Kamera & Bild was on site when Nikon held a press conference about the new Nikon Z6 III, and also had the opportunity to test it during a run. Here are our first impressions.
There's a rattling noise in the Nikon Z6 III when I press the shutter to shoot at 120 frames per second at the runner who whizzes by in front of me. Admittedly, in this test, in a cropped DX mode - but what strikes me when I look at the pictures is that the sequence captured is not at all in sync with the - in my opinion not too charming - electronic shutter sound I hear. The pictures are indeed many, many more.
Annons
But that's just one of the experiences. Besides standing in pouring rain on a rooftop in Stockholm and photographing running, the camera test is still quite entertaining, and also good, because I don't often photograph in rain. The grip of the predecessor Nikon Z6 II was also in classic Nikon style, like the predecessor before it, Nikon Z6, and many other Z models. The grip and rubber do their job, and apparently the rain matters less. The camera is also weather-sealed.
I also take the opportunity to check out the battery grip, it fits nicely and feels good, albeit somewhat bulky. My thought about Nikon's Z6 models is that it's the compactness that makes the deal, but of course it's good to be able to have access to extra power or, as this battery grip can, charge the batteries with USB C - something that simplifies the charging process.
A hybrid camera like this, intended for both photography and filming, requires excellent specifications for both video and still images. It is also within the video specifications that Nikon has the biggest news with the Nikon Z6 III compared to the Nikon Z6 II - the ability to record in raw format directly onto the memory card. The requirement is to use a CFexpress Type B card (or XQD card, they use the same form factor), but then you can also record video in 6K/60p in 16:9 format, a winner for those who need high-resolution video and also post-process your clips. Additionally, you avoid all extra accessories like hard disk recorders.
Annons
It will also be interesting to test the rolling shutter in the camera with more filming, something that the camera according to Nikon should handle really well as the faster sensor readout helps to minimize the issues. This remains to be seen.
The internal microphone is probably good, but for those who need better sound, you can of course connect an external microphone, or use the same jack as line-in if you have other external equipment that you want to bring in sound from via the camera. What I would have liked to see, however, is the possibility for digital sound, you can't have everything, but all creators know that sound is just as important as the image and here other manufacturers have gone further with their digital capabilities for external equipment that can handle the digital data flow. This will surely be the next important update in the upcoming model - something that creators today have already wished for.
The next improvement in the Nikon Z6 III compared to the Nikon Z6 II is of course the autofocus. The Nikon Z6 does not receive standing ovations for its autofocus, and the Nikon Z6 II was an improvement, some firmware updates and it was also a great advantage that the predecessor Z6 II could be improved and "fix" the parts that many thought could be improved with firmware. Which it also could.
Annons
The Nikon Z6 III has now received an Expeed 7 image processor - the same as found in the Nikon Z9 - which means faster and better handling of both data and image information, which together with the faster sensor due to its partially stacked design also increases the speed of the autofocus.
1/1250s f/1.8 ISO 100.Photo: Calle Rosenqvist
If we return to the 120 images per second, it was "images per second" in cropped DX format, but of course also interesting is the full resolution at 60 images per second, or the possibility of continuous autofocus on for example 60 images per second in JPEG format. Speed is one thing, but how it follows and manages to keep up with the autofocus is an important part and that's something that becomes easier with Nikon's 3D focus - and so even Nikon Z6 III versus Z6 II as this new camera has received that function, or algorithm if you will.
The thing with 3D focus is that it can follow more easily in depth, becomes smarter at distinguishing objects and thus both faster and more efficient at setting focus in the following mode. When I test the autofocus, I am impressed by how much better it actually is compared to its predecessor - I test in depth on a runner moving forward and the autofocus keeps up without any problems. The real test comes when I pan with a faster rotational movement as the runner rounds me, something that puts me really close with the camera and the speed is really fast - and the autofocus continues to deliver.
The autofocus works and is about as fast as its big brother Nikon Z8 which also handles most things, and I am impressed in my test by how the focus of the images holds despite the high speed, image after image in the series. Nikon Z9 is, however, a notch sharper in most things - including the autofocus.
Annons
At this initial test, it feels like Nikon has indeed made a strong effort to keep up in the video trend, which is also a must to be on par with competitors. Both the video handling for autofocus, settings in menus, handling in the camera, and similar aspects feel really good, and the specifications look great.
In an upcoming test of the Nikon Z6 III, you will be able to read more about all the details we test. If you want us to test something specific - email us and we will take a look.
