You had the camera for less than 24 hours and still were able to produce a wide-range of stellar shots as examples of its capabilities. A professional among professionals. Bravo sir!
Another home run from Nikon. For the price and features it has, this new body would appeal to the millions who can't afford a Z8. Now the masses have a true capable body that could be use in any situation. I'm tempted to get this as my back up to my Z9. The new body's 5+ million EVF is a blessing, so too with that flip screen
Hey Steve! Canon shooter here with the R5 and the 100-500. You are my go to channel for Nikon reviews, and general photography tips too. There are many times that I consider going to Nikon. Their lens line up is really compelling! I love your videos, they are just packed with tips for any brand shooter. You really should be a Nikon Ambassador!
Thanks so much! Nikon has asked me about being an ambassador and I think it would undermine the integrity of the reviews. Anytime an ambassador says anything positive about Nikon, there are always those who say, "Yeah, but Nikon is paying them!" I don't want to fall into that category.
Did you know that if you use your smart phone to connect to your z camera via the free Nikon app /snap bridge you don’t need to twist your back screen about . Big plus i found was with my z8 the app informed me of a firmware upgrade. I clicked on the ok and it down loaded it . Then when the 180 600 z lens had a firmware update . I got a attachment for the phone to fit it on flash mount and I get to use the screen to set the setting of the camera . F or landscape it’s a great it did that too. Great channel you have I learn a lot
Wahhaaaa. The drop and roll scene was so, so funny. Not in the market for this camera, but still loved the review as I can listen to you talk photography forever. Thanks, Steve.
Welcome to Florida! I shoot birds with a Zf and a 500mm PF lens. I am thinking about getting a Z8 for Christmas but was interested in knowing more about the new Z6iii. Thanks for the review.
Awesome video, thanks. Currently have a D850 with lots of F mount lens. Would be nice to know how the performance is using an F mount on a Z6iii vs Z8.
12:22 the continuous shooting capability is nice, but since it only produces 24MP pics are half the size of the Z8/9 picture , and we know most of todays CFe-s can handle 14~16 pics of that 45MP photos. And today's top CFe-s can handle the Z8/9 burst for monites. Same goes to the overheat, I would be surprised if it had any issues regarding that with that modest data sizes.
Nikon should gift you their entire line of lenses and cameras for the shots you pulled off over just two sessions! These photos are absolutely incredible, and hands down the very best amongst all the review videos I have seen so far!!! Steve, you look really excited with this one, and we can all guess why.... Thank you for this rocking review! After 8 long years of window shopping, I think I can now happily add a mate for my D500 without breaking the bank. One interesting test would be to see how it pairs with 3rd party and FTZ adapted DSLR lenses like Tamron 150-600 G2
I'm from Indonesia 🇮🇩. currently still using a Nikon D7200 camera and 80-200 afd lens to photograph sports. Hopefully one day I can buy a Nikon Z6II camera
One of my favorite cameras of all time was the Nikon D750. I captured some really great (to me) wildlife photos even though it was "only" 24MP. Its low light performance was fantastic so I'm sure the new Z6III will be excellent as well. Solid review, Steve. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after you've had some longterm use of the Z6III.
For the birders: You only make heavy crops out of your photos if you don't have enough focal length with your lens. Otherwise the statements that 24 MP is not enough are not very substantial. And the difference between 33 MP and 24 MP is only 9 MP. That's not enough to get any noticeable improvement.
Your reviews are always great! This camera would be perfect for my lowlight dance photography in the theater, providing that the mechanical shutter isn't too loud (electronic shutters can create banding with certain LED lights, even with a stacked sensor). I sold my Z6II to help finance my Z8. The the high iso image quality with 45 megapixel cameras starts to get pretty noisy past iso 3200. My Z6II had no problem with iso 6400, but the auto focus needed and upgrade (thus the Z6III). The Z6II's mechanical shutter was quiet enough in most situations, but during quiet movements I had to use caution not to disturb the audience. Do find much difference in the shutter sound between the Z6II and the Z6III? Thanks!
Going to Africa in September. I have a Z8 and am renting my back-up. Should I go with the Z 7ii or the Z 6iii? Z8 will have the 180-60mm and the back-up will have the 24-120mm. Thanks for the great review!
Hey Steve, I have been waiting for this for weeks and, as always, you are first and the best! It is a great introduction and convinces me right away to place an order for one. You did not mention battery life and a grip! I assume Nikon will have one, because a grip will be a must for me with a longer lens and without the ability to use a large battery. The most important conclusion for me is, that I can use this as a full wildlife camera, and of course, as a fabulous travel, family and general shooting housing. I live in Paris and this will become my goto street photo camera! I avoid saying "street shooting" on purpose, for obvious reasons. We live in the land of "wok"!
Battery life seems on-par with the current Z6ii, but in such a short time, there was just no way to conduct a good test. There is a grip with full controls, but I couldn't confirm it at the time I shot the video.
The price on this really does make sense when you look at the sale price on the Z6 II, the Zf, and the Z8 (on or off sale). Z6 II is more for budget shooters that just want good IQ and reasonable AF, Zf improves the AF a bit, Z6 III takes it a good amount further, and then the Z8 (and Z9) follow on the high-end but are obviously much more expensive. So Nikon did position this right at $2500 and it does compete nicely with the R6 II and A7 IV, although those cameras are likely to see the next round of updates within the next 2 years before a Z6 IV comes out but at the end of the day, it's al la game of leap frog. That being said, having the Z8 and Zf, I'm pretty set myself and probably am not going to the Z6 III since the features I need are already available in the Z8 (the ones that aren't I don't really use).
