We’ve known for a while that Nikon was eventually going to get into the full-frame mirrorless market, which Sony has had a stranglehold on for basically the past decade, and now it officially has. The Z6 ($2,000) and Z7 ($3,400) are Nikon’s first ever full-frame mirrorless cameras and they’re positioned to go toe-to-toe with Sony’s a7III and a7RIII, respectively. In fact, the two sets of cameras share a similar look and specs to those of their Sony rivals. Maybe not novel, but the Z7 and Z6 represent a breath of fresh air and it’s nice to see Nikon go in a non-DSLR direction for once.
Of the two cameras, the Z7 is the more pro-grade model. It has a 45.7-megapixel sensor, 493 focus points and 64-25600 ISO, while the Z6 has a 24.5-megapixel sensor, 273 focus points and 100-51200 ISO. Despite the differences, the two cameras share many similarities. They have the same hybrid AF system. They have the same electronic viewfinder, touchscreen and weather-sealed body, as well as built-in wifi and Bluetooth. They can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps (and 1080p video at up to 120fps). And they both have silent shooting modes.
Both cameras come baring Nikon’s new Z Mount System, and will work with the three lenses that the company also announced today: the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S (standard zoom), the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S (wide-angle prime), the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (standard prime). Nikon also announced a four lens, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, that it is currently developing. The company claims it will be the fastest lens in its history. It’s worth noting, that this is the first time Nikon has used an interchangeable lens mount other than the F Mount, which will no doubt annoy hardcore Nikon fans. The good news is Nikon will offer a first-party adapter so all F-Mount DSLR lenses will have full functionality on the new Z system (even things like image stabilization and electronic aperture will transfer through). The chance to stretch beyond the F-mount is clearly one Nikon’s been yearning for though, it opens up the door for much faster lenses that can get right up next to the sensor for ultimate sharpness (Canon ran a similar play in the early 90s with the switch from FD to EF).
However, the Z6 and Z7 represent a way to keep brand loyalty for Nikon enthusiasts while also going lighter, smaller and quieter than the brand’s current pro-grade DSLR offerings. The Z7 is the higher-end model for photographers, while the Z6 and its lower-resolution can shoot faster continuous shooting rates (12fps to the Z7’s 9fps) with a higher ISO range, which is ideal for videographers.
The two cameras will be available with a 24-70mm f/4 lens. The Nikon Z7 will be available on September 27 for $4,000 (with lens) and the Nikon Z6 will be available later in November for $2,600 (with lens).
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