The Nikon Z6II is an extremely well-rounded Full Frame mirrorless camera that, even today, several years after its release, remains absolutely competitive and capable of covering any professional use without significant compromises. I acquired it at a pretty good price and I believe that for this amount it is a real VFM tool, something that clearly affects my final rating.
Coming from a Nikon Z5, the difference is noticeable from the very first moment. The Z6II is a more “lively” camera in almost every aspect. Faster, more responsive, noticeably better in low light, with a much stronger buffer, and clearly more complete behavior in hybrid photo and video use.
I chose it after a lot of research (and burning the midnight oil on many sites and YouTube) because although there are now newer bodies on the market, prices have risen considerably and I think this particular camera is at an excellent “sweet spot” of performance and cost. Obviously, there are technologically superior bodies, but when you evaluate overall capabilities, reliability, ergonomics, and purchase price, it’s hard to find something so complete at this price point.
I have already used it at events, night shots, photoshoots, walks-tourism, and quite a bit of video, and I can say it feels very balanced as a tool.

Mentioning the positives of the camera:
* Excellent ergonomics and very comfortable grip. Nikon continues to provide the classic robust feel in hand. The buttons are well placed and highly customizable. Anyone shooting fast events or working professionally will appreciate this immediately. Especially the Photo/Video switch and the joystick are well positioned for the thumb.
* The 24MP BSI sensor performs excellently in low light and delivers much cleaner results at high ISO compared to the Z5.
* Autofocus is noticeably improved over the Z5, especially after firmware updates. Eye AF and tracking work quite reliably even in more demanding conditions.
* The presence of dual Expeed 6 CPUs certainly helps both in better noise management and improved AF.
* The dynamic range of the RAW files is truly excellent and leaves a lot of room for editing.
* Much better performance in continuous shooting with large bursts and a clearly larger buffer.
* Good IBIS stabilization, which significantly helps both in photography and handheld video.
* Excellent video image quality with oversampled 4K 30p (from the sensor’s 6K) without the heavy crop that existed in the Z5.
* It has dual card slots, which is essential for professional use and redundancy.
* Very good connectivity with mobile via Snapbridge, with a much more stable experience than I remember from older Sony models.
* Very good build quality with a sense of sturdiness and proper sealing.
* The ability to use F mount lenses via FTZ continues to be a huge advantage for those who already have Nikon equipment.
* The battery in practice seemed better to me than what I had read online from time to time, so it has quite good energy management.

Of course, it’s not perfect and has some negatives:
* Although much improved, AF still does not reach the level of the latest Sony A7 or newer Canon R6/R5 in tracking and subject recognition.
* The electronic shutter still shows rolling shutter and banding in some cases (especially indoors with LED lighting).
* The screen remains only tilt and not fully articulated, which would help a lot in shots with difficult angles.
* I mentioned the uncropped 4K video but, unfortunately, only up to 30 fps… above that, there is again a significant 1.5X crop.
* To get the best out of the sensor in Video (N-LOG and RAW), you need to invest in an external monitor-recorder, which costs quite a bit, as internal recording in this format is not possible.
* Nikon’s menus are easy and logical, but some options remain “buried.”
* One slot is CFexpress TypeB/XQD and the other SD, which pushes you to buy quite expensive cards.
* Although it has good stabilization, there is the classic issue with Nikon’s stabilizing that shows this “jello warp” effect with the edges of the frame slightly stretching and distorting the image in the attempt to correct. It’s not terribly annoying but for professional work, it’s not desirable either. So, anyone working with video should invest in a monopod or, even better, a gimbal.
* Although now available at a very good price, the Z system in general still has expensive native lenses, especially the S-line.

Who do I think this camera is for?
- Almost everyone. From serious amateurs who want to properly enter the Full Frame mirrorless world, to professional photographers and videographers at events, weddings, portraits, corporate, video, or those who need a reliable hybrid body.
- I would not mainly recommend it to those exclusively involved in very demanding sports/wildlife where the newer stacked bodies and more advanced AF systems make a difference, or to videographers who take on more demanding cinematography jobs.

