New full-frame hybrid camera: Z 6III presented by Nikon
The Z 6III combines a powerful Expeed 7 processor with the world's first partially stacked full-frame CMOS sensor.
(Image: Nikon)
- Thomas Hoffmann
Nikon is expanding its Z series with the Z 6III model, a full-frame hybrid camera. The compact Z 6III combines features of the two top models Z 8 and Z 9. The camera sensor delivers the same resolution as its predecessor (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 sensor
(Image: Nikon)
The Z 6III is equipped with a partially stacked full-frame CMOS sensor, which was specially developed for this model. Nikon was unable to give us any details about the technology, but a diagram showed the stacked areas at the top and bottom edges of the image sensor. Stacked sensors offer the advantage that they can be read out particularly quickly thanks to short signal paths. In addition, the sensor is said to offer the best noise behavior and the highest high-ISO performance of all current Nikon cameras.
The sensor is also said to deliver high image quality, a wide dynamic range and very good color fidelity. It is supported by the EXPEED 7 processor, which is also used in the professional Z 8 and Z 9 models. This combination enables fast autofocus calculations and refresh rates of the electronic viewfinder. Photographers can therefore take up to 120 pictures per second without rolling shutter distortion.
The camera offers 5-axis image stabilization, which is designed to compensate for up to eight f-stops. Focus point stabilization works specifically in the area of the active focus point.
Videographers can deliver 6K (Raw) and 5.4K (YUV) material directly from the camera, or create detailed 4K UHD videos with 6K oversampling directly in the camera. Audio recordings are possible via an internal microphone or externally via line-in. The camera offers functions for attenuation, transmission range and a wind noise filter.
Brightest viewfinder in its class
(Image: Nikon)
The Z 6III has the brightest electronic viewfinder (4000 nits, 0.5 inch) in its class and covers the large DCI-P3 color space. This benefits photographers and videographers, who can get a good impression of the result while composing and shooting. The high resolution of 5.7 million pixels (UXGA) also contributes to this.
Nikon relies on the technology of the Z 8 for scene recognition. In addition to autofocus, this also works with manual focus, a feature that Nikon first presented with the Z f retro camera. Thanks to the wide ISO range of the sensor and the AF sensitivity of up to -10 EV, you can still focus reliably even in low light. In our test, the Z 8 already showed how efficiently the autofocus works in the dark.
(Image: Nikon)
The manufacturer has opted for a fully tilting touchscreen with 2.1 million pixels. Nikon has abandoned the complex folding mechanism found on the Z 8, for example.
Storage is via two card slots, one of which accepts CFexpress type B cards or XQD cards and the other UHS-II SD cards.
The Z 6III offers a 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 Z 6III with the Nikon Imaging Cloud service in the future. This enables firmware updates directly to the camera and the storage of images from the camera in the cloud. The service also offers exclusive image profiles. Other camera manufacturers such as Leica offer this via the camera apps on the smartphone. The exact launch date of the service is not yet known.
Availability and prices
The Nikon Z 6III will be available from the end of June 2024. The recommended retail price for the camera body is 3,000 euros. Various kits with lenses are available from 3,630 euros. The predecessor Z 6II will remain on sale.
(tho)
