Nikon Z6iii Review For Wildlife And Bird Photographers (First Look Review!)
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- The Nikon Z6iii is here - and this is the Z6iii review every wildlife and bird photographer is gonna want to see!
In this Nikon Z6iii review for wildlife and bird photographers, we'll cover everything you need to know about the new camera - ergonomics, price, shipping date, the new sensor, ISO performance, buffer performance, frame rate, rolling shutter, viewfinder, viewfinder blackout, weather sealing, autofocus performance, pre-capture, subject detection performance, VR, AF low light capability, if 24MP is really a deal breaker, and of course, who should consider this camera. Whew.
And yes, I'll even give you my take on the Z6iii for bird-in-flight photography (BIF).
In short, I worked hard to make sure this is the ONLY review you'll need! :)
Check it out - I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the Nikon Z6iii and it's gonna be the next camera in my bag for sure!
If you are going to purchase a Z6iii, please consider using my B&H affiliate link below. I do these reviews at my own expense and your support is greatly appreciated. :)
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Link Tree with newsletter signup (and the rest of my stuff)
backcountry-ga...
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!
3:44, that action roll is awesome, those birds never had a chance!!!!
Can't wait for this!
Man that roll on the ground was incredibly fast! 😂
You can stop waiting ang go buy Z6ii now.
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!
Steve Perry is the gold standard for honest & useful wildlife photography camera reviews.
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
Love the dip and roll, Steve 😅
Amazing specs!!! This blows away the competition! Nikon is back baby!
this Z6iii review is much better than all the others that are out there. well done !
Thanks so much!
Don't shoot Nikon but boy are they killing it Great Job
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.
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
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!!!
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!
Born and bred Nikon shooter here, I want this camera 😁
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Great quick pre-production review! I am sure there will be more to come looking forward to it. Many Thanks!
Love the Captain Kirk judo roll
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.
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.
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
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.
Very nice camera! Very nice video Steve!!!
Cheers from Greece!
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!
Great Review, Steve… you covered everything that I am interested in !!
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!
Priceless the action roll at 3:42 😄🙌🏻. - As always the best review available.
As someone who has followed you for years, and has all of the relative to me books, i always look forward to your videos. This one is your best so far. The amount of content and sound advice, especially the break ins to explain something you had just said, was so good.. The speed of delivery is always fast, and this was very fast, but it's still completely consumable. It's clear, and fully understandable. This is the best video delivery i have ever see from photo videographers.
Wow, Thanks so much!
Wonderful review Steve. Very succinct👍🙏
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.
Great first review. Looks like a lot of camera for the money. And great job with the tumble-roll. You nailed it.
This camera is amazing ! Nikon is catering for wildlife and sports photographers who can't afford the flagships. All I can do is wish the next Sony midrange has a partially stacked sensor 😊
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!
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.
Waiting for this camera... Thanks for the review ❤
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!
As always, great video Steve and thanks for all the information. Very impressive little camera...almost as impressive as your combat roll (I never knew you were that agile Steve! 😂)
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
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?
"get it right in the field" ... ouch!
What a Rock Star @ 03:43 ! 😯👍😃
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
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.
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.
I get great birds in flight with my regular z6 now for years.
I think you sold me on this camera.
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.
Had a chance to preorder it this past Saturday at a dealer’s special event. Looks like a great package.
I can’t wait to get mine. I’m giving it a few months. I’m waiting for the holidays.
Thanks, great review
Well done Steve, and great job Nikon for another wonderful camera!!!
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!
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!
As usual Steve, you are the very best at this!!!
Such an exquisite camera!!!
Steve you are just killing it!
Great comments and support for Steve in here, from the Community!
Another great video Steve! I will be looking forward for the Z6iii book. I will be going to Iceland and Ireland in August and do not want to carry the Z9. I was almost going to trade in the Z6ii for a Z8, especially for the discount price. Then changed my mind. I am happy now. Our local camera store just informed me that the Z6iii will be available next week. I will be traded in the Z6ii for it. For my trip, I will carry the Z6iii, Z 24-120, and Z 100-400. This will make my camera bag much lighter. Thanks Steve.
Thanks Steve! Been waiting for this one 🎉
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.
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!
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.
16:28 incredible moment of time and light captured..
Thanks so much!
cant wait for the full review
Thanks as usual Steve! Very helpful!
Forget the camera, I want that lens: 600mm 1.4 TC.
Thanks for the review by the way.
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.
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.
Glad you got your hands on it Steve!
Wonderful video, Steve. I'm leaning towards selling my four year old Z7 and replacing it with the Z6iii. I also have a Z9, but I still do most of my hobby shooting with the Z7. Adding faster, smarter autofocus, with the in-focus indicator green in AF-C is exactly what I've been really wanting. Boy, I wonder how little my 4 year old Z7 will be worth!
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!!
Definitely waiting for a Z7III as backup to the Z9 but also as a light hand camera while hiking with the family or as my close macro camera. 24mp just is not enough for me. I wish it was 36mp. I do feel Nikon need to make 36mp the new 24mp sensor.
Good review Steve. Thanks for sharing.
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 would love to see a crop sensor camera with the same MP and same price or less. Nikon is just adamant to avoid a D500 successor
Very informative, as always!
I'll have you know 3:44 was the moment I gave your video a thumbs-up 😝
Great photos, great review!
All nice but still. Nikon needs at least one flagship with a lower mpx sensor. Getting fed up with running out of storage for wedding images. Z9 and Z8 are overkill. Also to shoot in compressed mode for smaller file sizes is not the point. Canon made a great move once they produced R3 and a new upcoming R1. Nikon has a huge gap to fill in the Z line.
Stunning photos!
Thanks so much! We were lucky to have so many good subjects :)
Agree the roll is amazing. Without the roll this review is not even half as good
Great review and it seems like a fantastic camera for the money , thanks Steve. 👍
is just a zf with some tweaks
Great review of this camera.
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.
Will the manual come with drop and roll instructions… cos dayumm that was fantastic. Ima gonna get a z6iii simply based on the roll my friend 🤩 but seriously… this is the camera I’ve been waiting for to partner the love of my life .. my Z9. Bloody awesome review 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
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......
Nice preview video. Thanks to Nikon for not increasing the Megapixels
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 for the review Steve. Interesting camera, but I really dislike the tilt screen. But it doesn't matter since I couldn't afford it anyway 😁 and I have no desire for it at all.
I went from the original Nikon Z6 to Sony a7III and by doing that I abandoned Nikon for good. I just wasn't happy with Nikon Z6's AF, and Z6II wasn't much better either.
I was still enjoying Your review of the long awaited Nikon Z6III.
great first look Steve. thanks.
Thx! Just ordered! Great review and pics!
Altho you could stick your 600/4.0 onto a pinhole camera and get great shots!!