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What would be THE things that would make you upgrade (or not) to a Z6III?

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MJ_Photo38

MJ_Photo38

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I'm currently using a Z6i (one) as my main camera after switching from Fujifilm about 6 months ago. I have tried to hit the limits of what my camera can do but it turns out I have been conditionned by cameras like the X-H1 for sports photography (that are a bit less performant for autofocus) and find myself in a situation where the Z6 is offering me all the things I would want out of a camera. Autofocus is 100% adequate for what I do, image quality is very very good, ergonomics are great, displays (EVF and back panel) are great too, and I don't really aspire at getting new lenses either.

I can comfortably say that I don't need more than what I have.

So that made me ask myself : what would be the improvements that would make me consider a Z6III? And similarly, what are the things that are in current Z6 and 7 cameras that I don't want to see removed?
  • Personally I prefer tilt screens over filp out screens, so I'd either prefer to get the same design as the Z6/II or get a similar designa s the Z8 and Z9, but I'm not super thrilled about a flip out design.
  • I would like to have internal Log video, and since the Zf has it, I guess the Z6III will have it too. I don't think I would upgrade just for that though, I could get a recorder to get Log video on my current Z6 if I need to. I found that a "faux-Log" profile made by playing with the Flat image profile settings yielded about the same results as the 8-bit F-Log on my previous Fuji cameras.
  • faster autofocus would be of no use for me, at least for now. Could be useful, also could not. I was already happy with the X-H1, and the Z6 is a clear step up over that.
  • The Zf didn't have any IBIS lock feature, meaning that the sensor is dangling around when the camera is off, and it also means the unit consumes power when you turn off IBIS like when you're on a tripod. My X-H1 had this kind of design and it was pretty annoying when the camera was attached to my backpack strap for hiking. If the Z6III doesn't have that I guess that could be yet another thing that would slow my upgrade process
  • faster burst rates without the "slideshow" mode? Right now I'm limited to 5.5fps if I want to track thing correctly, which isn't too bad (it was 6fps on the X-H1, so I'm in known territory) , but I'd definitely like to be able to use my 9 and 12fps settings as well. That would probably be one of the features I'd look towards.
  • two cards slots would also be nice, although I don't like having two mis matched cards. I like CF Express Type B cards, but I'd prefer having two UHS-II SDs instead of 1 CFE + 1 SD (best would be 2 CFE but that's reserved for the Z9)
What would be the stuff that you want to see and also don't want to see in order for the Z6III to convince you to upgrade?

(I guess it's also worth noting that I would never buy one brand new, I'd wait at least a few years to get it used)
 
I have the OG Z6 and have been using it more and more frequently as my main camera, simply because… well I love the native Z 24-120, but also 24mp files are *just right* for much of the work I do, where 36-47mp is a little bit of a lift for both retouching and long term archival.

But for me to upgrade to the Z6III instead of the Z8 (or more likely… in addition to) would be simply: Z8 or better AF; internal 10-bit 4:2:2 video at up to 60 or 120fps, log or Nraw.

--
http://jimlafferty.com
Evocative beats academic.
 
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I've been holding off buying the Zf as a walk-around camera while waiting for the Z6iii specs. Assuming it will have the Expeed 7 processor, I'd be leaning toward a new Z6iii if it has a larger sensor with more megapixels. If it retains the same size sensor as the Z6ii, I think I'll go with the Zf. Despite its old-fashioned ergonomics, it sure is beautiful.
 
Internal 10-bit log (or 12-bit raw even better) - 4K or 6K, I'm not too pushed that way. I want a light Nikon camera that I can use easily on a gimbal. The Z8 is too heavy for me on a gimbal (back issues) and I am not interested in the Zf or in buying a different brand. I love what Nikon has been doing in the last few years and I am fully committed to Nikon. I have a Z6II but the internal 8-bit video is not good enough for my needs when compared to the fantastic raw video from the Z8. The Z6II has had the paid firmware update so I can shoot raw on it but again an externsl monitor is too heavy for me on a gimbal.

I don't really want to see an increase in MP size although it wouldn't stop me buying it. The Z6 series has its own little niche at 24MP.
 
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I'm not a Z6 user to begin with. Not enough MP. So I'll answer the question as if I was expecting a Z7 update.

Much improved AF. Meaning subject tracking and subject detection. Improvements in lowering high ISO noise. Or increase the MP to 60 and keep the noise the same. If they made improvements in those areas I would buy one. Except I won't because I use a Z8 and Z9.

I do have a Z7 II but only use it if I'm wanting to travel light and don't need high end AF. Like when taking vacation trips overseas. As you say, the Z6 and Z7 are perfectly adequate for this type of shooting.

The Z6/Z7 update will not have AF as good as the Z8/9. I shoot absolutely zero video. I'd like pre-capture raw for wildlife photography, but expect that will come in a Z8/9 update first.
 
I am a simple person. Just take the Z6ii, give it the:

EXPEED7

Flip around screen.

Full sized HDMI.

Not more than $2,400.

