Today Nikon announced its second-generation full-frame mirrorless camera bodies, the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II. These are modest, but important updates that address many of the concerns from the first generation bodies. First of all, Nikon added a second memory card slot to both cameras, so you can now use an SD UHS-II memory card in addition to the existing CFexpress / XQD card. Second, both cameras now feature dual EXPEED 6 processors, which opens up a number of improvements that could not have been delivered via firmware updates on existing Z6 and Z7 cameras bodies.
For example, both cameras will be able to shoot faster frame rates – the Z6 II gains 2 FPS to deliver up to 14 FPS, while the Z7 II gains 1 FPS to deliver up to 10 FPS continuous shooting speed. 4K video shooting frame rate is also going to get doubled to 60 FPS on both cameras.
Another hardware-related complaint from the first generation was a fairly small buffer, which gets a significant boost on both cameras. The Nikon Z7 II is going to get 3.3x larger buffer when compared to the Z7, while the Z6 II gets a 3.5x larger buffer compared to its predecessor.
Thanks to the dual processors, both cameras are going to get much better autofocus capabilities for regular and low-light shooting. Eye / Face detection has been aded to the Wide Area Mode, and it will now also function continuously when shooting videos.
Unlike the first generation bodies, both Z6 II and Z7 II will be able to use a real vertical battery grip with buttons and dials. The new MB-N11 vertical grip will be compatible with both cameras, which is great, as you will be able to use it interchangeably between the two cameras.
The best part, however, is pricing. While Nikon kept the price of the Z6 II at the same MSRP as the Z6 at $1,999, the Nikon Z7 II has been discounted by $400 to $2,999 MSRP. This is great, and certainly welcome news for such a fine mirrorless camera!
When it comes to ergonomics, the second generation bodies remain identical. Personally, I am a big fan of the buttons and controls on my Z6 and Z7 cameras, so I am happy that Nikon has decided to keep the ergonomic experience the same. I only wish we got illuminated buttons, which would be especially welcome to see on the Z7 II.
Overall, considering that both the Z6 and Z7 are already such amazing cameras, it seems like this update is going to push their performance even further. The biggest concern I personally have is for the autofocus performance – I wonder how much better AF tracking and sensitivity is going to be in the real world. If Nikon can improve the AF speed, accuracy and reliability in different lighting conditions including low-light, all other improvements will be icing on the cake.
Official Press Release
Below is the official press release from Nikon:
The High-Resolution, High Performance Z 7II and the Versatile, Multimedia Powerhouse Z 6II Offer More Innovation, Power, Speed and Precision to Step into a New Era of Creative Freedom
MELVILLE, NY (October 14, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled the next chapter of the Z series with the arrival of two new full-frame mirrorless cameras that significantly improve upon the previous generation by adding more power, more features and more of what users want. The ultra-high-resolution Z 7II is for those with an eye for impeccable details, offering professionals and advanced photographers a powerful tool to capture immense resolution in every shot. For dynamic creators who need a device as versatile as they are, the Z 6II balances powerful performance and an expert-level multimedia feature set to bring any creative vision to life. Together, the Z 7II and Z 6II, along with new accessories, expand the Z series into a more robust mirrorless platform, incorporating many performance and design upgrades while maintaining the most popular features of their award-winning predecessors.
“As we evolve the Nikon Z series into the future, we continue to strengthen the platform, keeping the needs of our customers at the center of every new innovation and added feature,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “These are the cameras that many have been waiting for from Nikon. The new Z 7II and Z 6II demonstrate our commitment to listening to customer feedback, while also establishing the new standard for performance, quality and versatility for every type of creator, photographer or filmmaker.”
The Nikon Z Mount – The Most Light Means the Best Images
The Nikon Z mount is larger than any other full-frame mount, letting in significantly more light for the best possible image quality. The wider mount also allows for radical new concepts in optical design, giving lens designers the flexibility to create NIKKOR Z lenses with more edge-to-edge sharpness than ever thought possible. These new cameras expand the possibilities of the superior Z mount with performance upgrades designed to improve the quality, workflow and shooting experience for Nikon Z series users.New Features and Upgrades: Customer-Focused Innovation Drives Creativity
– Dual EXPEED 6 Processors for Twice the Power: At the heart of the new Z 7II and Z 6II is the implementation of two EXPEED 6 image processors, turbocharging performance to improve processing speed and increasing burst capability for stills — all while increasing power efficiency.
