Nikon D6 Review

Specifications
Type |
Single-lens reflex digital camera |
---|---|
Lens mount |
Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) |
Image sensor |
FX, CMOS, 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm |
Total pixels |
21.33 million |
Dust-reduction system |
Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (Capture NX-D software required) |
Effective pixels |
20.8 million |
Image size (pixels) |
[FX (36 x 24)] selected for image area: (L)5568 x 3712 (20.7 million), (M)4176 x 2784 (11.6 million), (S)2784 x 1856 (5.2 million), [1.2 x (30 x 20)] selected for image area: (L)4640 x 3088 (14.3 million), (M)3472 x 2312 (8.0 million), (S)2320 x 1544 (3.6 million), [DX (24 x 16)] selected for image area: (L)3648 x 2432 (8.9 million), (M)2736 x 1824 (5.0 million), (S)1824 x 1216 (2.2 million), [5:4 (30 x 24)] selected for image area: (L)4640 x 3712 (17.2 million), (M)3472 x 2784 (9.7 million), (S)2320 x 1856 (4.3 million), [1:1 (24 x 24)] selected for image area: (L)3712 x 3712 (13.8 million), (M)2784 x 2784 (7.8 million), (S)1856 x 1856 (3.4 million), [16:9 (36 x 20)] selected for image area: (L)5568 x 3128 (17.4 million), (M)4176 x 2344 (9.8 million), (S)2784 x 1560 (4.3 million), Photographs taken while filming movies at a frame size of 3840 x 2160: 3840 x 2160, Photographs taken while filming movies at a frame size of 1920 x 1080: 1920 x 1080, Photographs taken while filming movies at a frame size of 1280 x 720: 1280 x 720 |
Storage file formats |
NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit (lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed); large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression), JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression; size-priority and optimal-quality compression available, NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats |
Picture Control System |
Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat, Creative Picture Controls (Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon); selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls |
Storage media |
CFexpress (Type B) and XQD memory cards |
Dual card slot |
2 CFexpress (Type B) cards or 2 XQD cards, The card in Slot 2 can be used for overflow or backup storage, for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG copies of photos taken at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or to store separate copies of JPEG photos at different sizes and compression ratios; pictures can be copied between cards |
File system |
DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31 |
Viewfinder |
Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder |
Frame coverage |
FX: Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical, 1.2x: Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical, DX: Approx. 97% horizontal and 97% vertical, 5:4: Approx. 97% horizontal and 100% vertical, 1:1: Approx. 95% horizontal and 100% vertical, 16:9: Approx. 100% horizontal and 96% vertical |
Magnification |
Approx. 0.72x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-¹) |
Eyepoint |
17 mm (-1.0 m-¹; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) |
Diopter adjustment |
-3 to +1 m-¹ |
Focusing screen |
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark X screen (with AF-area brackets; framing grid can be displayed) |
Reflex mirror |
Quick return |
Depth-of-field preview |
Yes, Pressing Pv button stops lens aperture down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (P and S modes) |
Lens aperture |
Instant return, electronically controlled |
Compatible lenses |
Types G, E, and D (some restrictions apply to PC lenses), Other AF NIKKOR lenses (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses and lenses for the F3AF), AI-P NIKKOR lenses DX lenses (using [DX (24 x 16)] image area), Non-CPU AI lenses (modes A and M only). During viewfinder photography, the electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. With lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster, the electronic rangefinder supports 15 focus points. |
Shutter type |
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter; electronic shutter |
Shutter speed |
1/8000 to 30 s (choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2, and 1 EV, extendable to 900 s in mode M); Bulb; Time; X250 |
Flash sync speed |
X = 1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower Auto FP high-speed sync supported |
Release mode |
S (single frame), CL (continuous low speed), CH (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter-release), Self-timer, MUP (mirror up) |
Frame advance rate |
Up to 14 fps, CL: 1 to 10 fps, CH: 10 to 14 fps, Q: 1 to 5 fps |
Self-timer |
2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 s |
Exposure metering |
Viewfinder photography: TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 180K (180,000) pixels, Live view: TTL exposure metering performed by image sensor |
Metering method |
Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15, or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU and AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8–15mm f/3.5– 4.5E ED lenses use 12-mm circle) Spot: Meters circle approximately 4 mm in diameter (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU or AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8–15mm f/3.5–4.5E ED lens is used) Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses |
Metering range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) |
Matrix or center-weighted metering: -3 to +20 EV, Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV, Highlight-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV |
Exposure meter coupling |
CPU, AI |
Mode |
P (programmed auto with flexible program); S (shutter-priority auto); A (aperture-priority auto); M (manual) |
Exposure compensation |
–5 to +5EV; -3 to +3 EV when filming movies (choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2, and 1 EV) |
Exposure lock |
Luminosity locked at detected value |
ISO sensitivity |
ISO 100 to 102400 (choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2, and 1 EV); can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 EV (ISO 3280000 equivalent) above ISO 102400; auto ISO sensitivity control available |
Active D-Lighting |
Can be selected from Auto, Extra high +2, Extra high +1, High, Normal, Low, and Off |
Autofocus |
Viewfinder photography: TTL phase-detection; 105 focus points, all of which are cross-type sensors and 15 of which support f/8; detection performed by Multi-CAM 37K autofocus sensor module; autofocus fine-tuning supported Live view: Contrast-detect AF available at all points in frame; focus point selected by camera when face detection or subject-tracking is used |
Detection range |
-4.5 to +20 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) |
