Nikon mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Nikon Z7 full-frame mirrorless camera test: what we've been waiting for. The best Nikon mirrorless camera
Until recently, it seemed that such giants of the photo market as Nikon and Canon were far behind the latest trends and were going to forever rest on the laurels of the success of traditional SLR technology, slightly diluting its orderly ranks with compact cameras with reduced functionality and small matrices.
But the fall of 2018 came and Nikon introduced completely new mirrorless cameras. And not just any compacts, but real full-matrix ones. So the hegemony of the troika Sony companies, Fujifilm and Olympus seem to have come to an end in this market.
We couldn't resist the temptation to test the new flagship Nikon model Z7. The camera is designed for advanced amateurs and professionals.
Nikon Z7: what's interesting?
So, what new did Nikon offer this time? Firstly, this is of course the new Z-mount mount. This is the largest mount for full-frame cameras today - its outer diameter is 55 mm, internal diameter is 49 mm. Secondly, the mirror, of course, disappeared from the camera design. Accordingly, there is no optical viewfinder, and now shooting can be done either through the electronic viewfinder or on the display.
In general, this greatly simplifies the process: all exposure metering results and white balance can be seen before shooting, and not after it. If you are used to focusing on a histogram with the distribution of shadows and highlights, again, you will see it before you press the shutter. This is the advantage of any mirrorless cameras. By the way, we compared the Nikon Z7 with the Nikon D850 and Sony Alpha 7R II DSLRs.
Body and filling
The Nikon Z7 camera, as we expected, is much lighter and smaller than its “DSLR” counterparts. But along with this, questions about ergonomics also appeared - if in a large hand the full-frame Nikon D600 DSLR lay like a glove, then with the Nikon Z7 the little finger hangs in the air. However, the problem can be solved by screwing the battery handle or installing a special lightweight ergonomic handle.
At the same time, the body of the Nikon Z7, like most Nikon SLR cameras, has good weather protection and is not afraid of frost. Made of magnesium alloy - also a popular solution in this price segment, although it adds a little weight compared to other, simpler cases (weight 675 grams with battery and memory card).
Since there is no mirror here, the working distance from the back surface of the lens to the matrix is significantly smaller than with DSLRs. That is, the camera turned out to be very compact in all three dimensions.
Among the interesting innovations Nikon uses in the Z7 model is an internal five-axis matrix stabilizer, which allows you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds as much as 4 stops longer than usual (for example, up to 1/5 sec when shooting handheld). The processor is the latest EXPEED 6. With lenses equipped with their own stabilizer, the effect can be even stronger, and when shooting video, in addition to the matrix stabilizer, electronic image stabilization is also available.
On the top of the camera there is a convenient LCD display with technical shooting parameters. It is almost square in shape, with inverted (light on dark) colors. It is very convenient for not occupying the camera display with this information and not having to go into the menu once again. The main 3:2 display is located on the back of the camera, and it is touch-sensitive and movable. You can tilt the screen 45 degrees down and about 100 degrees up.
In general, the controls and settings menu are almost the same as those of earlier Nikon cameras, and if you have some experience using them, you will not have any problems. The focusing modes are the same as in DSLRs. The block with the shutter button, the power lever and a pair of function keys is slightly raised above the top panel. Two more customizable buttons are located next to the bayonet mount and are generally convenient to work with. 
On the back of the camera there is a joystick for quickly selecting a focus area, and a touch screen on the display - you can aim in any convenient way. Autofocus here uses a hybrid system that combines the contrast method with phase sensors that are located directly on the sensor.
Total Focus points reach 493, giving 90% coverage of the area. When manually focusing, you can turn on focus peaking, which is adjustable in both color and intensity. There is face focusing, but there is no new feature yet - eye focusing. I hope it will appear with new firmware.
The viewfinder here is electronic and very high quality: large OLED matrix with a resolution of 3.69 million dots, minimal lag and lack of stroboscopic effect when used with artificial light. When approaching, the sensor camera turns off the main display, although sometimes it does this too early and is not always useful.
The camera is equipped with a physical switch between photo and video modes, which is of course very convenient. To quickly transfer masterpieces to a smartphone, the camera has a built-in Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth Low Energy.
Nikon Z7 is capable of shooting 4K 30p, FullHD up to 120p. Slow motion is available in FullHD, continuous shooting is limited to 30 minutes. In 4K mode, the camera lasted about 25 minutes of continuous shooting with normal display brightness, after which it began to overheat and turned off.
Matrix
Matrix in Nikon Z7 full-length (36 × 24 mm) with a resolution of 45.7 MP, and, unlike the matrices used by the company in recent years, it is produced by Nikon itself and has back-illumination technology, which provides advantages when shooting in low-light areas. Light sensitivity range: ISO 64–25,600, expandable to 32–102,400. Dynamic range: 14 stops, allowing flexible working with RAW. And of course, an important thing is the 5-axis stabilizer already mentioned above.
Optics
The new design requires a different approach to optics, and therefore a separate line of optics has been developed for the new Nikon mirrorless cameras. Accordingly, smaller in size and weight than traditional F-mount optics. The Nikon Z7 camera is equipped with a new 24-70/4 lens. In addition, the company presented a plan to release a line of new lenses for several years to come.
There are a lot of plans, let’s say, but the bulk of the new products awaits us ahead. Considering that only three lenses from the new line are currently available (the 35 mm 1.8 and 50 mm 1.8 primes are also available), and more than 350 F-mount optics have been released since 1959, the company has thought about how to smooth out the transition period to the new optics.
Along with the camera, an FTZ adapter was also presented (isn't it a good name?), which is intended for using the camera with old optics. In our test, we tested the camera with F-mount lenses - Nikon AF-S 18-35 f/3.5-4.5G and Nikon f/2.8 AF-S 28-70mm. All lenses worked flawlessly and focused quickly and accurately. But there is one caveat - using an adapter adds weight to the camera and, complete with it, it weighs almost the same as junior full-frame Nikon DSLRs. That is, the weight gain when using a new camera will be clearly visible only with the use of new smaller and lighter optics.
The 24-70/4 lens seemed quite sharp, focusing in the presence of a little bit of lighting worked quite correctly and quickly. But there are questions about autofocus performance in the dark - sometimes it wandered around and could not focus properly. When shooting at night, at times I had to switch to manual focusing mode. We hope that this shortcoming will be eliminated in future firmware.
In addition, the lens is designed in such a way that it changes its dimensions when the focal length changes. This is not very good, since over time, dust is sucked into the lens in this way, which is why this type of design has long been called a “vacuum cleaner”.
Battery
As the camera body has shrunk, the physical size has also shrunk, and so has the battery capacity. You can now take about 310 shots on a single charge, and this may be very frustrating for some professional photographers. For comparison, the battery of a full-frame DSLR Nikon cameras The D750 allows you to shoot about 1200 frames without recharging.
Memory cards
Nikon has used a very controversial concept in its new mirrorless cameras. technical solution- equip the cameras with one slot for memory cards, but not just any slot, but for the latest XQD cards. These cards are certainly fast and promising, but so far the vast majority of photographers do not have them (such cards were used only on flagships, starting with D4). Meanwhile, the cost of such a card starts from 5,500 rubles, which is completely inexpensive.
Overall: our impressions
It was obvious that full-frame mirrorless cameras would appear in the range of photo giants. Nikon Z7 has become an excellent example of how vast experience and modern technology can be successfully combined. Now both advanced amateurs and pros will have to make a difficult choice between the D850 with a mirror and the Z7/Z6. Moreover, we would choose a mirrorless camera.
At the heart of mirrorless technology is the electronic viewfinder. Its use allows you to reduce the size of the camera compared to SLR cameras, while maintaining advanced functionality and interchangeable optics.
The first mirrorless cameras, which appeared in the early 2000s, were not in demand due to their high cost and limited capabilities. But in recent years the situation has changed. The technical parameters of modern models are comparable to DSLRs and are second only to professional equipment. But mass distribution without SLR cameras hampered by high cost and underdeveloped optics fleet. The use of adapters and non-native lenses often leads to a decrease in quality.
Mirrorless technologies are being actively developed by all photographic equipment manufacturers, including the leaders of the “mirror” market Canon and Nikon, but so far their successes in the new field cannot be called outstanding. The palm here belongs to Olympus and Panasonic, but in recent years Sony has become the generally recognized leader.
Mirrorless cameras are confidently conquering the market and may eventually displace DSLR cameras. However, novelty is a limiting factor in increasing sales. Even sellers in specialized stores are not always ready to provide competent consultation. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to focus on reviews, reviews and ratings of the best mirrorless cameras.
