Thoughts on Z6 III?
p.1 #1Thoughts on Z6 III?
Now that the Z6 II has been around for quite a while, what are people's thoughts on it? If you've owned one, would you buy it again today, given what else is on the market?
I'm debating dipping my toe back into the Nikon ecosystem, primarily for the ability to shoot RAW video footage internally at speeds up to 4K 120P (even though I am primarily a stills photographer). At the current C$1000 discount (or C$1200 if you buy it with a 24-120mm f4 lens) it's a very tempting entry back into the Z system, although I would eventually get a Z8/Z9 for use as my main camera.
Things that give me pause are the lack of a tilting view screen, no precapture/pre-record, no sensor shield (I swore I would never buy another camera without this feature after using the Z6II/Z7II dust magnets), and the reported "low" dynamic range. My wife has a Z5 II and I really like the images out of that 24mp sensor - is the Z6 III really worse? I think the high ISO performance of the 24mp sensors would be a nice benefit now that the dark rainy season has set in here in the PNW.
I'm debating dipping my toe back into the Nikon ecosystem, primarily for the ability to shoot RAW video footage internally at speeds up to 4K 120P (even though I am primarily a stills photographer). At the current C$1000 discount (or C$1200 if you buy it with a 24-120mm f4 lens) it's a very tempting entry back into the Z system, although I would eventually get a Z8/Z9 for use as my main camera.
Things that give me pause are the lack of a tilting view screen, no precapture/pre-record, no sensor shield (I swore I would never buy another camera without this feature after using the Z6II/Z7II dust magnets), and the reported "low" dynamic range. My wife has a Z5 II and I really like the images out of that 24mp sensor - is the Z6 III really worse? I think the high ISO performance of the 24mp sensors would be a nice benefit now that the dark rainy season has set in here in the PNW.
Nov 11, 2026 at 11:18 AM
p.1 #2Thoughts on Z6 III?
Buy it:
Z63_6505 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_6438 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_6428 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_6326 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_6210 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_5817 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_0269 1 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_0140 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_0091 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
Z63_6505 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrZ63_6438 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrZ63_6428 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrZ63_6326 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrZ63_6210 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrZ63_5817 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrDSC_0269 1 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrDSC_0140 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrDSC_0091 by Marcus Beasley, on FlickrNov 11, 2026 at 11:34 AM
p.1 #3Thoughts on Z6 III?
Z6III is really good. Viewfinder is excellent, handling is great, owned it since July 2024 and by my calculation have used it at least 88% worth versus repeat rental costs. If the next version is designed for low ISO with a little megapixel bump and a large dynamic range bump then it'll be perfect for me.
As for your mentions: no issue with dust for me, the higher spec'd full frame recording is why Taylor Jackson appears to use it as his standard when he shoots Nikon for weddings. The dynamic range doesn't bother me for video and for ISO 800 and above it'll be fine, for low ISO photos I got the Z7II to see what I was missing in dynamic range but it wasn't too much. I don't need or use pre-capture at all so can't speak to that.
I probably would buy the Z6III again because it's such a good mix of features and usability particularly the video features that I can't think of a better fit at this time for a camera or 2nd camera.
As for your mentions: no issue with dust for me, the higher spec'd full frame recording is why Taylor Jackson appears to use it as his standard when he shoots Nikon for weddings. The dynamic range doesn't bother me for video and for ISO 800 and above it'll be fine, for low ISO photos I got the Z7II to see what I was missing in dynamic range but it wasn't too much. I don't need or use pre-capture at all so can't speak to that.
I probably would buy the Z6III again because it's such a good mix of features and usability particularly the video features that I can't think of a better fit at this time for a camera or 2nd camera.
Nov 11, 2026 at 03:15 PM
p.1 #4Thoughts on Z6 III?
I have the Z8 and Z6 III.. My Z8 is primarily for wildlife or when I want the extra resolution, otherwise, I am usually using the Z6 III. It is a great camera body and I would buy it again.
Nov 11, 2026 at 08:17 PM
|
p.1 #5Thoughts on Z6 III?
I love mine. I came from a D750, and I love the Z6 III image quality and "color science". I was worried I would miss the optical viewfinder, but the Z6 III digital viewfinder works great for me. The advanced auto focus and video capabilities were the clincher for me.
I do find that I have to clean the sensor quite regularly. Not sure how it compares in that regard to other cameras.
The screen is a little fiddly, but was indispensable for me when I was doing a lot of video for sports.
I only recently added the 24-120. Together they are all I really need, with the 28/2.8 and 40/2 when I want to go a little smaller and lighter.
Phil
I do find that I have to clean the sensor quite regularly. Not sure how it compares in that regard to other cameras.
