By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras bring the fight to Sony
Share
Font ResizerAa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Font ResizerAa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Imaging > Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras bring the fight to Sony
Imaging

Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras bring the fight to Sony

Wilson Wong
Last updated: September 13, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Wilson Wong
Published: September 9, 2018
9 Min Read
SHARE
The Nikon Z6. PHOTO: Handout.

At long last and facing stiff competition from the likes of Sony, Nikon has come up with the new Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras to join its lineup of DSLR shooters that it is better known for.

They are not Nikon’s first foray into the mirrorless market – it discontinued the N1 system in July this year after it saw limited success by appealing more to consumers than the enthusiasts.

With the Z6 and Z7, Nikon seems to be taking a much bigger step into a market it had eyed warily in in the past. The new cameras are better equipped to compete with Sony’s Alpha 7 and Alpha 9 and Canon’s new EOS R.

But being late to the game, Nikon will have to convince both new and current customers that it is serious in the mirrorless market. After all, if people are going to spend on the camera, there better be accompanying lenses and accessories to go with it.

Seeing the cameras the first time earlier this week at the Comex show, I’d say they look promising. Both the Z6 and Z7 will come with a full-frame, back-side illumination CMOS sensor. The big sensors here will appeal to folks who want to upgrade their image quality over APS-C cameras, for example.

The difference between the two models is the resolution of the FX full-frame sensor. The Z7, aimed at professionals, can shoot at 45.7 megapixels with ISO sensitivity ranging from 64 to 25600.

The more mainstream Z6 will have 24.5 megapixels with an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 51200. The Z6’s higher ISO range also helps with shooting in very challenging situations such as dimly lit environments

All the buttons on the right will be familiar to Nikon DSLR users. I do miss the quick buttons at the top left, which means I have to change File Quality, Metering mode and White Balance via custom function buttons or dive into the menu. PHOTO: Handout.
The camera’s rear screen can only be tilt out but not flipped over to the front for easy video blogging. PHOTO: Handout.

If you are into vlogging, then the Z6 will look attractive. It lets you use the whole sensor to record videos at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, which makes for some sharp footage.

You can also output Nikon’s N-log colour profile into an external recorder at 10-bit 4:2:2 output via the HDMI port. That means more colour data can be saved for post editing for more accurate colour and exposure for the video footage. It also helps in extracting subjects in front of green screens.

At the back, all the buttons I have on the Nikon D500 DSLR are here except for the quick format button. At least I can quickly engage multiple frames and the timer via a single button. PHOTO: Handout.

For Nikon DSLR users, there’s an FTZ adapter to let you use your F-mount lenses to the new mirrorless system. Because the adapter emulates the space between the back of the lens to the sensor, there should not be any degradation of the lens performance.

What’s left to be seen is how fast the F-mount lenses will perform when it comes to auto focusing. Plus, how accurate the focus is.

From my short time with the Z6 and Z7 earlier this week, I can say the camera body that Nikon has developed is certainly much better built than the Sony A7 and A9.

It is bulkier but not necessary a handful. More importantly, I have a firm grip of the camera. The bigger dimensions will also help in handling bigger and longer lenses such as the new Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF.

The Z6/Z7 feels quite substantial in my hands because of the metal case. It is also weatherproof so shooting in the rain won’t be an issue. PHOTO: Handout.

As a Nikon user, I also find the interface familiar. It’s easy to change the ISO, aperture and shutter settings. The new camera is not bad looking, either.

Taking the cue from Fujifilm’s X-H1, Nikon has come up with a white-on-black LCD panel that is easy on the eye. And it has followed Olympus and Sony too by introducing in-camera vibration reduction so older Nikon AIS lenses will let you have a vibration-free shot.

The other thing that will help with my eyes while shooting is the 3.69 million dot 0.8X OLED electronic viewfinder. It may not be as fast as an optical viewfinder on a DSLR but at least here it doesn’t lag while I am shooting. It is also bright and sharp for easy framing and focusing.

