BUY Or PASS? Nikon Z6 III IN THE FIELD Review

[@ogonzilla]

This video is gold for bird photographers looking at this camera. You are, as we say, the G.O.A.T. Cheers.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you 😊

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Great to see they are giving you this equipment in advance. For ages, we've had to put up by previews from those who are not really experienced or good with wildlife photography, brand fans or ambassadors, or photographers who are not good communicators. The result being we usually have to wait some time, before the equipment falls into the hands of someone that knows what they're doing, knows how to test equipment in the field, or communicate that well. No idea why the manufacturers took so long to catch on.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, it’s been a great experience working with Nikon and they don’t mind an honest review

[@stephenbarlow2493]

@@jan_wegener _ I'm unlikely to switch to Nikon, but I'm a bit envious of some of the lenses they've brought out, so it's nice to keep up with what they're got, and how it performs in the field.

[@jan_wegener]

@@stephenbarlow2493yes, some awesome ones around. My fave is the 600pf

[@stephenbarlow2493]

@@jan_wegener That's the one. You would have thought the 500mm f5.6 PF would have woken up Canon, but they've never tried to replicate it, even though Sigma pulled it off. But 600 is better than 500.

[@MOTOJendays]

@@jan_wegenerman 600 pf is pretty high on my wishlist as I consider looking at the Z8

[@MarkusGebhard]

Mate! That kingfisher shot! 🤩🤯

[@jan_wegener]

Yes that was a nice moment 😀

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Hands on reviews are so much better than those who review and conclude based on specs.you know who they are. Inasmuch as he is a Sony Canon user his reviews are usually spot on.

[@victorlim5077]

Some jaw dropping images and video clips, Jan. Wow.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@GrahamSEdwards]

I think the smooth front dial will help while changing settings real time in videography. From experience, a dial that has bumpy feedback unfortunately adds noticeable jitter to videos (even when on a tripod).

[@v4l4r_m0rghul15]

Steve and you are the best when it comes to birds :) Cheers!

[@kamerafi]

For me, you (+ Duade & Glenn) are the only voice I listen to when it comes to gears reviews.

[@sbphotography3751]

Thanks for a great review Jan - very useful and unbiased overview. I'm so pleased Nikon is allowing pro wildlife photographers review their new gear. Pre-order is placed :)

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy it

[@clearviewmarine]

I just bought this guys camera settings for my R5 and 💥 wow after 2 months owning and messing with my camera on my own I got close, but now I’m impressed!! The camera is night and day when set up right thanks man worth every penny 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jan_wegener]

Glad I could help!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Grand job Nikon, keep pushing the spec!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, great to see

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Good level in field review from some one who has used it for real work and not a typical fanboy youtube shrill - Nikon should bring out the Bird AF and improve the AF acquistion, tracking, etc with further firmware improvements

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks! 😀 I try to test it out as much as I can

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thanks Jan for such a DETAILED REVIEW. I love it when you also mention the disadvantages of Nikon Z6III. They are: 1. The pre-capture mode works only in Jpeg. 2. The strap holder always get into the way when you opens the card slot.

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@clementfrancis208]

Magnificently put across review this Jan... loved it every bit

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TorToroPorco]

Wow the performance with the 2x extender was amazing. A superb video not just for the review but also the beautiful imagery. Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@freerover4801]

So far one of the best reviews I've seen for Z6 iii.

[@tdunster2011]

RIP the Soldier Crab. I've seen Sacred Kingfishers at Stockton Sandspit NSW on the sand at low tide - I never understood why until now. Wonderful capture Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

Same here!

