Nikon’s New Z6iii: Specs, Features, Pros & Cons

[@pete1927]

I don’t understand how you are not a Nikon ambassador Hudson. You are probably the most informative photographer/vlogger on Nikon across the pond and loyal to the brand. We have Nigel Danson this side and his Nikon credentials are solid. Too many vloggers flip flop between brands chasing freebies and sponsorship I guess.

[@toddleech1055]

As to piggyback on what other's are saying Hudson, cant understand why you're not a ambassador. You have always been my go to nikon guy.. As a nikon z9 shooter i think this would be a great walk around camera, and back up. i owned a z6ii in the past and really liked it. Erganomics on all nikon cameras is top notch, and dont see this one being any different. it does appear to be a bit beefer which i do prefer. The one thing i really like about nikon is they are releasing some very good products for many different skill set with bodies, and glass. glad i held out and stuck with nikon.

[@rogermanning4353]

Always appreciate your equipment savvy advice regarding the Z cameras. Nikon needs to get you into their pre-release review influencers group . . . nothing beats camera in hand experience. Cheers!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They generally do that in rep chaperoned settings. Someone from nikon brings one. They did that for a group here in Portland, but it was before they decided to include me in the program.

[@flugga182]

your videos helped me a lot figuring out my z30. I can't wait for your video tutorial on the z6iii. hopefully that will be my next upgrade. best channel for nikon content out there!

[@coolfish911]

Hey Hudson, A great rundown on the Z6 III features and specs. Looking forward to your full review once you get your hands on one. I just received my first Voigtländer lens an few hours ago. I ended up going with a 35mm F2 APO-Lanthar to pair with my Zf. This happened in no small part due to your review on the Voigtländers about a year ago. I wasn’t sure whether I could live with fully manual lenses, your confidence and explanations greatly helped smoothen my path. On the Zf and Z8, your setup guides are easily one of the best resources and reference point for any new owner of Nikon’s cameras. Thank you, again.

[@v4l4r_m0rghul15]

Watched so many of the Z6iii first impressions since morning and I was specifically looking for the "Manual focus subject detection" feature being present as it is missing on the Z8/Z9 even though it is available on the Zf, thanks for metioning it, your videos are great value!

[@stonewheel2007]

I just pre-ordered! And i'm with you on keeping your Zf. I love my Zfc and I will never get rid of it.

[@Sebastian-lw1ei]

I’m looking for to your manual focus subject detection for vintage lenses. Thank you for bringing it up, I wasn’t aware.

[@SMZ9D850]

Looking forward to the Z6iii setup video - I appreciate the level of detail you put into them! They have been invaluable for my z camera setups.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

🙏

[@jamesgolando8862]

Thanks Hudson lots of good info as always! Question, I currently have a Z6Ii and Z 9 what would you recommend for good versatile, lightweight travel/vacation camera?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That Z6ii is pretty nice if a Q3 or X100V aren't in the cards or single prime isn't good enough. :-)

[@kimcuongle1457]

Great review and comparative function between Z63 and Zf. I am waiting for your zf manual focus technic video with Voidlander lenses. Thank you

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Awesome Professional Informative Presentation Sir!!! Your work also inspires !!!

[@lesladbrook4508]

Looking forward to your full production review, thank you.

[@darylnd]

I recently rented a Z 6II for a shoot, It confirmed my desire for the Z f (my first camera was a FE), purchased new in 1982). I wasn't displeased with the Z 6II, but the Z f seems to fit my style better.

[@johna.benigno4172]

Thank you. As usual, a great presentation. I do have a question. First some background. The Nikon Z lenses do not have a focusing window readout on the lens barrel (feet and meters). I looked at the Zf and its viewfinder does have a slider that runs across the bottom. But, it does not tell you the actual focus point in feet. Now, for my question. Does the Z6iii viewfinder display the actual focus point in feet? This may seem like nit picking, but if your trying to set the hyperfocal distance for landscape or street shooting, this kind of readout is important. Many thanks.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm so so with you on that. Some of the top nikon S lenses do have detailed lcd readouts like that and the new Viltrox 16mm f1.8 has an even nicer one, but the internal Z camera distance scales lack critical detail. It's one thing I love about the Voigtländer and Leica lenses. The printed, accurate hyperfocal distance scales.

[@johna.benigno4172]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Many thanks for your reply, Henry. Maybe, Nikon needs more photographer input, and less from the engineers designing their cameras and lenses. Ugh! I was discussing this topic with a good friend and he called me a dinosaur:-)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think we may be dinosaurs... 🤣 First name is Hudson but no big deal. I'll bet you'd love Leica's Q cameras. They're as close to prefect as I've ever used for a modern dinosaur like myself.

