The following video presents Nikon Z Series:
“Introducing the full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z Series, setting the new benchmark for optical performance“
Nikon has today boldly and confidently stepped into the mirrorless arena with not one, but two full-frame mirrorless cameras: The flagship “Perfectionist” Nikon Z 7 features 45.7MP for high resolution shooting, 493 AF points, ISO 64-25600 and 9 fps Continuous Shooting; and the “All-Arounder” Nikon Z 6 features 24.5MP, 273 AF points, ISO 100-51200 and 12 fps Continuous Shooting.
Also announced are three new Z mount S-Line premium lenses: the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S and the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT lens is expected in 2019. To enable compatibility with existing NIKKOR F mount lenses, the Mount Adapter FTZ provides full compatibility with more than 90 NIKKOR F lenses and functionality with approximately 360 existing NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards.
The following video presents Z Series First Look – Photo (Part 1):
“Mark Cruz discusses the new Z series of full-frame mirrorless cameras from Nikon. In this first video, he will go into the still photography features and how seamlessly the new Z7 and Z6 will fit into your shooting lifestyle.“
Z Series First Look – Video https://youtu.be/c_K9Kszkzrg
PRESS RELEASE
Nikon introduces the new Nikon Z mount system and two full-frame mirrorless cameras: the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6
August 23, 2018 – Nikon Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame (Nikon FX–format) Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount to enable the next generation of ultimate optical performance. Details regarding the new NIKKOR Z lenses can be found in the following press release, released today: https://en.nikon.ca/about-nikon/press-room/index.page
Mirrorless Reinvented
The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras as well as compatible NIKKOR lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.
At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.95*. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.
The letter Z represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.
Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.
* Within interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras and Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lens
Z 7, Z 6 Product Overview
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6.
The high-resolution Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64-25600. In combination with NIKKOR Z lenses, the camera achieves an outstanding level of sharpness and detail, all the way to the edges of the image.
The versatile Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with 24.5 effective megapixels, and supports the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100–51200. With superior performance at high ISO sensitivities and full-frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout, the Z 6 responds to a variety of needs, such as shooting in dimly lit environments and high-quality movie recording.
These two models combine legendary Nikon reliability and a f interface with the benefits of a mirrorless, including rapid FPS, hybrid AF, silent shooting and advanced multimedia capabilities.
Primary Features of the Z 7 and Z 6
Equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination, Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6. The Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels and supports ISO 64–25600 range of standard sensitivities (reduction to the equivalent of ISO 32 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 102400 is also possible). The Z 6 has an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels, and supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100–51200 (additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800).
A fast and accurate hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90 per cent of the imaging area
The Z 7 has 493 focus points* and the Z 6 has 273 focus points*, enabling broad coverage of approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically. This hybrid AF system uses an algorithm optimized for the FX-format sensor, to automatically switch between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing to quickly acquire focus. Newly-designed NIKKOR Z lenses take full advantage of this system, providing faster, quieter and with increased AF accuracy than previously possible for both still images and videos.
* With FX (36×24) image area and single-point AF enabled.
The new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear imaging, and new functions that support creativity
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with the new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. Employing the superior resolving power of NIKKOR Z and NIKKOR F mount lenses, subjects are rendered more sharply than ever before. Noise is also effectively reduced.
Additionally, a mid-range sharpening option has been added to Picture Control sharpness parameters. This option, along with existing sharpening and clarity parameters, allows users to make various textures within the screen sharper or softer, for both still images and video*. The cameras also offer 20 options of Creative Picture Control, supporting creative imaging expression. The effect level is adjustable from 0 to 100.
*Mid-range sharpness adjustment is only possible at “High quality” movie setting.
An electronic viewfinder that utilizes Nikon’s superior optical and image-processing technologies to offer a clear and natural view
The electronic viewfinder adopted for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and easy to use, comparable to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder for which an approximately 3,690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100 per cent and 0.8x, respectively, as well as an approximately 37.0° diagonal viewing angle. It draws on Nikon’s superior optical technologies and image-processing technologies, ensuring a clear and comfortable view, with reduced aberration and minimum eyestrain, even during extended shoots. Furthermore, a fluorine coat that effectively repels dirt has been applied to the eyepiece protection window. In addition, the <i> menu can be displayed in the electronic viewfinder, allowing users to quickly view and adjust a variety of shooting settings, including ISO sensitivity, AF-area mode, and Picture Control, all while looking through the viewfinder.
