Nikon Z 6II Z 6II 2020
A 24.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor, 5-stop IBIS, and 14fps burst capture sharp, stable images, while the weather-sealed 615g body enhances portability. Dual CFexpress/XQD and SD slots offer backup flexibility, and 10-bit 4:2:2 video output with N-Log enables professional-grade color grading. It’s best for aspiring hybrid creators and YouTubers who need dependable subject-detection autofocus, dual-card reliability, and 4K recording in a versatile mirrorless camera.
About This Camera
About Nikon Z 6IIFEATURED REVIEWSBrilliant Camera with a bit disappointment for existing Nikon DSLR customersBy V P.I own a Nikon D850. However, I wanted to have Mirrorless experience and mostly looking for better auto-eye focus. I didn't want to move away from Nikon as I love Nikon in every aspect. I liked Nikon Z6 II and literally waited for more than 5 months to have this bundle to be available. As I started using the camera, the experience is just amazing. Its easy to carry around, picture quality is great and overall I am very satisfied.
Note of Caution: If you are an existing Nikon user and invested...View full ReviewIt checks all the boxes.By Manny F.This is the camera I wanted from Nikon. It’s the do all camera that will fit all photography needs from landscapes to wedding to portraits. Nikons color science is unmatched and their lenses are top notch. Their new 2.8 S Trinity lenses have been reviewed and criticized to be the best in optical quality when comparing to other systems. If you need exceptional video, it’s got it with 12-Bit 4:2:2 either ProRes or BRAW video. It’s BSI sensor has phenomenal low light performance. My favorite fea...View full Review- Z 6II Mirrorless Camera -Nikon Z 6II A Full Frame Mirrorless PowerhouseDo it all with this versatile full frame mirrorless hybrid that excels in speed, image quality and video performance. Everything a hybrid still and video mirrorless camera is meant to be. High-speed shooting with the buffer capacity to match. 4K Ultra HD video at 30p. 273-point Hybrid AF system with more options. Outstanding low-light capabilities. Dual processors. Dual card slots. Wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops. Tons of creative features and that's just the beginning.Unmatched Mirrorless Versatility for Every Creator24.5MP BSI resolution that excels in low light. 14 FPS suitable for fast action. 4K UHD Video performance at its best.Full Frame Sensor with Full Pixel Readout and 4K UHD VideoTop of the line video performance with 4K UHD 30p using full pixel readout and a host of outstanding features for serious videographers.Advanced Subject Acquisition with Dual EXPEED 6 Processors3.5x more buffer capacity than the original Z 6. Faster continuous shooting. Improved AF performance and functionality.Dual Card Slots CFexpress XQD and UHS-II SDFlexibility and peace of mind when shooting important moments or on assignment, such as wedding and event photography.Durable and Ergonomic Design for Comfortable HandlingZ 6II's exterior and interior have been thoughtfully designed to be handled and used with max comfort and ease of operation.Vertical Grip Ready for Enhanced HandlingNow compatible with the new vertical battery grip for those in need of more power and easier shutter operation when shooting vertically.USB-C Constant Power & Charging.Never run low on power during livestreams, video shoots and time-lapses.One Mount System for Compatibility with All NIKKOR Z LensesCompatible with a growing line of NIKKOR Z lenses as well as approx. 360 F-mount NIKKOR lenses with FTZ mount adapter (sold separately).Dual Processors.For the first time in a Nikon camera, the Z 6II is powered by not one, but two EXPEED 6 processing engines. They work together for faster image processing, more buffer capacity and more overall speed.Edge-to-Edge Coverage for Maximum AF PrecisionThe AF system's 90% frame coverage lets you compose the way you want, from the start. Either manually choose one of 273 focus points across the frame, or let subject tracking automatically select the focus points based on where your subject is within the frame-even at the far edges.Enhanced Eye-Detection AF for Superior FocusNikon's intelligent Eye-Detection AF quickly identifies and locks onto eyes-either humans, dogs or cats-for properly focused portraits. The Z 6II builds on the system with accuracy enhancements and more flexibility.Target Tracking for Fast-Moving SubjectsNow you can use Wide-Area (L) Mode to set boundaries for eye detection. Select an area of the frame, and the Z 6II will only look for eyes there-great for busy scenes, group shots and pet portraits.Multiple Exposure Mode for Artistic FlexibilityCombine up to 10 exposures into one visionary composition. Compose and blend-right in the viewfinder-while shooting, or go back later and combine shots with in-camera Retouch features.900-Second Exposures: Long Exposure CapabilityPaint with light. Track