[@johna.benigno4172]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hello Hudson. Well, here's to one dinosaur to the other 🙂 Over the years, I've been tempted by Leica, but I don't think I'll ever take the plunge. I love my long lenses. Be well, John

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Hudson, FWIW, Ricci has hinted the Z6iii will be getting dedicated Bird detect in a firmware update. At least he stated it will come in a firmware. Question: Did one of your setup guides include a setting that allowed a half-button press of the shutter button to exit zoom? I'm looking for the option on my Z6iii and not finding it and I can't recall if it was your setup guide that I came across, perhaps even for the Z8.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

In my prelaunch meeting with Nikon they said the partially stacked sensor didn't allow them to get the read speed they needed for bird detect to work out, but it could be wrong. Ricci is rarely wrong. Hard to say. In either case, I think the Z8's resolution makes better sense for serious wildlife/bird shooters where heavy cropping is often critical. No I just waste a quick frame to pop out with the shutter if I'm too rushed to hit the OK button again.

[@MegaBriarpatch]

Great preview, thanks!

[@hishamosman4341]

This new body will now knock on Sony and Canon's door pretty hard. Smart of Nikon to offer middle income consumers a truly gem of a camera. Its virtually a complete device. To add a good EVF and flip screen will attract even those non Nikon shooters. Nikon will reap huge sales for sure. Expect a very long waiting list. I'm on that list myself. Malaysia always got new Nikon gear 3-4 months after launch

[@woollieman1]

I can only echo what others have stated in that I specifically look to your reviews for detailed information about Nikon cameras. I have a Z6 and am interested in the Z6 III, but I will leave my decision as to whether to get one until after I see your hands on review of the camera. I put a lot of store in your reviews and trust what you say enough to allow it to guide my decision. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to see your review 🙏

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

ASAP! Thanks for those kind words.

[@Joe-tq8fr]

Kinda weird Nikon didn’t get you a pre-production camera to test.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think they almost exclusively send them out with reps to chapperone for short prelaunch tests. I'm happy to have had a thorough briefing.

[@onnorijpstra]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Nikon only sends one if you scream hard and have large afro heardo. ..

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Good video; can I ask a daft Q - why are you keeping your ZF and what will be using it for and what sort of shoots will you use the Z6 G3 for ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No it's a great question. I just love the Zf. It's a joy for me to use. It's nostalgic and fun. I have a Z9 and I don't love it nearly as much. The 6iii will be a fabulous video camera and I'll need to have one to keep up with firmware developments and better serve the Nikon community of followers. If a Z7iii launches with high megapixels, I'll trade it then. The ZF I'll likely keep forever.

[@randyhergenrether6914]

I was hoping Nikon might issue a Z6 firmware update with some of the Z6III improvements but that was wishful thinking. I have a Z6 and traded the Z7 and some other stuff for a Z8. The Z8, wow. Oh, and I love all of your ATS videos. I never miss one.

[@starbase218]

The waterfall image handheld at 75mm and 1/2 second... that's a game changer for me, potentially anyway. I know other cameras had that kind of stabilisation before (Olympus I think was very good at it) but I had (and still have) a Nikon DSLR. Anyway, when traveling I do have a tripod with me, but it's one that has a height of maybe 50 or 60cm. And maybe I don't always have it with me either. But if the stabilisation is that good... that's really something. Together, of course, with all the other features and improvements. I want to travel again Hudson. :)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I hear you on that. It's really quite amazing, the IBIS in the Zf / Z6iii. Next level for sure. Travel is so important. I have lived for it since I was old enough to leave home.

[@morgankarno7335]

You are awesome ! Thanks.

[@richcower]

nice summary. thanks.

[@marcstaples9930]

It would be a good option, if they had included also the sensor protection shutter like on the Z8

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It would be nice, but I think that mechanism in the z8 & 9 slotted in where a traditional shutter would be. Here's there's still a shutter in the way.

[@destinyangel5]

Great improvement over the Z6II but its a bit too pricy , Im leaning towards going to spend a bit more for the much faster @ 5 X for Z8 and = 0 rolling shutter for Z8 , the price is too close . Z 8 its on sale .

[@zzola_photography7407]

On the launch notice for preorders nikon specifically says bird detect as one of its 9 detect modes 😅

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I know it dies not have it. Ricci also confirms that.

