Nikon has officially announced the Nikon Z6 III, the latest addition to their full-frame mirrorless camera lineup. The Z6 III builds on the success of its predecessors with significant upgrades that make it an ultra-versatile camera suitable for a wide range of photographers and videographers. This third-generation Z6 camera incorporates advanced technology from Nikon’s flagship models while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.

Nikon Z6 III body at B&H, Adorama.

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

Key Features:

• 24.5MP Partially-Stacked CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 7 Image Processor
• 6K 60p N-RAW, 6K 30p ProRes RAW
• 4K 120p, Full HD 240p Slow Motion Video
• Up to 20 fps Raw, 60 fps JPEG Shooting
• Blackout-Free, 5760k-Dot EVF
• 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
• 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
• Camera-to-Cloud Direct Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Nikon Z6 III is its all-new 24.5-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor. This innovative sensor design, combined with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, allows for faster processing speeds and improved performance. Nikon claims that this new sensor offers 3.5 times the speed of the Z6 II’s sensor, which translates to better autofocus, quicker shutter speeds, and enhanced video capabilities.

The autofocus system in the Z6 III has seen a considerable upgrade, now offering the same speed and capabilities as the Nikon Z9 and Z8. The new system supports low-light autofocus down to -10 EV and features deep learning-based subject detection, recognizing nine different subject types. The autofocus is approximately 20% faster than the previous generation, and the inclusion of 3D Tracking and Wide Area focus modes further enhances its versatility.

For photographers who specialize in action shots, the Z6 III offers impressive continuous shooting capabilities. It can shoot up to 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter. Additionally, the camera features a Pre-release Capture mode, which records continuously for up to one second before and three seconds after the shutter is pressed, increasing the likelihood of capturing perfect moments.

In terms of video performance, the Nikon Z6 III is a formidable option for professional videographers. It supports internal recording at 6K60p in the N-RAW format, ProRes RAW at 6K30p, and ProRes 4:2:2 at 5.4K30p. The camera also offers slow-motion recording at up to 240 frames per second in FHD and 120 frames per second in 4K with a DX crop. These features make the Z6 III a valuable tool for creating high-quality video content.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Z6 III has also been significantly improved, boasting a resolution of 5.76 million dots and a peak brightness of 4000 nits, higher than the EVF on the Z9. This new viewfinder offers a no-blackout viewing experience when using the electronic shutter, which is ideal for continuous shooting and video recording.

The Z6 III also introduces several design enhancements aimed at hybrid shooters. The 3.2-inch rear LCD screen now features a side-opening vari-angle design, which is particularly useful for videographers using the camera as an on-camera monitor. Connectivity options have been expanded to include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C for tethering and in-camera charging, 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports, and a full-size HDMI port for external monitors. The camera also features dual memory card slots, with one slot for CFexpress Type-B and the other for UHS-II SD cards.

In addition to its hardware upgrades, the Nikon Z6 III is designed to integrate seamlessly with Nikon’s new cloud service, Nikon Imaging Cloud. This service offers new Imaging Recipes that expand creative possibilities and allows for automatic transferring of images to various third-party cloud storage services, enhancing user convenience.

Overall, the Nikon Z6 III represents a significant leap forward in Nikon’s mirrorless camera lineup, combining cutting-edge technology with practical features that cater to both photographers and videographers. Its advanced sensor, enhanced autofocus, robust video capabilities, and improved design make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to elevate their imaging experience.

Press Release:

Table of Contents

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.