Nikon first announced the D6 DSLR camera was in development in September 2019, and has just released the official specs and features of the long-awaited professional camera. Alongside the D6 announcement, Nikon has also added two new lenses to its Z mount mirrorless lineup: the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens.
Nikon D6 DSLR Camera:
The company’s D1 DSLR was originally released in 1999. More than 20 years later, Nikon is launching its most tech-packed and advanced DSLR yet.
“The D6 is purpose-built and inspired by the valuable feedback of professional users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President of Nikon Inc., in a company announcement. “The world relies on photojournalists and professionals to document every corner of the globe through impactful images; Nikon cameras are trusted to stand up to any job and help photographers capture the shot, time and time again.”
Key features:
- 20.8-megapixel FX-Format CMOS sensor
- 100 to 102,400 ISO range (expandable to 3,280,000)
- New 105-point AF system (AF coverage 1.6x denser than D5)
- 14 fps mechanical shutter with full AF and AE
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 at 30/25/24p)
- 1000BASE-T Ethernet support, with 15% transmission speed increase from D5
- 14 customizable buttons (can be used for 46 optional functions)
- Priority image transfer enabled
- Built-in dual CFexpress slots
Created with professionals in mind, the Nikon D6 comes with a 20.8-megapixel FX-Format CMOS sensor and is packed with the company’s most advanced AF system, enhanced file transfer options, powerful low-light capabilities, and a 14fps mechanical shutter frame rate.
Nikon has upgraded its flagship DSLR with even more impressive auto-focus powers. The D6 has AF coverage that’s nearly 1.6 times denser than than D5, all thanks to the new 105-point AF layout and a triple-sensor arrangement per point. Impressive autofocus is even possible in low-light conditions, with a -4.5 EV1 for the center focus point (-4EV for others).
Further adding to the professional features list is the improvement on the mechanical shutter frame rate — now at 14 fps — with full AF and AE. When switching over to Live View mode, full resolution is possible with 10.5 fps, 60fps for 2MB files, and 30fps for 8MP files.
Connectivity has also seen a technical upgrade, with a 15% improvement in transmission speed over the D5, while supporting the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard. Built-in WiFi support is also available for additional wireless networking.
With 14 customizable buttons (which can perform any of the available 46 functions), Nikon has also made the D6 further tailor-made for working professionals, who can also employ the camera’s built-in GPS, which will log the correct location, as well as time and date, no matter where you’re working.
The Nikon D6 is available for preorder now for at Adorama.
Update 3/9/2020: Nikon has just announced that the release of the D6 has been delayed:
“As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19, the release of the new Nikon D6 digital SLR camera, originally planned for March 2020, will be delayed. We sincerely apologize to our customers and all those concerned for any inconvenience this may cause.
We are now planning to release the Nikon D6 in May 2020 and will announce the new release date once it has been determined.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do our utmost to deliver this new camera as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter.”
NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Lens:
Expanding its Z series lineup, Nikon has also announced two new lenses.
“With the launch of the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikon remains dedicated to rapidly expanding the lens options for Z users,” says Vannatter, in an announcement. “Whether it be a wide angle with a fast aperture for capturing landscapes or night photography, or a reliable all-in-one lens for those who want to travel light, we continue to offer Nikon users the advanced optics necessary to enhance their content.”
The first, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, is an ultra-wide lens that includes a bright aperture for detail-ready shots. Perfect for astrophotography or landscape shoots where low light is common, the new ultra-wide is lightweight and portable to destinations near and far.
Built using nine aperture blades and three ED lens elements, plus weather sealing and Nano Crystal Coating, the lens is built to be durable.
The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is available for preorder now for at Adorama.
NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Lens:
The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 is Nikon’s latest all-in-one reliable lens, designed to travel with creators around the globe. The 24-200mm lens includes an 8.3-times zoom, taking it from wide to telephoto, and weighs in at only 20 ounces.
The lens delivers on edge-to-edge sharpness, is built with two aspherical elements, two ED lens elements, and one aspherical ED glass element, plus the trusted ARNEO coating, which means it’s created for adventure. With minimal distortion, color bleeding, as well as flare, and smooth and reliable subject tracking while in video mode (not to mention 5 stops of built-in optical vibration reduction), it gives users reliable and accurate stabilization when shooting.
The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens is available for preorder now for at Adorama.
