy that? Also Nikon had their Nikon 1 system for years and certainly did learn a lot from them. The only thing that is not fair to compare is the native lens selection. Nikon will get there, but that just takes time. Don't get me wrong. I am happy Nikon and Canon have joined the FF DSLM market. Competition is great and personally I really like the Z6 (I have only shorty played with the Z7 in Japan, but they are similar enough ;). Thank you for the great review :)

[@dougn4087]

I started as a wildlife photographer with an F4 (which I still have & use) - I have a drawer full of Nikon glass. I've burned through a 610D (which I love) but now I'm thinking to upgrade to the Z6 because I'm doing more video now. I don't think the single card slot is an issue because I use an off camera recorder (Ninja). Should I be hesitant and wait for the Z9?

[@mauibuilder1239]

Nice review Ted...thanks. I have been waiting for reviews on the Nikon Z6 to compare it to Sony A7iii for video because Canon is not offering an acceptable upgrade path for me. I thought maybe the out of camera color might be better on the Nikon Z6, I'm not sure yet as well as built in time lapse and better LCD, EVF, ergonomics, etc. That said, there are a lot of little features (and performance) that Sony includes because they have been at the mirrorless game so long. The big things I learned on the Sony is the inclusion of clear zoom as well as APS-C mode (the latter Nikon has) which effectively gives your primes 3 focal lengths. Also when you connect an external monitor via HDMI the Sony screen stays active, whereas the Nikon Z6 screen from what I have been told blacks out. I learned that the hard way when I went to plug in an external monitor to my Canon 80d, one of the many features Canon cripples in all but their top of the line cameras. The Nikon Z6 looks good though, especially for a first iteration.

[@TEN21Portraits]

This was an amazing and informative review!

[@GlebLapham]

Pretty sure I would be replacing my D750 with the Z6. It would be an awesome camera for travelling with, lighter weight and good looking video quality! Great review Ted.

[@kenwright5718]

I just bought the Z6 as my backup to my d750. Shutter failure last week on a coast trip. Under warranty but this maybe my workhorse

[@mainmain5303]

Ken Wright shutter failure on the Z6?

[@stephencosta6814]

fantastic review keep up the good work one of the best out there on this camerayou covered all the bases very well

[@Honkus]

A wonderful video. I am currently a Fuji X-H1 shooter with quite a few Fujil lenses and have mostly been very happy. However...the full frame higher resolution itch has been showing up. THE optionS of the z6, z7 and Sony A7R iii has me debating switching. Starting to sell some gear with intent to buy Fuji 8-16 already has me on the sale path... What would you suggest between z6, z7 and Sony A7R III. ...that Sony 24 1.4.... I am mostly a landscape and macro shooter with small amounts of street and portrait.

[@franklovett5813]

Terrific video Ted. Many thanks. I'm very excited at the moment. I've just sold my D800 and pre-ordered the Z6 when it was announced back in August. My camera store called me yesterday to say my Z6 is ready for collection on Monday. Wow! I must be one of the first to get my hands on this camera in the UK! Is the camera perfection - of course not! But then I'm acutely aware I am nowhere near perfection myself and I know the photographer is a far larger part of the whole than the camera (s)he is using! ;-))

[@movakalin5333]

thanks for the review. the points about the AF a lot of reviewers mentioned that as well. This is the main reason I cancelled the Z6 order and went with the Sony A7III. Cheez, seeing the performance of the Sony, the A7III destroys any of my previous Nikon cameras. Almost every shot is tack sharp to the eyelashes. I tested it mainly in the evening, it's wintertime here.On the weekend I will have proper light and we will see. but taken portrait shots, there is nothing easier, it's like shooting with a mobile. I am sure, the ergonomics, weathersealing etc is better, but at the end of the day, I need sharp crisp pictures, and the eye af helps a lot.

[@nowornever2504]

I agree. The camera seems gorgeous mechanically. The Z6 may not be the best FFM camera, but certain is the camera I want. I’m a Canon shooter but always wanted a Nikon. The only thing that stopped me from switching over was the outdated mount that seems inhibiting. With the Z mount that’s the widest and shortest for FF, Nikon has now the best foundation to really go at it with vengeance. I also like Nikon’s approach on lenses. Contrary to Canon that makes very expensive L lenses and then crappy non-L, Nikon makes useable and solid lenses that aren’t very expensive.

[@FreshWaterLake]

Superb review Ted, getting mine on Saturday. In regards to shooting 10-bit N-Log, what is the lowest ISO that the camera let's you use? I'll be accompanying the Z6 with the Ninja V as well.