Overall, I believe the Nikon Z6II is one of the most balanced mirrorless cameras Nikon has produced. Maybe not the most “impressive” in specs today, but a camera that does almost everything right, without tiring you and without making you feel like you constantly have to struggle with it.
At 1100-1200 euros on offer when available, I personally think it’s a real deal for what it offers.

Thank you for your patience.

All my previous cameras were DSLRs (d610, d750, d810) and only with those do I have a basis for comparison.

Positives:
- Very good files with the Nikon 24-70mm f4
- Maximum video resolution at 4K 30p, 1080 at 120fps and several intermediate options of course. It also has the ability for slow motion video for those who won't go through the process of editing videos into slow motion
- Quite good raw files with three options (24mp, 13mp, 6mp)
obviously, it has DX format and accepts the corresponding lenses.
- Very good in-body stabilization (IBIS) for more stable video footage
- Fast autofocus even in dark conditions
- Very bright viewfinder
- Very good battery life so I don’t need to change it all the time. With two batteries I am covered
- Ideal for travel photography
- For 1450 euros that I bought it with the Nikon 24-70mm f4, it is a very good package. For 1500 euros, which is now the price for the body only, I consider it an expensive option for what it offers.

Negatives:
- For 4K 60p and nlog recording, an external recorder is needed.
- The file quality at ISO above 2500 is not what satisfies me. I have tried cameras of similar price that have better files up to 6400 ISO.
- The viewfinder is indeed bright but the resolution has not reached a level where you enjoy framing (not only in Nikon but also in equivalent models from other companies). It is far from the sharpness of the rear screen.
- The body weighs almost as much as the Nikon d750. For my needs, it is heavier than I would like
- I would prefer it to have two SD cards and not one XQD card and one SD card because XQDs are quite a bit more expensive and I prefer one type of card
- Much smaller range of lenses compared to Sony. We hope for new lenses from 2025

The camera is now an excellent deal for its price.

Positives:

1) Excellent build quality, it withstood rain in Amsterdam while the camera was dripping.
2) Very comfortable grip of the camera, I use it confidently without a strap.
3) Image quality is possibly the best in the market for its budget. It is a camera for photographers. You can do anything with the raw files. I can easily shoot underexposed to save highlights and there is no noise when recovering shadows. The color science is amazing, its JPEGs are flawless.
4) Fast shooting with 11fps at 14-bit and 14fps at 12-bit (according to my tests).
5) Good autofocus, reliable but with some issues that I will mention below.
6) Beautiful video with some issues that I will mention below.

There are only 2 negatives for me.
Regarding video, it does not record log internally, only on an external recorder. Someone who wants to work professionally with video will not choose this camera, but even if they do, they need to have an external recorder in their rig. One positive aspect that somewhat compensates for the lack of 10-bit is that with a paid update from Nikon, after sending them the camera, you can shoot raw video. I think no other hybrid camera does this at this price point.
The second negative is autofocus. It is not bad, but it is not as good as Canon and Sony. Especially in auto area, it is not as smart in predicting what you want to focus on as the other brands. Personally, it doesn't bother me as much because it has many focus modes to get the job done, but sometimes I wish it was more responsive. Where it disappoints is in tracking and in low light conditions. Couldn't it inherit the legendary 3D tracking from Nikon DSLRs? Truly, subject tracking is a gamble whether it will work exceptionally well or poorly. Of course, I mainly use it with the Nikon Z 50 1.8 lens, which is not a lens for sports or action, but algorithmically it seems slow. And in some low light conditions, it simply searches a lot while in worse conditions, it finds focus quickly.

However, the most important thing that sets this camera apart is its lenses. No other company has 1.8 FF prime pro-grade lenses. Exceptional glass that makes this camera shine. Slowly, the Z mount is opening up to other manufacturers (Tamron, Sigma, etc.). I have the Z 50 1.8 lens and I am amazed by this combination.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in photography. It is an exceptional camera. I have also left a review for the lens here on Skroutz.

The photos are edited raw, unfortunately, I didn't have any JPEGs.

