Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon D4
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D4. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z6 II were released 2020 and Nikon D4 was released 2012. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon Z6 II | 2020 |
Nikon D4 | 2012 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z6 II is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D4 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon Z6 II | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
Nikon D4 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon Z6 II has a 25 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon Z6 II |
25 MP
24337152 pixels 6048 x 4024 |
Nikon D4 |
16,2 MP
16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280 |
Nikon Z6 II has a 51 % larger resolution than Nikon D4. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Z6 II. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon Z6 II has 100 to 51200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon Z6 II | 100-51200 |
Nikon D4 | 100-204800 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z6 II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z6 II can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon Z6 II | 14 |
Nikon D4 | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D4 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 90% heavier than Nikon Z6 II and its 705 gr (or 1.55 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon Z6 II | 705 gr 1.55 lb |
Nikon D4 | 1340 gr 2.95 lb |
Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon D4 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D4, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Name | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon D4 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Release Year | 2020 | 2012 |
Release Date | 2020-10-14 | 2012-01-06 |
MSRP | 1995 USD | 5999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 6048 x 4024 pixels | 4928 x 3280 pixels |
Megapixels | 25 MP | 16,2 MP |
Image Processor | DUAL EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
ISO Range | 100 - 51200 | 100 - 204800 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 273 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 2100000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT color LCD with brightness control |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3690000 | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Frames per second | 14 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash Express SD/SDHC XQD |
Compact Flash XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | Yes | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-In (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A |
Remote Control |
Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
|
Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal) |
GPS | No |
Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon Z6 II |
Nikon D4 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL15c lithium-ion battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots | N/A |
Width | 134 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 101 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 70 mm | 91 mm |
Weight | 705 gram | 1340 gram |