[@grove3927]

It is all being handed to us.Makes one appreciate the skill and patience of photographers who used film and older digital technology

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

Whew! I got tired of waiting for this one, and jumped on a Z8 a month ago. I'm glad the Z6iii doesn't give me Z8 buyer's remorse.😁

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for sharing

[@randallbrander8157]

Putting my Z6III testing and have had some freezing up. I had to take the battery out of the camera to turn it off. I am also testing the Megadap ETZ-21 Pro adapter with Sony Mirrorless Lenses and still have autofocus. I have also used the Nikon F Mount Glass on the camera and not once have I put in DATA into the Non CPU Lens menu. I have tricked the Z6III with the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Pancake lens that can be used in FX or DX Mode. Loving the camera. Overheating issues I think is solved by recording onto the SD card instead of the CFExpress cards while doing video. Both times I have been using the camera for more than 30 minutes in 100 degree temperature in San Antonio. I am testing different Type B CFExpress Cards to see if it might be the card. My experience in this climate if the temperature stays around 80 degrees farenheit it will not overheat. I did have problems with the Z7II. Z6II is a champ. I have done 6K 60 to the SD Card with no problems. When using the CFExpress Delkin Black Type B 650gb Card I just shoot photos. Cheers!

[@CrawPhotography]

The z6 mark iii looks like a really impressive camera, the only downside for me is the lack of that bird tracking, which seems to be the only thing missing from the autofocus systems. I honestly hope that comes via a firmware update. As so many birders looking into the more budget options would snap up this camera, probably even without it. Honestly the specs and look of this is pretty amazing, and the value is definitely there.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes it finally offers a great option to pair with the great lenses

[@chrisbartlett8146]

Both Nikon and other reviewers say for bird tracking you use the animal mode but other reviews have said auto is best for birds.

[@jan_wegener]

@@chrisbartlett8146I found Auto to be working a tad better than animal, but it was similar mostly

[@johnmccarthy12]

Excellent summary with outstanding subjects in the frame. Superb footage.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Incredible camera at that price point.. best deal I would say. Huge improvement over previous Mark Z6II.. thank you Nikon.❤❤

[@csc-photo]

Really cool approach, combining a fast semi-stacked 9ms sensor with a mechanical shutter. It's an ideal balance of both! 9ms falls right in between the Z8/9 3.7ms speed, and say the Canon R6II at 14ms (I think around 14?). Still good for most birds, animals, baseball, sports etc. And then for high-high speed, there's the mechanical shutter. No pre-order for me, since I have the Z8 & Zf, but would love to get the Z6III & grip this coming year / once it's on sale. Great stuff, thanks Jan!

[@njrtech]

Actually the Z6iii sensor measurea 14.4ms not 9ms. The Z8/Z9 do measure closer to 3.47ms, slightly faster than even the Sony A1

[@billmartin1663]

There's another downside to the precapture that you didn't mention Jan. Precapture absolutely DEVOURS batteries! Precapture meters, focuses, tracks, and carries out all the other functions necessary to make the images, even when you aren't pushing all the way down -- even if you NEVER push all the way down. The battery is being used the whole time.

[@hishamosman4341]

I think future firmware updates will correct some shortcomings especially tracking objects. Imagine if shoot video a colony of beach birds? the tracking will get confuse..😊😊

[@kamerafi]

Looks like it's a great camera for the price.

[@collectGenX]

Wow 13:01 SO CUTE and 240p looks fantastic

[@micaht52]

Im using z5 currently and trying to decide between z6iii and z8. Tough choice, i mostly shoot editorial stock and make KZbin videos.

[@jan_wegener]

if you don't need the better AF or high MP, the Z6 III is probably better, especially because it has a forward facing screen

[@micaht52]

@jan_wegener thanks for the insight! Keep up the fantastic work. By far the best camera body review I've seen on the internet!

[@shichaosun3298]

most informative review video of this camera so far.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@dennis.oosthuizen]

Thank you for this review. I still use my D850 and Canon 5D Mk iv, mainly for landscape photography. I am so tempted to make the switch to mirrorless, and I have been very close to just getting a Z8, but the Z6 Mkiii has me hesitating, again.. Considering how Nikon is evolving, I feel like a future Z8 Mkii could be the ultimate camera (I don't have the patience to wait longer; I love what I see about the Z8, and I want a higher pixel count; that's just me.) But this Z6 mk iii is fantastic, but I want a higher pixel count. Maybe I should wait a little longer.

