Nikon Z6III Launched – New 24.5MP Partially-Stacked Sensor, 6K60p N-RAW, Bright EVF, and More

Camera News

by Francesco AndreolaJune 17^th, 2024

Nikon has just unveiled the 3rd iteration of their Z 6 mid-level hybrid mirrorless camera. The new Nikon Z 6III brings quite a few improvements over the previous generations, including a new partially-stacked 24.5MP CMOS sensor, internal N-RAW recording at up to 6K60p, in-camera slow-motion in 4K120p and Full HD 240p, a revamped 5.76k-dot 4000-nit EVF, support for line audio-in, a full-size HDMI port, and much more. The camera is now available to pre-order.

Launched back in August 2018, the original Nikon Z 6 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the mirrorless era. Indeed, thanks to a partnership between Nikon and Atomos, it was the first camera – along with the Z 7 – to ever output RAW data over HDMI, effectively paving the way for many other camera manufacturers to join the Atomos ProRes RAW ecosystem as we know it today.

However, the Z 6 was lacking some key functionalities for video shooters, such as internal N-Log or 4K UHD 60p recording, for example. Some of these limitations were partially addressed with the advent of the Z 6II in October 2020 and subsequent firmware updates. But today, with the launch of the Z 6III, it looks like Nikon is willing to compete even more seriously in the filmmaking league. Let’s take a closer look!

Nikon Z 6III – New 24.5MP sensor paired with EXPEED 7 processor

To start off, the Nikon Z 6III packs a new 24.5MP (6048×4032 pixels) partially-stacked CMOS full-frame (35.9×23.9 mm) sensor, which is the world’s first. This is paired with the same EXPEED 7 processor found on the Z 8 and Z 9. And, according to Nikon, this combo should provide about 3.5x faster readout speeds compared to the Z 6II. Hopefully, we will be able to confirm these claims by putting the camera through its paces in our rigorous Lab Test in the future.

The sensor comes with 5-axis stabilization and Nikon claims that this should provide up to 8-stops of Vibration Reduction. On top of this, the Z 6III has a Focus Point VR feature that “prioritizes stabilization on the active focus point,” according to Nikon.

On the photo side, the camera can capture 24.5MP RAW images at up to 20fps using the electronic shutter or JPEG stills at up to 120fps. Moreover, a new Pre-Release Capture mode has been added to capture up to 1 second before you press the shutter button.

On the video side, the Z 6III can shoot N-RAW internally in 6K at up to 60fps, exploiting the whole full-frame sensor area without any crop. Moreover, ProRes RAW HQ (12-bit), ProRes 422 HQ (10-bit), and H.265 (10-bit) recording options are also available. However, these modes are limited to 6K30p, 5.4K30p, and 5.4K60p, respectively. Finally, an H.265 (8-bit) mode is also available. But that’s not all. Indeed, you can record slow-motion videos in 4K at up to 120fps with a 1.5x crop or Full HD at up to 240fps.

Just like with the Z 6II, the camera features two card slots, one supporting CFexpress Type B or XQD media and the other for SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards. Unfortunately, these cannot be used for simultaneous backup recording. The Z 6III still uses the same EN-EL15c batteries as the Z6 II and supports power delivery via USB-C. Moreover, you can use the camera in conjunction with the MB-N14 battery pack to further extend battery life.

According to Nikon, the autofocus system of the Z 6III is inherited from the Z 8 and Z 9 and is also enhanced by their Deep Learning technology. The AF system can automatically detect 9 different types of subjects, including people, dogs, cats, birds, airplanes, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and trains.

Size, weight, fully-articulating LCD, and bright EVF

The design of the Z 6III seems to be the result of a hybridization between the Z 6/Z 6II and the Z 8 bodies. Indeed, the camera is a bit bulkier (138.5 x 101.5 x 74mm / 5.45 x 3.99 x 2.9in) and heavier (670g/1.47 lbs.) than the Z 6II, and, probably, this was partially done to accommodate the new 3.2” fully-articulating (finally!) touchscreen LCD display.

The blackout-free EVF has also been dramatically improved and now features a higher resolution with 5.760k dots, a wide DCI-P3 color gamut, and 4,000 nits of brightness, which is quite impressive.

When it comes to connectivity, the camera still has a 3.5mm jack input as well as a 3.5mm headphone output. However, the audio input can now receive line signals from external recorders and XLR accessories. A nice surprise is also the addition of a full-size HDMI port, which replaces the mini-HDMI of the previous generations.

Price and availability

The new Nikon Z 6III is now available to pre-order from B&H and CVP. The body-only option retails for about $2,499.95 / €2,650. Alternatively, you can purchase the camera bundled with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens for $3,099.95. The camera will be available in late June.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

Have you ever shot on the Nikon Z 6 or Z 6II? What do you think of this new model? Would you consider switching to Nikon for both your photo and video needs? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!