If current excitement levels mean anything, the newly announced Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera looks like it will be a huge hit for Nikon. Indeed, it almost appears to be a “mirrorless successor” to the Nikon D750, released four years ago to glowing reviews. That’s partly due to the shared 24 MP resolution and somewhat similar ergonomics (a PASM dial with user-configurable modes). However, considering that Nikon launched the D750 at $2,300 MSRP and the Z6 at just $1,999, it is clear that Nikon is decreasing its price point for this level camera in order to be competitive with the Sony A7 III. Let’s take a look at the Nikon Z 6 and D750 in detail and see how the two cameras compare in terms of features and specifications.
Nikon Z6 and D750 Specifications Comparison
As you can see by the specifications, the Nikon Z6 has some major advantages over the older D750:
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z6 | Nikon D750 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.5 million | 24.3 million |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9mm | 35.9 x 24.0mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.9µ | 5.9µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,048 x 4,024 | 6,016 x 4,016 |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 100-12,800 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-204,800 | ISO 50, ISO 25,600-51,200 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 4 |
| sRAW File Support | No | No |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic / EVF | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100%, 0.8x | 100%, 0.70x |
| Viewfinder Eyepoint | 21 mm (-1.0 m¯¹) | 21 mm (-1.0 m¯¹) |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 1x XQD | 2x SD |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | No |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 12 FPS (limited to 12-bit RAW and no AE), 9 FPS (14-bit RAW but no AE), 5.5 FPS with AE | 6.5 FPS |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000-30 sec, Bulb, Time | 1/4000 to 30 sec, Bulb, Time |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Shutter Durability | 200,000 | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | TTL exposure metering using main image sensor | 91,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III |
| Highlight Weighted Metering | Yes | Yes |
| Full aperture metering during Live View for stills | Yes | Yes |
| Face-detection Analysis | On/Off | On/Off |
| Number of AF Points | 273 Hybrid Detect AF points | 51 Phase Detection AF points, 15 cross-type |
| Detection Range | -2 to +19 | -3 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 68°F/20°C) |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | AVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 10-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 sampling | AVCHD / MP4 Compression with 4:2:0 sampling, 8-bit via HDMI with 4:2:2 sampling |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) at 24/25/30 fps; 1920×1080 at 24/25/30/50/60/120 | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) at 24/25/30/60 fps |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Highlight Display (Zebra Stripes) in Live View | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD Tilting |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 dots | 1,229,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Built-in | Built-in |
| Battery | EN-EL15b Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 330 shots (CIPA) | 1,230 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 3.1 | 3.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 585 g (20.6 oz) | 750g (26.5 oz.) |
| Dimensions | 134 x 100.5 x 67.5 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.7″) | 140.5 x 113 x 78mm (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1″) |
| MSRP Price | $1997 as introduced (check price and pre-order status) | $2,299 as introduced, $1697 today (check current price) |
As you can see, there are a number of differences in the specifications above. Many of them – but not all – favor the Nikon Z6.
Impressions
The takeaway here is that the Z6 and D750 differ in more ways than just mirrorless vs DSLR. Sure, we do see the changes you would expect in a mirrorless camera – light weight, lower battery life, and an electronic viewfinder – but Nikon’s changes extend deeper than just the surface.
First, from a video perspective, the Z6 blows the D750 out of the water. I know that not all our readers care about video in a stills camera, but it’s hard to ignore the 4K and 10-bit 4:2:2 output via HDMI. We also have focus peaking on the Z6, as well as 120 FPS 1080p video. At Photography Life, we’ve filmed most of our video courses so far with the D750, and I think it’s likely that we will switch to the Z6 (or Z7) going forward.
In terms of still photos, the Z6 also has some major upgrades compared to the D750. One number that jumps out to me is the Z6’s crazy 12 FPS frame rate for still photos, compared to 6.5 FPS with the D750. That’s a huge difference, especially for fast-moving sports and wildlife photographs. Considering the similar launch prices, I find it especially impressive.