[@tomespinoza9809]

Hey Jan, I've used pre-capture on my Z9, to capture lightning during the day.

[@speedbumpmedia9584]

I have the Z9 but general work makes me reach for my Zf due to its size and “simplicity”. I should have my Z6III next week but I am really on the fence about keeping it or the Zf. Love the Zf in many ways but bigger glass really makes you want to have a modern body. If I only I had an extra $2500 to blow and keep both. 😅

[@keshavanaarayana4744]

Hats Off..!! One of the best videos out there for bird photographers. Great honest review..Great videos and damn those Shots..!! ❤

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks :)

[@wascwywbt4108]

Fantastic bird shots, and a wonderful review! Jan is the man!

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@RAJKUMAR-fl8mn]

I never had a full frame. I want to buy one, what would you suggest for bird and wildlife a z6iii or a z8?

[@cpanbalagan]

You are one of the best reviewers out there, excellent review!! Your shots are amazing as well!! Keep up the excellent work!!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks, will do!

[@erkkisiekkinen286]

Thank you Jan for an excellent review . I already ordered z6 lll ,and I will get it within two weeks. My z birding lenses at the moment are 400mm f4,5 ,which I mostly use with 1,4 tc and results are good. M other z mount lens is Tamron 150-500mm where the IS is not that rock solid for video. I am considering 2,0 tc to my 400mm 4,5 and it was encouraging to know that you have rather good experience with it. Cheers

[@jan_wegener]

I do on the 600pf

[@amitdutta8768]

Very nice and detailed review. It helped me to get over a dilemma to purchase it or not. Thank you very much, Jan !!

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear you found it helpful!

[@bmwohl]

Wonderful video. I had been thinking I wanted the imaginary Z7iii but now I'm thinking the 24 meagpixel would do great for me. Thanks for the inspiring bird photography.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markkuliimatainen4409]

What ever camera brand you are using, Jan gets the job done! Great video once again! Thanks

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@GlennBartley]

Your reviews are always top notch buddy. Great job! 😃

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks mate

[@Hrishi1970]

Another stellar video. Yes, I will go for this as my second body...thanks to your recommendation!!

[@jan_wegener]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Met.Photography]

Can you please do a review of the Fujifilm XH2S or Fujinion 150-600mm lens or both?Asked cuz your Reviews are the best in KZbin.

[@lionheart4424]

Indeed, I would love to see how this man would photograph birds using Fuji gear.

[@e.clairwilson5148]

Are you going to do a video on setting up the Nikon Z6iii for Wildlife?

[@jan_wegener]

That is a good question

[@BigfootRunning]

I just bought this camera after 5+ years of watching reviews and constantly getting put off… looking forward to getting it home from Japan and getting stuck in to some photography. I’m upgrading from the d7200… yeah I know. Have been mainly using my iPhone the last year or so. Can’t wait

[@jan_wegener]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@alisonandguywildlifephotograph]

Great review… can’t wait for the r511 review 👍

[@kernzilla]

awesome review as always! bummed to see no rotating wheel on the rear of camera; I've gotten really used to this for quick adjustments, and would be hard to commit to body without one these days.

[@guyrencher937]

Fully agree re the 'No rotating rear wheel" aspect.

[@peterschatz6093]

Many thanks for this review. Clearly stating where the camera falls a bit short compared to its bigger but more expensive brothers, but showing what it is capable of in the right hands. Best part was the handheld video of the kingfisher. I watched another preview of the camera, where the guy complained about the stabilisation (using a wider lens even). Maybe didn’t have enough maple Sirup for breakfast. Anyway- thanks again for this good preview!

[@jan_wegener]

The experience can vary a lot with Ibis depending on the focal length.

[@tomredman745]

Great Review Jan! Have a Z6iii on order!

[@wildlifesimon]

Great video as always! Been waiting for nikon to make an affordable camera worthy to go with it's great and more affordable lenses. Now tempted to go back to Nikon after switching to canon r6ii. Be interesting to compare sensor read out speeds and some other areas. Better cards and buffer too. What do you think?

