To me the key feature in addition to the faster frame rates is the very good implementation of the electronic shutter allowing silent photography. As of now I was not forced to use the mechanical shutter at all for wildlife. This together with the video modes puts the camera into a new league together with the Z8/9. I am shooting both cameras side by side and to me the difference in AF performance is not significant. I prefer the Z9 for longer Video due to its dual CF Express Cards and better battery performance – but in low light early in the mornings I am impressed what the Z6 III ca deliver at high ISO.
MartinG
October 2, 2024 7:35 pm
I am not surprised that the Z6iii sometimes loses focus on the eye. I believe that this is part of the algorithm Nikon uses. Earlier firmware versions of Z9 software did the same thing*. A couple of shots in the algorithm seemed to double check for a couple of frames then go back to eye focus. I noticed it more on my F-mount lenses with narrower depth of field shots. I wonder if refining that part of the focus/subject recognition software isn’t lurking in some part of the code. If the depth of field is shallow and it is a bird on branch or a rock staying fairly still that’s not a bad thing sometimes. For birds in flight or action/sports where consistent focus lock counts it is a serious limitation. * In some rarer situations now the Z9, even with native Z lenses, can still miss focus for a frame or two during a burst. It is much more infrequent now but no auto-subject-focus system it seems is likely to be 100% accurate.
Of course, the Z9 is not infallible either. I still know what out of focus images look like. However, in addition to the camera, it’s always the person operating it, and I’m convinced that a lot of poorly focused photos go my way. I definitely have to confirm that the Z9’s AF capabilities have moved in a noticeably better direction since the first firmware.
As for F-mount lenses, I’ve seen the biggest problems with lenses like the 200-400mm f/4 or to a lesser extent the 400mm f/2.8 G, which have older motors. The camera seemed to be constantly trying to achieve precise sharpness, but it was somewhere between the two motor positions. The resulting twitching back and forth then resulted in unsharp photos. With the new F-mount lenses I observe this phenomenon significantly less or not at all.
Kevin
October 1, 2024 7:43 am
I am surprised somehow that they chose the Z6iii to introduce their best viewfinder yet, but I guess it shows how important a camera it is for Nikon. I have been very disappointed with the AF on my Z6ii and moving subjects.. (puffins in flight, for example)
I wonder when they will release a Z8/9 with this 5.7mp viewfinder? It puts them in the predicament that potential buyers will want it (and now..) but Nikon probably won’t want to release a mk2 without additional changes and I guess that won’t be for a while.
Honestly, the viewfinder on the Z6iii is great, but even in a head-to-head comparison I didn’t find the one on the Z9 much worse. In fact, I had to hold both cameras at the same time and look for differences. Which is definitely great for the Z6iii! The premium experience of looking through the viewfinder used to be reserved for flagship cameras. If we can now have a cinematic experience with a body like the Z6iii, it’s good news for consumers.
And I definitely agree with you Kevin that birds like Puffin are too fast for the AF capabilities of the Nikon Z6/7II. The third generation will be able to track these missiles with more confidence.
Rogério Peccioli
September 30, 2024 8:18 pm
Thanks for the Nikon Z6III review. I really like your analysis done directly where it matters: in the real world. Hug from Brazil Libor.
Hi Rogério, thank you very much and greetings to Brazil.
Robert John
September 29, 2024 10:05 am
There are lovely images here with the 100-400 but where were they taken? Judging by the focal lengths you were pretty close. Were you at the zoo?
Just wondering about the real price/practicality of the Z6iii when in a less controlled environment. Would you use a 1.4 and 2.0 TC to be closer to a D500 and (say) 300 and 500 PF?
You’re right, Robert. When I have a camera available only for a short time, I usually take it to my “test lab” at Prague Zoo. I also find it easier to compare differences between cameras and lenses on “standard” animals.
As for teleconverters, I have the TC1.4x and use it when needed. Especially with the 300mm f/4 PF, it makes for a great compact combo with the D500. With the 500mm f/5.6 PF lens, I would use it only occasionally, particularly with the D500. The TC2x is well-suited for fast exotics, but otherwise, I’d prefer to get closer to the subject (I know, easier said than done).