Lens servo |
Single-servo AF (AF-S), continuous-servo AF (AF-C; predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status), full-time AF (AF-F; available only during live view and movie recording), Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used |
Focus points |
105 focus points (number available for selection in viewfinder photography can be chosen from 105, 27, and 15) |
AF-area mode |
Viewfinder photography: Single-point AF; 9-, 25-, 49-, or 105- point dynamic-area AF; 3D-tracking; group-area AF; group-area AF (C1); group-area AF (C2); auto-area AF, Live view: Face-detection AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF |
Focus lock |
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF/AF-S) or by pressing the center of the sub-selector |
Flash control |
TTL flash control using RGB sensor with approximately 180K (180,000) pixels: i-TTL flash control; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix, center-weighted, and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR with spot metering |
Flash modes |
Front-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, slow sync, red-eye reduction with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off |
Flash compensation |
–3 to +1 EV (choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV) |
Flash-ready indicator |
Lights when optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output |
Accessory shoe |
ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock |
Nikon Creative Lighting System |
i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Color Information Communication, auto FP high-speed sync, AF-assist for multi-area AF (viewfinder photography), unified flash control |
Sync terminal |
ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread |
White balance |
Auto (3 types), natural light auto, direct sunlight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), flash, choose color temperature (2500 K to 10,000 K), preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view), all with fine-tuning |
White balance bracketing |
Exposure and/or flash, white balance, and ADL |
Live View - Modes |
Photo live view, Movie live view |
Movie - metering |
TTL metering using camera image sensor |
Movie - metering method |
Matrix, center-weighted, or highlight-weighted |
Movie - frame size (pixels) and frame rate |
3840 x 2160 (4K UHD); 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p, 1920 x 1080; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p, 1280 x 720: 60p, 50p, 1920 x 1080 crop: 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p¹; Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively |
Movie - file format |
MOV, MP4 |
Movie - video compression |
H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding |
Movie - audio recording format |
Linear PCM (for movies recorded in MOV format), AAC (for movies recorded in MP4 format) |
Movie - audio recording device |
Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity adjustable |
Movie - ISO sensitivity |
Mode M: Manual selection (ISO 100 to 102400; choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2, and 1 EV) with additional options available equivalent to approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 EV (ISO 3280000 equivalent) above ISO 102400; auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 5) available with selectable upper limit, Modes P, S, and A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 5) with selectable upper limit |
Movie - Active D-Lighting |
Can be selected from Extra high, High, Normal, Low, and Off |
Movie - Other options |
Time-lapse movie recording, electronic vibration reduction, time codes |
Monitor |
8-cm (3.2–in.), Approx. 2359k-dot (XGA), TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170 ° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage, 11-level manual brightness adjustment, and color balance control |
Playback |
Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, playback zoom cropping, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, photo information, location data display, picture rating, auto image rotation, index marking, voice memo input and playback, and IPTC information embedding and display |
USB |
Type C USB connector (SuperSpeed USB); connection to built-in USB port is recommended |
HDMI output |
Type C HDMI connector |
Audio input |
Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter; plug-in power supported) |
Audio output |
Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5 mm diameter) |
Ethernet |
RJ-45 connector Standards: IEEE 802.3ab (1000BASE-T)/IEEE 802.3u (100BASE-TX)/IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T), Data rates²: 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto detect, Port: 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T (AUTOMDIX) |
Peripheral connector |
For WT-6 |
Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN) standards |
IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac, 2412 to 2462 MHz (channel 11) and 5180 to 5320 MHz, 2.4 GHz band: 6.8 dBm 5 GHz band: 9.3 dBm, Open system, WPA2-PSK |
Bluetooth standards |
Bluetooth Specification Version 4.2, Bluetooth: 2402 to 2480 MHz, Bluetooth Low Energy: 2402 to 2480 MHz, Bluetooth: 1.3 dBm, Bluetooth Low Energy: -0.2 dB, Range (line of sight): Approximately 10 m (32 ft)³ |
Battery |
One EN-EL18c rechargeable Li-ion battery⁴ |
AC adapter |
EH-6c AC adapter; requires EP-6 power connector (available separately) |
Tripod socket |
1/4–in. (ISO 1222) |
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Approx. 160 x 163 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.5 x 3.7 in.) |
Weight |
Approx. 1450g (3 lb. 3.2 oz.), with battery and two CFexpress memory cards but without body cap and accessory shoe cover; approx. 1270 g/2 lb. 12.8 oz. (camera body only) |
Operating environment - temperature |
0 °C to 40 °C (+32 °F to 104 °F) |
Operating environment - humidity |
85% or less (no condensation) |
Supplied accessories |
BF-1B Body Cap, BS-3 Accessory Shoe Cover, EN-EL18c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery with Terminal Cover, MH-26a Battery Charger with Power Cable and Two Contact Protectors (shape of power cable depends on country or region of sale), HDMI/USB Cable Clip, UC-E24 USB Cable, AN-DC22 Strap |
¹ Quality selection available at all sizes except 3840 x 2160, when quality is fixed at high.
² Maximum logical data rates according to IEEE standard; actual rates may differ.
³ Without interference. Range may vary with signal strength and presence or absence of obstacles.
⁴ EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a/EN-EL18 batteries can also be used. Note, however, that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge with an EN-EL18 than with an EN-EL18c/EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a.