[@theartofphotography]

800 ISO

[@FreshWaterLake]

@@theartofphotography Thanks, not too shabby.

[@DennisSwansonP1022]

Well done Ted!

[@theartofphotography]

Great to see you in Flagstaff Dennis!

[@jimsjourney3926]

Thank you for this wonderfully impartial and informative video.

[@derekmidgley]

Thanks for observing this: Nikon's video / stills selector is genius. Wish all high-level cameras could do that. Love same on my D500. But can't shoot video handheld through the view finder. So I use an EM1-ii for video and often wish i could quickly grab some stills but it's too tedious in that complicated Oly operating system... So often carry the D500 for wildlife stills and EM1 for wildlife video.. at same time.. but that's back breaking. So can see a reason for a Z6 or similar. One day.

[@LucasHJX]

I am shooting Sony A7R3, A73 and Nikon Z6 right now. The only advantage Z6 has is the still image quality in MY opinion. I can't say it has more accurate color, but more pleasure color to me (I use Adobe DNG Converter to import RAW files to lightroom so far). The video (tracking) autofocus is good, but the pull focus or focus point transition is terrible. For video use, I can only recommend it in manual mode.

[@ijm0711]

Ted, you talk about the video differences in 4K between the Z6 and Z7, and you mention that the Z6 has 120 fps 1080p video (like the Z7), but don't mention whether or not there is the same DX crop applied in the 120fps 1080p mode on the Z6 like it is on the Z7. Can you please let us know whether or not that is the case? Thanks in advance!

[@avarmadillo]

Great first review. Really look forward to your video review--that's what I plan to do with the Z6....and thanks for saying Zeeeeeee!

[@roybixby6135]

I dont see the single card slot as a major problem (at least its XQD and not SD). And no one complains about carrying only one camera body without a backup these days...

[@telemaq76]

You come back from a wedding and your computer says : memory card error,format it first..then you see the issue

[@roybixby6135]

@@telemaq76 - I've only used XQD for a couple of years now but have yet to have a failure - whereas SD cards seem to fail every few months (yes Sandisk Pro). But most SD memory format problems are user induced by pulling cards or shutting off before the camera has finished writing to them.

[@Morespizzle]

telemaq76 it has wireless backing if your that scared. It’s the future we can do things like this.

[@roybixby6135]

@@Morespizzle Eye fi cards work great if you dont need internet at the same time and you dont have big megapixel cameras like the Nikon D850 that take ages to xfer big raw files...

[@roybixby6135]

@@Morespizzle Right now wireless is still too slow - I cant wait for the future faster wireless...

[@Altitude2011]

Hi Ted, I understand that the Z6 is better at video than the Z7. But I have a simple question: if you compare the same video shot by the Z6 and the Z7, can you tell the difference in terms of quality between both videos? In this regard, I did not see online anyone making a real world comparison between the Z6 and the Z7 for video.

[@yan-jk1ti]

Good review,The z6 is a such a great camera!Coming from a fuji xh1 (also a great camera),This is so much better..it is just a fact that some brands sponser alot and other don't..

[@rotvonrat]

If it's Nikon image quality in a lighter body, 'usable' videos and that my Nikon lenses can be used even with IBIS, it's more than good enough for me. Like most Nikon users, I know that they deliver quality products that work wherever you might be for years to come is an important factor that can not be stressed enough.

[@navakisoraadb4715]

Thank for the review. It looks like you advise this system primarily for the Nikon’s users. How about if you wouldn’t be the one? What if you tried to fairly choose between Sony and Nikon mirrorless mainly for video? How much optically promising do you feel the new gorgeous z-mount really is? And how much focus system works better on a73 (for video)? How do you see effectiveness of ibis of one over the other? And what not? By the way I’m ok with one card slot. I watched quite a number of reviews, and my impression is that z6 is a savior for Nikon’s people to stay loyal to their brand. But really, if we’d took away those emotions, do you think that a73 is still the overall king having z6 behind? I’m trying to choose the brand to go with never being a Nikon’s user.

[@MoogerTuber]

I am yet to use even a single card! Still practicing. Been doing that for years, actually. I will purchase a card once I am confident in my ability to produce great images, but for now no card for me, man. You would say I am missing the moments, but I can see that even if I captured those moments, my pictures would suck. I am convinced that I will be able to shoot amazing pictures one day. At least I am not wasting my time developing the RAW files and not wasting any money on storage or cloud services. I am getting the Z6 in hope that it will help me learn and improve faster.

[@alinoorchaudhry347]

Thank you for all the knowledge. Wonderful review.

Excellent review! I just love your videos...