However, the D750 clearly wins out in terms of battery life, where it shoots 1230 shots to the Z6’s meager 310 (though we want to test these numbers to see if they are truly accurate, since some early comparisons show the Nikon Z6 and Z7 to have much better battery life than the specs suggest). The D750 is also ahead of the Z6 in terms of card slots, where it has two SD cards versus the Nikon’s one XQD slot. Although XQD is a faster media, arguably the storage type of the future, it would have been great to see two XQD – or even one XQD and one SD – card slots on the Z6.
Although we have no way of knowing for sure exactly how good the Z6’s hybrid-detect autofocus system will be, it’s clear that with 273 points, Nikon is pushing hard to make this camera appealing for action photographers. If they managed to get the Z6’s performance up to the same standard as the D750’s 51-point phase-detect system, or better, this camera will be a force to be reckoned with in wildlife and sports photography. Perhaps it is the “miniature D5 full-frame camera” we have wanted ever since the D700 filled that role ten years ago.
It is also worth pointing out that the Z6 has a different layout than the D750, and you may or may not prefer its new design. Some of the ergonomic elements, like the joystick and dedicated AF-On button, definitely are improvements over the D750 – but other changes might be more polarizing. Personally, I like the look of the right-hand dominant controls, although I’ll wait until I use a Z6 in person before saying anything more definitive than that.
To top it all off, some rumors are saying that Nikon’s new sensors in the Z6 and Z7 will be more advanced than their DSLR counterparts. Although that would be quite a feat – the 24 megapixel sensor on the D750 is already remarkable – it’s certainly something that we are excited to test at Photography Life.
Which Camera Should You Get?
Despite all the excitement surrounding these Z6 features, the Nikon D750 remains one of the best cameras on the market (easily making our list of the top 10 DSLRs today). Sure, it’s been out for almost four years now – but if you can’t get good photos with the D750, the Z6 won’t save the day.
Along with that, some photographers simply prefer DSLR cameras in general, and they may find the D750 better for their needs than the Z6. There is something to be said for the classic controls, large form factor, crisp optical viewfinder, and large battery life of the D750. Hard-core DSLR enthusiasts will – at a minimum – not see much of a reason to jump to the Z6 instead.
And last is price. If you’re thinking about getting your first full-frame camera, you may be better off spending money on lenses than cameras. Perhaps, for you, the choice is between the D750 with a great set of primes or the Z6 with its kit lens. In that case, the calculation is much narrower, and the DSLR very likely could win out depending upon your needs.
In short, the D750 was an excellent camera when it arrived on the market, and it’s still an excellent camera. Yes, Nikon topped it in almost every way with the Z6, but that speaks more to the mirrorless camera’s amazing technology than to any faults of the D750. Even though the Z6 is the winner in this comparison, there is no doubt that you will be well-served with either of these cameras today.
I have followed this site for the great articles on photography. But this flurry of articles on the mirrorless system of just one camera maker is totally over the top. This site, as I discovered today, is by and for Nikon shooters, and nothing else. A sort of Nikon Rumours, in disguise. A shame, I think.
Sorry to hear it, Carlos – after this blows over, we will get back to writing more tutorials on photography. You are right, it is a lot of articles at this point over a single manufacturer. Then again, although the Photography Life team shoots a combination of brands, most of our audience uses Nikon, so there has been a lot of pent-up interest in these new cameras that we want to cater to as well…
That’s just uncalled for, I think. Yes, this website is clearly geared more towards Nikon shooters (something you could guess by the very few total reviews of Sony and Canon lenses) but Nikon Rumours is an atrocious ultra-biased website that sees pretty much no fault whatsoever in anything Nikon does. Nasim for one never had problems advising to get a Sigma lens rather than a Nikkor when the former is better or criticising Nikon for things like the d600 debacle. Spencer too is on the record for arguing that the latest Rebel camera is a better overall buy than Nikon’s.
