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Preview of the Nikon Z63

Jul 4, 2024

Preview of the Nikon Z63

Introduction

  • Presenter: Jared Poland from froknowsphoto.com
  • Overview of the Nikon Z63 camera.
  • Clarification: Official name is Z63, not Z-63.
  • Initial hands-on experience with pre-production firmware.
  • Detailed review will come later with production units.

Real-World Testing

  • Tested in three locations:
    • Muay Thai boxing gym
    • Park with kids
    • Philadelphia Phillies game in the rain
  • Purpose: Assess camera's performance in various environments.
  • Note: B-Roll shot with Z63, studio footage with Canon EOS R5.

Camera Exterior

  • Similar shape to Z62 but slightly thicker.
  • Mimics Z8 more than Z6 Mark II.
  • Viewfinder (EVF):
    • World's brightest EVF
    • 5.76 million dots, OLED, 120 fps refresh rate
    • 33% brighter than Z9 (4000 nits vs. 3000 nits)
  • LCD Screen:
    • 3.2 in, vari-angle, not flush to the back
    • Slight color difference between EVF and LCD detected.

Image Sensor

  • Sensor Details:
    • New 24.5 MP partially stacked sensor
    • Fastest scan rate for cameras under $4,000
    • Readout speed 3.5x faster than Z62
    • Helps reduce rolling shutter effect
    • 20 fps with electronic shutter (RAW)
    • 1/16,000 max shutter speed
  • ISO: 100-64,000
  • Dual Card Slots: 1 CFexpress B and 1 UHS-II SD
  • Pre-Release Shooting: JPEG only

Autofocus

  • 20% faster than Z62, similar to Z8 and Z9
  • Modes: Dynamic Area AF, 3D Tracking
  • Issues with sticking to subjects and handling distractions.
  • Effective with some lenses (e.g., 70-200mm 2.8).

Video Features

  • Resolution and Frame Rates:
    • 4K 24p oversampled from 6K
    • 6K up to 60p (NRAW, ProRes RAW)
    • 4K 120p (DX crop)
    • 1080p up to 240 fps
  • Other Video Features:
    • Any log internal shooting
    • 5-axis VR, up to 8 stops
    • Line-in input for audio
    • Lacks video redundancy recording
    • Overheating: No issues detected.

Pricing and Target Audience

  • Price: $2,500
  • Compared to Z62 ($2,000): significant improvements
  • Ideal For:
    • Users upgrading from Z6/Z62
    • Those not needing 45 MP from Z8 or Z9
  • Comparisons: Better than Sony A7 IV for certain aspects, comparable to Canon R6 Mark II

Conclusion

  • Positive first impressions
  • Slideshow of images taken with the Nikon Z63 at the end of the presentation.
  • More in-depth content (autofocus review, raw file reviews) to follow.
  • Video sponsored by Squarespace.

Full transcript