JanesJr1
September 28, 2024 2:40 pm
Thanks for the thoughtful review! A minor point: you mentioned an inability to tie the U1-U3 pre-sets to individual focus modes with the older Z6ii; however, I have done that with my Z6ii right along, applying to each pre-set any of the focus options available in the full menu list or the i-menu. (I bought my Z6ii only about 18 months ago, so perhaps that flexibility arrived with a firmware update more recently.) Anyway, I am interested to read that the newer Z6iii has all the other focus improvements you describe….
You’re right Janes that the user settings address this situation, but there are too many steps to take. On the Z6 III you can have multiple AF modes at your fingertips, which is super fast and intuitive.
Josiah
September 28, 2024 9:47 am
I was looking forward to this preview, Libor! I bought the Z6iii back in august when it was briefly in stock on Nikonusa. very impressed with it so far coming from the original z6. I really appreciate the modern interface it has of the touch screen scrolling instead of jumping page by page and vertical rotation of shooting information and playback, it makes it feel like a modern device not my car touchscreen ; ). The auto focus is better by a lot however when shooting portraits it front focuses some times when I know the z6 would have nailed it. But it’s great otherwise and for action it’s definitely in a different league.
The Z6 III really is a completely different camera to its predecessor. On the surface it looks very similar, but inside it has matured and is better in almost every way. For those who don’t need 46 Megapixels, the Z6 III is a camera worthy of serious consideration.
GaryTheBadger
September 28, 2024 9:34 am
in this sentence, I think you meant to say Z6 II: “To conclude on an optimistic note, it is still a dramatic improvement over the Nikon Z6 III.”
Yeah, the 493 number appears to be a typo on a variety of different sites, sorry that we quoted the wrong figure. (In the charts, I’ve kept it at 273, since that’s the number of user-selectable points.)
nofearmfd
September 28, 2024 9:23 am
I would like to have seen higher MP. I do shoot frequently in DX crop mode and effective 10 MP is a little on the low side. I was hoping to go totally mirrorless but I’m going to keep my D500s for now.
I spent £1,800 on a D500 and a Z5. What would I get for the extra £700?
But I think your point is the correct one to make.
You and me (and Jason) are getting 21mp at 750mm (efl) with (in my case) £2,200 of 500/f5.6 PF. Nothing in Z mount comes near that. I can add a 70-200/f2.8E for £1,300.
I could get a Z6iii and used 100-400 for £4,300. But for the same amount I’d prefer a D500, 70-200/f2.8 and 500 PF with the 105-750 range it gives. And even a D500 is easier on the batteries.
This is the exact discussion I have with myself, as I also have a D500 and Z5 with a 500 PF, although I have a 300 PF rather than the 70-200. I keep wondering if Nikon has a true replacement for the D500 in the works.
Agree, I’m using Canon APS-C DSLR, mostly for nature/wildlife, and postponing my move to Nikon Z until they have a true mirrorless D500 type successor. Z8/9 is too big/heavy for my taste (and expensive …). The Z6iii would come close with 24 MP APS-C sensor instead of FF, so you get more reach out of the same lenses. Not sure if the Z6iii compromises in AF and rolling shutter would be acceptable for my photography though.
For wildlife the 24 MP FF sensor means that for the same reach as a Z8/9 one has to buy and carry lenses that are bigger/heavier and more expensive, which cancels any weight/price advantage of Z6iii.
Hoping that there is a Z70/90 soon … plus a Z 300mm PF or something similar to make a compact/light nature/wildlife combo ;)
You are definitely not the only one waiting for a D500 replacement in the Z series. If one ever arrives, I will get one. It could be a long wait I believe. I remember how long it took Nikon to release the D500. I had abandoned DX as an option. In the meantime I am happy to drop into DX on my Z9 for extra reach sometimes. The IQ remains high and it can help subject recognition focus if it makes the subject larger in the frame. I strongly suspect that I am almost certain to find that the Z6iii will remain Nikon’s best and only real offering as a lighter body for birding and wildlife.
