News,  Nikon

Nikon announces new Z 6, Z 7 mirrorless cameras and three lenses

Nikon today has announced two new mirrorless models as the first step of creating a new full-frame camera system, based on a new, larger Z-mount. Besides allowing faster lenses like the 58mm F0.95 Noct-Nikkor (shown above), the new larger 55mm diameter mount will, theoretically, allow Nikon to produce lenses with higher image quality, particularly at the edges and corners of the frame.

Both models are the first full-frame cameras from Nikon to feature 5-axes in-body stabilization or Vibration Reduction (VR) as Nikon call it. The company claim that it offers up to the equivalent of an increase in shutter speed of up to 5 stops.

Three new lenses have been announced at launch, 35mm F1.8, 50mm F1.8 and a collapsible 24-70mm F4, however Nikon has shown a mock-up of a ultra-high speed Noct-Nikkor 58mm F0.95 manual focus lens.

An adaptor for Nikon F lenses has also been announced. Nikon claims that the FTZ most adaptor offers AE compatibility with AI and AIS lenses, but as there’s no auto-indexing post visible in the images they’ve supplied, that’s unlikely – we’ve asked Nikon for clarification. AF and lens based VR compatibility is retained with G-type lenses, however earlier AF-D series lenses will not be compatible with the new cameras’ hybrid (PDAF and CDAF) AF systems.

The Nikon Z 6 is a full-frame 24.5-MP BSI CMOS model featuring and EXPEED 6 processor capable of ISO 100-51,200 plus extension, bursts of up to 12 fps, 273 point hybrid AF and full-frame 4K UHD video. It features a 3.2-in (2,100 dot) pull-out and tilt TFT-LCD touchscreen, single XQD slot (the slot is also compatible with CFexpress), and a 3,690k-dot OLED EVF. It’s available to pre-order now priced at $1996/£2,099/2,399€. It will be available in late November.

Sharing many of the same features but targeting studio and landscape photographers the Nikon Z 7 offers a higher-res 45-MP BSI CMOS sensor, a sensitivity range of ISO 64-25,600, 493 point hybrid AF and a high 9 fps continuous shooting. The Nikon Z 7 is priced at $3,399/£3,399/3,899€ and will be available in late September.

Update. This post has been updated to reflect the cameras are compatible with CFexpress, not CFAST as previously stated.

Pre-ordering is likely the only way you’ll get one for several months. See below for pre-order links.

B&H Photo (US)

Amazon (US)

Wex (UK)

Jessops (UK)