The Nikon Z6 II offers enhanced speed, increased versatility, and superior performance, representing an improved version of the versatile mirrorless camera tailored for advanced photography and videography. While it boasts numerous enhancements, the Z6 II maintains its well-known design and esteemed image quality, catering to the needs of professional multimedia creators. 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and Dual EXPEED 6 Processors The camera is equipped with a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor, designed for versatile shooting capabilities, exceptional performance in low-light conditions, and rapid readout speeds that enhance continuous shooting, video recording, and time-lapse photography. The back-illuminated architecture of the sensor ensures remarkably clean high-sensitivity output, minimizing noise even at elevated ISO settings, reaching a native ISO of 51200, while also delivering vibrant and smooth images at lower sensitivities, such as ISO 100. Complementing the sensor are dual EXPEED 6 image processors, which provide significant speed across the camera system, enabling continuous shooting at a rate of 14 frames per second for up to 124 consecutive images. UHD 4K Video Recording The Z6 II leverages its sensor and processing capabilities not only for still photography but also as a highly proficient multimedia camera. It supports UHD 4K video recording with full pixel readout at frame rates up to 30p, while Full HD 1080p recording is available at rates up to 120p for slow-motion effects. Users can store video files on the camera's internal memory cards or output them as uncompressed files to an optional external recorder through HDMI. The Z6 II introduces enhanced video features, such as N-Log gamma, which allows for the capture of flat footage that optimizes dynamic range, and HLG (HDR) for producing HDR-compatible recordings. Additional features include the capability to output high-quality 10-bit data via HDMI and an Electronic VR function that ensures stable handheld shooting. Focus Peaking aids in manual focus adjustments, and a Zebra Stripes feature assists in identifying overexposed areas in the frame. Audio can be recorded using the built-in stereo microphone, or an external microphone can be connected through the 3.5mm stereo jack for improved audio quality, with live monitoring available through the headphone jack. With the release of firmware version 1.10, the Z6 II now supports UHD 4K recording at frame rates of 60p and 50p, enables raw video output to Blackmagic Design Video Assist external recorders, and enhances eye-detection performance in Auto-Area AF and Wide-Area AF modes. 273-Point Phase-Detect AF System The sensor is equipped with an array of 273 phase-detect autofocus points that span 90% of the image area in both vertical and horizontal orientations. This configuration enables rapid and precise focusing for still images and video, ensuring effective subject tracking even near the edges of the frame. For video recording, hybrid autofocus is employed, seamlessly transitioning between phase-detect and contrast-detect systems to ensure smooth focusing throughout the shooting process. Furthermore, the newest NIKKOR Z lenses are designed for quiet operation. Vibration Reduction The in-body 5-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction technology effectively compensates for camera shake by up to 5 stops, irrespective of the Z-type lens employed. Additionally, this system is compatible with adapted F-mount lenses when utilizing the optional FTZ Adapter, which employs 3-axis stabilization. Body Design The device features a substantial 3.2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2.1 million dots, ensuring bright, clear, and vibrant image playback as well as live view shooting. Its tilting design facilitates shooting from both elevated and lowered positions, and the touchscreen functionality enhances intuitive operation, navigation, and control of settings. The device features a 3.6 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, designed for comfortable viewing at eye level. It offers a high magnification of 0.80x and incorporates NIKKOR optics to ensure a sharp and clear image. Additionally, the viewfinder is equipped with a fluorine coating, facilitating easier maintenance and cleaning. The top panel of the Z6 II is configured with a dot-matrix OLED display to provide quick access to important camera settings. The device is equipped with one CFexpress Type B/XQD memory card slot and one UHS-II SD card slot, allowing for versatile file storage options, including the ability to utilize repetitive, overflow, or segregated storage methods. A durable magnesium alloy chassis is designed to be resistant to dust and adverse weather, making it advantageous for operation in challenging environments and severe conditions. The design of the ergonomic grip and overall shape is optimized to enhance handling during prolonged use, further improved by the inclusion of an anti-slip material and a joystick that facilitates effortless adjustments and selection of focus points. The integrated SnapBridge connectivity facilitates the effortless transfer of low-resolution images and allows for remote shooting functionalities. The use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi establishes a communication link between the camera and a smart device. Furthermore, the mobile device can remotely activate the shutter and provide a live view from the camera, enabling operation from a distance. Additionally, SnapBridge serves as a convenient means for updating the camera's firmware. Second Generation Z Nikon has enhanced the Z6 platform by introducing increased speed, accelerated processing capabilities, and improved versatility, all while maintaining the cherished features of the original camera. Dual EXPEED 6 image processors offer increased buffer performance, a faster 14 fps continuous shooting rate, and noticeably reduced blackout times in the viewfinder. Updated autofocus now includes Eye and Face Detection for both humans and animals in the Wide-Area AF mode, for both photo and video recording. Timed long exposure shooting is now possible for up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) without the need of an external remote. Dual memory card slots offer more flexible file storage capabilities; one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II slot permit overflow, segregated, and repetitive saving options. USB Type-C port permits in-camera charging or continuous power for on-the-go charging or extended shooting times. The rotation direction of the focus ring on lenses can be switched to suit one's familiarity. Support for HDR (HLG) mode when recording externally gives instant HDR-suitable video files for immediate playback. N-Log is also available for enhanced control during post-production and grading, too. Future firmware update will add UHD 4K 60p recording, in addition to the current 30p frame rate. Eligible for an optional ProRes RAW upgrade, enabling the camera to output ProRes RAW footage to a compatible Atomos external recorder. This upgrade provides greater color grading flexibility with the ProRes codec along with the ability to output uncompressed 12-bit raw footage over HDMI. This upgrade will be available in early 2021. The SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used to update the camera's firmware, instead of relying on a memory card-based system of updating. Updated creative shooting modes include Multiple Exposure, 20 different Picture Control settings, and in-camera Timelapse recording. There is also a Focus Shift mode for recording up to 300 sequential frames with the focus position shifted between exposures for focus stacking applications. Compatible with optional MB-N11 Power Battery Pack for additional battery life and improved handling.
