Early Arrival of Prime Day Deal: Nikon Z6 II bundled with a 24-70mm lens offered at a record-breaking low price, resulting in savings exceeding £750!
The Nikon Z6 III, following a significant price drop, has emerged as a compelling choice for photographers seeking advanced camera capabilities. Let's delve into the key differences and improvements between the Nikon Z6 III and its predecessor, the Z6 II, to help you decide which one suits your needs.
### Key Differences and Improvements of Nikon Z6 III over Z6 II:
| Feature | Nikon Z6 III | Nikon Z6 II | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | **Sensor** | 24.5MP partially-stacked CMOS (faster readout) | 24.5MP conventional CMOS | | **Processor** | EXPEED 7 | 2x EXPEED 6 | | **Autofocus** | 273 focus points, 3D subject tracking for 9 types including humans and animals | 273 AF points with human and animal detection | | **Continuous Shooting** | Up to 60 fps (JPEG), 20 fps (RAW) | 14 fps (JPEG/RAW) | | **Buffer Capacity** | Over 1000 shots at 20 fps continuous burst | Smaller buffer (exact number not advertised) | | **Video Capability** | 6K/60p internal RAW, 240fps slow-motion | 4K UHD up to 30p | | **Video Formats** | N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ, H.265/HEVC | H.264, MPEG-4 | | **Image Stabilization** | 5-axis IBIS with up to 8 stops with Focus Point VR | 5-axis IBIS with up to 5 stops | | **Viewfinder** | 5.76-million-dot EVF, 4000-nit brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate | 3.69-million-dot EVF, 1000-nit brightness, 60 Hz refresh rate | | **Shutter Speed Max** | 1/16,000 sec | 1/8,000 sec | | **Max Internal Video Recording Time** | 125 minutes | 29 minutes 59 seconds |
### Additional Improvements in Z6 III
- **Pre-release burst mode**: Z6 III can capture images 1 second before shutter press at 60 fps full resolution (JPEG only), useful for fast action shots. - **Low-light AF sensitivity to -10 EV**, improving focus performance in dim conditions. - **Focus Point Stabilization** that stabilizes the image around the selected focus point during handheld shooting. - Larger buffer and faster card support (CFExpress Type B and UHS-II SD) allow extended high-speed burst shooting.
### Performance in Real Use
- The **Z6 III’s IBIS** is markedly improved with up to 8 stops of compensation versus 5 stops in the Z6 II, enhancing handheld shooting and telephoto lens support. - The **EVF and LCD display** on the Z6 III offer much clearer, brighter, and smoother viewing experiences for both photo and video. - The Z6 III drastically improves video specs with 6K internal RAW recording, slow-motion 240 fps, and professional codecs like ProRes RAW—far surpassing the Z6 II’s 4K 30p.
### Value Consideration After Price Drop with Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens Bundle
- The **Z6 II price drop bundled with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S** lens offers a very strong value, especially for photographers who do not require the top-tier video or fastest burst rates. - However, if ultimate performance in autofocus, continuous shooting, video features, and image stabilization is paramount, the **Z6 III represents a meaningful upgrade**. - The Z6 III’s enhanced capabilities justify the price premium for professionals or enthusiasts who need cutting-edge speed, buffer depth, and video quality.
### In Summary
| Aspect | Nikon Z6 II + Bundle Advantage | Nikon Z6 III Advantages | |------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Price & Value | More affordable, great kit bundle for general use | Higher cost but with advanced performance and features | | Autofocus | Reliable human and animal detection | Expanded 3D tracking, more focus points, better low-light AF | | Speed & Buffer | 14 fps burst, smaller buffer | 20 fps RAW burst, huge buffer (1000+ shots) | | Video | Up to 4K 30p, basic codecs | 6K 60p RAW, ProRes, slow motion 240 fps | | Stabilization | 5 stops 5-axis IBIS | Up to 8 stops with Focus Point stabilization | | Viewfinder & Display | Lower resolution and brightness | Brighter, higher resolution, 120 Hz refresh |
If your budget aligns with the Z6 III, its performance is significantly ahead, especially for fast action, video, and low-light shooting. Otherwise, the Z6 II with the current price drop and bundled lens remains a highly capable full-frame mirrorless option for many photographers.
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens is a versatile all-rounder, great for portrait, travel photography, and more. It's worth noting that the photographer Sebastian Oakley, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of Nikon NPS, has been using Nikon for over two decades and has experience with various types of photography, including 35mm, medium, and large-format photography.
[1] [Nikon Z6 III Official Site](https://www.nikon.com/uk/products/dslr-cameras/nikon-z-series-mirrorless/nikon-z6-iii-fx-format-camera/) [2] [Amazon UK - Nikon Z6 II Bundle](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-Z6-II-Mirrorless-Camera-Lens/dp/B08QHXBY5M/) [3] [Nikon Z6 II Official Site](https://www.nikon.com/uk/products/dslr-cameras/nikon-z-series-mirrorless/nikon-z6-ii-fx-format-camera/)
- The Nikon Z6 III, following a significant price drop, provides advanced camera capabilities, making it an appealing choice for photographers.
- In comparison to its predecessor, the Z6 II, the Nikon Z6 III boasts a faster readout sensor, a more powerful processor, enhanced autofocus capabilities, and improved continuous shooting speeds.
- The Z6 III offers a larger buffer capacity, faster card support, pre-release burst mode, improved low-light AF, and Focus Point Stabilization, which are all absent in the Z6 II.
- The Z6 III's IBIS, EVF, and LCD display provide clearer, brighter, and smoother viewing experiences, while its video capabilities have also been drastically improved with 6K internal RAW recording, slow-motion video, and professional codecs like ProRes RAW.
- The Z6 III's significant price drop, when bundled with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens, offers great value for general photographers who do not require top-tier video or fastest burst rates.
- For professionals or enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge speed, buffer depth, and video quality, the Z6 III's enhanced capabilities justify the price premium.
- The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens is a versatile all-rounder, suitable for portrait, travel photography, and more, and it is endorsed by the experienced photographer Sebastian Oakley, who has extensive experience in various types of photography.
