The first Nikon D6 review was published at Nikonland (Google translation) with a lot of product images and feedback based on using the camera in the field. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- operating speed, burst, buffer, memory management (two XQD or two CFexpress or a mixture of them)
- file quality, both jpg and NEF
- high ISO resistance and dynamics higher than those of the D5 (unless instrumental verification)
- updating of all accessory components (live-view, silent shutter release in electronic shutter even at high speed, GPS, wi-fi, bluetooth)
- and advanced features (both wide and telephoto autofocus calibration according to the lens serial number, long shutter speeds, time-lapse, automatic focus stacking)
- new autofocus that makes automatic eye search a basic prerogative, with all points directly addressable, all cross-shaped as well as grouping of AF points as desired by the photographer
- construction according to the standard of Nikon flagships from the 50s of the last century to the 50s of the new century
- ergonomics suitable for one use (and one abuse) for how many working hours the daylight has, and then resume after dinner all night, every day, for 500,000, 1,000,000 shots always consistent with each other
- extreme and perfection of the idea for which the D3s and D5 were born: fast machines, designed for photographers who shoot at speed. Isn’t it a slow photography machine (landscape, architecture, holidays, still-life? Bleah!)
Cons:
- price. Difficult to justify today, for a mature technology but already at sunset
- comes out in the worst market moment in history since 1946. The Tokyo Olympics in which he had to make his debut were postponed to “maybe” 2021 and all the sporting events in which he had to show his skills were suspended due to the pandemic that blocks us at home. Professional photographers will have to justify their investment with their work. For the vast majority of photo amateurs, its purchase cannot be rational … but fortunately that in the end we decide with the heart
- low ISO dynamic that remains low, as for the D5 and the D3s, according to a well-established concept that wants this machine to start from ISO 1600 in practice to explore sidereal sensitivities
- non-cutting-edge live-view mode. Phase detection is missing and therefore autofocus, although precise, is not adequate for following moving subjects. Quality video but it is not a priority of this machine, devoted to sport, photojournalism and the most demanding wildlife
- is a reflex, the exceptional and brand new Multicam 37K autofocus system has 105 focus points in the center. In this the mirrorless has a strategic advantage, the coverage of the full-frame autofocus with undoubted expressive possibilities of composition
- goes perfectly with all Nikon super-telephoto lenses (especially with the last E) but some parts of the Nikon reflex kit are outdated and will hardly be replaced because today the password is Z
- weight, volume, size, object that certainly does not go unnoticed in … hostile environments
The Nikon D6 is now available for pre-order: Adorama | B&H | Amazon | WEX | Park Camera | Calumet | Camera Canada.
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