Besides which, if you visit dpreview or similar websites, they also have literal tons of articles about the new Nikon cameras/lenses. I expect it’d be the same if Canon decided to unstick its head from the sand and enter the FF mirrorless market too, these are the two biggest and best known consumer oriented camera companies, something like entering the full frame mirrorless sector is quite big news even if you’re not a Nikon fan.
That said, Nasim lambasted Sony harshly for having a single card slot and for a pitiful battery life in his reviews; if the same holds true for Z6/7 cameras too (battery life, that is, undoubtedly they have just the single card slot) I expect him to be even harsher with Nikon, as actual “fans” of companies will criticise them a lot more than non-fans (or fanboys), as they want the companies to do the best they can and not fall behind or commit clear mistakes. Nothing wrong with being a fan of a company, so long as one wears that bias where everyone can see it and it doesn’t cloud one’s judgement, so far as I’m concerned.
Well said Tomas
as long as I recall PL is not a magazine, it is a private website, and they are free to write whatsover they like.
being a little rude if you do not like it, do not blame at it, just google for one who suits your needs, you are free to do so
In principal you are right Carlos, but don’t forget also this site is part of the huge digital camera promotion that is going on in the internet and Nikon is a big player. Why silly articles about “the best camera for this or the best for that”? It stimulates people to buy new gear. That said I think this site is doing quit well giving a lot of information about photography and I do find the people here respectful. Just forget the promotional article’s about the best, latest and greatest gear and take your advantage with other more serious articles. Except too much Nikon it is also too much Lightroom here imo, but OK these guys use it and probably they get something in return for this promotion from Adobe, that is how it is.
Thank you, Cees!
We (unfortunately?) don’t get anything from Nikon or Adobe – and in fact don’t really like Adobe, although we still use CC for now! – but based on visitor stats, those are the things many of our readers want. Believe it or not, the only promotional gifts we ever get from manufacturers are when some smaller companies (never Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.) send us things like backpacks to review, and don’t request them back afterwards.
Instead, it’s all about ad revenue, and to a lesser extent, affiliate revenue – the same cut for us regardless of what you buy, but you’re right, it does stimulate sales in general. Strange business :)
Nonsense … the articles posted here are excellent, informative and respectful. Naisim and the crew always do a great job. I’ve used their review information regularly as well as their educational articles too. So what if it’s more centred on Nikon? It happens to be the gear the staff use. I use Nikon and read a lot of the information here thoroughly but it’s not like the Nikon emphasis here takes away from Canon or Sigma or Sony reviews elsewhere. Go search out other sites for other info if you so desire. I do. It’s easy.
And also this is one of the biggest recent announcements from one of the most storied and oldest camera companies on the planet… what do you suggest the staff at PL do? Not write about it?
Your comments are totally uncalled for. Nikon Z cameras are being announced and discussed on most of all digital camera web sites. Comparing Photography Life to Nikon Rumors is very childish indeed.
Carlos, do you feel better about P&L now? A bunch of non-Nikon-focused articles have been published since you posted your comment, and obviously not because of it. You might have also noticed the significant difference in the number of comments those articles garnered in comparison to Nikon’s.
You gotta love the freedom of expression the web affords.