@@gosman949not for a while yet. Z8 is only one year old. Overall the Z8 /Z9 is still the better camera, better AF overall, absolutely zero rolling shutter and full stacked 45mpx sensor is a huge difference vs. 24mpx. Pick what works for you
Also, the lower resolution sensor on full-frame means you can have a lower diffusion limited aperture. The Z9 is f/7.1 for its DLA. That means the DLA for the Z6iii should be below f/8... maybe closer to f/11.
Your instructive videos and all honest reviews help me a lot to master my wildlife photography skills. Happy to own Z6iii, really eager to shoot wildlife with it.
Shades of Garth Marenghi 3:43 Further, I agree 100% in regards to the performance of the outgoing Z6ii; mine was completely capable of shooting birds in flight but it did take some practice and setup. 24MP provides plenty of resolution. My 10-page feature was just published in the June 2024 issue of Birding magazine and most of those were shot with my Z6ii.
Great first look review! One thing, I think you should invest in a new microphone. The sound quality is not the best, it's not terrible don't get me wrong. But im sure you can get better results with a better mic.
I think it's a user problem more than the mic - it was clipping a bit and I need to turn down the gain. Of course, by the time I figured it out, it was too late to do much about it.
What Area plate or collar are you using to mount to your ball head? I'm pretty much sold on this camera it's all I need (and more) with the help of your wonderful video, can't believe you captured all of those beautiful photos in 24 hrs...WOW!
I wasn’t sure at first if I was interested in this. My d850 is dying & I can’t yet afford a z8…. I think maybe this will work for the interim! I do wish it was more MP but seems like everything else is a good trade off.
As I sit here at my desk, I still have one of the books you said we should have "Mastering the Nikon D750" Steve, as it's still what I'm shooting, and still working as well today, as it did 10 years ago when I first bought it! I'm somewhat thinking perhaps of upgrading, so this may be a worthy choice. I do some bird shots, but I've never been big on taking a lot of shots, where I take a single or up to 3 shots, and if I didn't get the shot...so be it. My interest lies in Landscape photography for the most part, and what perked my interest was the 'in body stabilization' as I have a tremor in my right hand, thus taking single shots without my tripod is problematic, so stabilization is important to me. Will certainly be watching for future video's you might have on this, or even the Z7iii when it comes out. Great job, on the limited time you had this camera!
Thank you so much Steve for this comprehensive first report on the Z6III! I have your books, so I know how professional you are being able to entertain at the same time.
Regarding the theory that lower resolution sensors exhibit less noise, I am not convinced. If you don’t need the pixels, then what you’re looking at is effectively downsampled, which reduces noise to about the same level as if you shot it with a lower res body anyway. But if you do need the pixels, and have enough light such that noise isn’t too bad, the Z6 III won’t provide them. I also want to say this: a shorter lens is smaller, lighter and easier to carry. A 100-400 is the size of a 70-200/2.8. Something many bags are designed for. I realize I’m compromising, but that can be my choice, if I want to shoot with such a lens and a high-mp body or a DX body (which comes down to the same thing). I’m currently shooting with a D750 and Tamron 100-400, and I’m considering either going to a D850 or adding a D7500. edit: Though, and this is also important, when I was in Costa Rica with my D750 and 100-400, shooting in national parks (jungle), the effective resolution was perhaps more limited by the noise than the number of megapixels. And if the Z6 III has less noise, that may be worth considering as well.
I think once you downsample, it'll be close, but I often find lower res cameras have a bit of an edge. It't not like a full stop or anything, but they often do have a bit of an edge. Once I get a production camera, I can compare.
You are right-handed, you hold your lens with your left hand, you focus and you trigger with your right hand: what do you do if on the fly you have to modify your settings or call up a pre-recorded configuration (I often do this by video and sports and animal photography) if your dial is on the left? Will we be able to assign to certain buttons the possibility of switching configurations with the right hand with the Nikon Z6III? Only 24 MPX, this remains a big disappointment overall.
Hang on just a minute I want to Know if someone has a ,D7500D500 and Nikon 200-500 and we have a Z6III with a 180-600 or 200-500 who will get a better quality picture of a bird in relatively low light.because a few weeks back I noticed I was getting better pics from my DSLR than my friend on his Z6II with the above combos I guess APSC crop is a huge factor
I have been using the Z f with the Z 180-600mm, coming from my long time use of the D500 and the F mount 200-500mm. As venerable and battle tested as the D500 is with that classic affordable lens - I almost never use it any more, I get much better results with the Z f and the 180-600mm.
Too many variables to even guess. Generally, if you are filling the frame with either camera, the full frame will have an edge, mirrorless or not. If you're cropping the heck out of a 24MP sensor, then yes, I can see a crop camera having the edge in that scenario., The truth is though, it's not really about mirrorless vs DSLR; it's about full frame v DX and appropriate usage.
