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Nikon D6 Price, Specs, Release Date Announced

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Nikon has officially announced details for the Nikon D6 including price, specs and release date information.

Update to the D5, the Nikon D6 has a new focusing system with 105 all-cross type AF points (-4.5EV sensitivity), a 20.8mp full-frame CMOS sensor, (Similar as recently announced Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) an ISO range that extends down to ISO50 and up to ISO3,280,000 (ISO100 to ISO102400 native). Nikon D6 specs also include 14fps continuous shooting with AF/AE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS built-in, and 1000BASE-T ethernet for fast image transfer. The optical viewfinder has a 0.72x magnification, and there is a 3.2inch touch-screen on the back. The camera supports Kensington locks for added security, and has an impressive battery life of 3580 shots.

The D6 is Nikon’s first professional DSLR not to offer support for Compact Flash media. Unlike the D5, the D6 will ship with dual XQD / CFExpress card slots. The D6 has gigabit ethernet like the D5, but Nikon is promising 15% faster transfer speeds. Weight has gone up just slightly, from 1405g to 1440g including battery and memory cards.

Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5 – Comparison

Nikon D6 Price and Availability

The Nikon D6 will be available April of 2020. The US Price of the flagship DSLR camera is $6499.95 USD. That should give professional photographers plenty of time to become familiar with it before the summer Olympic Games.

Nikon D6 Camera Body $6,499.95 USD at Amazon | Adorama | B&HPhoto

Pre-Order : Nikon D6 Camera and NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S, Z 24-200mm Lenses

Nikon D6 Sample Images

Nikon D6 sample images are also available online. Follow the link to browse and download full-resolution images.

Nikon D6 Related Videos

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*1 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”*2 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 digital SLR camera*3 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.
*1At ISO 100, 20°C/68°F.
*2With continuous-servo AF autofocus mode.
*3As of February 12, 2020 based on research conducted by Nikon. With phase-detection AF using the AF sensor module.

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% 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*1 Wi-Fi®. What’s more, stills, including those recorded in NEF (RAW)*2 format, and video recorded with the camera can be uploaded to a smart device*3 using the SnapBridge app. Support for GPS satellites, GLONASS satellites and Quasi-Zenith satellites enables accurate date, time, and location information acquisition with shooting.

*1Available in station mode; not available in some countries or regions.
*2Be sure to use the latest version of the SnapBridge app.
*3The iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, and Android™ devices running the SnapBridge app can be used. The SnapBridge app can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store® and Google Play™. See Nikon’s website for further information.

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 102400. 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.

Press release:

Decisive Power. Faster Workflow. Absolute Reliability: The New Nikon D6 Gives Professionals the Edge When It Matters Most

The New Nikon D6 Offers the Most Powerful AF System in Nikon’s History, and Continues the Brand Legacy of Professional Cameras That Deliver Connectivity, Dependability and Streamlined Workflow

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. has unveiled the D6, a new professional-grade DSLR built for those in need of extreme reliability and ultimate performance. The D6 addresses the needs of professionals and press agencies and is faster and more powerful than ever before. Offering the most powerful AF system in Nikon’s history, this flagship DSLR camera delivers crucial improvements to modern workflow while also accelerating file transfer capabilities. Promising unparalleled low-light performance, powerful agility, advanced 4K UHD multimedia capabilities and a mechanical shutter frame rate boosted to a staggering 14fps, the D6 will redefine the way pros work.“The D6 is purpose-built and inspired by the valuable feedback of professional users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President of Nikon Inc. “The world relies on photojournalists and professionals to document every corner of the globe through impactful images; Nikon cameras are trusted to stand up to any job and help photographers capture the shot, time and time again.”

The Most Powerful AF in Nikon’s History: The D6 leaves nothing to chance. To maximize hit rate, it is equipped with a newly developed, densely packed 105-point AF system in which all the focus points utilize cross-type sensors and all points are selectable. Through the new focus point layout and the use of a triple-sensor arrangement for each focus point, the D6 achieves AF coverage that is approximately 1.6x denser than that of the D5. The D6 also sports an expanded focus detection range which increases the detection area for single point AF and dynamic area AF, making it easier to achieve focus on a subject even when slightly outside the focus point.

Improving upon Nikon’s popular Group AF mode, this function has evolved with support for 17 custom arrangements from which users can choose according to the scene or subject movement. The D6 also demonstrates superior low-light AF performance. The center focus point works down to -4.5 EV1 and the others to -4 EV, making autofocus possible even in dark situations or with low-contrast subjects.

Unparalleled Performance: The new EXPEED 6 engine’s superior image-processing capabilities combined with the vast amount of information provided by the new dedicated AF engine drives high-level performance in any situation. To help capture the decisive moment consistently, the D6 boasts a 14fps2 mechanical shutter with full AF and AE. The D6 can also shoot completely silent for sensitive situations, capturing full resolution at 10.5 fps. For faster frame rates, the Nikon D6 is able to take 2-megapixel images at approx. 60 fps and 8-megapixel images at 30 fps in Live View mode.

The D6 leverages a 20.8-megapixel FX-Format CMOS sensor, creating images that pop with stunning detail and true colors and exhibit incredible dynamic range. The ISO ranges from 100 to 102,400, which helps to preserve sharpness and subtle details in even the most challenging light. Additionally, ISO is expandable up to 3.2 million, giving photographers the ability to truly conquer the dark.

Concentration on Workflow: Building on Nikon’s history of serving professionals, the D6 is the most customizable Nikon DSLR yet, designed to speed up the workflow of any user during and after capture.

  • Recall shooting functions create combinations of settings that can be assigned to a specific button to get the perfect shot in a pinch
  • The D6 excels in connectivity and supports the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard as the D5, with an approximate 15% increase in transmission speed. The camera also supports a number of options for wireless networking, offering built-in 2.4- and 5-GHz*3 Wi-Fi®4 or traditional wireless transfer using the WT-6 Wireless Transmitter (optional)
  • Includes 14 customizable buttons, assignable to any of 46 unique function choices and a new intuitive menu system
  • Priority Image Transfer gives the ability to move an important image to the front of the queue when speed is of paramount priority, which can easily be done by swiping the touch LCD during playback
  • Security Lock compatibility supports connection of anti-theft cables to provide maximum security for remote applications or when the camera is unattended
  • Built in GPS5 gives accurate time, date and location information for just about anywhere on the planet
  • Dual CFexpress6 slots offer blazing fast read/write times and have the ability to overflow, copy or separate file types
  • JPEG functions allow for the simultaneous recording of two JPEG images with different image size and quality settings, which is convenient for separating images that will be transmitted from those that will be edited
  • Creativity options for multimedia creators including a new interval timer mode to retain the best resolution and enable in-camera time-lapse movie file recording providing professionals the ability to create exceptionally sharp 16:9 4K Ultra HD video

Absolute Reliability: Nikon’s flagship cameras remain trusted in the industry and have been proven on the sidelines, in the studio and even in outer space. With a magnesium alloy camera body and extensively weather-sealed design, the D6 is as tough as the professionals who use it, ready to take on the harshest shooting conditions. The camera offers long-lasting battery life, delivering the safety net and energy-saving performance that pros need on daylong outings. The D6 also employs a USB-Type C connector for faster direct-to-PC file transfer rates than previously possible with the D5.

Endless Lens Choices: By pairing the D6 with Nikon’s extremely diverse selection of F-Mount NIKKOR telephoto lenses, professionals have the most advanced imaging solution in Nikon’s history. No matter the job, the client or the location, there’s a NIKKOR lens, from the ultra-wide to the super-telephoto. The D6 is also compatible with Nikon’s line of creative Speedlights, offering extra creative freedom to enhance natural light and add artistry and drama to any scene.

Pricing and Availability

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

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