Introducing The Nikon Z Full-Frame Mirrorless System

After announcing development of a new full-frame mirrorless system and lens mount this summer, Nikon has officially introduced not one but two mirrorless cameras, the Z 6 and Z 7. Nearly identical in most respects, the main differentiating features of the two cameras are resolution and continuous shooting speed. Let’s start with the biggest feature the two cameras have in common: a noteworthy new lens mount.

Nikon Z Mount Lenses

The new Z series cameras are built around an entirely new lens mount. Nikon took the opportunity in developing this new system to “start with a blank slate” as one senior Nikon representative told us. The result is the Z mount with a 55mm diameter (17 percent wider than F mount), and a flange back distance (the distance from the lens mount to the sensor focal plane) of 16mm (65 percent smaller than F mount). Nikon states that the Z mount’s large diameter allows for optical design that provides over 100 percent more light collection compared to F mount and maximum apertures as large as ƒ/0.95. Additionally, Nikon says that the lenses will be sharpest at their widest apertures.

For Nikon shooters who own a collection of NIKKOR lenses, the Mount Adapter FTZ will allow use of roughly 350 F mount lenses, and approximately 90 of the most recent lenses will be completely compatible with full functionality via the adapter. Both the Z 6 and Z 7 have in-body, 5-axis Vibration Reduction providing up to 5 stops of stabilization. When F mount lenses with built-in VR are used via the FTZ adapter, the in-body system adds roll stabilization.

Initially, three lenses will be available for the system: the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S ($999) and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S ($849) will be the first two available in late September along with the Mount Adapter FTZ ($249), followed by the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S in late October ($599). Nikon is also announcing the development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, an incredibly fast lens that will be especially interesting for night photography. Price and availability of this lens is not yet available.

In today’s announcement, Nikon also included a roadmap of future lens development for the system. In addition to the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, five more lenses are planned for 2019, and three more for 2020. The roadmap, Nikon notes, is subject to change.

For specific details on each of the three new lenses, see the press release below.

Nikon Z 7 Versus Z 6: Resolution & Speed

Both the Z 7 and the Z 6 feature new backside illumination FX-format sensors with focal-plane phase-detection AF. The sensor in the Z 7 is 45.7 megapixels with 493 focus points and a maximum continuous shooting rate of 9 fps. The Z6 has a 24.5-megapixel sensor with 273 focus points and a faster continuous shooting rate of up to 12 fps. The difference in resolution and continuous shooting rates are the primary differentiators of the two cameras.

Both cameras share an exterior design that Nikon states has the same durability and environmental proofing as the D850. Both cameras also feature a silent shooting mode, ideal for wildlife photography. And for extended shooting in the field, Nikon is also developing a MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack that will accommodate two of the new EN-EL15b batteries designed for the Z system.

One feature that may disappoint some photographers is Nikon’s decision to include only one XQD memory card slot. Though XQD has speed and capacity advantages over SD, SD is ubiquitous and relatively inexpensive, and offering just one card slot eliminates conveniences photographers have become accustomed to with dual card slots, such as creating instant backups or using one card for photos and the other for video. A minor point, perhaps, but one worth noting.

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 with a list price of $3,399 for the body only, or in a kit that includes the NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S for $3,999. The Nikon Z 6 will come later in November for $1,999 for the body only, or $2,599 with the NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S.

We’re in New York for a media keynote that will officially unveil the new cameras, and will update this post with additional details and photos as possible. Read the official press releases from Nikon below for more information about the cameras and lenses.

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NIKON INTRODUCES THE NEW NIKON Z MOUNT SYSTEM, AND RELEASES TWO FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS: THE NIKON Z 7 AND NIKON Z 6

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon 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.

Mirrorless Reinvented

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z 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/0.95¹. 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.

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 familiar 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

1. 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).

2. A fast and accurate hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the imaging area

The Z 7 has 493 focus points²and the Z 6 has 273 focus points², 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 switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing to achieve 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.

3. 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 video³. The cameras also offer 20 options of Creative Picture Control, supporting creative imaging expression. The effect level is adjustable from 0 to 100.

4. 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 3690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100% and 0.8×, 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 readout⁴. 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 color profile can also be used with 10-bit⁵HDMI output. The N-Log setting utilizes extensive color depth and twelve-stop, 1,300% dynamic range to recorda wealth of tone information from highlights and shadows for more effective color grading. Timecode support makes synchronizing video and sound from 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.

7. Nikon’s first⁶ in-camera vibration reduction with approx. 5.0-stop⁷ 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 up to approximately 5.0 stops⁶. 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)⁸.

8. 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 2100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD monitor, with a tilting mechanism
• Silent photography function eliminates shake and noise caused by shutter release,
• Peaking stack image function⁹enables confirmation of the area in focus after shooting using focus shift, which is convenient for focus stacking¹⁰
• High-speed continuous shooting (extended)¹¹at approximately 9 fps (Z 7) and 12 fps (Z 6) captures fast motion
• Interval timer photography that makes 8K (Z 7) time-lapse movie creation¹⁰possible
• An extended low-light metering range¹²allows 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

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 1.8×. 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 September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* 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 the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $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.

