Nikon has officially announced the Nikon Z6 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera that represents a significant leap forward in their versatile Z-series lineup. As the third generation in Nikon’s mid-tier Z6 series, the Z6 III brings advanced technology and features from the flagship Z9 and Z8 models into a more compact and user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of photographers and videographers.

Nikon Z6 III Pre-order links:

Nikon Z6 III body at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon Z6 III with 24-70mm f/4 S Lens at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

One of the most notable upgrades in the Z6 III is its all-new 24.5 megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor, paired with the powerful EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. This sensor design, unique to Nikon, positions circuit components on both the top and bottom of the pixel area, allowing for faster autofocus, reduced shutter lag, and enhanced video capabilities. Nikon claims this partially stacked sensor is 3.5 times faster than the BSI CMOS sensor found in the previous Z6 II, providing superior performance and the fastest scan rates among full-frame cameras in its class.

Autofocus is significantly improved in the Z6 III, matching the speed and accuracy of the Z9 and Z8. This advanced AF system supports low-light focusing down to -10 EV and includes deep learning-based subject detection for nine different subject types. Additionally, it introduces 3D Tracking and Wide Area focus modes, ensuring precise and reliable focus in a variety of shooting scenarios. The camera’s autofocus is approximately 20% faster than that of the Z6 II, making it highly capable of capturing fast-moving subjects.

For photographers, the Z6 III offers a high continuous shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter and 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. The new Pre-release Capture feature allows for continuous shooting one second before and three seconds after the shutter is pressed, increasing the chances of capturing decisive moments. The camera also boasts an impressive electronic shutter speed of 1/16,000 seconds, ideal for freezing fast action or shooting with wide apertures in bright conditions.

The Z6 III is a low-light powerhouse, with a native ISO range of 100-64,000 and an 8-stop effective sensor-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) system. This camera introduces Nikon’s latest Focus Point VR mode, which prioritizes stabilization based on the selected focus point, enhancing image sharpness where it matters most.

In terms of image quality, the Z6 III inherits several portrait modes from the Zf, including Rich Tone Portrait, Flat Monochrome, and Rich Tone Monochrome. The camera also features Pixel Shift Shooting, which combines multiple exposures to create ultra-high-resolution 96MP images, perfect for detailed stills of stationary subjects.

Video capabilities have been significantly enhanced, making the Z6 III a strong contender for professional video production. It supports internal recording up to 6K60p in N-RAW format, 6K30p in ProRes RAW, 5.4K30p in ProRes 4:2:2, and 5.4K30p in H.265. For slow-motion video, it offers up to 240 fps in Full HD and 120 fps in 4K with a DX crop. The camera’s video functionality is further supported by improved audio input options, including a new line input for direct board audio connections, and the ability to sync timecodes via Bluetooth using the UltraSync BLUE from Atomos.

The design of the Z6 III has been refined to better suit hybrid shooters. The rear LCD is now a 3.2-inch 2.1m-dot vari-angle screen, ideal for on-camera monitoring during video shoots. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has also been upgraded, featuring a 5.76m-dot resolution and 4000 nit peak brightness, surpassing even the Z9’s viewfinder. This HDR panel covers the full DCI-P3/HLG color gamut and supports no blackout viewing with the electronic shutter.

Connectivity options in the Z6 III are comprehensive, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless transfers, USB-C for tethering and charging, 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, and a full-size HDMI port for external monitoring. The camera also features dual memory card slots, one for CFexpress Type-B and one for UHS-II SD cards. Integration with Nikon’s new Imaging Cloud service allows for easy transfer and sharing of images and settings, enhancing user convenience and workflow efficiency.

Overall, the Nikon Z6 III is a highly versatile and advanced camera, combining top-tier performance with user-friendly features. It stands out as a powerful tool for both photography and videography, appealing to a broad audience of creative professionals and enthusiasts.

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 & Filmmakers Flagship-Level Performance; Nikon Also Announces Nikon Imaging Cloud Online Service & Curated Image Recipes

MELVILLE, NY —

Today Nikon 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 cameras.

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.

“Offering a camera with this level of performance, reliability and an appealing price is a winning formula for all kinds of users who need a camera that will help them excel in every job or creative endeavor,” said Naoki Onozato, President and CEO, Nikon Inc. “The Z6III represents much more than simply a generational update–it’s a major leap forward that’s going to establish a whole new concept of what a mid-range camera should be capable of.”

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

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The new Nikon Z6III will be available in late June for a suggested retail price of $2,499.95* in the body-only configuration, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens for $3,099.95.* The MB-N14 power battery pack will be available this summer for a suggested retail price of $359.95.* 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 Nikonusa.com.