Awesome camera. It does a great job in all testing fields. The build quality is excellent, the images are of high quality, especially with the corresponding lenses. High ISO levels, compatibility with F mount, G (AF) or D (without AF) lenses. For maximum results, the Z mount series is the way to go if you want AF. However, if you have a DSLR and don't want to spend extra on lenses, you can work seamlessly with the G or the corresponding adapter for video in other lens brands. The menu is easily corrected with a little familiarity with the settings in the application field. The video is very good for its data, of course, for raw video 10-bit, you need an external recorder. However, if someone wants strong video, it would be good to look at other companies as well. The AF is very good, regarding photography (of course, not as strong as Sony). Wireless connection with mobile, fast transfers, but not in full quality, as the transfer is relatively slow. Of course, it is ideal for social media. Sufficient backup in batteries, especially for video. The previous generation batteries with less working time work normally. Finally, a second memory card. The price of around 2000+/- euros from Greece without the adapter was/is its downside. The latest additions to the AF gave a breath of renewal to its overall function. With discounts and waiting for the new model, it is a good purchase.

I belong to the category of people who were afraid to make the transition from DSLR (D750) to Nikon's Mirrorless cameras. I heard things about the AF, low light performance, and how far behind Nikon is, etc. I have worked professionally with the A7 III and R6, all in hybrid photo and video scenarios.

So today, I got my hands on the Z6 II, and coincidentally, it's Easter, so the scenario is a resurrection, etc.

I spent 2 hours exploring all the menus and setting up the camera and its buttons to be as close as possible to the D750, so that I wouldn't have to search for things and, of course, to have a truly productive tool.

-The battery doesn't last as long as the D750, which can handle 2500 shots, but with the right settings and mindset (eco mode, turning it off when not using it for more than 2 hours, etc.), it can easily handle 1000-1500 shots.
UPDATE AFTER 1 MONTH OF USE: The battery lasts even longer than 2500 shots, even with focusing from the screen. I managed to take 2540 shots in a full day of photography and still had 40% battery left. Silent shooting helps with this, as it doesn't move mechanical parts, with the only drawback being the banding issue, of course.

Here are some problems that the Z6 II solved for me compared to the D750:
-Transferring full-size files via Wi-Fi to my phone (the D750 could only transfer 1MB files).
-Easily transferring files from the camera to my PC via Wi-Fi.
-Charging and transferring files via USB Type C.

-The AF is not slow; the processor is the reason:
When the camera is set to Auto Area People, it prioritizes focusing on the closest person. If it can't find a person, it focuses on the closest object. When I tried to focus on moving cars during the day, the results were blurry... UNACCEPTABLE. However, for some reason, it worked perfectly during the resurrection ceremony, in much worse lighting conditions. When it couldn't find a person to focus on, it focused on the flowers. Outside, where people were walking around, it didn't know where to focus. When there are many people, it can't always choose the right one to focus on, and that's where you lose valuable seconds. During the Resurrection, where the subject was static - priests saying "Christ has risen" - in normal light (1/125, ISO 5000, f/2.8), the camera struggled with everything. It didn't know what to do. I tried to focus on candles, but they all came out blurry. This issue is probably related to the way cameras in general focus. The candles are burned highlights, and they don't easily provide information, so the camera is "lazy" and doesn't focus unless you tell it to, either by changing the focus setting to dynamic area, tapping on the screen, or using manual focus override. I don't know if it's a Nikon issue or an issue with F mount Nikon lenses or a combination of both, but it's definitely a problem that the Z6 hasn't solved yet (hopefully it will).

It works fine in 90% of cases, but when the competition is at 95-98%, there is an issue. I borrowed my friend's A7 III on a professional trip without knowing what AF settings it had, and it nailed everything. NO BLURRY PHOTOS.

UPDATE AFTER 1 MONTH OF USE: AF area without people priority works in 95% of cases, even at f/2.8. It detects the subject much faster, and usually, one focus point goes directly to the face. It's still slower than the competition, but much faster than people priority, which I now mainly use for portraits of a single person.

