Nikon D6 - what are your thoughts on this camera ?

[O]

Thanks for your suggestion. Not rebutting but mention I have never owned a D600 and I bought the D850 twice, and simply disliked it.
Users here state that the D6 grabs focus quicker than the D5 (which is really fast and holds solid) and the focus is what Nikon boasts the most about regarding the D6. Toe tapping decisions.
Thank you for suggestions. Appreciated

Sorry for the Typo, the D600 was suposed to be D800.

I accept you didn't like the D850 and that's perfectly fine.
As to the difference between the D5 and D6, form my perspective, its simple, there isn't a lot of difference but there is some for certain.
Its a bit like the D4 D4s comparison with sublet diffrences.
If you don't have a D5 then the D6 makes sense, if you have a D5 and can sell it with little change over then the D6 makes sense especially in preserving equity.
The D6 is faster in attacking speed and seems to lock on quicker so t speak, and many may disagree but the colour accuracy is defiantly improved. Now people may say they cant see it, some say they can clearly, some use a dell Screen or Philips, some a Eizo with a super high quality graphics card that reveals the difference clearly.
To me I rented a D6 found it to be a worth while choice over the D5, not a big one but yes if I can get good bucks for the D5 go for it.
Rent one is real answer.

 

[Dr_J]

“If it's in the budget you won't go wrong with a D6 for low light and fast action work but if budgets are a bit tight the D5 gives you the vast majority of the D6's feature set and matching sensor performance for quite a bit less cash especially if you can find new old stock or a low mileage used D5 in mint condition.”

Coming VERY late to this discussion, but to be aware that whilst D5’s are probably even more of an attractive bargain now, the D5 AF, whilst very good, is no comparison to that of the D6, added to which the D6 makes a surprisingly good fist of viewfinder face detect in Auto/3D AF…..

And to answer the OP’s original question, and in the context of the D6’s intended purpose, excellent, a true flagship product, never disappointed yet!

 

[O]

Hi Guys

No real reason for this its just a general question so - Out of curiosity how good OR not is the D6 and why isn`t it talked about as much as the other Nikons ?

I always tend to see or hear good things said about the D5 - D850 and even the D4`s and D3`s however there never seems to be a lot of info on the D6 , when questions pop about Nikon cameras that people would like recommendations for, it always seems to me that the D850 and D5 are always spoken about first, closely followed by the Z series..

Is it because not a lot of people use/have the D6 because of the 6k price tag ? is it purely a Professional camera and not for the keen enthusiast/semi Pro ? I would have thought the serious shooters in the Wedding/Portrait business would own one ...

thanks in advance ..

PS any of you guys here own one, use one ?


Harry.G

Many people who had the D5 didn't see much of a difference going to a D6, some of us did.

The D6 is in my experience and opinion is superior to any/all mirror less cameras for lock on stickiness in low light challenging sports action conditions, period, regardless of camera brand.
I have the Z9 but find the D6 is just sticker.

Not many people used the D6 fully to its real potential before jumping ship to the trending mirror less models.

I find the D6 to be my most favorite rented go to camera, if its serious fast erratic shooting and lock on is important especially with challenging back grounds or low light, the D6 is it, the frame rate is more than enough, the D6 simply sticks like feces to a blanket.

The D850 D6 and the similar D5 are all Nikon's finest, the mirror less cameras are the new trendy models that are leaning towards more video than stills.

My Z9 is fast at 20 fps but 12-15 fps is where i wind it back to 95% of the time (D6 is 14 fps from memory) i don't use the Z9 auto tracking as i mostly prefer to be in control when back grounds are challenging.

Do i need 45mp or 60 mp or is 20 mp enough, if the shot is on target using the right glass then mp doesn't really matter that much, yes crop ability is important, on the D6 i choose longer glass where and if needed.

The D6 tolerates TCs better than most DSLRS, it has larger pixels and defiantly performs better in low light.

If its a really important shoot like a indoor finals basketball match and i cant afford to miss a shot especially in challenging light i rent the D6 rather than use a mirror less camera every time.

To me i find the D6 has been overlooked and under utilized, it produces stunning images and at amazing ISO levels.


