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Nikon Announces D6 Flagship dSLR
11 February 2020
Nikon has announced its D6 flagship dSLR designed for sports photographers and photojournalists with the most powerful autofocus performance in the company's history. The D6 also boasts more efficient tools for post-processing, ISO to 102.400 and 4K UHD video.
The D6 is constructed of the same magnesium alloy as the D5 for a strong and durable, dust- and drip-resistant body. The controls layout has been refined for better usability and a security slot to connect anti-theft cables has been added to help keep cameras safe during remote operation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the D6 include:
- 20.8-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 6 image processor
- Multi-CAM 37K 105-Pt. all cross-type AF
- 14 fps shooting
- Extended ISO 3,280,000
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new flagship dSLR include:
NIKON D6 SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 20.8-megapixel, CMOS sensor Bit Depth 14-bit Lens Mount Nikon F Storage Dual slot CFexpress Type B/XQD Viewfinder Optical with 100 percent coverage
0.72x magnification
-3 to +1 diopter adjustmentMonitor 3.2-inch 2,359,000-dot, fixed touchscreen LCD Shutter 1/8000 to 900 Seconds
Bulb mode, Time modeFrame Rate Up to 14 fps at 20.8 MP for up to 200 JPEGs ISO Auto, 100 to 102,400
Extended: 50 to 3,280,000Autofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization No Flash No built-in flash, iTTL
Hot shoe, PC terminal
Maximum Sync Speed: 1/250 secondMovie UHD 4K at 23.976p/25p/29.97p
Full HD at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
HD at 50p/59.94p
Clips to 105 minutes
Built-in stereo mic, external stereo mic inputConnectivity WiFi with adapter, Bluetooth
USB Type-C (USB 3.1), HDMI C (Mini), 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, Nikon 10-Pin, RJ45Power EN-EL18c rechargeable lithium-ion battery
10.8 VDC, 2500 mAh
3,580 shotsDimensions 6.3 x 6.42 x 3.62 inches Weight 2.79 lbs. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Nikon did not disclose a shipping date but Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders for $6,496.95 (body only).
For more information see the news release below.
Nikon Releases the D6 dSLR Camera
The flagship model with the most powerful AF in Nikon history
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. has announced the release of the Nikon D6 FX-format dSLR camera, a new flagship model that responds to the needs of professional sports photographers and photojournalists. Development of this product was announced on Sept. 4, 2019.
With the new D6, Nikon has realized the most powerful AF performance in its history through significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nikon D5 (released in March 2016). All focus points in the new, densely packed 105-point AF system utilize cross-type sensors and all are selectable. The AF sensor built into the D6 is approximately 1.6x denser and supports three times the number of selectable cross-type focus points than the D5, demonstrating superior focusing performance. The group-area AF option so popular with users of the D5 has evolved even further with support for 17 custom arrangements from which users can choose depending upon the scene or way the intended subject moves for precise capturing of decisive moments. The new dedicated AF engine developed for the D6 enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 14 fps with all focus points working to keep the subject in focus for improved subject-tracking performance. In addition, adoption of a new algorithm enhances the camera's ability to maintain focus on the intended portion of a subject without responding to those that pass through the frame.
The D6 also contributes to a faster on-site post-shooting workflow that is so vital to professional users. It does so with new functions that enable faster transmission of decisive photos, including one that allows photographers to transmit their winning images first with a flick operation using the camera monitor that moves the current image to the top of the waiting list and another that enables simultaneous recording of two JPEG images with different size and quality settings -- a smaller one suited to transmission and a larger one for editing, for example. What's more, the D6 supports the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard as the D5, with an approximate 15 percent increase in its transmission speed. Together with the built-in WiFi capability, it makes for a complete response to the wired and wireless networking needs of professional photographers. Further, equipping the camera with a GPS function enables acquisition of accurate date, time and location information.
The D6 offers increased usability while inheriting the D5's operability and reliable hold. Usability has been refined with improved connector arrangement and increased visibility for the top control panel and LCD monitor when button illumination is used in dark situations, providing professional photographers with even greater support. In addition, the D6 not only offers the strength and durability and dust and drip resistance that allow Nikon flagship models to continue working in even the tough environments, but it has also been equipped with a security slot that supports connection of anti-theft cables that can keep the camera safe during remote operation.
The D6 is the flagship Nikon dSLR camera that provides all the support professional sport photographers and photojournalists to perform at their best. It supports a rich lineup of Nikkor F mount lenses, from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto, allowing photographers to capture decisive, once-in-a-lifetime shots and fully responds to the needs of professional photographers who must deliver those images as soon as they are captured.
Primary Features
The most powerful AF system in Nikon history with 105 densely packed cross-type focus points
The D6 is equipped with a newly developed, densely packed 105-point AF system with which all focus points utilize cross-type sensors and all can be selected. The new focus point layout and the use of a triple-sensor arrangement for each focus point achieve AF coverage that is approximately 1.6x denser than that of the D5. The D6 also enables pinpoint focusing on the intended portion of a subject with approximately three times the number of selectable cross-type focus points as its predecessor. In addition, the group-area AF option popular with users of the D5 has evolved even further 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 EV and the others to -4 EV, making autofocus possible even in dark situations or with low-contrast subjects. In addition, the dedicated AF engine newly developed for the D6 makes it possible for all focus points to work to maintain focus, even with high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 14 fps. The camera's ability to maintain focus on the intended portion of a subject has also been increased -- especially clear when Custom Setting a3 "Focus tracking with lock-on" strength is set higher. This allows photographers to maintain focus on an athlete's face, for example, even if that athlete is a runner or table tennis player whose face is temporarily obstructed by a hand or paddle.
The Advanced Scene Recognition System, which uses a 180K-pixel RGB sensor, offers even greater performance with the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine's superior processing capabilities in addition to the vast amount of information provided by the new dedicated AF engine. The D6 is also the first dSLR camera capable of placing priority on the subject's eye with autofocusing in auto-area AF and 3D-tracking modes, allowing photographers to concentrate on framing portraits.
Equipped with a variety of functions that make for a more efficient post-shooting workflow
The D6 responds to the needs of professional photographers who require the ability to deliver their winning images as quickly as possible by placing the best images at the top of the waiting list. The photographer needs only to use a flick operation in the upward direction to add the current image displayed on the monitor with playback to the top of the queue. There is also a function designed especially for those who only shoot JPEG. This function allows 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.
The D6 supports the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard as the D5, with an approximate 15 percent increase in transmission speed. The camera also supports a number of options for wireless networking. In addition to conventional wireless networking using the WT-6/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter (optional), the D6 also offers built-in 2.4- and 5-GHz WiFi. What's more, stills, including those recorded in NEF format and video recorded with the camera can be uploaded to a smart device using the SnapBridge app. Support for GPS satellites, GLONASS satellites and Quasi-Zenith satellites enables accurate date, time and location information acquisition with shooting.
Superior image quality and reliability that allow users to concentrate on shooting
The D6 has an effective pixel count of 20.8 megapixels and is equipped with a Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 image-processing engine that contribute to a broad range of standard ISO sensitivities -- ISO 100 to 102,400. Sharpness and clarity are preserved and noise is effectively reduced, even at high sensitivities. Auto white balance stability and precision have been increased for clearer, more natural colors with no color cast in skin tones. The D6 also supports recording of 4K UHD video.
The D6 is constructed of the same magnesium alloy as the D5, ensuring a strong and durable, dust- and drip-resistant body that never misses decisive moments, even under the tough conditions. The layout of operational controls has been refined for increased usability and a security slot that supports connection of anti-theft cables has been added to help keep cameras safe during remote operation.