Nikon announced the new Nikon Z6III, the latest in the line of full-frame Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. With its newly designed 24.5 megapixel sensor, this camera will be available from late June 2024 for $2,499.95, or with a 24-70mm f4 lens kit for $3,099.95.
Features
Pre-release Shutter
The Nikon Z6III improves on the Z6II and the Zf with a 24.5mp “partially-stacked” CMOS censor and the EXPEED 7 processor. This sensor is adapted to maximize color competency in shooting, and is designed not just for photography but videography.
A good portion of the science which goes into this sensor comes from the 45.7mp top-line models from Nikon, the Z8 and Z9. However, obviously with this price point, the Z6III does not match the Z8/Z9 when it comes to resolution and sensitivity. However, the Z6III does have both a mechanical and electronic shutter, which adds to the Z6III’s versatility.
The camera adopts what Nikon calls the “Pre-release Capture,” which can assist photographers in capturing that perfect shot. Just press the shutter button halfway to activate Pre-release Capture, and the Z6III will begin buffering images, and can save said images up to 1 second before and 3 seconds after the shutter is fully released. This is made possible with the camera’s fully electronic shutter and the partially-stacked CMOS censor, a first for a camera of its kind.
Camera Sensor and Viewfinder
The Nikon Z6III comes with the first “partially-stacked” CMOS Censor for comparable cameras. This sensor integrates high-speed data processing circuits with a 3.5x faster readout compared to the Z6II. The Z6III’s improved EVF does not cut corners either, with a refresh rate of 120fps. The viewfinder also has improved brightness for ease of use. The viewfinder has what Nikon said in their press release a class-leading max brightness of 4000 nits and 5,760-dot resolution.
Additionally, the Nikon Z6III sensor allows for a max buffer of 1000+ shots, and runs a shutter speed max of 1/16,000. Image stabilization is also improved. With 5-axis image stabilization built in, the camera delivers up to 8 stops of vibration reduction. Focus Point VR mode also prioritizes stabilization, a feature brought over from the Zf, as well.
Shooting Video with the Nikon Z6III
The Z6III continues Nikon’s great emphasis on being a hybrid camera company, not just a photography camera company. With 6K/60fps, 4K/120fps, and Full HD at 240FPS, the Z6III is a camera for multitudes of uses. A lightweight formfactor makes this a great road camera that can shoot with in-camera RAW. 6K NRAW shoots up to 60p while ProRes Raw shoots at 30p.
The EXPEED 7 sensor continues Nikon’s full-frame camera’s proclivity to perform in low light. Even at high ISO settings, the Nikon Z6III maintains focus and accurate composition. The ISO range for the Z6III is from 100 to 64,000, with extended range up to Hi 1.7 (this is equal to ISO 204,800). Nikon’s advanced noise reduction feature is also included in the Z6III.
The autofocus system for the Z6III is inherited from the more advanced Z8 and Z9. Nikon states that the AF for the Z6III is 20 percent faster than the Z6II, and can automatically detect human faces as small as 3% of the frame. Automatic recognition AF settings are: humans, dogs, cats, birds, airplanes, cars, motorcycles, bicycles and trains.
Nikon Z6III External Features
The Z6III has a versatile full-motion LCD that is also touch-sensitive. Similar to the Zf, the touchscreen can be rotated 170 degrees and can also use touch-AF and touch-AF shutter settings.
Additionally, the Z6III uses a magnesium alloy body rated to operate at 14 degrees F with the same level of dust and drip resistance as the Z8, per Nikon.
The Z6III uses dual-card slots, for CFExpress B and SD cards. The battery is similar to other Nikon Z cameras, and can be charged with USB.
More Technical Specs
Click the highlighted heading above to read Nikon’s tech specs for the Z6III.
Conclusion: the evolution of mid-range full-frame cameras for all.
The Nikon Z6III has been highly touted and highly anticipated leading up to the announcement on June 17th. Nikon’s new sensor design is intriguing and adds to Nikon’s push to make their cameras of high cinematic quality. The inherited features from the pro-line Z8 and Z9 are also interesting innovations for a camera of this price point. We at PRONEWS Global will conduct more reviews and insights into use cases for this camera, and will also conduct a full review of this camera in the near future. Additionally, we invite you to stay tuned to our social media profiles as well for complete coverage of the Nikon Z6III, along with other new cameras and lenses.