[@lukaszklopotek]

Great review. I only wish you showed us more rolling shutter tests, like from a vehicle window, etc.

[@adamwhittingham86]

This vs the R6ii must be really close. Do you have a preference? Im just happy everyone has a capable camera at their fingertips regardless of brand choice these days

[@Blitz_Shorts]

Let's all make Nikon to bring Bird AF to Z6iii too, as an owner of this camera I have tones of fun , ISO performance is superb, the AF is great, but there are times with some birds that the AF can't find the bird eye or finds another thing in the scene. For larger birds(gulls for instance) the AF is perfect, for small birds with dark bodies it needs an improvement.

[@aachoosenpai5013]

Does anyone feel that the price is a bit too high? I was looking forward to getting this camera with the 180-600mm z lens, but I'll have to probably wait longer 😢.

[@ioannistziamalis]

Same

[@Duade]

Great review mate and looks like Nikon are continuing to hit it out of the park, looks like a great mid level camera. Cheers, Duade

[@jan_wegener]

It is, thanks mate

[@jacekmyrcha5085]

agree on the front dial ! - i;m coming from D850 and this dial is not perfect, have to learn its position.... i am also not very happy that to change the measure of light area i have to go to menu which was easy accessible by button in D850.

[@highanddryful]

Fantastic Jam, thanks for sharing your views and impressions of this camera. I look forward to your future review updates of this camera.

[@cameraprepper7938]

Did you mention the new higher resolution EVF, which I think are the best new thing on this camera.

[@jan_wegener]

I did

[@WernerBirdNature]

Beware of the fierce baby swans indeed Jan ;-) Great to see Nikon granted you again a preview of a new camera ! I'd say it's about time Canon follows suit, and I'm giving them a deadline of about one month 😛 And you know why ! Your footage was awesome (most certainly that kingfisher 😍) so it seems Nikon finally delivers a compelling option in this mid segment. Really wondering how it compares to the R6ii. It probably has an advantage with the partial (whatever that means) stacked sensor and the CFxB card, but it's still pending a bird-AF firmware upgrade, some nice features are unfortunately not Jared Polin proof (aka jpg only) and it looks like they forgot to protect the sensor when swapping lenses .. So maybe this Z6iii will trigger Canon to recycle the R3 sensor in a R6iii ?

Out of all of the cameras you have tested which has the best auto follow focus ? When you are following the birds Canon or Nikon

[@jan_wegener]

Probably A9 III and R6 II

[@guyrencher937]

There it is!! R6ii 🔥

[@Jackourd]

Another beautiful and powerful body from my favourite Nikon....thanks for such a gr8 detailed video...your videos always help us to dive into the focus system for accuracy ❤❤love from India

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@Nature-was-my-first-love]

Hi Jan, brilliant review! I hope that the potentially coming EOS R5 can perform even better. Switching from my EOS system to Nikon is not an option for my budget though the video handheld with the Z6 III looks phantastic! And of course magnificent bird shots!

[@nicolasisaksson1175]

Would you get the nikon z6iii as an upgrade over a Canon R7?

[@MattisProbably]

Alright, seems great overall but no RAW pre-capture again is kind of a deal breaker. At 3000 bucks for what is not even a flagship that is a feature I expected. I actually considered ordering it but not without proper pre-capture. Maybe if they add it later via firmware update 🙂

[@eugenegirshtel]

Agreed, complete deal breaker for me. My Fuji XT3 does RAW pre-capture with its 26mp sensor.

[@Juventinos]

they will 100% never add pre-capture to this. get the z8

[@LupohM8]

@@Juventinos Z8 doesn't have raw precap either tho, does it?

[@KungPowEnterFist]

You were never ordering this camera in any case. Second, the camera is $2500 and not "3000 bucks."

