Z6 or Z6ii Worth the used price difference?

[Richard Floyd-Walker]

Hello.
This is my first post here and I’m looking to purchase my 1st full frame camera.
It will be used primarily for landscape photography and as a complementary low light solution to my GoPro videos of camping expeditions.
In the UK right now a used Z6 can be bought for under £1100 and a used Z6ii can be bought for just under £1800. Both units are from MBP.
I think that I understand the differences between the two cameras, but I don’t feel that the extra FPS and larger buffer are of any interest to me and while dual card slots would be nice, I don’t think of that as a deal breaker.
I’m also not sure how the extra processing power will benefit me in my use case
My instinct is to go with the Z6 and put £700 saved towards a 2.8 24 -70 zoom.
But before I commit I’m wondering if there’s anything that I’m missing between the cameras that could justify the extra expense in my case.

Regards

 

[LTheWafflePWN]

My vote is for the Z6 gen one, and save the money. After all the firmware updates, the auto-focus between the generations are almost identical.

If you don't mind the smaller buffer and the lack of a second card slot (and lack of functional vertical grip), they really are the same camera in your use cases. That saved 700 could get you one pick of a couple Z primes or the 24-70mm f/4. That alone is worth it, because the Z glass is the best part of the system.

Good luck!

 

[jthomas39]

The Z6 ii didn't have anything that I wanted over my Z6.

I don't do video with the Z6. Here's the differences for video:

• Nikon Z6: 4K up to 30p, 1080p up to 120p
• Nikon Z6 II: 4K up to 60p, 1080p up to 120p

At launch, the Z6 II had a 4K maximum frame rate of 30p, but a firmware upgrade was promised and issued to raise this to 60p. However, disappointingly, shooting at 60p reduces the frame size to APS-C format, therefore imparting a 1.5x focal length magnification factor.

The Z6 II also gains 10-bit HLG HDR capability, recording to an external device, along with the N-Log capability that the Z6 has.

As with the Z6, it’s possible to pay for an upgrade to add ProRes RAW video capability to the Z6 II. Alternatively, either camera can be bought as part of the Filmmaker’s Kit which includes the necessary firmware upgrade.

This comparison of Z6 vs Z6 ii has a side-by-side chart with the improvements highlighted in green, and a discussion below.

https://photographylife.com/nikon-z6-vs-z6-ii

 

[Boudewijn van der Drift]

Hello.
This is my first post here and I’m looking to purchase my 1st full frame camera.
It will be used primarily for landscape photography and as a complementary low light solution to my GoPro videos of camping expeditions.
In the UK right now a used Z6 can be bought for under £1100 and a used Z6ii can be bought for just under £1800. Both units are from MBP.
I think that I understand the differences between the two cameras, but I don’t feel that the extra FPS and larger buffer are of any interest to me and while dual card slots would be nice, I don’t think of that as a deal breaker.
I’m also not sure how the extra processing power will benefit me in my use case
My instinct is to go with the Z6 and put £700 saved towards a 2.8 24 -70 zoom.
But before I commit I’m wondering if there’s anything that I’m missing between the cameras that could justify the extra expense in my case.

Regards

Z6 is fine. The Z system is about lenses for me.

There is a Nikon D60 tag under your message. If you want to use F-mounts, you need the FTZ, for both. Which works excellently for reasonable recent F-lenses. D-lenses which use a "screwdriver" won't AF. Ken Rockwell has a list of comatabilities. MF practically everything.

Also the Z6 was originally sold with an excellent kit lens 24-70/4. If the previous owner is willing to sell that. you might still be below £1800.

P.S. This "under £1100" seems abit expensive to me, I bought a 2nd hand Z6 for €1200 from a dealer about 2 years ago. Body with cap and battery. Maybe he expects you to offer £999 or even less

 

[JasonTheBirder]

I had to make the same decision as you and I chose the Z6. The Z6II has the grip and dual slots but the Z6 with the latest firmware works like a charm. My reasoning was also that the extra money saved could go towards Nikon's next generation cameras when I actually need to upgrade.

