Nikon Z6 II + 24-70mm f2.8

Nikon Z6 II + 24-70mm f2.8

Features of the NIKON Z6 II

More speed, more versatility, more performance, the NIKON Z6 II is an updated version of the all-terrain mirrorless camera designed for high-end photography and video applications. Despite the plethora of upgrades, the Z6 II retains its familiar form factor and prized image quality to benefit working multimedia image creators.

Rotating around a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and two EXPEED 6 image processors, the Z6 II is characterized by greater buffer depth and faster continuous shooting speed, up to 14fps with single-point AF or 12fps shooting in other focus modes. UHD 4K 30p video recording is possible, or up to FHD 120p for slow-motion output, and external recording gains 10-bit along with N-Log and HLG (HDR) support. The sensor also adapts to working in a variety of lighting conditions, with a sensitivity of ISO 100-51200, and 5-axis in-body Vibration Reduction reduces the appearance of camera shake for sharper manual shooting. In addition, the sensor also incorporates a 273-point phase detection AF system, which now supports Eye-Detect AF in wide-area AF modes and during movie recording, and allows low-light focusing down to -4.5 EV.

By balancing the visuals, the Z6 II retains its overall physical design; however, it was updated with a new dual memory card slot interface to house a CFexpress Type B card and a UHS-II SD card for more flexible storage. Both a high-resolution 3.6-million-dot OLED EVF and a 2.1-million-dot, 3.2-million-dot rear tilting touchscreen bring versatility to image composition and playback, and SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used for remote camera control, sharing images with a mobile device, and even over-the-air firmware updates.

Firmware version 1.10 unlocks 4K UHD recording at 60p and 50p frame rates, enables raw video output to external recorders Blackmagic Design Video Assist, and improves eye detection performance when using Auto Area AF and Wide Area AF modes.

Second generation Z

• Improving on its initial efforts, NIKON has revised the Z6 platform to offer more speed, faster processing and greater versatility without sacrificing the beloved qualities of the original camera.
• Dual EXPEED 6 image processors offer increased buffer performance, faster 14fps continuous shooting speed, and noticeably reduced dimming times in the viewfinder.
• The updated autofocus now includes eye and face detection for humans and animals in wide-area AF mode, for both photo and video recording.
• Timed long exposure shooting is now possible for up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) without the need for an external remote control.
• Dual memory card slots offer more flexible file storage capacities; a CFexpress Type B slot and a UHS-II SD slot allow for repeating, segregated, and overflow storage options.
• The USB Type-C port allows in-camera charging or continuous power for on-the-fly charging or extended shooting times.
• The direction of rotation of the focus ring on the lenses can be changed to suit one's familiarity.
• Support for HDR mode (HLG) when recording externally provides HDR-capable instant video files for immediate playback. N-Log is also available for enhanced control during post-production and sorting.
• The future firmware update will add UHD 4K 60p recording, in addition to the current 30p frame rate.
• Eligible for an optional ProRes RAW upgrade, allowing the camera to stream ProRes RAW footage to a compatible external Atomos recorder. This update provides greater color grading flexibility with the ProRes codec along with the ability to output uncompressed 12-bit raw images via HDMI. This update will be available in early 2021.
• SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used to update the camera's firmware, rather than relying on a memory card-based update system.
• Updated creative shooting modes include multiple exposure, 20 different image control settings, and in-camera time-lapse recording. There's also a focus shift mode for recording up to 300 sequential frames with the focus position changed between exposures for focus stacking applications.
• Compatible with optional MB-N11 power battery pack for longer battery life and better handling.

24.5MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and dual EXPEED 6 processors

A 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor is used for full shooting, impressive low-light quality, and fast read speeds to benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording. The sensor's backlit design offers remarkably clean high-sensitivity output to reduce noise when working at high ISOs, up to native ISO 51200, as well as crisp, smooth quality at sensitivities as low as ISO 100. Benefit of the sensor are two EXPEED 6 image processors, which deliver great speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to shoot continuously at 14fps for up to 124 consecutive frames.