[@MattisProbably]

@@KungPowEnterFist It's 2999€. So 3000 bucks. And yes, with RAW pre-capture I would absolutely consider this camera because it would work well next to the Z7 II that I'm currently using. But at this price the Z8 isn't far away, especially since I can find it regularly under MSRP and with further discounts.

[@CameraMystique]

This is an *actual* review (compared to the useless chit-chat of other channels), so congratulations!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it

[@chrisbartlett8146]

I am considering this camera and at the moment are using the Fujifilm XHS2 for BIF with the 150-600mm lens (900mm FF equiv). From yours and other reviews it looks like the Z6iii has much faster and stickier AF than the XH2s but at 24mp FF compared to 26mp APSc I am concerned the lower pixel density might mean I would be no better off. With the FF camera at 600mm I would have to crop about 1.5 times tighter for the same size bird in the frame. Would this mean less detail taking into account the better low light and lower noise in the FF photo.

[@HotGates]

Great video but I actually thought we would get pre capture in RAW WTH Nikon.

[@jan_wegener]

None of the bodies has that atm. You’d think it would come to z9 first

[@HotGates]

@@jan_wegener Just maybe they are working on it and release it for the Z9 first.

[@dormzML]

Hi Jan, Which beach were you photographing the king fishers? (Or rough area if you can tell me)

[@jan_wegener]

Bribie

[@ST-fl5fy]

Please compare this side by side to the r6 iii. AF, low light and video. Thank you

[@beentheredonethat6219]

The screen is a great addition, but I have the Z6II for Astro photography, and have gotten used to the screen. I have the Z9 for wildlife and birds. I have S and PF glass only. I’ll be passing on Z6III.

[@RichardCookphotography]

Fantasticly thorough review. Well done Jan👍

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@colintraveller]

Interesting indeed .. On another note have you used in the past Canon's 200-400 -1-4tc

[@StriderGTS]

Can you speak to the dynamic range of the z6iii? It's all anyone is talking about right now online. Apparently the Z6iii was far worse DR than the z6ii, not to mention 10 year old DSLRs like the d750.

[@nickeh320]

Awesome Video again Jan, Im thinking of purchasing my first wildlife gear im in between the: R7 + RF 100-500, Z7 II + 180 -600 and Z6 iii or Z6 ii with 180-600. Im going to be photographing both "small" and "big" birds and animals so for that reason im leaning a little towards the R7 and the RF 100-500 for the extra reach and versatility but let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@alessandro.corradini]

Does the Canon R6II still have an autofocus advantage in your opinion?

[@xmj6830]

Answer 21:15

[@nickidzenga5486]

Could you do a comparison between the nikon z6iii and the sony a7iv. I think these are the best “amateur” birding kamera’s paired with the 180/200-600 zoom lenses. These combo’s are priced similar and both can give awesome results as i saw in your video’s really curious how the sony a7iv holds up to this new nikon z6iii.

[@vito-serra]

Hi Jan, first of all congratulations for the excellent review. I have a question for you about the Z6III: were you able to calculate the sensor readout speed with the electronic shutter? I can't find this data anywhere. A thousand thanks

[@LorenzoFrausto]

Thanks for the focusing tips!

[@hamaregroup]

now im using Nikon D750, its worth yo upgrade z6 iii ? i shoot video and photo

[@LupohM8]

This is a tempting upgrade from my D500. Can't decide if I'm finally ready for mirrorless or if I just want to get a new lens for the d500, like the 500pf or similar pro F mount lens for a few grand while I wait for Nikon to eventually release a body with RAW precap

[@jan_wegener]

For me the advancements in the mirrorless camera makes switch quite worthwhile, although investing in a lens is also a good idea

[@JoZhWorld]

Beautiful shot by capable camera... Is there a chance if you can compare the DR with the upcoming GH7 as well?

[@jeffreygresko]

Nice video. You did not mentioned ergonomics. Other reviewers have mentioned a bigger grip than the z6ii, but it looks from the specs that it is still the same height. I had Z6ii (just sold it) and find it too small especially when paired with the 180-600 or my 500mm f5.6 with the FTZ adaptor. Do you feel like the chunkier grip compensates? The Z8 is taller, more like my D500, and is $500USD off here in the USA. I photograph birds 98% of the time. Wondering what to do?