The best mirrorless cameras for hobbyists
3 Canon EOS M50 Kit
A model that is not picky about consumables. Focusing by eyes
Country: Japan
Average price: 44990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A mirrorless camera with the best characteristics, if you take into account the reasonable price of the gadget. There are interchangeable optics, a three-inch rotating display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a 25.8 megapixel matrix and 4K support. In the reviews, the owners of this mirrorless camera swear that 4K is dishonest, but even in Full HD the M50 shoots amazingly.
Users, after using this model for more than six months, share their observations in reviews. Autofocus is great: there is tracking focus, eye focus, and the ability to select the focus point by tapping on the screen when using the electronic viewfinder. Thanks to a cheap Chinese adapter you can connect a 50 mm STM lens. The camera also accepts cheap batteries without problems. I’m also pleased with the flexibility of the menu and the many settings. All buttons can be reassigned. This is the best mirrorless camera for amateurs and not only.
2 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Kit
The optimum ratio of price and quality. Optical stabilizer
Country: Japan
Average price: 39,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Behind the retro style lies an advanced electronic filling. The advantages of the camera include a large electronic viewfinder, high sensitivity, good color rendition and fast autofocus. IN new version A useful option has appeared on the rotating touch screen: selecting a focus area with your finger on the screen.
But what makes the OM-D E-M10 Mark II the best among its competitors is the built-in 5-axis optical stabilizer, which not all older models have. With it you can confidently shoot handheld at long shutter speeds in low light and record video.
There are no complaints about the picture resolution in video mode; the maximum video frequency is 120 frames. The rate of fire is also high. 8.5 frames per second is enough for professional reportage photography. The buffer is not rubber, but spacious: the maximum series of images is 22 in RAW format. Among the disadvantages, users note the illogical menu, but you can get used to it.
1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 Kit
The most popular mirrorless camera
Country: Japan
Average price: RUB 39,490.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Despite its compact size, this mirrorless camera will give odds to most amateur DSLRs. The main competitive advantage is the best autofocus speed. A record 179 points provide full frame coverage; Sony can easily cope with any dynamic scenes. The impressive shooting speed of 11 frames per second will not let reporters down.
Tenacious tracking autofocus could make the model a leader in video quality. Full HD resolution and recording speed meet modern requirements, but the manufacturer decided not to focus on video. There is no microphone jack on the body, and users complain about the camera overheating during prolonged continuous use.
An indisputable advantage of the Sony Alpha ILCE-6000 is also its low noise level. ISO up to 3200 is rated as working, and 6400 is guaranteed to be suitable for a home album. Other useful features include Wi-Fi, NFC and a rotating screen.
The only drawback of a mirrorless camera is the cost, which beginner photographers will find unreasonably high.
The best mirrorless cameras for advanced users
3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Kit
Best for Videography
Country: Japan
Average price: 43309 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
A mirrorless camera that takes mediocre photos and great videos. It has a 16-megapixel matrix, the ability to record video for up to 30 minutes in 4K resolution, an electronic viewfinder, a rotating touch screen and fast tracking autofocus. Reviews call this model the best inexpensive solution for videographers.
The software includes a variety of video assistants. There are many settings. The built-in microphone does its job perfectly. Its light weight and sleek dimensions make it the best choice for advanced users looking for a camera for 4K video and more. Bonuses: powerful battery, good sound recording, excellent detail in video. The main drawback is that the body materials are not of the highest quality. The plastic looks flimsy.
2 Sony Alpha ILCE-7S Body
Full frame camera
Country: Japan
Average price: 97385 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The release of the full-frame Sony Alpha A7s was a technological breakthrough in the world of digital photography. By increasing the pixel size, the manufacturer has achieved previously unimaginable sensitivity. During daylight hours this solution does not provide any benefits, but in the dark Sony shows incredible results. Experts agree that when ISO is set to 6400, the use of noise reduction is not required. Wide dynamic range allows you to capture details even in complete darkness. Other advantages include a metal case, a folding display and Wi-Fi.
The mirrorless camera has impressive video potential. Contrast focusing does not lose autofocus even if the subject is constantly moving. All settings are adjusted during shooting. The frame rate of the video reaches 120 frames per second, and when connecting an external recorder, recording in 4K format is possible.
The main complaint against Sony is its weak battery. When traveling and shooting for long periods of time, you will need several spare units. In addition, the mirrorless camera has a low rate of fire: 5 frames per second is not enough for reporters, but the manufacturer set itself other goals.
A mirrorless camera is best for shooting in low light conditions. Of course, it has some shortcomings that the second version released eliminates, but the cost of the new model is disproportionately higher.
1 Sony Alpha ILCE-6500 Kit
High-quality 5-axis image stabilization
Country: Japan
Average price: 92102 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
A neat mirrorless camera with excellent capabilities and compact dimensions. This "Alpha" shoots in 4K resolution, has a 25-megapixel camera, a flip-up touch screen and supports interchangeable lenses. 5-axis stabilization works well. Autofocus pleases not only with its clarity, but also with its speed of response - the manufacturer calls the autofocus in its creation the fastest in the world. There are many phase focusing points - 425 pieces.
The reviews write a lot of nice things about this mirrorless camera. There are also complaints: about a weak battery, about the focus not always working correctly on “non-native” lenses, about the low recording speed via USB. Users note that the gadget hardly heats up, pleases with its ergonomics and light weight, and is distinguished by high-quality stabilization. The kit includes a kit lens, so no additional investment is needed to start taking photographs.
The best mirrorless cameras for professionals
4 Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Body
Image quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 141,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
24 megapixel full-frame matrix, producing photos in a resolution of 6000x4000. The autofocus is hybrid and pleases with its speed, large number of points, tracking function and “smart” operation when shooting portraits. There are connectors for headphones, microphone and USB Type-C, as well as support for two flash cards at once. The screen only rotates up and down, which is convenient when shooting from the stomach, for example, but vertical photos from above will have to be taken blindly. But you can specify focus points directly on the screen: the system will understand you.
Electronic viewfinder with 100% field of view. The battery is quite capacious - it is enough for 510 photos, although in burst mode the Alpha ILCE-7M3 is capable of producing several thousand frames on a single charge. User reviews note that the camera can withstand more than a 5-hour interval in active mode without recharging.
3 Fujifilm X-T20 Body
Best price
Country: Japan
Average price: 49,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Compact universal version of Japanese quality. The device is great for both video and photos in professional quality. There is a 24-megapixel matrix that creates 4K video content without cropping. The screen is touch-sensitive and rotatable, the diagonal size is three inches. I'm glad that the camera does not overheat even when recording video in ultra format.
Despite its touching dimensions, the camera is capable of delivering great picture with excellent quality. It's a pity that there is no function for changing ISO when recording video. Otherwise, this is a professional mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, encrypted as a budget compact camera. The camera hit the top the best cameras not only due to the pleasant price, but also the surprisingly high quality of the footage.
2 Sony Alpha ILCE-A7R III Body
Dual memory card support
Country: Japan
Average price: 189,400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The compact professional version with a 44 MP matrix and support for 4K video also made it to the top. Autofocus performs its function properly even in the twilight. When shooting portraits, autofocus focuses on the eyes - convenient. Matrix stabilization is a great help when filming. The viewfinder is electronic and of high quality. The processor is powerful and even while saving the captured frame, it leaves the user the opportunity to change settings and navigate the menu.
The menu, unfortunately, is very overloaded - in the labyrinth of settings it is difficult to quickly navigate and get to the desired characteristics. But even in poor lighting, the photos do not blur and are of high quality. Another pleasant bonus for wedding and reportage photographers is the high shooting speed. Up to 10 frames are created per second. Every megapixel of the matrix is felt and expressed in the quality of the pictures. The body is nice, the wheels are metal, the button travel is tight so that you can feel every press. The shutter button is smooth.
1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Kit
High resolution images. Operation speed
Country: Japan
Average price: RUB 189,898.
Rating (2019): 4.9
A mirrorless compact option for those who engage in photography at a professional level. There is a 20-megapixel camera that shoots in a resolution of 5184 x 3888, an electronic viewfinder, and a touch-sensitive rotating LCD display. Autofocus is hybrid and works quickly, correctly and accurately. The number of focusing points is amazing - 121. There is manual focusing and even an electronic rangefinder.
The body is made of metal and is protected from dust and water. The gadget fits perfectly in the hand, providing a comfortable grip with a well-thought-out body shape. Auto ISO is programmable, which allows you to get a high-quality frame without noise. The detail is amazing, especially in RAW format. White balance in automatic mode works well – color rendition is natural. For portraits and reportage photos, this is the optimal model considering price and quality. In addition, there is excellent stabilization, fast operation (from switching on to frame processing) and tenacious focus with a tracking function.