I was waiting with a lot of interest this comparison, because I own a D750 and I’m in love in it, every time I take out my bag, I feel, that this camera is much beyond my skills, or my need, I’m a loyal nikon shutter, since I moved to DSLR, from Zenit, Canon and Olympus analog in 2007, when I took my first digital SLR, the D40x, followed with D80, 2xD300, 2xD300s, was waiting for D400 :), D7100, 3xD5300, D7200 and finally last year my dream come true, (never thought will be possible) I have jumped to FX and took the D750, I was hugely impressed how excellent this camera is, in the past 11 years I was by far never, ever so impressed about a camera like the D750 did, the ergonomics, the weight, the usefulness, not to mention the quality of the photos, the low light capability, AF accuracy in dim light, etc., so this camera is 110% a perfect camera for me, probably to good for me! Yes, the Z6 will be for sure and excellent all around camera, but checked the main differences between these two cameras, I can confirm, that at the moment the D750 for me it’s a “better” camera, what the Z6 has, can do in addition, I don’t need it at all, but the 2 card slots and battery life it’s extremely important, honestly I never needed a second battery, I can shoot all day long, once I have almost reached 1500 clicks with it :), I don’t need better image quality, I don’t need 4K, never used it for filming, I don’t do sports, neither wildlife (only sometimes lazy, hanging birds :) ) in other words the D750 is a PERFECT camera for me and I’m 100% sure, that I’m not the only one out there :), THANK YOU for this great comparison and keep up with your excellent articles, PL is number one for me…
This is just lovely music to my ear! I was hoping to jump directly from D7200 to FF world by buying mirorless camera. But as I really didn’t like to change system to Sony…..Z6 was my hope and consideration. Now I know, that Nikon did great job and respect to them, but I feel their new cameras need to ‘mature’ first same as Sony did. I won’t certainly spend over my budget to take this risk. Therefore D750 + 24-70 / 70-200 F 2.8 both G2 versions from Tamron will do the great job for me for next couple years. Order button was just pushed ;-)
That’s a great pro combo Jakub, you have covered 90% with only two lenses, I personally prefer prime lenses, all I have is the 50,85mm 1.8G and 135 sigma :), after 4 years the D750 is still the fifth best DSLR, check a previous article here on PL, for me is the very best…
I’m just so happy to hear it, yes primes are also on my list as I have them for DX. Thank you for answer.
The D750 is the best all around Nikon ever till these cameras came out. The D810, D850 are compromised by their resolution. I know that sounds silly but when I go on a social media site, it is very obvious that unless you have these cameras on a tripod or a have great image stabilization such as the Tamron lenses, they cannot match the image quality of the D750. Handheld the D750 is fantastic and you can use all the old glass made for film and actually get film like looking images and great microcontrast. Black and white looks great on the D750. There is plenty of resolution on the D750 as well. The D800E and D600/D610 are also great cameras which arguably have better rendering than the latest models with the exception of the D750. There is something about the D750 that makes it a very special camera. Renders similar to a Canon 5dMk3 which is also a great camera and value. I would say that any camera over 24 megapixels is really meant for being on a tripod.
110% agree, I would not trade my D750 with a D810, it’s the perfect DSLR for an enthusiast amateur like me, or even for some professionals too, has the very best ergonomics, grip, I had at least 20 cameras in past and hold, used around 50, but none was that perfect, I’ll stay with it for many, many years…
Well done Spencer for writing such a timely article. The D750 was a huuuuuge success for Nikon and a lot of people (at least in the “hardcore” amateur segment) were looking forward to some form of comparison before hard lunch reviews come out.
I think your conclusion sums it up quite nicely: “…if you can’t get good photos with the D750, the Z6 won’t save the day.” I think this applies to a lot of the latest release cameras; for an amateur like myself I’m probably better served forking some cash on photography courses with my D750 rather than forking it out on the Z6 [I’ll say the 6fps on the D750 is a stinker tho] :(
HI,
have been wondering “what is wrong” in my D750’s because they both have a time exposure mode marked as “–” in top info (between “B” and “X200” settings). I have tried to ask this earlier on another site (no answer) and now I again find this – to me odd claim – in the comparison table above. Does it have some other naming though it works like the old good “Time” in F3 f. ex?
PP
Does Z6 have a low pass filter? I doubt as the marketing material says back-lit CMOS without low pass filter. Please check and confirm if possible. Thanks!
