We get a lot of questions about what is a good camera for those getting into the Nikon line? Or what about a backup to a Z8? I was very intrigued when Nikon introduced the Z6III. I’ve owned every version of the Z6…but I wanted something with more speed and a better grip for me (big hands). The Z6III had all this and more, so I picked up one and have been shooting it for over a month, from subzero aurora in Finland to salty hot conditions in Baja. This is a very capable camera.
Here are some specs that stand out. First, the new and improved higher resolution EVF (even more than a Z8/Z9). The EVF was sharper than my Z9, but I have to say the viewfinder experience in my Z8 and Z9 are so good I really wasn’t concerned about a higher resolution viewfinder. Nikon’s EVF is as close as I have seen to what I remember shooting a DSLR. For me it is not about the resolution as much as the beautiful, bright no blackout EVF on the Z9. So the Z6III has a great EVF.
Next is the shutter. The Z6III has both a mechanical and electronic shutter, which means you can choose the mechanical shutter (max 14FPS) if you are worried about rolling shutter. Or choose the electronic shutter and shoot at 20FPS in raw format. Probably the biggest thing I noticed here compared to my Z9 is there is no shutter shield, so you have to be more careful changing lenses and avoiding dust.
Autofocus is much faster than the earlier Z6II with many of the same subject tracking modes in the Z8/9. There is no dedicated bird subject detection. But as one would expect, autofocus wasn’t as fast as the top Z8/9 pro cameras in the Nikon line up.
The sensor is full frame 24.5MP, and produces beautiful low noise files. Unless you are planning on cropping a lot, 24MP is plenty of file for most photographers…I’ve seen 4×6′ prints from my first Z6 at the Nikon booth at trade shows, and the prints look incredible and tack sharp. Noise performance is excellent, definitely less noise than a larger 45MP full frame camera will produce. I was stunned at how clean my aurora images were shooting at ISO1600. With the smaller file size, and a fast CF Express card, the buffer never fills up….it just keeps on shooting, the best I’ve ever seen in a mirrorless camera. One online reviewer held the shutter down at 20FPS for minutes and the buffer never filled, the Z6III just kept shooting.
The ergonomics are improved. The Z6III is larger and more grooved at the grip than the earlier versions, something I really liked. One thing I did miss was the illuminated buttons (as on the Z9), but this camera is not a direct competitor with a Z9, and the price point reflects this. But the Z6III does have starlight view for nighttime shooting, much appreciated! Retail $2500, but you can find it on sale for around $2200. More than a thousand dollars cheaper than a Z8…
The LCD can articulate to almost any position both vertical and horizontal. And the video specs are class leading…this camera will be very popular with wedding photographers and vloggers. Battery is the EL-EL15c, and as with the Z8 expect to use a few batteries during heavy shooting so bring a few spares. The camera used both SD and CF Express cards.
What is the final verdict on the Z6III? The Z6III is a powerful mid range camera loaded with great features, class leading video specs, and a high resolution EVF all in a lightweight camera. At $2500 this is a good deal and great camera for many photographers. If you strictly shoot fast action wildlife and sports, then you may want the fastest autofocus Nikon has in the Z8 and Z9. But for many photographers the Z6III hits the sweet spot with price and performance.