Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II - Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]

The Nikon Z6 and Z6 II are both excellent cameras for a variety of purposes. While they share many similarities, there are also some key differences that may make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

In this article, we’ll explore the Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II and help you decide which camera is right for you.

We’ll go category by category.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II – Comparing the Differences

Price

The Nikon Z6 is the cheaper of the two cameras, with a current retail price of around $1,600.

The Nikon Z6 II, on the other hand, will come in at around $1,999.

That’s a reasonable difference, and it’s one that will be a major factor for many people when choosing between these two cameras.

If you’re on a budget, or if you simply don’t feel like spending the extra money on the II, then the original Z6 is still an excellent choice. It offers very similar specs and performance as its successor.

Nikon Z6

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Nikon Z6 II

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Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, both cameras are excellent. They use the same full-frame sensor, and they produce images that are virtually identical in terms of quality.

The only real difference here is that the Z6 II has a higher ISO range, which means it can produce slightly better images in low-light conditions.

However, the difference is fairly small, and unless you’re a professional photographer who needs to shoot in very low light, you probably won’t notice much of a difference.

Video Quality

Both cameras can record 4K video, but the Nikon Z6 II has some advantages over the original Z6.

First, it can record 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second (fps), while the Z6 is limited to 30 fps. This means that the Z6 II can capture smoother, more realistic video.

Second, the Z6 II has a wider dynamic range for video recording, which means it can capture more detail in both highlight and shadow areas.

Third, the Z6 II has built-in stabilization for video recording, while the Z6 does not. This means that you’ll get smoother, steadier video footage with the Z6 II, even if you’re hand-holding the camera.

Finally, the Z6 II can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video to an external recorder, while the Z6 is limited to 8-bit 4:2:0. This means that the Z6 II can record video with more color information, which is ideal for professional videographers.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for video recording, thanks to its higher frame rate, wider dynamic range, built-in stabilization, and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording capability.

Autofocus

Both cameras have excellent autofocus systems, but the Nikon Z6 II has some advantages over the original Z6.

First, the Z6 II has dual processors, which means it can focus faster than the Z6. It can also track moving subjects more accurately.

Second, the Z6 II has Eye-AF tracking for both stills and video recording. This feature keeps the camera focused on your subject’s eyes, even if they’re moving around.

Third, the Z6 II has Animal-Eye AF tracking, which is ideal for wildlife and pet photography.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for autofocus, thanks to its dual processors, Eye-AF tracking, and Animal-Eye AF tracking.

Battery Life

Both cameras have excellent battery life, but the Nikon Z6 II has a slight advantage over the original Z6.

The Z6 can shoot up to 310 shots per charge, while the Z6 II can shoot up to 470 shots per charge. This means that you’ll be able to shoot for longer periods of time without having to stop to recharge the battery.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for battery life, thanks to its longer shooting time per charge.

Sensor

Both cameras have a full-frame sensor, but the Nikon Z6 II has a slightly higher resolution than the original Z6.

The Z6 has a 24.5 megapixel sensor, while the Z6 II has a 26.1 megapixel sensor. This means that the Z6 II can capture slightly more detail than the Z6.

However, the difference is fairly small, and unless you’re a professional photographer who needs to make large prints or crop their images heavily, you probably won’t notice much of a difference.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras are well-built and weather-sealed, but the Nikon Z6 II has a few advantages over the original Z6.

First, the Z6 II has a magnesium alloy body, while the Z6 has a polycarbonate body. This makes the Z6 II more durable and resistant to impact.

Second, the Z6 II is fully weather-sealed, while the Z6 is only partially weather-sealed. This means that the Z6 II can better withstand exposure to dust, moisture, and other elements.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for build quality and weather sealing.

LCD Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

Both cameras have a 3-inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder, but the Nikon Z6 II has a few advantages over the original Z6.

The Z6 II’s LCD screen is touch-sensitive, while the Z6’s LCD screen is not. This means that you can control the camera using the touch screen, which is handy for quickly changing settings or reviewing images.

The Z6 II’s electronic viewfinder has a higher resolution than the Z6’s electronic viewfinder. This means that you’ll be able to see more detail when composing your shots.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for the LCD screen and electronic viewfinder, thanks to its touch screen and higher resolution viewfinder.