-However, my Nikon friend, you may be ashamed that it doesn't have the AF of others, but I can confidently say that you have the best Color Science. Vibrant colors straight out of the camera and incredible skin tones that you can even adjust on camera to create 3 exclusive profiles for portraits, regardless of the picture control. You may lose in terms of frame advantage, but you save time in post-production since the JPG is out of this world in terms of colors and ease of editing. Often with the D750, I had to do color calibration, which was not necessary here.
-Viewfinder and Screen: I'm not sure if the viewfinder is the most reliable in terms of colors, as they appear quite cool. Generally, it takes some training to understand when something is correct and when it's not. Certainly, the screen is accurate, and what I see there is what I see on my PC. Let's face it, the viewfinder in mirrorless cameras is important, but it no longer plays such a primary role. However, the screen does not tilt 180 degrees downwards, which practically cancels out the advantage of not having a mirror.
Where it definitely falls short is in low-light shots with minimal to zero light, where the D750 and DSLRs in general are aided by the red focus assist of the flash, which of course does not light up in any mirrorless camera from any brand. Godox has provided the solution with the 860, which has an LED flashlight on top of the flash. I hope Nikon comes up with something similar, as it has yet to release a flash like the SB5000.

In general, don't fall victim to reviewers. It's a fine machine. Not the best, not yet a 100% DSLR killer for all the reasons I mentioned above, but it takes great photos and videos. Just be a little patient, and the Japanese will work their magic, just as they did with the D850, the Z9, and many others.

UPDATE 7 MONTHS OF USE:
No problems in the dark with flash. In an event with strobes, lasers, and smoke, I managed to have a frame advantage with flash and the 24-70 2.8.
Video: Now, playing ball in the video department, with a 64GB card, you can record 23 minutes of 4K 50fps. Its video capabilities are INSANE. Proper IBIS, color science that even cine cameras would envy. I don't know what they've done, but even with an average lens, you have something visually stunning without color grading. We're talking about a 129,000-bit rate in 4K 25fps and 300,000 in 4K 50fps.
It's so good that I bought a second one.
It has never disappointed me.

I have the Z6ii since April 2021 mainly for video at weddings, christenings, etc.
On the positive side: the camera has passed around 80 mysteries and has never let me down on a job. As for image quality in video, it's pretty good with the basic flat profile that doesn't require much color grading to make it look nice. However, when you add the Atomos Ninja V, that's when it really transforms into a beast with 10bit 422 N-log or HLG. The AF is quite satisfactory and reliable after the 1.4 update, especially if you have the large focus box in the center, all jobs can now be done officially with auto focus.
Negatives: the camera doesn't have dual recording in SD cards for video, which is a big flaw for many. If you use the FTZ adapter, you'll have a hard time balancing it on a gimbal if you have a heavy lens on it. Unfortunately, 4k 60p is only available with internal recording in crop mode without the ability to record in log, only flat. Lastly, in low light situations, you have to increase the ISO to get the camera to focus properly.
All samples were shot with the Ninja V in 10bit 422 N-log and with the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art.
https://youtu.be/28Z2h7h6MwA
https://youtu.be/6XjO9Q25Igg
https://youtu.be/Bbl4bAcIetw

The machine was acquired for professional use in photography. Whether we like it or not, the transition to mirrorless systems is now a one-way street, as most companies are gradually abandoning their support for DSLRs and focusing on the development of these systems.

This particular machine was acquired after extensive research. The reason for choosing this specific brand is solely because there is existing equipment from the same company that is compatible with this system, which makes the transition less expensive. However, it is inevitable that the acquisition of Z-series lenses will be necessary in the future, as it is a fact that the performance is enhanced when using these lenses.

As for this specific machine, the positive aspects that I have observed are as follows:
1. Its weight, combined with the use of Z-series lenses, makes it much more user-friendly and less tiring to use compared to bulky DSLRs. The grip, despite its smaller size, is very satisfactory.
2. The autofocus, combined with Z-series lenses, is instant even in low-light conditions. Clicks are minimal to non-existent.
3. The ISO performance in low-light conditions is quite good, and in combination with the stabilization feature of the sensor, it allows for decent results even at low shutter speeds.
4. Personally, the biggest advantage of the machine is the ability to see what you will capture based on the selected settings, which helps avoid unnecessary clicks.

