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Z6III : Strictly for Photographs ?
- Thread starter chrisD46
- Start date
Thom Hogan
Forum Pro
- Better focus
- Subject detection instead of eye detection
- Better VR
- Infinite buffer
- Always 14-bit
- Smaller raw file sizes (High Efficiency)
- Directly supports HDR (HEIF)
- Faster frame rates with continuous viewfinder
- Pre-capture release
- Pixel shift to 96mp
- High-frequency flicker reduction
- Flash with silent mode
- Faster shutter
- Better viewfinder
- Ethernet support
- Direct to cloud support
- User definable Flexible Picture Controls
- Better customization options
Ellis Vener
Forum Pro
What I see as advantages for photographers:
- higher signal-to-noise ratio (cleaner capture) at high ISO settings
- the articulating monitor will let you shoot from more angles. I'm not big on shooting selfies so I don't care about turning the monitor so it faces forward but I do like shooting with the camera either below or above my head and not just when it's in 'landscape orientation, and sometimes like the camera to not be squarely in front of me.
- higher maximum frame per second rates, which if you shoot sports, some wildlife, and other subjects that move fast or in rapidly changing circumstances with be an advantage.
- pre-release capture at the 120fps fps rate. Again, this is will be a boon for sports and for some wildlife photography
- Faster Autofocus response
- Better focusing in extremely low light
- based on my experience with the Z 8, the different portrait modes: portrait, rich tome portrait, flat monochrome, and deep-tone monochrome are well worth playing with as they give photographers finer control over exposure balancing and WB. That can help with post-processing times.
Pixel shifting. If you photograph artwork might be an advantage, but, again from my experience, it is not a substitute for a higher-resolution camera in most situations
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- higher signal-to-noise ratio (cleaner capture) at high ISO settings
- the articulating monitor will let you shoot from more angles. I'm not big on shooting selfies so I don't care about turning the monitor so it faces forward but I do like shooting with the camera either below or above my head and not just when it's in 'landscape orientation, and sometimes like the camera to not be squarely in front of me.
- higher maximum frame per second rates, which if you shoot sports, some wildlife, and other subjects that move fast or in rapidly changing circumstances with be an advantage.
- pre-release capture at the 120fps fps rate. Again, this is will be a boon for sports and for some wildlife photography
- Faster Autofocus response
- Better focusing in extremely low light
- based on my experience with the Z 8, the different portrait modes: portrait, rich tome portrait, flat monochrome, and deep-tone monochrome are well worth playing with as they give photographers finer control over exposure balancing and WB. That can help with post-processing times.
Pixel shifting. If you photograph artwork might be an advantage, but, again from my experience, it is not a substitute for a higher-resolution camera in most situations
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Only three of these items below are video specific.
https://www.nikonusa.com/p/z6iii/1890/overview
I don't expect IQ to be much different from ANY other 24mp sensor/camera in most normal conditions. I could capture decent pictures with the D500, D750, Z50, Z5, and Z7II regardless of the differences between them.
IMO, what you're really buying is better hit rates and ease of use. I think the Z9 is still twice as good as the Z6III with much better battery life. Photography is like most hobbies and sports. Sometimes the tools/gear make a big difference, but most of the time practice and skill matter more.
My best photos were taken with my D200 because I had the time and took the effort to "stand in front of more interesting things" to improve my photography. Advice from my professional friend, based on an unknown author's quote.
Happy shooting!
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Thom Hogan
Forum Pro
I forgot:
- Portrait impression balance
- New Picture Controls (from Zf)
- Skin softening
- Viewfinder display size
sirhawkeye64
Forum Pro
It's more for video (the Z6 III). I think people will enjoy perhaps better higher ISO performance on the Z6 III and improved AF but that's about it. The rest of the changes between the two seem to be in the video department.
I think it can still be a stills photographer's camera but I'd say if you don't need the faster AF and you don't need the video capabilities (in-camera RAW recording for example or 6k) then one might be best just saving up for something like a Z7 III (if you shoot say landscapes or travel). But I'd almost argue the Z6 III is more for videographers than stills photographers when you compare the two side-by-side.
Of course if you were buying into the Z system (ie. first camera) then it's a no-brainer, get the Z6 III at that point, but for those who already have the Z6 II, the upgrade may not be worth it the extra $1000+ (may be true for people coming into the system too who don't need the extra features too, but the Z6 III will have a longer "shelf life").