Continuous Shooting Speed

Both cameras have excellent continuous shooting speeds, but the Nikon Z6 II has a slight advantage over the original Z6.

The Z6 can shoot at up to 12 frames per second, while the Z6 II can shoot at up to 14 frames per second. This means that you’ll be able to capture fast-moving subjects more easily with the Z6 II.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for continuous shooting speed, thanks to its slightly higher frame rate.

Memory Card Slots

Both cameras have dual memory card slots, but the Nikon Z6 II has a few advantages over the original Z6.

First, the Z6 II’s memory card slots are UHS-II compatible, while the Z6’s memory card slots are only UHS-I compatible. This means that you can use faster and higher capacity memory cards with the Z6 II.

Second, the Z6 II has an additional slot for an XQD memory card. This means that you can boost the camera’s shooting speed by using an XQD memory card in conjunction with a UHS-II SD memory card.

Overall, the Z6 II is the better choice for memory card slots, thanks to its higher performance and flexibility.

Other Features

The Nikon Z6 II has a few additional features that the original Z6 doesn’t have.

The Z6 II has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the Z6 doesn’t have these features. This means that you can wirelessly transfer images to your computer or smartphone, and control the camera remotely using your smartphone.

The Z6 II has an improved autofocus system with more focus points and better tracking performance. This means that you’ll be able to take sharper photos, especially of fast-moving subjects.

Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II – Which Should You Choose?

Overall, the Nikon Z6 II is the better camera thanks to its improved battery life, higher resolution sensor, touch screen LCD, higher resolution electronic viewfinder, faster continuous shooting speed, and additional features.

If you’re looking for the best all-around camera, the Nikon Z6 II is the better choice.

Nikon Z5 vs Z6 vs Z6II – What should you buy?

FAQs – Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II

What is the difference between the Nikon Z6 and Z6 II?

The main differences between the Nikon Z6 and Z6 II are:

– The Z6 II has a higher resolution sensor (24.5 megapixels vs 24.3 megapixels).

– The Z6 II has more focus points than the Z6 (273 vs 209).

– The Z6 II can record 4K video, while the Z6 is limited to 1080p.

– The Z6 II has a higher resolution viewfinder (3,690k dots vs 2,360k dots).

– The Z6 II has NFC support, while the Z6 does not.

– The Z6 II is larger and heavier than the Z6.

– The Z6 II has a faster continuous shooting speed (14 fps vs 12 fps).

– The Z6 II has dual SD card slots, while the Z6 only has one.

– The Nikon Z7 II was released after the Nikon Z6 II and offers similar features. However, the Z7 II has a higher resolution sensor (45.7 megapixels) and costs more than the Z6 II.

Who should buy the Nikon Z6 II?

The Nikon Z6 II is a great choice for photographers who want the best all-around camera. It offers excellent image quality, 4K video recording, fast shooting speeds, and dual memory card slots.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, the Nikon Z7 II is a better choice. However, it costs more than the Z6 II and has a higher resolution sensor (45.7 megapixels).

Conclusion – Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II

When it comes to image quality, the Nikon Z6 and Z6 II are very similar. Both have 24.5 megapixel resolution and use the same EXPEED 6 image processor.

This means that images from both cameras will be of excellent quality, with great detail and low noise levels.

The main difference between the two when it comes to image quality is in their autofocus systems. The Nikon Z6 has 93% phase-detection autofocus points, while the Nikon Z6 II has 273 focus points. This gives the Nikon Z6 II a clear advantage when it comes to tracking fast-moving subjects.

The other main difference between the two cameras is that the Nikon Z6 II has a higher resolution viewfinder (3,690k dots vs 2,360k dots). This means that you’ll be able to see more detail when composing photos and videos.

Overall, the Nikon Z6 II is the better choice for photographers who want a camera with excellent all-around performance. It offers a higher resolution sensor, more focus points, 4K video recording, faster shooting speeds, and dual memory card slots.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, the Nikon Z7 II is a better choice. However, it costs more than the Z6 II and has a higher resolution sensor (45.7 megapixels).

The Nikon Z6 II is the better camera thanks to its improved battery life, higher resolution sensor, touch screen LCD, higher resolution electronic viewfinder, faster continuous shooting speed, and additional features.

If you’re looking for the best all-around camera, the Nikon Z6 II is the better choice.

Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II – Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]