Nikon Delivers Powerful New Innovations – The Nikon D6 Flagship DSLR and Two NIKKOR Z Lenses

Tonight, Nikon announced the Nikon D6 professional-grade flagship DSLR camera. The Nikon D6 offers professionals an enhanced workflow, promising the most powerful AF in Nikon’s history, unparalleled low-light performance, powerful agility and extreme reliability.

Nikon also unveiled two additions to the NIKKOR Z lens lineup – the lightweight, versatile NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the ultra-wide NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S – designed to enable mirrorless shooters to expand their photography and filmmaking capabilities.

• Nikon D6
  • The new Nikon D6 is the most customizable DSLR yet, designed to address the needs of professionals by speeding up workflow and offering faster and more powerful performance. With the latest EXPEED 6 image processor, advanced 4K UHD multimedia capabilities, densely-packed 105-point AF system and a mechanical shutter frame rate boosted to a staggering 14 fps, the Nikon D6 redefines the way professionals work, ensuring connectivity, dependability and a streamlined workflow.
  • $6,496.95 – Adorama | B&H

• NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
  • The affordable NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens encompasses the must-have focal lengths for a broad range of photography styles, offering users an immensely versatile optical tool with a portable and weather-sealed design. The lens’ high resolution, point-light clarity and minimal distortion delivers edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the entire wide-to-telephoto focal range. Meanwhile, its 5 stops of vibration reduction (VR) and smooth subject tracking enable users to capture sharp videos and stunning stills.
  • $896.95 – Adorama | B&H

• NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S
  • The ultra-wide NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is a durable, lightweight prime lens great for Nikon users who want to capture expansive imagery with increased detail. The lens’ bright f/1.8 aperture produces consistently sharp images with shallow depth of field and promises beautiful point-light reproduction in challenging light. Additionally, equipped with a stepping motor for fast and quiet AF and suppressed focus breathing, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is also a reliable addition to any creator’s camera kit.
  • $1,046.95 – Adorama | B&H

[Related Reading: Nikon Z6 Review – Does Sony Have Serious Competition?]

The Nikon D6

The New Nikon D6 Offers the Most Powerful AF System in Nikon’s History, and Continues the Brand Legacy of Professional Cameras That Deliver Connectivity, Dependability and Streamlined Workflow

The D6 addresses the needs of professionals and press agencies and is faster and more powerful than ever before. Offering the most powerful AF system in Nikon’s history, this flagship DSLR camera delivers crucial improvements to modern workflow while also accelerating file transfer capabilities. Promising unparalleled low-light performance, powerful agility, advanced 4K UHD multimedia capabilities and a mechanical shutter frame rate boosted to a staggering 14fps, the D6 will redefine the way pros work. 

“The D6 is purpose-built and inspired by the valuable feedback of professional users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President of Nikon Inc. “The world relies on photojournalists and professionals to document every corner of the globe through impactful images; Nikon cameras are trusted to stand up to any job and help photographers capture the shot, time and time again.”

The Most Powerful AF in Nikon’s History: The D6 leaves nothing to chance. To maximize hit rate, it is equipped with a newly developed, densely packed 105-point AF system in which all the focus points utilize cross-type sensors and all points are selectable. Through the new focus point layout and the use of a triple-sensor arrangement for each focus point, the D6 achieves AF coverage that is approximately 1.6x denser than that of the D5. The D6 also sports an expanded focus detection range which increases the detection area for single point AF and dynamic area AF, making it easier to achieve focus on a subject even when slightly outside the focus point.

Improving upon Nikon’s popular Group AF mode, this function has evolved with support for 17 custom arrangements from which users can choose according to the scene or subject movement. The D6 also demonstrates superior low-light AF performance. The center focus point works down to -4.5 EV¹ and the others to -4 EV, making autofocus possible even in dark situations or with low-contrast subjects.

Unparalleled Performance: The new EXPEED 6 engine’s superior image-processing capabilities combined with the vast amount of information provided by the new dedicated AF engine drives high-level performance in any situation. To help capture the decisive moment consistently, the D6 boasts a 14fps² mechanical shutter with full AF and AE. The D6 can also shoot completely silent for sensitive situations, capturing full resolution at 10.5 fps. For faster frame rates, the Nikon D6 is able to take 2-megapixel images at approx. 60 fps and 8-megapixel images at 30 fps in Live View mode.

The D6 leverages a 20.8-megapixel FX-Format CMOS sensor, creating images that pop with stunning detail and true colors and exhibit incredible dynamic range. The ISO ranges from 100 to 102,400, which helps to preserve sharpness and subtle details in even the most challenging light. Additionally, ISO is expandable up to 3.2 million, giving photographers the ability to truly conquer the dark. 

Concentration on Workflow: Building on Nikon’s history of serving professionals, the D6 is the most customizable Nikon DSLR yet, designed to speed up the workflow of any user during and after capture.