– Built for Confidence, Built for Creators: The cameras retain robust weather sealing, user-focused ergonomics and an intuitive interface– distinctions that Nikon users have come to rely on. The new models also offer improvements such as dual memory card slots, with one CFexpress (type B)/XQD slot and one SD card slot (UHS-II), for maximum versatility and peace of mind. Users will also benefit from more power and comfortable vertical shooting with the addition of the optional new MB-N11 battery pack with vertical grip.
– Enhanced Focus System: With an updated, feature-rich autofocus system, the Z 7II and Z 6II quickly acquire focus and track subjects throughout the frame. For more precise autofocusing, Eye and Face-Detection AF is now available in the Wide-Area AF (L) mode, which works to avoid focusing on distracting elements by isolating selected portions of an image. Additionally, both models have an improved low-light AF detection range that is capable of acquiring subjects in challenging lighting.
– Advanced Video Capabilities: Expanding the boundaries of 4K UHD video, the Z 7II and Z 6II enhance video output with an increased frame rate of 4K (UHD) 60p, plus Eye-Detection AF mode when recording video. While currently available in the Z 7II, the 4K 60p option is planned to be available in a free firmware upgrade for the Z 6II in February 2021. As a result of pro user feedback, the models also allow users to reverse the focus ring orientation on the fly, benefitting those who are used to manual focusing using traditional cine lenses on set. For added flexibility in post-production, 10-bit N-Log and HDR (HLG) output offers more detail, dynamic range and contrast in captured footage, while the optional 12-bit ProRes RAW upgrade delivers greater creative control for professionals and advanced videographers.
Nikon Z 7II: Absolute Immersive Masterpiece
The Z 7II promises high-resolution stills and video for discerning users who need ultimate performance to achieve exceptional image quality in every shot. A powerful upgrade to the Nikon Z 7, the Z 7II is the ideal camera for capturing highly detailed portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, and commercial photography when there is no compromise on image quality.– The Z 7II features a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor to help capture intense detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and clarity that overwhelms. The exceptionally clean native ISO range from ISO 64 to 25,600 offers the functional freedom to shoot at wide apertures in bright light or in-studio with minimal noise.
– With up to 10 fps maximum shooting speed at full resolution in Continuous H (extended), the Z 7II can handle fast burst rates with more than triple (3.3x) the buffer capacity of the Z 7 (in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW).
– The Z 7II’s 493 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points cover 90 percent of the frame, quickly and accurately acquiring subjects, even at its far edges. The Z 7II is capable of acquiring focus in half the light (as low as -3 EV), making it the reliable tool for low-light scenes such as weddings and indoor events.
Nikon Z 6II: True Multimedia Powerhouse
The Z 6II is the most versatile Z series camera yet, balancing speed, power, low-light ability, and advanced video features for dynamic creators who need pro-level performance and reliability.– Building on the vast pro-caliber video capabilities of the Z 6, the Z 6II is capable of recording 4K UHD video quality with full pixel readout, demonstrating the advantages of mirrorless technology. The camera is capable of a variety of frame rates, including 4K UHD 60p with full pixel readout, which is planned to be available in February 2021 via a firmware update. It is also capable of 4K 30p, as well as Full HD 120p for slow motion.
– Built with videographers in mind, the Z 6II’s AF speed and tracking sensitivity is adjustable to meet creative needs, while the focus ring is also reversible. Useful indicators for focus peaking, zebra stripes and timecodes help capture the best possible footage in-camera and simplify workflow.
– For both models, 10-bit output to an external recorder with N-Log is possible as well as the capture of new HDR (HLG) video and output in 12-bit ProRes RAW with the optional upgrade. For upgrade customers, additional support will also be included for Blackmagic RAW when using the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR recorder. This upgrade will also be provided for existing customers who have already purchased a ProRes RAW upgrade for the Nikon Z 6 or Z 77.
– The Z 6II and Z 7II are the first Nikon cameras to support Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF with video recording, enabling continuous focus on the eyes of humans, dogs, and cats.
