Nikon SKU: 1659 | Helix SKU: NK1659
Features
Do it all with this versatile full frame mirrorless hybrid that excels in speed, image quality and video performance. Everything a hybrid still and video mirrorless camera is meant to be. High-speed shooting with the buffer capacity to match. 4K Ultra HD video at 60p. 273-point Hybrid AF system with more options. Outstanding low-light capabilities. Dual processors. Dual card slots. Wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops. Tons of creative features and that’s just the beginning.
This is what a hybrid still and video mirrorless camera is meant to be. 24.5MP BSI sensor and high-speed shooting with the buffer capacity to match. 4K Ultra HD video at 60p*. Outstanding low-light capabilities. Next-generation autofocus. The power of dual processors. Two card slots. Tons of creative features. Flexible power options. Compatibility with a vertical battery grip. Wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops and so much more.
*8-Bit and DX-crop mode only
More of Everything
The Z 6II builds on the extreme versatility of the Z mirrorless platform with more autofocus options, more video capabilities, more low light performance, more buffer, more frames per second…more of everything you want in a hybrid still and video camera.
Dual processors.
For the first time in a Nikon camera, the Z 6II is powered by not one, but two EXPEED 6 processing engines. They work together for faster image processing, more buffer capacity and more overall speed.
Dual card slots.
Now you have options. One slot accepts CFExpress (Type B) and XQD cards. The other slot accepts standard SD cards. Use the format you prefer. Or use both slots and separate video and still files or RAW and JPEG, create a backup or maximize your onboard storage.
High-speed shooting.
Experience 14 FPS* continuous shooting at full resolution—RAW or JPG—with a buffer 3.5X larger than the previous generation and minimal EVF blackout between shots.
*When shooting in Continuous H (extended) and Single-point AF mode.
4K Ultra HD at 60p.
Record incredibly detailed 4K Ultra HD footage with full-pixel readout. Capture in your choice of frame rates including ultra smooth 60p* with an upcoming firmware upgrade.**
*8-Bit and DX-crop mode only
**Z 6II firmware upgrade scheduled for free download February 2021
Go vertical.
Introducing the MB-N11, the pro-level grip for the Z 6II. Shoot vertically with comfortable controls—shutter release, command dials, Fn button and more—and get up to a 1.9x increase in battery performance*.
*1.9x is achieved when two EN-EL15c batteries are used to power the MB-N11, versus using the EN-EL15c battery in the camera alone.
More autofocus power.
Optimized for stills, high-speed sequences and video work, the Z 6II’s 273-point Hybrid AF system brings performance improvements, new options for Eye-Detection AF and easier selecting of AF modes.
See in the dark.
With a big leap forward in low-light autofocus performance, the Z 6II can find your subject in half the available light as its predecessor*. Keep shooting into the evening with the same fast, accurate AF performance.
*AF detection range starts at -4.5 EV
Edge-to-edge coverage.
The AF system’s 90% frame coverage lets you compose the way you want, from the start. Either manually choose one of 273 focus points across the frame, or let subject tracking automatically select the focus points based on where your subject is within the frame—even at the far edges.
Eye-Detection. Better than ever.
Nikon’s intelligent Eye-Detection AF quickly identifies and locks onto eyes—either humans, dogs or cats—for properly focused portraits. The Z 6II builds on the system with accuracy enhancements and more flexibility.
Right on target.
Now you can use Wide-Area (L) Mode to set boundaries for eye detection. Select an area of the frame, and the Z 6II will only look for eyes there—great for busy scenes, group shots and pet portraits.
Capture the eyes. On Video.
All of these features of Eye-Detection AF are also available during video recording. Easily track moving subjects and keep footage looking sharp and professional on the eyes.
Video star.
The Z 6II builds on the Z 6’s formidable video capabilities and might just be Nikon’s most versatile video camera yet. All the benefits of the Z mirrorless system plus 4K Ultra HD at 60p*, Full HD at 120p, 4K time-lapse and so much more.
*DX-crop mode only. Z 6II firmware upgrade scheduled for free download February 2021.
Keep it simple. Or go big.
When keeping it simple, record your 4K footage in-camera on a CFexpress, XQD or SD card. Step things up by attaching an external recorder (sold separately) to capture 10-bit N-Log or HDR (HLG) footage. Or go all the way with a paid firmware upgrade and compatible external recorder* and output 12-bit ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW format** via HDMI.
*Such as Atomos Ninja (ProRes RAW) or Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist 12G HDR recorder (Blackmagic RAW).
**Black Magic RAW support via a paid firmware upgrade available February 2021.
Slow it way down.
Slow down time and capture every detail of movement with 120p Full HD footage that can be played back at 30p, 25p or 24p. Add silky smooth slow motion sequences to your videos to add emphasis and drama or highlight movement.