Not that there was any doubt before, but with the Z6III the lead Nikon has over Sony in the wildlife/sports action game is enormous and become insurmountable. As for the buffer, it is likely the Z6III has the Z8/Z9 memory bus which is incredible at this price. By the numbers, I would not doubt the Z6III could actually do 25fps LC RAW FX unlimited and rather it is limited by something other than the memory bus. Dual card write is a different story, and the SD UHS-II is the nerf. If I had to make a guess, I would say the Z6III is probably limited to 10fps give or take in dual card write LC RAW FX. The Z8 is lower than that because larger file sizes. The Z9 is 10fps in dual card write thanks to dual CFB.
Hi Steve, thank you for the review. Did you have a chance to try an F mount lens + FTZ with the camera? I recall the previous version of Z6 took longer to focus with older lenses compared to the Z9. Thank you
No raw precapture!? Biggest disappointment for me. Olympus has had this for years , 2020 press release for the em-1 mark iii: "Pro Capture starts shooting the moment the shutter release button is pressed down halfway, with a buffer that can be set to capture up to 35 frames in RAW / full resolution."
Great initial review, Steve! I have the Z8 and the D500. The D500 holds a warm place in my heart for the experiences we've had together, but now I'm thinking about replacing it with the Z6III. Yet, on the other hand, since I purchased the Z8 just over a year ago, I've only touched the D500 one time for a night with the northern lights. Hmmm. Decisions!
Hi Steve, I have really enjoyed your videos as they’ve been very helpful for me. I am currently using a micro four thirds system. I previously had a Nikon d7200. Currently using micro four thirds. It is smaller lens wise but I preferred the images from the old Nikon. I like mirrorless. I am curious of your opinion on going to a full frame mirrorless like the Z6ii or iii. What do you think I’ll notice (both pros and cons)? Thanks for your time.
One more reason for a "low" megapixel camera. I was able to buy a mint condition 600mm F4 G (not e) for a song and while it has some image quality trouble in the corners with my high pixel Z8 and Z9 - it could resolve a 24MP camera beautifully. I bought and hated the Z6II to go with the lens. I chucked it pretty quickly - but looks like the Z6III is very promising. If you are shooting with an F6.3 zoom or prime at 600mm you may want to consider this camera as a way to extend the life of what is still some great old (and now relatively inexpensive) glass. Even used e mount glass has dropped in price. Yes - it can be a bit slow to focus - but I know I have learned to tune my Z8 and Z9 to make it more than usable with a slight crop. Seems like from this review it will be possible with the Z6III as well. I won't get myself on the backorder list for one - and I sure wish it didn't have a flip screen - but if they pan out like the review I will definitely buy one when they start being available at a sale price. Seems like Nikon is learning and trying to at least keep up with the competition.
i think this will be the point where i shift to mirrorless. with my old D600, i had the problem with the bad focus sensor in low light situation and i am not a great manual focus performer either. a video of a fire juggler on the beach at night with an 85mm f/1.4 was more or less impossible. now with the advanced focus system and high dynamic range on a Z6-III, a 6K video with maximum color depth of nikon n-log must deliver an insane performance of details in low light areas but also great details in high light areas like the fire. and serves as a good raw version for an edited color graded 4K video.
I just bought the Z8 after working with a pair of Z6ii's for a few years and I'm having to tell myself that i absolutely need the 45mp to make myself feel better 😂
Thanks again Steve, Valuable video in every way. I was gunning for a Z8 and using the lenses from my D850,so I can now look at a Z6iii and lens for the same price.Cheers!
Very good and comprehensive "review" Steve. The way you did the presentation in defined pieces was great. I'm watching this on the Saturday after the announcement, please don't hate me. But your points confirm my choice to preorder this at 6:25AM MDT last Monday. Sold my Z6II on Wed. You key on wildlife here but same upgrades applies to Train and Airplane photography. And to have this be similar set up as my Z8 is great. Thanks for doing this. - Tim
I am a general hobbiest photographer who has always used Nikon and followed you for years. All the wiz-bang automation is interesting but not important to me. What is important is low light performance. I currently use a Nikon Z6II and have been very happy with its performance in any light. I note the new ZIII offers a "base" ISO of up to 64,000 as opposed to the ZII offering 51,200. Of course, the ZII offers .3 higher than 51,000, as well. So my question is will we see a meaningful improvement in low light with the new range on the ZIII. How would that work? Thanks for your reviews. I don't particularly shoot wildlife outside of our zoo, but I do love animals and natural habitats.
Thanks for the kind words :) I couldn't really do any ISO comparisons with the pre-production camera so I can't say - yet. I'm assuming it'll be a notch up.
I have been shooting Nikon since 1980 with my FE. I have the D750 and 850. I was literally hrs away from getting a Sony Alpha 7R5. I am looking for a camera that can shoot in concert situations and autofocus properly. I think this is the ticket.
When you do your full review of the production camera, would you test it with the FTZ adapter? I have a 500PF. I'm curious if it is worth upgrading from a D850 without a native lens.
@@JanWagner77 I’d say the 45mp sensor and for me the tilt screen vs the flippy screen. But I understand this is very personal preference and 1000 € is a lot of money.. maybe I need to look into a more detailed comparison to the Z8 :)
Thanks Steve. Your first look preview of the Z6III is the best one I've seen. The photos you brought back really show the strengths of this camera. I'd love to get one. This is a possible camera for me in the future, unlike a Z8 or Z9! No bird mode though! Do you think Nikon will offer software updates? That roll was awesome. Pretty spry! Also curious, do you think this camera work well with a 500 f/4 vr g lens. I'd like to keep and use that lens......
