Nikon just announced the Z6 III, building upon the earlier Z6 II substantially. Some of the Z6 III’s features aren’t found anywhere else in Nikon’s lineup, like the partially stacked CMOS sensor. This article breaks down the top 5 things you need to know about the Z6 III that aren’t obvious from the specs alone.
1. More About the Partially Stacked Sensor
The biggest elephant in the room is the “partially stacked” CMOS sensor found on the Nikon Z6 III. As a refresher, the only two Nikon Z cameras with a stacked sensor so far are the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9. Stacked sensors allow for faster readout speeds, which is why the Z8 and Z9 are able to eschew the mechanical shutter and rely on their electronic shutters alone. In theory, there can be a small noise and dynamic range penalty to stacked sensors, but the Z8 and Z9 don’t have meaningfully worse image quality than their non-stacked counterparts like the Z7 / Z7 II.
The electronic shutters on the Nikon Z8 and Z9 are so useful because their readout speed is fast – about 1/270th to 1/280th of a second (roughly 3.6 milliseconds). This negates almost all of the potential drawbacks of electronic shutters, such as rolling shutter effects with fast-moving subjects. It wouldn’t be possible without a fast sensor design like a stacked sensor.
The Nikon Z6 III’s partially stacked sensor has some of these benefits when using the electronic shutter, but not all. The flash sync speed with the electronic shutter is 1/60th of a second (it’s 1/200th second on the Z8 and Z9), which means that the readout speed of the Z6 III must be 16 milliseconds or faster. Most likely, to build in some cushion, the readout speed on the Z6 III is approximately 1/80th second or 12.5 milliseconds – I’ll update this with an exact figure once I have one.
This is much faster than the readout speed of previous Z6-series cameras. The Nikon Z6 II has approximately a 1/20th second readout speed (50 milliseconds), so the new partially stacked design represents a major improvement. The electronic shutter on the Z6 II would sometimes lead to significant rolling shutter with fast-moving action, while the Z6 III should rarely have that problem. This means that its 20 FPS electronic shutter mode is going to be genuinely useful and not a gimmick.
2. The Buffer Capacity
I’ll never know why Nikon sometimes hides buffer numbers from their official specs lists, especially for cameras like the Z6 III that has a whopper of a buffer. But Nikon does at least mention it elsewhere in their announcement of the Z6 III if you go looking.
The Nikon Z6 III has a “maximum buffer of 1000+ shots” in 20 FPS continuous high mode, including when shooting RAW. If you have a fast card (the Z6 III supports CFExpress Type B and UHS-II SD), you should have no issue photographing fast-moving action with this camera.
3. Slightly Better Pre-Release Capture
As anticipated, the Nikon Z6 III has a pre-release burst mode, where the camera can buffer images up to 1 second before you fully depress the shutter button. A similar feature is found in the Nikon Zf, Z8, and Z9.
Like those three cameras, the pre-release mode on the Nikon Z6 III is JPEG-only, which is a little disappointing; the competing Canon EOS R6 II can shoot RAW pre-burst. However, the Nikon Z6 III’s implementation of pre-release does feature an advantage over Nikon’s previous implementation. Namely, the Nikon Z6 III can reach 60 FPS at full resolution!
By comparison, the Nikon Zf’s pre-release burst maxes out at 30 FPS. The Nikon Z8 and Z9 can both shoot 60 FPS in pre-release mode, but only with 19 megapixel JPEGs from the DX area of the frame. While this can be useful for getting more reach, it harms the image quality and noise performance. With the Z6 III able to capture full-resolution 60 FPS images in this mode, it’s arguably the most useful Nikon camera yet if you find pre-release important to your work.
4. The Promising New Electronic Viewfinder
The existing implementation of Nikon’s electronic viewfinder has always impressed me – it doesn’t have the sort of flickering or delay that gives me a headache, which is more than I could say about a lot of mirrorless cameras out there. Even so, Nikon has been using the same 3.69 million dot EVF since the original Z6 and Z7, including in their Zf / Z8 / Z9 cameras. I didn’t expect that the Nikon Z6 III would be the camera to change that, but I’m pretty excited that it is.