The stability you need.
Powerful 5-axis VR image stabilization keeps your photos sharp and your videos steady—up to five stops in up to five directions* (yaw, pitch, roll, X and Y). Handheld shooting made easy.
*When using NIKKOR Z lenses; based on CIPA Standards. This value is achieved when the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens is attached, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position.
Reverse focus rotation.
If you’ve been using non-Nikon lenses for video work, the Z 6II lets you reverse the focus ring rotation on NIKKOR Z lenses. Your muscle memory will thank you.
Multiple Exposure
Combine up to 10 exposures into one visionary composition. Compose and blend—right in the viewfinder—while shooting, or go back later and combine shots with in-camera Retouch features.
900-second Exposures
Paint with light. Track the paths of stars. Capture movement like never before with long exposures up to 900-seconds. Use your smartphone to trigger the shutter to avoid camera vibrations.
Focus Shift Shooting
The Z 6II will take a series of up to 300 photos, each with an incrementally adjusted focus position. Use third-party software to combine (focus stack) the photos into a single image with surreal depth of field and sharpness.
Time-Lapse
Making time-lapse sequences is as easy as setting up the camera and hitting record. The Z 6II will create a 4K time-lapse movie and save all the full resolution stills (when used with interval timer shooting).
Tweak. Shoot. Create.
Add another element of uniqueness and artistry to your photos and videos with 20 Creative Picture Controls, all visible in real time while you shoot, either through the viewfinder or on the tilting touchscreen display.
Go remote.
When you can’t be behind the lens, pull out your compatible smartphone and use it to control the Z 6II. See what the camera sees, change settings like aperture, shutter speed and white balance, then remotely fire the shutter or start and stop recording.
Any file. Any format.
Transfer full resolution RAW images, JPGs and even 4K video files right to your phone, wirelessly. Then use your favorite apps for editing, adding filters and sharing.
Upgrade on the go.
Update the Z 6II’s firmware with the SnapBridge app from almost anywhere. Keeping your camera up to date with the latest features has never been easier or more convenient.
Direct connect. PC or Mac.
The Z 6II’s connectivity doesn’t stop with the smartphone. Transfer your shots directly to a PC or Mac over Wi-Fi®*—no card readers or USB cables needed to download your photos and videos.
*Requires free Wireless Transmitter Utility software.
Live stream like a pro.
Stream the sharpest, clearest, most flattering footage from the Z 6II with Nikon’s free Webcam Utility. When using a single USB-C connection, your computer will actually power the Z 6II while capturing video. Stream for as long as you need without any extra cables, power adapters or third-party hardware.
One cable does it all.
With one universal USB Type C cable (sold separately), you can provide constant power to the Z 6II, charge your battery, stream footage and transfer photos and videos. When shooting time-lapses away from a power source, get extra shoot time with a portable power bank like the Anker1 Powercore+ 26800 mAh Portable Charger.
Get The Nikon Experience.
Every new generation of Nikon cameras brings improved handling, more intuitive operation and time-saving workflow enhancements. Yet, every generation also retains that unmistakable superior Nikon feel.
That just-right feel.
Like all Nikon cameras, the Z 6II handles like a dream. A deep grip design. Balanced weight. Sturdy build with smart button placement. Even the EVF is thoughtfully extended to prevent your nose from pressing up against the back of the camera.
Tough. As expected.
The Z 6II is ready for what’s next. Its skeleton is forged from Magnesium Alloy for an optimal balance of strength and lightness. Its exterior is fully weather sealed to keep dust, grime and moisture out. Don’t baby this baby.
More clarity. Less blackout.
Experience the best view through the Z 6II’s advanced viewfinder with minimal blackout between shots during high speed shooting (Continuous H). Nikon optics magnify the 3.6M-dot Quad-VGA EVF, and what you see is how your shot will look. Exposure, ISO, white balance, Picture Control and creative filters are all applied in real-time. You can customize what information gets shown in the viewfinder—or hide it all for a pure view.
Make it yours.
Prefer back button focus? Often switch between Picture Controls? Need a quick way to select focus area? No problem. Add your favorite functions to the i-Menu then access them from the LCD or EVF. Customize Fn buttons or reassign buttons you don’t typically use to activate your go-to modes, menus or settings. Navigating the camera’s intuitive, clean user interface is a breeze.
Help. Right at your fingertips.
Not sure what a setting does? Just tap the (?) button and a brief explanation will pop up in the viewfinder or on the LCD. It’s like having a quick reference guide built into your camera.
Made for Z-Mount lenses.
Breakthroughs of the Z Mount, the largest full frame lens mount of any system, have given way to some of the most advanced, optically pristine lenses ever—NIKKOR Z. The Z 6II is compatible with them all, each one delivering a new perspective and drawing peak performance from the camera.
