Nikon’s New $2,500 Z6 III Has the World’s First Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor

During a recent photo walk with a Nikon representative, I was told it was only a matter of time before I became a “birder.” Eventually, every photographer runs out of things to take photos of and is left with one subject to master: birds. Advancements in camera technology have made this much easier, and the new Nikon Z6 III is a perfect example of this.

The Nikon Z6 III has an articulating back screen typical of hybrid photo/video cameras.

The Groundbreaking Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor

The Nikon Z6 III, priced at $2,500, introduces the world’s first 24.5-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor. Unlike the fully stacked sensors in the premium Nikon Z9 and Z8 or the non-stacked sensor in the previous Z6 II, the Z6 III’s circuit parts are stacked as bars on the top and bottom of the pixel area. This innovative design results in higher continuous shooting rates, faster autofocus, higher video frame rates, and reduced rolling shutter effect compared to the Z6 II’s BSI CMOS sensor in e-shutter mode.

However, the Z6 III is not as fast as the Z8 or Z9 with their fully stacked sensors. The partial stacking allows Nikon to keep the Z6 III's price lower than the Z8 and Z9 while still improving performance over the previous generation.

Key Features and Enhancements

The Z6 III boasts an incredibly bright electronic viewfinder, reaching a peak brightness of 4,000 nits. It also supports 6K RAW video recording at up to 60fps and 4K RAW at up to 120fps. Nikon promises Z8-level build quality, with the camera being dust and moisture sealed and operable down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). Simply put, Nikon builds resilient cameras that don’t compromise on specifications, making them capable of turning any photographer into a birder.

The handgrip on the Nikon Z6 III is deep enough for long-term comfort.

My Photo Walk Experience

For my photo walk with the Z6 III, I chose the Staten Island Ferry due to its endless opportunities for people-watching and incredible views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry's iconic orange color guarantees great shots, but what caught my attention were the birds using the boat’s slipstream to move across the harbor.

While the Z6 III lacks a dedicated bird focus mode, its autofocus is 20 percent faster than the Z6 II and has an extended range down to -10EV, making it more sensitive in low-light conditions. On the ferry, it easily locked onto birds. Within minutes, I was capturing seagulls in flight, smartly framing One World Trade Center and waiting for birds to cross my frame. The camera locked onto moving objects effortlessly, and I quickly amassed over 100 photos.

The Joy and Utility of Bird Photography

As I reviewed my photos, I wondered, “What am I going to do with all these photos of birds?” This is why I thank you for clicking through the slideshow and giving my newfound passion for bird photography a reason to exist. Much like the Z8 and Z9, the Z6 III is so responsive and intuitive that you no longer need to worry about focus, handshake, or shutter speed. You can point the camera in any direction and capture something in focus.

PHOTOS TAKEN WITH THE NIKON Z6 III AND NIKON NIKKOR Z 28-400MM F/4-8 VR LENS.

Final Thoughts

While my time with the Z6 III was limited, I didn't have the chance to test the ISO ranges or low-light autofocus, and I lacked ND filters to properly test 6K RAW video exposure. Despite this, I can confidently say that the new partially stacked sensor technology doesn’t feel like a step back. The Z6 III is available starting today for $2,500 and promises to be a game-changer for photographers seeking a balance between performance and cost.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates on the latest in camera technology and other exciting developments in the tech world.

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