The new EVF has a 5.76 million dot display, but that’s not the biggest improvement. Something that won’t show up in every spec sheet (though Nikon hasn’t shied away from advertising it) is that the Z6 III’s viewfinder can reach a higher brightness than any other full-frame mirrorless camera today, reaching 4000 nits (for comparison, the Z9 reaches 3000 nits). It also has an extended color gamut of DCI-P3, which is about the same size as Adobe RGB although a different shape.
Moreover, the new EVF has a refresh rate of 120 Hz! This matches the Nikon Z8 and Z9’s refresh rate; otherwise, all Nikon Z cameras so far have had a 60 FPS refresh rate. For quick panning and high-speed photography, it can be an improvement.
Viewfinder quality is one area that directly impacts the most important part of photography – composition – and the Z6 III looks like it will easily have Nikon’s best EVF yet.
5. Raw Video Beyond the Headlines
One of the headlining specifications of the Nikon Z6 III is that it can shoot 6K Raw video. And it can, but there’s more to it than that. The Z6 III can shoot Raw video in all of the following ways:
- 6K Raw at 60/50/30/25/24p
- 4032 x 2268 (4K) Raw at 60/50/30/25/24p
- 3984 x 2240 (4K) Raw at 120/60/50/30/25/24p
Everyone has been making the most noise about internal 6K/60p Raw – and for good reason – but this camera can also shoot 4K Raw video at 120 FPS! That could be just as useful, if not more so, for a lot of projects.
Nikon doesn’t state whether the 4K Raw video is cropped or not. On the Nikon Z8 and Z9, it is (about a 2.3x crop to reach the 4K area of the sensor). I’ll update this article when I learn for sure if the Z6 III’s 4K Raw functions the same way.
Conclusion
We’re still learning more about the Nikon Z6 III every minute, and I’ll update this article if any major features come to light that we didn’t know about! But it’s clear that Nikon went beyond just the specifications with the Z6 III – it has a lot of capabilities that may not be obvious at first glance, but will have significant impacts on real-world photography.
If you intend to pre-order the Nikon Z6 III, you can support Photography Life by doing so through our affiliates B&H or Adorama. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or thoughts about this new camera!
I can’t believe not one influencer or U tuber, just nobody is talking about the double price of the Z6III outside the USA now . Every body caring on as all good great camera but mist of these peele are in the USA and even the few influence outside USA are not mentioning the wild disparedy in price between America and what the rest of the world are suppose to pay for this Z6III is completely ignored . The USD is 40 % stronger than Euros , British pounds and Australians dollars . Z6IIII just costs too much in these countries outside the USA . Because Nikon is protecting their camera and gear values by using the USA and the USD as a bench mark and primary first priority market place . The USD dollars are like gold and keep value . If you live outside the USA you will massively over pay for the Z6III , Z8 , Z9 ect until your currencies just and go up and you are hoping NIKON just prices as curries change outside USA .
It will be difficult to fit in a Nikon Z7 III between the Z8 and Z6 III, price gap and features.
My guess is that this won’t happen. Both are great, allround cameras, multi tools. One could speculate.
What would you like to use?
1 low cost mid format, 100MP?
One could speculate about a cheap entrance mid format sensor But I don’t see any Z / S lenses cover that format, many Sigma ART (40, 28, 85) and the Tamron 15-30mm work quite well on Fuji bodies . And Nikon wants to sell their lenses as well.
To cut costs Nikon could get rid of:
– high res video capabilities
– view finder
– VR system, although pixel shift would be nice
2. sensor from the Sony AR-V 61 MP
– less film capabilities
– high res viewfinder
– pixel shift
3. Nikon Z7 III 45 M H@ full spectrum body, (with clip filter set, UVIR block , 720, UV, Light Pollution) .
a. IBIS also astro trac like Pentax has, one doesn’t need a tracker save weight in the back pack. 50mm –> 1 minute exposure.
b. Also nice feature for motion time lapse/film .
a+b This can be done in firm ware, if pixel shift is feaseable both certainly feasible.
