Nikon Z6 II vs Panasonic FX78: An In-Depth Tale of Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When it comes to choosing a camera, it's easy to get lost in a sea of specs and marketing jargon. But what if you're trying to compare two vastly different beasts - a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless from Nikon, the Z6 II, and a decade-old small-sensor compact from Panasonic, the FX78? Sounds like apples and oranges, right? Well, it is. But I’ve wrangled both for a full test, and I’m here to break down what each does best, where compromises come in, and - most importantly - who should pick which. Along the way, I'll share the nuances that you won’t get just by scanning spec sheets.

And yes, the differences run deep. So buckle up for a 2500-word journey through sensors, handling, autofocus wizardry, creative versatility, and real-world usability. Even if you think it’s a no-brainer, there’s a lot to learn from where these cameras intersect - and where they couldn’t be more different.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build – Meet the Giants and the Pocket Rockets

At first glance - and heft - the Nikon Z6 II and Panasonic FX78 could not be more different. The Z6 II is a substantial SLR-style mirrorless camera weighing in at 705 grams with dimensions of roughly 134x101x70mm. It’s designed to feel substantial and balanced in hand, sporting a deep grip and traditional DSLR-inspired control layout.

On the other hand, the Panasonic FX78 is a compact digital camera that tips the scales at just 142 grams and measures a slim 100x55x21mm. It slips effortlessly into any pocket - quite literally a "grab-and-go" for casual shooters.

For photographers who value ergonomic comfort - think long shooting sessions or frantic wildlife chases - the Z6 II’s heft and grip provide confidence and stability, especially with heavier lenses. The FX78, while ultra-portable, sacrifices this for sheer convenience. It’s the classic trade-off: size and professionalism vs. portability and readiness.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size and Image Quality Dominance

Here’s where the gulf truly widens: the Nikon Z6 II features a full-frame 35.9x23.9mm BSI-CMOS sensor with a resolution of 25 megapixels, while the Panasonic FX78 has a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring only 6.08x4.56mm with 12 megapixels. For context, the Z6 II’s sensor area exceeds the FX78’s by more than 30 times.

What does this mean in practice? The Z6 II’s large sensor yields a remarkable leap in image quality:

• Noise control and dynamic range: The big sensor gathers significantly more light per pixel, meaning cleaner images with better shadow and highlight detail - even at high ISO settings. The Z6 II’s native ISO range of 100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800) whips up excellent low-light performance - a crucial advantage in conditions ranging from dim indoor portraits to nighttime astrophotography.

• Resolution and detail: At 25MP, the Z6 II produces images with vivid detail and ample cropping latitude. The FX78’s modest 12MP is fine for snapshots but begins to show softness and noise around ISO 400-800.

• Color depth and tonality: The Nikon offers richer color gradients and smoother tonal transitions, lending itself perfectly to professional portrait work where skin tones need to be craftily rendered.

In practical testing, I observed the Z6 II’s superiority in challenging lighting conditions: backlit landscapes, dimly lit streets, and nighttime skies. The Panasonic FX78 is serviceable for casual use or well-lit environments, but you really see the sensor’s limits quickly once light dims or detail matters.

(Oh - and yes, both cameras have an antialiasing filter, which slightly softens edges but helps reduce moiré patterns.)

Control and Interface: Steering Your Creative Ship

When shooting, tactile responsiveness and intuitive controls matter - far more than most novices imagine at first. The Nikon Z6 II’s traditional DSLR-inspired body boasts a rich array of buttons, dials (including top-screen LCD for quick info) and a tilting 3.2" touchscreen with a high resolution of 2100k dots. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) packs 3.69 million dots, covering 100% of the frame with a 0.8x magnification - excellent for precision composing.

Panasonic FX78 whittles all this down to a fixed 3.5” TFT LCD screen at only 230k dots, no EVF, and minimal external controls. Menu navigation is slower, and absence of physical dials means you rely heavily on touchscreen interfaces, which can be a hassle in bright sunlight or for quick adjustments.

In the field, the Nikon’s advanced interface makes shooting fast and fluid: setting exposures, toggling autofocus modes, and reviewing images feels professional and reassuring. For casual photography or simple vacation snaps, the FX78’s compact form and straightforward controls do the job, but professionals will surely crave the Nikon’s nuanced feedback and customization.