This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Nikon is one of the largest manufacturers of cameras and photographic equipment. Its assortment includes compact (“point-and-shoot” cameras), mirrored and mirrorless devices – and of various classes, from amateur to professional.
What to look for when choosing a camera
When choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
Lens type – integrated or interchangeable. The first option is only suitable for beginner photographers, while the second is for professionals;
Bayonet. This is the lens connection standard. Nikon usually uses a proprietary F mount, so almost any lens with this mount can be attached to its cameras (including both proprietary Nikkor series and those from third-party manufacturers);
Availability of a kit lens. It greatly simplifies life for beginner and amateur photographers. For professionals, body-only packages are suitable, without a lens included, since they allow you to customize the camera and its photographic qualities without overpaying;
The type of camera itself. A compact “soap box” is a solution only for beginners; ultrazoom - for those who like to shoot from a long distance, who are not ready to spend money on an expensive telephoto lens; mirrorless or SLR camera – for professionals and “enthusiasts”;
Special characteristics. This could be the burst speed, the optical quality of the kit lens, the sensor resolution, or the type of autofocus - depending on the needs of the buyer.
If you plan to use the camera in a private studio (or "build a studio around the camera"), it is also recommended to pay attention to the input and output interfaces for connecting peripheral equipment such as microphones, flashes or a remote shutter.
Types of Nikon cameras
There are the following types of Nikon cameras:
Compact, also popularly called “soap boxes”. The simplest solution for everyday shooting. They are usually equipped with non-removable telescopic lenses, have small sizes and medium specifications. But even this is enough for simple use: of course, you won’t be able to get studio-quality photographs, but you can take a few pictures for memory;
Ultrasounds. These are special cameras for photographing objects from a very long distance. They are equipped with an integrated lens with a huge zoom: for example, on the Nikon Coolpix P900 it is 83x optical and 166x including electronic. Such cameras use a special zoom mechanism, which provides such a strong “zoom”. And yes, you can use them to create a dolly zoom effect, although this will require training;
SLR (DSLR) cameras. One of the most common types of professional photographic equipment. They have a rather complex design, but are equipped with an optical pentaprismatic viewfinder. It is thanks to him that the photographer can observe the scene in real time with truly zero latency. However, during the actual shooting, the image in the viewfinder disappears to expose the frame;
Mirrorless cameras. Used by both amateurs and professionals. They differ from mirror cameras in the simplicity of their design - the mirrors themselves and the pentaprismatic viewfinder are removed from it, and the frame is constantly exposed to the sensor. The viewfinder, in turn, in such cameras is electronic, so it may have millisecond delays before the image is displayed.
There are no differences in shooting quality (photo quality, etc.) between DSLR and mirrorless cameras. In both cases, once the shutter is pressed, the frame is directly and completely exposed on the sensor. But due to their simplified design, mirrorless cameras are usually cheaper, thinner and lighter than DSLRs - but the latter provide truly zero latency when displaying an image on the viewfinder.
Rating of the best Nikon cameras
| nomination | place | Name of product | price |
| The best amateur Nikon SLR cameras | 1 | 33500 rub. | |
| 2 | 55000 RUB. | ||
| 3 | 29900 RUB. | ||
| The best professional Nikon DSLR cameras | 1 | 87000 RUB. | |
| 2 | 185000 RUB. | ||
| 3 | 256000 RUB. | ||
| The best Nikon mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses | 1 | 21900 RUB. | |
| The best compact cameras Nikon | 1 | - | |
|
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- | ||
| Nikon's best rugged compact camera | 1 | 23700 RUB. | |
| The best Nikon ultrazooms | 1 | 32900 RUB. | |
| 2 | 25000 RUB. |
The best amateur Nikon SLR cameras
One of the best cameras for people who just want to take high-quality photos without bothering with settings, RAW and other exposure. However, the camera also supports all this. Therefore, those pictures that “out of the box” turned out to be of insufficient quality from a visual point of view can always be corrected in a graphics editor.
Other advantages include a rotating LCD display, a Wi-Fi module for instantly sending pictures to a connected smartphone or laptop, fast and quiet autofocus, and good shooting quality in the dark.
Among the shortcomings are the rapid drainage of the battery when using the LCD display as a viewfinder or when distributing Wi-Fi, the lack of optical stabilization on the sensor, weak GPS and a body without dust and moisture protection.
The camera is sold in two configurations - with an 18-55 and 18-105 lens. The second one is recommended for purchase. However, the camera lens is interchangeable, the mount is standard – F.
Advantages
Ease of use, thanks to which nice pictures even novice photographers can do it;
Various delivery kits;
Many useful functions for working “on the go” - rotating screen, Wi-Fi, GPS;
Flaws
Low autonomy;
Optical stabilization only in the lens.
The main advantage of this camera is its focus mode. No matter the shooting conditions or scene, it delivers excellent sharpness and depth at the visual center of the frame. Focus quality is maintained in video mode.
The Nikon D7100 is also equipped with a new APS-C sensor without a low-pass filter, which provides natural colors and a wide dynamic range. The latter is especially important when shooting in RAW with subsequent image correction.
Among the disadvantages is the low quality of shooting in low light conditions. At ISO above 1000 there is noise in the image.
The camera is sold in two configurations – with an 18-105 and 18-140 lens. It is recommended to choose based on your wishes.
Advantages
Excellent autofocus for its price segment;
Great sensor with HDR support.
Flaws
- Suitable for shooting only in good lighting conditions.
Perhaps, best camera for newbies. Despite its limited functionality (fixed LCD display, no Wi-Fi, buffer for 3-5 RAW images), it is easy to set up, highly saturated and natural colors in the finished photos, lightweight and excellent portability for a DSLR. Separately, it is worth mentioning the quality of the sensor. When using an optimal (not kit) lens, you can get a “picture” that is not inferior to flagships.
True, it has slower autofocus than the D5300; no focus sealing; There is no bracketing and full HDR. In addition, it, like some other amateur Nikon DSLRs, begins to make noise at high ISO values, making it unsuitable for shooting in limited lighting conditions without a flash.
At the moment, only one configuration is available - with an 18-55 lens.
Advantages
Good sensor;
Small weight and dimensions.
Flaws
Slow and not always accurate autofocus;
Doesn't shoot well at high ISO values.
The best professional Nikon DSLR cameras
Full-frame camera with a powerful processor, which ensures continuous shooting at 6 fps at an actual resolution of 24 MP. It is equipped with a smooth and fast focusing system, a rotating screen, many preset shooting modes and scenes, a folding screen and a fairly large buffer. The most important advantage is that it is well suited for photography with high ISO values - noise is observed only after 6400.
Among the shortcomings, one can highlight only the presence of a low-pass filter on the sensor (but this is quite subjective), which leads to difficulties when shooting with HDR or in RAW for post-processing; weak Wi-Fi and minimum shutter speed of 1/4000.
Advantages
Easy to use;
Fast processor;
Large buffer;
Flaws
Low-pass filter on the sensor;
Minimum shutter speed 1/4000.
Full-frame camera with a powerful processor, large buffer and working ISO up to 25600 inclusive. The proprietary D4 matrix provides bright, rich, but natural colors while maintaining all shades. HDR support allows you to take dramatic photos. Convenient controls.
Disadvantages - there is no internal illumination of the focusing system, as a result of which autofocus may be “lost” in low-light conditions; no built-in flash; no focus peaking (contour alignment level).
It is important to note that this camera is designed for use with manual lenses. An automatic focus mode has been added “for show”. In particular, the mechanism was carried over from the older D600 model; it is not very fast and, as mentioned above, “gets lost” in the dark.
Advantages
Excellent sensor;
Powerful processor;
Wide range of working ICO;
Flaws
Not suitable for beginners;
Not the best best job autofocus in the dark.
A flagship camera with a powerful processor, fast and high-quality autofocus, working ISO up to 25600 and a huge number of settings for any shooting scenario. Very high shooting speed, even in RAW, excellent color rendition, rotating screen. However, this is a flagship camera, so all the necessary “professional” functions and qualities are in place.
There is essentially only one drawback. The camera uses the proprietary XQD memory card standard. And also drives and card readers for them are quite rare.
Advantages
Excellent sensor, powerful processor, large buffer;
Ergonomics.
Flaws
- Proprietary, rare Russian market components.
