First look: Nikon Z 6 and Nikkor Z series 50mm lens

In August, Nikon announced the upcoming release of its new mirrorless Z-mount Nikon Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 cameras, and writer-photographer Stan Sholik had an opportunity to train the Z 6 on a variety of subjects in a variety of lighting situations. Here’s his first look at the Nikon Z 6.  

About the Nikon Z 6: 

• The Z mount system is a new, larger diameter mount that opens new possibilities in lens design.
• Mirrorless camera
• Backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal plane phase-detection AF pixels
• 24.5 effective megapixels
• ISO 100 to 51,200
• Full-frame 4K UHD video capture
• 273 focus points
• Expeed 6 image-processing engine
• In-camera vibration reduction
• $1,995.95 (body only, available in late November 2018)

© STAN SHOLIK
For tighter portraits, the AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED coupled with the FTZ F-series lens adapter on the Z 6 is outstanding. Exposure: 1/6,400 second at f/2, ISO 400

© STAN SHOLIK
With the excellent low noise of the camera, auto ISO lets you set a shutter speed and aperture and concentrate on composition and capture while the camera adjusts the ISO for proper exposure. Exposure: Manual with auto ISO setting, 1/3,200 second at f/8, ISO 2000, vibration reduction on for both lens and body

© STAN SHOLIK
The ability to use legacy Nikkor lenses on the latest Nikon bodies is one of the reasons I have stuck with Nikon equipment for 50 years. I captured this image with my 16mm f/2.8 full-frame fisheye—purchased sometime in the 1970s—fitted to the Z 6 with the FTZ adapter. Focus is manual, but easy to dial in with the focus peaking option selected, and manual or aperture-preferred metering is possible. Exposure: 1/60 second at f/8, ISO 100