Nikon launches Z6 III with partially stacked sensor

Nikon has announced the Z6 III, the company's third-generation of its full-frame mirrorless camera, which brings a faster 24MP sensor that boosts autofocus and video capabilities over its predecessors, and in a world's first, offers a "partially stacked" CMOS sensor.

The standout feature of the Z6 III is that CMOS sensor, which Nikon says has some of the performance benefits of the fully stacked sensors in the Z8 and Z9 models, but without the associated cost of this relatively pricey and cutting edge technology.

From a tech perspective, Nikon has said little, but the sensor appears to have built-up circuitry on its edges and closer to the pixels themselves, enabling much faster readout.

The result is that the camera can deliver full-width 6K video at up to 60p, and a flash sync speed of 1/60s.

The other standout feature of the new camera is the autofocus, which Nikon says is up to 20% faster than it was in the Z6 II, and comparable with the Z8 and Z9.

The new model also gains the 3D Tracking and subject recognition of the 8 and 9, and can focus at down to –10EV. ISO maxes out at 64000 (and up to ISO 51200 for video), and like the Zf, the Z6III can use its subject recognition system even in manual focus mode, a really useful feature. 

Build-wise, the Z6 III is a larger camera than its predecessors and also heavier by 55g (it's 760g vs 705g).

Early impressions are that the III is wider and thicker than the II, although the button positions are essentially unchanged.

One feature that is new however is the EVF, which jumps up to a much brighter and denser 5.76M dots. The panel can go as bright at 4000nits, a significant improvement on its predecessors 3.69M dot OLED. The Z6 III is also the first mid-range Nikon to gain a fully-articulated screen. 

Other features include the addition of pre-burst capabilities and multi-shot high resolution modes, improved image stabilisation of 8 stops versus 5 on the II, and the same EN-EL15c battery as its predecessor.

That said, an additional MB-N14 battery pack allows the Nikon Z6III's battery life to be boosted by approximately 1.9x. 

Nikon has also used its launch of the Z6 III to announce the Nikon Imaging Cloud, an all-new cloud library with its own Nikon presets and user imaging recipes.

Plus, the Cloud allows for wireless image uploads and (finally!) automatic firmware updates. However, for now the service is scheduled to start at a later date. 

Finally, video specs are also impressive - there's 6K 60p in N-RAW, and 6K 30p in ProRes RAW. In addition there is Internal Raw video, and a full-sized HDMI socket.

The Z6 III body only will set you back $4,499. It's available for pre-order now. Keep an eye out for our full review coming soon.