The Nikon Z6 Mark III camera has finally been announced! The camera features a newly developed 24-megapixel sensor with a readout speed of 10 milliseconds or less while recording 6K video footage, and approximately 6 milliseconds when shooting 4K videos up to 120 frames per second. Technically, such a fast readout speed is usually not possible in any camera of this price range, but that’s what you get with the Nikon Z6 Mark III.
Having a stacked CMOS sensor in a full-frame camera is not very useful if you have a slower continuous shooting speed. Here, they have used the latest Expeed 7 image processor paired with the stacked CMOS sensor. The overall readout speed is very fast and unbelievable for this price range. You are getting full-frame JPG images up to 60 frames per second with the help of the electronic shutter in the Nikon Z6 Mark III camera, and due to the faster readout speed of the sensor, you will notice less rolling shutter effect in your images. It is a class-leading wildlife photography camera available within this budget.
If you want to push further, the camera can shoot up to 120 frames per second in DX crop mode. At the same time, the readout speed of the sensor decreases more, resulting in a completely rolling shutter-free action in your images. If you want to capture RAW, the camera can shoot up to 20 frames per second and can save both RAW and JPEG without any issue.
Having all these features, if your camera lacks in the sensor-shift stabilization area, then what’s the use of having a stacked sensor and faster continuous shooting speed? Fortunately, the Nikon Z6 Mark III camera uses the same sensor-shift image stabilization technology that we have seen in the Nikon ZF camera. The camera offers a complete 8 stops of sensor-shift image stabilization, and the IBIS is linked to the autofocus points of the sensor.
As you can see, it’s a perfect professional camera for photographers. You will not find any area where the camera has inferior specs.
The autofocus sensitivity of the camera is very similar to the ZF, which is a very good thing. You can use f/2.8 lenses, and the AF sensitivity works up to -10 EV, which is technically not possible with any other camera in its class and price range.
That said, it’s a perfect photography tool for any professional photographer under a reasonable price tag.
Let’s explore the videographic features of the camera. Finally, in the Nikon Z6 series, we are getting RAW and ProRes RAW video recording support. The camera can capture 6K videos up to 60 frames per second, and starting from 6K videos, all these frames and resolutions can be recorded in CF Express Type B cards in both RAW and ProRes format in 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording.
There is also a full-size HDMI port to get a neat and clean external recording option for professional cinematographers.
Additionally, you can capture 4K videos up to 120 frames per second, but in DX crop mode. With the help of the stacked sensor and Expeed 7 image processor, the camera can record 4K 60 FPS video oversampled from a 6K sensor, and there is no crop you have to face while recording. This is quite interesting since cameras like the Panasonic S5 IIX do have a 4K 60fps crop. Despite having no internal fan, the camera can shoot 4K 60 FPS videos uninterruptedly for up to 125 minutes under 25 degrees Celsius.
Overall, the video core specifications of the camera outperform other cameras in its price range.
Overall, it is one of the best Nikon cameras ever made in the $2000 price range, highly recommended for photographers as well as cinematographers.
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Nikon Z6 Mark III Camera Press Release
Impressively versatile, capable and powerful: the new Nikon Z6III outperforms expectations, setting the new benchmark for its class
World’s First Partially-Stacked CMOS Sensor1 Gives Photographers & Filmmakers Flagship-Level Performance; Nikon Also Announces Nikon Imaging Cloud Online Service & Curated Image Recipes
MELVILLE, NY (June 17, 2024) – Today Nikon announced the Z6III, a 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless camera that stands in a class of its own with an unmatched suite of powerful features that bring exceptional performance to both photographers and filmmakers. The Z6III is the world’s first camera with a partially-stacked CMOS sensor, delivering ultra-fast readout that unlocks blistering speeds and high frame rates in both photo and video modes. Other benefits include a truly immersive viewfinder experience with the brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera,1 and a wide range of pro-level features inherited from Nikon’s acclaimed Z8 and Z9 flagship cameras.
The combination of the Z6III’s unique new sensor design and EXPEED 7 image processing engine results in an approximately 3.5x increase to readout speed compared to the previous-generation Z6II. This unlocks enhanced performance across the board, enabling benefits such as 6K internal N-RAW and ProRes RAW video, Full HD video up to 240p, and rapid continuous shooting of stills up to 120 fps with Pre-Release Capture. However, the camera’s incredible performance goes far beyond just frame rates. The Z6III features an impressively fast AF system inherited from the Z8 and Z9, which includes highly advanced multi-subject detection with the speed and accuracy needed for maximum confidence.
“Offering a camera with this level of performance, reliability and an appealing price is a winning formula for all kinds of users who need a camera that will help them excel in every job or creative endeavor,” said Naoki Onozato, President and CEO, Nikon Inc. “The Z6III represents much more than simply a generational update–it’s a major leap forward that’s going to establish a whole new concept of what a mid-range camera should be capable of.”
Outperform with unmatched features
- World’s first partially-stacked sensor: The Z6III is the first mirrorless camera to adopt this new sensor architecture, which features multiple high-speed processing circuits stacked in layers above and below the imaging area of the sensor. The high-speed readout made possible by this new sensor in combination with the same EXPEED 7 processing engine as the Z8 and Z9 enables a range of powerful features.
- Upgraded autofocus: AF is fast and accurate, clocking in at a full 20% faster than the Z6II. In challenging light, the AF detection range has been extended to an incredible −10 EV2, superior even to the flagship level cameras. This enhanced sensitivity makes it easier to focus in dark situations like nighttime sports or an event reception.