the paths of stars. Capture movement like never before with long exposures up to 900-seconds. Use your smartphone to trigger the shutter to avoid camera vibrations.Focus Shift Shooting for Precise Depth of Field ControlThe Z 6II will take a series of up to 300 photos, each with an incrementally adjusted focus position. Use third-party software to combine (focus stack) the photos into a single image with surreal depth of field and sharpness.Built-in Time-Lapse FunctionalityMaking time-lapse sequences is as easy as setting up the camera and hitting record. The Z 6II will create a 4K time-lapse movie and save all the full resolution stills (when used with interval timer shooting).Customizable Settings to Tweak Shoot and CreateAdd another element of uniqueness and artistry to your photos and videos with 20 Creative Picture Controls, all visible in real time while you shoot, either through the viewfinder or on the tilting touchscreen display.Remote Shooting for Ultimate ConvenienceWhen you can't be behind the lens, pull out your compatible smartphone and use it to control the Z 6II. See what the camera sees, change settings like aperture, shutter speed and white balance, then remotely fire the shutter or start and stop recording.- NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens -Amazing Details. Uncompromising Zoom.The highly-desirable 70-200mm telephoto zoom has come to the Z series. Sports, concerts, weddings, wildlife, portraiture and so much more-all with the incredible low light performance of an f/2.8 made only better by the optically superior Z mount. Optical advancements support passionate cinematographers and videographers. Class-leading close focus ability. Superior aberration suppression. And the most comprehensive optical VR image stabilization in the history of NIKKOR interchangeable lenses. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S sets an impressive new standard for fast telephoto zoom lenses optimized for the next generation of Nikon's advanced mirrorless cameras.Class-Leading Close Focusing.For greater framing versatility, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is capable of extremely short minimum focusing distances, allowing the lens' speed and performance enhancements to be realized in remarkably tight shooting scenarios. At 70mm, focus can be achieved as close as 0.5m from the subject, virtually unheard of in a telephoto zoom of this focal range.Incredibly Sharp Details.The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S captures astoundingly sharp images with captivating resolution and glorious clarity all the way to the edges of the frame. It's superior VR performance ensures exceptional sharpness when shooting handheld, & to combat color fringing while close focusing, an all-new multi-focusing system delivers fast, accurate autofocusing while drastically reducing aberrations.Superior Color & Sharpness.Ultimate aberration correction-virtually zero flare, ghosting, coma or chromatic, spherical and axial aberrations, even at the far edges of the frame. A new SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) glass element further combats chromatic aberrations caused by challenging short-wavelength light.Brilliant In Low Light.The exceptional combination of a bright f/2.8 aperture, high resolution NIKKOR optics and the brilliant Z mount makes the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S a tireless low light performer capable of clean, sharp images and faster shutter speeds in dark scenes and interiors.Frame-Filling Brightness.One of the many advantages of the larger Z mount is its ability to retain even illumination, especially at the corners of the frame, for bright, even exposures with minimal vignetting.Stunning Bokeh.Attached to the Z Mount, the largest full frame lens mount in the industry, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is capable of producing stunning bokeh qualities beyond the capabilities of comparable lenses.Steadier Than Ever.With built-in optical VR image stabilization effective for up to an unprecedented 5 stops* and Z series' high performance in-body image stabilization, tack-sharp images are easily achieved when shooting handheld. During video shooting, additional electronic VR (e-VR) can be enabled for even greater stability.Highly-Cinematic.The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a remarkable lens for video applications. Smooth, silent AF with virtually no focus breathing. Standard 77mm filter support. Superior optical image stabilization combines with the camera's* in-body image stabilization and Electronic VR. All of this added to the versatility of the highly useful 70-200mm focal range.Note: In-body image stabilization not available in all Z series cameras.Customizable Control Ring.The control ring can be used for quiet aperture control (great for iris transitions during video recording or situations where complete silence is critical), exposure compensation or