The new partially stacked CMOS sensor in the Nikon Z6 III offers several performance enhancements compared to fully stacked sensors. This innovative sensor design features multiple high-speed processing circuits stacked in layers above and below the photosensitive layer of the sensor. This allows for faster autofocus performance, reduced rolling shutter, a smoother electronic viewfinder experience, swifter shooting speeds, and expanded video modes with higher frame rates.
While a fully stacked image sensor is costly, a partially stacked design like the one in the Z6 III offers some of the benefits of a stacked sensor without the extra expense. This makes the Z6 III a more affordable option for those who want the advantages of a stacked sensor without paying the higher price of a fully stacked sensor.
It's important to note that while the Z6 III's partially stacked sensor provides significant improvements over its predecessor, the Z6 II, it may not match the performance of the higher-resolution, fully stacked sensors found in the more expensive Nikon Z8 and Z9 cameras. However, the Z6 III aims to provide many of the benefits of those high-end cameras at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Nikon Z6 III, the latest addition to Nikon's mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera lineup, brings several significant upgrades over its predecessors, the Z6 and Z6 II. Here are some of the key differences:
New 24.5-Megapixel Partially Stacked Sensor: The Z6 III is equipped with a new "partially stacked CMOS sensor," which is a world's first in interchangeable lens cameras. This sensor offers faster autofocus performance, reduced rolling shutter, a smoother electronic viewfinder experience, swifter shooting speeds, and expanded video modes with higher frame rates.
Improved Autofocus System: The Z6 III's autofocus system is approximately 20% faster than the Z6 II's. It includes AI-powered subject detection across nine subjects, 3D Tracking, wide-area autofocus, and the ability to focus in minimal light (down to -10 EV, a best for Nikon Z cameras).
Faster Shooting Speeds: The Z6 III can shoot at up to 20 frames per second with RAW recording using the electronic shutter, and up to 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter.
Enhanced Video Capabilities: The Z6 III offers internal 6K/60p N-RAW footage and 6K/30p ProRes RAW recording, thanks to its faster sensor and the same EXPEED 7 processor as the Z8 and Z9. It also records 10-bit 5.4K ProRes 422, which uses the full width of the image sensor.
Improved In-Body Image Stabilization: The Z6 III's in-body image stabilization system is rated for up to eight stops of shake correction, an improvement over the Z6 II's five stops.
New Super-Bright, High-Res Electronic Viewfinder: The Z6 III features a brand-new electronic viewfinder that reaches up to 4,000 nits of peak brightness. It is Nikon's brightest EVF yet and is approximately 33% brighter than the Z9's EVF.
Pricing and Availability: The Nikon Z6 III will be available in late June for $2,499.95 (body only), which is a $500 increase over the previous Z6 models.
These upgrades make the Nikon Z6 III a more powerful and versatile camera than its predecessors, offering significant improvements in autofocus, video capabilities, and overall performance.
The Nikon Z6 III inherits its autofocus system from its more expensive siblings, the Z8 and Z9, and promises blazing-fast autofocus performance thanks to its new partially stacked sensor. The Z6 III includes AI-powered subject detection across nine subjects, 3D Tracking, wide-area autofocus, and the ability to focus in meager light (down to -10 EV, a best for Nikon Z cameras). Nikon claims that the Z6 III's autofocus system is approximately 20% faster than the Z6 II's and offers improved performance in changing light, better tracking across a broader range of subjects, and more accurate focus when detecting small subjects within the frame.
The new autofocus functionalities include improved performance in changing light, better tracking across a broader range of subjects, and more accurate focus when detecting small subjects within the frame. The camera can detect humans, animals, and a range of vehicles. Between the autofocus performance and continuous shooting speeds, the Z6 III is a solid choice within Nikon's lineup for sports, action, and wildlife photography.
The Z6 III also features a new pre-release capture mode available at up to 120 fps shooting speeds. This mode captures up to one second of buffer depth before pressing the shutter, helping photographers not miss any critical moments.
Overall, the Nikon Z6 III's autofocus system builds upon the capabilities of its predecessors, offering faster performance, improved subject detection, and new functionalities for a more efficient and accurate shooting experience.