Nikon Z6 III Review - it do some great things

Nikon did want me to mention that this is a pre-production camera. The camera features a bright EVF with 4,000 nits output and DCI-P3 color gamut support. The LCD is large, high-res, and fully articulating, but the strap triangles are noisy.

Sensor and Speed

New 24.5 Megapixel Partially-Stacked Sensor

The Z6 III uses a new 24.5-megapixel partially-stacked sensor. Only some portions of the sensor have extra circuitry, located at the top and bottom, to give the sensor an impressive speed boost without significantly increasing the cost compared to fully stacked sensors.

Resolutions and Frame Rates

• 6K at up to 60 fps: Full frame, uncropped, in raw, internally to the CF Express card, with a sub-10-millisecond read speed.
• H.265: Up to 5.4K at 60p.
• ProRes 422 HQ: 5.4K at 30p max.
• ProRes Raw: Full 6K at 30p max.
• 4K120: APS-C crop.
• 1080p240: 95% of full frame image.

Rolling Shutter Results

• 6K N-Raw: 9.4 milliseconds read time.
• 4K120: 6.23 milliseconds read time (1.5x crop).

Dynamic Range

Testing Methodology

The dynamic range was tested using the Xyla 21 chart and Imatest software.

Results

• 6K N-Raw, ISO 800: 14 stops (slope-based DR), 9.89 stops (0.5 medium, signal-to-noise ratio of 2).
• 4K Timeline, N-Raw: 10.6 stops (medium).
• Noise Reduction in DaVinci Resolve: 12.5 stops (medium).
• 5.4K H.265 on 4K Timeline: 11.6 stops (medium), 14.2 stops (slope-based DR).
• 4K on 4K Timeline, H.265: 11.7 stops (medium).

Comparison with Sony

The Nikon Z6 III’s dynamic range is slightly outperformed by Sony cameras, possibly due to better log curves used by Sony.

Audio

Improved Preamps and Line Level Input

Nikon has improved the preamps on the Z6 III and added a line-level input option. This allows for easier post-production when using external recorders like the Zoom F6.

ISO Performance

Noise Levels

• ISO 6,400: Noticeable noise improvement.
• ISO 25,600: Performs well.
• ISO 51,200: Noise becomes overwhelming.

Color Accuracy

Nikon often ranks at the top for color accuracy, especially with their built-in flat profile. For maximum dynamic range, N-Log is best.

LUTs and Exposure

Official Nikon LUTs for N-Log

Nikon’s second version of the N-Log LUT has smoother gradations but significantly brightens the image, making proper exposure challenging.

Battery Life and Overheating

Battery Tests

• 6K60 N-Raw: 101 minutes.
• 4K24 H.265