Presumably future Z mount lenses will be lighter than F mount counter parts. The body itself is 3oz lighter than the D750, not a game changer. How long would I have to use the F to Z adapter before Nikon comes out with a Z replacement for the 70-200 f4. Every EVF that I have looked through (including Sony etc) has looked TVish and blue casted. If the EVF in the Nikon is similar, long live the mirror and prism. The major problem for me with mirrorless has been the EVF, which compromises the shooting experienced.
Please confirm if the D750 can output HD 422-8 or 10 bit over HDMI. This did not show up in your comparison chart. A clarification would help. Thanks for the work you put in for this site.
The D750 can output 4:2:2 8-bit over HDMI. As far as I know, the Z6 and Z7 are the first Nikon cameras that can output 10-bit (as well as “N-log” video).
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for the article. Very informative. Just out of interest how come you forgotten about the Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens?
regards
ram
Sir, a couple of changes to be made to your chart.
1) Z6 Image Area: 6,048 x 4,024 (Brochure, page 76).
2) FPS: Z6 14-bit limit is 9 FPS (Brochure, page 77). However, if you want full AF & full AE, then the limit is 5.5 FPS (Brochure, page 73).
Ah, it seems that answers the question you posed in a different article as well. Thank you for adding this! I’ve updated the article. That darn image area stat took me forever to find last night, so I just defaulted to 6000×4000, which is what B&H says. It’s still wrong on Nikon’s product page for the Z6 (says 8,256 x 5,504), LOL!
Yeah, I saw that and did an instant chat with a service rep to advise him of the error. He replied that the two cameras are the same, and I had to cut and paste the image areas from the brochure to make him aware they were not. Who knows how long till they correct that. The FPS AE issue concerns me about these two camera. I don’t know how other readers will feel about it. Maybe a poll of PL readers?
Thank you for this article. I’m in the market for my first FX camera and I had my eyes on the D750. I watched the launch and started thinking about the Z6. However, after seeing the comparison between these two and having some F-mount lenses already in hand (I just bought a new 50 mm f1.4 prime), I think the D750 is a smarter (and more economical) way to go. The launch shows that they have a 50mm 1.2 Z lens planned for 2020. I’m looking at this as the Z will be a possible upgrade once I get some FX experience under my belt. This will give a chance for the Z to get settled in and for them to build onto an already great sounding platform.
I’m wanting to move to FX and I feel the same way. I’ve been eyeing up the D750 for a while, but I’ve been reluctant to pull the trigger figuring Nikon would get into the mirrorless game. While I like all of the new technology in the Z6, it’s not technology that I need. As a hobbyist, the D750 is plenty of camera for me, but I’m still struggling with the idea of buying old technology. Granted it is still a very capable camera and is head and shoulders above my D5300. Maybe the Z6 will make the D750 even more affordable :).
Don’t worry about the tech race. I just sold my A7 III and lenses and purchased a used D750 (You can get them in fantastic condition for under $1200) and a set of Nikon Trinity lenses. I spent more money on the lenses, which I think upgraded my photo taking ability more than a body ever could. D750 to me is just a rock solid imaging machine that won’t let me down in a pinch.
I think that Nikon did two big mistakes that could brake it with their mirrorless. I know I’m hesitating because of this and I have 3 Nikon, D850, D810 D750.
First mistake, simply the battery life. It was a problem with Sony,s now I would need to purchase many batteries but at 330 shot per batteries forget long Timelapse movies.
Mistake number 2, it’s the biggest one. Only one memory slot and it’s a XQD. XQD card maybe performant but very expansive. No SD card? With my D850, i never use XQD’s only SDs. Many photographers have purchase many SD’s cards and use tools that use SD’s car, audio records, Video recorders etc.
So I really think that removing the SD card slot wasn’t a great move and having only one memory slot isn’t a great idea on a mirrorless with 45millions pixels.
This is the current decision I’m trying to make. I’ve pre-ordered the Z6, knowing that I can cancel if needed.
I figured coming into Nikon’s announcements that it’d be close between these 2 cameras. It seems that’s definitely the case, but hands on reviews of the Z6 will tell.