- Advanced subject detection: The Z6III draws on the advanced subject-detection technology of the Z8 and Z9 to automatically detect nine subject types, including people, animals and various vehicles. Users can lock onto these subjects with advanced AF modes including 3D-tracking, Auto-area AF, Wide-area AF and Dynamic-area AF. Custom wide-area AF patterns allows for the detection and tracking of subjects within a custom designated area.
- Pre-Release Capture up to 120 fps: This powerful feature enables photographers to capture shots that might have otherwise been missed, such as the moment a bird takes flight, a lightning strike or the game-winning goal. A half-press of the shutter-release button starts buffering images3, and when the shutter is pressed all the way, the Z6III saves images taken up to one second prior.
- Internal 6K RAW video: The Z6III is capable of capturing 12-bit 6K/60p N-RAW and 6K/30p ProRes RAW, as well as 10-bit 5.4K ProRes 422 and H.265 video formats. The ability to capture super high-resolution video footage affords filmmakers the freedom to crop, trim, track and stabilize a 4K timeline in post with ultimate clarity. Furthermore, filmmakers can take advantage of the Z6III’s maximum video resolution of 6K to create oversampled 4K UHD/60p video footage4. The Z6III’s efficient heat-dissipating design allows continuous 4K UHD/60p recording for up to 125 min.5
- Brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera: At up to 4,000 cd/m2 (nits), the Z6III’s 5,760k-dot electronic viewfinder is the brightest ever in a mirrorless camera, delivering a clear, detailed view even in extremely bright outdoor situations while minimizing viewfinder blackout. In addition to its class-leading brightness and high resolution, the Z6III’s EVF is the first in a mirrorless camera to support a DCI-P3 equivalent color gamut1, which enables photographers and filmmakers to see a more lifelike display of colors.
- Dynamic Full HD/240p slow motion: The Z6III can capture dramatic slow-motion footage up to 10× with 10-bit Full HD/240p H.265 video recording.
- Amazing low-light ability: The Z6III’s wide native ISO range is from 100-64,000 (51,200 in video) and is expandable to 204,800 for ultra-low-light shooting. The Z6III’s EXPEED 7 image processing engine enables tailored noise reduction, effectively minimizing grainy noise in flat areas of the image while preserving fine details in subjects such as buildings. This results in sharper, clearer images in low-light environments.
- 8.0 stop Vibration Reduction6: Built-in 5-axis image stabilization delivers up to 8.0 stops of Vibration Reduction, empowering photographers and filmmakers to shoot handheld with confidence. Enjoy the creative freedom of slower shutter speeds, while keeping subjects sharp and using lower ISOs. Additionally, the Z6III features Focus Point VR7, which prioritizes stabilization on the active focus point.
- Vari-angle LCD screen: The 3.2” rear LCD touchscreen can be used as a front-facing screen for video production and self-recording, as well as framing at a low angle.
- High-resolution Pixel Shift mode: In Pixel-shift mode, the Z6III’s sensor is subtly shifted across 4, 8, 16, or 32 exposures, for increased color and detail with an incredibly high resolution of up to approx. 96MP.8
- Z8-level build quality: The Z6III is constructed from magnesium alloy and Sereebo® material for maximum durability and light weight. Weighing only 1.67 lbs. with a battery and memory card, the Z6III is sealed against dust and moisture to the same level as the Z8, and is rated for operation down to 14°F/−10°C, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of environments and conditions.
- Flexible Color Picture Controls: The Z6III supports the new Flexible Color Picture Control feature in NX Studio.9 Z6III owners can use the software’s powerful Color Blender and Color Grading features to create custom presets that can be uploaded to the camera as Custom Picture Controls.
New Nikon Imaging Cloud
Nikon Imaging Cloud10 will be a new complimentary cloud service that expands connectivity and creative options for Z6III owners.11 Users will be able to browse a suite of curated Imaging Recipes courtesy of Nikon and selected creators, which provide all the ingredients necessary to create amazing images: Suggested camera settings, inspiring insights plus Cloud Picture Control presets that Z6III owners can download straight to their camera. Furthermore, when the Z6III is connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud via Wi-Fi, still images captured with the camera can be automatically uploaded to a range of popular cloud storage services including NIKON IMAGE SPACE, making the storage and sharing of images even more convenient. In addition, Z6III owners will be able to use Nikon Imaging Cloud to keep their camera’s firmware up to date automatically over Wi-Fi, avoiding the need to manually download and install via a memory card.12
New MB-N14 Power Battery Pack
The MB-N14 (release scheduled for Summer 2024) is an optional power battery pack with an integrated shutter button for the Z6III, Z7II and Z6II. The MB-N14 can hold two EN-EL15c13 rechargeable Li-ion batteries, allowing users to record approximately 1.9× more stills and extend video shoots.14 In addition to offering the same dust and drip resistance as the Z6III, the MB-N14 can also be used in conditions as cold as −10°C/14°F, making it extremely useful when shooting for extended periods of time in harsh conditions. What’s more, the MB-N14 is a “hot swap” power battery pack that continues to supply power even when one of the two batteries is removed. A built-in USB connector enables batteries inserted in the MB-N14 to be charged even when the MB-N14 is not attached to the camera.15
Price and Availability
The new Nikon Z6III will be available in late June for a suggested retail price of $2,499.95* in the body-only configuration, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens for $3,099.95.* The MB-N14 power battery pack will be available this summer for a suggested retail price of $359.95
