Nikon Z6iii - The Story Behind The Photos (A Goldmine Of Field Techniques)

[@backcountrygallery]

Link Tree with newsletter signup so you know when the z6iii setup guide is published (and the rest of my stuff) backcountry-gallery.aweb.page/p/2f1f8f71-08ac-4942-8003-71e13f9c62d5 If you are going to purchase a Z6iii, please consider using my B&H affiliate link below. I do these reviews at my own expense and your support is greatly appreciated. :) bhpho.to/4em3qYd

[@mastro124]

Steve is the rare trifecta of artist, technician, and teacher. Throw in generous with advice, humble, and upbeat for good measure. There are many excellent photography you-tubers; he is one of the very best.

[@csc-photo]

This is like a mini-masterclass, thank you! It speaks volumes about the quality of these spectacular images - that people ask how you were able to get them all in within a few hours. Sure, you mention luck with animal activity BUT - this is primarily TALENT 👏🏻

[@bubby372]

Couldn't have said it any better.

[@hishamosman4341]

Agreed.

[@mysmallworld-y4g]

Agreed

[@TorToroPorco]

The image with the fish is incredible not only for its beauty but also for capturing behaviour.

[@donaldduck6020]

Wow, I never heard so many expert tips. Not only on camera technique but for getting the shot. Sop many thanks.

[@brucegraner5901]

I always enjoy hearing your stories behind the photos and the lessons you've learned or had affirmed from each of them. Much thanks.

[@juliette-mansour]

What a gift you are! Beautiful shots. The heavens aligned for you, Steve. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@hoangvu620]

At this point I do believe that all the viewers of your channel think of you as one of the greatest wildlife photographer out there. No matter what gear you use, you still keep delivering masterpieces after masterpieces. The content you allow us to view is much more than a technical camera review but about a branch of photography that require skill, knowledge, patience and the most important thing: an endless passion for the beauty of nature. Wish you all the best, sir.

[@backcountrygallery]

Wow, thank you!

[@COShea-iw6ii]

Agreed! 😊

[@TihoVo]

Beautiful shots and especially the last one is simply incredible! It was really valuable to hear the stories behind the photos and how you got them. Really enjoying watching your videos!

[@Marco_Wildlife]

I absolutely love this series of Videos

[@COShea-iw6ii]

Thanks very much for putting these videos up. I've been saving for the Z6ii, as the top camera I could afford. I'm definitely going to cool my jets and save toward the Z6iii. What a brilliant tool. 😃

[@ericrogers9521]

Steve - great video. I feel like I am on the journey with you as you describe your shoot. Excellent tips for birds.

[@carlmcneill1139]

Not only do you do a review on the z6 III, you also explain the situations of what was going on and how you got the shots while also giving tips oh how to capture photos like this. Thank you for this.

[@raymondjunkjr]

Thanks again for another stunning video that's absolutely RICH with great tips, details, and educational info. I learn so much in these.

[@Spiros_Pandis]

That image with the fish head poking out of the gullet is Wildlife Photographer of the Year winning material!!

[@pentagramyt417]

You can't be a award wining, with using even simpliest mask in your photo. There is a plenty of masks used to make this photo like that. So... Yeah, though amazing phots, but to your knowledge, photos on competitions have regulations, and the image have to be almost RAW. You have to show image in conditions it was made, and if you want to be photographer of the year, obviously you had to show, that what you shot, really was there as on the photo.

[@JulieEshbach]

I enjoy gear as much as any other photographer but these technique videos keep me glued to my seat. So much to learn here. Thanks for all the lessons!!

[@tanya12361]

Loved the nuggets of info Steve. Can you do a short video on how to pre-focus for birds in flight ?

[@juantolentino4963]

Great video as always Steve! The backlit female Anhinga was my favorite, once in a life time opportunity and you captured it perfectly.

[@NikCan66]

Another tour de force from the master.

[@KR2photo]

Another excellent, helpful, and useful set of tips and insights. Thanks Steve.