That’s true, Jeff, and I practice that as well, but I can understand that many photographers prefer to see the scene in the viewfinder exactly as it will appear in the final shot. Another advantage is that the animal in the viewfinder appears larger when switched to APS-C mode.
Yes I understand that in theory that is logical, BUT, in the field sometimes the subject is not quite big enough for autofocus. That is the situation when DX mode is worth doing on the spot rather than waiting. Here is the situation, rare bird, small size, plus you cannot move closer for fear of disturbing the bird and there are physical obstacles in the way. For positive identification purposes the eyebrow line colour and length are a key identification feature you want to be 100% sure of. (Yes, This actually happened!)DX mode locked on significantly better and meant we could record and submit the photos with confidence.
I share your concern, Martin. Although I’m sure future Nikon APS-C cameras will have just as great AF as their full-frame counterparts. However, Nikon seems to have decided that the DX line will be small, lightweight and relatively inexpensive. The successor to the D500 doesn’t really fit into this concept.
I’m a little worried that Nikon has embarked on a path of evolutionary divergence between full-frame and APS-C. The problem is that a Z equivalent of the D500 would be quite expensive, and Nikon is probably worried about whether an APS-C camera priced similarly to the Z6 III would sell well. The situation is different with Fuji, where they have a wide range of professional lenses designed primarily for APS-C. Nikon doesn’t have that anymore. A possible future Z70/90 would probably be a camera that would appeal mainly to wildlife photographers. Although this genre of photography is on the rise, I’m afraid it’s still too small a niche.
Agree that the future for high performance Z APS-C doesn’t look promising. The longer Nikon waits with Z70/90, the more people buy Z FF or Canon/Fuji APS-C competitor instead, making such Z70/90 even more ‘niche’. I could accept a lighter/smaller Z8 as a compromise but that doesn’t look likely in the near future either. Nikon has easily the most attractive nature/wildlife lens range for me at the moment, so I hope they will deliver something attractive for this ‘niche’.
Then the Z8 is worth considering. After cropping to DX we get very close to the D500. Personally, though, I’m also keeping the D500 as a second body. That’s one of the reasons I use the Nikon 500mm f4 E lens.
To me the key feature in addition to the faster frame rates is the very good implementation of the electronic shutter allowing silent photography. As of now I was not forced to use the mechanical shutter at all for wildlife. This together with the video modes puts the camera into a new league together with the Z8/9. I am shooting both cameras side by side and to me the difference in AF performance is not significant. I prefer the Z9 for longer Video due to its dual CF Express Cards and better battery performance – but in low light early in the mornings I am impressed what the Z6 III ca deliver at high ISO.
I am not surprised that the Z6iii sometimes loses focus on the eye. I believe that this is part of the algorithm Nikon uses. Earlier firmware versions of Z9 software did the same thing*. A couple of shots in the algorithm seemed to double check for a couple of frames then go back to eye focus. I noticed it more on my F-mount lenses with narrower depth of field shots. I wonder if refining that part of the focus/subject recognition software isn’t lurking in some part of the code.
If the depth of field is shallow and it is a bird on branch or a rock staying fairly still that’s not a bad thing sometimes. For birds in flight or action/sports where consistent focus lock counts it is a serious limitation.
* In some rarer situations now the Z9, even with native Z lenses, can still miss focus for a frame or two during a burst. It is much more infrequent now but no auto-subject-focus system it seems is likely to be 100% accurate.
Of course, the Z9 is not infallible either. I still know what out of focus images look like. However, in addition to the camera, it’s always the person operating it, and I’m convinced that a lot of poorly focused photos go my way. I definitely have to confirm that the Z9’s AF capabilities have moved in a noticeably better direction since the first firmware.
As for F-mount lenses, I’ve seen the biggest problems with lenses like the 200-400mm f/4 or to a lesser extent the 400mm f/2.8 G, which have older motors. The camera seemed to be constantly trying to achieve precise sharpness, but it was somewhere between the two motor positions. The resulting twitching back and forth then resulted in unsharp photos. With the new F-mount lenses I observe this phenomenon significantly less or not at all.