The best Nikon mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses
Compact 1” mirrorless camera with Nikon 1 mount. Provides good quality photos thanks to a modern matrix with excellent color rendition. Convenient to use - equipped with a rotating touch LCD display, lightweight and small in size. Separately, it is worth mentioning the design, which imitates classic cameras.
Among the disadvantages is that it is not suitable for shooting long videos, and the maximum video frequency in 4K resolution is... 15 frames per second.
It is worth considering that the flash is built into the kit lens. Therefore, it will not be possible to use any overhead filters or polarizers. In addition, the camera simply does not have a hot shoe, so it is impossible to install an external flash.
Advantages
Convenient to use;
Good photographic quality;
Attractive design;
Flaws
Rare mount;
No hot shoe;
Poorly suited for video shooting;
The best Nikon compact cameras
A convenient and easy-to-use compact camera with an 8-megapixel sensor, optical stabilization in the lens, 3.5x optical zoom and support for preset shooting modes. The best solution if you need “just a camera” for simple everyday photography.
Not suitable for video shooting due to the low resolution of the finished files. But it is compact, lightweight (200 grams assembled) and inexpensive.
Advantages
Compact and lightweight;
Preset shooting modes;
Easy to use;
Flaws
- Not suitable for video recording.
The main advantage of this camera is its excellent color rendition and sharpness for its price segment. When shooting in sunny weather, you get very “warm”, atmospheric and pleasant shots. In addition, it is very easy to operate, has a rugged and durable body, and also supports macro mode.
The disadvantage is that it’s better not to shoot a video.
Advantages
Excellent color rendition;
Easy to use;
Compact and lightweight;
Flaws
- Not suitable for video shooting.
Nikon's best rugged compact camera
A 16-megapixel camera that supports video recording in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. It is carried out in a protected housing that can withstand falls and shallow drownings. It features an LCD screen, fast and accurate focusing, ease of use, support for control from a smartphone and many preset modes.
There is only one drawback - the built-in battery has a low capacity. A fully charged one is enough for 300-350 shots without flash.
In addition, the camera is equipped with fairly accurate and fast (for its price segment) autofocus, as well as a sensor that provides natural and rich colors.
The disadvantages are a low-quality built-in microphone and a rather noisy zoom drive.
Advantages
Supports 4K 30 fps;
Good autofocus;
Time-lapse shooting mode;
Flaws
- Noisy zoom drive.
Which Nikon camera to buy
When choosing Nikon camera It is worth considering the planned use. If you just want to photograph “everyday life,” then you don’t need an amateur or professional camera at all; just a point-and-shoot camera will suffice. But if image quality is critical, then you should pay attention to the Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera.
For beginner photographers, amateur-level DSLRs are suitable. Perhaps the best of them is the Nikon D5300 with a lens included. It is equipped with a sufficient number of both preset modes and manual settings– so that you can form your own shooting style.
Then, having learned how to take photographs and developed your own style, you can purchase a professional-level DSLR. If you have a sufficient budget, the flagship model is recommended - Nikon D4s or Df. If you don’t have a six-figure sum for the camera, you can buy the B750.
But protected cameras and ultrazooms have a very specific area of use. The first ones are suitable for taking them with you on vacation; the second - for shooting distant objects or even astrophotography.
Previously, the principle of exclusive primacy reigned in the photography world - if you have a large, weighty DSLR in your hand, then you are a photographer. Everything else is a point-and-shoot camera for photographs. Family album. Rangefinders stood apart. It is precisely this market that Canon and Nikon are accustomed to, releasing cool and reliable equipment.
But times are changing, and mirrorless cameras are slowly making their way to a place in the sun. And if at first the market leaders chuckled quietly, then over time they realized what a huge part of the market was going to competitors, and they also presented their own system cameras.
Today we’ll look at a representative of second-generation mirrorless cameras from Nikon. Nikon 1 V2.
Nikon 1 V2 video review:
Design and ergonomics
The device is just the right size to put in your pocket or small bag/purse/clutch/whatever and carry it with you always. At the same time, there is no feeling of fragility - if, in self-defense, you throw it at someone in a dark alley, you can cause significant HP damage. Magnesium alloy is used in production, so the tactile sensations are very, very good. Not least thanks to the rubber coating, which prevents slipping.
The ergonomics of the camera also deserves praise - despite its small dimensions, the camera fits into the hand like a glove, thanks to the strongly protruding handle. Although it looks much more organic in women’s neat hands, it is also suitable for men’s hands. There are few buttons and levers of all kinds, and most of them are small. But still, after a week of use you get used to it.
On the front side, except for the lens release button, nothing else can be found. No, you can - there are two stereo microphones right there. The right side is empty. On the bottom there is a tripod socket and a compartment for the battery and memory card.
On the left side are MiniHDMI, MiniUSB and a port for an external microphone. Which is good news.
The upper end is occupied by a flash and a button to open it, slightly shifted to the left side and a small speaker next to it. On the flash (decorative shaft of the pentaprism) there is a standard hot shoe. The right side is a little more loaded. There is a shutter button framed by an on/off ring, a video recording button and two wheels. One is responsible for selecting PASM modes, but in addition to all this, you can find an advanced video recording mode, an automatic mode, a mode for creating creative photos, and more. The second wheel is responsible for changing various parameters, and it has a secret. The thing is that this wheel is also a button responsible for selecting a parameter. You just need to press it, moving it forward, until it clicks.
The back side is the most capacious. Offset to the left is an optical viewfinder with a resolution of 1440 thousand dots, a proximity sensor and a diopter adjustment ring. The proximity sensor can operate in two modes: “Display fading, viewfinder on”, “Both display and viewfinder off; the latter turns on when brought to the eye.” This saves energy.
To the left of the screen are four buttons, including viewing pictures, menu, Disp (analogous to Info) and deleting pictures.
To the right of the screen is a microscopic four-way joystick-wheel with an inscribed OK button. Various functions are hung here, but you will have to get used to the size. At the top is the Fn button.
The focus is on a three-inch display with a resolution of 921 thousand dots. It's not touch-sensitive or rotary, but it's bright enough to see what's going on or which menu item to select. By the way, it’s been reworked here and doesn’t resemble anything like its mirror counterparts.
I’ll say right away at this point that I didn’t like it.
The first thing you want to pay attention to is the power button. I'm used to using the system when you feel a click after a little effort. To understand, look at how the power wheels on Nikon DSLRs are organized. Immediately I was faced with the fact that the wheel moves back and forth without hindrance, while always returning to its original position. That is, he pulled it back, let it go, and the camera turned on. Same for turning off. Absolutely inconvenient, as you can easily turn on the device in your bag or pocket.
The second thing I would like to note is the completely useless flash mounting system. Although there is a button for opening, with a slight movement the flash is switched to operating mode. I don’t know about anyone, but I think that breaking it off in a backpack will be as easy as shelling pears. Although, maybe we came across a loose copy - write in the comments.
And thirdly, Nikon 1 V2 suffers from the same diseases as adult Nikons. Namely, peel-off rubber bands. I don’t know, maybe the workers should eventually send a batch of superglue to the plant?
And lastly, there is, in principle, enough space on the body to make the same joystick a little larger. Or add at least a couple of extra (no, they are far from superfluous) buttons. Although I'm already nitpicking.
What is inside?
Behind the lens, a one-inch CMOS sensor of only 14 MP is clearly visible. Although this value is enough to take excellent pictures. The processor inside is Expeed 3A. This is just a reworked third version. Although it is worth admitting that such a stone copes with the tasks with a bang. No lags or slowdowns were noticed either when browsing menus or photos, or when shooting and reviewing material. Recording occurs quickly - even after a series of 15 fps, a filled buffer of about 50 shots is written to the memory card in about a second or two, but you can continue shooting single shots immediately. We used a quick card (its review) to get these results.
Photosensitivity – from 160 to 6400 ISO. I personally am very pleased that Nikon decided not to show how many times they can amplify the signal and decided to stick with reasonable numbers.
You can shoot at all values, starting from 1600 in RAW. After proper processing, images with values above will be suitable anywhere - be it for the WEB or for printing, although not higher than A5.
The dynamic range is pleasing to the eye. You can even shoot difficultly lit scenes, and the owner will still receive a well-developed image with volume. If necessary, you can turn on D-Lightning, which will allow you to pull out more details, but if you want HDR, you will have to do everything manually - in one of the episodes of PhotoHack I will tell you how to do this.
I would also like to note the possibility of creating dynamic photos. It works something like this - you take a photo with the appropriate settings and the output is a second mov with sound (set in the settings, there are four types in total). I don't know who needs this.