Tracking on mirror less works well in mostly ideal conditions but i fell is overrated and still somewhat underdeveloped in lock on tracking performance, i am certain they will get better in the future.

I feel the D6 is a brilliant camera in the right hands and any application.



Only an opinion

 

[O]

Guys, I am new to the forum & this topic hit the spot for me. I am in the market for a new camera. My progression has been FTN, D100, D700 & now 2 810’s that I love. I have had the 810s for 6/7 years & land scape was my thing.

The last few years I have developed an interest in wildlife photography, living in the Pacific Northwest. I bought a used 200-400 ED VR1 & matched it with the 810s with fair results, learning asI went. Steve’s books have excellerated my learning curve & now I am looking at a D6.

I am very happy with the 810 for landscapes & the D850 doesn’t interest me for that task. In addition, by the time I add the necessary options to an 850, I am close , if $2,000 is close, to a D6.

I need to also add that I thrive on learning & the challenges of a D6 is intriguing. Am I crazy? Should I get an D850.

The D850 has 45mp at 7 or 9 fps, the Z8 i hear will be 60 mp at 12 fps.
I sold my D4s D5 and replaced them with 2 x D850's one with a grip to get 9fps, i have no regrets what so ever.

I have at 9 fps stunning detail dynamic range from the D850, if it gets to a serious low light sports action shoot where super reliable lock on stickiness is needed then i rent a D6 but for 95% of what i do i find the D850 is image detail wise much more crop able than a D5 D6.

The Z8 specs will trump everything other than low light stickiness, its a matter of what % of what you shoot or need is important.
I use the D850 or Z9 with tracking switched off for 95% of things and hire a D6 for 5% of teh time if and when needed for those unique applications.

Staying with DSLRs a D850 is King, for low light and tracking the D6 is King.
In Mirror less and DSLR systems the Z9 is King, but in critical applications such as low light erratic challenging subjects the D6 has the edge.

 

[Nikondale]

I still use my D5 and find it a very fitting body paired with my 600 F4 and an extender. I find the controls very functional for my shooting. The battery is more than adequate for a day of shooting. Typically, I use the D5 with a monopod for shooting as well as walking stability. I have learned to balance my long lenses based upon Steve's videos. I have not used a D6 but I am sure the quality is very high. I am, however, beginning to transition much of my shooting to the Z9. I do find the keeper rate is higher than the D5. Or, perhaps I am more conscious to technique with the Z9. Most of my shooting is in the daylight so I do not have much to say about low light.
If you are able to find a D5 at a good price, you will be very pleased with the purchase.

 

[O]

The greatest benefits in photography comes from the person using the camera.
Being aware of technique style conditions applications plays a bigger roll that just the gear, having the skill sets with the eye is paramount.
You just cant buy a good photograph you make it.

 

[fcotterill]

If not already, take a look at this overview of D6 AF in this video by Moose Peterson, who highlights an important firmware update (April 2021). Besides adding the RSF Hold function, Moose maintains there's now a significant improvement in the 3D tracking etc and with Eye Recognition enabled - using AutoAF mode in the D6.

After 20:00

Moose Peterson on How He Makes AF Work for Him

Moose's AF basics and preferred AF Modes for Nikon DSLR (D6) and Mirrorless (Z 6II) as of 8 July (firmware versions). I was somewhat surprised to see Moose's reliance on Auto-Area AF.

bcgforums.com

 

[Dr_J]

If not already, take a look at this overview of D6 AF in this video by Moose Peterson, who highlights a significant firmware update. He maintains a significant improvement in the 3D tracking etc and with Eye Recognition enabled - using AutoAF mode.

After 20:00

Moose Peterson on How He Makes AF Work for Him

Moose's AF basics and preferred AF Modes for Nikon DSLR (D6) and Mirrorless (Z 6II) as of 8 July (firmware versions). I was somewhat surprised to see Moose's reliance on Auto-Area AF.

bcgforums.com

As with everything, if it works for you and enables image capture you like, then that’s the way to go. I saw the MP video a while back and when I configured my D6 accordingly, it certainly seemed to perform as described…..