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"viewfinder display size", like the Z8 and Z9. The Zf has this too. this shrinks the EVF display so that eyeglass wearers can see the edges of the display easier.
One of the video reviews mentioned the very bright viewfinder was working great with sunglasses, since he keeps his other eye open while using the EVF, for seeing other birds outside the frame.
~~~
on my list of useful changes:
the Z8/Z9 style virtual horizon -- two choices, either one is way better than the annoying circle style in the Z6 and Z6 ii. I use the horizon a lot with wide angle lenses, and it's very difficult to get to an exact horizon on the Z6 horizon display.
fast power on and fast wake from sleep. My Z6 is "okay", but I expect the Z6 iii will wake in less than a second, compared to the approx 1.5 to 2 seconds on my Z6.
Disp button is customizable. Jan Wegener uses AF-On, Disp, and F1 or F2 for 3 AF modes.
Reports of 12800 ISO being useful. I normally go to 6400, with occasional 12800 where the deep shadows aren't critical.
" -10 EV autofocus". I looked up EV charts online, and most stop at -6! -10 sounds amazing, but I suppose it has some limits? It's not clear to me if there's a Z8/Z9 starlight mode, or if it just handles starlight scenes automatically.
~~~~
Unknown to me so far:
Z8/Z9 and Zf have framing grid choices, other than just the Z6 1/4 grid.
One of the video reviews mentioned the very bright viewfinder was working great with sunglasses, since he keeps his other eye open while using the EVF, for seeing other birds outside the frame.
~~~
on my list of useful changes:
the Z8/Z9 style virtual horizon -- two choices, either one is way better than the annoying circle style in the Z6 and Z6 ii. I use the horizon a lot with wide angle lenses, and it's very difficult to get to an exact horizon on the Z6 horizon display.
fast power on and fast wake from sleep. My Z6 is "okay", but I expect the Z6 iii will wake in less than a second, compared to the approx 1.5 to 2 seconds on my Z6.
Disp button is customizable. Jan Wegener uses AF-On, Disp, and F1 or F2 for 3 AF modes.
Reports of 12800 ISO being useful. I normally go to 6400, with occasional 12800 where the deep shadows aren't critical.
" -10 EV autofocus". I looked up EV charts online, and most stop at -6! -10 sounds amazing, but I suppose it has some limits? It's not clear to me if there's a Z8/Z9 starlight mode, or if it just handles starlight scenes automatically.
~~~~
Unknown to me so far:
Z8/Z9 and Zf have framing grid choices, other than just the Z6 1/4 grid.
Ellis Vener
Forum Pro
I'm giving you an upvote just for quickly injecting a note of humor into a discussion!
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Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
“It's not about the f-stop." -Jay Maisel
Don't be "a photographer.” Be photographing. (Paraphrasing William Faulkner's advice to writers.)
--
Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
“It's not about the f-stop." -Jay Maisel
Don't be "a photographer.” Be photographing. (Paraphrasing William Faulkner's advice to writers.)
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P
pcgeekesq
Guest
The Z6iii apparently has a deeper beefier grip, which at least one aussie influencer likes because he has big hands.
It just occurred to me that "influencer" has the same linguistic root as "influenza."
I can see other similarities as well.
(Joking).Smaller RAW files is a really nice bonus to highlight as the RAW files from my I...well they sure maths quick on my drives!
Barleyman
Senior Member
Thank you for the great list. It's a killer stills camera. I am starting to get triggered by the comments that it's only focused on video. ;-)
I'd also add that the low light focusing, and hopefully High ISO performance are pluses as well for stills.
I'd also add that the low light focusing, and hopefully High ISO performance are pluses as well for stills.
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MJ_Photo38
Veteran Member
Well, from my point of view there isn't any advantage for image quality comparing it to the Z6/Z6II.
However, it seems that everything else is dramatically improved. Burst rates (and blackout free shooting, thing the Z6II straight up can't do), usable rolling shutter shooting electronically (again, it becomes distracting very quickly with the previous sensor), better AF modes paired with a faster processor for AF calculations, better IBIS for slower shutter speeds.
The viewfinder seems to also be a considerable improvement over anything that Nikon released so far (event if it might still have more latency than the Z9/8's EVF).
In short, there is big chances that image quality didn't change, but every other aspect of photography, from ease of use, to ergonomics to shooting performance has been pretty dramatically improved.
