Nikon Announces Z7 and Z6: Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon made a huge splash with the unveiling of two full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z7 and Z6, which mark the start of a brand new Z system. Both cameras will utilize a USB-C port for both charging and data transfer for tethered photography. Tethering a Z7 and Z6 to your computer is quick, simple, and easy with Tether Tools gear. Photographers will need either a TetherPro USB-C to USB-C cable if they are connecting the  camera to a computer with a USB-C port (such as a new MacBook Pro) or the TetherPro USB 3.0 to USB-C cable if they are connecting the camera to a computer with a traditional USB port.

Nikon Z7

Called “The Perfectionist” by Nikon, the Nikon Z7 delivers high resolution and high speed. Powered by an FX-format 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor in combination with the EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine,the Z7 produces crisp, clean images at expanded sensitivities ranging from ISO 32-102400. The sensor also features phase-detection auto-focus points, 493 to be exact, and they cover 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally for fast focusing, even at the camera’s fastest continuous shooting speed of 9 fps. Another addition to this camera is in-body five-axis Vibration Reduction that compensates for up to five stops of camera shake.

• 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
• UHD 4K30 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
• 493-Point Phase-Detect AF System
• Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction
• 0.80x 3.6m-Dot EVF with NIKKOR Optics
• 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 9 fps Continuous Shooting; ISO 64-25600
• Top-Panel Dot-Matrix OLED; XQD Card Slot
• 8K Time-Lapse Mode; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Weighing 26% less than the comparable D850, and being substantially smaller, the Z7 still maintains Nikon’s familiar controls and ergonomics, as well as its reliable weather sealing. The camera sports a 0.80x 3.6m-dot EVF with NIKKOR optics and a fluorine coating for outstanding viewing clarity.

Nikon Z6

Alongside the Z7 is the Nikon Z6, nicknamed “The All-Arounder” by Nikon. This camera looks and operates exactly the same, however it swaps out the sensor with an FX-format 24.5MP CMOS sensor offering 273 phase-detect AF points. This change enables a higher native sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 and an expanded range of ISO 50-204800. The Z6 is also faster with continuous shooting at up to 12 fps and the ability to perform down-sampling from the full 6K image area for creating sharper UHD 4K video.

• 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
• UHD 4K30 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
• 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System
• Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction
• 0.80x 3.6m-Dot EVF with NIKKOR Optics
• 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 12 fps Shooting; ISO 100-51200
• Top-Panel Dot-Matrix OLED; XQD Card Slot
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

This new mirrorless system wouldn’t be what is was without the new Z lens mount. With an interior diameter of 55mm and a back flange distance of 16mm, this mount permits for the creation of new lens designs and smaller camera bodies. One of the first lenses being released is the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S. This standard zoom is both compact and versatile with a constant f/4 aperture for consistent performance. It has a button-less retractable design for getting compact when not in use and uses both aspherical and aspherical/ED glass elements to combat aberrations. There is also a Nano Crystal Coat for minimizing flare and ghosting. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 11.8” and has been designed for minimal breathing and silent operation to benefit video shooters. Additionally, a programmable control ring is available for quick access to NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S select settings. For more information about the Z7, Z6, and the new NIKKOR lenses visit www.Nikon.com.