Definitely worth a try, especially when you’re not in the first flush of youth, as indeed I am not . The more ‘driver aids’ the better, eh?

ATB, J

 

[Charles Loy]

I post this earlier in this thread: I'm another on the fence, was all set to buy a D6. But now that it's available at my fav suppliers, I am hesitating. I use the D5, just love my D5. It's still in super shape, no concerns. Not sure I'd gain much with the D6.

I did buy a D6, and soon realized it is a much better machine than the D5. Sold off the D5. I own the Z9 too, and will keep it. But the D6, for me, is the real deal. I like the Z9, and I LOVE the D6, so much improved of the D5, I'll never part with it and never is a very long time.

 

[Dr_J]

Interesting watching some of the forum Z9 posts over the past few weeks, many of which seem to centre on the, perhaps obvious, facts the the Z9 is performing different from the users’ previous experience with their D850/D5/D6’s and not always to their satisfaction in terms of AF, IQ and ‘expected’ overall performance/user experience with their new camera.

But, isn’t that the point? It’s (almost) completely new rather than a design iteration like the D5 to D6 and isn’t that exactly what the internet griped about when the D6 arrived?

Of course the Z9 will be ‘different’; new architecture, new software, new databases and rule sets and the same for new Z mount lenses being used.

Nikon’s engineers may, or may not, decide to attempt to further converge the overall user experience through software updates or they may simply decide that Z is different from D and that’s just how it’s going to be.

Otherwise, wouldn’t the Z9 be being criticised for being just the D6s……… only joking Z9 owners And, of course, does it really matter so long as D and Z users can capture the images they wish.

ATB, J

 

[Stephen Berger]

Agree. My Sony setup is the 600mm F/4 (and 1.4TC as needed) with the 100-400.

Off topic I know but how do you like/how much do you use the 100-400?

 

[hrv]

I also love my D6. Although since using the Z9, I absolutely adore the features that mirrorless offers.
I love the viewfinder, histogram, WYSIWYG experience and especially the fact that my focus point can leverage the whole area I see in the viewfinder.

Because of all these features, I find my D6's viewfinder very basic nowadays as I have gotten used to this new experience. My only gripe with the Z9 compared to the D6 is low light performance and (much) more noisy pictures.

Here in the Netherlands, the light isn't as great as in South Africa or Florida, so low light performance is a big thing for me to capture perfect images of small and fast moving birds. With the D6, I let my ISO go up to 12.800 without a problem. With the Z9, I already hate it when it goes above 3200. Sometimes it works, but more often I am less impressed with the result.

So the D6 is an amazing camera and I will not get rid of it, until Nikon releases a mirrorless camera with good low-light performance as well as fast AF.

 

[Charles Loy]

I also love my D6. Although since using the Z9, I absolutely adore the features that mirrorless offers.
So the D6 is an amazing camera and I will not get rid of it, until Nikon releases a mirrorless camera with good low-light performance as well as fast AF.

Nikon can make it, make the Z9 exactly as it is but with a 24 Megapixel sensor resolution - call it Z9 i (i for improved)

 

[Nikondale]

Off topic I know but how do you like/how much do you use the 100-400?

I have the lens with me in my Z bag every time I go out in the Everglades. I really like the lens and find I use it way more than my 70-200 With the FTZ. However, for longer reach, the 500P and 600mm F 4E are far superior but much heavier. In the final analysis, I have too many lenses. Ps I forgot to mention the 180-400 on my D5 (wish I had a D6) or Z9 with the FTZ. Ah... I really enjoy a day out shooting.

 

[Nikondale]

Long live the Ds.

 

[fcotterill]

Thom H compared the Nikon Autofocus systems recently.

I took advantage of a big - 24% - discount on a new D6 last month, and put down a deposit whilst finalizing the trade in of my D5. The D6 arrived a few days ago; suffice to say, so far my limited experience confirms the positive reports. (The reality certainly shows up the hateful trolling and shallow criticisms circa 2020 of the D6. It seems far too many bought into the MILC hype - distorted truths with all the outright falsities.... Enough said.)

Considering the whole of its improvements with many inconspicuous updated features, the D6 is a major advance on the excellent D5: let alone the D850 and D500. And I've used all three of the D5 Triumvirate intensively for wildlife.

