Nikon Z6 III Tutorial, Guide & Pro Secrets by Ken Rockwell

[@phototechchannel229]

Ken, it's nice to hear the voice of the guy who I have read for years. I can always count on you to get to the point. Most of my work is slow and methodical on a tripod: Studio & Architecture. I've ignored most of the advanced settings for years but now I'm committed to learning all the features available on the Z6 III and Z8. My old brain is exploding but your guides are helping.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks, be sure to see the complete version at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm thanks!!!!!!!

[@msv-777]

Thank you for this useful video. This along with the online user guide is much appreciated!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!!

[@harryberry474]

@@KenRockwellTV ...Ken thank you for this video, it is kkind of like the fog clearing to a nice beautiful day. And thank you again for the years for honest reviews and guidance in help choosing photographic equipment it's invaluable.

[@angeloplayforone]

Great short tutorials of this camera.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Great comment. Thanks!

[@jc_user]

This is amazing. Had a Nikon by myself for years but never fully understand the AF options, you explained it very well. Thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@geraldinebryce594]

Help please!! I am trying to tether my Nikon 6 z3 to Lightroom Classic. It’s not picking up my camera I have same problem with NX tether. I bought a Tether Tools cable USB C to USB C. I’m tethering to MacBook Pro and have everything updated including Ventura. I’ve switched everything on and off, tried different ports nothing is working 😩🤦‍♀️

[@KenRockwellTV]

AHHHHH!!!! Sorry, Geraldine, but I've never been able to get any Nikon software to work well any time in over 20 years, so I simply stopped using it. When it comes to software, Nikon is most certainly not Adobe. Wish I could help other than to admit that Nikon's software has never been anything other than pure frustration. Maybe try an older OS; historically their code never runs well on a current OS as it was developed on older systems. Alternately try better software, if there is such a thing. I use the built-in Apple Image Capture app in my Macs, unsure if that would let you tether or not (I use Image Capture for scanners and importing from iPhones). Thanks!

[@jvkrause]

Excellent overview and great tips I had not seen on other videos. I’m loving this camera.

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Ken, this was a very useful video, as is all your videos. I like how you can change the Red Focus points into Green. And the Focus and release mode where it's best to have it on Focus Priority, when you're tracking something. Great work Ken, Thankyou 😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! I love sharing what takes me time to figure out so we all don't waste the same hours looking for things.

[@seaeagles6025]

@@KenRockwellTV Your welcome Ken. 😊

[@AtortAerials]

How u get rule of thirds to electric viewfinder can't figure that out.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hi! As I said, for the complete guide, see my website at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm#grid which has the specific instructions for grid lines, Thanks!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Hi . Great video. I tried it first time today in the snow. I notice a big difference in colours in the view finder and screen. Is there a setting I missed?

[@KenRockwellTV]

What?difference from what? Remember Nikons often need a stop or more of positive exposure compensation to keep the white snow white

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@KenRockwellTV a differences in what I see in the view finder and on the lcd screen. The view finder show colder and blue tones

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@stigfloberghagenphotography Hmm, I haven't noticed that, and there is a very likely possibility therein a "color tone" adjusmentfor the finder in the menu system. Be sure it's set to its default of neutral, assuming that setting is in there (I forget; I've never used the setting in any camera).

[@phenanrithe]

I assume it's not due to the setting explained in the "View Mode" section of the video. The back LED screen is more limited in dynamic range than the viewfinder, so white snow and darker objects could be just too much for that screen. It also depends on their respective brightness settings. I usually see little difference between both.

[@AlexIsUber]

I just picked up my z6 iii with 24 120 4s. Joystick buttons feels and sounds like there’s some crunching plastic in the back and buttons around OK button are just mushy, no clickyness and hard to press.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hmm, if it’s not right send it back. Personally I’d get the Canon R6 II instead, a better camera for less money. Thanks!