The negative aspects that I have noticed are as follows:
1. The battery life lasts for about 750 clicks, which means that someone who is professionally involved in capturing mysteries will definitely need a second, and perhaps even a third, battery.
2. The use of flash cancels the ability to see what you will capture based on the selected settings. This is logical on one hand, but on the other hand, it does not allow you to have an image of the natural lighting when the flash or any other wireless lighting is activated. You have to deactivate the settings you want and then activate them again, which can be tiresome.
3. It is very quiet to the point that you take clicks without even realizing it. For some, this may be a positive aspect, but personally, it makes me take more photos than I would like.
4. The viewfinder is clear, but I believe it is brighter even if you adjust its brightness, resulting in what you see being one stop brighter compared to what you see on the screen based on the selected settings.
5. When used in high temperatures, the body becomes quite warm compared to DSLRs, although it does not affect the camera's functions.

Overall, as my first experience with this system, the camera leaves me quite satisfied to the point that I have abandoned DSLRs. The Z-system is the future. It certainly needs some minor improvements that I believe will be made in the future, but compared to DSLRs, their main advantage is that they make your professional life much easier to use. For amateur use, I don't think it's worth investing in this system. DSLRs are perfectly fine, especially now that everyone is selling their equipment to switch to this system, which presents a good opportunity to acquire powerful equipment at a very low cost.

The only thing I am waiting for is to see how Nikon will evolve the Z lens series and how the cost of this series will be shaped because so far it has a high cost of ownership and limited options.

Excellent in every aspect!

I had the z5, which I replaced with the A7iii. I had the chance to use the A7iii in the past when it was first released, and the Z6 (original, not the ii) - but never at the same time under the exact same conditions, so I couldn't have directly comparable results. However, recently I got my hands on the z6ii (with firmware version 1.30 installed), so I had the luxury of working with it alongside the A7iii (with firmware version 4.01 installed).

The Z6ii, as soon as you hold it in your hands, gives you the immediate feeling of a professional camera - solid, with plenty of buttons and functions through the menu, a second small useful screen, rich and faithfully beautiful, lovable colors (that's how they appear to me after living with the A7iii), excellent fully touch screen, and excellent ergonomics.

Apart from the AF, for me personally, when it comes to the photography aspect only, there is no comparison between the Z6 and A7iii (I don't deal with video, so I have no opinion). If you like these fake colors (gray image with intense yellow/orange tones or those fake "teal and orange" shades you see in some Instagram profiles and think wow, but as soon as you isolate a photo on a computer it looks terrible, or those fake cinematic colors full of green and blue), then blindly buy the Sony A7iii - it does a great job as soon as it detects a little yellow or orange color in the frame, it will automatically process and change the color tones for you! The situation with the colors of the A7iii is only saved if you shoot exclusively in raw, because in jpeg, the colors have no connection to reality. The irony is that you will see reviews saying that the A7iii has more accurate color tones than the Z6ii.

In the Z6ii, the colors are wonderful, the jpegs are excellent, and often don't even need editing. And the photos are sharp, sharp, sharp! The Z lenses, unfortunately, are bulkier compared to the f-mount ones and may not be as convenient to carry everywhere, but in terms of sharpness, they are on another level. This certainly applies to the 50s, 85s, and 24-70s lenses that I personally have an opinion on. Even the humble 24-50 lens, which they make useless on YouTube, worked perfectly on the Z6ii - the photos were sharp and the eyes perfectly focused.

Now, the AF of the Z6ii may have been problematic at some point (I have no opinion). With firmware version 1.30 installed, however, the camera focuses comfortably and accurately under all lighting conditions. The AF of the Z5 is definitely problematic in low-light conditions. If there is now any difference in AF between the Z6ii and Sony (which personally I couldn't perceive in photography in any case), I don't think it will add anything substantial to someone.

Let me clarify something that I realized only in practice. They say that Sony offers a greater variety of lenses, therefore more affordable options and more choices - partly true. However, the cheaper options for Sony are not only not of higher quality, but they are not even close to what you can buy with Nikon. In fact, no company currently offers the lens quality that Nikon offers at the price you have paid for them. In other words, you cannot find the quality and sharpness, for example, of the Nikon Z 50mm 1.8 S at the same price in another company.

