Recording Features
Connections
Included Lens
Play, Print and Edit Features
Battery Information
Computer Requirements

Recording Features

Overview: The Nikon Z 6III can produce stunning 24.5-megapixel still images and broadcast quality video up to 5.4K. The camera has the Nikon Z mount, and is compatible with Z-mount NIKKOR lenses. With the optional Mount Adapter FTZ, you can use F-mount NIKKOR lenses. The package includes the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S zoom lens.

Image Sensor: The Z 6III is equipped with an FX-format, 35.9 x 23.9mm CMOS image sensor with 24.5 million effective pixels (and 26.79 million total pixels). With the world's first partially-stacked CMOS sensor, its high-speed data processing circuits have an approximately 3.5x faster readout than its predecessor, the Z 6II. The Nikon FX format, with its native 3:2 aspect ratio, enables photographers to take advantage of the familiar perspective characteristics of 35mm film photography. The Z 6III features the powerful EXPEED 7 processor for improved image quality at high ISO sensitivies, and enables autofocus detection in near darkness.

Still Image Size/Quality: The Z 6III records still images in JPEG, HEIF, and NEF (RAW) formats. JPEG and HEIF images support fine (1:4 compression), normal (1:8), or basic (1:16) image quality. The camera can also record in both NEF (RAW) + JPEG formats or NEF (RAW) + HEIF formats simultaneously. Depending upon the selected format (image area), you can choose from the following image sizes:

NEF (RAW): There are several options to choose from when recording Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) photos, including Lossless compression, High efficiency★, and High efficiency. You can convert NEF (RAW) images to another format using the downloadable NX Studio software.

Movies: The Nikon Z 6III can record movies up to 5.4K in MOV and MP4 formats and RAW Video (NEV format) up to 6K. You can choose from the following frame size and rate options:

Recording Media Options: The Z 6III has dual memory card slots. One slot can accommodate XQD or CFexpress (Type B) memory cards. The other slot is for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible). No memory cards are supplied with the camera. Specific card performance is recommended for the following situations:

• CFexpress or XQD cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 250 MB/s are recommended for high-speed frame capture +.
• CFexpress or XQD cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 250 MB/s, or UHS Speed Class 3 or better SD cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 250 MB/s, are recommended for recording and playback of videos with a high frame size or rate.
• CFexpress or XQD cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 45 MB/s (300x), or SD cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 or better are recommended for video recording and playback.
• When recording N-RAW 12-bit (NEV) or ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV), the following memory cards are recommended:
  • Nikon 660 GB MC-CF660G Type B CFexpress memory card
  • Nextorage NX-B1PRO-series Type B VPG400 CFexpress memory card
  • ProGrade Digital COBALT-series CFexpress memory card
  • Wise CFX-B PRO-series CFexpress memory card

Dual Media Slot Options: In the menu, you can choose which media slot serves as the primary slot, and which is the secondary, when memory cards are inserted in both the CFexpress/XQD slot and SD slot. The function of the secondary slot can be configured as one of the following:

• Overflow: The card in the secondary slot is used only when the card in the primary slot is full.
• Backup: The card in the secondary slot serves as an instant backup. Each picture is recorded twice, once to the card in the primary slot, and again to the card in the secondary slot.
• RAW primary - JPEG secondary: When shooting NEF (RAW) + JPEG images, the NEF (RAW) images are recorded to the card in the primary slot, while the JPEG images are recorded to the card in the secondary slot.
• JPEG primary - JPEG secondary: Two JPEG copies are recorded, one to each memory card. The copy saved to the card in the primary slot is at the image quality and size selected in the photo shooting menu. The copy saved to the card in the secondary slot is saved at the Basic image quality.
• RAW primary - HEIF secondary: When shooting NEF (RAW) + HEIF images, the NEF (RAW) images are recorded to the card in the primary slot, while the HEIF images are recorded to the card in the secondary slot.
• HEIF primary - HEIF secondary: Two HEIF copies are recorded, one to each memory card. The copy saved to the card in the primary slot is at the image quality and size selected in the photo shooting menu. The copy saved to the card in the secondary slot is saved at the Basic image quality.

