Packed with both brand new innovations and inherited power from the likes of the Z9 and Z8, the latest iteration of Nikon’s Z6 mirrorless full-frame camera body is bringing a lot to the table. Fueled by a brand new partially-stacked CMOS sensor and a class-leading EVF, this little rocket ship is going to empower solo artists to outperform in all new ways.
The Nikon Z6III is arriving imminently: secure yours online or at a Mike’s Camera near you.
The 24.5 MP partially stacked sensor is a world’s first in its design. Combined with the flagship, blazing fast EXPEED 7 processor, this enables incredible feats of imaging:
- Pre-release capture up to 120 fps
- Smooth EVF view of fast-moving subjects; confirm capture without judder even when shooting at 20 fps
- Full HD 240 fps 10-bit H.265 recording for 10x slow-motion (in a 24 fps project)
- 6K RAW and 5.4K ProRes 422 HQ, meaning more freedom to crop for HD and even 4K output
The Z6III is a very serious videography tool. Capture 6K 60 fps internal 12-bit raw, 4K 120 fps (oversampled from 6K, with recording time up to 125 minutes), FHD 240 fps 10-bit H.265 super slow-mo, and even in-camera 4K timelapses. Hi-Res Zoom in 4K UHD and Full HD uses the extra resolution of the sensor to zoom 1.4x or 2x, even with prime lenses.
Don’t forget that video is more than just the collection of visual frames. Nikon’s first line-in audio port for direct recording makes its debut here, plus the Z6III is compatible with Bluetooth timecode syncing. A wide range of professional accessories are available, including grips, gimbals, microphones, and more, and the relatively small and light body (compared to most cinema ILCs) makes the physical experience of gathering footage a breeze.
On the color front, the Z6III is ready to be integrated into either pre- or post-processing focused workflows. N-Log is optimized for grading bright scenes, while N-Log Lo 2.0 extends base ISO down to 200 for less shadow noise. Prefer to do color work in-camera? Imaging Recipe presets work as bespoke in-camera LUTs—build your own or download from Nikon’s network.
This advanced color control applies to still photography as well, of course; plus, the Z6III offers skin softening and other high-tech portraiture enhancement features.
Another concern shared by all kinds of creators is making sure that the right areas are sharp, and that those areas are very sharp, indeed. Nikon’s engineers have improved the Z6III’s autofocus speed by 20% over the Z6II. The system is capable of identifying and tracking nine different types of subjects in many tricky lighting scenarios—for example, scenes as dark as -10 EV or starkly backlit silhouettes.
One of the most impressive and novel functions displayed was the option do disable autofocus when the subject leaves the frame. In the example video, the subject walked behind a column (from the camera’s perspective), re-emerged, and exited the frame. The camera did not refocus on the column while she was out of sight, nor onto the background when she disappeared. I had no idea I needed this feature before; now I wonder how anyone lives without it!
Nikon has brought their full complement of stabilization technology in for this one, too. Once the point’s locked, Focus-Point VR helps you keep the sharp bit steady, offering up to 8 stops of shake control. VR Sport mode is a neat variation, which applies organic-feeling stabilization so you don’t lose the soul of the action. Electronic VR is optimized to assist in recording walking handheld footage.
Oh, yeah, about that EVF: it’s really bright. It’s really fast. And it won’t let you down. At 4,000 nits, it’s the world’s brightest, actually, and the 120 Hz refresh rate stays smooth even in burst mode. Top it off with 5,760k dots of resolution and DCI-P3 gamut equivalent compatibility, and it’s safe to say the Nikon Z6III gives WYSIWYG a whole new meaning.
You’ll find all this in a lightweight yet reliable and robust body. Dust- and drip-resistant and fully funtional all the way down to 14°F (-10°C), this is a camera built to push boundaries: go further in location, in lighting, in pure creative energy. Go farther than ever, fearlessly, and come back with more. Are you ready to outperform?
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