[@MOTOJendays]

Do you have a video on a guide for your videos? Your bird video quality and sound quality is fantastic.

[@jan_wegener]

I’ve made a few KZbin videos about it and will plan to do another soon

[@heartyfisher]

very nice review ... I am still waiting for the D500 mirrorless

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

It's called Z8 put into DX mode.

[@ShoebSaiyad]

Amazing Video Jan ! Perfectly balanced and honest review. Very tempted (not to switch) but to slowly move towards Nikon with Z6III from Canon eco-system for wildlife just because Nikon has good Wildlife lenses lineup. I know R5II will be amazing but still RF Prime are super expensive. Yes, the Kingfisher shot was amazing. In fact I am always looking forward to your videos.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear 😀

[@camilo8cheryl]

For shooting events, this already and will be a faster focusing camera than the previous generation Z6’s and 7’s..

[@TheSun1901]

Great impartial review, Jan! Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for watching!

[@RobOK_BTC]

6:35 Can you explain the button workings a bit more. You said Double Back Button Focus, and then the top front button. The top front button is what, a toggle? Are these acting like push to focus (the back too) and a toggle (front one), or are all three push to focus? Great video!

[@andretim75]

Extremely good pre-review ( the best so far for me personally ! ) -- a lot of valuable details -- so I guess i need to be a bit more patient and save some money and sell some gear in order to get this camera, which is exactly what I was waiting Nikon to make for quite a while now ( still using Nikon DSLR`s together with a Sony a7IV which I do not love much at all, just not my thing). The hint about the front dial might be extremely important and i do hope that this important point is also on the list of other photographers who had the opportunity to try the camera out. Maybe Nikon can still make a slight change, just protruding it about a half to one millimeter further ! Thanks a lot for the video - super nice environment and wonderful shots and videos ! Makes me really want to go to Australia again ( after 12 years ) soon ! Beste Grüße aus Deutschland ( was sich seit ein paar Jahren gerade selbst demontiert ...😜 )

[@GrahamSEdwards]

I think the smooth rolling front dial will help while changing settings real time in videography. From experience, a dial that has bumpy feedback unfortunately adds noticeable jitter to videos (even when on a tripod). I hope they sized it for 95 percentile large American man hands.... while I don't do much photography with gloves on, I do have big person hands. A recessed dial could be less than ideal.

[@athuddriver]

Excellent review! What was your impression on EVF blackout using L or H continuous?

[@danielosborne8228]

OK now make a 24MP DX version. Where is the flagship level crop sensor camera? Maybe Canon will make an R7mkii with raw precapture and stacked sensor.

[@albailey6875]

Hey Jan? Can this camera do focus bracketing or focus stacking?

[@BrownDaddy007]

Great review, with lots of information. Thanks.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for watching!

[@Theshark-l4k]

The big question…Z6 mkiii OR R5 MKii?

[@ShoebSaiyad]

Jan , do you think Z6III can compete with A9III . It will interesting to get your views Z6III Vs A9III or a video on it . Thanks

[@jan_wegener]

totally different cameras. One shoots 20fps RAW, the other 120

[@JoeMiller-kv6mw]

Hey there- I am wondering if you found the dynamic range of this camera acceptable? Was it worse than other cameras at the same price point? Thanks.

[@jan_wegener]

for how I shoot I don't see much of a difference

[@Clockeman]

I plan to move to full frame along with my Om1...the Zf looked interesting, but the ergos worried me. And the sensor. I wanted to see how this looked, and it's an amazing camera, but I am really stills oriented so ironically...now... considering how I shoot I might end up with a Z7ii or...Z7ii?

[@jan_wegener]

Will there be one? Not much room price wise between this and the Z8

[@fionaquinn8262]

Well done on a well judged review!

[@aser75]

great, great review.very informative amazing pics and video ++

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it