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Z6

Nikon

Z6

Original 24MP Z hybrid that launched the Z system.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Aug 2018

vs
ZR

Nikon

ZR

Compact Nikon RED full-frame 6K cinema camera with R3D NE RAW, 32-bit float audio, 7.5-stop VR, and Z mount.

$2,199

Launch price

Released Sep 2025

ZR is 7.1 years newer.

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Wins

2categories

Z6

PortraitTravel

Wins

5categories

ZR

Sports & ActionVideo & Hybrid

3 categories tied

Which would you choose?

TL;DR — Key differences

Z6 wins 1 categories·ZR wins 4 categories
  • AZ6 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 0 fps)
  • BZR has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 12 fps)
  • BZR has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
  • BZR has higher 1080p max frame rate (240 fps vs 120 fps)
  • BZR has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)

Key specs at a glance

Z6ZR
Resolution24.5 MP24.5 MP
SensorFull FrameFull Frame
ISO max51,20051,200
Burst12 fps120 fps
4K30 fps120 fps
IBIS5-stop7.5-stop
Weight585 g630 g
Battery310 shots

Size and weight, to scale

Z6 front view

Z6

134 × 101 × 68 mm

585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

for scale

ZR front view

ZR

134 × 81 × 49 mm

630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)

Z6 is 20mm taller and 19mm thicker than ZR.

Z6 is 45 g lighter than ZR.

Depth (front-to-back): 68mm Z6 · 49mm ZR

Back view, to scale

Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.

Z6 back view

Z6

134 × 101 mm

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

ZR back view

ZR

134 × 81 mm

Top view, to scale

Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.

Z6 top view

Z6

134 × 68 mm

Credit card shown to scale as a size reference (ISO 7810, 85.6 × 54 mm)

Credit card

85.6 × 54 mm

ZR top view

ZR

134 × 49 mm

Sensor size, to scale

Z6

35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame

858 mm² area

ZR

35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame

858 mm² area

Lens ecosystem

Native lens selection

Z6

✓ more lenses

Nikon Z

90+

native lenses available

40 first-party50 third-party

ZR

✓ more lenses

Nikon Z

90+

native lenses available

40 first-party50 third-party

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

Use caseZ6ZR
Portrait
7.5Good
7.5Good
Sports & Action
5.0Fair
10.0Excellent✓ wins
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
9.0Excellent✓ wins
Landscape
6.0Good
7.0Good✓ wins
Travel
7.5Good✓ wins
6.5Good
Wildlife
4.0Fair
6.5Good✓ wins
Vlogging
6.0Good
7.0Good✓ wins

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose

Z6

  • Burst (mechanical)

    12 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better

  • Codecs

    Adds H.264/AVC

  • Card types

    Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 100.5, 67.5

  • Weight

    585 g vs 630 g — lower is better

Reasons to choose

ZR

  • Codecs

    Adds R3D NE, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ…

  • Card types

    Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, MicroSD UHS-I

  • Burst (electronic)

    120 fps vs 12 fps — higher is better

  • Subject recognition

    Adds Birds, Dogs, Cats…

  • 4K max frame rate

    120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better

  • Dimensions (W×H×D mm)

    Adds 80.5, 49

  • Animal / bird AF

    Only ZR supports it

  • Pre-Capture / Pre-Release

    Only ZR supports it

Both cameras share

  • ResolutionBoth 24.5 MP
  • AA filterBoth support aa filter
  • ISO min (native)Both 100
  • ISO max (native)Both 51,200
  • Eye AFBoth support eye af
  • In-body stabilization (IBIS)Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)

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

ZR

Pros

  • 6K/60p R3D NE RAW
  • 32-bit float audio
  • 7.5-stop stabilization
  • Compact 535g cinema body

Cons

  • No built-in EVF
  • Cinema-first ergonomics
  • Single CFexpress plus MicroSD workflow

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the Z6 and ZR at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

Z6
ZR
Resolution
24.5 MP
24.5 MP
Sensor type
Full Frame BSI-CMOS
Full Frame CMOS
Sensor size
35.9 × 23.9 mm
35.9 × 23.9 mm
AA filter
Yes
Yes
Z6
ZR
Processor
EXPEED 6
EXPEED 7 / RED imaging pipeline
Z6
ZR
ISO min (native)
100
100
ISO max (native)
51,200
51,200
ISO max (expanded)
204,800
204,800
Z6
ZR
Shutter type
Mechanical + Electronic
Electronic
Max mechanical speed
1/8000 sec
N/A
Max electronic speed
1/8000 sec
1/16000 sec

Frequently asked

Quick answers generated from verified specs.

Which is better for sports, Z6 or ZR?

ZR scores 10.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for Z6 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.

What's the resolution difference between the Z6 and ZR?

Both cameras share the same 24.5 MP resolution.

Do the Z6 and ZR have in-body image stabilization?

Z6 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while ZR has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.

Which shoots faster bursts — the Z6 or the ZR?

Z6 reaches 12 fps electronic. ZR reaches 120 fps electronic.

What's the weight difference between the Z6 and ZR?

Z6 weighs 585 g and ZR weighs 630 g, so the Z6 is 45 g lighter.

Do the Z6 and ZR record 4K video?

Z6: 4K up to 30p. ZR: 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.

Are the Z6 and ZR weather sealed?

Z6: Yes. ZR: Yes.

How much does each cost?

Z6 launched at $1,999 and ZR at $2,199. The Z6 is $200 less.

Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.

Add any camera to get a three-way Z6 vs ZR vs X comparison.

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.

Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.