4K UHD video recording

Using sensor and processor attributes for more than just still images, the Z6 II is also a more than capable multimedia camera. 4K UHD video recording is possible with full pixel readout up to 30p and Full HD 1080p video recording also supports up to 120p for slow-motion playback. Video files can be saved to the camera's memory cards or as an uncompressed file on an optional external recorder via the HDMI output.

Advanced video functionalities have been added with the Z6 II, including N-Log gamma for capturing flat images that maximize dynamic range and HLG (HDR) for recording HDR-ready images. Other additions are the ability to generate high-quality 10-bit data via HDMI and an electronic VR feature for smooth handheld shooting. Focus Peaking can be used to benefit manual focus control and a Zebra Stripes option is also available to help detect overexposed areas within the frame. Audio recording can be handled with the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external microphone can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for further control over quality, and live monitoring via the headphone jack is possible.

Firmware version 1.10 unlocks 4K UHD recording at 60p and 50p frame rates and enables raw video output to external recorders Blackmagic Design Video Assist, and also improves eye detection performance Auto Area AF and Wide Area AF modes.

273-point phase detection AF system

Located on the sensor is an array of 273 phase-detection autofocus points covering 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally. This provides fast and accurate focusing for both stills and videos, and with a wide coverage area, subject tracking will work close to the edges of the frame. Hybrid AF is available for video, which will automatically switch between phase detection and contrast systems to provide smooth focusing during capture. In addition, the latest NIKKOR Z lenses are optimized for quiet operation.

Vibration reduction

Vibration reduction from 5-axis sensor shift in the body compensates for up to 5 stops of camera shake, regardless of which Z-type lens is used. This system also works with adapted F-mount lenses, when using the optional FTZ adapter, where 3-axis stabilization is used.

Features of the 24-70mm f2.8 lens 

Bright and versatile, NIKON 's NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8S is a standard zoom, covering wide-angle to vertical fields of view. Characterized by its bright constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is suitable for working in a variety of lighting conditions and also offers greater control over depth of field to isolate subjects and work with selective focus. The optical design incorporates a pair of extra-low dispersion elements along with four aspherical elements, which help control chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range to improve clarity and sharpness. In addition, ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats, as well as a Super Integrated Coating, have been applied to suppress flare, ghosting and surface reflections to improve contrast and color fidelity.

Complementing the optical design, a multi-focus system, employing two stepper motors, helps achieve quiet, accurate and quiet focusing performance impressively, along with full-time manual focus override, to meet video and photo needs. The lens also has a unique physical design, incorporating a superior OLED information panel that can be used to quickly confirm aperture and focus settings, and an assignable L.Fn button allows exposure and settings to be made through the lens. In addition, a programmable control ring can be configured for intuitive adjustment in a variety of camera and exposure settings.

• The standard zoom covers a range from wide angle to portrait and is designed for FX-format Z-mount mirrorless cameras.
• The constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions and using selective focusing techniques.
• Four aspherical elements are used to reduce spherical aberrations and distortion for sharp images with accurate representation.
• Two extra-low dispersion elements greatly reduce color stripes and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range to produce greater clarity and color representation.
• ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats are used to prevent ghosting, reflections and flare for improved contrast and clarity when working in bright light and backlight conditions. The Nano Crystal Coat controls incidental light from a diagonal direction, while the ARNEO Coat controls incidental light from a vertical direction. A super-integrated coating on multiple elements is also offered to help ensure consistently accurate colors.
• The multi-focus system incorporates two separate AF unit units, which are synchronized, to offer particularly fast and accurate focusing throughout the zoom range. This system uses stepper motors, which deliver incredibly smooth and quiet autofocus performance that is well suited to still images and video applications. It is also possible to override manual focus full-time and an internal focus design is used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the full length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds.
• The programmable control ring is set by default to adjust manual focus, but can also be used to control aperture or exposure compensation.
• The built-in OLED lens information panel allows you to quickly confirm aperture settings, focusing distance and depth of field figures directly on the lens in both light and dark situations.
• The assignable L.Fn button works in conjunction with camera-based Fn buttons to provide a perfect point to quickly change exposure settings and other functions.
• The specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability which is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting speeds.
• The rounded nine-blade diaphragm promotes a pleasing focusing quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focusing techniques.
• The dust and moisture resistant lens cylinder benefits lens use in inclement conditions.