For those who use manual lenses (personally, I use them constantly), the focus peaking of the z6ii is by far better than that of the A7iii (the A7iii is generally the worst I have used).

Finally, I would like to note that the information provided by the Z6ii's photos when zooming in to 300% or 400% is spectacular. The same applies even with the Z5. I had photographed an airplane above the clouds and when zooming in, the inscription on the airplane could be seen from below, while in the photo, the airplane without zooming in appeared as a dot. And here I would like to emphasize another thing, that 24MP is the golden ratio. More than 24MP (with exceptions like flagship models such as the Z9) are simply a marketing game, just like in smartphones when companies no longer have anything substantial to offer.

Also, something important, Nikon allows you to revert to a previous firmware version (even unofficially). That's why you should always keep the firmware files on your laptop. On the contrary, Sony, once it upgrades the firmware, even if you have the previous firmware versions on your laptop, it does not allow you in any way to downgrade to a previous version. Keep this in mind because when the lifecycle of a product is completed in the market and a model is about to be replaced by a new one, a firmware update does not necessarily mean an "update". Therefore, if you are satisfied with your camera and have never personally encountered a bug that a firmware update can solve, or if you don't really need the extra function that a firmware update adds or improves, then simply prefer not to do a firmware update.

To conclude, I cannot imagine anything beyond what the Z6ii offers in general. Extremely functional, useful, and effective under all conditions. Beautiful colors, flawless JPEGs, and effective AF as long as you understand the settings, what is what, and when to use them, and a reasonable price for what it offers. And the range of available Z lenses from Nikon, besides being comprehensive, is also on another level. I highly recommend it without reservation.

I haven't had the chance yet to try it in many different conditions, but for the photography part, I'm sure Nikon users won't be disappointed. It's very convenient, lightweight, with the familiar Nikon controls where you'd expect them! I would prefer a fully articulated screen (like the Canon R6), but even so, it's much better than a fixed screen. The two memory card slots are a big plus compared to the first generation Z6. I haven't used it for video, as I have the iPhone 12 Pro which works wonders for my amateur use. Overall, I'm satisfied with what I expected. I bought it from a well-known photography store in the center of Athens, as I prefer to buy such cameras from photography stores rather than department stores.

2. After 2 months of use, I've mostly used it for landscape photography and I'm very satisfied with the quality. I shoot only in raw, convert to DNG, and do basic editing in an old 2015 legal Lightroom. It's good to underexpose, as the "opening" of the shadows is its incredibly strong point, unlike overexposed areas that are difficult to recover. The handling of the Z6ii is excellent, especially for those used to Nikon DSLRs. I also appreciated the small size, especially with the very good 24-70F4 kit lens, and I should note that I've been struggling with tendonitis for months. No problem carrying it everywhere! In closing, the only thoughts I still have are that if I went for the Z7ii, I wouldn't regret the cost difference, as I only shoot landscapes. For video, they say the Z6ii is much better. But if we're talking about video, there are the Canon R5&6, which are probably not comparable in terms of performance, options, or price!

I am a former owner of the z6 first edition. First of all, I have to say that it is an outstanding hybrid camera. It produces excellent photos and very good videos. As known, Nikon's colors in photography are superior to those of Canon and Sony. The dynamic range is very good, the EVF and the LCD screen are of high quality with vivid colors and detail. As you already know, the autofocus is not the best. It still lags behind Sony and Canon in Eye AF. That's why I give it four stars, otherwise it's excellent. I believe that those who have the z6 first edition and are not so concerned about autofocus, such as landscape photographers who are also not interested in the vertical grip and the two memory cards, should not invest in it. It is worth noting that the new Z series lenses are the best, very sharp and fast focus, but also very expensive. And now you can find a variety of them, such as the 14-24 2.8, the 24-70 2.8, the 70-200 2.8, and my favorite, the 50 1.8. The only significant improvement for me is the two Expeed 6 processors it has inside compared to the one that the z6 has. This helps with slightly better autofocus, and that's why I bought it. Otherwise, it's excellent in every way. If you are a professional or even an amateur who wants to enter the full-frame game, it's worth it a thousand times over!