And I am a happy person. Everything else can stay the same.
 
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MJ_Photo38 said:
I'm currently using a Z6i (one) as my main camera after switching from Fujifilm about 6 months ago. I have tried to hit the limits of what my camera can do but it turns out I have been conditionned by cameras like the X-H1 for sports photography (that are a bit less performant for autofocus) and find myself in a situation where the Z6 is offering me all the things I would want out of a camera. Autofocus is 100% adequate for what I do, image quality is very very good, ergonomics are great, displays (EVF and back panel) are great too, and I don't really aspire at getting new lenses either.

I can comfortably say that I don't need more than what I have.

So that made me ask myself : what would be the improvements that would make me consider a Z6III? And similarly, what are the things that are in current Z6 and 7 cameras that I don't want to see removed?
  • Personally I prefer tilt screens over filp out screens, so I'd either prefer to get the same design as the Z6/II or get a similar designa s the Z8 and Z9, but I'm not super thrilled about a flip out design.
  • I would like to have internal Log video, and since the Zf has it, I guess the Z6III will have it too. I don't think I would upgrade just for that though, I could get a recorder to get Log video on my current Z6 if I need to. I found that a "faux-Log" profile made by playing with the Flat image profile settings yielded about the same results as the 8-bit F-Log on my previous Fuji cameras.
  • faster autofocus would be of no use for me, at least for now. Could be useful, also could not. I was already happy with the X-H1, and the Z6 is a clear step up over that.
  • The Zf didn't have any IBIS lock feature, meaning that the sensor is dangling around when the camera is off, and it also means the unit consumes power when you turn off IBIS like when you're on a tripod. My X-H1 had this kind of design and it was pretty annoying when the camera was attached to my backpack strap for hiking. If the Z6III doesn't have that I guess that could be yet another thing that would slow my upgrade process
  • faster burst rates without the "slideshow" mode? Right now I'm limited to 5.5fps if I want to track thing correctly, which isn't too bad (it was 6fps on the X-H1, so I'm in known territory) , but I'd definitely like to be able to use my 9 and 12fps settings as well. That would probably be one of the features I'd look towards.
  • two cards slots would also be nice, although I don't like having two mis matched cards. I like CF Express Type B cards, but I'd prefer having two UHS-II SDs instead of 1 CFE + 1 SD (best would be 2 CFE but that's reserved for the Z9)
What would be the stuff that you want to see and also don't want to see in order for the Z6III to convince you to upgrade?

(I guess it's also worth noting that I would never buy one brand new, I'd wait at least a few years to get it used)
Click to expand...
4k/120 In DX/Super35 format (being realistic here).
4k/60 FF.
IBIS correction on the fly.
Gyro data applied on the fly.
Much faster sensor readout.
For love of cameras dual CF slots.
Tilt/flip screen combo
6k would be cool.
RED RAW.
 
I'm pretty deep into the Z6i/ii ecosystem owning three of them, all with the RAW upgrade, and am very much looking forward to the iii. Its purchase is somewhat of a foregone conclusion for me, unless they really muck up the specs or do something weird like keep the same sensor, etc.

Wish list stuff for me would be:
  • Expeed 7 [obviously]
  • Dual card slots [doubtful due to size, but both CFE would be rad]
  • No internal recording limits [to a point, but >29:59!!!]
  • 6k30p no crop factor
  • 4k120p no crop factor
  • HD 240p no crop factor
  • 12bit 4:2:2 internal in .mov
  • RAW of some sort, pick a flavor
  • +30mp sensor to change it up
  • AF works pretty good as is, but it could always be "better"
  • Better audio pre-amps [Nikon could lead the way here!]
  • I'll take a fully articulating screen on this one
  • Silly stuff:
    • PLEASE make the very useful customizable picture control presets a mutual sourced asset, and not split between stills and video. As it is now, you have to upload custom presets twice and populate them under photo/video separately. Waste of time, maybe make it a check-box option for photo, video, or both...
    • Rear screen setting in video mode with clean image, no nothing other than the red recording box when recording.
    • Remap any [okay, most] buttons to do any function [within reason] current options are okay, but a bit limiting at times.
  • Stills/Photo wise, it would be awesome to add the Z axis on the "Level" viewing option for doing copy/overhead work. Not sure how to accomplish that, but quickly knowing you are not yawing the focal plane would be beneficial.
But to be totally honest, I'll just be happy with whatever bones they throw our way more than likely. If not, a Z8 is where I'll be going next.
 
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Nikon could achieve Canon-level (or Sony-level) AF, as present even in the (lowly) R50, and my R8. See DPR reviews of these two cameras for details...
 
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AZ Indie said:
I'm pretty deep into the Z6i/ii ecosystem owning three of them, all with the RAW upgrade, and am very much looking forward to the iii. Its purchase is somewhat of a foregone conclusion for me, unless they really muck up the specs or do something weird like keep the same sensor, etc.

