Nikon is pleased to announce the launch of the Z 7 and Z 6, full-frame, Nikon FX-format mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses with new, larger-diameter lens mounts.
Find details about NIKKOR Z lenses here: https://bit.ly/2wrzHcm
Mirrorless reinvented with Nikon Z mount system
The Z mount system consists of mirrorless cameras with a new, larger diameter mount, as well as compatible NIKKOR lenses and accessories. This system has been realized in search of a new dimension in optical performance. They all inherit the traditions of quality, superior imaging technology, great usability and high reliability of Nikon's digital SLR cameras.
At the heart of the new Z mount system is a new, larger diameter lens mount that opens up new creative opportunities as well as greater possibilities in lens design. The Z mount system will offer many high-performance lenses*, including the fastest lens in Nikon history at f/0.95. The new lens mount adapter will also offer photographers more options as it is compatible with lenses equipped with the NIKKOR F mount.
"Z" is the first step of a new beginning. Nikon Z represents Nikon's pursuit of the ultimate in performance. It aims to redefine the possibilities and provide photographers with the tools to seek greater creativity.
While continuing its tradition of quality, Nikon will expand the benefits offered by mirrorless cameras in response to the evolution of imaging technology. Nikon will continue to lead the world in photography by providing photographers with stunning new products.
*With interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras and Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses
Z 7 and Z 6 product review
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new back-illuminated full-frame, Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal plane phase-detection AF and the latest image processing engine, EXPEED 6.
The Z 7 has an effective resolution of 45.7 megapixels and supports standard sensitivity from ISO 64 to 25600. Combined with NIKKOR Z lenses, this camera achieves an incredible level of sharpness and detail throughout the image.
The Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels and supports standard sensitivity over a wide range of ISO 100 to 51200. Offering superior performance at high sensitivities and full-frame 4K UHD movie recording with full pixel metering, Z 6 meets various needs such as taking photos and recording movies in dimly lit environments.
Main features of Z 7 and Z 6
1. Equipped with new back-illuminated Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal plane phase-detection AF
Both the Z 7 and Z 6 introduce a back-illuminated CMOS sensor with built-in focal plane phase-detection AF points. The Z 7 has an effective pixel count of 45.7 megapixels and supports standard sensitivity from ISO 64 to 25600 (downscaling to ISO 32 equivalent and upscaling to ISO 102400 equivalent is also possible). The Z 6 has an effective resolution of 24.5 megapixels and supports a wide standard sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 51200 (additional reduction to ISO 50 equivalent and increase to ISO 204800 equivalent is also possible).
2. A hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the image area
493 focus points* on the Z 7 and 273 focus points on the Z 6 allow for wide coverage of approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically. This hybrid AF system uses an FX-format sensor-optimized algorithm to automatically switch between focal plane phase-detection AF and focus-based contrast-detection AF. Using NIKKOR Z lenses further increases AF accuracy in both still images and movies.
*With FX (36 x 24) imaging area and single-point AF enabled.
3. New EXPEED 6 image processing system for sharp and clear imaging and new functions to support creative expression
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with the new EXPEED 6 image processing system. With the superior resolution power of NIKKOR Z and NIKKOR F mount lenses, subjects are rendered sharper than ever before. Noise is also effectively reduced.
Additionally, a medium sharpening option has been added to the Picture Control sharpness parameters. This option, along with existing sharpness and clarity parameters, allows users to make various textures within the screen sharper or softer, for both still images and movies*. These cameras also offer 20 separate Creative Picture Control options to support creative expression. The effect level can be adjusted between 0 and 100.
*The Medium sharpness setting is only available on the "High quality" movie setting.
4. Electronic viewfinder that leverages Nikon's superior optical and image processing technologies to deliver a clear, natural view
The electronic viewfinder introduced for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and convenient compared to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder using a 3690k-dot OLED panel. The electronic viewfinder has approximately 100% frame coverage, 0.8x magnification, and approximately 37.0-degree diagonal viewing angle. Leveraging Nikon's superior optical and image processing technologies, it guarantees a comfortable and clear view comparable to that of optical viewfinders, with reduced chromatic aberration and minimal eye fatigue even during long-term shooting. Moreover, a fluorine coating has been applied to the eyepiece protection window, which effectively repels dust. In addition, the menu can be displayed in the electronic viewfinder, allowing users to quickly view and apply various shooting settings, including ISO sensitivity, AF area mode, and Picture Control, all from the viewfinder.