• Recall shooting functions create combinations of settings that can be assigned to a specific button to get the perfect shot in a pinch
• The D6 excels in connectivity and supports the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard as the D5, with an approximate 15% increase in transmission speed. The camera also supports a number of options for wireless networking, offering built-in 2.4- and 5-GHz*³ Wi-Fi®⁴ or traditional wireless transfer using the WT-6 Wireless Transmitter (optional)
• Includes 14 customizable buttons, assignable to any of 46 unique function choices and a new intuitive menu system
• Priority Image Transfer gives the ability to move an important image to the front of the queue when speed is of paramount priority, which can easily be done by swiping the touch LCD during playback
• Security Lock compatibility supports connection of anti-theft cables to provide maximum security for remote applications or when the camera is unattended
• Built in GPS⁵ gives accurate time, date and location information for just about anywhere on the planet
• Dual CFexpress⁶ slots offer blazing fast read/write times and have the ability to overflow, copy or separate file types
• JPEG functions allow for the simultaneous recording of two JPEG images with different image size and quality settings, which is convenient for separating images that will be transmitted from those that will be edited
• Creativity options for multimedia creators including a new interval timer mode to retain the best resolution and enable in-camera time-lapse movie file recording providing professionals the ability to create exceptionally sharp 16:9 4K Ultra HD video

Absolute Reliability: Nikon’s flagship cameras remain trusted in the industry and have been proven on the sidelines, in the studio and even in outer space. With a magnesium alloy camera body and extensively weather-sealed design, the D6 is as tough as the professionals who use it, ready to take on the harshest shooting conditions. The camera offers long-lasting battery life, delivering the safety net and energy-saving performance that pros need on daylong outings. The D6 also employs a USB-Type C connector for faster direct-to-PC file transfer rates than previously possible with the D5.

Endless Lens Choices: By pairing the D6 with Nikon’s extremely diverse selection of F-Mount NIKKOR telephoto lenses, professionals have the most advanced imaging solution in Nikon’s history. No matter the job, the client or the location, there’s a NIKKOR lens, from the ultra-wide to the super-telephoto. The D6 is also compatible with Nikon’s line of creative Speedlights, offering extra creative freedom to enhance natural light and add artistry and drama to any scene.

Sample Images

Technical Specifications

Pricing and Availability  

The new Nikon D6 will be available in April 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $6,499.95* – (Adorama | B&H) for the body only configuration. For more information on the latest Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.  

Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 & 24-200mm f/4-6.3

With the addition of the versatile, lightweight NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the ultra-wide NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikon continues to demonstrate the superior optical capabilities of its NIKKOR Z lenses, made possible by the advanced technology of the revolutionary Z mount. The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR boasts a broad 24-200mm zoom range with the power and versatility to make it a staple for travel and everyday photography. Meanwhile, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S expands the f/1.8 line of NIKKOR Z lenses, offering an extremely fast aperture and a vast field of view, ideal for enthusiasts and pros shooting landscapes, architecture or the night sky.

“With the launch of the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Nikon remains dedicated to rapidly expanding the lens options for Z users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Whether it be a wide angle with a fast aperture for capturing landscapes or night photography, or a reliable all-in-one lens for those who want to travel light, we continue to offer Nikon users the advanced optics necessary to enhance their content.”

[Related Reading: Nikon Launches New Rebates on 28 Nikkor Lenses!]

NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR: Versatile Zoom, So Many Possibilities

The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is an affordable and immensely versatile all-in-one full-frame 8.3x zoom lens offering an expansive wide-to-telephoto focal range with a portable design, making it an excellent option for Nikon Z shooters. With a lightweight 20-ounce design and drip and dust resistance, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm is prepared for adventure while maintaining the high-end optical quality of a NIKKOR Z lens. Meanwhile, the lens’ high resolution, point-light clarity and minimal distortion deliver edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the entire focal range.

Constructed of two aspherical lens elements, two ED glass lens elements and 1 aspherical ED glass element with Nikon’s ARNEO Coating, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR minimizes distortion, color bleeding and flare to consistently achieve optical excellence. The lens reaches up to 300mm when paired with a DX-format camera body, or when used in DX crop mode, providing users with endless possibilities for capturing any type of content from magnificent landscapes to beautiful portraiture and fast-paced wildlife.

An ultra-flexible tool for video creators as well, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR promises smooth subject tracking to keep sharp focus while zooming in video mode. The lens also adds 5 stops¹ of built-in optical vibration reduction, yet also works in tandem with IBIS to deliver superb stabilization in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, offering every creator sharp and precise framing for seamless videomaking and stunning stills.

Sample Images

Technical Specifications

NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S: Expansive Views, Exceptional Details

Joining the S-line of high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses, the exceptionally sharp and versatile NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S ultra-wide lens was designed for those who want expansive imagery with increased detail, sharpness and shallow depth of field. The lens’ 20mm focal length combines a bright f/1.8 constant aperture and beautiful point-light reproduction for fantastic stars and cityscapes, making it ideal for astrophotography or capturing vast landscapes in challenging light.

Built for worry-free durability, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens’ lightweight design is equipped with weather sealing to combat dust and moisture. The lens features 9 aperture blades, 3 ED lens elements and a Nano Crystal Coating, helping photographers to achieve top-notch image quality across the frame with consistency. Beyond its still photography prowess, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S offers multimedia creators a unique perspective, plus a stepping motor for fast and quiet AF and suppressed focus breathing, achieving truly cinematic video capture.

Sample Images

Technical Specifications

Pricing and Availability of the New Z Lenses

The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR will be available in April 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* – (Adorama | B&H), and the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S will be available March 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,049.95* – (Adorama | B&H). For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lenses and the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

While most of this news was already teased at CES and with the 2020 Roadmaps, it’s nice to see the complete details with release dates and pricing! Especially since WPPI is just around the corner and we’ll likely finally be able to get hands on with these and more Nikon goodies! Stay tuned for more information and hopefully, some hands on testing while our team is at the trade show. In the meantime, let us know if you’ve got any questions or thoughts on this new flagship camera (just in time for the olympics) or the two new mirrorless lenses, let us know in the comments below!