ISO adjustments.Customizable Shortcuts.The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S features two convenient customizable Fn buttons right on the lens barrel. Set them to streamline your shooting experience-preview depth of field, lock focus, magnify to confirm focus and more.Lens Information Panel.A dimmable, built-in EL (Electroluminescent) display panel allows quick, convenient confirmation of aperture, focal length, focus distance and depth-of-field, even in dark situations.Optimal Anti-Reflective Performance.When subjects are backlit, incidental light can streak across the frame causing unwanted ghosting, reflections and flare. To counteract these anomalies and ensure crisp, clean images, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S employs two of Nikon's most advanced lens coatings: Nano Crystal Coat for eliminating incidental light from a diagonal direction and ARNEO Coat for eliminating incidental light from a vertical direction.Dust & Drip Resistant.Extensively sealed to keep dust and moisture out, especially around all moving parts of the lens barrel, for worry-free durability.Nikon Z 6II FeaturesZ 6II Mirrorless CameraMirrorless versatility on a whole new levelFull frame. Full pixel readout. Full featured 4K UHD VideoSubject acquisition with speed and precisionDual card slots (CFexpress/XQD + UHS-II SD)Comfortable. Durable. IntuitiveVertical Grip ReadyUSB-C constant power and chargingOne mount accepts them allNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S LensHigh-performance NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S telephoto zoom lens for Nikon's advanced Z seriesSuperior low light performance with bright f/2.8 aperture and high-resolution NIKKOR opticsClass-leading close focus ability and comprehensive optical VR image stabilizationUltra-quiet stepping motor (STM) for smooth, fast, and silent autofocusingAdvanced lens coatings for optimal anti-reflective performance and minimal chromatic aberrationsSpecial Features: Aspherical, Dustproof/Splashproof, Image StabilizationWarranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 12 months.https://www.nikonusa.com/content/warranty-program800-645-6687Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning detail with the Nikon Z 6II's 24.5MP full-frame image sensor.Experience incredible low light performance with ISO up to 51200 on this mirrorless camera.Record breathtaking 4K UHD videos at up to 30fps, perfect for professional videography.The included 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens delivers exceptional zoom range and clarity.Never miss a shot with the fast, precise autofocus system, featuring 273 focus points.Enjoy seamless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy file sharing.What's in the box:Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital CameraNikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S LensLi-Ion Battery (EN-EL15c)Battery Charger (MH-25A)USB CableHDMI/USB Cable ClipHot Shoe Cover (BS-1)Camera Strap (AN-DC19)Body Cap (BF-N1)Rubber Eyecup (DK-29)Nikon 1 Year Limited WarrantyBundle Includes:Flashpoint Zoom Li-Ion X R2 TTL Round Flash For Nikon, Godox V1 NGreen Extreme EN-EL15c 16.8Wh 7.0V 2400mAh Lithium Battery w/USB-C Charging PortProOptic 77mm Digital Essentials Filter KitProOptic Glass Screen Protector for Nikon Z5, Z6, Z6II Z7, Z7II, Z9 Panasonic S1ProOptic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning KitArticles & VideosThe Best 4K Video CamerasWhat is the Best Camera for Live Streaming Video?Street Photography Camera Guide: Which Camera is Best for You?What Is the Best Camera for Portraits?
- Z 6II Mirrorless Camera
- Mirrorless versatility on a whole new level
- Full frame. Full pixel readout. Full featured 4K UHD Video
- Subject acquisition with speed and precision
- Dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD + UHS-II SD)
- Comfortable. Durable. Intuitive
- Vertical Grip Ready
- USB-C constant power and charging
- One mount accepts them all
- NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens
- A 50mm f/1.8 like no other - Empowered by the Z system's larger mount, shorter flange distance, raw imaging power and video capabilities, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S will redefine your notion of what a 50mm f/1.8 lens can do
- Unfathomable sharpness - The sharpness achieved by this 50mm is nothing short of staggering. Z Mount delivers even lighting from the center of the frame to the far edges. No need to stop it down it's equally sharp at f/1.8 as it is at f/2.8
The 30-Second Version
The Z6 II scores a 95th percentile for build quality and a 94th percentile for burst speed, making it one of the toughest and fastest cameras for the money. Autofocus is good but not spectacular (81st percentile), and video trails the category leaders. At prices as low as $1400, it's a screaming value for anyone willing to trade cutting-edge AF for rugged speed and dual card reliability.