I've used the Z6 for wildlife stills and a lot of video. I couldn't be happier. Excellent camera.

 

[Bennvdm]

Wide area large & small focus modes are also very useful additions if you shoot a lot of people with large aperture lenses, but not listed in your use case

 

[SteveoM]

I have a Z6 and don't think the upgrades are worth the additional cost and the money is better spent on glass. Perhaps if you were shooting fast action sports it would be different. You should also look into the 24-120 f4 as an alternative to the 24-70 with money you save. I wish the 24-120 was available when I bought my Z6, it's an excellent general purpose lens, and now I have both.

 

[wildblanket]

If you don't shoot people then what do you expect to be better about a used Z6 over a cheaper used Z5 ? As the Z5 only has SD slots it will not require an expensive card in either slot.

If you do shoot people (on your camping trips ?) then both Z6 and Z5 lack wide area face/eye detect which you may not miss if you have never used it.... but you would it you had.

--
Like any dealer he was watching for the card that is so high and wild he'll never need to deal another.

 

[third son]

I have a Z6 and Z7II and use my Z6 almost as much. You will really like the Z6 as I find it very close to the Z7II in image quality.

 

[Chuck Yadmark]

Z6ii can get a real functional grip, a bizarre omission on the Z6, for which the grip is battery only, no shutter button

 

[vockman]

A couple of months back I also chose a z6 (refurbished by Nikon for $1100) over a new or refurbished Z6II. Not enough advantages to the Z6II over the Z6 to be worth the extra cost for me and also so close to the end of the product cycle.

Take the cost of the cards into account when you decide. If you have a lot of SD cards and don't yet own any XQD of CF express cards or reader, and you think you would be happy just using SD cards. That adds up to $200 or $300 you don't have to spend if you get a Z6II

It also depends on where you live. I advised my Brazilian friend to get a Z6ii over a Z6 because XQD and CF express are so expensive in Brazil and hard to find but SD cards are just as cheap as anywhere else.

 

[DuncanIdaho]

A couple of months ago I asked myself the same question. That was short after the latest FW update of the Gen1 was released that brought I close to the Gen2. Lucky enough I found a used mint kit including the 24-70 kit lens and even an XQD card.



in the end the only deciding factors are the vertical grip and second card slot. Since both don’t bother me personally I’d rather skip one generation and wait for the next one with a non stacked sensor but latest processor and AF algorithms that will come sooner or later.



in the end I couldn’t be happier and I still believe a used Z6 in good condition is the best value camera you can currently buy.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Hello.
This is my first post here and I’m looking to purchase my 1st full frame camera.
It will be used primarily for landscape photography and as a complementary low light solution to my GoPro videos of camping expeditions.
In the UK right now a used Z6 can be bought for under £1100 and a used Z6ii can be bought for just under £1800. Both units are from MBP.
I think that I understand the differences between the two cameras, but I don’t feel that the extra FPS and larger buffer are of any interest to me and while dual card slots would be nice, I don’t think of that as a deal breaker.
I’m also not sure how the extra processing power will benefit me in my use case
My instinct is to go with the Z6 and put £700 saved towards a 2.8 24 -70 zoom.
But before I commit I’m wondering if there’s anything that I’m missing between the cameras that could justify the extra expense in my case.

Regards

Here's my take (and I live in the US, so I'll use USD $).

If you can find a used Z6 for around $1000, I'd say that's a fair price. I wouldn't pay more than about $1200 for one, as a new one is $1600.

A used Z6 II should be around $1500 - $1600. I wouldn't pay more than about $1600 for a used Z6 II. And these prices are from what i see in generally good condition . Obviously used and "abused" Z6 / Z6 II will be less (I've seen a few as around $900 +/- a little that have heavy usage or cosmetic issues for a Z6).