[@AEConradie]

Thanks Steve for sharing the story behind the shot. This video is extremely valuable in many aspects. I do appreciate your generosity in sharing.

[@sheltiemad]

Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@jayantaray2281]

Marvellous Steve !!! You are a great photographer and excellent teacher. Your tips are very useful for amateur photogs like us to improve our skills. Eagerly look forward to your Z6iii setup guide.

[@Skye_the_toller]

One of the most added value video! Really great one🙏🏻

[@philroberts166]

I had never heard of the Orlando Wetlands but after seeing this I drove down (not the best time of year to go). It is a great place. I got some of my best shots ever thanks to Steve's tips. Thanks Steve. Phil

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Amazing pictures and very good tips, thanks for sharing. The Z6 iii looks like a very good addition to the Nikon line.

[@ulfmoller8701]

Great shots! Nice of You to add some real world tips and tricks also! I´m waiting for my copy of the Z6iii to pair with my 180-600.

[@alphaandomega2709]

Get a rolan pro camo cover sleeve I have one on my Sony 200-600mm let’s get along Sony and Nikon shooters 😊

[@craiggeorge7124]

Great photos and some awesome field tips! I'm still shooting the D500.... but one day!

[@AlphaMesco]

Thank you Steve for the video, you should do more of this! Love to get your approach to the shots before you take them and how they worked out after! All your thinking and technique behind every shot! 💪

[@dmakiphoto]

One of your best and informative videos ! Really helpful. Thank-you

[@photoguy73]

Loved those photos. You are the man! As always, well presented and professionally done. Excellent.

[@birdswithbeau]

Outstanding video Mr Perry! I would love more field technique tips like these, thank you!

[@sheltiemad]

Love your videos! Really appreciate the way you share your insights, your strategies for getting the shot and things you are thinking about as you are framing up the image. I will often listen to each of your "how to" videos a few times to let it all sink in. Insightful and educational. Thank you.

[@brendajphotography]

Love the photos especially the spoonbills! Thanks for the tip to watch the other video for combining photos for multiple subjects. I run into that problem and it makes me crazy. So I will watch it. I am guessing it only works sometimes because all it takes in one little move.

[@michaelshepherd3963]

Thanks Steve! While I have no plans to buy a Z6iii in the near future (I'm currently a Z8 user), it was interesting to hear about the techniques and the capabilities of this new offering from Nikon, and the techniques carry over perfectly to the Z8/Z9. I appreciate you getting on this in the field and getting it up on your channel!

[@merkin22]

Thanks Steve! Some awesome shots, as always.

[@vzshadow1]

Thanks, very helpful.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

Really loved this episode Steve, your videos are always so helpful and inspiring. I have a Z6III on order to replace my old Z6 and complement my Z9. Thanks for sharing!

[@NickTheGreek-m3x]

I love these videos. Keep creating! Cheers, Nick!

[@BobG-eh5fc]

Technique with two birds on tree is brilliant!

[@stephenbolger5925]

Stunning shots 😍

[@travelsphotographywithmike6812]

Fantastic video and photos, Steve! Got me to considering the Z series finally. Still contemplating. LOL---love the Anhinga!! great work!!

[@jdjohnston1960]

Thought that was the Orlando Wetlands. I went there for the first time in February and had really good luck working off that same boardwalk. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@rotvonrat]

Beautiful pics Steve.

[@michaeljohannsen4872]

Super photos from an interesting pre-review. Thanks a lot!

[@garybrenner2801]

Some great techniques Steve! Thanks for sharing!

[@johnnyViDeO]

Great shots, aided by a great lens. I would really like to the same camera review with the 180-600 mm Z for comparison. Impressive camera, too.

[@StudioBerg1]

Love your videos!!!! Keep them coming!

[@stoufenatz3728]

So much good advice !!! Thanks a lot (from France) Steve !

[@jhoytva]

Great information in this video. Will certainly buy your Z6III setup guide when it comes out. Thank you Steve.

