Nikon Z6 Gets Silver Award at DPReview (88% Overall Score)

DPReview completed their Nikon Z6 full frame mirrorless camera review and test results: The new Nikon Z6 camera gets an impressive 88% overall score and Silver Award from the experts at DPReview.

Nikon Z6 Key Features:

  • 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
  • UHD 4K30 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
  • 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System
  • Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction
  • 0.80x 3.6m-Dot EVF with NIKKOR Optics
  • 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • 12 fps Shooting; ISO 100-51200
  • Top-Panel Dot-Matrix OLED; XQD Card Slot
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

What we like

  • Excellent resolution and high ISO performance
  • Superb build quality and weather-sealing
  • Effective 5-axis image stabilization
  • Partial or complete backward compatibility with most F-mount lenses
  • Large, ultra-high-res EVF
  • Respectable subject tracking performance
  • Beautiful oversampled UHD 4K video
  • 10-bit Log footage to external recorder
  • Video and stills settings are ‘sandboxed’ from one another
  • Top-panel OLED display
  • Minimal rolling shutter, when shooting 4K video with DX crop
  • Usable silent shutter mode
  • Easy to use, mostly reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB charging

What we don’t

  • Selecting a subject to track is cumbersome
  • AF system doesn’t always refocus on new subjects when in Auto Area mode
  • Lower EVF refresh rate than competition from Sony/Canon
  • On-sensor AF may cause banding, slightly limiting usable dynamic range
  • Default JPEG noise reduction a bit heavy-handed at higher ISOs
  • Touchscreen cannot be used for ‘touchpad AF’ when using the EVF
  • No linear response option for video shooters wishing to manual focus
  • Battery life may be limited with frequent Wi-Fi use
  • Limited native lens selection
  • Pre-amp can add hiss when using external mics

Conclusion from DPReview:

The Nikon Z6 is a well-built full-frame mirrorless camera that produces excellent stills and 4K video. Autofocus is reliable most of the time, including during burst shooting, though selecting a subject on which to track is clumsy. The camera’s built-in image stabilization works well on native and ‘classic’ Nikon glass. Battery life isn’t class-leading, and some improvements related to manual focus in video should be addressed, but overall Nikon has a winner in the Z6.

Nikon Z6: $1,996.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm Lens: $2,596.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

$100 off on Nikon Z6 with FTZ Mount Adapter Kit: $2,146.90 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

$100 off on Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm Lens and FTZ Mount Adapter : $2,746.90 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.