IF you don't need the second card slot or battery grip option (MB-N11) then save the money and get the Z6 (from an IQ standpoint, they are basically the same -- the Z6 II may have a SLIGHT advantage but probably not anything you'd notice in practice for the most part).

--
NOTE: If I don't reply to a direct comment in the forums, it's likely I unsubscribed from the thread/article..

 

[Cryhavoc38]

I love what I get from the used Gen1 Z6 that I bought for $999 versus what I would gain over buying a used or new Z6II.

 

[jjz2]

I agree with others, Z6 esp with firmware if getting used. Used the money towards other stuff, lenses, lighting, tripods, filters, gimbal, etc.

The z6 is a very capable and versatile camera for both stills and video.

I'll upgrade to Z6iii eventually and skip the Z6ii.

 

[Verto]

Hmmm I would skip both of these and go with the Z7 used. The Z6 is great v but with the 24m megapixel sensor that has a aliasing filter the resolution isn’t enough for big prints. Now if you wanna shoot for websites or IG, go for the Z6

 

[papajohnny]

I used both and both worked equally well for me, but of course, there are youtube videos that show the II focuses better.

One thing I noticed is that the II has slightly warmer AWB0. Not a lot, but I'm sensitive to it, so I prefer Z6, which is mostly correct and doesn't require WB fix in LR.

 

[jjz2]

Hmmm I would skip both of these and go with the Z7 used. The Z6 is great v but with the 24m megapixel sensor that has a aliasing filter the resolution isn’t enough for big prints. Now if you wanna shoot for websites or IG, go for the Z6

I've never printed bigger than 24x16 in my lifetime and only once at that. I do a lot of video content for clients and personal... so yeah that's why I went with the Z6. I also shoot in dark situations a lot so any small advantage of cleaner ISO for me is a plus.

 

[elandel]

I had to make the same decision as you and I chose the Z6. The Z6II has the grip and dual slots but the Z6 with the latest firmware works like a charm. My reasoning was also that the extra money saved could go towards Nikon's next generation cameras when I actually need to upgrade.

I've used the Z6 for wildlife stills and a lot of video. I couldn't be happier. Excellent camera.

Same for me and I don't do video. The Z6 is an excellent camera.

 

[Ad12]

Hello.
This is my first post here and I’m looking to purchase my 1st full frame camera.
It will be used primarily for landscape photography and as a complementary low light solution to my GoPro videos of camping expeditions.
In the UK right now a used Z6 can be bought for under £1100 and a used Z6ii can be bought for just under £1800. Both units are from MBP.
I think that I understand the differences between the two cameras, but I don’t feel that the extra FPS and larger buffer are of any interest to me and while dual card slots would be nice, I don’t think of that as a deal breaker.
I’m also not sure how the extra processing power will benefit me in my use case
My instinct is to go with the Z6 and put £700 saved towards a 2.8 24 -70 zoom.
But before I commit I’m wondering if there’s anything that I’m missing between the cameras that could justify the extra expense in my case.

Regards

Z6 is fine. The Z system is about lenses for me.

There is a Nikon D60 tag under your message. If you want to use F-mounts, you need the FTZ, for both. Which works excellently for reasonable recent F-lenses. D-lenses which use a "screwdriver" won't AF. Ken Rockwell has a list of comatabilities. MF practically everything.

Also the Z6 was originally sold with an excellent kit lens 24-70/4. If the previous owner is willing to sell that. you might still be below £1800.

P.S. This "under £1100" seems abit expensive to me, I bought a 2nd hand Z6 for €1200 from a dealer about 2 years ago. Body with cap and battery. Maybe he expects you to offer £999 or even less

They went up. I got mine for £900 on about 5000 shutter count. I even saw Argos in the UK selling one clearance for £725…. Now the used Z6i is £1100 from what I can see.



I could make money I’d bet if I sold mine. How odd!