Overview
The Nikon Z6 II storms our database with a 95th percentile build quality and a 94th percentile burst speed. That means it's tougher than almost anything else in its class and fires at a blistering 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. Pair that with a dual EXPEED 6 engine and a 3.7M-dot EVF (88th percentile), and you get a camera that feels ridiculously responsive from the moment you pick it up. It retains the 24.5MP full-frame sensor that made the original Z6 a favorite, and now adds dual card slots and USB-C charging, fixing two of the biggest gripes from the first generation.
But the numbers also tell a more balanced story. Autofocus lands at the 81st percentile, solid but not class-leading, and video capabilities sit at the 74th percentile, which is respectable for a hybrid but won't excite dedicated filmmakers. The sensor resolution is middle-of-the-pack at the 52nd percentile, so don't expect the highest megapixels for massive crops. Still, with a price range that's dropped as low as $1400, the Z6 II throws out the value argument like a fastball.
Performance
Under the hood, the Z6 II's mechanical 14fps burst places it in a zone typically reserved for pricey sports bodies. In our database, only a handful of cameras beat it, and the difference in real use is that you can spray and pray with confidence. The 120fps electronic burst is there for silent situations, though with the usual rolling shutter caveats. IBIS is rated to 5 stops and sits in the 83rd percentile, so handheld shots at 1/15s with a steady hand are totally doable.
Autofocus tells a more nuanced story. The 273-point system is quick to lock and works beautifully for portraits and slower action, but its 81st percentile rank means it's not the relentless tracker that Sony's latest or Canon's R3 deliver. For birds in flight or a kid zigzagging on a soccer field, you might get a few misses in a burst. On the video side, internal 4K30 and 10-bit N-Log over HDMI are versatile, but the 74th percentile ranking reflects that there's no 4K60 internally and the AF can wander during recording. It's a great B-cam or YouTube setup, but if video is your main gig, there are stronger options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-tier build quality (95th percentile) feels like a brick yet weighs only 615g 99th
- Burst speed at 14fps (94th percentile) rivals dedicated sports cameras 95th
- Battery life hits the 90th percentile, easily lasting a full day of shooting 95th
- Gorgeous 3.7M-dot EVF with 88th percentile clarity makes manual focus a joy 93th
- Effective 5-stop IBIS (83rd percentile) adds real world sharpness to handheld shots
Cons
- Autofocus tracking sits at the 81st percentile, occasionally hiccuping with erratic subjects
- Video features (74th percentile) lack internal 4K60 and can't match dedicated hybrid cameras
- 24.5MP sensor (52nd percentile) is average for cropping and large prints
- No fully articulating screen, limiting vlogging and awkward-angle shots
- Limited native Z lens selection still a frustration for some niche shooters
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | BSI |
| Size | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 24.5 |
| ISO Range | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 6 |
Autofocus
| AF Points | 273 |
| AF Type | Auto/Manual |
| Eye AF | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes |
| Subject Detection | Yes |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 14 |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | Yes |
Video
| Max Resolution | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 30 |
| 1080p FPS | 100 |
| 10-bit | Yes |
| Log Profile | Yes |
| RAW Video | Yes |
| Codec | H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit |
Display & EVF
| Screen Size | 3.2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Articulating | Yes |
| EVF Resolution | 3690000 |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 kg / 4.8 lbs |
| Battery Life | 400 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB-C |
| HDMI | Mini-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | Yes |
Value & Pricing
With street prices dipping as low as $1400 for a body-only kit, the Z6 II has morphed from a solid midranger into an absolute steal. The $3203 spread across vendors means you absolutely need to shop around, but at that low end you're getting a weather-sealed, dual-card-slot full-frame body with build and burst stats that embarrass many $2500 cameras. For the price of a used enthusiast DSLR, you snag a modern mirrorless platform that grows with you. It's one of the best performance-per-dollar ratios in our entire database if you catch the right deal.
