Nikon
Z6
Original 24MP Z hybrid that launched the Z system.
$1,999
Released Aug 2018
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Released May 2023
Z8 is 4.8 years newer.
Wins
Z6
Wins
Z8
2 categories tied
Check current prices
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TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ6 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 12 fps)
- BZ8 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- AZ6 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BZ8 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Z6
134 × 101 × 68 mm
585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
Z6 is 10mm narrower, 18mm shorter, and 16mm thinner than Z8.
Z6 is 235 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 68mm Z6 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z6
134 × 101 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z6
134 × 68 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z6
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z6
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z8
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z6
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 100.5, 67.5
AA filter
Only Z6 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Weight
585 g vs 820 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Dogs, Cats…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Z8 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z8 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 3,690,000
- ✓EVF magnification — Both 0.8 ×
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z6
Pros
- ✓Historic value
- ✓Solid hybrid
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –Very dated now
- –Single slot
- –Limited video
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z6 or Z8?
Z8 scores 9.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for Z6 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z6 and Z8?
Z6 is 24.5 MP and Z8 is 45.7 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z6 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
Z6 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z6 or the Z8?
Z6 reaches 12 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z6 and Z8?
Z6 weighs 585 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the Z6 is 235 g lighter.
Do the Z6 and Z8 record 4K video?
Z6: 4K up to 30p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z6 and Z8 weather sealed?
Z6: Yes. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 310 shots (CIPA) for the Z6 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the Z8 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z6 launched at $1,999 and Z8 at $3,999. The Z6 is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.