Plays nice with F-Mount lenses.
Attach the optional Mount Adapter FTZ and extend full compatibility to over 90* F-Mount NIKKOR lenses: full frame fisheye lenses, macro lenses, fast primes, super telephoto zooms and everything in between.
*Approximately 360 classic F-Mount NIKKOR lenses can be used with varying compatibility.
Specifications
Type
Type | Digital camera with support for interchangeable lenses |
Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount |
Image Sensor
Effective Pixels (Megapixels) | 24.5 million |
Sensor Size | 35.9mm x 23.9mm |
Image Sensor Format | FX |
Image Sensor Type | CMOS |
Total Pixels | 25.28 million |
Dust-Reduction System | Image Dust Off reference data (requires Capture NX-D); image sensor cleaning |
Image Area (pixels) |
FX-format (L) 6,048 x 4,024 (M) 4,528 x 3,016 (S) 3,024 x 2,016 DX-format (L) 3,936 x 2,624 (M) 2,944 x 1,968 (S) 1,968 x 1,312 1:1 (24 x 24) (L) 4,016 x 4,016 (M) 3,008 x 3,008 (S) 2,000 x 2,000 16:9 (24 x 24) (L) 6,048 x 3,400 (M) 4,528 x 2,544 (S) 3,024 x 1,696 Photographs taken during movie recording at a frame size of 3,840 x 2,160: 3,840 x 2,160 Photographs taken during movie recording at other frame sizes: 1,920 x 1,080: 1,920 x 1,080 |
File System
File Format Still Images | NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit (lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed); large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression) TIFF (RGB) JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression; optimal quality compression available NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
Storage Media | SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-II compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards CFexpress (Type B) XQD Type Memory |
File System | DCF 2.0 Exif 2.31 |
Viewfinder
Viewfinder | 1.27-cm/0.5-in. approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED with color balance and auto and 11-level manual brightness controls |
Viewfinder Frame Coverage | Approx. 100% horizontal 100% vertical |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.8x (50 mm lens at infinity, -1.0 m -1) |
Viewfinder Eyepoint | 21 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) |
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 m−1 |
Eye Sensor | Automatically switches between monitor and viewfinder displays |
Shutter
Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter; electronic shutter |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec. (choose from step sizes of 1/3 and 1/2 EV, extendable to 900 sec. in mode M), bulb, time, X200 |
Flash Sync Speed | Up to: X=1/200 sec.; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 sec. or slower; Auto FP High-Speed sync supported |
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution | 14 frames per second |
Exposure
Exposure Metering System | TTL metering using camera image sensor |
Metering Range | Highlight-weighted metering: -4 to +17 EV (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) |
Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available in modes P, S, A, and M |
Exposure Lock | Luminosity locked at detected value |
Picture Control | Auto Flat Landscape Monochrome Neutral Portrait Standard Vivid Creative Picture Controls: (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon) Selected Picture Control can be modified Storage for custom Picture Controls |
Sensitivity
ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 51,200 in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 or 2 EV (ISO 204,800 equivalent) above ISO 51,200; auto ISO sensitivity control available |
Active D-Lighting | Can be selected from: Auto Extra High High Normal Low Off |
Active D-Lighting Bracketing | Yes |
Focus/Autofocus
Autofocus System | Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist |
Detection Range | -4.5 to +19 EV (-6 to +19 EV with low-light AF) Detection range (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) |
Lens Servo | Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used |
Focus Point | 273 (single-point AF) |
AF-Area Mode |
Pinpoint Single-Point Dynamic-area AF Wide-area AF (S) Wide-area AF (L) Wide-area AF (L-people) Wide-area AF (L-animals) Auto-area AF Auto-area AF (people) Auto-area AF (animals) |
Focus Lock | Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing center of sub-selector |
Vibration Reduction | 5-axis image sensor shift |
Flash
Flash Control | TTL: i-TTL flash control; i-TTL balanced fill-flash is used with matrix, center-weighted, and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash with spot metering |
Flash Sync Modes | Front-curtain sync Rear-curtain sync Red-eye reduction Red-eye reduction with slow sync Slow rear-curtain sync Slow sync Off |
Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV available in modes P, S, A, and M |
Flash-ready Indicator | Lights when optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes as underexposure warning after flash is fired at full output |
Accessory Shoe | ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock |
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) | i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Color Information Communication, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, unified flash control |
White Balance
White Balance | Auto (3 types) Choose color temperature (2,500 K–10,000 K) Cloudy Direct sunlight Flash Fluorescent (7 types) Incandescent Natural light auto Preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored), all with fine-tuning Shade |