5. Unique Nikon ergonomic design for intuitive use
The Z 7 and Z 6 inherit the superior usability that Nikon has honed over the years of developing its cameras. The bodies are compact yet feature a firm grip surface that's easy to hold, and buttons similar to those used for the sub-selector, AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation, all of which can be used quickly and easily. Additionally, just like high-end digital SLR camera models, a screen is placed on the top of this camera where setting information can be displayed.
6. Film features such as 10-bit N-Log providing wide dynamic range and time coding for professional needs
The Z 7 and Z 6 support not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)/30p movie recordings, but also Full HD/120p movies using the FX-based movie format. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible using full pixel metering.* 1 In addition, Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction and peaking can be used in 4K UHD and Full HD movie recording. Nikon's native N-Log is also available with the 10-bit* 2 HDMI output. These cameras use extensive color depth, twelve stops, 1300% dynamic range to record a wealth of tonal information from highlights and shadows for more effective color transitions. Time encoding support makes it easier to sync videos and audio with movies recorded on different devices. In addition, the NIKKOR Z lenses' internal control ring can be used to quietly and smoothly adjust settings such as aperture and exposure compensation.
* 1 except FX-based movie format for Z 7
* 2 It is not possible to record simultaneous 4K UHD movies with 10-bit output to the camera's memory card.
* 3 Movies are recorded only on the external recorder, not on the camera's memory card.
7. Nikon's first with 5.0 stop* 2 effect* 1 with built-in vibration reduction technology
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR) technology. The VR unit provides motion compensation in five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately 5.0 stops*. This function is available when the FTZ mount adapter (sold separately)* 3 is attached; It can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including lenses not equipped with VR functionality.
* 1 Among cameras with interchangeable lenses
* 2 Measured according to CIPA standards (using NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S at telephoto zoom position).
* 3 The level of compensation achieved when using a NIKKOR F mount lens is not as high as when using a NIKKOR Z lens.
8. Other features
• Operating system inherited from Nikon digital SLR cameras, allowing intuitive use of keys and buttons
• Same level of toughness, durability, and dust and water resistance as the Nikon D850, in a compact body
• Approx. 2100k-dot 8 cm (3.2 inch) touchscreen LCD display with tilt-angle display mechanism
• Silent shooting, eliminating shutter shake and noise. The new peaking stacked image function* 1 allows the user to confirm correct settings after focus shift shooting. Simulated black and white image using peaking technology mimics what depth of field will look like after all images are combined to form a focus stack in editing software* 2
• High-speed continuous shooting (enhanced) at approximately 9 fps (Z 7) and 12 fps (Z 6) capturing fast movements* 3
• Interval shooting that enables 8K (Z 7) time-lapse movie creation* 2
• Extended low-light measurement range* 4 allows users to view images ranging from sunset to starry night sky, etc. allows you to easily capture transitional scenes using automatic exposure
• Built-in Wi-Fi® for direct connection to a smart device using SnapBridge
• Built-in Wi-Fi® that enables image and movie transfer to the computer
• Support for existing digital SLR camera accessories such as the WT-7 wireless transmitter (sold separately) for high-speed transfer of images and movies over wired or wireless LAN and radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting that enables flexible multi-flash shooting
* 1 Can only be confirmed using the camera on which focus shift is performed.
* 2 Third-party software required.
* 3 Continuous H (enhanced) in 12-bit RAW, JPEG or TIFF format
* 4 With time-lapse photography or time-lapse movie recording with silent shooting and exposure correction enabled.
Development of MB-N10 Battery Pack
Currently under development, the MB-N10 battery pack will carry two EN-EL15b rechargeable Li-ion batteries, effectively increasing the number of shots and/or movie recording time by approximately 1.8 times. While it will offer the same level of dust and water resistance as the Z 7 and Z 6, the EH-7P will support USB charging using the AC charging adapter.
