Nikon Launches Third-Generation Z6 III

2024.06.17

Yesterday, Nikon announced the Z6 III, their first third-generation Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera. Recall that, when the Z-platform was unveiled, the Z6 and Z7 were simultaneously launched to provide both a high-resolution and high-speed camera. The 24 megapixels Nikon Z6 delivered outstanding low-light performance and dynamic-range thanks to its large pixel size and has been surprisingly successful as it could have been overshadowed by the 46 megapixels Z7 that enjoyed flagship status.

The new Nikon Z6 III comes with similar specifications its predecessors while providing a significantly improved image-pipeline built around a new Partially Stacked Full-Frame CMOS sensor, the first of its kind. This sensor is mounted on a state-of-the-art 5-axis image-stabilization system that provides 8-stops of shake reduction relative to hand-holding, matching the top performance of its peers. The advantages of such IBIS cannot be overstated!

The headline Partially Stacked CMOS sensor brings increased throughput when capturing video and continuous shooting. Unlike a fully stacked design that stores data from every pixel on a second semiconductor layer, this sensor has memory to off-load an unspecified portion of pixels. This translates into a maximum burst rate of 60 FPS for JPEG capture and 30 FPS for RAW. Additionally, it can reach 120 FPS when capturing 11 MP images.

The entire sensor width is recordable at 6048 x 3402 in 12-bit up to 60 FPS as a N-RAW video. Quicktime video, also at 60 FPS, is captured downsampled to 5376x3024. The Z6 II films the standard 4K Ultra HD resolution at up to 120 FPS and it can record Full HD at 240 FPS to produce slow-motion video. This mirrorless digital camera has asymmetric memory card slots, one CF Express Type B and the other SDXC UHS-II. The highest throughput video formats can only be recorded onto a CF Express Type B card, so backup recording is not always available.

These are the highlight improvements offered by the Nikon Z6 III. This camera inherits the entire feature-set of its predecessor with more incremental upgrades throughout. This includes a hybrid shutter that spans 1/16000s to 15m exposures and 1/3-stop more standard sensitivity. This ISO 100-64000 range expands to same ISO 50-204,800 sensitivity range as the Z6 II. There are a few more focus-points, 299 now vs 273, which is minor. The new autofocus system though reaches a best-in-class -8 EV sensitivity, even down to -10 EV for its specialized star focus mode. Now algorithms are said to improve tracking speed and accuracy too.

Externally, the Nikon Z6 III is extremely similar to previous Z6 models. It features the same dual control-dials, the traditional Mode-Dial and most buttons are nearly in the same position. The LCD screen itself remains the same but, unfortunately, it is now mounted on a rotating hinge, rather than the more practical tilting version that keeps better balance. The EVF unit got a huge upgrade for the Z6 III. While it keeps the same 0.5" size and large 0.8X magnification, resolution has jumped almost 50% to 5.8 megapixels! The new EVF is an OLED panel that boasts DCI-P3 color gamut and a peak 4000 nits brightness, the maximum achieved by any camera.

With its familiar design and so many improvements, the Nikon Z6 III stands to be a worthy upgrade from previous generations. The gain of an extra 3-stops of IBIS efficiency is significant and with such an extremely sensitive autofocus system, this Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera might become one of the best models of low-light photography.

The Nikon Z6 III is scheduled to become available this month for $2500 USD or $3400 CAD. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are ready to take on preorders. These reputable affiliates of ours will not charge you until the product ships, while ensuring that you are among the first to receive one.

• Digital Camera