White Balance Bracketing | Yes |
Movie
Movie Metering | TTL exposure metering using main image sensor |
Movie Maximum Recording Time | 29 minutes 59 seconds |
Movie File Format | MOV MP4 |
Movie Audio Recording Format | Linear PCM AAC |
Movie | 4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 30 fps 4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 25 fps 4K UHD 3,840x2,160 / 24 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 120 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 100 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 60 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 50 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 25 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 30 fps x4 Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 25 fps x4 Full HD 1,920x1,080 slow-mo / 24 fps x5 Actual frame rates for 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 119.88, 100, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively Quality selection available at all sizes except 3,840 x 2,160, 1,920 x 1,080 120p/100p, and 1,920 x 1,080 slow-motion, when quality is fixed at m |
Movie Audio | Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity can be adjusted |
Movie ISO | Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to 51,200) M: Manual selection (ISO 100 to 51,200; choose from step sizes of 1/3 and 1/2 EV); with additional options available equivalent to approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 204,800 equivalent) above ISO 51,200; auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 2.0) available with selectable upper limit P, S, A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 2) with selectable upper limit |
Movie Active D-Lighting | Can be selected from: Auto Extra High High Normal Low Off |
Time Code | Yes Drop frame |
Movie Log Gamma Output | Logarithmic (N-Log) and HDR (HLG) movie output with View Assist (HDMI output only) |
Movie e-VR | Yes |
Movie HDMI Output | Yes, up to 12 bit Start/Stop supported |
Movie Focus Peaking | Yes |
Movie Highlight Display (Zebras) | Yes |
Time-Lapse Movie | Up to 4K UHD; Silent mode option |
AF for Movie | AF Speed and AF Tracking Sensitivity can be adjusted |
Monitor
Monitor Size | 3.2 in. diagonal |
Monitor Type | Tilting TFT Touch-Sensitive LCD |
Playback
Playback Functions | Auto Image Rotation Full-frame and Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) Highlights Histogram Display Location Data Display Movie Playback Photo and/or Movie Slide Shows Photo Information Picture Rating Playback with Playback Zoom |
Interface
Wi-Fi Functionality | Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Africa, Asia, Bolivia, and Oceania) Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac (Europe, U.S.A., Canada, Mexico) Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a (other countries in the Americas) Operating frequency: 2412–2462 MHz (channel 11; Africa, Asia, Bolivia, and Oceania) Operating frequency: 2412–2462 MHz (channel 11) and 5180–5805 MHz (other countries in the Americas) Operating frequency: 2412–2462 MHz (channel 11) and 5180–5825 MHz (U.S.A., Canada, Mexico) Operating frequency: 2412–2462 MHz (channel 11) and 5745–5805 MHz (Georgia) Operating frequency: 2412–2462 MHz (channel 11) and 5180–5320 MHz (other European countries) Maximum output power (EIRP): 2.4 GHz band: 2.9 dBm Maximum output power (EIRP): 5 GHz band: 5.7 dBm (Georgia) Maximum output power (EIRP): 5 GHz band: 8.7 dBm (other countries) Authentication: Open system, WPA2-PSK |
Smart Device App Connectivity | SnapBridge |
Bluetooth | Communication protocols: Bluetooth Specification Version 4.2 Operating frequency: Bluetooth: 2402–2480 MHz Bluetooth Low Energy: 2402–2480 MHz Maximum output power (EIRP) Bluetooth: –0.3 dBm Bluetooth Low Energy: –1.8 dBm |
GPS | Via the SnapBridge app |
Menus
Supported Languages |
English French Portuguese (Brazil) Spanish |
Power
Battery / Batteries | One EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL15b/EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 batteries can also be used. Note, however, that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge than with the EN-EL15c. The EH-7P charging AC adapter can be used to charge EN-EL15c/EN-EL15b batteries only. |
Battery Life (shots per charge) |
Photo Mode: Number of Shots Viewfinder only with Energy saving mode enabled: Approx. 400 shots Viewfinder only with Energy saving mode disabled: Approx. 340 shots Monitor only with Energy saving mode enabled: Approx. 450 shots Monitor only with Energy saving mode disabled: Approx. 410 shots Movie Mode: Length of Footage Viewfinder only: Approx. 100 minutes Monitor only: Approx. 100 minutes |
AC Adapter | EH-7P Charging AC Adapter EH-5d/EH-5c/EH-5b AC Adapter (requires EP-5B power connector, available separately) |
Battery Charger | MH-25A Battery Charger |
Miscellaneous
Tripod Socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) |
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) | 5.3in. (134mm) x 4.0in. (100.5mm) x 2.8in. (69.5mm) |
Approx. Weight | 21.7oz. (615g) camera body only |
Operating Environment | Temperature: 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C) Humidity: Less than 85% (no condensation) |
*For a full list of the technical specifications please refer to the product manual.
Z 6II Body Only