The screen is a little fiddly, but was indispensable for me when I was doing a lot of video for sports.
I only recently added the 24-120. Together they are all I really need, with the 28/2.8 and 40/2 when I want to go a little smaller and lighter.
Phil
Nov 11, 2026 at 10:48 PM
p.1 #6Thoughts on Z6 III?
jrscls wrote:
I have the Z8 and Z6 III.. My Z8 is primarily for wildlife or when I want the extra resolution, otherwise, I am usually using the Z6 III. It is a great camera body and I would buy it again.
Any reason you prefer Z6 III over Z8 for many things ?
I have the Z8 and Z6 III.. My Z8 is primarily for wildlife or when I want the extra resolution, otherwise, I am usually using the Z6 III. It is a great camera body and I would buy it again.
Any reason you prefer Z6 III over Z8 for many things ?
Nov 11, 2026 at 11:17 PM
p.1 #7Thoughts on Z6 III?
Cliff L. wrote:
Now that the Z6 II has been around for quite a while, what are people's thoughts on it? If you've owned one, would you buy it again today, given what else is on the market?
I'm debating dipping my toe back into the Nikon ecosystem, primarily for the ability to shoot RAW video footage internally at speeds up to 4K 120P (even though I am primarily a stills photographer). At the current C$1000 discount (or C$1200 if you buy it with a 24-120mm f4 lens) it's a very tempting entry back into the Z system, although I would eventually get...Show more →
Take a look at last 11 images on my flickr gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/maciej_k/
Files have exif data, and You can judge by Yourself, if there are problems with DR
And regards dynamic range in general.. I recommend You to watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=uCvT80ahSvk
Long Story Short, every single modern camera has DR enough to make epic movies or photos - even when composition is super contrasting (like in "noir" style movies/photos)
Z6III has plenty of DR to shoot photos.
I just cant find any real scenario, where its DR can limit anyone in anything
So far my Z6III works like it should.
It never freezes (which wasn't so obvious in my previous X-H2), AF works great, battery life is so-so, OVF is fantastic, and regards colors.. here is solution to have outstanding colors in any camera:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1961988/
Now that the Z6 II has been around for quite a while, what are people's thoughts on it? If you've owned one, would you buy it again today, given what else is on the market?
I'm debating dipping my toe back into the Nikon ecosystem, primarily for the ability to shoot RAW video footage internally at speeds up to 4K 120P (even though I am primarily a stills photographer). At the current C$1000 discount (or C$1200 if you buy it with a 24-120mm f4 lens) it's a very tempting entry back into the Z system, although I would eventually get...Show more →
Take a look at last 11 images on my flickr gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/maciej_k/
Files have exif data, and You can judge by Yourself, if there are problems with DR
And regards dynamic range in general.. I recommend You to watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=uCvT80ahSvk
Long Story Short, every single modern camera has DR enough to make epic movies or photos - even when composition is super contrasting (like in "noir" style movies/photos)
Z6III has plenty of DR to shoot photos.
I just cant find any real scenario, where its DR can limit anyone in anything
So far my Z6III works like it should.
It never freezes (which wasn't so obvious in my previous X-H2), AF works great, battery life is so-so, OVF is fantastic, and regards colors.. here is solution to have outstanding colors in any camera:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1961988/
Nov 12, 2026 at 01:49 AM
p.1 #8Thoughts on Z6 III?
PIOK wrote:
Any reason you prefer Z6 III over Z8 for many things ?
I prefer going out the door with the Z6 III for the smaller form factor, although it is still very comfortable to use with good ergonomics. It also has great low-light performance. I usually use the Z6 III with my smaller primes for family stuff and the Z8 for landscape and wildlife. They complement each other well, but either body can get the job done.
Prior to the Z6 III, I had a Zf, but the ergonomics were very poor despite the beautifully designed body style. I thought about replacing it with a Z5 II, but I opted for the Z6 III for the CF Type B card and semi-stacked sensor to backup the Z8. No regrets.
jrscls wrote
I have the Z8 and Z6 III.. My Z8 is primarily for wildlife or when I want the extra resolution, otherwise, I am usually using the Z6 III. It is a great camera body and I would buy it again.I prefer going out the door with the Z6 III for the smaller form factor, although it is still very comfortable to use with good ergonomics. It also has great low-light performance. I usually use the Z6 III with my smaller primes for family stuff and the Z8 for landscape and wildlife. They complement each other well, but either body can get the job done.
Prior to the Z6 III, I had a Zf, but the ergonomics were very poor despite the beautifully designed body style. I thought about replacing it with a Z5 II, but I opted for the Z6 III for the CF Type B card and semi-stacked sensor to backup the Z8. No regrets.
Nov 12, 2026 at 06:02 AM