[@HamiltonSRink]

Good job Ted! Your efforts have let me get a feel for the camera. Not an easy thing to do!

[@darkstepwarrior88]

nice easy going review so that i can concentrate on the content you were saying

[@dr.sommer5069]

Fuji XT3 has 2 card slots but isnt able to write on both cards in video mode....

[@scljr1987]

I currently have a D850 & D500. Would in your opinion the Z6 be a better backup to the 850 than the 500? Being that both would be full frame. Or just get the Z6 for the backup for event/wedding shoots and keep the D500 for wildlife/sports? I do everything from portraits/sports/events/weddings/landscapes. Some paid and some just out for fun

[@apstudios01]

I have D5, D850, and D500. I'm getting a Z6 just for the video capability and it will work well as a second camera when needed. None of the current mirrorless cameras (Nikon, Canon, Sony, or other) can compete with the D5/D500 for action sports. Yet none of my current cameras can compete with the Z6 for video. There you have it.

[@rensuchanphotography]

I carry a D810 and D500 right now. I'm getting a Z6 as a compliment rather than to replace either. I don't really shoot video that often, but if I ever were to, the Z6 will be better than either of the other cameras. Also for personal work, I want a smaller kit to work with and the Z6 + 24-70 f/4S kit is where it seems to be. When I'm shooting paid I'm too paranoid to not shoot with redundancy after I lost data once due to a faulty card reader. I think if you're worried about that, then the D500 is definitely a better backup. If you're not, the Z6 may work out as a backup for you.

[@jamesricephoto4323]

Press the ISO button and toggle front dial for ISO auto on/off. Simple. 😉

[@hemantsawant2911]

Hi. Video is good. I need your valuable help to choose camera model. I am going to buy new camera. I am thinking to buy either Nikon Z6 or Sony A73. I like to shoot landscape and portraits. Currently I do not have any camera. Till one month back I shoot on Sony cybershot point to shoot camera. After watching so many videos found some f/b like Nikon AF is bit low than Sony in mirrorless. But video shoot is great. Eye focus capabilities is still not fine. Some times AF is also kissed and need to reset camera. Is it true with Nikon. I like ergonomics Menu system of Nikon. Sorry menu’s bit complex. What do you think shall I go for Nikon or Sony? Pls suggest.

[@hemantsawant2911]

@@frickseerose6146 thank you very much for your suggestion. I think Z6 is nice option.

[@terrylwilliams]

i purchased a Nikon Z6 with the kit lens. Have the 50mm f/1.8 lens coming in this week. First of all, I'm OCD and have issues pixel peeping . Maybe I'm expecting perfection even at 5000, 6400 ISO. When I zoom down and see noise.

[@ClimateAdam]

something I'd really love to know that I can't find anywhere is whether the camera does a full sensor readout for 1080p or it only does this when filming at 4K? anyone have the answer to this?! sounds like (from the description around 17:00 ) it does, but a bit unclear!

[@cactustweeter2890]

Having a touch interface for the menus is awesome.

[@JonPais]

@Ted was sharpening turned all the way down in the video samples? because it still looks quite over-sharpened, which would be a deal-breaker for me.

[@dallasthomas5489]

Hi Ted enjoy all your work. I've been looking forward to seeing your thoughts on Z6. Being a long time Nikon shooter currently 850/4s. The 4s is superseded in my shooting by the 850 except in super low light which is not a greta issue to me. So it's going to move on and maybe replaced with the Z6 I shoot mostly with Zeiss MF lens. Did you try it using MF.

[@SoluzioniDimmagineproduction]

HELLO TED, I NEED YOUR HELP HOW DO I ACTIVATE THE FLASH OF MY NEW NIKON Z6? CURRENTLY IT IS DISABLED, THANKS

[@aguadoia]

Hi Ted. Thanks for such an awesome review...I really lear a lot about understanding a bit more the camera through your comments. I'm new into photography and being learing a lot lately throgh you and others. I just pulled the trigger on a D810 (body only) for $850. Only 3000 shots. I know I shouldn't be doing this until I learnt all about my actual camera...but I think it was a deal that I couldn't let go. Do you think is a good way to learn with a D810? or should I stay focused on my D5100 for a while. THaks for your time.

[@BfoSHIZnats]

I'm glad 1080 actually looks clean and not soft like on other cameras.

[@ckons89]

I need to turn on the evf from sleep when I press the shoot button while it is on sleep mode... Not waiting until I place my eye at the viewfinder.. any ideas?

[@SethPay]

Ya that 1080 looks pretty dang crisp! Great review Ted!