[@KenRockwellTV]

www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm if not the R10 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r10.htm

[@geraldinebryce594]

Can you tell me which tether cable I need for my Nikon z6 iii to my MacBook Pro? My old D7200 had different ports so my cable won’t fit. Also do I connect it to the usb c port or the accessories port ? My old Nikon used the accessories port. I use tether tool cables. Help please

[@KenRockwellTV]

I never tether and I have no idea which MacBook Pro you have (Apple's been making them since about year 2000 with different connectors) , but this camera uses USB-C and all modern MacBook pros since at least the 2010s have used USB-C (Thunderbolt), so a fast USB-C to USB-C or thunderbolt cable is what you need amzn.to/3deg9Oj or even amzn.to/3f4NrQN . USB-C is all you need; even if your MacBook Pro smokes with Thunderbolt, neither your camera nor cards need anymore than 10 gb/s USB-C. Thanks!

[@geraldinebryce594]

@ Thank for your reply, very helpful

[@brandonnetto7080]

How do you turn on gridlines on the monitor display when shooting?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I explain this - and much more - in my written users guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm#grid Thanks!

[@maeu59]

I have a Z50 and a D700, do you think it’s worth tradeing it all for the FF Z6II or z6III?

[@KenRockwellTV]

No. Personally I prefer Canon for mirrorless. I don't like the Z6 III; when compared to the other cameras out there today, it's below average. Thanks!

[@maeu59]

@@KenRockwellTV I know you prefer Canon but I want to stay with Nikon so is it worth the trade?

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@maeu59 I'd have to know you better, the question is what do the newer cameras do for you, how much would you use them and how valuable is money to you? See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/upgrades.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/is-it-worth-it.htm

[@maeu59]

@@KenRockwellTV ok thanks

[@Ed-lz4jv]

@@KenRockwellTV 🤣🤣🤣

[@Digmen1]

This looks like a great video. Need to sit back with a coffee and take some notes For when I have enough money to trade in my Z6ii for a z6iii

[@KenRockwellTV]

Notes are all up at my written guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm thanks!

[@totoroutes5389]

For the Z6iv : wireless batch transfer (raw & 4k)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@particles1101]

The battery icon must be a firmware issue. I hope they updated it as I just bought one to take star trails with.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good luck! Very little changes with updates in my experience. Thanks!

[@wolfster2287]

Great video! One thing I was hoping to find is how to adjust the top LCD illumination. I’ve googled it and some people have a completely different menu which I assume is because of firmware updates? I just purchased this yesterday so I’m not sure where to find the correct place in the menu where I can Brighten the LCD window on top. As it is of right now, it is very dark.

[@KenRockwellTV]

You can set the display to invert white and black, and you can activate a very dim back light. That’s it, and you set this with the light bulb button. It never gets bright, sorry. See my full guide for everything else at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm#index Thanks for asking!

[@princess544]

Can i adjust saturation and contrast in this camera???...

[@KenRockwellTV]

Absolutely! They’re at MENU > Shooting > picture controls

[@shaoninag4900]

How do I set viewfinder and monitor both ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Not sure what you’re asking, and this should have the answer at my written guide: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm#monitor

[@lorenzonarwhal]

So I cannot keep it charged rigging and supplying it with a vlog battery???

[@KenRockwellTV]

It will charge while asleep or off and run from the battery. This means if the battery is dead it won’t charge while shooting; it will charge when you’re done. See my written guide for more www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm#charge thanks!

[@jeffellis6544]

Ken- is it possible to do a Custom WB measurement in Photos mode? I've not been able to find anyone who talks about it yet. Just got a new Z6III and the only way I've been able to do a Custom WB is in video mode. But that won't help me when I need flash + ambient.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I can't see why not. Go to WB and find the manual setting.

[@phenanrithe]

I wish there were a way to make the camera not make those loud SMACK sound every time I open and close the menu (among other things). Disabling VR is the only way, but as you said, it's stupid.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I agree: this is among many reasons why I sent this back and prefer the Canon R6 Mk II so much more, which costs LESS. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm I pity people still stuck back with Nikon; it’s not 1975 anymore. Thanks!

[@GregoryDai]

great video! very informative, i wanted to ask what do you do with all the cameras you buy after you used them for the review? what camera do you personally use?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Usually return them. I prefer the Canon R6 II www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r6-ii.htm

[@disismrc]

Great video and your knowledge is much appreciated. I’m thinking of switching from my existing D810 to the Z6iii. Do you think that’s a good choice or should I go for a higher model? I’m also thinking of using the ftz ii so I can use my existing glass as well. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Have a great day.