I am surprised somehow that they chose the Z6iii to introduce their best viewfinder yet, but I guess it shows how important a camera it is for Nikon. I have been very disappointed with the AF on my Z6ii and moving subjects.. (puffins in flight, for example)
I wonder when they will release a Z8/9 with this 5.7mp viewfinder? It puts them in the predicament that potential buyers will want it (and now..) but Nikon probably won’t want to release a mk2 without additional changes and I guess that won’t be for a while.
Honestly, the viewfinder on the Z6iii is great, but even in a head-to-head comparison I didn’t find the one on the Z9 much worse. In fact, I had to hold both cameras at the same time and look for differences. Which is definitely great for the Z6iii! The premium experience of looking through the viewfinder used to be reserved for flagship cameras. If we can now have a cinematic experience with a body like the Z6iii, it’s good news for consumers.
And I definitely agree with you Kevin that birds like Puffin are too fast for the AF capabilities of the Nikon Z6/7II. The third generation will be able to track these missiles with more confidence.
Thanks for the Nikon Z6III review. I really like your analysis done directly where it matters: in the real world. Hug from Brazil Libor.
Hi Rogério, thank you very much and greetings to Brazil.
There are lovely images here with the 100-400 but where were they taken? Judging by the focal lengths you were pretty close. Were you at the zoo?
Just wondering about the real price/practicality of the Z6iii when in a less controlled environment. Would you use a 1.4 and 2.0 TC to be closer to a D500 and (say) 300 and 500 PF?
You’re right, Robert. When I have a camera available only for a short time, I usually take it to my “test lab” at Prague Zoo. I also find it easier to compare differences between cameras and lenses on “standard” animals.
As for teleconverters, I have the TC1.4x and use it when needed. Especially with the 300mm f/4 PF, it makes for a great compact combo with the D500. With the 500mm f/5.6 PF lens, I would use it only occasionally, particularly with the D500. The TC2x is well-suited for fast exotics, but otherwise, I’d prefer to get closer to the subject (I know, easier said than done).
Thanks for the thoughtful review! A minor point: you mentioned an inability to tie the U1-U3 pre-sets to individual focus modes with the older Z6ii; however, I have done that with my Z6ii right along, applying to each pre-set any of the focus options available in the full menu list or the i-menu. (I bought my Z6ii only about 18 months ago, so perhaps that flexibility arrived with a firmware update more recently.) Anyway, I am interested to read that the newer Z6iii has all the other focus improvements you describe….
I don’t think that Libor was talking about U1-U3, but rather assigning his preferred focusing options to some of the camera’s custom function buttons.
You’re right Janes that the user settings address this situation, but there are too many steps to take. On the Z6 III you can have multiple AF modes at your fingertips, which is super fast and intuitive.
I was looking forward to this preview, Libor! I bought the Z6iii back in august when it was briefly in stock on Nikonusa. very impressed with it so far coming from the original z6. I really appreciate the modern interface it has of the touch screen scrolling instead of jumping page by page and vertical rotation of shooting information and playback, it makes it feel like a modern device not my car touchscreen ; ). The auto focus is better by a lot however when shooting portraits it front focuses some times when I know the z6 would have nailed it. But it’s great otherwise and for action it’s definitely in a different league.
The Z6 III really is a completely different camera to its predecessor. On the surface it looks very similar, but inside it has matured and is better in almost every way. For those who don’t need 46 Megapixels, the Z6 III is a camera worthy of serious consideration.
in this sentence, I think you meant to say Z6 II: “To conclude on an optimistic note, it is still a dramatic improvement over the Nikon Z6 III.”
Fixed!
Per the Nikon specs for the Z6 iii, max focus points is 299.
Yeah, the 493 number appears to be a typo on a variety of different sites, sorry that we quoted the wrong figure. (In the charts, I’ve kept it at 273, since that’s the number of user-selectable points.)
I would like to have seen higher MP. I do shoot frequently in DX crop mode and effective 10 MP is a little on the low side. I was hoping to go totally mirrorless but I’m going to keep my D500s for now.
Agreed.
I spent £1,800 on a D500 and a Z5. What would I get for the extra £700?
But I think your point is the correct one to make.