IME, what stands out among the improved and new features of the D6 include:
full touch menus and i-Menu, with expanded Customization;
the new Multi-CAM 37K AF system with its 105 points;
Custom Area AF modes;
built-in GPS.... And there's still much to test and tweak...

Well, it's interesting to shoot the D6 and Z9 together, which has included finally picking up the DSLR that introduced the Custom area AF modes in the v2.0 Z9 f'ware Suffice to say, looking back at the leading technology as of even a decade earlier, let alone the earlier AF years (1990s-2000s), and then forward to today's ILCs, and optics, we are indeed privileged to live in thest remarkable times!

Interesting watching some of the forum Z9 posts over the past few weeks, many of which seem to centre on the, perhaps obvious, facts the the Z9 is performing different from the users’ previous experience with their D850/D5/D6’s and not always to their satisfaction in terms of AF, IQ and ‘expected’ overall performance/user experience with their new camera.

But, isn’t that the point? It’s (almost) completely new rather than a design iteration like the D5 to D6 and isn’t that exactly what the internet griped about when the D6 arrived?

Of course the Z9 will be ‘different’; new architecture, new software, new databases and rule sets and the same for new Z mount lenses being used.

Nikon’s engineers may, or may not, decide to attempt to further converge the overall user experience through software updates or they may simply decide that Z is different from D and that’s just how it’s going to be.

Otherwise, wouldn’t the Z9 be being criticised for being just the D6s……… only joking Z9 owners And, of course, does it really matter so long as D and Z users can capture the images they wish.

ATB, J

 

[Nikondale]

Thom H compared the Nikon Autofocus systems recently.

I took advantage of a big - 24% - discount on a new D6 last month, and put down a deposit whilst finalizing the trade in of my D5. The D6 arrived a few days ago; suffice to say, so far my limited experience confirms the positive reports. (The reality certainly shows up the hateful trolling and shallow criticisms circa 2020 of the D6. It seems far too many bought into the MILC hype - both true and false.... Enough said.) Based on its stand apart improvements and many updates, the D6 is a major advance on the excellent D5: let alone D850 and D500. And I've used all three intensively for wildlife. Just so many improved and new features in the D6: including: full touch menus and i-Menu, with expanded customization; the new Multi-CAM 37K AF system with its 105 points; built-in GPS.... And there's still much to test and tweak...

Well, it's interesting to shoot the D6 and Z9 together, which has included finally picking up the DSLR that introduced the Custom area AF modes in the v2.0 Z9 f'ware Suffice to say, looking back at the leading technology as of even a decade earlier, let alone the earlier AF years (1990s-2000s), and then forward to today's ILCs, and optics, we are indeed privileged to live in remarkable times!

WOW, who had the 24% discount? That is fantastic.

 

[fcotterill]

WOW, who had the 24% discount? That is fantastic.

Nikon S Africa
It appears this was probably "old" stock , as my new camera was still on FW 1.20 out of the box

 

[Calson]

I bought a D5 for those few situation where there is a rapidly approaching subject that a D850 would not be able to keep in focus. The D6 added a little bump in performance.

A D6 image file when cropped to a DX level (and often the subject is too small in the frame without cropping) one has a 8.9MP camera equivalent. With the D850 the DX file is a 19MP equivalent and close to that of the 21MP D500 camera. For sports or portrait or event photography the D5/D6 image resolution is not a concern but it is for wildlife photography.

What I like about the Z9 is that it combines the best of the D850 and D6 and then steps it up a notch in terms of autofocus performance with eye detection.

 

[Edward Cusick]

Nikon S Africa
It appears this was probably "old" stock , as my new camera was still on FW 1.20 out of the box

Interesting you mentioned “old” stock and the FW that your D6 had when you purchased it. My very recent D6 acquisition of a “like new” body turned out to have FW version 1.10 (fall 2020 roughly) and amazingly only 54 shutter actuations. Price discount of original retail was very close to yours. Certainly was a big smile on my face that day. Loving it since.

 

[O]

Hi Guys

No real reason for this its just a general question so - Out of curiosity how good OR not is the D6 and why isn`t it talked about as much as the other Nikons ?

