Nikon engineers have made a smart move going with a partially-stacked CMOS sensor, which provides better performance than a non-stacked sensor and can be built at a cheaper price than a fully stacked sensor without compromising much on capabilities. The partially-stacked CMOS sensor provides a faster readout than non-stacked sensors, enabling the Z6III to provide pre-release capture at up to 120fps, smooth EVF view of fast-moving subjects even when shooting continuously at 20fps, full HD/240P slow-motion video in 10-bit H.265, and in-camera 6K RAW and 5.4K ProRes 422 HQ.
Instead of hobbling a great camera with a so-so EVF, Nikon has opted to equip the Z6III with a 5.76M-dot EVF that can be dialed up to 4,000 nits (candelas/m2) of brightness. DCI-P3 gamut-equivalent compatibility provides true-to-life colors that makes looking through the EVF closer to viewing through an optical viewfinder.
The Z6III shoots in-camera 12-bit RAW video, records high-quality audio straight into the camera, keeps subjects sharp with 8 stops IBIS, keeps off-center subjects in focus with Focus Point VR, and allows direct and automatic transfer of images from camera to cloud storage services.
Then put in the excellent AF in the Z9/Z8, provide low-light AF sensitivity down to -10EV, and weatherproof the whole camera down to -10°C (14°F).
Compromises? There aren’t any to complain about. This is a fantastic camera.
We are once again seeing the intense (and exciting) competition that we once saw in the SLR and DSLR eras as each manufacturer in turn leapfrogs its competitors with a model with better specs. Currently, the Nikon Z6III has passed both of its closest competitors, the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R6 II. The race has just started.
Major Features:
- 24.5MP full-frame partially-stacked CMOS sensor
- Upgraded autofocus with 3D Tracking and Subject Recognition
- AF sensitive down to −10 EV
- Pre-Release Capture up to 120 fps
- Internal 6K RAW video: 12-bit 6K/60p N-RAW, 6K/30p ProRes RAW, 10-bit 5.4K ProRes 422, H.265 video formats. Oversampled continuous 4K UHD/60p recording for up to 125 min. 10-bit Full HD/240p H.265 slow motion.
- 5.76M-dot EVF is the brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera at up to 4,000 cd/m2 (nits). Supports a DCI-P3 equivalent color gamut.
- 5-axis 8 stops IBIS
- 3.2-in. 2.1M Vari-angle LCD
- 96MP High-res Pixel Shift mode
- Weather-proof body: Z8-level build quality with magnesium alloy, Sereebo® material, sealed against dust and moisture (to the same level as the Z8), and rated to 14°F/−10°C.
PRESS RELEASE
IMPRESSIVELY VERSATILE, CAPABLE AND POWERFUL: THE NEW NIKON Z6III OUTPERFORMS EXPECTATIONS, SETTING THE NEW BENCHMARK FOR ITS CLASS
World’s First Partially-Stacked CMOS Sensor1 Gives Photographers and Filmmakers Flagship-Level Performance; Nikon Also Announces Nikon Imaging Cloud Online Service and Curated Image Recipes/em>
Nikon Z6III with NIKKOR 24-70mm F4 Lens
Mississauga, ON – June 17, 2024 – Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the Z6III, a 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless camera that stands in a class of its own with an unmatched suite of powerful features that bring exceptional performance to both photographers and filmmakers. The Z6III is the world’s first camera with a partially-stacked CMOS sensor, delivering ultra-fast readout that unlocks blistering speeds and high frame rates in both photo and video modes. Other benefits include a truly immersive viewfinder experience with the brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera,1 and a wide range of pro-level features inherited from Nikon’s acclaimed Z8 and Z9 flagship camerass.
The combination of the Z6III’s unique new sensor design and EXPEED 7 image processing engine results in an approximately 3.5x increase to readout speed compared to the previous-generation Z6II. This unlocks enhanced performance across the board, enabling benefits such as 6K internal N-RAW and ProRes RAW video, Full HD video up to 240p, and rapid continuous shooting of stills up to 120 fps with Pre-Release Capture. However, the camera’s incredible performance goes far beyond just frame rates. The Z6III features an impressively fast AF system inherited from the Z8 and Z9, which includes highly advanced multi-subject detection with the speed and accuracy needed for maximum confidence.