Great review! Just curious, what foot do you have on your PF lens? It looks longer than the stock foot (and thus offers more real estate to carry handheld). Thank you!
Hello Steve, I'm using D500 mainly bird photography and looking to replace it, but I found the Z8 a bit expensive for my budget. Rumors about Z90 that would be replacing the D500. Between Z6III and possible Z90 should I wait for more confirmation from Nikon before making switch. Thank you Daniel
Great review as always. TFS. Please can you comment on video capability. I currently shoot with Z9. And wanted to get a second body. And now on safari, I use one camera as for still images and another for videos. Hence the question.
Hi Steve What order would you rank these cameras for birds in flight? - Based on likelihood to successfully capture an in-focus image, all other things being equal? Z50, D7200, Z6 ii, D810, D850, D500, D7500 You said it is has been hard to recommend a mid-priced Z camera for birds in flight, up until now. I prefer to buy second hand when the price drops significantly, so it may be a couple of years before I consider buying the Z6iii. I have owned a Z50 for some time and it has been great, until I caught the BIF bug. Very recently bought a D7200 to carry a 2nd body. In my first real session with it (around sunset) I already feel like the D7200 is locking on more quickly and consistently than the Z50. That's exciting! It's making me think that a DSLR such as used D500 or D810 may be a better budget/value option for BIF than a used Z6ii? Especially with your comment during this video which implies the Z6ii and Z7ii aren't up to standard of the better DSLR's. I have also been researching the Olympus cameras ... I'm using a Nikon 300mm f4 IF ED and just added a TC1.4II 😊 I think there is value in learning the skills and craft to take good pictures with older gear meaning, one day, if I choose to stick at it, I'll enjoy the better cameras even more. BTW, Watched alot of your videos and have two of your ebooks. Thanks!
Great review Steve! You answered all the questions that I have regarding adding a second camera to my current D850. I’ve been looking to move to a mirrorless system, but I’ve been waiting to get the features that I want/need. Now it looks like we have them in the X6iii. Thank you!
Great informative video Steve, i’m seriuosly thinking of buying the z6iii but would want to use my d500 glass with it via the ftz adapter for my wildlife adventures, whats your thoughts on this. My lenses include the 300mm f2.8 vrii, the 500mm pf, the 70-200mm, the 1.4iii tc & the 300mm f4 pf (plus a couple tamrons)?
You had the camera for less than 24 hours and still were able to produce a wide-range of stellar shots as examples of its capabilities. A professional among professionals. Bravo sir!
Thanks so much!
As Sheldon would say “Sarcasm?”
that roll and shoot absolutly killed me!
Me too!
Steve Perry is the gold standard for honest & useful wildlife photography camera reviews.
3:44, that action roll is awesome, those birds never had a chance!!!!
This level of photography on a pre-production unit, with only 24 hours of use. You sir are a master of your art.
Thanks so much!
Can't wait for this!
Man that roll on the ground was incredibly fast! 😂
You can stop waiting ang go buy Z6ii now.
Another home run from Nikon. For the price and features it has, this new body would appeal to the millions who can't afford a Z8. Now the masses have a true capable body that could be use in any situation. I'm tempted to get this as my back up to my Z9. The new body's 5+ million EVF is a blessing, so too with that flip screen
this Z6iii review is much better than all the others that are out there. well done !
Thanks so much!
Hey Steve! Canon shooter here with the R5 and the 100-500. You are my go to channel for Nikon reviews, and general photography tips too. There are many times that I consider going to Nikon. Their lens line up is really compelling! I love your videos, they are just packed with tips for any brand shooter. You really should be a Nikon Ambassador!
Thanks so much! Nikon has asked me about being an ambassador and I think it would undermine the integrity of the reviews. Anytime an ambassador says anything positive about Nikon, there are always those who say, "Yeah, but Nikon is paying them!" I don't want to fall into that category.
That roll !!! @ 3:43 sold it for me! It I can get to do that, I'll buy two!! Seriously though, a really nice review. Thanks Steve
As a D750 user who really needs the AF help, you described me so well. Can’t wait to get my hands on this camera.
That was me also - and I'm delighted with the Z6iii for that and other reasons. And, thanks for your videos Steve!
Did you know that if you use your smart phone to connect to your z camera via the free Nikon app /snap bridge you don’t need to twist your back screen about . Big plus i found was with my z8 the app informed me of a firmware upgrade. I clicked on the ok and it down loaded it . Then when the 180 600 z lens had a firmware update . I got a attachment for the phone to fit it on flash mount and I get to use the screen to set the setting of the camera . F or landscape it’s a great it did that too. Great channel you have I learn a lot
Well, you done it again. My next camera and yes my next e-book in my collection. Thanks for the great content
Amazing specs!!! This blows away the competition! Nikon is back baby!
Wahhaaaa. The drop and roll scene was so, so funny. Not in the market for this camera, but still loved the review as I can listen to you talk photography forever. Thanks, Steve.
Love the dip and roll, Steve 😅
Gonna upgrade from lumix g9 to one of these in January for my own channel. Cannot wait.
good luck!