[@toniskokovic]

Great review Ted - would be interesting to see results with legacy Nikon glass, maybe even some AIS lenses and the FTZ adapter.

[@mavfan1]

Toni Skokovic Matt Granger did that already. Check out his channel.

[@toniskokovic]

@@mavfan1 thanks for the tip, will definitely look into his channel.

[@WebLogicUser]

I liked your KZbin video on the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera. I am thinking about upgrading to a new Nikon D7500, D500, D750, or now possibly the Z6 mirrorless camera. I have a D7000 which received liquid damage on vacation this summer; my lenses are still good. My primary lens is a Nikon AF-S DX 18-200 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II. I also have a Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens and a Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm F3.5G ED VR lens. My initial plan was to use the DX 18-200 lens with a D500 camera and upgrade later to better lenses when I decided what a good combination of lenses would be for me. I would eventually like all of my lenses to be a constant f/4, f/2.8, or better. On my last vacation, I used both the D7000 and my iPhone 8 Plus to take pictures. I started taking videos with my iPhone. In your opinion, would the Nikon Z6 with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens be a good upgrade for me? Otherwise, would you recommend the D7500, D500, or D750 for me? Thanks , Joseph Benjamin

[@ColinShanahan]

Hold the ISO button on the top and rotate the front dial to Toggle Auto ISO :)

[@talialiber2389]

Great review as usual! Doe the Z6 let you choose how fast the AF will switch in video mode - like on a Canon or Panasonic? Thanks!

[@mainmain5303]

Talia Liber yes

[@MyWuffi]

2300€... it hunts a little in low light... How much do I have to pay to get decent auto focus from nikon?

[@natedagreat90]

Focuses fine up to iso 25600 than I notice hunting but who shoots at iso 25600?

[@Stefan1968ful]

Ah, I see it that way. It is the first fullframe mirrorless from Nikon and they will improve the weakness of Z6 and Z7 in next generation. Still both cameras are great performer. Especially the ergonomics and HMI is something I really like. This is what companies like Sony will never learn as Sony Alpha Whatever are just expensive toys reflecting the spirit of Sony - being an electronic toy manufacturer what is valid also for their cameras :)

[@CherryontheworldTravelblog]

I will like to know how is the focusing sistem compared with d610 and d750?

[@chocloditelensman]

If you are a real professional photographer you will quickly realize that this camera blows away the D4 - unbelievable. Autofocus is incredible - and the frame rate in awesome. I have been a professional photographer for 30 plus years. I use this for sports and advertising. The only thing that I noticed is the adapter is super tight - when i put my f mount lenses on they are pretty hard to turn - the adapter must need to be broke in. This review doesn’t really talk about the heart of this camera.

[@d-entrecasteaux]

Thanks Ted. Can you save separate drive modes on the U1-U3 dials?

[@makepaladinsmehagain8493]

Thanks for the thorough and hype-free review. Lots of great cameras to choose from nowadays. From the video sample footage in your review (and others I have seen taken at the culinary event), highlight rolloff seems a LITTLE disappointing... I feel the rolloff from my D750 was a little more pleasant. The rolloff on the z6 looks a bit more like on my Sony cameras. Maybe it is just me or youtube compression though...

[@heliosgunadi7114]

Ted, thank you for the review. Did you got a chance to make prints from Z6 file? I would love to hear about it if possible. Grew up with Nikon F2, so prints is somewhat important for me.

[@aneeshchanawala]

I am planing to buy this over A7 3.. should i buy this camera for my fashion blogging stuff?? I am familiar with the nikon dslrs.. whats your views sir..

[@mavfan1]

Aneesh Chanawala you should be able to answer this for yourself. There are so many videos out on the A73. Seems you just want to hear someone say something good about a decision you’ve already made.

[@aneeshchanawala]

mavfan1 yeahh.. I'll go with z6.. thanks mate

[@jrimman]

I currently have a lot of dslr lenses and I'm planning to buy Nikon z6, so will i be able to use every dslr lenses in z6??

[@elboogie2324]

I really want this camera.

[@RichardBO9]

I appreciate the positive and diplomatic review. I love how you handled “cardslot-gate” upfront. 🤠 At this point, I’m going to just buy a Hoodman and keep using the D850 until there are more fast native lens.

[@trevorwarner6196]

Two cards are better than one but I had a shutter failure with my D750 two cards did not help. I have also had shutter failures on my srt 101 and my contax 137ma many years ago. Shooting with a Sony I've found the images with my Contax Zeiss lenses to be excellent, and are the images with Nikors. I have a collection of FX and DX and been waiting for the z6 . Finally I think i favor the A7iii and sell my nikors