[@zZola_Photography]

It wont let me post a photo here but they better either change their info page or update the firmware day 1 😅😅😅

[@DavidDowns61]

Need to get a couple more commercial projects paid & I’m after that Zf Voigtlander combo

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You'll LOVE it.

[@R.Hogarth]

It sounds like the Z6iii would make an ideal 2nd body for a Z8 or Z9 shooter.

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

It's like you're reading my mind...

[@kynio3433]

It's like you were a Nikon marketing employee :)

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Good call; although at moment for extra £/$500 punter X could pump for a Z8

[@R.Hogarth]

@@kynio3433 not at all. In fact I just bought my first Nikon (a Z8) in almost 25 years after shooting Canons and Sony.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

But the Z8 won't have that insane low light ability, -10EV focusing or 8 stops of image stabilization. Speaking from experience with the Zf, those last two are a bit shocking and WAY better than the Z9. You can handhold the Zf at 1/2 second at 100mm without bracing no problem. My big quesiton is whether there will still be a Z7iii with even higher megapixels and this tech... Tough to say. Rumor has it that Nikon exclusively licensed this new sensor fron Sony who built it for a new A7Siv yet to come. The A7S series has always so prided itself on low light ability and video that it stayed at 12MP till now. I can't wait to see what the the high ISO performance on this sensor is for low light handheld and night sky work.

[@romanhar4151]

It's time for a Z9 Firmware upgrade to catch up with the missing features. Z6III with flip screen is v-logger camera.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I can't think of any missing features my Z9 needs to catch up on. It can't get the new IBIS system or viewfinder. Pixel shift? I really find Lightroom's Super-Resolution quite superior from a single frame... Fine to say you don't like the flip screen. Different opinions make the world more interesting and should be respected. I respect yours. I on the other hand applaud the flip screen and wholeheartedly have detested and complained about the Z8/9 tilty screen since it first appeared. I'd rather have the durability of a fixed screen than such a lattice system that doesnt' even allow me to tilt down when mounted vertically on an L-bracket above my head for a pano. I never use the built in screen for video. I use larger cage mounted external monitors. I do however find the flip screens on my Zf, the Sony A7RV and Canon's R5 vastly superior to the Z9's fragile, non-protective and limted range monitor tilt contraption. For those that love it, I have nothing but respect and will agree to disagree.

[@romanhar4151]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hallo Henry Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply. For me the features HEIF, extended range for C1/C2 focus fields are useful features. Pixel-shift is probably not possible, but would be desirable. I would expect the top range camera to always have all possible features implemented. The screen is of course a matter of taste. I would have hoped to get something in the range of a D200 body. The inner values are certainly top, but externally the camera does not fulfil what I would have expected or hoped for. User modes I consider as much more usefull than the Z9 banks.

[@Grr8jon]

They won't upgrade the z9 much anymore. They have to make these new cameras compelling to buy.

[@bsc001]

@@HudsonHenryPhotoHey Hudson, one missing feature I would like to have would be the eye-detect/tracking MF feature of my ZF, would be great for when I use my Voigtlander 75mm F1.5 on the Z9, especially for portrait-shots. I will be happy if that inclusion can come to the Z9 at some point.

[@boblozano]

100% agreed about the mf subject detect ... dug it out of the specs on the nikon usa site, and was so excited! Eventually declaring peace with the flip screen, but tbh still prefer z8/z9 style most of the time. OTOH having a choice is pretty sweet.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You know me. I'd actually prefer a fixed screen to what they put on the z8/9. I just detest it. :-)

[@dieseldavey]

A shame for me I have waited for this but just 24mpxl ain't good for me.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm sure you're not alone. I think they chose to go low light powerhouse assuming those needing higher resolution would gravitate toward the Z8. I've no idea if the Z7 line will live on. If so, it's hard to see it fitting between the 6iii and 8. If a 7iii is on the horizon, I'd guess it would be 60mp+ and cost the same or more than the z8. Who knows though?? All of that said, I've been loving the 24MP files from the ZF, and with a couple of clicks, those I need to crop or print big bump to 96mp with Lightroom's super resolution. There's always pano capture too. I left my Z9 at home and only took the Zf to Scotland last fall. No regrets at all.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

for £/$500 more Z8 = your solution.

[@dieseldavey]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for that Hudson I'll still be watching your show.

[@g00nther]

Not a fan of flip screens because it's off-axis to the view finder when taking photos at various angles. It's a quibble, not a deal breaker though.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

A difference of opinions makes the world more interesting. Give me the flip screen every day of the week. I HATE my z9's complex, fragile and nearly useless tilting mechanism. It's lack of a flip screen is one of my largest gripes about it. To me a flip screen is so much more versatile and protective.