However, it seems that everything else is dramatically improved. Burst rates (and blackout free shooting, thing the Z6II straight up can't do), usable rolling shutter shooting electronically (again, it becomes distracting very quickly with the previous sensor), better AF modes paired with a faster processor for AF calculations, better IBIS for slower shutter speeds.
The viewfinder seems to also be a considerable improvement over anything that Nikon released so far (event if it might still have more latency than the Z9/8's EVF).
In short, there is big chances that image quality didn't change, but every other aspect of photography, from ease of use, to ergonomics to shooting performance has been pretty dramatically improved.
P
pcgeekesq
Guest
No one should be surprised if that viewfinder finds it's way into the Z9ii later this year.
I was happy to read that UK landscape photographer (Nigel Danson) made identical landscape prints on A2 size paper with the Z8 and Z6III and concluded that there was virtually no difference in the detail , color , etc. between the prints between the Z6III and Z8 at the A2 print size . That is a nice testament as to what you may expect from a production Z6III for photography / photograph usage. I will add that as a street / documentary photographer - I will be quite interested in low light / high ISO usage of photographs taken with the Z6III (seeking cleaner images / higher dynamic range over the Z6II) .
Ellis Vener
Forum Pro
For those unfamiliar with paper sizing, A2 means 16.5 x 23.4 inches. However, it is also important to understand that printers interpolate data to fit their native resolution with Epson printers that are 360 dpi (dots per inch). Digital resolution is measured in ppi, pixels per inch.
With Epson printers and glossy paper, I've found you can reduce input down to 180 ppi, and the internal interpolation will handle it well enough that at typical viewing distances in good viewing light, the differences are nearly imperceivable unless you are being extraordinarily critical and making direct A/B comparisons of same-size prints. If you are using printing on matte or canvas media, those input resolutions can go way down.
So assuming he did his tests with an Epson printer and glossy media, at an input resolution of 360ppi so the printer doesn't do any interpolation, you need an 8424 x 5940 pixel image, but a 24.5mp (6048 x 4032 pixels) Z 6III full-frame image from a Z 6III can easily be handled by the printer's internal interpolation algorithm.
Canon and HP printers natively spray ink at 300 dpi, but in my testing, the bottom input limit is 225 ppi.
For most people, 24.5mp resolution is probably more than sufficient.
But higher resolution capture has other benefits , especially when it comes to editing and retouching.
--
Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
"It's not about the f-stop." -Jay Maisel
Don't be "a photographer." Be photographing. (Paraphrasing William Faulkner's advice to writers.)
With Epson printers and glossy paper, I've found you can reduce input down to 180 ppi, and the internal interpolation will handle it well enough that at typical viewing distances in good viewing light, the differences are nearly imperceivable unless you are being extraordinarily critical and making direct A/B comparisons of same-size prints. If you are using printing on matte or canvas media, those input resolutions can go way down.
So assuming he did his tests with an Epson printer and glossy media, at an input resolution of 360ppi so the printer doesn't do any interpolation, you need an 8424 x 5940 pixel image, but a 24.5mp (6048 x 4032 pixels) Z 6III full-frame image from a Z 6III can easily be handled by the printer's internal interpolation algorithm.
Canon and HP printers natively spray ink at 300 dpi, but in my testing, the bottom input limit is 225 ppi.
For most people, 24.5mp resolution is probably more than sufficient.
But higher resolution capture has other benefits , especially when it comes to editing and retouching.
--
Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
"It's not about the f-stop." -Jay Maisel
Don't be "a photographer." Be photographing. (Paraphrasing William Faulkner's advice to writers.)
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MJ_Photo38
Veteran Member
Yes; from what I can see, the panel in the Z9 and Z8 was the exact same 3.69M dot 60Hz panel that was in the Z6II/Z7II, only maybe with boosted brightness.No one should be surprised if that viewfinder finds it's way into the Z9ii later this year.
It has dual stream imaging which gives it almost no lag (unlike other EVFs), but that's due to the stacked sensor and new processor. I don't see any reason why this new 5.76M dot 120Hz panel couldn't be used with the same tech in the next flagship.
I've been trying to wrap my head around Nikon's menu banks vs. the U1/2 system I'm used to (as I debate this, or a Z8).
Doesn't the U1/2/3 system negate the need for recall settings, as everything is stored in the custom mode? Unless you need more than 3 I guess?
Doesn't the U1/2/3 system negate the need for recall settings, as everything is stored in the custom mode? Unless you need more than 3 I guess?
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