You and me (and Jason) are getting 21mp at 750mm (efl) with (in my case) £2,200 of 500/f5.6 PF. Nothing in Z mount comes near that. I can add a 70-200/f2.8E for £1,300.
I could get a Z6iii and used 100-400 for £4,300. But for the same amount I’d prefer a D500, 70-200/f2.8 and 500 PF with the 105-750 range it gives. And even a D500 is easier on the batteries.
This is the exact discussion I have with myself, as I also have a D500 and Z5 with a 500 PF, although I have a 300 PF rather than the 70-200. I keep wondering if Nikon has a true replacement for the D500 in the works.
Agree, I’m using Canon APS-C DSLR, mostly for nature/wildlife, and postponing my move to Nikon Z until they have a true mirrorless D500 type successor. Z8/9 is too big/heavy for my taste (and expensive …). The Z6iii would come close with 24 MP APS-C sensor instead of FF, so you get more reach out of the same lenses. Not sure if the Z6iii compromises in AF and rolling shutter would be acceptable for my photography though.
For wildlife the 24 MP FF sensor means that for the same reach as a Z8/9 one has to buy and carry lenses that are bigger/heavier and more expensive, which cancels any weight/price advantage of Z6iii.
Hoping that there is a Z70/90 soon … plus a Z 300mm PF or something similar to make a compact/light nature/wildlife combo ;)
You are definitely not the only one waiting for a D500 replacement in the Z series. If one ever arrives, I will get one. It could be a long wait I believe. I remember how long it took Nikon to release the D500. I had abandoned DX as an option. In the meantime I am happy to drop into DX on my Z9 for extra reach sometimes. The IQ remains high and it can help subject recognition focus if it makes the subject larger in the frame.
I strongly suspect that I am almost certain to find that the Z6iii will remain Nikon’s best and only real offering as a lighter body for birding and wildlife.
“In the meantime I am happy to drop into DX on my Z9 for extra reach sometimes.”
Why bother. Just crop what you need in post, which is more discriminating than using DX. Plus it might save you the end of a wing.
That’s true, Jeff, and I practice that as well, but I can understand that many photographers prefer to see the scene in the viewfinder exactly as it will appear in the final shot. Another advantage is that the animal in the viewfinder appears larger when switched to APS-C mode.
Yes I understand that in theory that is logical, BUT, in the field sometimes the subject is not quite big enough for autofocus. That is the situation when DX mode is worth doing on the spot rather than waiting.
Here is the situation, rare bird, small size, plus you cannot move closer for fear of disturbing the bird and there are physical obstacles in the way. For positive identification purposes the eyebrow line colour and length are a key identification feature you want to be 100% sure of. (Yes, This actually happened!)DX mode locked on significantly better and meant we could record and submit the photos with confidence.
I share your concern, Martin. Although I’m sure future Nikon APS-C cameras will have just as great AF as their full-frame counterparts. However, Nikon seems to have decided that the DX line will be small, lightweight and relatively inexpensive. The successor to the D500 doesn’t really fit into this concept.
I’m a little worried that Nikon has embarked on a path of evolutionary divergence between full-frame and APS-C. The problem is that a Z equivalent of the D500 would be quite expensive, and Nikon is probably worried about whether an APS-C camera priced similarly to the Z6 III would sell well. The situation is different with Fuji, where they have a wide range of professional lenses designed primarily for APS-C. Nikon doesn’t have that anymore. A possible future Z70/90 would probably be a camera that would appeal mainly to wildlife photographers. Although this genre of photography is on the rise, I’m afraid it’s still too small a niche.
Agree that the future for high performance Z APS-C doesn’t look promising. The longer Nikon waits with Z70/90, the more people buy Z FF or Canon/Fuji APS-C competitor instead, making such Z70/90 even more ‘niche’.
I could accept a lighter/smaller Z8 as a compromise but that doesn’t look likely in the near future either. Nikon has easily the most attractive nature/wildlife lens range for me at the moment, so I hope they will deliver something attractive for this ‘niche’.
Then the Z8 is worth considering. After cropping to DX we get very close to the D500. Personally, though, I’m also keeping the D500 as a second body. That’s one of the reasons I use the Nikon 500mm f4 E lens.