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NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S, AND THE MOUNT ADAPTER FTZ, AND DEVELOPS THE NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT

Designed Exclusively for the Nikon Z Mount System, Featuring a New, Larger-Diameter Mount

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of three new lenses designed for the next-generation Nikon Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras, for which a new larger-diameter mount has been adopted. The three new lenses are the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has also announced the Mount Adapter FTZ for Z System compatibility with existing NIKKOR F mount lenses and development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens¹.

NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16mm. The lenses offer sharp resolution with both still-image and video recording, and are equipped with functions that include: compensation for focus breathing (the shifting of the angle of view when focus is adjusted), quiet operation, smooth exposure control, a control ring and performance that is well suited for video capture.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S are S-Line interchangeable lenses. The S-Line is a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, realizing rendering performance that surpasses that of conventional f/4 standard zoom lenses and f/1.8 wide-angle or standard prime lenses. From maximum aperture, clear and sharp resolution can be achieved as well as beautiful bokeh characteristics.

Additionally, the Mount Adapter FTZ has been designed to allow users of Nikon SLR cameras to utilize their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses with the Z mount system and enjoy taking advantage of an even wider variety of lens characteristics with their photography.

Development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

Nikon is currently developing the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, a standard prime manual focus lens and the fastest lens in Nikon’s history. The design of the Noct lens exemplifies Nikon’s mission to pursue the ultimate optical performance in the mirrorless category. As the result, the Noct is positioned at the top of the S-Line. In addition, Nikon is planning on releasing a variety of new lenses that will continue to expand its line of attractive, high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses that further extend photographers’ creative expressions.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Primary Features

• Standard focal-length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm can effectively cover a wide variety of scenes and subjects with rendering performance that will change the perception of what is possible with zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4
• Optical design that suppresses variations in aberrations from shooting distances of close-up to infinity, demonstrating sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, as well as fine point-image reproduction
• Achieved a minimum focus distance of just 0.3 m across the zoom range
• Adoption of an ED glass element, an aspherical ED lens element, and three aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
• Has the size needed to deliver an extremely high standard of optical performance, yet provides outstanding portability; employs a retracting mechanism that can be set on/off without pressing a button and reduces total length for a compact lens that can easily be taken anywhere
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
• Fluorine coat applied to front lens surface

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

• Rendering performance that redefines perceptions of what a 35mm f/1.8 lens can do
• Sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, effective suppression of sagittal coma flare that enables superb point-image reproduction when capturing point light sources in night landscapes, and the soft and natural bokeh characteristics expected of a fast (bright) lens
• Adoption of a new multi-focusing system featuring two AF drive units providing driving power at high speed and with high accuracy that achieves quiet, fast, and accurate AF control, as well as high image-forming performance at any focus distance
• Adoption of two ED glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

NIKKOR Z 50 mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

• Superior rendering ignites creativity, and redefines perceptions of what a 50mm f/1.8 lens can do
• Thorough suppression of axial chromatic aberration ensures superior resolution with faithful reproduction of the fine textures in subjects, even from maximum aperture
• Sharp and clear rendering of details from the center of the frame to the peripheral edges, regardless of the shooting distance
• The soft and beautiful bokeh characteristics at any shooting distance possible only with a fast (bright) lens
• Adoption of two ED glass, and two aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
• Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control during both still-image capture and video recording
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

Mount Adapter FTZ Primary Features

• Full compatibility with more than 90 lenses and functionality with approximately 360 existing NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards²
• The unique characteristics of NIKKOR F mount lenses can be applied to Z mount system image quality
• In-camera VR (Vibration Reduction) with three-axis VR is available when attaching a NIKKOR F lens without built-in VR; in-camera VR also performs well with stills and video recording
• When attaching a NIKKOR F lens with built-in VR, lens VR and in-camera VR effectively work together to compensate for camera shake by enabling three-axis VR.
• Various sections of the adapter are effectively sealed to ensure dust- and drip-resistant performance equivalent to that of NIKKOR F lenses
• Designed to be lightweight yet tough with consideration for superior operability as a part of a complete system

Development of the New NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens that Pursues Ultimate Optical Performance

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct that Nikon is currently developing will be a large aperture, standard 58mm prime focal-length, the fastest lens in Nikon’s history³, manual-focus lens positioned at the very top of the S-Line. It will stand to symbolize the Nikon Z mount system’s new dimension in optical performance.

It has inherited the design concept behind the original AI Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2, a standard prime lens released in 1977, named for “Nocturne” (a musical composition inspired by or evocative of the night), and was popular for its ability to finely reproduce point light sources as point images. This new Noct lens that is currently in development will take advantage of the advanced design flexibility afforded by the Z mount, pursuing ultimate optical performance. Development continues with the goals of achieving an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/0.95, offering the ultimate in NIKKOR rendering performance with superior detail and sharpness. Additionally, the goal is to achieve beautiful blur characteristics, or bokeh, with good continuity, and ensure outstanding point-image reproduction capabilities for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S will be available September 27 for the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $999.95* and $849.95*, respectively. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens will be available in late October for the SRP of $599.95*. The Mount Adapter FTZ will be available September 27 for $249.95* SRP (Additional $100 savings when purchased together with a Z 7 or Z 6, through 12/31/2018). For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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