Autofocus
The camera has a 71-point system that you can rely on completely. The focusing system will allow you to capture exactly the object you wanted. Even in low-light conditions, autofocus is fast and precise, keeping your main subject in sharp focus. By the way, this system even works in video, and exactly as needed. Now creating cinematic refocuses is as easy as shelling pears - you just need to point the camera at another subject.
Video capabilities
Videos are recorded in FullHD 60i/30p, HD – at 60p. It is possible to connect an external microphone and flexibly control the aperture and shutter speed in Live mode. But there is one small bug here - you can’t control the sound level according to a schedule (or am I looking wrong?), and there is no headphone output.
Shooting TimeLapse's, which have always distinguished the company, is also not available here - you will have to shoot by hand with subsequent processing.
But instead, it became possible to shoot sssuuuppppeeerrr-ssslllloooooo-mmmoooooushshnn - 400 fps at a resolution of 640 x 240 pixels and 1200 fps at 320 x 120. Such a video is shot for 3 seconds, the output is 16 and 48 seconds, respectively, at the frame rate 25/s. The opportunity is cool, but the quality is so terrible that it’s much better to shoot at 60p and slow down the image with various plugins in post. And the limitation of the minimum shutter speed of 1/1200s is not encouraging at all - it turns out that shooting can only be done in conditions of excellent lighting.
Fine
- Weight and dimensions.
- Ergonomics.
- Autofocus
- Image quality.
- Dynamic range.
- Serial shooting.
- Ability to record animated photos.
- Microphone port.
- Video recording quality.
- Slow Motion shooting.
Badly
- Price.
- Peel-off rubber bands.
- Inconvenient power button.
- Opening flash.
- No headphone output.
- No sound schedule.
- No Time Lapse Motion.
- Reduced settings options for images (HDR, filters, vignetting control, etc.).
What glass to take
A universal, not too light lens will become an indispensable companion for every day as a whale lens. My opinion is that everyone should have glass in their case that they simply don’t mind. . The cost is about 200 dollars.
Essentially the same lens as above, only with a motor for smooth zooming during video shooting. Costs 100 bucks more.
Although its aperture is not amazing, this lens will be simply indispensable for those who cannot imagine their life without shooting reports and distant objects. Cost – 1000 dollars.
The bright wide-angle lens boasts that it is protected from various adverse environmental conditions - it is waterproof, frost-resistant and shockproof. In general, exactly what you need when traveling. After all, a wide angle makes everything better. Price – 200 dollars.
This is a variation on the theme of a fast wide-angle without protective capabilities. Suitable for travel, but definitely not for extreme travel. Costs $250.
The rugged zoom was designed with the AW 1 in mind, making it a must-have for those who like to shoot in bad weather. In addition, a focal length of 30-70 mm equivalent can easily make it the main one on a body. Cost: $220.
A not-so-fast ultra-wide-angle zoom is an excellent choice for travel, architecture, or genre photography. It will cost the owner 500 bucks.
The focal length of this lens is approximately 50 mm equivalent. This means that a fast prime lens can easily fit on your camera, allowing you to shoot everything from architecture to general reporting. For only 200 bucks.
Super fast member of the 1 Nikkor lens family. This is a classic portrait lens with a focal length of approximately 85 mm equivalent. When shooting with it, you will get beautiful background blur and the ability to not worry about ISO or shutter speed even in poor lighting conditions. The cost is $900.
Alternative
Mirrorless camera with hybrid autofocus, 16 MP APS-C matrix, rotating touch display and Wi-Fi. Its cost is approximately $700. “Six” will be an excellent choice for those who love to travel light and prefer to have a large selection of optics, including those from third-party manufacturers.
Fuji X-E1
Canon's mirrorless camera boasts an 18 MP APS-C sensor, a port for an external microphone, and compact dimensions, but does not have a viewfinder. In addition, the display is not rotatable, so for non-standard angles you will have to try a little. The cost is about 550 dollars.
Camera with Micro 4/3 matrix size. There is a good design, a rotating display, a viewfinder, and just a cool matrix stabilization system that will smooth out trembling in your hands. However, there is no port for an external microphone. The camera costs approximately $850.
Another representative of Micro 4/3 cannot boast of ultra-compact dimensions - in appearance the camera resembles a small DSLR. But at the same time, there are a lot of advantages - a microphone input, a viewfinder, a three-axis rotating touch screen, a huge number of mechanical control elements. The cost is approximately $750.
It’s done: another photo giant has announced its own full-frame mirrorless system. This family is currently represented by two cameras, Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 (mentioned in the order of their availability), and three lenses: one zoom Nikkor S 24-70mm f/4 and two fixed focal lengths, Nikkor S 50mm f/1.8 and Nikkor S 35mm f/1.8.
In this material, as part of the first acquaintance, we will talk about the general principles of design and operation new system, which are characteristic of both Nikon mirrorless cameras, as well as about the optics for the new mount, and we will present the test data we received in the laboratory for the Nikkor S 24-70mm f/4 and Nikkor S 35mm f/1.8 lenses.
Full reviews of the Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 cameras, including lab testing and hands-on photography tests, will be published separately.
Nikon Z mirrorless system
Let's immediately highlight the most important ones general signs new system.
Main
- New Nikon Z mount
- The camera bodies are metal, made of magnesium alloy
- The internal volume of the devices is protected from the penetration of dust and moisture into it
- New Expeed 6 processor
- Hybrid phase and contrast focusing with phase detectors covering 90% of the frame area
- Focus peaking (highlighting the contours of objects in the sharpness zone)
- Secondary information display
- 3.69 MP electronic viewfinder, 0.8× magnification, 60 fps refresh rate
- 3.2-inch flip-out touchscreen with 2.1 MP resolution
- Fully silent shooting mode (electronic shutter only)
- Possibility of shooting with electronic front curtain
- In-camera 5-axis image stabilization, providing up to 5 stops of exposure gain (according to CIPA)
- Electronic image stabilization when shooting video
- UHD 4K 30fps video recording
- Video recording in Full HD 1920×1080 up to 120 fps with rapid effect (slow motion) up to 4 times
- Saves N-Log settings with 10-bit color encoding (4:2:2) when recording video from the HDMI port
- New EN-EL 15b lithium-ion batteries
- Fully functional hot shoe (ISO 518)
- USB 3 and HDMI interfaces (with support for shooting control by input channel)
- Ability to charge batteries via USB port
- Availability of audio input for external microphone and audio output for headphones
- Wi-Fi with SnapBridge + Bluetooth
What's missing from Nikon Z:
- No built-in flash
- There is no function for creating auto panoramas inside cameras
- No global positioning (GPS) support
- No NFC (Near Field Communication) adapter
- No backup of footage on media (only one memory card slot)
By announcing its own full-frame mirrorless system, Nikon repeated the historical step taken by its competitor on October 16, 2013, when the Sony α7 (ILCE-7) and α7R (ILCE-7R) devices were released. The unreadable abbreviation in the model names means Interchangeable Lens Camera with Sony E mount (camera with interchangeable lenses and Sony E mount). It has not caught on in everyday life, and we, like most others, will continue to call them α7, α7R, etc.
Sony α7 in terms of “megapixel count” exactly matched the current Nikon Z6 (24 MP, 6000×4000), and Sony α7R was closer to Nikon Z7 (since there are more sensors high resolution did not have). By the way, the Sony α7R sensor (36.4 MP, 7360×4912) was installed in the Nikon D810 DSLR, which was released in June 2014, and some hotheads immediately began to prophesy about the imminent end of full-frame “mirrorless” cameras: they say, who needs these unfinished toys when you have a full-fledged DSLR Nikon D810! The prediction did not come true. Today, Sony already has three generations of cameras α7 and α7R, two generations α7S and a “new approach” with α9, and five years later Nikon itself followed the “bad example” of its competitor.
The Nikon Z “sisters” are positioned in the same way as the Sony “sisters”: the Z6, like the Sony α7, is for amateurs and photography enthusiasts, and the Z7, like the α7R, is for professionals. Of course, a lot has changed since the announcement of the Sony α7, and one can only regret the delay, because much was missed and useful experience was not gained, but, firstly, better late and something than nothing and never, and secondly, experience can be adopted, because everyone learns from mistakes, but smart people prefer other people’s mistakes rather than their own.
Nikon Z mount
The main surprise that the manufacturer presented in its full-length mirrorless system is the new Nikon Z mount. Now its ring is attached not with five, as was the case with Nikon F, but with four screws, the electronic interface block has increased from 8 to 11 contacts, but this is not yet The most interesting. The internal diameter (clearance) of the Nikon Z has become noticeably larger, and this may seem unnatural at first.