I always tend to see or hear good things said about the D5 - D850 and even the D4`s and D3`s however there never seems to be a lot of info on the D6 , when questions pop about Nikon cameras that people would like recommendations for, it always seems to me that the D850 and D5 are always spoken about first, closely followed by the Z series..

Is it because not a lot of people use/have the D6 because of the 6k price tag ? is it purely a Professional camera and not for the keen enthusiast/semi Pro ? I would have thought the serious shooters in the Wedding/Portrait business would own one ...

thanks in advance ..

PS any of you guys here own one, use one ?


Harry.G

Here is a situation of my journey with the D6

There wasn't a lot of difference between the D5 D6 hence a lot of people stayed with the D5.............

The D850 basically is an amazing camera, i sold my D4s and D5 and some heavy exotic glass (not because of mirror less by the way).

I bought 1x USED D6 .........2 x D850 units 1 x Genuine grip.
Shortly after i sold the D6 as i wasn't using it as much due to what i was doing, I then sold1 X D850 as it was an expensive back up..........

I borrow or rent exotic glass and a D6 if and when needed, its a tax wright off anyway.

The D6 short version

Sticks to the subject like poo to a blanket in super challenging fast action sports, so everything else is just a snack for the D6, it sticks better than any mirror less camera in any brand, period. ( my opinion)

Image quality is super excellent especially at higher iso.........
More than fast enough
Made like a Brick on steroids
You never miss a shot, if you do it was your fault.
Dead easy to use, you don't need a degree in computer science to operate it.
Its a slightly refined version of the D5 which was excellent.

I currently have a D850 still with the grip, LOL and a Z9............the Z9 everyone knows about it, i am still in the getting to know it stage as its to early to determine what it actually does to benefit my photography tangibly. I mean i can do pretty much all i want on a DSLR.

If i had to choose one camera for low light fast sports action in very demanding or challenging conditions............absolutely the D6, i am actually watching out for a bargain D6.

Only an opinion

 

[Johan Schmidt]

Hi Guys

No real reason for this its just a general question so - Out of curiosity how good OR not is the D6 and why isn`t it talked about as much as the other Nikons ?

I always tend to see or hear good things said about the D5 - D850 and even the D4`s and D3`s however there never seems to be a lot of info on the D6 , when questions pop about Nikon cameras that people would like recommendations for, it always seems to me that the D850 and D5 are always spoken about first, closely followed by the Z series..

Is it because not a lot of people use/have the D6 because of the 6k price tag ? is it purely a Professional camera and not for the keen enthusiast/semi Pro ? I would have thought the serious shooters in the Wedding/Portrait business would own one ...

thanks in advance ..

PS any of you guys here own one, use one ?


Harry.G

D6 is a brilliant camera and due to many professionals moving to mirrorless, you can get absolute bargains on these pro bodies with non-mirrorless lenses. If you listen to the chatter, it's almost like these brilliant DSLRs can't take a photograph anymore. But the camera best suited for your needs will be based on what you want to photograph. For things moving, get D5, D6, but for other things like people, nature get a D850 which has an incredible sensor and very good low light capability

 

[O]

D6 is a brilliant camera and due to many professionals moving to mirrorless, you can get absolute bargains on these pro bodies with non-mirrorless lenses. If you listen to the chatter, it's almost like these brilliant DSLRs can't take a photograph anymore. But the camera best suited for your needs will be based on what you want to photograph. For things moving, get D5, D6, but for other things like people, nature get a D850 which has an incredible sensor and very good low light capability

I agree that the trend can be your old hat if you shoot a DSLR.

The D6 is simply amazing and untouched by many.............and largely underestimated.

The D850 is just amazing both it and the D6 as you say suite each other.

Hence the Z9 will match up with the Z8 if the 67mp sensor is a reality, the industry all follow each other LOL.

90% of what we achieve can come from you, i find the D6 so so easy to use, you could be spinning like a top and wildly shoot and still hit the mark LOL
hard to miss a shot with the D6 yet with some other cameras we have to try hard to hit the spot LOL..