4. Nikon Z7 III 45 M B&W pixel full spectrum body, (with UVIR block filter set) other filter accesoiry could be third party cooperation
Does anyone have the camera now? Let us know what you have experienced so far. Does it overheat? How do you feel about the autofocus in various scenarios (e.g. bird tracking, sticking on a moving subject, sticking on a subject surrounded by moving persons or objects)? What makes this camera (so far) more enjoyable or more functional to use? Any surprises (e.g. features you were unaware of or “gotchas” that you were unaware of)?
The only “negative” surprise is the missing charger. So you need to charge the battery inside the camera if you do not have an external charger. Beyond that I could ne detect any flaws up to now. Video is great !
It is just beyond me that the Z6III/Z8/Z9 do not record video to both slots… OK, maybe not 8K, but at least 4K/50fps… What are they thinking??? For weddings it’s a must, shame, shame, shame…
And what’s with the back display not going fully forward/180 degrees?
And don’t get me started on the no charger included policy 🤧
And also, why no sensor dust protection? Can’t be THAT hard/expensive to implement.
I am a Nikon (photo)shooter since I went digital 18 years ago, currently using two d750s, and I might get two z6iii when the price drops and first firmware/hardware bugs get resolved (there will certainly be some), but i just might wait for z8ii with global shutter…
The Z9 records video to both slots as it feature double CF-Express Cards. I typically split my two slots – one for video and one for photos to organize my content better. Just checked my Z6 III it can also record to both slots. Of course you need to check on the cards and the needed speeds depending on the video formats. The Z9 comes with a charger – the Z6 III does not. I got a double EnEL 15C charger for 20 €. I do not like this policy either.
The Z9 has a sensor shield the Z6 III does not. However, I had no real problems with dust on my previous Z6. Nevertheless having a sensor shield is of course nice when you are in a difficult environment.
My first impression on the Z6 III is that it is great for video and really a wonderful upgrade to the Z6 in all aspects. I think that the VR for video is better than in the Z9 (and probably the Z8 that I do not own) and also the EVF. Noise is as expected better compared to the Z9 and this yields better low light performance / high speed performance IQ. The configuration of the camera and the setup is really very nice. So for hybrid shooters it’s a great compact camera.
I am using the electronic shutter during 99 % of the times so far and even though it is for sure slower than the Z9 it’s really great.
So to summarize my first impressions in practice are very positive. When I look at list prices it is fairly priced. I got my Z6 III as a trade in against my Z6 and the dealer added a bonus on top of street price of a used Z6.
AFAIK, nor the z9 nor the z6iii record video simultaneously to both slots (backup mode)…
Pictures – yes, but not video…
Simultaneously not (back up mode) – but in overflow mode. I never had the idea to do this (back up mode – and I am not using it for photos as well) since I would not use my precious card space for that and then miss the opportunity for capturing new footage in the field. I also lost not a single file/picture/video in all of these years. Of course some people might miss it others do not even realize that it’s missing. Probably the use of an external recorder might be an option if you need backup recording.
p.s. raw video is only recorded on the faster CF Express cards anyhow.
Great overview, Thanks, Excited for Nikon’s trajectory! Their latest models and excellent support (FW etc.) have overcome their rocky entrance into the milc market. I’ve used Nikon for decades, but after my experience with the Z6ii I bought an A7iv. Nikon now largely has the lenses and tech which lured me away but lack one element with the Z6iii… resolution. 24mp is just not enough for me. I’ve now upgraded to the A7R5, which aside from fps, is everything I wanted in a camera. This 61mp beast essentially gave me a mini MF, FF, and APSC rolled into one. I can jump into Crop Mode on the Sony essentially giving me a 1.5 tc, extending my reach, and retaining 26mp images. This has given all my lenses a 2nd focal range. Even the colors on this Sony are excellent. This is not meant to be a sales pitch, just my journey. I was excited when the ZF hit knowing it was probably a test bed for Z6/7iii tech… and was researching my next camera. My initial ZF thoughts included “24mp is not enough for me”. The A7iv had everything I needed but the LCD resolution was deplorable compared to my Z6ii and there are no 3rd party TC offerings. The A7RV was the solution for me. Gave my 50-400 a 600mm reach in Crop mode, a 9mp EVF, good LCD rez. I hadn’t even factored in how much the improved ibis and AF subject detection would improve my photography. The upgrade was less than a 200-600mm lens after selling the A7iv. I was hoping the Z6iii would have 30+mp but understand well why Nikon kept it lower, an amazing achievement for Nikon… hoping a Z7iii is on the near horizon.