An ergonomic design unique to Nikon that enables intuitive and familiar operation
The Z 7 and Z 6 have inherited the superior operability that Nikon has cultivated over the years through its development of cameras. The bodies are compact, while boasting a firm grip that is easy to hold, and the sub-selector and buttons such as AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation are all placed so that they can be operated swiftly and easily. Additionally, a display panel has been placed on the top plate of the camera, where information about settings can be displayed, similar to high-end digital SLR camera models.
Video functions such as 10-bit N-Log that enables wide dynamic range, and timecoding that respond to professional needs
The Z 7 and Z 6 support recording of not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX-based video format, but also full-HD/120p movies. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible, using the full-pixel readout.*1 Additionally, Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can be used with 4K UHD and Full-HD movie recording. Nikon’s original N-Log colour profile can also be used with 10-bit*2 HDMI output. The N-Log setting utilizes extensive colour depth and twelve-stop, 1,300% dynamic range to record*3 a wealth of tone information from highlights and shadows for more effective colour grading. Timecode support makes synchronizing video and sound to footage recorded across multiple devices easier. Additionally, the control ring built into NIKKOR Z lenses can be used to quietly and smoothly adjust settings such as aperture and exposure compensation.
*1 DX-based movie format with the Z 7.
*2 Simultaneous recording of 4K UHD movies with 10-bit output to the camera’s memory card is not possible.
*3 Movies are recorded to the external recorder only.
Nikon’s first*1 in-camera vibration reduction with approx. 5.0-stop*2 effectiveness
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR). The VR unit provides compensation for movement along five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately 5.0 stops*1. This function can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, with the Mount Adapter FTZ (sold separately)*3.
*1 Among interchangeable-lens cameras
*2 Measured in accordance with CIPA standards (using the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S at the telephoto zoom position).
*3 The level of compensation achieved when a NIKKOR F mount lens is used is not as high as when a NIKKOR Z lens is used.
Other features
- Same level of strength and durability, as well as dust- and drip- resistance, as the Nikon D850, offered in a compact body
- A 3.2-in., approximately 2,100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD monitor, with a tilting mechanism
- Silent photography function eliminates shake and noise caused by shutter release
- Peaking stack image function*1 enables confirmation of focus depth after shooting using focus shift, which is convenient for focus stacking*2
- High-speed continuous shooting (extended)*3 at approximately 9 fps (Z 7) and 12 fps (Z 6) captures fast motion
- Interval timer photography that makes 8K (Z 7) time-lapse movie creation*2 possible
- An extended low-light metering range*4 allows users to easily capture scenes such as the transition from sunset to starry night sky, using aperture-priority auto exposure
- Built-in Wi-Fi® for direct connection to a smart device using SnapBridge
- Built-in Wi-Fi® makes the transfer of images and movies to a computer possible
- Support for existing digital SLR camera accessories such as the EN-EL15/a/b batteries, WT-7/A/B/C
- Wireless Transmitter (available separately) for transferring images and movies at high speed over a wired or wireless LAN, and radio-controlled/optical controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, which makes flexible multi-flash photography possible
*1 Can only be confirmed using the camera with which focus shift was performed.
*2 Third-party software is required.
*3 Continuous H (extended) in 12-bit RAW, JPEG, or TIFF format.
*4 With interval timer shooting or time-lapse movie recording with silent photography and exposure smoothing enabled.
Development of the MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack
The MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack that is currently in development will hold two EN-EL15b, effectively increasing the number of shots possible and/or movie recording time by approximately 1.8x. It will provide the same level of dust and drip resistance as the Z 7 and Z 6, and will support USB charging using the EH-7P Charging AC Adapter. Information regarding the release of this product will be announced at a later date.
Price and Availability
The Nikon Z 7 will be available in the early fall for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of CAD $4,699.95 (body only) or CAD $5,549.95 with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens. The Z 6 will have an MSRP of CAD $2,799.95 (body only) or CAD $3,649.95 with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens. The Z 7 and Z 6 will be available in September and November 2018**. For more information about the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 or other Nikon products, please visit www.nikon.ca.
Editor’s note: In the US, the Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of US $3,399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for US $3,999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for US $1,995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for US $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit. For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables users to tell their stories through amazing photos and videos. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 compact interchangeable lens camera system and KeyMission line of action cameras. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Canada, recently announced the production of 100 million NIKKOR lenses in 2016, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
* MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
** Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.