Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body Review

If you're hunting for a full-frame mirrorless camera that doesn't break the bank, the Nikon Z6 is a name you'll see a lot. It's built around a 24.5MP backside-illuminated sensor and Nikon's new Z mount, which is designed for future lenses and promises sharp images. At around $886 for the body, it sits in that sweet spot for photographers ready to step up from APS-C or older DSLRs. People often ask, 'is the Z6 good for video?' The short answer is yes, it's actually one of its strongest suits, with 4K video and solid slow-motion options. It's also a solid pick for wedding and event photography, thanks to its robust build and reliable performance.

The Z6's 24.5MP sensor lands in the 71st percentile for sensor performance, which means it delivers clean, detailed images with good dynamic range, especially in low light. Its burst shooting hits 12 frames per second, putting it in the 86th percentile, so it can keep up with fast action. Where it really shines is video, scoring in the 90th percentile. It shoots 4K video and can do 1080p at 120fps for smooth slow motion. The autofocus system, with 273 phase-detect points, is competent but sits in the 45th percentile. It's reliable for most situations, but it's not the fastest or stickiest system out there, especially compared to some newer rivals.

At $886, the Z6 is a compelling value in the used or refurbished market. You're getting pro-level build quality and excellent video features that often cost more from other brands. The catch is you might want to budget for a lens or an adapter, as it's a body-only deal. For someone who values video work and a tough camera body, it's hard to beat at this price point.

Let's talk competitors. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a more modern all-rounder with blazing autofocus and IBIS, but it costs significantly more. The Sony a7 III, often compared directly, has better autofocus and battery life, and a more mature lens ecosystem, but the Z6 often has a price advantage and better video color science out of the box. For a hybrid shooter on a tighter budget, the Z6 makes a strong case against the a7 III. If you're purely a stills photographer, the Fujifilm X-S20 offers amazing value and features in a smaller APS-C package, but you lose the full-frame look.

So, should you buy the Nikon Z6? If you're a hybrid shooter who does a lot of video and stills, and you value build quality over having the absolute latest autofocus tech, this camera is a fantastic buy. It's a workhorse. But if your primary focus is fast-action stills photography or vlogging (where its lack of a flip-out screen and stabilization hurts), you might be better served by a Canon R6 Mark II or a Sony a6400. For the right person, the Z6 is a lot of camera for the money.