[@glennn.3464]

Great shots again Steve! Love the walk through of each shot. I would say though in all fairness to the Z8 and Z9, that if you hit that 80-ish frame buffer limit before the FPS start slowing, all you need to do is take your finger off the shutter for just a moment and then go right back to firing again and you’re good for another 80 frames give or take. I guess it’s a bit more convenient to not have to let up even for a split second but then again you have over 45MP to play with. I’ll be keeping my Z8 for quite a while but hopefully Nikon will give us a much larger buffer in the next versions of the Z8 and Z9.

[@backcountrygallery]

Very true - no arguments and I've done that before with the buffer. Although, I've also had times that just as I lifted my finger to give it a break I missed a shot. Most of the time it's manageable though.

[@kuchaja]

Love the tutorial, thank you.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Great tip about abandoning subject-detect AF if it doesn't work. My R5 has great eye AF except for one thing: frogs. I've shot several frog species and, every time, I had to switch to manual. I don't know what it is about frog eyes that the R5 struggles with; maybe it's that horizontal line.

[@chrisguli2865]

Hey Steve, thanks for this great Z6iii follow up video. I feel like I learned a lot from just this one video. All of the images are fantastic! Also I wanted to add that having a great camera by itself is nothing if you don't plan your shots to find the right angles and lighting for the perfect capture. Even with all of the AI and technology I think it's still 30% equipment and 70% photographer skill and experience.

[@lukes5533]

Best advice on KZbin, thanks Steve. Ps what a great camera too.👍

[@nealschneider6554]

You provide great advice, Steve. You always give excellent advice with enough detail for us to go out and try it ourselves. Thanks for all you do! I like your “mobile office”. What kind of camper do you have?

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks - it's a 23 foot airstream.

[@victorlim5077]

Wonderful photos, Steve.

[@nathanfrisby3133]

Great advice!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Excellent tips, Steve! Thank you.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

Very good. Maybe your best yet. Very conversational.

[@bubby372]

Steve, really great photos. The auto focus on the Z6iii appears to be a huge improvement over previous model. Can't wait for my Z6iii to ship.

[@backcountrygallery]

Vast improvement over the Z6ii. Very noticeable.

[@debramercaldo4945]

Looking forward to the book. Thanks Steve.

[@suzannegmirek1520]

Great info, as always, even when I apply it to Z8. Thanks so much! I've been using your technique of burst shooting and am amazed at how fast those birds change and how I get many better shots, both with positions and focus and even how the light hits the feathers. My question is how do you cull all these images? Do you have a video on that? (I couldn't find one). I have your Z8/Z9 book and your book on photographing birds...perhaps I have to peruse those again :-) Thanks again!

[@rayrozema5960]

Great instruction

[@Jviotr]

Oh darn.. this video really makes me want a Z6III with my 180-600. Still using a Z5, which is fine for larger animals, but really painful to shoot birds. Thank you for the advice!

[@chipsrafferty8362]

The wetlands are truly hot and cold and only you at this time of the year,depending when you were there,makes it hot. Stickmarsh for roseate spoonbills for nest building,try it next year

[@kjltube]

Great images and advice Steve. I'd love to see what you can do with this camera and the 180-600mm for those of us that can't quite afford the 600 pf.

[@backcountrygallery]

I'll see if I can get some time with that combo - I have a Z6iii in my hands right now :)

[@kjltube]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you Steve 🫡

[@aronlengyel]

@backcountrygallery Beautiful images and very informative video, as always. However, I would like to mention a minor annoyance: all shots presented in this video were shot with the 600mm F4, however at the beginning of the video you showed the Z6III with the 600PF F6.3. I find that a bit misleading, especially if someone is considering purchasing that camera+lens combination. It would have been nice seeing some (or the same) images taken with the 600PF. Or at least mention that the lens used for the images differs from the one that was shown at the outset.

