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Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II

The Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2018 and October 2020. Both the Z6 and the Z6 II are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 24.3 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Z6
versus
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z6   Nikon Z6 II
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.3 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 14 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
310 shots per battery charge410 shots per battery charge
134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 g 134 x 101 x 70 mm, 705 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z6 II
Compare Z6 versus Z6 II top
Comparison Z6 or Z6 II rear

In this particular case, the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. However, the Z6 II is slightly heavier (4 percent) than the Z6. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z6 gets 310 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15b battery, while the Z6 II can take 410 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15c power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 EUR 2 449ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 EUR 2 149ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 Y Jul 2020 EUR 1 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 EUR 3 849ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 EUR 3 399 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 Y Sep 2023 EUR 2 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 EUR 1 999ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 EUR 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 EUR 1 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 EUR 2 099ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 EUR 2 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A9 127 mm 96 mm 63 mm 673 g 650 Y Apr 2017 EUR 5 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 EUR 1 299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z6 II sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 24.3 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the Z6 and the Z6 II have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the Z6 II is much more recent (by 2 years and 1 month) than the Z6, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Nikon Z6 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The Nikon Z6 II offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z6 versus Z6 II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
3.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
4.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
5.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
6.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
7.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
9.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
11.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
12.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
13.
 
Sony A9 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.913.3351792
14.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Z6 II provides a faster frame rate than the Z6. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Z6 is limited to 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The Z6 and the Z6 II are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 3690k dots. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon Z6, the Nikon Z6 II, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon Z53690 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 4.5/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon Zf3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A93686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Z6 writes its imaging data to XQD cards, while the Z6 II uses CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards. The Z6 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Z6 only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z6 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon Z5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon ZfYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
13.
 
Sony A9Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
14.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---

The Z6 II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the Z6 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the Z6 was succeeded by the Nikon Z6 II. Further information on the features and operation of the Z6 and Z6 II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z6 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z6 II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon Z6 better than the Nikon Z6 II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z6:

  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2018).


Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z6 II:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (410 versus 310) out of a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 3.1).
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the Z6 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z6 II is the clear winner of the contest (6 : 1 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Z6 01:06 Z6 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z6 and the Nikon Z6 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Z6 and the Z6 II in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 EUR 2 449ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 EUR 2 199 amazon.com
3.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 EUR 2 149ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 EUR 1 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 EUR 3 849ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 EUR 3 399 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 EUR 2 499 amazon.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 EUR 1 999ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 EUR 1 999ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 EUR 1 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 EUR 2 099ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 EUR 2 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A95/5+ +4.8/589/1005/55/5 Apr 2017 EUR 5 299ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 EUR 1 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z6 II

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2018 October 2020
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.3 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6048 x 4024 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 2.84 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 6 DUAL EXPEED 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 94
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.3 25
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.3 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3299 3303
    Screen Specs Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots 3690k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 14 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium XQD cards CFexB or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon Z6 Nikon Z6 II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15b Nikon EN-EL15c
    Battery Life (CIPA)310 shots per charge410 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 134 x 101 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    134 x 101 x 70 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 675 g (23.8 oz) 705 g (24.9 oz)
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