My main factor for wanting to get the latest camera, is that if I’m going to upgrade, I feel it makes sense to get the newest camera that suits my needs and price range, rather than an older camera using a system that may or may not get upgrades going forward.
Either way, there’s no obvious “correct” decision at this point. I’m keen to see some hands on reviews, which may provide some more insight.
Great work PL!
Max Shutter Speed… D750 too have ‘time’ option along with bulb
Thank you for adding this, just fixed it!
Spencer, thank you for an informative commentary. I should mention that I have no intention of “upgrading” to Nikon’s latest and greatest as my complement of an 850, 750 and 500 serve me well as an ardent birder, landscape/seascape and pet enthusiast. I have not reviewed any commentary that would suggest, let alone compel, a change. Given my interests, I am more focused (as presumably are most) on the anticipated new lens releases in areas of my particular interests.
Why the hell did they went with XQD? SD-Cards would have been fast enough for photography, is video really that demanding? And the user base that big? I would have much prefered SDcards as any decent notebook as a cardreader for it and the cards are available from lots of manufacturers for cheap.
Ergonomics really look great on all other fronts though.
Thank you for a well written and informative article. I’m a bit on the fence about upgrading to FX from my D7200, but if I do upgrade, the D750 and Z6 would be the contenders. As I have some FX lenses already, either body would work for me. I’m really attracted to the size and weight of the Z6, but the prospect of using an EVF is a bit scary, as I haven’t been enamored with previous EVFs ( admittedly I haven’t tried recent versions). I will await your future more detailed review of the Z6 and hopefully you will see fit to compare it to The D750 again.
Best Regards,
HMS
I also came from D7200 and I’m extremely happy with the D750, check the battery life between these two and there are some other advantages, not to mention, that for 1000$ you sure will found a great SH d750 and you don’t need new, more expensive lenses… :)
I do not understand why Nikon make a news models with ring to adaptor for lens, in fact if you are forcing to change all lens and body !
You can find better in others society’s with a lots of lens already tested ! (come too late)
It’s a bad decision Us, for the new photographers without material ok … !
I hope a body without this ring adaptor really !
The new Z cameras look like they’ll be quite capable, but I don’t see anything compelling enough for me to ditch my D750 given the $$$. When you really get down to it if you already own any modern digital camera your photos are probably held back more by your own skills rather than any features that your camera may or may not have. If you’re on the professional end there’s always that need to be on the cutting edge though…
Even on a weight perspective the camera body is only about 3 oz lighter and these lenses are quite stout looking, especially with the wide mount.
If I were just delving into this as an amateur then I probably would go with the Z6, but otherwise I’m with my D750 till it’s dead.
Agree!
A little bit disappointed by the size and price of the 50mm F1.8. The cameras get smaller but the lenses are getting larger.
Excellent article but the chart needs to be corrected:
The Z6 does have a low pass filter.
Thanks for an informative and balanced article, Spencer. However, according to the Nikon press release, the Z6 including batteries weighs 675gm (not 585), vs the D750’s 750gm. Add in the weight of the FTZ mount, and there will be precious little difference in the weight of the cameras – which indicates just how light the D750 is for a full frame DSLR.
If you look at native lenses, the D750 + 50mm f/1.8 G is 69 grams less than Z6 + 50mm f/1.8 S. I’ve been sitting on fence to jump to FF and still not sure which to go with, if price of D750 goes down I’d lean towards the DSLR over mirrorless.
Hi Ken, the 585 g number is for body only (no cards or battery) on the Nikon Z6, while the 750 g number is the same (body only) on the D750. So, they’re comparable figures. With cards and battery, the Z6 and D750 are 675 g and 840 g respectively. Adding in the adapter, which weighs 135 g, the Z6 combo weighs 810 grams – only slightly lighter than the D750 (which, granted, is quite light for a full-frame DSLR).
