Our Nikon Z6 was used to calculate the sizes of photo and video files (24 megapixels). All data and size requirements are at full resolution (size set to „L”):
Photo
- RAW (NEF format): 27.4 MB
- JPEG (FINE): c. 7-10 MB
- JPEG (NORM, Z6 default setting): c. 3.5-5 MB
- RAW + JPEG (FINE): somewhere between 35 and 40 MB
Video
- FullHD (1.920 x 1.080, 50p): c. 200 MB / minute
- 4K (3.840 x 2.160, 25p): c. 500 MB Per minute
The following specifications for the Z6’s capacity for still photography are based on the use of a brand new 64 GB XQD card (which is occasionally included with the camera, as shown here):
- RAW: 1.200 pictures
- 892 photographs were taken in RAW and JPEG at the fine quality setting (screenshot below)
- Approximately 3,400 images in JPEG (FINE) format.
- JPEG (NORM): c. 7.600 pictures
Given the file sizes we established before, it is important to take note that the capacity that is really usable on a 64 GB card appears to be on the lower end of the scale. For instance, we would anticipate a card of that size to be able to contain over 2,000 RAW photographs rather than merely 1,200, yet it only has that capacity.
The available space is displayed on the display and EVF by the camera at the bottom right corner of each (arrow)
Because the Z7’s resolution is about twice as high as that of the Z5, its photo files are proportionally larger, and as a result, a memory card of the same size may hold around half as much data.
The following are recommended memory cards for the Nikon Z6 and Z7:
In contrast to SD Cards, Nikon’s XQD cards don’t come with a very extensive selection of options. Even if they are sold under a different brand name or feature a different logo, all XQD cards that are currently available on the market (as of late 2019) are manufactured by Sony.
Regarding the various grades of XQD cards, throughout the course of the past few months, we have been using the “G” rated 64 and 128 GB versions of the Sony cards without encountering any problems.
An XQD card reader is an absolute must if you own a Z6 or Z7 camera since you cannot update the camera’s firmware without it. If you want to take advantage of new features, you will need to do so. The Z Nikons cannot be updated through USB, which is a disappointing limitation. We suggest going with the Sony QDA-SB1 adapter in this situation.
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