There’s not a lot for me to say other than for people like myself who have a Z8 there really isn’t a compelling reason to get the Z6 III. The big improvements are mostly in video and as someone who still has the original Z6 I can’t exactly convince myself to shell out $2500 for this new camera other than say wanting a second card slot with improved AF and EVF. On the other hand I can see myself theoretically getting the Zf only because I have to admit I like the retro design.
The Z6 III could make a good backup to the Z8, but it isn’t really an improvement over it except for the viewfinder.
The capabilities and design of the User Interface – namely the scope and details of Menu functionality – of modern cameras has become as important as hardware specifications. It is frustrating that one searches in vain for reliable information about these features, despite the deluge of rushed out media reports about newly launched cameras.
Instead, we have to wait for the Manuals to get this really important data : often weeks later.
Fortunately, or rather finally after many complaints about the Z6 and Z7 cameras, Nikon now allows AFMode+AFOn Custom options to be assigned on the Fn Buttons of the Z6 III (Steve Perry confirmed this). This custom feature has become essential to enable a Handover Autofocus setup on Mirrorless cameras (toggling AF modes).
It’s been available since 2016 in the D5 and D500, and D850 (2017) and obviously D6, Z9 and Z9…. And this customization ability has become standardized. Ironically, Nikon allows the AFMode+AFOn Custom option in the Zf, but the Nikon Nanny has still not released fixes for the Z6 nor Z7 !?
Apparently the ability to assign Spot-Metering as a custom feature has been returned to the Z6 III, which Nikon idiocy removed from the D6 and the latest Z Pro cameras
This camera is a big challenge to the new Panasonic GH7. Small price difference. Very similar internal video recording ability. Full frame vs. 4/3rds. Unless you need built in anamorphic support or have a number of 4/3rd lenses, it is hard to see the value of buying the GH7 over this model.
The lack of support for squeezing and then desqueezing in camera footage shot with an anamorphic lens and the lack of external ssd recording makes this camera less capable for video than the Panasonic S5 IIx. And the S5 IIx is cheaper.
Don’t see where these is an improvement in naked image quality over my Z5. However, there are factors that also contribute mightily to your photos (such as spot on focus, much much better viewfinder, faster burst rates, much better (on paper) low light sensitivity, a much better buffer (at least when using the CF Express Type B card) that the new Z6 offers over the Z5.
Ergonomically, the new Z6 iii offers very little in improvements over the Z5 (other than the viewfinder) unless you like “flippy” screens (which I do).
I have cameras that serve fine for things like shooting videos of family outings or creating Youtube type footage (sony ev-1 for youtube; Z5 for family outings). But I want to explore video for documentaries and short movies. Having a camera that really supports anamorphic lenses so that I can get the wide angle view without losing resolution by cropping would add significant functionality that I don’t currently have in any equipment I own.
Let’s see. KEH will give me $360 for a near mint condition Z5 with less than 2000 on the shutter count. Are these improvements worth $2,000? If I sold the camera body myself, how much should I expect to receive?
Alternative use #1: buy the Nikon 180-600mm lens. I really like the reach that my Canon RF 600 f/11 gives me on the R8. The Nikon should give me the 600 with a significantly larger maximum aperture and give me the additional 180-599 focal range.
Alternative use #2: buy the S5 IIX with the 20-60mm kits lens plus their full frame w50mm 1.8 lens for about $2,350 and save to buy a very good anamorphic lens for full frame camera down the road.
I have a resource in my homeland where people buy and sell different things. The Z5 with a mileage of 3,500 frames sells for $ 950. The new Z5 can be bought for $1,120.
Is it possible with the Nikon Z6 III to save the release mode to user settings (U1, U2 or U3)? This has been probably my biggest dislike with the Nikon Z6.
I don’t know yet. It’s one of my frustrations with the earlier versions, too! I’d guess that they still haven’t fixed it but hopefully will eat my words.
Is the Z6III superior to Nikon Zf?
On balance, yes, although they share the majority of their specifications. You can read our comparison between them: photographylife.com/compa…kon-z6-iii