Welcome to Florida! I shoot birds with a Zf and a 500mm PF lens. I am thinking about getting a Z8 for Christmas but was interested in knowing more about the new Z6iii. Thanks for the review.
Don't shoot Nikon but boy are they killing it Great Job
Awesome video, thanks. Currently have a D850 with lots of F mount lens. Would be nice to know how the performance is using an F mount on a Z6iii vs Z8.
12:22 the continuous shooting capability is nice, but since it only produces 24MP pics are half the size of the Z8/9 picture , and we know most of todays CFe-s can handle 14~16 pics of that 45MP photos. And today's top CFe-s can handle the Z8/9 burst for monites.
Same goes to the overheat, I would be surprised if it had any issues regarding that with that modest data sizes.
Thanks Steve, this is the camera I was waiting for to step into FX and mirrorless arena. Your very objective review was very useful
Thanks so much!
Born and bred Nikon shooter here, I want this camera 😁
Nikon should gift you their entire line of lenses and cameras for the shots you pulled off over just two sessions! These photos are absolutely incredible, and hands down the very best amongst all the review videos I have seen so far!!! Steve, you look really excited with this one, and we can all guess why.... Thank you for this rocking review! After 8 long years of window shopping, I think I can now happily add a mate for my D500 without breaking the bank. One interesting test would be to see how it pairs with 3rd party and FTZ adapted DSLR lenses like Tamron 150-600 G2
Thanks so much!
I'm from Indonesia 🇮🇩. currently still using a Nikon D7200 camera and 80-200 afd lens to photograph sports. Hopefully one day I can buy a Nikon Z6II camera
It looks like the Z6iii may be for me 3:44 , I think I am ready and I have been wanting to go mirror less I am shooting D750 and D500.
24MP is still a stellar sensor. Love the points on improving your technique and gear. I shoot my 24MP more than the 45MP and love it just the same.
Thanks! best preview of a Z6 III!
Thanks so much!
I have to give you some credit, your photos were excellent, and you did a great job showing us this new camera. Thanks, we appreciate it.
One of my favorite cameras of all time was the Nikon D750. I captured some really great (to me) wildlife photos even though it was "only" 24MP. Its low light performance was fantastic so I'm sure the new Z6III will be excellent as well. Solid review, Steve. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts after you've had some longterm use of the Z6III.
I like your review videos. Straight to the point with no "BS" filler fluff.
Brilliant, Steve! U and Morton do such great work - thank u again! 6K 60p - WOW!!!
For the birders: You only make heavy crops out of your photos if you don't have enough focal length with your lens. Otherwise the statements that 24 MP is not enough are not very substantial. And the difference between 33 MP and 24 MP is only 9 MP. That's not enough to get any noticeable improvement.
Your reviews are always great! This camera would be perfect for my lowlight dance photography in the theater, providing that the mechanical shutter isn't too loud (electronic shutters can create banding with certain LED lights, even with a stacked sensor). I sold my Z6II to help finance my Z8. The the high iso image quality with 45 megapixel cameras starts to get pretty noisy past iso 3200. My Z6II had no problem with iso 6400, but the auto focus needed and upgrade (thus the Z6III). The Z6II's mechanical shutter was quiet enough in most situations, but during quiet movements I had to use caution not to disturb the audience. Do find much difference in the shutter sound between the Z6II and the Z6III? Thanks!
The camera I’ve been waiting for. Still shooting my D500 and couldn’t spend the big bucks for a Z8-or 9. Can’t wait to get my hands on one
Priceless the action roll at 3:42 😄🙌🏻. - As always the best review available.
Going to Africa in September. I have a Z8 and am renting my back-up. Should I go with the Z 7ii or the Z 6iii? Z8 will have the 180-60mm and the back-up will have the 24-120mm. Thanks for the great review!
Hey Steve, I have been waiting for this for weeks and, as always, you are first and the best! It is a great introduction and convinces me right away to place an order for one. You did not mention battery life and a grip! I assume Nikon will have one, because a grip will be a must for me with a longer lens and without the ability to use a large battery. The most important conclusion for me is, that I can use this as a full wildlife camera, and of course, as a fabulous travel, family and general shooting housing. I live in Paris and this will become my goto street photo camera! I avoid saying "street shooting" on purpose, for obvious reasons. We live in the land of "wok"!
Battery life seems on-par with the current Z6ii, but in such a short time, there was just no way to conduct a good test. There is a grip with full controls, but I couldn't confirm it at the time I shot the video.
The price on this really does make sense when you look at the sale price on the Z6 II, the Zf, and the Z8 (on or off sale). Z6 II is more for budget shooters that just want good IQ and reasonable AF, Zf improves the AF a bit, Z6 III takes it a good amount further, and then the Z8 (and Z9) follow on the high-end but are obviously much more expensive. So Nikon did position this right at $2500 and it does compete nicely with the R6 II and A7 IV, although those cameras are likely to see the next round of updates within the next 2 years before a Z6 IV comes out but at the end of the day, it's al la game of leap frog. That being said, having the Z8 and Zf, I'm pretty set myself and probably am not going to the Z6 III since the features I need are already available in the Z8 (the ones that aren't I don't really use).
I'm glad I didn't get the Z8 or Z9 as these two will soon be getting updates too.