The Nikon Z mount for mirrorless cameras has a clearance that is 5 mm larger than the diameter of the Nikon F mount for DSLR cameras
Due to the larger internal diameter of the mount, as explained to the public official representatives Nikon, it’s easier for them to create faster optics for the new system. And the public’s reaction to this statement turned out to be, as always, peculiar, and some overly active representatives of the photo community began to speculate on the company’s possible transition to using medium format sensors in future cameras.
Let us provide an explanation on this topic. In our opinion, the Nikon Z mount will not be able to work for the needs of modern digital medium format even theoretically, let alone practical implementation this idea. The fact is that the sensors installed in modern mirrorless medium format cameras, for example, in Fujifilm G and Hasselblad XD, have physical dimensions of 44x33 mm, and their diagonal exceeds 55 mm. And the internal diameter of the Nikon Z mount is limited to 52 mm. You can, of course, cut out corners in a metal flange to accommodate such a sensor, but it is difficult for lenses to cover such a large diagonal with their light spot.
The intrigue lies elsewhere. Here's how Nikon Z stacks up against competing systems.
| Bayonet | Canon EF | Canon RF | Fujifilm G 1 | Leica L | Nikon F | Nikon Z | Sony A2 | Sony E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner diameter, mm | 50,6 | 50,6 | 62,5 3 | 48,8 | 44 | 52 | 42 | 43,6 |
| Working distance, mm | 44 | 20 | 26,7 | 20 | 46,5 | 16 | 43,5 | 18 |
The Nikon Z mount turns out to be not only the largest, but also the shortest: it has the shortest working distance of all.
Among all mounts of full-frame mirrorless systems
Nikon Z has the shortest flange distance
What are the practical benefits of the new mount? Firstly, the larger space around the full-format 36x24 mm sensor expands the capabilities of the in-camera stabilization system, based precisely on its shifts. Having this margin, you can implement not only more significant movements along the five usual axes, but also pixel shift to increase the resolution of the resulting image (this is used, for example, in Micro 4:3 system cameras), as well as rotation compensation celestial sphere, which eliminates the appearance of stripes from the movement of stars during ultra-long exposures (a similar technique is implemented in the Pentax K1 and K1 Mark II cameras).
The bayonet clearance, which determines the scope of the light spot formed by the lens, in combination with the size of the working distance, limits the maximum capture of the angle of incidence of the beam and, accordingly, the maximum possible angle of its refraction (the second, as is known, is a function of the first, multiplied by the coefficient of the same name).
Angles of incidence (incidence, α i), reflection (reflection, α r) and refraction (refraction, β) of light in air and in the optical medium of the lens
For the Nikon Z mount, the maximum angle of coverage of the incident beam is 44°, which is significantly greater than that of Nikon SLR F (12.1°) and Canon EF (18.8°). However, even for the mirrorless Sony E it is only 31.6°.
In general, the larger the angle of coverage of the incident beam, the easier it is to design and manufacture high-quality optics, especially wide-angle ones. It becomes possible to forget about the traditional retrofocus design of such lenses, which showed itself relatively well in practice in film-paper times, but turned out to be not very suitable for digital mirrorless cameras without special tricks.
To be fair, it should be mentioned that due to the increase in lens diameter, the size and weight of the lenses also increase, since larger optical elements are required (and mass). Here you should adhere to the “golden mean” between the desire to increase the size of the mount and the inevitable heavier optics. There is another “but”: as the working distance decreases and the refraction angle increases, vignetting increases and the so-called “color shift” may appear - coloring the periphery of the frame in blue or purple tones. However, Nikon seems to have managed to do both.
The undoubted advantage of the new mount is the ease of adapting the optics of other systems, not only DSLRs, but also rangefinders (Leica M, Contax G), mirrorless (Sony E) and in general all with a flange distance greater than 16 mm. It is easier for third-party manufacturers to create lenses for Nikon Z, and we can expect the imminent appearance of optics under the brands Samyang (Rokinon), Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and possibly others, which have not only mechanical, but also electronic compatibility with the new full-frame mirrorless system and Moreover, they support autofocus. At the same time, none of the competitors or third-party adapter manufacturers will be able to adapt Nikon Z optics to work with devices of other brands.
Cameras
The general principles of the layout of Nikon Z devices correspond to the conventional standards established in the industry for mirrorless cameras: a viewfinder unit that replaces the pentaprism of SLR cameras, a “hot shoe”, the main shooting mode selector and control wheels on top, the main display on the back, compartments for wired interfaces on the left, memory card slot on the right, battery compartment and tripod thread on the bottom. However, there are some peculiarities.
Frame
The chambers are enclosed in a metal shell made of magnesium alloy, which provides the necessary rigidity and reliably protects the vulnerable internal contents.
Nikon Z cameras are enclosed in metal cases (manufacturer's drawing)
The manufacturer ensures sufficient sealing of Nikon Z devices, which prevents splashes of liquid and dust particles from penetrating into their bodies. For this purpose, all seams in contact with the environment are equipped with special sealing inserts.
Sensor
Nikon Z system cameras are equipped with full-frame sensors, which are CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chips, that is, CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor structures) with so-called back-illumination of light-receiving cells.
Full frame sensor of Nikon Z cameras
The matrix resolution depends on the camera model. The specifics of the sensors will be discussed in more detail in our reviews on Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7.
CPU
Another addition to Nikon's mirrorless system is the new Expeed 6 processor.
Expeed 6 processor (manufacturer photo)
It provides adequate performance when reading information from the sensor, makes it possible to increase the rate of fire of cameras and shoot video in the 4K standard.
Gate
Nikon Z have a mechanical curtain-slit type shutter with electronic control, installed in the focal plane.
Mechanical jam of Nikon Z cameras (manufacturer's photo)
According to the manufacturer, the shutter has a guaranteed service life of 200 thousand cycles. It is capable of working with shutter speeds ranging from 1/8000 s to 30 s in automatic mode, and also allows you to control the exposure duration manually (bulb mode). Flash operation is supported at X-sync speeds of 1/200 sec or slower.
Image stabilization
In-camera image stabilization is an indispensable attribute of high-end mirrorless cameras, and the Nikon Z system is no exception in this regard. The devices in this line have a mechanical stabilization system based on jitter-compensating response movements of the sensor along five axes with compensation for vertical and horizontal shifts and angular deviations, as well as rotations along the optical axis of the lens clockwise and counterclockwise.
Five-axis in-camera image stabilization system in Nikon Z cameras (manufacturer’s figure)
Stabilization system Nikon images Z (manufacturer's drawing)
The design of the image stabilizer, or, as the manufacturer calls it, the anti-vibration system (VR, vibration reduction), is also organized according to the tasks performed.
Viewfinder
A viewfinder is not a luxury, but a photography tool. It’s never a bad idea to think about the photographer’s comfort, and here Nikon (as always, however) came out on top.
Viewfinder eyepiece of Nikon Z cameras with a light sensor above it and an eyecup around it (manufacturer's photo)
The image in the viewfinder is formed by a half-inch microscreen (1.2 cm diagonally) on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) with a resolution of almost 3.7 megapixels (Quad VGA), which covers approximately 100% of the system's field of view. The image on the screen is updated at a frequency of 60 frames/s - this is quite enough under standard shooting conditions. The diagonal viewing angle using eyepiece optics is 37° (magnification factor 0.8×).
Viewfinder optical design (manufacturer's design)
The user can synchronize the viewfinder settings with the LiveView settings on the display screen and thus achieve the same image display in terms of color, brightness and contrast.
Monitor display
The display for a mirrorless camera is almost as important as the viewfinder, since (unlike DSLR cameras) it is often used to visualize the scene when shooting. To do this, it must also have mobility, which DSLR displays again lack.
Nikon Z display. Rear view
The display is an LCD monitor measuring just over 8.1 cm (3.2 inches) diagonally, with a resolution of 2.1 megapixels. The viewing angle is 170°.
Nikon Z display. Side view
The manufacturer does not indicate how much the display can deflect upward or downward, but it appears that both are sufficient for viewing overhead and at the surface of the earth or water.
The display supports touch input (manufacturer's figure)
Thanks to touch sensitivity, you can select the focus point by touching the display with your finger. Scrolling forward and backward when viewing footage is also supported.
Information display
Similar to how it is arranged in SLR cameras, on the top panel of Nikon Z cameras there is an additional information display on organic light-emitting diodes. Perhaps this is more a tribute to the former commitment to SLR technology than a real necessity - mirrorless cameras of some other well-known brands do without it. But, as they say, it is better to have something than to have nothing.
