Nikon Z6 Mirrorless

An absolute peach of a full-frame mirrorless camera with a gorgeous EVF and superb stabilization, held back by a single card slot and thirsty battery. Buy it for the image quality, not for pro redundancy.

The Nikon Z6 is Nikon's first serious mirrorless full-framer that doesn't feel like a prototype. It's an all-rounder that nails the basics: fantastic image quality, solid ergonomics, and an EVF so good you'll forget it's not optical. The AF system is reliable, the IBIS works beautifully, and video specs are generous for a camera from 2018. But it's not without compromises—the single memory card slot and reliance on pricey XQD cards will bug pros. Still, for someone stepping into full-frame mirrorless, this thing is a joy to shoot with.

What surprised me most is how the Z6 handles low light. The 24.5MP BSI sensor is no slouch; it's sharp, and ISO 12,800 files are totally usable. The autofocus is quick and accurate in most situations, though it might not track fast subjects with the same tenacity as a Sony. The IBIS system gives you a solid 5 stops, making handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds a breeze. It's not class-leading, but it's so well implemented that you'll rely on it without even thinking.

With a ridiculous vendor price spread from $785 to over $400,000 (yes, we know, that's a typo or scam), you can snag a Z6 body for a bargain if you stick to reputable sellers. At under $800 used, it's a steal for a capable full-frame camera. Even at its original MSRP, it delivered solid value. If you find one at a sane price, buy it without guilt.

Stack it against the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and the Z6 holds its own in image quality and build, but falls behind in autofocus sophistication and burst speed. The R6 II also has dual card slots and better battery life. The Fujifilm X-H2 offers a higher-resolution APS-C sensor and awesome video features, but lacks the full-frame look and low-light advantage. If you're already in the Nikon ecosystem, the Z6 is a no-brainer. For everyone else, weigh how much you care about card slots and battery life.

If you must have dual card slots, longer battery life, or the latest AI autofocus tricks, the Z6 isn't for you. Grab a Canon R6 Mark II or a Nikon Z6 II instead. Also, if you need a super-light body, this isn't it—the Z6 is noticeably heavier than many mirrorless competitors.

The Nikon Z6 is still a fantastic camera for enthusiasts and hybrid shooters who value image quality and nice-to-use hardware over cutting-edge specs. It's not the latest, but firmware updates have kept it competitive. If you find a good deal, it's hard not to recommend. Just budget for an extra battery and an XQD card.