Nikon launches Z 6II and Z 7II

Nikon has expanded its mirrorless Z Series with the full-frame Z 6II and Z 7II. These are incremental upgrades, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. The cameras use the same sensors and ISO ranges as before – 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS and 100-51,200 in the Z 6II or 45.7-megapixel BSI CMOS with no optical low-pass filter and 64-25,600 in the Z 7II – and have identical five-axis IBIS systems. The real leap is in processing power.

Both host dual Expeed 6 processors – a first for Nikon – with the extra grunt increasing frame rate to 14fps on the Z 6 II and 10fps on the Z 7II. The buffer has also been enlarged, allowing 124 Raws and 50 Raws respectively, or 200 JPEGs on either body.

Both bodies have the same number of AF points as before – 273 and 493 – but the dual processing power allows ‘vastly improved’ AF tracking performance across stills and video. To streamline handling, AF area modes now include new ‘Wide Area AF (L-people)’ and ‘Wide Area AF (L-animals)’ options.

The dual theme continues with two card slots. The original Z 6 and Z 7 had a single XQD slot, but the new bodies can now record to either XQD/CFexpress or SD cards. Both cameras offer up to 4K60p or Full HD 120p slow motion video, as well as pro-spec N-log, HDR and Raw output.

A vertical grip has also been announced. The previous models could only use a simple battery pack, but the new MB-N11 has a proper vertical shutter release and other controls.

Available towards the end of 2020, the bodies are priced £1999 for the Z 6II, and £2999 for the Z 7II. The original cameras will continue in the range for the time being, too.

For more information, please visit the Nikon website.