The Nikon Z 6II succeeds the Nikon Z 6 and offers similar performance and features, with some minor upgrades. It improves on its predecessor in some respects, such as the addition of a second SD memory card slot and the implementation of a dual processor 6. Otherwise, like its predecessor, it is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality, with photos that appear sharp and detailed even at higher ISO levels.
The Nikon Z6 II is the brand’s enthusiast-level full-frame mirrorless camera, replacing the original 2018 Nikon Z6. Because it has a 24 MP sensor, striking the ideal balance between resolution and processing power, many users consider it an improvement over the professional-level Nikon Z7 II, which has about twice as many megapixels.
Since the original Z6 met most needs, what we see here is primarily an improvement rather than a fundamentally different vehicle. In response to user comments and criticism of the initial iteration of the camera, Nikon has made minor changes to the camera’s speed and usefulness.
Design
It has been just over two years since the release of the Z6, and Nikon has decided to keep the design of the new camera almost identical to that of the Z6. The Z6 is one of the handiest mirrorless cameras around, with controls that fit naturally in the hand and key settings that are easy to access, so Nikon’s use of the same body may seem unimaginative on Nikon’s part, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The joystick, also formally known as a sub-selector, has adequate weight, while the large, comfortable grip and distinct thumb rest complete the design.
The Z6 II uses the same tilting display as the Z6, however, because of the similar design. If you primarily capture still images, this should not be a problem, but videographers (and self-shooters in particular) may be annoyed that the Z6 II’s design does not include a fully articulated Varian gular display. Putting that complaint aside, the Z6 II has the same exceptional level of weather-tightness as Nikon’s pro-spec DSLR, the D850, and feels quite rugged thanks to its magnesium alloy top, front, and rear covers.
Features
Nikon has decided to use the same 24.5 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor seen in the Nikon Z6 for the Z6 II. This allows an increased ISO range of ISO50-204,800 to be used in addition to the native ISO range of ISO100-51,200. Nikon was able to put a second EXPEED 6 CPU into the Z6 II while keeping the same sensor.
This results in a number of improvements, the most obvious of which is the increase in burst shooting speed, which rises to an impressive 14 fps from the Z6’s already rapid 12 fps. The Z6 II’s 273-point AF system is the same as that of the Z6, but some improvements have also been made. Despite a decrease in overall performance, human or animal eye/face detection is now more accurate.
Image Quality
Over the past decade, Nikon has focused on developing full-frame digital cameras with image quality superior or roughly comparable to the best sensor technology currently used in full-frame cameras. Elements such as dynamic range, noise levels, vividness, and overall color accuracy have been, well, amazing and pleasing, whether the image quality is at low ISO or very high ISO.
The Z6 II is no exception: from incredibly clean photos at ISOs such as 6400 and 12800 to truly insane shadow retrieval capabilities, the Z6 II’s image quality is on par with the best cameras on the market. However, this corresponds to the following under actual shooting circumstances.
Video Quality
With the Z6 II, you can power the camera with a USB-PD power bank, and with the PD’s higher voltage and amperage, you can shoot without ever drawing power from the internal battery. If you are a video or time-lapse photographer, you will appreciate many aspects, not just the video quality and specifications per se. Instead of spending $72.95 for a Nikon EN-EL15c battery, you can easily shoot a multi-day time-lapse or record 4K video for a full day’s work with a 20,000 mAh Anker USB-PD battery.
Performance
Although the Nikon Z6 II is capable of shooting at 14 frames per second, the technical specifications indicate that at this maximum speed the only options are 12-bit raw files and a single AF point. The speed drops to 12 frames per second, still very respectable, if you want to use the Z6 II’s tracking autofocus.
This is faster than the 10 frames per second of the Alpha A7 III and on par with the 12 frames per second of the EOS R6 (although the R6 can shoot up to 20 fps using the electronic shutter). The buffer should also be sufficient for most situations; at the maximum frame rate, the Z6 II can handle 200 JPEG or 124 12-bit raw data.
Competitive Z6 II systems might be preferred by those who primarily photograph people (or animals), as they are a bit more advanced in eye and face tracking, but the Z6 II still performs admirably in this area, quickly and correctly engaging the lenses we tested it on. With the Z6 II, Nikon has made significant improvements to the battery.
Battery Life
The newer EN-EL15c battery comes with the Z6 II. It is a variant of the 15b that came with the previous model, but with 20% more capacity. Although the newer EN-EL15 batteries work much better with the camera, the camera is still compatible with older EN-EL15 batteries. The only units that support USB charging are type b and c.
According to the manufacturer, the camera is capable of taking 340 photos using the viewfinder and 410 photos using the rear LCD. These figures, as always, are based on extremely demanding use, and depending on how you use the camera, it is not unusual to get at least twice as many pictures per charge in actual use.
For a day of dedicated shooting or a weekend of moderately demanding photography, we often find that a value of about 400 is adequate. However, without recharging and carrying spares, this value is insufficient for a demanding photographic activity such as a wedding. If you need more power, you can use the camera’s USB-C port or purchase the MB-N11 battery grip, which has room for an additional hot-swappable battery.
Price
The Z6 II and Z7 II, the fourth and fifth cameras in the Nikon Z line, respectively, made their debut in late 2020. Its performance is admirable compared to rivals such as the $2,500 Canon EOS R6 and Sony A7 IV. With a price tag of $2,000, the Z6 II is in the middle of Nikon’s professional mirrorless range. The soon-to-be-released Nikon Z9 supports 8K,
Final Words
The Z6 II is a very powerful camera that can assist the photographer in almost any circumstance. It is easy to use, produces excellent photographs, has a powerful AF system, and can record high-quality video. This is not a significant improvement over the original Z6, but the inclusion of a second card slot and the ability to attach a battery grip with vertical controls only add to its already extensive functionality. With these changes and the many small improvements we noted, we can recommend the Z6 II for a variety of photographic activities, including family portraits, weddings, and sports photography.