Speaking of that, there are 493 focus points on the Z7 and 273 focus points on the Z6, covering roughly 90 per cent of the viewfinder. That means I can focus on subjects that are closer to the edge of the frame.

The camera system also uses both phase and contrast detection auto focus by switching between them to achieve focus. I’m curious to see how it performs when capturing fast-moving subjects such as a flying eagle or an athlete.

In terms of lenses, the Z6 and Z7 will be matched with Nikon’s new 24-70mm f4 Z Mount lens. To keep the lens small, Nikon has decided to get users to twist the lens barrel, much like the Canon M50’s own 15-45mm STM lens.

I am definitely not a fan of this because it takes precious time for me to get the camera ready for a shot. To be fair, optics-wise, the lens should be quite capable of good shots.

Even though the Z7 can be considered a professional camera, the lack of a dual-card slot is a cause for concern for certain professional work. Only the expensive XQD card is compatible with the camera – a bummer for those who want to continue to use their SD Cards. PHOTO: Handout.

The new Z6 and Z7 definitely look promising from Nikon. However, it has not hit a home run, either. In some scenarios, the cameras will still struggle to impress users.

A professional wedding photographer may lament the lack of an additional memory card slot to create two copies of a shot. You want to make sure important images are captured, especially during the exchange of vows.

For a professional studio photographer, the lack of a vertical grip is also a deal breaker. It is tougher to shoot portraits for extended periods of time without the grip.

If you own Nikon lenses, the FTZ adapter lets you continue using them with the new system. PHOTO: Handout.

For those invested in Nikon lenses, of course, the new Z6 and Z7 will appeal. You can use your existing lenses by snapping on the FTZ adapter. The adapter probably won’t be cheap but at least it is more affordable than buying new lenses.

The Z6 and Z7 are expected to be out in the coming months in Singapore, though we have to update this information when we get it from Nikon.

We are still waiting for local prices for now, but in the United States, the Z6 is going for US$2,000 (body only) and the Z7 costs US$3,400 (body only).

Holiday Gift Guide 2017: What to buy a shutterbug?
Goondu review: TomTom Spark
Goondu review: Jamo Studio SB 36 sound bar
Hands on: Razer Blade gaming notebook in Singapore with S$4,000 price tag
Goondu review: Intel Compute Stick
TAGGED:cameramirrorlessNikonPrice and availability SingaporereviewZ6Z7

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
ByWilson Wong
Follow:
Wilson is a self-taught photographer whose passion started with his father’s old Canon L Rangefinder camera. He now leads the 12,000+ strong Singapore Photography & Imaging Network group. His photos have won acclaim from Nikon and Fujifilm, and are featured in various books and exhibitions.
Previous Article Goondu review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Next Article 5G is attractive but security issues loom large, say experts
2 Comments
  • KH says:
    September 10, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    After all that’s said what’s your take on the Nikon Z6 and Z7. Have you tested it in the field or just hear say only.

    Reply
    • Wilson Wong says:
      September 10, 2018 at 4:12 pm

      KH,

      Thanks for your note. There’s a showcase during Comex over the weekend so it is not hearsay.

      And because it is not a full session with subjects to shoot, or more importantly no challenging scenarios to use with so this article is not a review as well.

      However I will add that there are already things that are made known to the public and I am sharing my concerns as a professional photographer after a brief time with it at Comex.

      A full review will happen when I have the camera for an extended period of time and subject it to proper shooting scenarios both indoors and outdoors.

      Do come back to Techgoondu for the actual review.

      Reply

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
XFollow

Latest News

Fujifilm GFX100RF review: Fun medium-format street photography camera
Imaging
May 14, 2025
Looks over AI? Samsung pitches slimmed-down Galaxy S25 Edge
Cellphones Mobile
May 13, 2025
Stunning AI advancements could transform healthcare, education and agriculture globally: Bill Gates
Internet
May 7, 2025
NRF 2025 APAC show in Singapore to spotlight latest in retail innovation
Enterprise
May 7, 2025

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
© 2024 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!
Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Username or Email Address
    Password

    Lost your password?