OUTPERFORM WITH UNMATCHED FEATURES
- World’s first partially-stacked sensor: The Z6III is the first mirrorless camera to adopt this new sensor architecture, which features multiple high-speed processing circuits stacked in layers above and below the imaging area of the sensor. The high-speed readout made possible by this new sensor in combination with the same EXPEED 7 processing engine as the Z8 and Z9 enables a range of powerful features.
- Upgraded autofocus: AF is fast and accurate, clocking in at a full 20% faster than the Z6II. In challenging light, the AF detection range has been extended to an incredible −10 EV2, superior even to the flagship level cameras. This enhanced sensitivity makes it easier to focus in dark situations like nighttime sports or an event reception.
- Advanced subject detection: The Z6III draws on the advanced subject-detection technology of the Z8 and Z9 to automatically detect nine subject types, including people, animals and various vehicles. Users can lock onto these subjects with advanced AF modes including 3D-tracking, Auto-area AF, Wide-area AF and Dynamic-area AF. Custom wide-area AF patterns allows for the detection and tracking of subjects within a custom designated area.
- Pre-Release Capture up to 120 fps: This powerful feature enables photographers to capture shots that might have otherwise been missed, such as the moment a bird takes flight, a lightning strike or the game-winning goal. A half-press of the shutter-release button starts buffering images3, and when the shutter is pressed all the way, the Z6III saves images taken up to one second prior.
- Internal 6K RAW video: The Z6III is capable of capturing 12-bit 6K/60p N-RAW and 6K/30p ProRes RAW, as well as 10-bit 5.4K ProRes 422 and H.265 video formats. The ability to capture super high-resolution video footage affords filmmakers the freedom to crop, trim, track and stabilize a 4K timeline in post with ultimate clarity. Furthermore, filmmakers can take advantage of the Z6III’s maximum video resolution of 6K to create oversampled 4K UHD/60p video footage4. The Z6III’s efficient heat-dissipating design allows continuous 4K UHD/60p recording for up to 125 min.5
- Brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera: At up to 4,000 cd/m2 (nits), the Z6III’s 5,760k-dot electronic viewfinder is the brightest ever in a mirrorless camera, delivering a clear, detailed view even in extremely bright outdoor situations while minimizing viewfinder blackout. In addition to its class-leading brightness and high resolution, the Z6III’s EVF is the first in a mirrorless camera to support a DCI-P3 equivalent color gamut1, which enables photographers and filmmakers to see a more lifelike display of colors.
- Dynamic Full HD/240p slow motion: The Z6III can capture dramatic slow-motion footage up to 10× with 10-bit Full HD/240p H.265 video recording.
- Amazing low-light ability- The Z6III’s wide native ISO range is from 100-64,000 (51,200 in video) and is expandable to 204,800 for ultra-low-light shooting. The Z6III’s EXPEED 7 image processing engine enables tailored noise reduction, effectively minimizing grainy noise in flat areas of the image while preserving fine details in subjects such as buildings. This results in sharper, clearer images in low-light environments.
- 8.0 stop Vibration Reduction6: Built-in 5-axis image stabilization delivers up to 8.0 stops of Vibration Reduction, empowering photographers and filmmakers to shoot handheld with confidence. Enjoy the creative freedom of slower shutter speeds, while keeping subjects sharp and using lower ISOs. Additionally, the Z6III features Focus Point VR7, which prioritizes stabilization on the active focus point.
- Vari-angle LCD screen: The 3.2” rear LCD touchscreen can be used as a front-facing screen for video production and self-recording, as well as framing at a low angle.
- High-resolution Pixel Shift mode: In Pixel-shift mode, the Z6III’s sensor is subtly shifted across 4, 8, 16, or 32 exposures, for increased color and detail with an incredibly high resolution of up to approx. 96MP.8
- Z8-level build quality: The Z6III is constructed from magnesium alloy and Sereebo® material for maximum durability and light weight. Weighing only 1.67 lbs. with a battery and memory card, the Z6III is sealed against dust and moisture to the same level as the Z8, and is rated for operation down to 14°F/−10°C, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of environments and conditions.