[@jonathanmatters963]

More good tips from a few hours of shooting than most KZbinrs have on their whole channel.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@ghillieghost4345]

These images are amazing! Thank you for the photos and the tips! I do have a question, tho ..... you talked about the crop you made on the night heron, but how much cropping was done on the first picture of the spoonbill flying toward you? Thanks again!

[@briandurell]

Very useful and informative video, Steve. You have convinced me that the Z6iii is what I need for birds. I currently use a Z6 and Z50. A question about the juvenile heron in flight: You said that you cropped to about DX and that you used denoise in Lightroom. Would you consider using Topaz to denoise and upscale this sort of photo?

[@backcountrygallery]

Maybe not upscale - I usually don't do that unless I absolutely need to for some specific purpose. I think Topaz would have handled the noise reduction here just fine - the files are pretty easy :)

[@lukakoprivica]

Great photos! What about lenses? And, what about that "trowing field technique at us" that we should focus where the subject is?? Did you miss something?

[@Stop-All-War]

Man's knowledge 💯

[@bradanderson1065]

When blasting away at 20 fps, do you continue to hold the focus button on a still subject, or do you focus first and then hold the shutter button? I normally use back button focus and hold down the focus button while I'm firing away, but my Z5 jumps around a lot with focus.

[@davida6520]

Steve I would like your opinion on af-c front to back focusing of the z6iii against the Sony A7r5 & CRii. Regards

[@johnforbes4795]

Incredible shots! Question: How does your experience with the Z6iii compare with the D500 (a very nice Nikon DX camera)? In the one photo of the juvenile Night Heron, you mention cropping almost like the camera was in DX mode. Would it make sense to shoot wildlife with a Nikon Z6iii in DX mode if they don't have the full arsenal of lenses that you can draw from (say they were limited to a Nikon Z 100-400 mm f4.5-5.6)? (I already have a Z8 and Z9, and a decent group of Z lenses, so this question is more for friends that shoot with a D500.) Would the resolution of the 24MP sensor hold up in that scenario assuming they can't fill the frame with the subject?

[@antonoat]

Hey mister you must have a really good camera, Lol! 🤣 Great stuff Steve and a reminder for folks not to get lazy with their focus points and focus modes! I still have a Z6 even that does render images very nicely, I think sometimes 24 mp is an excellent compromise. The Anhinga image is outstanding ,the rest just fantastic ! 😀😀😀

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

hi Steve. what time was it and where was the sun ......see the eye of the bird looked like a flash shot maybe? love it thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

Which bird? Also, no flash at all. Most of these were early / late in the day and around water, so there may have been a low catchlight from light reflecting off the water, but I don't remember any.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

@@backcountrygallery 7:20 the bird swallowing the fish

[@backcountrygallery]

@@stefanusrheeder4162 OK, yeah, I think that one was later in the day. I'm traveling and can't double-check, but I think that was an evening shot. The catchlight looks like it's in the upper left though. Either way, no flash was used for any of these. I used to use fill flash a bit here and there, but newer cameras are so good and have such good dynamic range that I find I don't really need it anymore.

[@daneyer8734]

Educational moment: you mentioned when you crop in you increase the noise. What if you use the DX mode for the original shot. What happens to the noise in that case? Thanks.

[@backcountrygallery]

Same thing. Check out this video for more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmXMgqCghLN2mJo

[@jeanlucpepin]

Fantastic captures Steve . It looks like most of these were shot with the excellent though expensive 600 f4 which probably helps getting these beautiful bokeh. Have you used the 600 f6.3 at all during the review of the Nikon Z6III ?

[@backcountrygallery]

I did in the initial review, but only for a few shots. In the location we were at, I needed between 600mm and 800(840)mm and was switching constantly. Since I only had a short time, I had to maximize my versatility. If you look through some of my other videos, you'll see I get pretty much the same results with the 600PF or any lens. It's the field techniques that make the difference more than the actual optic attached.

[@jeanlucpepin]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you so much Steve for taking the time to respond and I fully understand your requirements for this review. I am glad to hear that you get similar results with the 600PF. You are really a mine of knowledge for the likes of me.