@@gosman949not for a while yet. Z8 is only one year old. Overall the Z8 /Z9 is still the better camera, better AF overall, absolutely zero rolling shutter and full stacked 45mpx sensor is a huge difference vs. 24mpx. Pick what works for you
Great quick pre-production review! I am sure there will be more to come looking forward to it. Many Thanks!
Also, the lower resolution sensor on full-frame means you can have a lower diffusion limited aperture.
The Z9 is f/7.1 for its DLA. That means the DLA for the Z6iii should be below f/8... maybe closer to f/11.
Your instructive videos and all honest reviews help me a lot to master my wildlife photography skills. Happy to own Z6iii, really eager to shoot wildlife with it.
Shades of Garth Marenghi 3:43 Further, I agree 100% in regards to the performance of the outgoing Z6ii; mine was completely capable of shooting birds in flight but it did take some practice and setup. 24MP provides plenty of resolution. My 10-page feature was just published in the June 2024 issue of Birding magazine and most of those were shot with my Z6ii.
Only 24 hours and still fit a commando roll in! Never stop having fun Steve! Great review
Great first look review! One thing, I think you should invest in a new microphone. The sound quality is not the best, it's not terrible don't get me wrong. But im sure you can get better results with a better mic.
I think it's a user problem more than the mic - it was clipping a bit and I need to turn down the gain. Of course, by the time I figured it out, it was too late to do much about it.
Beste Steve, wat een prachtige foto's heb je gemaakt!!
Thanks so much!
What Area plate or collar are you using to mount to your ball head?
I'm pretty much sold on this camera it's all I need (and more) with the help of your wonderful video, can't believe you captured all of those beautiful photos in 24 hrs...WOW!
Thanks! It was just some random plate I had in my bag. Any will work.
I wasn’t sure at first if I was interested in this. My d850 is dying & I can’t yet afford a z8…. I think maybe this will work for the interim! I do wish it was more MP but seems like everything else is a good trade off.
As I sit here at my desk, I still have one of the books you said we should have "Mastering the Nikon D750" Steve, as it's still what I'm shooting, and still working as well today, as it did 10 years ago when I first bought it! I'm somewhat thinking perhaps of upgrading, so this may be a worthy choice. I do some bird shots, but I've never been big on taking a lot of shots, where I take a single or up to 3 shots, and if I didn't get the shot...so be it. My interest lies in Landscape photography for the most part, and what perked my interest was the 'in body stabilization' as I have a tremor in my right hand, thus taking single shots without my tripod is problematic, so stabilization is important to me. Will certainly be watching for future video's you might have on this, or even the Z7iii when it comes out. Great job, on the limited time you had this camera!
Love the Captain Kirk judo roll
I can’t wait to get mine. I’m giving it a few months. I’m waiting for the holidays.
Thank you so much Steve for this comprehensive first report on the Z6III! I have your books, so I know how professional you are being able to entertain at the same time.
Great Review, Steve… you covered everything that I am interested in !!
Regarding the theory that lower resolution sensors exhibit less noise, I am not convinced. If you don’t need the pixels, then what you’re looking at is effectively downsampled, which reduces noise to about the same level as if you shot it with a lower res body anyway. But if you do need the pixels, and have enough light such that noise isn’t too bad, the Z6 III won’t provide them.
I also want to say this: a shorter lens is smaller, lighter and easier to carry. A 100-400 is the size of a 70-200/2.8. Something many bags are designed for. I realize I’m compromising, but that can be my choice, if I want to shoot with such a lens and a high-mp body or a DX body (which comes down to the same thing). I’m currently shooting with a D750 and Tamron 100-400, and I’m considering either going to a D850 or adding a D7500.
edit: Though, and this is also important, when I was in Costa Rica with my D750 and 100-400, shooting in national parks (jungle), the effective resolution was perhaps more limited by the noise than the number of megapixels. And if the Z6 III has less noise, that may be worth considering as well.
I think once you downsample, it'll be close, but I often find lower res cameras have a bit of an edge. It't not like a full stop or anything, but they often do have a bit of an edge. Once I get a production camera, I can compare.
You are right-handed, you hold your lens with your left hand, you focus and you trigger with your right hand: what do you do if on the fly you have to modify your settings or call up a pre-recorded configuration (I often do this by video and sports and animal photography) if your dial is on the left?
Will we be able to assign to certain buttons the possibility of switching configurations with the right hand with the Nikon Z6III?
Only 24 MPX, this remains a big disappointment overall.
Great first review. Looks like a lot of camera for the money. And great job with the tumble-roll. You nailed it.
Very nice camera! Very nice video Steve!!!
Cheers from Greece!
Great summary. As I already have a Z9 and a Z8, I won't purchase it but it looks like a great camera.
Do you recommend selling the Z9 camera and buying the Z63 camera
Gift me one of them please 😅😅😅
@@زهيرسلمانof course not, wtf 😅
@@زهيرسلمان I would not
given my use case. It all depends on what you plan to do.
Hang on just a minute I want to Know if someone has a ,D7500D500 and Nikon 200-500 and we have a Z6III with a 180-600 or 200-500 who will get a better quality picture of a bird in relatively low light.because a few weeks back I noticed I was getting better pics from my DSLR than my friend on his Z6II with the above combos I guess APSC crop is a huge factor
I have been using the Z f with the Z 180-600mm, coming from my long time use of the D500 and the F mount 200-500mm. As venerable and battle tested as the D500 is with that classic affordable lens - I almost never use it any more, I get much better results with the Z f and the 180-600mm.