- Flexible Color Picture Controls: The Z6III supports the new Flexible Color Picture Control feature in NX Studio.9 Z6III owners can use the software’s powerful Color Blender and Color Grading features to create custom presets that can be uploaded to the camera as Custom Picture Controls.
NEW NIKON IMAGING CLOUD
Nikon Imaging Cloud10 will be a new complimentary cloud service that expands connectivity and creative options for Z6III owners.11 Users will be able to browse a suite of curated Imaging Recipes courtesy of Nikon and selected creators, which provide all the ingredients necessary to create amazing images: Suggested camera settings, inspiring insights plus Cloud Picture Control presets that Z6III owners can download straight to their camera. Furthermore, when the Z6III is connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud via Wi-Fi, still images captured with the camera can be automatically uploaded to a range of popular cloud storage services including NIKON IMAGE SPACE, making the storage and sharing of images even more convenient. In addition, Z6III owners will be able to use Nikon Imaging Cloud to keep their camera’s firmware up to date automatically over Wi-Fi, avoiding the need to manually download and install via a memory card.12
NEW MB-N14 POWER BATTERY PACK
The MB-N14 (release scheduled for Summer 2024) is an optional power battery pack with an integrated shutter button for the Z6III, Z7II and Z6II. The MB-N14 can hold two EN-EL15c13 rechargeable Li-ion batteries, allowing users to record approximately 1.9× more stills and extend video shoots.14 In addition to offering the same dust and drip resistance as the Z6III, the MB-N14 can also be used in conditions as cold as −10°C/14°F, making it extremely useful when shooting for extended periods of time in harsh conditions. What’s more, the MB-N14 is a “hot swap” power battery pack that continues to supply power even when one of the two batteries is removed. A built-in USB connector enables batteries inserted in the MB-N14 to be charged even when the MB-N14 is not attached to the camera.15
Nikon Z6III Vari-angle LCD
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The new Nikon Z6III will be available in late June for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of CAD $3,399.95* in the body-only configuration, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens for CAD $4,199.95.*The MB-N14 power battery pack will be available this summer for an MSRP of CAD $479.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.
Nikon Z6III Top View
Nikon Z6III Back View
About Nikon
Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless camera, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information visit www.nikon.ca, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
1. Among full-frame mirrorless cameras available as of June 17, 2024. Based on Nikon research.
2. In photo mode using single-servo AF (AF-S) at ISO 100 equivalent and a temperature of 20°C/68°F with an f/1.2 lens.
3. JPEG only.
4. 4K UHD/60p, 30p, 25p, 24p recording is only available at an image area setting of [FX].
5. With H.265 video recording to a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card at 23°C with auto temperature cutout set to [High] initiated with a cool camera. An external power supply, such as a portable battery or the MB-N14 power battery pack is required.
6. As of June 17, 2024. Measurement performed based on CIPA Standards in [Normal] VR mode using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S.
7. Only in photo mode with NIKKOR Z lenses not equipped with VR. Does not function when multiple focus points are displayed.
8. Both the subject and the camera must be still. RAW images shot with the pixel shift shooting feature must be combined using NX Studio.
9. Flexible Color will be introduced to NX Studio with the version scheduled for release on June 17, 2024.
10.The release date for Nikon Imaging Cloud has been extended and will be announced when available. Updates will also be provided on the Nikon Imaging Cloud page.
11. As of announcement, this service is supported only by the Z6III. Support for other models will be added in the future.
12. At a pre-specified time when the camera is connected to the service via Wi-Fi and powered by USB.
13. N-EL15b and EN-EL15a batteries can also be used but note that battery endurance (the number of shots possible, maximum video recording time) may be less on a single charge.
14. Actual endurance varies with such factors as environmental conditions, battery charge level, the interval between shots, and the options selected in the camera menus.
15. EN-EL15a and EN-EL15b batteries cannot be charged.