[@shadow479]

I was wondering if you released a new video of the Z6III and there you go, released 35 minutes ago. Nice !!!

[@backcountrygallery]

I had another one out on Monday - make sure you check it out - it's more of a review than this one.

[@photography6777]

Another inspiring video, Steve… makes the old geezer want to get out there and shoot !! I see you recommend the Delkin Black card. There’s two speeds listed; which one do you recommend? Don

[@backcountrygallery]

I think the one I was using was 1700, but any of the Delkin Blacks are pretty quick.

[@KenNewhouse]

I have a question regarding the photo with two spoonbills. Using photo pills with 600mm, f/5.0, and shooting at 100m (a guess on my part) the DOF is 8.35 m. Wouldn't that get both birds in focus with one shot? Thx Ken

[@backcountrygallery]

They were a lot closer than 100m - more like 20m or so. DoF is much thinner as you get closer. However, the bigger reason is that DoF critical sharpness. I wanted both birds critically sharp. The one that I didn't focus on for a single take photo may have been "acceptably sharp" as an 8x10 at 10 feet, (I think that's the criteria), but I wanted critical sharpness for both birds.

[@amgadgalal1614]

Hey Steve, great video. will it be better than Z7ii for wildlife as I'm suffering from poor AF performance using 200-500 with F2Z adapter? Or shall I upgrade to 180-600 with Z7ii?? So which option works better for wildlife 1- Z6iii + F2Z + 200-500 2- Z7ii + 180-600 Please advise, thanks

[@tonyad8603]

Nice photos

[@lizzieandbob1]

Hi Steve Perry, question for you. I'm about to upgrade from a D700. I was thinking about going to a D850. But after watching your review of Z6iii puzzled. What are your thoughts of the Z6iii compared to D850? Thanks for your great videos.

[@botch3936]

Nicely done. I was wondering about the fish in the first anhinga shot, bet that bird has a pretty sore throat; yowch!

[@backcountrygallery]

I agree - I don't know that I've ever seen one swallow a fish in that direction before.

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Thanks for a wonderful video. So much to think about and try. One question: for one shot you said you thought the Z6iii was a better choice than the Z8 - because of the buffer? And also the low light capability is a big plus. If you had to choose between the Z8 and Z6iii for your only camera which would it be? Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

Still the Z8 for sure - it was only with that one photo where I thought the Z6iii gave me an edge - most of the time the Z8 give you an edge and you can regain a LOT of Z8 buffer by just letting off for a second (or shooting in HE* RAW).

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks. Much appreciated

[@DemiGod974]

Hi Steve , im a beginner/amateur thinking of a full frame Z body, hope in future i will be doing wildlife including birds . In your suggestion if this newest addition id good enough for 3-4 year .

[@backcountrygallery]

I would think so, but with the way technology is going who can say for sure? Still, I think it's a safe bet.

[@DemiGod974]

@@backcountrygallery thank you steve and could you share your thoughts on Crop in Raw image for this 24 MP sensor 😅.

[@Skye_the_toller]

Looking for the Z6 as second camera with my Z9… does the III really worth it ( currently 50% more expensive) over the II if I do not care about video? The II seems still better in low light… is it the case? Thanks!

[@backcountrygallery]

About the same in low light. I think the Z6iii is fine as a backup / second camera for the most part. I've been using one for two months straight, day in and day out, and about the only time I wish for more MP is when dealing with distant subjects. Most of the time, it does a great job and has enough features to get the job done. Keep in mind you Z9 is going to have a lot more options / button to program but the Z6iii can work for a backup / second camera.

[@Skye_the_toller]

@@backcountrygallery I had the Z6 as early adaptor... and loved it! changed to the Z7ii... that was not my best move :(.. no regrets to the Z9, but still big when traveling. so... Z6 III it will be before my next safari in Africa!. Thanks! (still struggle if my beloved 800PF will come)

[@mailtoswarup1]

Will z6Ziii be a very good upgrade from D500?

