UPDATE: On 12/15/20, Nikon released new firmware updates for the Z6 II and the Z7 II mirrorless cameras in the following areas: to fix the flash exposure for photos taken with Auto-area AF selected in the photo shooting menu, and overall reliability.

Nikon recently released its next generation, full-frame mirrorless cameras: the Nikon Z 6II and the Z 7II. At first glance, these two look much like their
Z 6 and Z 7 predecessors and, in some ways, that’s a good thing. With the same button layout and generally the same menu interface, current Z 6 and Z 7 users will feel right at home with the new models. And the updated cameras are built around the same backside illuminated CMOS sensors as their siblings, keeping the Z 6II at 24 megapixels and the Z 7II at 45 megapixels. But perhaps the biggest changes with these new models are the addition of dual card slots and of dual XSPEED processors.

[Read: Nikon Z 6 Review—What We Liked, Image Quality and Design]

Dual Card Slots and Dual Processors

While dual card slots may not mean much to some of you, there’s a vocal contingent for whom dual slots is a must or, at the very least, a strong preference. The cameras can now accommodate an XQD/CFexpress and an SD card (the latter supports UHS-II cards). Users can choose to use one of the cards as backup, overflow or to split Raw and JPEG images between cards. Video can be recorded to only a single card but you can choose which card it goes to.

[Read: Nikon L Rangefinder Prototype Auctioned Off for $468,850]

What drives many of the performance updates to these cameras is the addition of dual XSPEED processors. That translates into faster shooting speeds such as up to 10fps for the Z 7II at full resolution in high burst mode (vs. 9fps with a single AF point) and up to 14fps for the Z 6II continuous shooting—with AE and AF. Both cameras also deliver a more than 3x larger buffer. For example, you’ll get up to 77 12-bit Raw files with the Z 7II; and around 120 with the Z 6II. Autofocus is faster, too, as is the ability to focus in lower light.

Video Updates for the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II

Nikon has moved the people and animal Eye and Face Detection to the new Wide-Area AF mode making it easier to control which subject(s) are targeted. And people/animal eye and face detection are now available when shooting video, too.

While the Z 6-series is still the better option for video, the Z 7II is 4K UHD 60p capable out of the box. A firmware update for the Z 6II, available in February 2021, will bring the camera up to speed with 4K UHD 60p (previously both offered only 4K UHD 30p). An optional ProRes Raw update will be available at the same time, with more options coming for Blackmagic Raw support, for example. And videographers who use a variety of lenses will appreciate the ability to reverse the focus ring. Having a consistent focus ring direction will make pulling focus much easier (and less subject to errors). Also new is the ability to save a focus position—even when you power off the camera, so you don’t have to reset the camera and lens between shots (this is important for still shooters, too, especially astrophotographers).

Firmware and Battery Boosts

Other updates to these cameras include the ability to use the Nikon SnapBridge app for firmware updates saving users the hassle of having to download the update to a media card via their computer and then transferring it to the camera. Both cameras are also compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility software if you’re in need of a webcam.

Conveniently, both the Nikon Z 6II and the Z 7II can be powered and charged via USB. Add the new MB-N11 Power Battery Pack vertical grip ($400) for extra battery power. Unlike the previous battery grip, this new accessory, with customizable controls, is equipped with a shutter release, control dials, a function button and a USB Type-C port. The grip accommodates two batteries with a hot-swappable slot so you can easily change batteries even in the middle of a video shoot without missing a beat. (You can still use the external battery pack from the original Z 6 and Z 7.)

Shooting Experience Enhancements

There are a number of other updates that will likely receive less attention but enhance the Z 6II and Z 7II shooting experience. For example, you can pretty much clear the LCD of data to get a bigger and clearer edge-to-edge view and ability to compose. And, when you flip out the screen (which is tiltable but not fully articulated), the viewfinder automatically switches off. The built-in level appears to be a little smaller so this, too, gives your subject more visibility on the screen.

If you’re into interval shooting and time lapse, the Z 6II and Z 7II offer new options ranging from being able to turn off “focus for each shot” to automatically creating a time lapse video (while maintaining your individual files) and more.

One new feature that will appeal to those who shoot long exposures, especially if you are interested in astrophotography, is extended shutter speeds. Rather than the standard 30 second maximum, the Z 6II and Z 7II now offer shutter speeds as long as 900 seconds. That may not do much for your wedding or portrait gigs, but may be a bonus for landscape and night sky photographers.

These updates may well be compelling enough for current Z 6 and Z 7 shooters to upgrade their kit and photographers looking for a new full-frame mirrorless model should pay close attention to the new features and performance enhancements. I’ve tested the original Z 6 and Z 7 when they were first launched and really enjoyed shooting with them (and loved the gorgeous images they produced). These new models sound like they are worthy successors.

Prices and Release Dates

The Nikon Z 6II will ship in November for $2,000 (body only) and $2,600 (with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens). Available in December, the Nikon Z 7II will sell for $3,000 (body only) and $3,600 (with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4).

For a full list of features and specifications, please visit Nikon’s website.