The information display displays the most necessary data: exposure triad indicators (shutter speed, aperture value, equivalent light sensitivity), flash mode, exposure compensation, battery charge status, shooting mode and available memory card capacity in frames (if this value is more than a thousand, then the exponent is written as a decimal number with the suffix k (i.e. “kilo”).
The display has no backlight, and it doesn’t need it: everything is easy to read both in daylight and in the dark.
Interfaces
The wired interface connectors are located on the left side surface. They are assembled into two groups, each of which is closed with a tight-fitting lid when not in use.
Left view. Connectors for connecting external devices
Audio input and output (3.5mm stereo jacks) make up the first group. The second (pictured from left to right) has a connector for connecting a “branded” remote control and HDMI and USB 3.0 (Type-C) connectors.
Storage system
For some reason Nikon has a soft spot for the new XQD memory card standard. Let us remember that this Sony development was intended mainly for use in professional video cameras shooting in 8K resolution, and in its own cameras Sony continues to focus on the old SD standard to this day. Let him not provide the same high speed recording to media, like XQD, but much more widespread. This means wider availability and lower cost of these cards. Finding a card reader that doesn't support SD but supports XQD today will be a difficult task. However, the user of the Nikon Z system will have to deal with the last mentioned standard, and nothing can be done about it.
Right view. Memory card compartment (cover folded down)
XQD is a new thing, quite expensive and also significantly larger than SD in size and weight. If 3-4 SDXC cards in plastic containers will not interfere, located in the front pocket of jeans, then 3-4 XQD cards can already cause a certain inconvenience in such a situation.
XQD media is used in Nikon D850 DSLR cameras, but there is an alternative - a second slot into which SD cards are installed. But Nikon Z cameras only have one slot.
Nutrition
The standard power source for Nikon Z cameras is the new EN-EL 15b battery. It is placed in a compartment, access to which is closed by a hinged plastic cover equipped with a slider lock.
Battery compartment
This original power source can be charged not only using the included charger, but also directly in the camera using a USB cable. This is very convenient, as it makes it possible to use an external battery (power bank) and an electrical network for recharging.
According to the instructions in the Nikon Z camera manual, the life of a fully charged battery is:
- When shooting using the viewfinder only - 330 shots on the Nikon Z7 or 310 shots on the Nikon Z6
- when shooting using the display only - 400 shots on the Nikon Z7 or 380 shots on the Nikon Z6
Alternatively, EN-EL 15 and EN-EL 15a batteries can be used, but they will have a lower frame life and do not work with in-camera USB charging.
Flash
Nikon Z cameras do not have built-in flashes, and this, by the way, is not at all as bad as some claim. In any case, this rarely used technological unit does not make the device heavier. Indeed, why carry around a built-in flash that is always ready for use, which is used very rarely, and only out of desperation? Not only professionals, but also experienced photography enthusiasts avoid this, especially since it is simply impossible to obtain any satisfactory lighting using such a source.
But working with external pulses lighting fixtures fully supported by Nikon Z cameras.
They can be controlled either directly or via radio triggers when one or the other is installed on a full-featured hot shoe (ISO-518). Pulse ignition can be triggered directly or via radio via the front or rear shutter curtains, as well as in slow sync mode.
Fill flash mode uses matrix or center-weighted exposure metering, as well as brightness zone metering. In this case, the pulse and background lighting will be balanced in intensity. In i-TTL mode, flashes and radio triggers are supported spot metering exposure, and priority is given to the flash light rather than the background light.
Controls
Compared to DSLR prototypes, Nikon Z cameras look more modest not only because of their size, but also because of the loss of some mechanical controls. However, this phenomenon does not have the character of a reductio ad absurdum, since the most important things are still preserved.
Externally, Nikon Z7 and Z6 differ only in the inscription in the lower right corner of the front panel. If you hide this inscription, then even a specialist will not be able to guess which camera you are dealing with. Therefore, we provide below a description of the design for both cameras in the Nikon Z line.
Front view
Arrangement of structural elements on the front and left (manufacturer’s drawing)
1 - sensor; 2 — switching the picture display mode between the display and the viewfinder; 3 — autofocus illuminator and red-eye reduction spotlight and self-timer operation indicator; 4, 5 — covers of compartments of wired interfaces; 6 — lens position marker for installing it in the bayonet mount.
Bottom view
Arrangement of structural elements at the front and bottom (manufacturer’s drawing)
1 — front control wheel; 2 — function button Fn1; 3 — function button Fn2; 4 — battery compartment cover lock; 5 — battery compartment cover; 6 — bayonet mount for the lens; 7 — bayonet lock button; 8 — contacts for the lens; 9 — thread for a tripod; 10—recess plug for the power cable.
Back view
Arrangement of structural elements at the rear (manufacturer's drawing)
1 — light sensor (to automatically switch the image output to the viewfinder); 2 — eyepiece; 3 — viewfinder eyecup; 4 — button for viewing footage; 5 — erase button; 6 — display; 7 — viewfinder diopter adjustment regulator; 8 — LiveView activation button; 9 — shooting mode switch between photo and video; 10 — forced autofocus button; 11 — joystick; 12 — button to call the parameters panel; 13 — compartment cover with a slot for a memory card; 14 — LED indicator for writing to the card; 15 — confirmation button; 16 — multi selector; 17 — menu button; 18 — button for activating burst shooting and self-timer; 19 — button to reduce image scale; 20 — button to zoom in on the image.
View from above
Arrangement of structural elements from above (manufacturer’s drawing)
1 — shooting mode selector; 2 — fastening for a neck strap; 3 — mode selector lock; 4 — holes for the built-in condenser stereo microphone; 5 — video recording button; 6 — power switch; 7 — shutter release; 8 — exposure compensation input button; 9 — ISO setting button; 10 — sensor focal plane marker; 11 — rear steering wheel; 12 — speaker holes; 13 — additional information display; 14 - “hot shoe”.
By the standards of mirrorless systems, cameras have everything necessary and sufficient for shooting and are at least not inferior to their “class brothers”.
Comparison of Nikon Z6 and Z7
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Sensor dimensions, mm | 35.9×24 | 35.9×23.9 |
| Maximum resolution, MP | 24,5 | 45,7 |
| Low pass filter | There is | No |
| Frame size in pixels | 6048×4024 | 8256×5504 |
| Maximum rate of fire, frames/s | 12 | 9 |
| Buffer volume, frames | 47 JPEG, 35 RAW | 26 JPEG, 23 RAW |
| Working ISOs | 100 — 51 200 | 64 — 25 600 |
| ISO expansion | 50 — 204 800 | 32 — 102 400 |
| Autofocus operating range | from −2 up to +19 EV | −1 to +19 EV |
| Number of AF phase detectors | 273 | 493 |
| Exposure metering range | from −4 up to +17EV | −3 to +17 EV |
| Battery capacity, frames (according to CIPA) | 310 | 330 |
| Price in Russia |
The difference between cameras is determined, by and large, by the difference in their sensors. The most important remains, of course, the “megapixel counter”, and the rest follows from this and some other features.
Let us remember that the fewer light-receiving cells are located per unit area of the sensor, the larger area each of the cells, and the larger the cell area, the more light it can receive. The pixel pitch of the Nikon Z7 is 4.35 microns, and the Nikon Z6 is 5.94 microns, and this is quite significant. With the same construction principle (in both cases it is back illumination of the photocathode layer), a sensor with a lower resolution will have a wider dynamic range (DD) and will be more tolerant of high ISO values. Therefore, the Nikon Z6 has a full stop more maximum equivalent sensitivity, both working and extended.
Let us present the measurement data of the DD sensors of both cameras, taken by William J. Cluff.
The picture is quite expected: at minimum ISO values (including extended ones) Nikon Z7 demonstrates a wider OP; at ISO 100-400 Nikon Z6 comes out ahead, is inferior to Nikon Z7 at ISO 400-600 and again leads with a further increase in equivalent sensitivity up to maximum possible values.
Something else is also important. It is more difficult for a processor to read a frame with 45.7 megapixels than a frame with 24.5 megapixels, and it takes more time, even if the processor is new and powerful. Therefore, the specifications show differences in the capacity of the buffer of captured photos and in the rate of fire (again in favor of the Nikon Z6).
Phase-phase autofocus sensors in mirrorless cameras are located directly on the sensor. And although the Nikon Z7 has many more of them, working with them is more difficult and takes more time. This results in a difference in the operating ranges of illumination for autofocus and exposure metering. And again it is in favor of Nikon Z6.
