Today, Nikon announced not just one, but two revolutionary, full-frame mirrorless cameras, along with three new high performance lenses designed for the all new Z-mount. This release ushers in a new era for Nikon imaging, unleashing the ability to create and capture like never before, while still remaining true to Nikon’s standard of excellence, quality, and performance.
The Z Series Cameras
Both the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras were built for ultimate performance and speed, with the ability to capture stunning images and video, all in a lightweight and comfortable package. Designed with a large camera grip, an ergonomic shape, familiar menu systems, and button layout that mirrors past Nikon DSLRs, the easy-to-handle unit is meant to embody the brand’s signature cameras, just in a smaller size.
Both cameras are also built with the same magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed for protection in the field, like past professional-level Nikon DSLRs.
The Z series cameras are built with EXPEED 6, Nikon’s most advanced imaging processing system, which allows these cameras to produce the highest image quality, excel in low-light, and offer brillant video performance. Both Z series cameras have a “5-axis optical VR system” that can be used for video or stills, and offer silent “on-sensor PDAF… that let you shoot with complete stealth.” And of course, both cameras are equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectability for easy transfer of files to your phone or laptop while on-the-go.
The Z series cameras were built for video and to be “portable cinematic masterpieces,” and they deliver. Both camera bodies offer:
- Full-frame 4K Ultra HD: This allows for cinematic 16:9 4K UHD/30p video. The full-frame image sensors give you the sharpness and dynamic range you’ve grown to expect.
- 8K Time-lapse: The Z7 allows you to shoot up to a whopping 9,999 full-resolution stills with zero shutter vibration, exactly like the D850.
- Hybrid AF for video: The camera offers nearly silent auto-focus that allows you to seamlessly change between the phase-detect and contrast-detect AF with ease.
- New Nikon N-Log: When it comes to post-processing, the N-Log lets you keep the highest quality image detail, giving you increased control in the editing process.
- 10-bit HDMI output: You’ll be able to easily and smoothly put out uncompressed footage — with 64-times more color data — to an external capture device, with an HDMI connecting cable, of course.
- 120 FPS Slow motion: Want slow motion? It’s here. Ultra-smooth 1080 120p slow motion is available and at your fingertips.
Both Z series cameras allow you to see clearly and effectively even in bright light, thanks to a brilliant 3.2-inch, 2.1M dot tilting touchscreen display that offers an intuitive and effective touchscreen control.
The 3.6M-dot electronic viewfinder has a custom in-screen menu for video recording, as well as a comfortable eyepiece. An added top low-power, OLED dot-matrix panel allows you to review your key camera settings, just like you’ve been doing with your trusted DSLRs. .
The Z6:
The Z6 full-frame mirrorless camera () is a “versatile, multimedia powerhouse,” and this camera is incredibly well-rounded, shoots fast, and performs incredibly well in low light.
It features:
- A 24.5MP FX-format sensor
- Fast and effective, 273-Point AF system
- Native ISO from 100-51,200
- Continuous shooting at 12 FPS (RAW & JPEG)
The Z7:
The Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera () is the “ultimate in modern full-frame imaging,” with maximum resolution and a revolutionary autofocus system built-in.
It features:
- A 45.7MP FX-format sensor
- Revolutionary 493-Point AF system
- Native ISO from 64-25,600
- Continuous shooting at 9 FPS (RAW & JPEG)
The New Z-Mount:
This new mount ushers in a new era for Nikon, but also helps to achieve performance of the highest level. At 55mm, the Z-mount is 17 percent bigger than the previous Nikon F-mount, and the largest camera mount on the market. This larger mount allows for more light to be internalized, and an added amount of data being sharing between the lens and camera, leading ultimately to higher image quality. The flange distance measures at only 16mm, and is roughly 65 percent slimmer than the F-mount, allowing for an overall lighter and smaller system.
But for those who have heavily invested in F-mount Nikkor lenses, there’s no reason to fret.
“With the optional Mount Adapter FTZ, Z series cameras are fully compatible with over 90 F-Mount NIKKOR lenses, which retain all their sharpness, rendering power and functionality,” Nikon announced, and the lenses gain the incredible features of the Z series cameras, like silent shooting, in-camera VR, and more.
The Z-Mount Lenses
Along with the two new Z series cameras with the all new Z-mount, Nikon is releasing three new lenses in 2018. Described as, “the front line of the imaging revolution,” these lenses boast incredible image quality with “near-silent operation — all in a smaller, lighter package.”
The three new lenses:
An additional F-mount lens has also been released alongside the Z-mount lenses. Though not for the mirrorless system, this new AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR () super-telephoto lens is a high-performance, yet lightweight, addition to the brand’s Nikon FX-format.
To see the camera and lenses in-use, check out Nikon USA Ambassador Tamara Lackey’s Hands-On Review: Testing the New Nikon Mirrorless System and 24-70mm f/4 Lens.
For more details, check out AdoramaTV’s first look at the new Nikon mirrorless system:
