Will it be difficult to find a Z6 after release?

[meli]

I am pretty new to the camera community, so the answer may be obvious to most people.

If I don’t pre-order, will it be difficult to buy a Z6 soon after its release? Like if I wait a couple weeks to read the reviews, will I still be able to easily buy one before Christmas?

Thanks.

 

[skookum8]

No one knows. If it's backordered soon after 11/15 (release date), then you should probably preorder at that point if you really want it.

 

[michaeladawson]

I am pretty new to the camera community, so the answer may be obvious to most people.

If I don’t pre-order, will it be difficult to buy a Z6 soon after its release? Like if I wait a couple weeks to read the reviews, will I still be able to easily buy one before Christmas?

Thanks.

Tough question.

I believe you will based on the fact that Nikon moved the release date of the Z6 up two weeks. This suggests that they had enough inventory to meet most of the pre-orders. Whether this is because of less than expected demand or higher than expected manufacturing efficiency... but who really knows?

The Z7 is in a different price range so it may not be indicative. However, I was able to order and receive a Z7 just two or three weeks after the initial shipping date.

 

[NCB]

I believe the Z6 and Z7 use the same production line. There is the question of how quickly they can switch from one to the other. As Z6s are appearing for review it seems the line has already switched. But in the UK all Z7s seem to be on pre-order, which suggests there's still a backlog of Z7 orders.

So do they keep on switching between one and the other, or do they try to clear the backlog on Z7s before letting loose the Z6. A lot of unknowns. I don't think you can predict how long an order would take, whether now or in a couple of weeks. I'd suggest shoving in an order whenever you're satisfied it's the camera for you.

I've a pre-order for a Z6 in. My decision was based on a general assessment of what it should offer, plus some faith that Nikon generally delivers what I want. I could be completely wrong, but if in a few months I decide it really isn't the camera for me I can always consider part exchanging it for something else.

 

[michaeladawson]

I believe the Z6 and Z7 use the same production line. There is the question of how quickly they can switch from one to the other. As Z6s are appearing for review it seems the line has already switched. But in the UK all Z7s seem to be on pre-order, which suggests there's still a backlog of Z7 orders.

I don't know what to say to that. The Z7 is in stock at B&H, Adorama, and Amazon US. Order today, get it next week.

I placed an order for a Z7 with Adorama abut 3 weeks after release and received it overnight.

 

[Pieter Kaufman]

For what it's worth, prominent online reviewers/early adopters of the Z7 were confidently proclaiming that if you didn't pre-order a Z7, you could expect to actually casually buy one some time in the next century.

Turns out stock was on hand in stores pretty much the day the camera was released.

 

[michaeladawson]

For what it's worth, prominent online reviewers/early adopters of the Z7 were confidently proclaiming that if you didn't pre-order a Z7, you could expect to actually casually buy one some time in the next century.

Turns out stock was on hand in stores pretty much the day the camera was released.

Yes. I think those predictions were based mostly from the very tight availability of the D850 many months after release. I think the hype and buzz of the Z series did not actually translate into the same level of sales.

Many of those who wanted mirrorless already left. Many who are still here don't want a first generation body and are willing to wait. There are two versions available, Z6 and Z7. Demand would be different if the Z6 was all that was released. Interest around the Nikon mirrorless was/is very high but many people either prefer DSLR or just bought a D850 and don't see a need for another body at this time.

 

[Kurgo]

I believe the Z6 and Z7 use the same production line. There is the question of how quickly they can switch from one to the other. As Z6s are appearing for review it seems the line has already switched. But in the UK all Z7s seem to be on pre-order, which suggests there's still a backlog of Z7 orders.

I don't know what to say to that. The Z7 is in stock at B&H, Adorama, and Amazon US. Order today, get it next week.

I placed an order for a Z7 with Adorama abut 3 weeks after release and received it overnight.

Reversed roles compared to the D850, funnily enough, as it never was a problem to buy one in the EU and yet a major one in the US. I really wonder about the disparity.

As for the OP, heh, as others have already said, it's difficult to say and it also depends on where you live exactly. I don't think it'll have D850-like problems but I could very well be wrong, maybe the Z6 will sell a lot more than the Z7 due to the lower price and perceived better value overall.

 

[meli]

Well the Z6 with lens kit is already available to ship next day from B&H and Amazon, so I guess my fears about not being able to get one were unfounded. Thanks.

 

[Satyaa]

Well the Z6 with lens kit is already available to ship next day from B&H and Amazon, so I guess my fears about not being able to get one were unfounded. Thanks.

You're right. Both Z6 and Z7 kits (with the 24-70 S lens) are in stock. If interested in body only, then no luck.

That shouldn't be a problem because most buyers of these cameras would want with the standard lens and FTZ adapter as well.

 

[NCB]

Had a look around UK retailers, and as far as I can there's no Z6s on the shelves and just one or two Z7s at certain retailers.

However, if you pre-ordered.... Official release yesterday, mine arrived (from WEX) at 12.30 this morning. Yipee!!!! Just about to start the great unpacking; it's like Christmas came early :-D

My guess is if you order it you'll get it pretty quickly, in the UK.

 

[MrALLCAPS]

I think it will be scarce. Question is, for how long...

I tried to change my Z6 order to pick up, instead of being shipped and the lady in Coustomer Service was telling me that My order was already picked for transit, and that the Z6 was highly requested. She said that they got a lot of pre orders, but didn't know when they will recieve stock.

She said even early pre-orderers wont be part of the first shipments.

But lets not fool ourselves, we knew the Z6 will be more sought after and sell better than the Z7 due to price.

 

[goactive]

Best Buy had them in stock I ordered one yesterday to be here on Tuesday.

I also have one coming in form Amazon on Tuesday.

 

[Clayton1985]

I think it will be scarce. Question is, for how long...

I tried to change my Z6 order to pick up, instead of being shipped and the lady in Coustomer Service was telling me that My order was already picked for transit, and that the Z6 was highly requested. She said that they got a lot of pre orders, but didn't know when they will recieve stock.

She said even early pre-orderers wont be part of the first shipments.

But lets not fool ourselves, we knew the Z6 will be more sought after and sell better than the Z7 due to price.

Based on everything we've seen so far with the Z7 and early days of the Z6 I think it will be easy to find in stock. Seems like the bundle with the lens is easier to find though.

 

[H o g n e]

For what it's worth, prominent online reviewers/early adopters of the Z7 were confidently proclaiming that if you didn't pre-order a Z7, you could expect to actually casually buy one some time in the next century.

Turns out stock was on hand in stores pretty much the day the camera was released.

Yes. I think those predictions were based mostly from the very tight availability of the D850 many months after release. I think the hype and buzz of the Z series did not actually translate into the same level of sales.

Or Nikon is able to produce more units if the Z6/Z7 than the D850.

We just don't know.

 

[whimsicalmike]

For what it's worth, prominent online reviewers/early adopters of the Z7 were confidently proclaiming that if you didn't pre-order a Z7, you could expect to actually casually buy one some time in the next century.

Turns out stock was on hand in stores pretty much the day the camera was released.

Yes. I think those predictions were based mostly from the very tight availability of the D850 many months after release. I think the hype and buzz of the Z series did not actually translate into the same level of sales.

Or Nikon is able to produce more units if the Z6/Z7 than the D850.

We just don't know.

There was a coment on a video by one of the Nikon engineers, IIRC. He said production of the Z7 was 20,000 per month which was twice the D850 output. This was in the early stages of the release but after the official anouncement

 

[MrALLCAPS]

I think it will be scarce. Question is, for how long...

I tried to change my Z6 order to pick up, instead of being shipped and the lady in Coustomer Service was telling me that My order was already picked for transit, and that the Z6 was highly requested. She said that they got a lot of pre orders, but didn't know when they will recieve stock.

She said even early pre-orderers wont be part of the first shipments.

But lets not fool ourselves, we knew the Z6 will be more sought after and sell better than the Z7 due to price.

Based on everything we've seen so far with the Z7 and early days of the Z6 I think it will be easy to find in stock. Seems like the bundle with the lens is easier to find though.

Yep, because i didn't think i was going going to make the first shipment, so i was gonna buy the Kit and sell the lens. Thankfully I was.

Adorama & B&H are saying more shipments on the way, so theres that.