Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7: a week with an expert

Acquaintance, comparison of characteristics

The fall of 2018 can be safely called a turning point in the world of photography. It would seem that a purely technological step - the release of full-frame mirrorless cameras by the main market players - has become a key point in the development of the photo industry. Even the most conservative brands threw off “mirror” mounts, as well as many technological limitations, like an old skin. It is from this point of view that I urge to consider what is happening: now, without exception, all photographers have switched to a new platform that allows photography to move to the next level.

NIKON Z 6 Installations: ISO 100, F8, 1/250 s, 85.0 mm equiv.Download RAW

In this big test, we will study in detail two Nikon mirrorless innovations - the Z6 and Z7 models , take photos and videos on them, and talk about the features of the system. We were lucky to be one of the first who not only met these cameras, but also personally saw the process of their manufacture. Now that the emotions from the announcement of new products have subsided, it's time to put on the shelves everything we managed to learn during a two-week acquaintance with the most modern Nikon.

What is the difference between Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7?

Having before his eyes the experience of other manufacturers, Nikon went on a proven path: he released two cameras at once with slightly different characteristics and price. At the same time, company representatives do not hide: the cameras are very unified, that is, they are extremely similar both externally and internally. Get the price of Nikon Z6 / Nikon Z7 Differences in the matrix, electronic filling and logo on the case.

NIKON Z 7 / NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f / 4 S Settings: ISO 100, F8, 1/320 s, 24.0 mm equiv.Download RAW

The matrix determines the scope of each of the models. So, in the top Nikon Z7 there is a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 45.7 megapixels, extremely similar to the sensor from Nikon D850, which is not surprising. In Nikon Z7, everything is fine, except for the price (259,990 rubles per body for the Russian market at the start of sales) and a slightly reduced rate of fire. Therefore, a pair of the top camera is more “modest” (159 990 rubles) Nikon Z6 with a matrix of 24.5 megapixels. Such a resolution causes a higher speed and a more affordable price, which is no less important! We decided to put together the main characteristics of both models in a summary table so that their similarities and differences are more obvious. During the test, we will also measure the buffer volume of each of the cameras - there will also be slight differences.

NIKON Z 7 / NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f / 4 S Settings: ISO 100, F4, 1/500 s, 70.0 mm equiv.Download RAW

Nikon Z6	Nikon Z7
Matrix Resolution	24.5 megapixels	45.7 megapixels
Maximum image size	6048 × 4024	8256 × 5504
Burst shooting	Up to 12 frames / s	Up to 9 frames / s
ISO sensitivity range	100–51,200 expandable to 50–204,800	64–25,600 expandable to 32–102,400
Matrix Phase AF Sensors	273, 90% coverage vertically and horizontally	493, coverage 90% vertically and horizontally
Stabilization	Five axes based on matrix shift	Five axes based on matrix shift
Minimum shutter speed	1/8000 s	1/8000 s
Possibility of shooting with electronic shutter	Yes	Yes
Claimed shutter life	200 000 frames	200 000 frames
Sync speed	1/200 s	1/200 s
Maximum video resolution	Up to 3840 × 2160, 30p	Up to 3840 × 2160, 30p
Wireless interfaces	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Memory card slot	Xqd	Xqd
Display	3.2 ? tilt-sensitive touch with a resolution of 2.1 million pixels	3.2 ? tilt-sensitive touch with a resolution of 2.1 million pixels
Viewfinder	OLED, 3.69 million points	OLED, 3.69 million points
Battery	EN-EL15b (1900 mAh, 7 V)	EN-EL15b (1900 mAh, 7 V)
CIPA Battery Life	330 frames	330 frames
Weight with battery and memory card	675 g	675 g

Z mount

The transition to mirrorless camera technology inevitably led to the development of the new Z mount. The Nikon F mount, which has existed for almost 60 years, is not going away. Representatives of the company at a press conference assured that it will continue to be supported, and the production of new lenses will continue. In addition, the Nikon FTZ adapter allows the use of F optics on Z-cameras. Already on the example of Nikon Z6 and Z7, we see that the new bayonet has advantages, and they are undeniable.

Handheld shot with stabilizer

NIKON Z 7 / NIKKOR Z 35mm f / 1.8 S Settings: ISO 400, F3.5, 1/4 s, 35.0 mm equiv.Download RAW

With a large diameter, it allows stabilization based on matrix shift. The second plus is the ability to create super-fast optics for such a bayonet mount. Now the company plans NIKKOR Z 58 mm f / 0.95 S Noct. Other advantages are less obvious, but equally important. All optics of the Z system is calculated with an eye to high-quality video. Representatives of the company claim that the lenses are deprived of the effect of breathing, and are also able to focus smoothly and silently. The lens control is fully electronic. Nevertheless, let us return to compatibility with SLR optics ... This is probably one of the strongest advantages of the Z mount today. Let me remind you that Nikon autofocus did not work with a competing mirrorless system.

Shooting Using the Nikon FTZ Adapter

NIKON Z 7 / 85.0 mm f / 1.4 Installations: ISO 64, F1.4, 1/8000 s, 85.0 mm equiv.Download RAW

On Z6 and Z7 cameras, AF-S lens autofocus is confident, fast. The stabilizer fully saves the work. This creates quite comfortable conditions for migration to a new mirrorless system with a mirror system.

Take a look at the world without a mirror

Nikon has always been famous for professional technology. And brand followers are very demanding on the quality of sight. Probably, the development of an electronic sighting system was one of those restrictions that have kept the company from taking a step to a full-frame mirrorless for so long. Both cameras have really high-quality electronic viewfinders with a resolution of 3.69 million pixels. The viewfinder matrix is created using OLED technology and has a very high brightness. When shooting in backlight, when you look at the future frame with the naked eye and through the viewfinder, there is no discomfort. There is only one thing to be said about the detail and quality of the picture: even zealous opponents of electronic viewfinders admit that working with them is comfortable. The screen also does not lag behind: its resolution is 2.1 million pixels with a diagonal of 3.2 inches. The display is equipped with an inclined mechanism. It is important that in these cameras it is touch. By touching, you can not only change the shooting point, but also control the parameters and navigate the menu.

Now and video

For Nikon, the release of the mirrorless system is not only a step towards updating, but also a way to expand the market through video shooting. It just so happened that even modern cameras with powerful video capabilities did not receive proper attention from videographers. Nikon Z6 and Z7 have every chance to rectify the situation. Both cameras record 4K video without crop at up to 30 frames / s, Full HD up to 120 frames / s. Timecode support, microphone input and headphone output, intra-camera stabilization based on matrix shift and electronic stabilization for video recording, 4K time-lapse recording - all this is in the new cameras. And there is also the possibility of shooting in 10-bit N-Log format, but only when recording to an external recorder. The situation is similar with 8K timelapses: the source for such a video can be shot on the Nikon Z7, but you will have to collect the video file on an external device.