[@drummerg3331]

Great video! I have 2 questions about the buffer from your first video. Is the bottomless buffer with shooting to both cards or only the cf express card? And is it with raw of jpeg? Thanks.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks - It was just with the CF Express card. I think I tried RAW + JPEG Fine and just RAW - same bottomless buffer either way. I don't know about the SD cards, but I'll probably check it later.

[@oplismiles61]

what lens or lenses was you using

[@backcountrygallery]

the 600 TC and 600PF. Mostly the 600 TC since it let me jump from 600 to 840 quickly.

[@porkster5924]

Some people say it’s “spray and pray” regarding shooting at high frame rates but my reply is that particular moment only happens once and you cannot go back, so take the chance and take the images.

[@backcountrygallery]

100%

[@Digmen1]

Hey Steve I always love your stuff as I'm a Nikon fan boy. But hey slow down at the start of your intro. I could not hear a word you said.

[@MWTH73]

Are you using auto ISO?

[@backcountrygallery]

For most of them I was - I think I had a few in there (some of the backlight stuff) that was full manual.

[@2klember]

It's all great, Steve. Z6iii is a nice camera packed with great features but common. We all know that Nikon needs to give us a better camera body instead of those small mirrorless Z6 and Z7 line-ups. Z9 is a great body but not a Z6 series. Owning all Nikon DSLR's and complet D line as well, it's hard to see that Nikon keep forgetting about great ergonomics and camera shapes they used to produce. Why Z6iii is that small? They should give at least the same body as Z8.

[@kingair433]

Steve, at the beginning of the video it looks like you are shooting with the 600 pf but then none of the pictures are actually with this lens. Makes me think the quality of the captures you show is mostly about the $15K lens. I would think that someone that can afford that lens is most likely not going to get a Z6iii as a second body. I would like to see photos using the 180-600 and the 600 pf for those of us on a budget more on par with the price of the Z6iii.

[@夏了夏天-p9c]

为什么不提供中文翻译？

[@maitland1007]

You lost me with the thing about needing faster shutter speed for a bird flying directly at you. It seems to me that that would be even easier to freeze than when panning, because... it's flying directly at you.. ??

[@backcountrygallery]

Here's an excerpt from my BIF book that explains it. :) What if the bird is flying directly towards the camera? In that case, you generally want a bit faster shutter speed than the chart estimates suggest - or at least stick to the higher speeds in the range. When you’re panning with the bird (like from side to side or even coming in at an angle), you’re helping to compensate for most of its movement by (hopefully) keeping him more or less in the same position in the viewfinder. However, when it’s coming straight at you, that flies out the window. Think of it this way… Let’s say you have a larger bird clipping along at roughly 25MPH. If you’re panning from side to side it’s not unreasonable to assume that even a semi-experienced shooter can manage this at as little as 1/1600th and still secure a few sharp images (depending on the distance, which we’ll discuss soon). If your BIF experience level has a bit heavier seasoning, you can probably even manage a nice number of sharp images at just 1/500th ~ 1/1000th. However, if that same bird coming right at the lens at 25MPH, it’s covering 36.6 feet (11.15m) every second that ticks off the clock - figure about 440 inches (1.11m) per second. So, at 1/500th of a second, you’re getting just under an inch of movement. One inch of movement from a bird coming at the camera is definitely going to display a disappointing amount of blur. In fact, I think we can agree that even a quarter inch of motion during exposure would probably still be visible with a target coming towards the camera (1/1600th ~ 1/2000th, approximately). To dip down to 1/8th inch of movement, you’d need 1/3200 ~1/4000th of a second - and that’s still straddling the border between acceptably and unacceptably sharp (1/16th or less is better). That’s a far cry from the 1/1600th “safe” speed that would normally work for this kind of bird if you could pan along and keep the target in roughly the same spot in the frame.

[@maitland1007]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks! That makes sense. I was thinking only of the 2D motion across the sensor, and forgot about the blur from a decreasing distance.