Nikon Z6III comes with a partially stacked full-frame sensor

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Nikon has expanded its Z series with the Z6III model, a full-frame hybrid camera. The compact Z6III combines the features of the two top models Z8 and Z9. The camera sensor offers the same resolution as the previous model (24.5 megapixels), but now offers internal video recording up to 6K/60p (N-RAW). Its compact dimensions (139 × 102 × 74 mm, 760 g) and sealed housing make it particularly suitable for photographers and videographers who prefer small, robust equipment.

Innovative Sensors

The Z6III is equipped with a partially stacked full-frame CMOS sensor designed specifically for this model. Nikon could not give us any details about the technology; a diagram shows the stacked areas on the top and bottom edges of the image sensor. Stacked sensors offer the advantage that they can be read out particularly fast due to shorter signal paths. The sensor is said to offer the best noise behavior and the highest ISO performance of all current Nikon cameras.

The sensor should also offer high image quality, a large dynamic range and very good color fidelity. It is supported by the EXPEED 7 processor, which is also used in the professional models Z8 and Z9. This combination enables fast autofocus calculations and electronic viewfinder refresh rates. Photographers can record up to 120 images per second without rotating shutter distortion.

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The camera offers 5-axis image stabilization, which compensates for up to eight aperture stops. Focus measurement area stabilization works exclusively in the area of ​​the active measurement area.

Videographers can deliver 6K (RAW) and 5.4K (YUV) footage straight from the camera or create detailed 4K UHD videos with 6K oversampling directly in the camera. Sound recording is possible via the internal microphone or externally via line-in. Here the camera provides functions for attenuation, transmission range and wind noise filter.

The brightest viewfinder in its class

The Z6III has the brightest electronic viewfinder in its class (4000 nits, 0.5 inch) and covers the wide DCI-P3 colour space. Photographers and videographers benefit from this as they get a good impression of the result when creating and recording images. The high resolution of 5.7 million pixels (UXGA) also contributes to this.

When it comes to subject recognition, the Nikon Z8 relies on technology. In addition to autofocus, it also works with manual focus, a feature that Nikon first presented with the Zf retro camera. Thanks to the sensor’s large ISO range and AF sensitivity of up to -10 EV, you can safely focus even in low light. In our test, the Z8 already showed how powerful the autofocus works in the dark.

The manufacturer uses a fully rotatable touchscreen with 2.1 million pixels as the display. Nikon says goodbye to the complicated folding mechanism, like the one found on the Z8.

Storage is provided via two card slots, one of which accepts CFexpress Type B cards or XQD cards and the other accepts UHS-II SD cards.

The Z6III provides Type C USB port and HDMI Type A as external interfaces. The camera communicates wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Future support from Nikon Imaging Cloud

Nikon plans to support the Z6III with the Nikon Imaging Cloud service in the future. This enables firmware updates directly to the camera and storage of camera images in the cloud. The service also offers specific picture profiles. Other camera manufacturers such as Leica offer this through camera apps on smartphones. The exact start date of the service is not yet known.

Availability and prices

The Nikon Z6III should be available from the end of June 2024. The recommended retail price for the camera housing is 3,000 euros. Various kits with lenses are priced starting at 3,630 euros. The predecessor Z6II will remain on sale.

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