The Nikon Z6 III is a 24MP full-frame camera with a partially-stacked sensor, whereas the Nikon Zf is a retro-style 24MP full-frame camera that is surprisingly similar to the Z6 III in many aspects. Which one should you get?
Nikon Zf vs Nikon Z6 III Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | September 2023 | June 2024 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Partially Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.5 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6048×4032 | 6048×4024 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.94µ | 5.94µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 64,000 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-204,800 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/16000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 14 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 14 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | None | None |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | Over 200 frames | 1000+ frames |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -8.5 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No | Yes |
| 6K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 240 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 125 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | Micro SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 5.76 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 380 frames | 390 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 430 frames | 410 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) | 760 g (1.68 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)1 | 139 x 102 x 89 mm (5.5 x 4.0 x 3.5″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $2000 (Check Current Price) | $2500 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (eBay affiliate) | Nikon Zf Used Prices | Nikon Z6 III Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Z6 III’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z6 III’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
If you’re considering these two cameras, it’s helpful to think of the Z6 III as a camera that is somewhere between the Zf and the Z8. The Z6 III has the 24MP resolution of the Zf, and like the Zf, it borrows many of the autofocus features from the Z8 (and Z9). On the other hand, the Z6 III is a little closer to the Z8 in physical design and in some speed-related capabilities due to its faster, partially-stacked sensor.
As you can see from the specifications above, there aren’t really any areas where the Zf beats the Z6 III (apart from the slightly smaller size – and of course the retro design if you prefer that). However, there are a ton of areas where they’re tied.
The biggest benefits of the Nikon Z6 III are mostly in the realm of video. It wallops the Zf in that regard, and the Zf is already quite a capable camera for videography. But there’s just no competing with internal 6K 60p RAW video (and 4K 120p).
The other major benefit to the Nikon Z6 III is the newer viewfinder. It’s not only higher-resolution than the viewfinder on the Nikon Zf, but it’s also brighter, has a larger color gamut, and refreshes faster (120 Hz versus 60 Hz). All of this should make composing through the viewfinder a nicer experience on the Z6 III.
Other odds and ends favor the Nikon Z6 III as well – such as 20 FPS rather than 14, a buffer of 1000+ images rather than 200+, and a faster shutter speed of 1/16,000 at the maximum. These could all make a difference at the margins, but generally speaking, the video features and the viewfinder are the most noteworthy changes. (And, of course, the different body style; Nikon has beefed up the Z6 III a bit and says that it has Z8-level build quality).
I think for most people, the Z6 III is a superior choice over the Zf, especially since the $2499.99 MSRP of the Z6 III is only $500 more than the Zf. This argument will make even more sense with any sales. That being said, the retro design of the Zf is pretty cool. Since the two cameras share the bulk of their features, it could make sense to put those $500 toward lenses if you don’t need the extra features of the Z6 III. At the end of the day, both are highly capable cameras.
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z6 III?
- Lighter weight (50g lighter)
- Lower price, costing $500 less
What does the Nikon Z6 III offer over the Nikon Zf?
- More advanced video
- Higher resolution electronic viewfinder, with about 1.6x more dots, making shooting more enjoyable
- Potentially better in high-speed applications due to things like the larger buffer and partially stacked sensor
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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