[@KenRockwellTV]

For Mirrorless I prefer Canon. I’d not buy into the Z system; if you do, in a few years most of us will wind up having rebought everything for the Z system and not using many of our old lenses, at which point we realize we could have swapped systems. The FTZ is the weak point: it doesn’t autofocus with traditional AF lenses or work well with manual focus lenses - while every EF (1987-today) adapts great to Canon. See all my Canon reviews at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm and long story short, get an R6 II for full frame, or honestly APS-C is just as good today so look at the R10. Thanks!!!

[@MWTH73]

Ken Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!

[@joudi_pics]

Hi Ken, should I buy a zoom lens with an f/2.8 or f/4 aperture for events/weddings, and back it up with one or two f/1.8 prime lenses, or should I just stick with the f/2.8 zoom alone? I got a job and there’s a lot of recommendations on the internet, but I really only trust you, you are the big deal! I’m asking because I have almost no experience in the field, thank you a lot for all your great work!

[@mikafoxx2717]

Always a tough call. Usually, a prime 35mm ish and then a normal zoom is the things you use most of the time, unless you're into niches like astro or wildlife

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Ken, very useful tips in this video like all your videos. I do like that you can turn the Red Focus points into Green. Also the Focus and Release mode, where you leave it on Focus priority when tracking something. Thanks for mentioning to find the settings that you like, And don't make it complicated. To many settings that we don't use can get very frustrating, it was great advice. Thanks Ken 😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

I prefer the. Z 24-200mm www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/24-200mm.htm so I never need to swap lenses; I just twist and shoot. f/2.8 is unnecessary for digital; they were popular with film because film only went to about ISO 200 before it started looking bad. Otherwise if you do need a little more speed (I don't), the f4 lenses are just fine. Remember that you can use foolishly fast ISOs if you need them, but you won't. Id use the 24-200, fast enough for me in loess there's some shot where you really need a soft background. for that you could grab one fixed 1.8 lens - llike an 85mm. Remember that defocus depends more on longer focal length than it does on aperture number, Thanks!

[@peterzeegers9266]

He said the written Z6III user guide is on his website. Buggered if I can find it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Here it is: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z6-iii-users-guide.htm try my search page which usually finds everything (link to my search page is at the top of each page). Thanks!!!!

[@14DDF]

Nikon ❤

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@aman681]

Hows the autofocus in low light conditions? Also, how does it work with fmount lenses? Thanks for the video.

[@KenRockwellTV]

F mount lenses only partially work because the FTZ is poor. The whole rig also becomes clumsy; I’d forget about old lenses and upgrade to Canon. see kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm

[@aman681]

@ Thanks. Did you mean leave Nikon DSLR and move to Canon mirrorless?

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@aman681yes. You’ll eventually wind up buying everything new for Mirrorless, so now is the time to upgrade.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Nikon’s FTZ adapters are clumsy at best and don’t work well at all with half of Nikon’s older lenses, see kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@aman681 I went Canon and am glad I did. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm

[@Mr_S-gros]

Thanks a lot indeed!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!!

[@lars-ove8749]

There are so many st…d and ignorant KZbinrs out there who don’t really understand what they say and do themselves. But you are the opposite Ken so please continue what you do 👍

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Lars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevefaucette]

I would not charge a battery that is in the camera I think it’s too big a risk

[@KenRockwellTV]

Sometimes ya gotta just close your eyes and be sure your smoke detector batteries are good. Thanks!

[@phenanrithe]

Some Chinese chargers I've seen are still a bigger risk. Avoid those brands, even if they're cheaper than the excessively expensive Nikon charger (SK, Blumax, Patona, MTB, ...).

[@phenanrithe]

@@KenRockwellTV How d'you recharge those detector batteries? ;-)

[@kermitrehab]

16:30 - at least you don't pretend like you know what those settings are - just tell people "it's your choice" :D

[@KenRockwellTV]

No one knows what they all are; at least I admit it! Like everything, I find what works for me, share it here and stick with it

[@andrewfoster4599]

My light came on, not very bright.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes!

[@alwinbenjamin]

👑

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@micThurrr]

Ill stick to my d850

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good choice!!!!!

[@Macjohn1419]

Too much fiddling with the menus. I have the D780 and its menu works for me. Pick my Picture Control and switch it to P Mode. 98% of my photos are technically perfect. I just concentrate on my composition. A little post processing and I’m done.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Perfect!!!!!! Thanks!