[@g00nther]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Interesting. I've always thought that the Z8/9 mechanism would be more robust than the flip-out screen. One other question occured to me: Why doesn't the Z6III have bird detect? Is it just a case of diffrentiation with the Z8/9?

[@gosman949]

@@g00nther wait until the first firmware update to get bird detect I bet!

[@g00nther]

@@gosman949 Would have expected to be baked in at the start since it's been available for quite some time on the Z8/9

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think the key is "partially stacked" I don't think the read speed is quite there for the BIF specific mode. Having used both extensively, I find the flip screens far, far more robust and durable than the horrific dual tilting mess on the Z8 & 9 which won't even tilt the direction I want when mounted high on an L bracket vertically. Don't get me started how much I hate the z8/9 tilt mechanism. I so wish they had the protective, versatile flip screen of the ZF, a7r5 and R5. Glad this one has it.

[@BronzeHarbour]

I was a bit disappointed, due to the price. I think the Z6III does not offer the price gap difference, compared to the ZF. You can almost have 2 ZF bodies and start a business, rather than one Z6III. The Z8 being promoted as is, also costs around 6800€ for two bodies, while the Z6III will be around 6000€, and will depreciate much faster. The math does not add up, unless you REALLY need Video, but the thing is the lack of redundancy in video recording (to the card) already makes the Nikon System not a favourite for hardcore videographers. Not sure if anyone agrees with this, but yeah, bang for buck I would go ZF or Z8 all the way.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The Z6iii is going to be the low light powerhouse. The 2nd native, virtually noise free gain setting appears to be 3200 ISO! It's also going to bring speed and customizion for those on a budget that don't love the classic form factor of the ZF. The z8/9 are certainly the action/landscape choice although a high megapixel Z7iii could steal landscape. I see the z6iii as the camera for low light handheld, stars, insane 4k video, and price conscious buyers that want speed and custom user settings. Price seems pretty locked in. Nikon is essentially competing with its own other bodies (ZF & Z8). I love my ZF too much to part with it, but the 6iii is clearly more capable. I'm sure the 6iii will be my video machine of choice. I'll keep one till the Z7iii launches (assuming it does) and trade up then.

[@BronzeHarbour]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Agree. Just remember the price in the EU is €3000, which is 500€ more than the US. Hope they can rethink that before launch. Seems amazon only ships in Germany in July 20th

[@carlmcneill1139]

The z6 II was not much of an upgrade from the z6. There wasn't enough of a change to justify replacing your z6 if you had one. But the z6 III is a huge leap forward. To me the z6 II was what Nikon should have come out with in the first place but they were rushing to get a mirrorless camera out. It wasn't that long ago that people were saying that Nikon was done and would either have to sell or go out of business. Now look at them. I just had to pay for a wedding so I don't think I'll be making any major purchases this year. I might sell my z6 II next year and upgrade. I have the z8 but it's a bigger heavier body. I haven't seen many videos on this camera yet and I'm wondering if it has screen blackout in burst mode. I think the reason why they chose a 24 mp sensor was because they went with a partial stacked sensor. It may not have benefitted much from a partially stacked sensor if it had been 33 mp. I understand that makes the sensor faster for auto focus but I'm wondering about the readout speed for the EVF. The blackout in burst mode along with the auto focus is why I decided to get a z8. I don't care if the z6 III has bird detect because I have the z8. I use the z8 mostly for sports, wildlife and landscape. I would probably get the z6 III instead of the zf to use for street photography and portraits. I love the retro thing but I prefer the ergonomics of a modern camera. I recently bought a Canon AE-1 so I have the retro thing covered if I want to do that.

[@gosman949]

correct! My Z6 may be going to my kids!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I haven't handled it yet, but Nikon told me there's no blackout with the electronic shutter (which is needed to get to 20fps). I can tell you that the blackout in my ZF (which should be much worse) is nearly non-existant. It's far less that the 6ii and more like the D5 or better. It never gets in the way of tracking motion.

[@carlmcneill1139]

@HudsonHenryPhoto that's great for both cameras. I don't mind a flicker. The DSLR bodies had a flicker when the mirror went up and down. If the z6 III is like the z8 without the blackout, I may sell my z6 II next year and upgrade. Then I'll have 2 gear cameras. I still want to sell my Sigma sport 70-200mm and get the Nikon version. It's half the weight, sharper and has little to no focus breathing. There's a lot of focus breathing with the Sigma lens. It makes focus stacking a challenge.