– The Z 6II features a 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for crisp stills and video capture with impressive detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and impressive low light performance. To confidently shoot in challenging light, the camera has an impressive ISO range from ISO 100–51,200, expandable up to ISO 204,800 equivalent.
– Thanks to the addition of dual EXPEED 6 Processors, the Z 6II boasts a fast 14 fps continuous shooting speed, providing quick performance for capturing action, with more than 3.5x the buffer capacity of the Z 6.
– The Z 6II’s enhanced AF system features 273 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points for easy subject acquisition and tracking throughout the frame, including at the edges. Capable of focusing in half the light (down to -4.5 EV), the Z 6II easily acquires focus in extreme low light scenarios, making it an ideal option for capturing nightscapes and events.
The Nikon Experience: Reliability & Workflow
Both the Z 7II and Z 6II adopt the Z series’ durable Magnesium Alloy build and extensive weather-sealed design for all-around protection in rugged environments. Both models focus on improved workflow with intuitive features and controls that enhance the creative process.– The Z 6II and Z 7II enable convenient iMenu access for autofocus modes such as the new Wide-Area AF (L) mode for people or animals, with built-in Eye and Face-Detect autofocus, allowing users to quickly switch between controls while shooting.
– USB power delivery can be enabled while the cameras are in use, drawing power from the USB source first, to preserve camera battery or charging while the camera is turned off (when using the EN-EL15b or EN-EL15c battery).
– The Z 6II and Z 7II also include in-camera exposure choices for up to 900 seconds for capturing super slow-shutter nighttime cityscapes and astrophotography.
– Both the Z 6II and Z 7II are compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility software beta, ensuring seamless webcam functionality for all occasions. When using this function with a USB-C cable, power can be supplied to the camera to power it while using it as a webcam, making turnkey webcam functionality as easy as plugging in a USB-C cable.
– In addition to its seamless file transfer and remote camera control, the Nikon SnapBridge app can be used to streamline the firmware update process by wirelessly sending the latest firmware file directly to the Z 7II or Z 6II for updating, no card reader or computer necessary.
– Portions of the information display can be hidden with still-image shooting and video recording, allowing an unobstructed view of the scene.
– In-camera vibration reduction (VR) provides camera-shake compensation equivalent to 5-stops.
A Rapidly Expanding Ecosystem
Nikon is committed to expanding the NIKKOR Z lens lineup to complement the exceptional power of these latest mirrorless cameras, with 16 NIKKOR Z lenses currently available, including the recently announced NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S and 14-24mm f/2.8 S. The lineup will expand to include a total of 24 innovative optics by the end of 2021, providing Z series users with the tools to achieve the highest level of optical excellence.The ecosystem is also expanding with more accessories, including the addition of the new MB-N11 Power Battery Pack with vertical grip for the Z 6II and Z 7II. This new grip features convenient external controls for additional manual operation and customization, along with more comfortable portrait orientation shooting. While battery life is extended up to 1.9×10 (CIPA standard), the battery grip also includes a hot-swappable chamber, granting users the ability to remove or replace one battery while shooting for uninterrupted power – a true benefit for content creation. The vertical grip also adds a secondary USB-C port for standalone charging and simultaneous communication with other devices.
Additionally, Nikon has announced new wireless transceivers for remote triggering and radio-controlled lighting, the WR-R11a and WR-R11b. The new wireless transceiver units use radio frequencies to communicate and are designed for users who need minimal release lag when shooting wirelessly, or those that use one or more remote flashes (AWL). The user can control additional remote cameras simultaneously using the WR-T10 remote, or via a main camera equipped with the WR-R11a/b. The WR-R11a uses a 10-pin connector, while the WR-R11b connects through the accessory terminal that can be found on Z series mirrorless cameras and select DSLRs. The units can also trigger Nikon radio-controlled flash units, such as the popular SB-5000 Speedlight, without the need for an additional receiver unit. Engineered with a new hinged design, the WR-R11a increases durability when attached to a camera.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z 7II will be available in December 2020 in two configurations, body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,999.95* and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $3,599.95*. The Nikon Z 6II will be available in November 2020 and will also be available in two configurations, body-only for an SRP of $1,999.95*, and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $2,599.95*. The MB-N11 Battery Pack with vertical grip will be available in November 2020 for an SRP of $399.95. The WR-R11a and WR-R11b (sold separately) will be available in November 2020, and each will have an SRP of $199.95 for the controller only. They will also be available as a set including the controller and the WR-T10 wireless remote controller for an SRP of $279.95.