I have a D7500 and a Z6ii, and the Z6ii is hands-down light years ahead in terms of low light performance.
Too many variables to even guess. Generally, if you are filling the frame with either camera, the full frame will have an edge, mirrorless or not. If you're cropping the heck out of a 24MP sensor, then yes, I can see a crop camera having the edge in that scenario., The truth is though, it's not really about mirrorless vs DSLR; it's about full frame v DX and appropriate usage.
Thanks Steve. Impressed with your croc roll !
Awesome Video! Are you using the FTZ ii on the Z6?
I don't really have any F-mount glass (that I use) anymore. Still, it'll work fine, no worries. I have played with it a bit :)
@@backcountrygallery Thankyou! 👍
Not that there was any doubt before, but with the Z6III the lead Nikon has over Sony in the wildlife/sports action game is enormous and become insurmountable. As for the buffer, it is likely the Z6III has the Z8/Z9 memory bus which is incredible at this price. By the numbers, I would not doubt the Z6III could actually do 25fps LC RAW FX unlimited and rather it is limited by something other than the memory bus. Dual card write is a different story, and the SD UHS-II is the nerf. If I had to make a guess, I would say the Z6III is probably limited to 10fps give or take in dual card write LC RAW FX. The Z8 is lower than that because larger file sizes. The Z9 is 10fps in dual card write thanks to dual CFB.
Awesome work Nikon! Another stand out camera. Looking forward to adding this to my kit as a side camera to the Z8.
Hi Steve, thank you for the review. Did you have a chance to try an F mount lens + FTZ with the camera? I recall the previous version of Z6 took longer to focus with older lenses compared to the Z9. Thank you
Sounds great! But does it have a sensor shield?
Nope, it still has a mechanical shutter so no room for a shield.
No raw precapture!? Biggest disappointment for me.
Olympus has had this for years , 2020 press release for the em-1 mark iii:
"Pro Capture starts shooting the moment the shutter release button is pressed down halfway, with a buffer that can be set to capture up to 35 frames in RAW / full resolution."
And no bird subject detection, even though it has the same processor as the z8. Did Nikon purposely hold back this feature?
Great initial review, Steve! I have the Z8 and the D500. The D500 holds a warm place in my heart for the experiences we've had together, but now I'm thinking about replacing it with the Z6III. Yet, on the other hand, since I purchased the Z8 just over a year ago, I've only touched the D500 one time for a night with the northern lights. Hmmm. Decisions!
Good on you Nikon, you have done it again! Look forward to your final full version review Steve.
Hi Steve, I have really enjoyed your videos as they’ve been very helpful for me. I am currently using a micro four thirds system. I previously had a Nikon d7200. Currently using micro four thirds. It is smaller lens wise but I preferred the images from the old Nikon. I like mirrorless. I am curious of your opinion on going to a full frame mirrorless like the Z6ii or iii. What do you think I’ll notice (both pros and cons)? Thanks for your time.
Great quick review Steve. Was that at Viera Wetlands?
So close - Orlando Wetlands :)
One more reason for a "low" megapixel camera. I was able to buy a mint condition 600mm F4 G (not e) for a song and while it has some image quality trouble in the corners with my high pixel Z8 and Z9 - it could resolve a 24MP camera beautifully. I bought and hated the Z6II to go with the lens. I chucked it pretty quickly - but looks like the Z6III is very promising. If you are shooting with an F6.3 zoom or prime at 600mm you may want to consider this camera as a way to extend the life of what is still some great old (and now relatively inexpensive) glass. Even used e mount glass has dropped in price. Yes - it can be a bit slow to focus - but I know I have learned to tune my Z8 and Z9 to make it more than usable with a slight crop. Seems like from this review it will be possible with the Z6III as well. I won't get myself on the backorder list for one - and I sure wish it didn't have a flip screen - but if they pan out like the review I will definitely buy one when they start being available at a sale price. Seems like Nikon is learning and trying to at least keep up with the competition.
i think this will be the point where i shift to mirrorless.
with my old D600, i had the problem with the bad focus sensor in low light situation and i am not a great manual focus performer either.
a video of a fire juggler on the beach at night with an 85mm f/1.4 was more or less impossible.
now with the advanced focus system and high dynamic range on a Z6-III, a 6K video with maximum color depth of nikon n-log must deliver an insane performance of details in low light areas but also great details in high light areas like the fire. and serves as a good raw version for an edited color graded 4K video.
I just bought the Z8 after working with a pair of Z6ii's for a few years and I'm having to tell myself that i absolutely need the 45mp to make myself feel better 😂
Z8 is a beast of a camera!
Great review, some beautiful images Steve !
Thanks again Steve, Valuable video in every way. I was gunning for a Z8 and using the lenses from my D850,so I can now look at a Z6iii and lens for the same price.Cheers!
Very good and comprehensive "review" Steve. The way you did the presentation in defined pieces was great. I'm watching this on the Saturday after the announcement, please don't hate me. But your points confirm my choice to preorder this at 6:25AM MDT last Monday. Sold my Z6II on Wed. You key on wildlife here but same upgrades applies to Train and Airplane photography. And to have this be similar set up as my Z8 is great. Thanks for doing this. - Tim
Great review of this camera.