 

[fcotterill]

I'm all the more impressed with these features, the more I shoot my D6. The Autofocus system has an uncanny ability to nail sharp focus on a bird's eye. Very snappy. These differences really stand out compared to all the other DSLRs. The D6 is at its best for subjects in and within vegetation, where MILC too finds tricky to make sense of.

One way of comparison is to rank respective features of these Nikon flagships. So all the important positives and negatives for one's subjects, how and where they're depicted:

Autofocus in all its complexities;
lmage Quality - Tones, Lowlight performance, Pixels/per/duck ie "Croppability";
Shutter Noise etc etc

Using both D6 and Z9, It is clear IME the Z9 is not 100% superior, even with its excellent Subject-Recognition, silent shutter, PreCapture, Fps etc where it outperforms the DSLRs. As has been said and repeatedly, this is where the Nikonian is free to enjoy a mixed F and Z solution

Obviously so much else depends on the Glass one invests in. With Z9 or D6 (D5, D850 too) a 500 PF is a nifty rig, and the 180-400 f4E TC14 on either the D6 or Z9 is IMHO the best rig for photographing African mammals: from small antelope to pachyderms, unless one seeks an animal scape with wider FoV or conversely to magnify fine details of an elephant or buffalo, for example.

However, as I will summarize later in a different thread, it's clear the 800 f6.3S PF is the game-changer, as more and more Zed photographers continue to appreciate..... DSLRs cannot go here to pair with the new superb Z Nikkors. After reviewing thousands of images, it is also very clear this prime has changed my wildlife photography in terms of fundamental strategy. Access to sharp imaging @ 1120mm (even @1600mm minimum haze permitting) has opened up a new world. So looking ahead a sharp 800mm is a certainty in my Wildlife photography: including with Teleconverters.

more

Natural Art Images: Voice: Brad Hill Blog

The Blog of Brad Hill, wildlife photographer. Cameras, lenses, camera gear, field tests, conservation, photo tours, and other bits of questionable wisdom from a young-at-heart nature photographer!

www.naturalart.ca

Natural Art Images: Voice: Brad Hill Blog

The Blog of Brad Hill, wildlife photographer. Cameras, lenses, camera gear, field tests, conservation, photo tours, and other bits of questionable wisdom from a young-at-heart nature photographer!

www.naturalart.ca

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

Hi Guys

No real reason for this its just a general question so - Out of curiosity how good OR not is the D6 and why isn`t it talked about as much as the other Nikons ?

I always tend to see or hear good things said about the D5 - D850 and even the D4`s and D3`s however there never seems to be a lot of info on the D6 , when questions pop about Nikon cameras that people would like recommendations for, it always seems to me that the D850 and D5 are always spoken about first, closely followed by the Z series..

Is it because not a lot of people use/have the D6 because of the 6k price tag ? is it purely a Professional camera and not for the keen enthusiast/semi Pro ? I would have thought the serious shooters in the Wedding/Portrait business would own one ...

PS any of you guys here own one, use one ?

The D6 was a minor upgrade to the D5 and there were very few differences. It used the same 20.8mp sensor, but utilised the Expeed 6 chip -vs- the Expeed 5 in the D5. The Expeed 6 gave it improved FPS (14 vs 12), improved AF and the camera was one of the first to allow a CF-Express Type B cards to be used (vs XQD). Video recording options were improved and max duration was extended. Connectivity was improved with USB-C and Wireless built in.
"The differences between the two cameras are in the new AF system, faster processor, storage type, continuous shooting speed and built-in Wi-Fi + GPS – the rest of the changes are mostly firmware tweaks. The biggest change, without a doubt, is in the autofocus system. Although the number of focus points went down from 153 to 105, all 105 of those focus points are cross-type, and the AF system has been optimized to yield maximum performance from each one of those focus points. "

I sold all my D5/D6 bodies earlier this year when I received my first 2 Z9 bodies. I know many shooters who make money from their shooting still shoot one or both of these. Yes they would like to upgrade to the Z9 and Z-lenses (particularly the 400/2.8TC) but that requires budget they just don't have yet. We saw adverts for the first USED Z9's on sale in the UK each with more than 110k activations -- not that it matters when there is no shutter.