And finally, the price. A sensor with 45.7 million light-receiving cells simply cannot cost comparable to a 24.5-megapixel one - that would be nonsense. By the way, it should be noted that 45.7 megapixels on a full-format sensor is today’s absolute record for mirrorless cameras.
Optics
At the very beginning of the material, we already noted that along with the Nikon Z7 and Z6 cameras, the manufacturer announced three lenses. Of course, this is very little, but Nikon is not going to stop there. Below is the manufacturer's plan for producing optics for the new system.
So, in 2019 there will be six new lenses for Nikon Z, including three zooms, and in 2020 there will be three more. Among those planned for the coming year is an interesting optical instrument that Nikon is using as a teaser today. This is the successor to the famous Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2, first announced more than 40 years ago and characterized by high sharpness and excellent contrast even at wide aperture. Now Nikon offers a redesigned version with an aperture ratio of 1:0.95.
The release plans include the ultra-fast Nikon Z Nikkor S 58mm f/0.95 Noct
Of the three lenses available today for the Nikon Z, we got to try two. They are discussed below.
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
This is the first and so far only “native” zoom lens for the Nikon Z system.
Specifications ():
| Bayonet | Nikon Z |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 24—70 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm mechanism | 7 petals with lamellas forming a rounded hole |
| Design | 14 elements in 11 groups, including one ultra-low dispersion (ED) glass element, one aspherical extra-low dispersion lens, three aspherical lenses and Nano Crystal Coat elements |
| Viewing angles | 84°—34° |
| Calibration of the focal length scale | 24, 28, 35, 50, 70 (mm) |
| Focus system | automatic, internal |
| Autofocus drive | stepper motor |
| ∅72 mm | |
| Dust and splash protection | There is |
| Dimensions | ∅77.5×88.5 mm |
| Weight | 500 g |
Optical design
Optical design of Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S (manufacturer's drawing)
The lens design consists of 14 elements, combined into 11 groups. One element is made of ultra-low dispersion glass (ED, highlighted in yellow in the diagram), one is aspherical with ultra-low dispersion (orange) and three aspherical lenses (blue). In addition, some elements have the manufacturer’s “proprietary” coating, known as Nano Crystal Coat, and fluoride coating is also applied to the front lens.
Focus mode switch Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
A wider and noticeably bulging corrugated ring controls zoom, a narrower one controls manual focusing. The latter can also be used to smoothly change the aperture value (useful when shooting video) or to correct exposure. The bayonet ring has a focus mode switch: A (auto) - M (manual).
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S extension when zooming
When you zoom, the lens lengthens, and this further affects the already imperfect balance with a relatively light camera. On the body there is only a focus mode switch (automatic/manual).
In conjunction with the camera, the lens is sealed and protected from the penetration of dust and moisture.
Sealing diagram for Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S components (manufacturer’s drawing)
MTF of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens at a focal length of 24 mm
MTF of the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens at a focal length of 70 mm
Let us recall that in an ideal case, the lines should be located as high as possible along the x-axis, have a strictly horizontal course without peaks and “blockages” - almost like the red dotted line looks like for meridional structures located with an alternation frequency of 10 lines/mm.
Laboratory tested, 24 mm
Resolution at the wide-angle position (for a zoom lens) remains at a high level throughout almost the entire aperture range. It is about 80% in the center of the frame in the F4.5-F9 range, and then towards F13 it drops to 70%, but at the same time it is leveled off compared to the edges. At the periphery, the resolution cannot be called high, especially at open apertures: it is only 60%-70%. However, for zoom optics this is quite good.
Chromatic aberration is barely noticeable in the test images, and is present only at the edges. There is a slight barrel distortion.
| Resolution, frame center | Resolution, frame edge |
|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Laboratory tested, 50 mm
In the middle position, the resolution is, in general, slightly less, but more stable - up to 75% throughout the entire aperture range, and the difference between the edges and the center is evened out.
Chromatic aberrations are practically absent. A slight barrel distortion is noticeable.
| Resolution, frame center | Resolution, frame edge |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Distortion and chromatic aberration, center of frame | Distortion and chromatic aberration, frame edge |
 |
 |
Laboratory tested, 70 mm
In the telephoto position, the resolution at the edges and in the center of the frame is completely equalized. You can notice a noticeable drop in detail at F16 (up to 65%), but this is obviously a consequence of the detrimental effect of diffraction. At other aperture openings, the resolution remains stable at about 75% - these are good resolution values for both a zoom in general and a telephoto lens in particular.
Chromatic aberrations and distortion are not visually detected.
| Resolution, frame center | Resolution, frame edge |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Distortion and chromatic aberration, center of frame | Distortion and chromatic aberration, frame edge |
| Design | 11 elements in 9 groups, including 2 ultra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements, three aspherical lenses and Nano Crystal Coat elements |
| Viewing angles | 63° |
| Focus system | automatic, internal |
| Autofocus drive | stepper motor |
| Minimum focusing distance | 30 cm in all zoom positions |
| Thread diameter for filters | ∅62 mm |
| Dust and splash protection | There is |
| Dimensions | ∅73×86 mm |
| Weight | 370 g |
| Price in the company online store |
Optical design
Optical design of Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S (manufacturer's drawing)
The lens design features 11 elements in 9 groups, including 2 ultra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements, highlighted in yellow in the diagram, three aspherical lenses (blue) and elements coated with Nano Crystal Coat.
There are two controls on the body: a wide knurled ring for manual focusing and a focus mode switch (automatic/manual). The latter can also be used to smoothly change the aperture value (useful when shooting video) or to correct exposure.
On the imaging.nikon.com website, the manufacturer has MTF (Modular Transfer Function) curves, or frequency-contrast characteristics of the lens. Graphs for 10 lines/mm are highlighted in red, graphs for 30 lines/mm are highlighted in blue; solid lines are for sagittal structures, dotted lines are for meridional ones.
MTF lens Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
Laboratory tests
The lens is very good in terms of stability of resolution. Of course, as always, the resolution could be higher, but 80% over almost the entire field of the frame and in the entire range is also a lot. Only at open and closed apertures does detail drop to 70% in the center and at the edges.
Chromatic aberrations are subtle and only noticeable at the edges of the frame. A weak barrel-shaped distortion is detected.
| Resolution, frame center | Resolution, frame edge |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Distortion and chromatic aberration, center of frame | Distortion and chromatic aberration, frame edge |
 |
 |
FTZ adapter
Along with Nikon Z cameras and Nikkor S series lenses for them, the manufacturer also announced the FTZ adapter. It allows you to use more than 90 lenses in automatic mode with Nikon Z cameras, including autofocus Nikkor AF-S and AI-S, as well as more than 300 AF-D and AI lenses in manual focus mode.
AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/1.8 lens, FTZ adapter and Nikon Z7 camera
FTZ adapter
FTZ adapter installed on Nikon Z7 camera
Conclusion
In our opinion, the birth of the Nikon Z mirrorless system should be considered the event of the year in the photo industry. Nikon, although not in the forefront, has nevertheless established itself in the realization that the future of serious digital photographic equipment belongs not to SLRs, but to mirrorless cameras, and it is these that should be dealt with. One can imagine how many objections this cornerstone decision caused among the manufacturer's own employees and how much controversy and misunderstanding it will still cause among outside adherents.
We, professional observers and journalists, strongly welcome this truly dramatic step. Despite our love for the famous brand, one of the most famous and oldest in the photography world, we must admit that its resources are noticeably limited compared to modern industry giants high technology, and the cost of error for Nikon is extremely high. We are convinced that the company is unlikely to be able to afford to continue to develop both DSLR and mirrorless camera lines. This means that the die has been cast, the bridges have been burned, there is no turning back: in the 102nd year of its development, Nikon chose “mirrorless”. Good luck Nikon!
Bottom line
The release of Nikon's new mirrorless system, presented today with two cameras, three lenses and an adapter that supports autofocus optics for SLR cameras, is perhaps the most important event of the past year. Thanks to the shortest flange distance among all full-frame photo systems, the new mount makes it possible to adapt almost any “non-native” optics, and its largest internal diameter creates room for maneuver in optical engineering. The cameras are equipped with a five-axis image stabilization system, giving the photographer a five-stop gain in exposure time when shooting handheld, and have a promising autofocus system. The controls are rationally organized and located in familiar places. The new Nikkor S lenses, announced at the same time as the cameras, are carefully designed and built to last. Like the cameras, they are enclosed in metal cases and are also protected from dust and splashes. They demonstrate high image quality in our laboratory tests.
We thank Nikon for the cameras and lenses provided for testing
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