Speed and Autofocus: Tracking Subjects in the Blink of an Eye

Let’s talk autofocus - arguably the make-or-break feature for wildlife and sports shooters.

The Nikon Z6 II employs a hybrid autofocus system with 273 focus points and full-frame phase-detection, incorporating eye and animal eye detection, face detection, and impressive tracking algorithms. Continuous autofocus is fast and reliable, even with moving subjects or in low-contrast scenes.

Conversely, the ZX78’s 11 contrast-detection AF points and limited recognition capabilities struggle when subjects move quickly or lighting is less than ideal. The lack of phase-detection means hunting focus is more common.

In burst mode, the Z6 II shoots at a brisk 14 fps with continuous AF - perfect for capturing fast wildlife action or high-speed sports moments. The FX78 maxes out at about 4 fps, sufficient for casual snapshots but not competitive in more dynamic scenarios.

Simply put, the Z6 II’s AF system and frame rates open doors for professional and advanced enthusiast genres - wildlife, sports, event photography. The FX78 is content with static subjects and low-pressure shooting.

Photography Genres: Strengths and Suitability

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin with Grace

The Nikon Z6 II shines here, thanks to its large sensor, precise eye detection AF, and ability to utilize fast Z-mount lenses known for creamy bokeh. Skin tones render naturally - critical under studio lighting or environmental portraits.

The FX78 doesn’t bother worrying about skin tone subtleties. Its small sensor and slower lens optics render more “snapshot” style portraits that suffice for family albums but won’t stand up to professional scrutiny.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

For sweeping vistas, dynamic range and image resolution matter enormously. Again, the Z6 II’s native 14+ stops of dynamic range allow capturing bright skyscapes and shadowed forests in one frame without losing data. Its fully weather-sealed body is a boon when hiking in unpredictable conditions.

The FX78 offers limited dynamic range and no environmental sealing. It’s better suited for casual daylight sightseeing rather than serious landscape sessions.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Tracking, and Reach

14 fps shooting speed, advanced AF tracking, and Z-mount lens compatibility give the Nikon Z6 II a massively competitive edge for action photography. Add telephoto lenses with image stabilization, and you’re ready for birding or fast sports.

The FX78’s zoom range (equivalent 24–120mm) is modest, and lack of AF sophistication means many shots are missed in fast scenarios.

Street Photography: Stealth and Spontaneity

Here, the Panasonic FX78’s pocketability and quiet operation make it a tempting street shooter - unobtrusive, ready to capture quick moments without drawing attention.

The Nikon Z6 II, while not hefty by DSLR standards, is still larger and more conspicuous, potentially off-putting in candid street work. However, if one’s goal is more deliberate, composed street portraits with exceptional image quality, the Z6 II can excel.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Precision

Neither camera is a dedicated macro tool, but the FX78 can focus down to 5 cm at wide angle - great for casual flower snaps.

The Nikon Z6 II’s focus bracketing and stacking features can create sharp, composite macro images with compatible lenses - far superior in creative potential, albeit requiring additional gear.

Night and Astro Photography: Embracing Darkness

The Z6 II’s low noise at high ISOs and long exposure capabilities make it an astro-enthusiast’s dream - capable of capturing star fields and the Milky Way with minimal post-processing agony.

The FX78 struggles with noise, limited ISO ceilings, and fixed lens exposure options, resulting in noisy, grainy night shots.

Video Capabilities: Professional Meets Amateur

Video shooters will appreciate the Z6 II’s 4K UHD at 30p, multiple recording formats (MOV, H.264), and options for audio input/output with mic and headphone jacks. Combined with in-body 5-axis image stabilization, it’s suitable for run-and-gun filmmaking or camera-work in professional workflows.

FX78 offers Full HD 1080p at 60 fps as maximum, with basic video codecs and no external audio ports or stabilization beyond optical lens-based. It’s passable for casual videos or home movies but would frustrate videographers who require clean audio feeds, 4K, or advanced controls.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

The Z6 II is designed for the rigors of professional use, with magnesium alloy body, weather sealing, and robust build. It doesn’t claim to be waterproof or shockproof, but dust- and moisture-resistance are well-implemented.

