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Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras are finally here, meet the Z7 and Z6 *Updated with Z6 pricing*

By Alvin Soon - on 16 Nov 2018, 4:17pm

Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras are finally here, meet the Z7 and Z6

Nikon has announced its brand new full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z7 and Z6, alongside a new Z-mount adapter and three Z-mount lenses. These new cameras sport Nikon’s FX-format, backside illuminated CMOS sensors, while ditching the DSLR’s mirror box.

The Nikon Z7 is the bigger-specced, more expensive model, while the Z6 is the more affordable alternative. Nikon shooters familiar with their DSLRs will spot commonalities between the Z7 with the D850, and the Z6 with the D750.

The Nikon Z7 shoots at 45.7MP at up to 9fps

The Z7, for example, has a 45.7MP sensor, with 493 focus points, and sensitivity levels from ISO64 to 25,600. The Z7 can shoot up to 9fps on AF-C but exposure locked on the first frame, and up to 5.5fps with continuous focus and exposure. The Z7 will ship end-September in the US, no word yet on Singapore. The Z7 will cost US$3,999.95 with a 24-70mm f/4 kit lens.

The Nikon Z6 shoots at 24.5MP at up to 12fps

The Z6, on the other hand, will ship in late November. It features a 24.5MP sensor, 273 focus points, and sensitivity from ISO100 to 51,200. The Z6 shoots faster than the Z7, at up to 12fps with exposure locked on the first frame. While the Z7 can only capture oversampled 4K video in Super 35/DX-crop mode, the Z6 can do so at full pixel readout. The Z6 will cost US$2,599.95.

Nikon’s Z-mount system will launch with the aforementioned 24-70mm f/4 kit lens, which will cost US$999.95 on its own. A 35mm f/1.8 prime lens will also be available at launch for US$845.95. A 50mm f/1.8 prime lens has been announced for October, which will cost US$599.95.

Shipping with modern features like hybrid AF and 5-axis image stabilization

The Z cameras also feature built-in 5-axis image stabilization. They use a hybrid AF system, which switches between phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF. For the first time on a Nikon, you can shoot with 90 percent autofocus coverage of the image area. Nikon says the cameras can focus in low-light down to -4 EV.

The 3.69 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder has 100 percent frame coverage with 0.8x magnification. There’s a 3.2-inch 2.1 million-dot tilting LCD touchscreen. Both cameras can record 4K video up to 30p or Full-HD up to 120p. The bodies are weather-sealed and include 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Compatible with F-mount lenses through an FTZ adapter

The key news for Nikon users is how the Z cameras are compatible with F-mount lenses with an FTZ adapter. Announced at US$250, the FTZ adapter promises full compatibility with over 90 lenses. It can also provide basic compatibility with over 300 F lenses. ‘Compatibility’ will vary, depending on the lens. Some will support autofocus and auto exposure, while others will require manual handling.

Nikon boasts that the Z mount’s width and flange distance (distance from mount to sensor) are the largest and shortest among today’s mirrorless systems. The company says this allows them to develop a wide range of lenses, including extremely fast ones.

Nikon’s three year roadmap for Z lenses includes a 58mm f/0.95

That ties in with another of today’s announcements. Nikon has also revealed a three-year roadmap for Z lenses, with a 58mm f/0.95 ‘Noct’ lens scheduled for next year. The fastest Nikon lens to date has been the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. Like the 50mm, the 58mm will be manual focus.

A quick glance at the roadmap also shows that Nikon plans to fill up the classic 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 sometime next year. There’ll be an 85mm f/1.8 prime for portrait photographers. A 24mm f/1.8 and an even faster 50mm f/1.2 are scheduled for 2020.

Coming in September and November

Nikon has decided to forge ahead with XQD memory cards for the new Z cameras. Both the Z7 and Z6 only offer a single memory card slot. Nikon has been the only camera manufacturer that’s used XQD memory slots, but this is the first time it’s gone all in on a camera. Even the D500 and D850 shipped with both SD and XQD slots; the D5 came in dual CF or dual XQD variants.

Battery life appears to be par for the course with mirrorless cameras, both the Z6 and Z7 are rated up to 330 shots per charge. An MB-N10 battery pack is currently in development and will be able to hold two additional batteries.

The Nikon Z7 will be available in the US from September 27, while the Nikon Z6 will be available in late November. We’ll update this piece with local prices and availability for Singapore when we have them.

*Update*

Pricing for the Nikon Z7 has finally been announced!

Prices are as below:

Z 7 + Z 24-70mm f/4 S

S$5,799

Z 7 + FTZ Mount Adapter

S$5,149

Z 7 + Z 24-70mm f/4 S + FTZ

S$6,049

 

Also announced, are the prices for Nikon's latest lenses.

New NIKKOR Lenses

Price (RRP)

AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

S$5,599

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

S$1,539

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S

S$1,309

 

The Nikon Z7 is available now from all authorized Nikon retailers.

*Update 2*

Pricing for the Nikon Z6 has finally been announced!

Prices are as below:

Z 6 + Z 24-70mm f/4 S

S$3,899

Z 6 + FTZ Mount Adapter

S$3,249

Z 6 + Z 24-70mm f/4 S + FTZ

S$4,149

 

The Z6 will come bundled with a 32GB XQD card and XQD card reader (while stocks last) and is now available at authorized Nikon dealers islandwide.

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