I’d been toying with the concept of shifting to mirrorless for simply over a 12 months. However with the ailing Nikon Z6 II now not wanting like long-term funding as knowledgeable physique, I’d just about determined my first dip into mirrorless waters can be the Nikon Z6 III.
However right here’s the factor. I used to be used to my D800’s bulbous physique, tank-like construct and 36.3-Mp sensor. What I actually wished was the newly launched Nikon Z8. The issue was, I wasn’t able to drop £4,000 on a digital camera. So, with my D800 on its final legs, I purchased a Nikon D850.
I used to be effectively conscious the greatest DSLR ever made can be my final, and I cherished it. It was – and nonetheless is – every little thing I might presumably need and wish from a digital camera. For those who’re a hobbyist photographer (or perhaps a professional) who has no want to shell out on high-end Z-mount glass, the Nikon D850 stays a particularly viable, extraordinarily succesful possibility.
However, I work for N-Photograph: The Nikon Journal and spend loads of my time utilizing Z-mount glass. Fairly frankly, not having a Z-Sequence digital camera was turning into a problem for me. So, I made up my thoughts that I used to be going mirrorless and purchased into the rumors that the Z6 III was effectively on its method. And so I waited. And waited. And waited…
By the point the UK-based Pictures & Video Present got here round, I used to be royally fed up with the hearsay mill’s bogus launch dates. What’s extra, luxurious present offers meant the Z8 had plummeted to round £3,299 (as little as I’d seen it). I had loads of digital camera gear mendacity round, so I made a decision to dump as a lot as I might to fund a Z8. Lower than two months later, Nikon introduced the Z6 III. Darn…
Ought to I’ve purchased a Nikon Z6 III?
Now, should you haven’t seen the Z6 III’s spec listing, it’s mighty spectacular. It boasts the world’s first partially stacked sensor, which Nikon says will present 3.5x the readout velocity of the Z 6II. It’s obtained the world’s brightest EVF. Burst speeds that prime out at 120fps. AF acquisition in close to darkness (-10EV). And the identical EXPEED 7 picture processor discovered within the Z8/9.
And should you’re a videographer, effectively, the Z6 III is an absolute dream. Uncropped 6K/60p and 4K/60p, and cropped 4K 120p, all inside. 240p full HD for 10x super-slo-mo footage and help for Uncooked video codecs straight out of the field, no Uncooked video output improve wanted (à la Z 6II).
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If the Z8 is a mini Nikon Z9, then the Z6 III is a bit like a mini, mini Z9 or a mini Z8. Sure, the 24.5-Mp sensor will likely be a bone of rivalry for some and a boon for others. However given Nikon already affords massive 47.5-Mp sensors within the Z7 II, Z8 and Z9, I feel Nikon made the best alternative. And that’s coming from someone who would have most well-liked a 30 or 33-Mp digital camera. It simply makes enterprise sense having that selection within the vary.
In actual fact, the one polarizing characteristic is the worth. The Z6 II launched at $1999 (£1999) and the Z6 III is priced at $2,500 (£2,699). Now, accounting for inflation, that partially stacked sensor and all that flagship tech, I don’t assume it is a dangerous worth. My concern is that it leaves a mid-range price ticket gap within the Z-series line-up, particularly when the Z6 II is ultimately discontinued (every time that could be).
So, now you’ve learn the pretext. Am I regretting shelling out on a Z8, two months previous to the Z6 III launch? Nope. Not one iota. Don’t get me unsuitable. The Z6 III is an extremely highly effective digital camera in its class. I might shoot on a Z6 III for the subsequent 5 years and it could fulfil my each want. However because the Z8’s launch again in Might of 2023, its already first rate worth has grow to be exceedingly good in todays – admittedly costly – digital camera local weather. As of proper now, the UK’s main digital camera shops are promoting the Z8 for £3,299. And within the US, you’ll be able to choose it up for $3,497.
In actual fact, the Z8 is such digital camera, there’s an argument that it’s a little bit too good. In any case, except you’re a really particular kind of professional who requires vertical controls, prolonged battery life, twin CFExpress playing cards and an ethernet port, there’s virtually no motive to miss the Z8 in favour of the way more costly Z9. They’re ostensibly the identical digital camera, however the Z8 is smaller and lighter.
Okay, so the Z6 III isn’t insignificantly cheaper than the Z8 and its vari-angle display screen, small kind issue and fewer megapixels will make sufficient of a distinction to many, however I’ve to say, Nikon has sort of finished it once more. The Z6 III, identical to the Z9, highlights how extremely first rate worth the Z8 actually is.
And that’s why I really like my Z8. It may not be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, however it’s pound-for-pound the most effective Nikon in the marketplace.
And with the Z9, Zf and now the Z6 III for firm. The division’s wanting extra aggressive than ever.
You could be within the greatest Nikon lenses, together with the greatest Nikon Z lenses for its mirrorless system.