Nikon announces the Z 6 II and Z 7 II

Thursday 15 October 2020, 18:36 by Nando Harmsen | 3,956 views | 5 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

Nikon has released an update to its first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z 6 and Z 7. This is the first time Nikon has used the term Mark II. These second-generation mirrorless cameras are therefore called the Z 6 II and Z 7 II.

The official launch was accompanied by an online event. Several photographers who had used these new cameras spoke during the event.

This online event was a flashy film, full of fast images, with the eye autofocus repeatedly featured, along with increased speed from the new Expeed 6 processors used in the bodies.

Nothing has changed on the outside of these cameras. All the changes are hidden inside the camera bodies.

The cameras have the much-requested dual card slot, and the option to use a battery grip. Here is an overview of what you can expect from the new Z 6 and Z 7.

The Nikon Z 6 II

The Nikon Z 7 II

Dual card slot

This is perhaps the biggest change. The cameras now accept two cards. Alongside the XQD/CFExpress Type B card, you can use a UHS-II SD card, with all the expected writing combinations. There is no option to write video to one card and photos to the other.

Vertical grip

What was conspicuously absent from the first models was a battery grip with a full set of buttons for operating the camera in a vertical position. That has now changed.

The new MB-N11 grip is a full grip for the Z 6 II and Z 7 II, with a second set of controls for vertical shooting, and room for two batteries instead of one in the body. It also has a USB-C connection.

Instead of the old grip, without duplicate controls, Nikon now has the MB-N11, which does offer this.

New type of battery

Nikon has chosen a new battery, the EN-EL15c, with a higher capacity. This can provide 5 to 10 per cent more images per battery charge. Older types of battery can still be used as well.

Dual processors

The camera has two Expeed 6 processors, giving it more processing power. As a result, the Z 6 II can process up to 14 frames per second, and the Z 7 II up to 10 frames per second.

This increased speed is only possible with 12-bit RAW images and a single AF point. The camera's buffer also empties faster with these processors.

Autofocus improvements

In wide-area AF mode, these second-generation cameras now have eye AF, both for people and animals.

This means that these AF modes are no longer limited to part of the image. Since this has become possible thanks to the new processors, it is unlikely that this update will also become available on the older models.

The camera is also better at focusing when little light is available. This means the slow low-light AF mode is needed less often. The cameras perform about 1 stop better than their predecessors.

Improved EVF

The Z 6 II and Z 7 II use the same 3.69 MP OLED viewfinders, but the blackout times between shots have been reduced. Viewfinder lag has also been reduced. Nikon has not said how much better it is.

Powering via USB

The cameras can be powered via USB. This makes it possible to shoot for a very long time, such as during a timelapse.

You do need a USB-C to USB-C cable for this, to have enough power. On top of that, you can charge the batteries in the camera via the USB-C cable.

Video updates

One of the changes is the option to record 4K internally at 60 frames per second. Initially, this is only available on the Z 7 II. The Z 6 II will receive this as a free update in February 2021.

There are also extra options for recording to an external recorder, although some updates will be offered as paid updates, including recording a RAW video stream.

Smaller updates

There are also a series of smaller updates and improvements. One of these is the option to set the shutter speed to up to 900 seconds, 15 minutes, instead of the standard 30 seconds.

There is also the option to create a video from interval shots, instead of the normal timelapse mode. This was already available on the Nikon D780.

New is the option to change the direction of the focus ring, something that will be a welcome option for filmmakers. This lets you set the direction of rotation to match that of lenses from most other brands.

What is the same?

The camera's appearance is unchanged, as are the positions of the buttons and control dials. The resolution of the sensors also remains the same.

In that respect, it will be difficult to distinguish the Mark I from the Mark II. The menu is also the same, apart from the new functions added to the cameras.

Everything in a nutshell

The original Z 6 and Z 7 received quite a lot of criticism. This second generation has addressed the source of that criticism for the most part, if not entirely. The Z 6 II and Z 7 II therefore seem to be the cameras that the original Z 6 and Z 7 should have been.

If some of the criticisms of the first generation had stopped you from choosing a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera, there is now no reason not to choose one.

How the new and improved functions perform in practice, and how they compare with the competition, will become clear in the coming months, when reviews appear online.

Price and availability

The Nikon Z 7 Mark II will be available at the end of 2020 for a recommended retail price of 3,399 euros. The cheaper Nikon Z 6 Mark II will already be available at the beginning of November, with a recommended retail price of 2,199 euros.

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About the author

Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.

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5 comments

Ray wrote on Tuesday 20 October 2020 at 13:01 | reply
The Z6 II and Z7 II are really an improvement compared to the 1st version. I am curious how this camera handles the F lenses+adapter, is this camera still that fast with its AF? Nikon is still missing lenses for its Z camera, for example a zoom lens like the 200-500. so for nature photographers that is a real shame.
Translated from Dutch.

swa wrote on Tuesday 20 October 2020 at 17:29 | reply
"What was conspicuously absent from the first models was a battery grip. That has now changed." There is indeed one for the Z6 and Z7, namely the MB-N10 grip. The one that appears here in this report as a photo with reference to the new MB-N11 battery grip?
Translated from Dutch.

Nando wrote on Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 09:45 | reply
@swa:
you're right... there was a battery grip, but not with buttons for vertical operation. Strange that the promo photo I received from Nikon is the old one.
I’ll adjust the text in the article. Thanks for pointing it out.
Translated from Dutch.

Jim wrote on Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 12:14 | reply
It is almost a sick strategy on Nikon's part, but also on Canon's and other camera manufacturers' part, to first come out with some kind of stripped-down model(s) and only after a lot of negative reactions from users eventually come out with a more acceptable, improved model. By doing so, the manufacturers often deliberately create unnecessary double investments for users! Knowing that, I have usually reacted very cautiously when a new model was introduced. I am not such a fan of being taken for a ride by camera manufacturers! Over the years, besides other camera brands and types, I have remained loyal to a brand with both the analogue 35mm SLR cameras and today's full-frame digital cameras.
Translated from Dutch.

Nando wrote on Tuesday 27 October 2020 at 09:39 | reply
@Jim:
There is virtually no need for anyone to upgrade immediately to a new model. Why would you? When a new camera is introduced, the old one hasn't suddenly become bad. You're absolutely right to simply keep taking photos with your camera. Only when it has worn out is it time to switch. Upgrading can only make sense if the new features are useful for your photography. This often only applies to the professional who makes a living from it.
Translated from Dutch.

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