In fact, Matthew is right that the D750 and 50mm f/1.8 G combo is lighter than the Nikon Z6 equivalent. With native lenses (and including cards + battery), the Z6 and 50mm f/1.8 S weigh a total of 1090 g. The D750 and lens is 1025 g. Pretty crazy!
Thank you for this interesting article. I am currently a DX shooter (D500, and D7200 are my primary cameras) and would label myself an enthusiast/prosumer. I have an assortment of DX and FX Nikon lenses and am looking to make the jump into FX. The D750 looks very attractive but I am debating the D750 or the Z6. From what I can tell, Nikon is still committed to DSLR, at least for now, so purchasing a D750, especially if the price drops, may be my best move. That being said, the specs of the Z6 look pretty good, especially 12 FPS (I enjoy shooting birds and would love to do more wildlife), and the high ISO, so the Z6 looks attractive as well. I am not too concerned about the one card slot, and the weight/size difference, once you add the adapter to the Z6, will be a non factor. I guess this is a good problem to have, and going with the latest technology (Z6) might ultimately make more sense for me, especially if the reviews are positive.
so if we already have a D750 but want a lightweight SMALL travel camera for those times we don’t want to lug the big one around – what do you recommend?
Hi Sonia, I also have a D750 and am using D7100 as second camera. I will get Z6 to replace my D7100 so have I two full frame cameras to use and be able to share lenses. I probably will use Z6 for traveling and night shots and use D750 for wildlife.
To me all listed weaknesses are not that important. I don’t have to make a living with the camera, so it is just an expensive toy I use for my hobby. If Nikon can fix or improve the autofocus that was reported by a couple of preproduction reviewers, I will be more than happy to buy the Z6.
Amazon just dropped the price of the D750 yesterday from $1696 to $1396. Boom. I am so excited. This article confirms my decision.
Bye the way, Nikon Z6 in-camera stabilization is a big highlight Mr. Spencer. Sorry to interrupt you guys for pulling on each other for being Nikon or else, carry on please.
Does anyone know if the smaller IR remote is usable with the Z6 versus the larger attached remote trigger?
I own a D750 and just purchased a Z6. Been a practicing pro for 40 years, started with two FE/MD12’s and proceeded thru the F2AS (blah blah blah…). All sorts of assignments under all conditions. D750, a wonderful all round camera which is a best choice. But somehow, the Z6 seems better. Handles quicker. Focuses quicker in low light with the 24-70/4S than my D750 does with a 24-70/2.8 Tamron G2. Either one is a great choice. Get the D750 used with low clicks, and a couple F mount lenses if you are just jumping in. Z6 if you are already FX there, the FTZ is very nice but sadly lacking an AF motor. Guess that forces me to think about getting AF-S 50/1.8 and dumping my 50/1.8AF. But now my lightweight, excellent 18-35G Nikkor has three axis VR with the Z6. Always trade-offs, that is why I enjoy both depending upon assignment. No second slot for SD, a minus … but all those legacy EL-15’s I own are nice extras for Z6. Get what you want, argue and pixel peep away. I am happy with both, so is repeat clientele.
I really like reading your page. Thank you for your efforts guys for making this site available for photographers who are seeking for advice. More power to you all.
One thing left out of the comparison is how well the Z6 and D750 work with older Nikon glass. I have a number of old primes and newer zooms, but almost none of my glass work fully works with the required FTZ adapter. The FTZ adapter provides complete functionality only with AF-S, AF-P, and AF-I lenses. AF-D lenses essentially become a manual focus with the FTZ adapter. And the FTZ doesn’t link to the Ai and AiS lenses so aperture settings become completely manual and the diaphragm doesn’t open/close automatically for each shot.
If you have lots of older glass, then the D750 is a much better option as it works with most if not all of Nikon’s older lenses. Z6 is the superior body, but that functionality only is an advantage if you have newer lenses or are planning on buying all new glass (which makes the switching platforms a viable option too)