Nikon has officially announced the details of its new flagship DSLR, the D6, which will be available in April. The camera features a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor, the same resolution as its predecessor, the D5. Also like the D5, the camera’s default ISO range is 100–102,400, expandable to 3,280,000.

One key upgrade is a faster continuous shooting rate. The D5 maxed out at 12 fps with AF/AE. The D6 increases that to 14 fps with its mechanical shutter. There’s also a silent shooting mode that offers 10.5 fps, and two additional modes for even faster frame rates: 2-megapixel images at 60 fps, or 8-megapixel images at 30 fps with the camera in Live View mode.

Also new is the AF system, which features 105 points, all of which are cross-type and individually selectable. Nikon states that a new layout and arrangement of the sensors provides coverage that’s “1.6x denser than that of the D5.” It also improves low-light performance for AF, with the center point working in conditions as low as -4.5 EV, and the remaining points as low as -4 EV, and advantage for wildlife photographers shooting very early or late in the day when many species are most active.

The D6 will retail for $6,499 for the body only.

Learn more about the D6 at B&H.

New Z Mount Lenses

Nikon also introduced two new lenses for its Z mount mirrorless cameras. The NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is the first big-range zoom for Z mount. At 3.1 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches in length and weighing just 1.26 pounds, it looks to be an excellent choice for photographers who want to carry a single lightweight lens that can handle most situations. The lens’ minimum focusing distance ranges from 1.64 feet at 24mm to 2.3 feet at 200mm. It also incorporates a Vibration Reduction system capable of 5 stops of correction. The lens will be available in April with a list price of $899.

NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

Learn more about the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR at B&H.

The other new Z mount lens is a fast, wide prime, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S. This is an S-line lens, Nikon’s designation for its top-tier Z mount lenses. Nikon positions this lens as an ideal choice for landscape and astrophotography. It has a minimum focusing distance of just under 8 inches, and will be available in March with a list price of $1,049.

NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Learn more about the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S at B&H.

For more information on the Nikon D6 and new Z lenses, see the press releases below.

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DECISIVE POWER. FASTER WORKFLOW. ABSOLUTE RELIABILITY: THE NEW NIKON D6 GIVES PROFESSIONALS THE EDGE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

  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

MELVILLE, NY (February 11, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. has unveiled the D6, a new professional-grade DSLR built for those in need of extreme reliability and ultimate performance. 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.

Pricing and Availability  

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

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THE NIKKOR Z EXPANSION CONTINUES: NIKON ANNOUNCES TWO NEW Z MOUNT OPTICS WITH THE ADDITION OF THE VERSATILE NIKKOR Z 24-200MM f/4-6.3 VR AND WIDE-ANGLE NIKKOR Z 20MM f/1.8 S LENSES

Built on the Superior Optical Design of the Z Mount, Nikon’s Latest NIKKOR Z Lenses are Remarkable Tools for Capturing Travel, Landscapes and Adventure

MELVILLE, NY (February 11, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced two new full frame lenses to the rapidly expanding NIKKOR Z lineup. 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.”

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.

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.

Pricing and Availability

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*, and the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S will be available March 2020 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,049.95*. 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.

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