[@anteater74]

Ricci from Nikon said it has bird af but is included in the animal af..just nor separate

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's not the same. Yes animal works with birds. That's how the Z8 launched, but if you listen to Ricci carefully. He talks also about how the partially stacked sensor can't support the full Bird detect mode the way the fully stacked sensor on the 8 & 9 can. It's not got the read speed. The Nikon folks told me the same. The 8 and 9 got seperated bird detect via firmware as they dialed that crazy technology in. Birds have always been picked up in Animal detect, but not the same way they are in Bird detect. It's quite special how it locks small birds in flight using auto-area.

[@strippedlist]

Not a cons 24.5 mp...z7 iii is with more mp

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think they chose to go low light powerhouse assuming those needing higher resolution would gravitate toward the Z8. I've no idea if the Z7 line will live on. If so, it's hard to see it fitting between the 6iii and 8. If a 7iii is on the horizon, I'd guess it would be 60mp+ and cost the same or more than the z8. Who knows though?? All of that said, I've been loving the 24MP files from the ZF, and with a couple of clicks, those I need to crop or print big bump to 96mp with Lightroom's super resolution. There's always pano capture too. I left my Z9 at home and only took the Zf to Scotland last fall. No regrets at all.

[@strippedlist]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Please make a video with the picture control edit and upload to use in camera...I'm curious about this more than everything

[@strippedlist]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto does the camera gave sensor shield when switching lenses?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I really don't ever shoot JPEG, so that's a bit out of my wheelhouse. I run everything through LR Classic's RAW processor. It does not have a sensor sheild. It still has a mechanicall shutter where they put that in the Z8 and Z9...

[@kaido3471]

Bird AF is included in the animal AF

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yes, but it does not have the dedicated bird mode if the Z8 & 9. The back chatter is that the read speed of the partial stacked sensor can't quite pull that off.

[@kapurar]

The Z6 III flippy screen is annoying for anyone who is using an L Bracket. I put an L Bracket on all of my cameras and I won’t be buying the Z6 III because it has that flippy screen. Too bad because it is a great camera in every other way.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's certainly incorrect! I have an L bracket on my ZF. Rick has an L Bracket on his A7r5. My friends with R5s have L brackets. L brackets can work great with flip screens which I personally VASTLY prefer. Everyone I know who's owned a flip screen body prefers it. I groaned when the Z9 launched without one. What I can't stand is the mess of a tilt system we have on the Z8 and Z9. It's atrocious to use and a fragile weak point. When I'm on my L-bracket vertical above my head (common shooting panos over an obstacle) there is no way to tilt it down. Period. Tilt screens allow you to protect the LCD when not in use. They are more robust and they are far more versatile by allowing far more angles of view. I've had brackets on every camera I've owned since the D70. The L bracket builders like Kirk and RRS have no issue designing around the inevitable move to flip screens.

[@kapurar]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I prefer the Z8 tilt screen and it just works better for me. I don’t like flippy screens.

[@kapurar]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto As I understand it, and I maybe wrong but the screen on the A7r5 does both and allows flippy and Z8 style. That is what the Z6 should have had Inorder to satisfy both type of users.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's fine to hold a personal opinion. It's not fine to make sweeping, incorrect statements. I vicerally hate the mechanism on the Z8 which I find a near useless, fragile mess, but I don't say everyone will. There are a great many of us who appreciate the superiority of flip screens. That's why all the brands are moving to them.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The first thing Rick did when his a7r5 arrived was flip the screen in front of me and gloat. Yes, it's a nice design on multiple fronts. Like the z8/9, I don't love the fold out fragility, but at least it flips. 😁

[@fuvillegas]

Lower resolution sensor is better in low light = False

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

That's not quite what I said. Let's try restating it as I said: Larger photoreceptors, packed less densely into the sensor is better in low light = true. That's why Sony has kept thier full frame low light powerhouse A7S_ line at 12mp to this day. So while you're right that lower resolution isn't the key, you're incorrect that I said that. What I'm saying and standing by is the following: Given the same size and generation of sensor, less megapixels do improve low light preformance without a doubt. A full frame 24mp sensor will have less noise than the same technology generation's full frame 46mp sensor. Smaller more densely packed photoreceptors generate more noise as you amplify the signal. They keep getting better at all this, but that does not change. :)

[@pepper6253]

I agree I love my ZF and the flippy screen . will not be upgrading to 6lll. Nice review tho .

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yay! The flip screen deserves a LOT more love.