The FX78 feels plasticky and fragile by comparison, with none of the rugged protection of its Nikon counterpart. That said, it’s more disposable as a travel companion where you can’t baby your gear too much.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance in the Field

The Z6 II’s EN-EL15c battery lasts roughly 410 shots per charge (CIPA rating), which is respectable for modern mirrorless standards. Plus, dual memory card slots capable of handling fast CFexpress Type B or XQD cards provide security and speed for professional workflows.

FX78 relies on a smaller battery with only about 200 shots per charge, typical for compacts - and a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot for storage. This configuration is fine for casual users but worries professionals who need redundancy and capacity.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

The Nikon Z6 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy image transfer and remote control - a convenience for studio tethering or instant social media sharing.

The FX78 is barebones: no wireless capability and only USB 2.0 connectivity for file transfer. Again, fine for basic use, but a bottleneck in fast-paced professional environments.

Price and Value: Who Pays for What?

At around $1997, the Nikon Z6 II sits in the high-end mirrorless market segment - directly competing with Sony’s A7 III and Canon’s EOS R series. You’re paying for top-tier image quality, robust build, professional features, and an accessible lens ecosystem.

The Panasonic FX78, meanwhile, is priced about $210 as a budget-friendly compact from the early 2010s. It represents a “pocket snapshot” solution, not a creative or professional tool.

To be absolutely clear: We aren’t comparing these two cameras as equals but rather understanding their vastly different roles.

How Did the Cameras Perform When Put to the Test?

Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back Panasonic FX78 front Panasonic FX78 screen back

During my hands-on tests - including low-light portraits, brisk wildlife chases, casual street photography, daytime landscapes, and video shooting - the Nikon Z6 II consistently delivered superior results with clean files, rapid responsiveness, and flexible control.

The Panasonic FX78 was a pleasant surprise as a tiny camera that, when used within its comfort zones, produced charming images. It’s perfect if you want a simple, pocketable camera without fuss or learning curves.

However, when pushed - low light, fast motion, or demanding video - the FX78 revealed its limitations. Slow autofocus, noise, low resolution, and minimal controls restricted creative potential.

Final Scores and Summary

Nikon Z6 II:

• Image Quality: 9.5/10
• Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: 9.0/10
• Build and Ergonomics: 8.5/10
• Video Capability: 9.0/10
• Value for Money (Pro segment): 8.0/10

Panasonic FX78:

• Image Quality: 5.0/10
• Autofocus Speed and Accuracy: 4.0/10
• Build and Ergonomics: 6.0/10
• Video Capability: 5.0/10
• Value for Money (Compact segment): 7.0/10

Who Should Buy Which?

• For Professionals and Serious Enthusiasts: The Nikon Z6 II is a no-brainer. Whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, video, or even astrophotography, its image quality, speed, and flexibility justify the investment. Its vast lens ecosystem and robust build make it future-proof in a fast-evolving market.

• For Beginners or Casual Shooters on a Budget: The Panasonic FX78 can be an easy-to-carry companion for snapshots, family events, and travel where simplicity and portability are paramount. It is no substitute for dedicated cameras but aligns with the grab-and-go mentality.

• For Travelers and Street Photographers Prioritizing Discretion: The FX78 is ultra-compact and quiet, ideal for moments when drawing no attention is vital. However, savvy travelers who can bear slightly more bulk may prefer lightweight mirrorless options with better performance (even some APS-C cameras) over older compacts like the FX78.

A Final Word: What I Learned from Comparing the Giants and the Pocket Compacts

Comparing the Nikon Z6 II and Panasonic FX78 side-by-side is an exercise in appreciating how diverse the photography landscape is. One camera is a technological powerhouse designed to serve demanding photographers pushing creative and professional boundaries. The other is a tiny digital friend, meant to capture moments with minimal fuss.

If you’re shopping today, the Z6 II offers superior versatility that justifies its premium, especially if you crave excellent focus, high-resolution stills, advanced video, and rugged build.

The FX78 still holds a nostalgic charm - and if your needs are simple snapshots, it won’t let you down. But you should know when its limitations will hold you back.

And that, in the end, is what good camera buying is about: understanding your needs, limitations, and the realities behind spec sheets and marketing hype.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera feel just right in your hands!