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Nikon Z6 and Z7 Mirrorless FF Cameras Released! Underwater Housings Coming Soon…
After weeks of anticipation, Nikon has finally released not one, but two new Full Frame Mirrorless cameras! The Nikon Z series is Nikon’s direct attempt to get a piece of Sony’s pie and compete with their popular A7 series.
The two camera bodies released – Z 6 ($1995 USD) and Z 7 ($3400 USD), boast incredibly impressive specs, sharing many similarities with their flagship FF D850, only without that pesky mirror that makes us underwater photographers curse every time we pack for a trip.
Arguably one of the most exciting things about this release, is the new larger Z-mount, which opens up a whole new world of lenses, with ultra bright apertures and awesome Nikkor optics.
The Z6 and Z7 are physically identical but differ in specs due to 2 types of sensors – The Z 7 is 45.7 megapixels, with ISO range of 64-25600 (expandable to 32 and 102400). The Z 6 is 24.5 megapixels,with ISO range of 100-51200 (expandable to 50 and 204800).
Bottom line – Z 6 can be characterized as “high sensitivity” and the Z 7 as “high resolution”.
Highlights of the Z6 and Z7 include (taken from original press release):
- A new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels.
- A hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the imaging area
- The new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear imaging, and new functions that support creative imaging expression
- An electronic viewfinder that utilizes Nikon’s superior optical and image-processing technologies to offer a clear and natural view
- An ergonomic design unique to Nikon that enables intuitive operation
- Movie functions such as 10-bit N-Log that captures a wide dynamic range, and timecoding, responding to professional needs
- Nikon’s first in-camera vibration reduction with approx. 5.0-stop effectiveness
- Same level of strength and durability, as well as dust- and drip-resistance, as the Nikon D850, offered in a compact body
- An 8-cm/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 function
- High-speed continuous shooting 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 possible
What About Underwater Housings?
We expect to start seeing underwater housings for the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 within the next few weeks starting to emerge.
The race is on and we hope to see press releases soon from Nauticam, Ikelite, Aquatica, Nimar and Sea & Sea showcasing their innovative new housings for this spectacular camera. The new Z lenses released at this point are still not ideal for underwater, except for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S which would probably perform well, so we hope the underwater manufacturers will support the original F-Mount lenses such as the 105mm, 10.5mm, 16-35mm etc, using the FTZ adapter.
The housings for the Nikon Z series will be available here
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.
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