Wish list stuff for me would be:
  • Expeed 7 [obviously]
  • Dual card slots [doubtful due to size, but both CFE would be rad]
Click to expand...
unlikely as even the Z8 has CFE + SD
AZ Indie said:
  • No internal recording limits [to a point, but >29:59!!!]
Click to expand...
very likely, Z8, Z9 and Zf can all record up to 2hrs and5min
AZ Indie said:
  • 6k30p no crop factor
Click to expand...
That's what was in the leaks
AZ Indie said:
  • 4k120p no crop factor
Click to expand...
very unlikelt unless it's a stacked sensor, which I'm pretty sure doesn't fit the pricepoint
AZ Indie said:
  • HD 240p no crop factor
Click to expand...
Unlikely again, even the Z8 is capped at 120p in HD
AZ Indie said:
  • 12bit 4:2:2 internal in .mov
Click to expand...
Maybe, I'd wager we'll get 4.2.2 10bit an 12bit RAW
AZ Indie said:
  • RAW of some sort, pick a flavor
  • +30mp sensor to change it up
Click to expand...
Leaks stated it would be the same sensor as Z6II/Zf
AZ Indie said:
  • AF works pretty good as is, but it could always be "better"
  • Better audio pre-amps [Nikon could lead the way here!]
  • I'll take a fully articulating screen on this one
  • Silly stuff:
    • PLEASE make the very useful customizable picture control presets a mutual sourced asset, and not split between stills and video. As it is now, you have to upload custom presets twice and populate them under photo/video separately. Waste of time, maybe make it a check-box option for photo, video, or both...
    • Rear screen setting in video mode with clean image, no nothing other than the red recording box when recording.
    • Remap any [okay, most] buttons to do any function [within reason] current options are okay, but a bit limiting at times.
  • Stills/Photo wise, it would be awesome to add the Z axis on the "Level" viewing option for doing copy/overhead work. Not sure how to accomplish that, but quickly knowing you are not yawing the focal plane would be beneficial.
But to be totally honest, I'll just be happy with whatever bones they throw our way more than likely. If not, a Z8 is where I'll be going next.
Click to expand...
 
I'm good with that!
 
kelly15 said:
Are you sure we will ever see a Z6III?
Click to expand...
Yes. It's allegedly already being tested on the field and should be announced soon.

Following picture was released by Nikon themselves as a "tease"

87e7a2d345be436b8271cbef3d3908a6.jpg



--
(G.A.S. and collectionnite will get my skin one day)
 
zephxiiii said:
Leaks stated it would be new sensor, it won't be 30ish mp but should be faster, it has to be.
Click to expand...
From what I've read it was stated "faster burst rates" but I don't remember seeing that the sensor would be new anywhere.

The Lumix S5II has a sensor just as slow as the Z6II/Zf, and can shoot 30fps electronic shutter, as well as shoot 6.2K open gate video. If Nikon was able to get the same kind of potential as Panasonic did with that sensor, keeping the same sensor as the Z6II is not out of the question.

I hope I'm wrong, I'd love to see a newer sensor in the Z6III.
 
MJ_Photo38 said:
zephxiiii said:
Leaks stated it would be new sensor, it won't be 30ish mp but should be faster, it has to be.
Click to expand...
From what I've read it was stated "faster burst rates" but I don't remember seeing that the sensor would be new anywhere.

The Lumix S5II has a sensor just as slow as the Z6II/Zf, and can shoot 30fps electronic shutter, as well as shoot 6.2K open gate video. If Nikon was able to get the same kind of potential as Panasonic did with that sensor, keeping the same sensor as the Z6II is not out of the question.

I hope I'm wrong, I'd love to see a newer sensor in the Z6III.
Click to expand...
6k open gate would be nice, but now we're flying too close to the sun, it IS Nikon after all...
 
MJ_Photo38 said:
zephxiiii said:
Leaks stated it would be new sensor, it won't be 30ish mp but should be faster, it has to be.
Click to expand...
From what I've read it was stated "faster burst rates" but I don't remember seeing that the sensor would be new anywhere.

The Lumix S5II has a sensor just as slow as the Z6II/Zf, and can shoot 30fps electronic shutter, as well as shoot 6.2K open gate video. If Nikon was able to get the same kind of potential as Panasonic did with that sensor, keeping the same sensor as the Z6II is not out of the question.

I hope I'm wrong, I'd love to see a newer sensor in the Z6III.
Click to expand...
It says
  • Nikon model N2214
  • New 24.5 MP BSI sensor
  • 6k60 NRAW, 4k120 (crop), 4k60 full ProRes RAW
  • New higher resolution EVF: 5.76m dot
  • Improved vari–angle LCD screen
  • 20fps still RAW (14bit)
  • 120fps stills jpeg
Read more: https://nikonrumors.com/2024/01/31/...fications-the-big-picture.aspx/#ixzz8bXogiMUl

They definitely need a new sensor in the III, the old one isn't going to cut it for next version of this camera.
 
The delay of this camera in my opinion is due to a last minute change of mind.

Possibly we will see an hybrid between Z6ii and Z7ii.

Withthe Z8 around at that price room is limited for new medium range models.
 
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