Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z7 II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z7 II (2020) moves ahead on resolution (45.7MP vs 24.5MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). The Nikon Z6 is still the value pick at $2,699 ($2,999 for the Nikon Z7 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z6 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Nikon Z6 if…
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) and AF that focuses down to -6 EV give it the edge after dark.
- ✓You value portability — at 585g (1.29 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 705g (1.55 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon Z7 II if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p.
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 45.7MP resolves noticeably more than 24.5MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Nikon Z6 launched at $2,699, $300 under the Nikon Z7 II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 45.7MP on the Nikon Z7 II vs 24.5MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Weight: the Nikon Z6 is 585g (1.29 lb) vs 705g (1.55 lb) — 120g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Burst: the Nikon Z6 shoots 12fps to the Nikon Z7 II's 10fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon Z6 or the Nikon Z7 II better?
Same line, different generation: the Nikon Z7 II (2020) moves ahead on resolution (45.7MP vs 24.5MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). The Nikon Z6 is still the value pick at $2,699 ($2,999 for the Nikon Z7 II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Nikon Z6 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Nikon Z6?
Choose the Nikon Z6 if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (51,200) and AF that focuses down to -6 EV give it the edge after dark. Choose it if you value portability — at 585g (1.29 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 705g (1.55 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon Z7 II?
Choose the Nikon Z7 II if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p. Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 45.7MP resolves noticeably more than 24.5MP and gives more cropping latitude.
What is the main difference between the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z7 II?
Price: the Nikon Z6 launched at $2,699, $300 under the Nikon Z7 II — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 6 |
| Effective Resolution | 24.5 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 64 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 32 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 12 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | N-Log / HLG | N-Log / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 273 | 493 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.69M dots | 3.69M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 2.10M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x XQD / CFexpress Type B | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $2,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134×100.5×67.5 mm | 134×100.5×69.5 mm |
| Weight | 585g (1.29 lb) | 705g (1.55 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 310 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 380 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15b | EN-EL15c |