Pre-Order Information
If you would like to pre-order these cameras, you can do so using the following links from our trusted partner B&H Photo Video:
When Nikon upgraded the D300 to the D300S in 2009 it initially appeared like a small change, just adding SD-cards and upping the FPS slightly. Sounds similar to the Z6ii upgrade right? But it became quickly apparent that the D300S had a number of operational improvements (i menu, central ok button, faster focusing etc.) that ironed out the quirks of the D300 and turned it into a body that ruled the APS-C realm for the following 6-years.
Now I’m not expecting the same longevity with the Z6ii, but it seems that the new model has included most of the improvements people asked for and has added various menu refinements that were seen in the Z50 a year ago which eliminate most menu quirks (already far better than most competitors). Additionally, I notice the improved blackout performance and quicker i-menu AF mode selection are very promising. Hence, it seems to me that, unless you’re one of these YouTube Vloggers who live in a strange world where 4K60 is necessary for shooting Mum & Pop movies, it’s likely the Z6ii will be a hugely competent full-frame camera at a pretty good price. Looking forward to a sensible review against the 10-bit 4:2:2 nonsense elsewhere.
I want to hear from all the very annoying fanboys who shouted down anyone who said the original ones should have had two slots and not just one ;) apparently Nikon agreed with literally everyone else that two slots are better than one, glad to see they saw the error of their way.
All in all, this is what I feel to be an objectively boring upgrade but it made a fairly compelling product into a pretty amazing all-around one without any price hikes, so kudos to Nikon. While it feels like these are the cameras that should have come out two years ago, they’re still great value for the money.
I’ll update my wish list with a “FTZ with AF-D compatibility pretty please Nikon” but other than that, nicely done.
When the Z6 and 7 came out I thought they looked like a good set up but experience (Nikon D800) has taught me to never buy the first iteration of a new camera system. I think that many Nikon users are like me and have been waiting for the upgraded versions (Z6II or Z7II). The 2 card slots is an important addition, so is the buffer and improved auto focus. However the addition of a vertical battery grip is probably more important for me than either of those.
Overall I think I am now willing to start searching for some spare cash. BTW: Forget the iPhone 12 until 5G has had time to actually start to deliver.
Why only single point AF for 10 FPS on Z7II and 14 FPS on Z6II? That’s useless for tracking action and wildlife. So basically the maximum framerates on these cameras have not changed, unless in lab conditions.
Nikon mirrorless has finally ARRIVED.!!! Z6 II is gonna outsell everything else. Played it real smart with the pricing also. Is it possible to put comparision of z6 vs z6 II etc. in table format, Nasim.? Thanks in advance.
Firoz, I am working on it right now, will be up shortly.
Great.
Now, the big question is, Should I buy this or iphone 12 pro max? iPhone is really killing it. Its gonna be great for street, landscape, night, low light, portraits, indoor, wedding photography and the video capabilities, of course. I do like my camera to make calls and come loaded with apps. Interesting proposition, this new iPhone 12 is. For instagrammers, it is really more than enough. Or, is it enough, in general? What are your thoughts, Nasim? Where are these mirrorless /dslr heading to?
I think I need to jump in now that the lenses that I am eyeing on are also available along with the second gen z7. But I wonder, how many of the wishlist items are fulfilled (now, where is that list again? :))
Venu, good point, and I hope Nikon addressed at least some of the issues highlighted in my Nikon Z firmware wishlist article from 2018. The biggest one for me personally, is ability to hide all the information from the LCD screen, so that I can see the whole image. This one should have been addressed first – it is a pretty easy firmware update, and it can be done on the first-gen Z6 and Z7.
I have seen it is possible to hide everything for video. Hopefully it will be possible for still too. One thing I was happy about is that it will now remember where you focus when you turn off the camera.
Eric, that’s great news – that was one of my biggest complaints. I hope it also remembers the timer setting.
Hey Nasim when you mean seeing the whole image unobstructed, is it related to LIVE view mode or during image playback?