Great photos, great review!
As usual Steve, you are the very best at this!!!
I am a general hobbiest photographer who has always used Nikon and followed you for years. All the wiz-bang automation is interesting but not important to me. What is important is low light performance. I currently use a Nikon Z6II and have been very happy with its performance in any light. I note the new ZIII offers a "base" ISO of up to 64,000 as opposed to the ZII offering 51,200. Of course, the ZII offers .3 higher than 51,000, as well. So my question is will we see a meaningful improvement in low light with the new range on the ZIII. How would that work? Thanks for your reviews. I don't particularly shoot wildlife outside of our zoo, but I do love animals and natural habitats.
Thanks for the kind words :) I couldn't really do any ISO comparisons with the pre-production camera so I can't say - yet. I'm assuming it'll be a notch up.
Great review! Curious where in FL you’re shooting
I have been shooting Nikon since 1980 with my FE. I have the D750 and 850. I was literally hrs away from getting a Sony Alpha 7R5. I am looking for a camera that can shoot in concert situations and autofocus properly. I think this is the ticket.
Had a chance to preorder it this past Saturday at a dealer’s special event. Looks like a great package.
Congratulations on a complete review in such a short time! Do you think it is possible for an update to allow pre-capture in raw?
No idea at all...
16:28 incredible moment of time and light captured..
Thanks so much!
Appreciate your views as always. Curious as to the start-up and wake-up times compared to Z6II and Z8?
About the same :)
Thanks Steve - Fairly good review - as always! At 13.10 … at 90 degrees … or … rather Fahrenheit ?
When you do your full review of the production camera, would you test it with the FTZ adapter? I have a 500PF. I'm curious if it is worth upgrading from a D850 without a native lens.
Great review, for now I think I'll buy the Z8
Agree, in € the new Z6III is imho too expensive (3k €9 and too closely priced to the Z8.. you‘re better off with the Z8 I guess..
What are the most convincing arguments spending 1.000€ more on the Z8?
@@JanWagner77 I’d say the 45mp sensor and for me the tilt screen vs the flippy screen. But I understand this is very personal preference and 1000 € is a lot of money.. maybe I need to look into a more detailed comparison to the Z8 :)
@@JanWagner77 45mp and sensor shield
Thanks Steve. Your first look preview of the Z6III is the best one I've seen. The photos you brought back really show the strengths of this camera. I'd love to get one. This is a possible camera for me in the future, unlike a Z8 or Z9! No bird mode though! Do you think Nikon will offer software updates?
That roll was awesome. Pretty spry!
Also curious, do you think this camera work well with a 500 f/4 vr g lens. I'd like to keep and use that lens......
Great review! Just curious, what foot do you have on your PF lens? It looks longer than the stock foot (and thus offers more real estate to carry handheld). Thank you!
Steve you are just killing it!
Steve, another great review we’re in Florida are you?
Hello Steve, I'm using D500 mainly bird photography and looking to replace it, but I found the Z8 a bit expensive for my budget. Rumors about Z90 that would be replacing the D500. Between Z6III and possible Z90 should I wait for more confirmation from Nikon before making switch. Thank you Daniel
Well done Steve, and great job Nikon for another wonderful camera!!!
Great review as always. TFS. Please can you comment on video capability. I currently shoot with Z9. And wanted to get a second body. And now on safari, I use one camera as for still images and another for videos. Hence the question.
Hi Steve, love your review, but is there something wrong with the sound in the outside/hands-on parts? Thanks for your work.
Hi Steve
What order would you rank these cameras for birds in flight? - Based on likelihood to successfully capture an in-focus image, all other things being equal?
Z50, D7200, Z6 ii, D810, D850, D500, D7500
You said it is has been hard to recommend a mid-priced Z camera for birds in flight, up until now. I prefer to buy second hand when the price drops significantly, so it may be a couple of years before I consider buying the Z6iii.
I have owned a Z50 for some time and it has been great, until I caught the BIF bug. Very recently bought a D7200 to carry a 2nd body. In my first real session with it (around sunset) I already feel like the D7200 is locking on more quickly and consistently than the Z50. That's exciting! It's making me think that a DSLR such as used D500 or D810 may be a better budget/value option for BIF than a used Z6ii? Especially with your comment during this video which implies the Z6ii and Z7ii aren't up to standard of the better DSLR's. I have also been researching the Olympus cameras ...
I'm using a Nikon 300mm f4 IF ED and just added a TC1.4II 😊
I think there is value in learning the skills and craft to take good pictures with older gear meaning, one day, if I choose to stick at it, I'll enjoy the better cameras even more.
BTW, Watched alot of your videos and have two of your ebooks. Thanks!
Great review Steve! You answered all the questions that I have regarding adding a second camera to my current D850. I’ve been looking to move to a mirrorless system, but I’ve been waiting to get the features that I want/need. Now it looks like we have them in the X6iii. Thank you!
Z6iii!!
Great informative video Steve, i’m seriuosly thinking of buying the z6iii but would want to use my d500 glass with it via the ftz adapter for my wildlife adventures, whats your thoughts on this. My lenses include the 300mm f2.8 vrii, the 500mm pf, the 70-200mm, the 1.4iii tc & the 300mm f4 pf (plus a couple tamrons)?
*seriously🤦🏻♂️ jeez stupid typo error🤔