vs Competition
Stacked against the Sony a7 V, the Z6 II fights back with a faster burst (94th vs Sony's typically mid-80s percentile) and superior weather sealing, but Sony runs circles around it in autofocus tracking and internal video specs. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III offers stickier AF and more advanced 4K options, though the Nikon undercuts it heavily on the used market. The Fujifilm X-H2 and Panasonic GH7 trade blows with higher-resolution sensors or video codecs, but they sit in different sensor size leagues. For stills shooters who value toughness and speed over the latest face-detection wizardry, the Z6 II carves out a unique niche.
| Spec | Nikon Z 6II Z 6II | Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 | Canon EOS R6 Mark III R6 Mark III | Sony a7 a7 V | Panasonic LUMIX GH7 GH7 | OM System OM OM-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless | mirrorless |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame | 40.2MP aps-c | 32.5MP full-frame | 33MP full-frame | 25.2MP micro-four-thirds | 20.4MP micro-four-thirds |
| AF Points | 273 | 425 | 1053 | 759 | 315 | 1053 |
| Burst FPS | 14 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 75 | 120 |
| Video | 4K @30fps | 8K @60fps | 6K @120fps | 4K @120fps | 5K @120fps | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 2177 | 579 | 609 | 610 | 721 | 511 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 6II Z 6II | 82.7 | 72.3 | 99.3 | 94.9 | 75.8 | 53.9 | 91.2 | 84.3 | 63.5 | 93 | 94.6 | 84.7 |
| Fujifilm X-H2 X-H2 Compare | 88.1 | 95.4 | 89.5 | 85.4 | 99.9 | 97.1 | 96.9 | 84.3 | 83.8 | 93 | 94.6 | 93.5 |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark III R6 Mark III Compare | 98.4 | 87.8 | 94.8 | 93 | 89.3 | 58.9 | 96.5 | 99.4 | 93.4 | 93 | 94.6 | 99.6 |
| Sony a7 a7 V Compare | 95.7 | 88.6 | 94.9 | 90.9 | 89.3 | 60.2 | 96.6 | 99.7 | 93.4 | 93 | 94.6 | 96.1 |
| Panasonic LUMIX GH7 GH7 Compare | 84.6 | 87.8 | 97.2 | 95.2 | 97.4 | 56.3 | 89.2 | 84.3 | 93.4 | 93 | 94.6 | 96.1 |
| OM System OM OM-1 Mark II Compare | 98.4 | 99.7 | 81.8 | 99.8 | 85 | 42.3 | 94.2 | 84.3 | 0 | 93 | 94.6 | 99.6 |
Common Questions
Q: Is the Z6 II's autofocus reliable for wildlife and sports?
For most wildlife and field sports, yes. Its 81st percentile AF performance is fast and accurate in good light. But for small, erratic birds or rapid direction changes, expect occasional front-focusing. The 14fps burst (94th percentile) helps you hedge your bets with more frames to pick from.
Q: Does the 24.5MP sensor hold up for large prints?
Absolutely. While the sensor's resolution ranking is a median 52nd percentile, 24.5 megapixels comfortably supports 13x19-inch prints with plenty of detail. The real advantage is the sensor's strong low-light tonality, not raw pixel count, and that's where users say it shines.
Q: Can I use the Z6 II as a primary video camera?
It works for hybrid shooters, but its 74th percentile video ranking means it's not a video-first tool. You get 4K30 internal and 10-bit output via HDMI, but lack internal 4K60 and face some autofocus wander during recording. For serious video work, a Panasonic GH7 or Canon R6 Mark III would be a better fit.
Who Should Skip This
If your bread and butter is fast, unpredictable action like pro soccer or birds in flight, the 81st percentile AF will frustrate you when it loses tracking mid-burst. Vloggers will curse the lack of a fully articulating screen, and the 74th percentile video toolkit isn't robust enough for full-time filmmakers. Sticklers for the latest lens catalog will also bump into the Z mount's still-limited native selection for certain exotic focal lengths.
Verdict
The Z6 II is a case study in how deep discounts can turn a good camera into a brilliant recommendation. It's not flawless, the autofocus won't track like a hound, and the sensor won't break resolution records. But when you factor in the tank-like build, class-leading burst, dual card slots, and a low $1400 entry point, it becomes the rugged hybrid workhorse that makes sense for photographers who don't need the latest shiny object. Pair it with a Z 24-70 f/4 and you'll have a kit that handles 90% of what most shooters actually need.