Touch-sensitive LCD Monitor: The Nikon Z 6III features 3.2-inch, 2,100,000-dot tilting TFT LCD monitor with a 170° wide viewing angle and 100% frame coverage. The monitor can swing open up to 175°, tilt forward 180° for low-angle shots and tilt backward 90° to get high-angle shots. The monitor has an 15-level adjustable brightness control. The touch screen can be used to select the focus point (Touch AF), and to release the shutter (Touch Shutter). During full-frame playback, you can flick your finger on the monitor left or right to view picture, or zoom in on a picture with the pinch or stretch gestures.

OLED Viewfinder: In addition to the LCD monitor, the Z 6III has a best-in-class 0.5", UXGA OLED electronic viewfinder with approximately 5,760,000 dots, and 100% vertical and horizontal frame coverage. It has a diopter adjustment knob so you can set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without eyeglasses). The bright and sharp viewfinder makes focusing in low-light situations possible. The viewfinder offers approximately 0.8x magnification. An eye sensor near the viewfinder automatically switches between the monitor and viewfinder as you raise or lower the camera to your eye.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The Z 6III has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth (5.0). With the downloadable SnapBridge App (iOS 13.0+, Android 6.0+) on your mobile device, you can transfer photos and videos from your camera to your phone, use your phone as a remote control for your camera, configure shooting settings from your phone, and update the camera's firmware on the go. You can also connect to your computer via Wireless LAN, either by a direct wireless link (access point mode) or on an existing network (Wi-Fi Station mode).

Vibration Reduction: The Nikon Z 6III features built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) in the camera. This 5-axis image sensor shift can be applied while shooting still images or movies, giving you up to 8 stops of image stabilization. In the menu, you can select Normal VR (for static subjects) or Sport VR (for rapidly moving subjects), or Off. In addition, lens shift Vibration Reduction is available with certain VR lenses.

273-Point Autofocus System: The Z 6III is equipped with an all-new autofocus system that is approximately 20% faster than the Z 6II. With 273 focus points, you can select from the following AF-area modes: Pinpoint AF, Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF (S, M, L), Wide-area AF (S, L, C1, C2), 3D-tracking, Subject-tracking AF, and Auto-area AF (people and animals). You can choose from the following Focus Modes: Single AF, Continuous AF, Full-time AF, or Manual Focusing.

Subject Detection: The camera gives you the option to select from several classes of subjects for priority focusing, including people, dogs, cats, birds, airplanes, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and trains.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the final composition.

Release Modes: The release mode determines how the camera takes photographs. You can choose from the following shooting modes:

• Single Frame: camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed
• Continuous L: while shutter-release button is held down, the camera records 1 to 7 frames per second, as selected in the menu.
• Continuous H: while the shutter-release button is held down, the camera records continuously at up to about 8.1 frames per second (or up to 16 fps with electronic shutter).
• Continuous H (Extended): while the shutter release is held down, the camera records continuously at up to about 14 frames per second (or up to 20 fps with electronic shutter).
• C30 / C60 / C120: camera takes photographs at 30, 60, or 120 frames per second while the shutter-release button is pressed. You can also engage the Pre-Release Capture feature and capture photos buffered while the shutter-release button was pressed halfway down.
• Self-Timer: use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake; you can set the self-timer to 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds

Interval Timer Photography: The Z 6III is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Shooting will begin about 3 seconds after the interval is set or you can choose a start time. You can select the number of intervals, and the number of shots taken per interval. The interval length can be set in hours, minutes, and seconds. You can also set up the camera to take a silent time-lapse movie, with the frame size, frame rate, and image area currently selected in the movie shooting menu.

Exposure Modes: The Exposure Modes determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. You can choose from the following Exposure Modes using the top-mounted Mode Dial:

• Auto: A "point-and-shoot" mode in which the camera sets exposure and hue.
• Programmed Auto (P): The camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure according to a built-in program; recommended for snapshots and other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings.
• Shutter-Priority Auto (S): The user chooses the shutter speed while camera sets aperture for best results; use to freeze or blur motion. The shutter speed can be set from 30 to 1/8000 seconds (1/16000 with electronic shutter).
• Aperture-Priority Auto (A): The user chooses the aperture while camera sets shutter speed for best results; use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground and background into focus for landscape shots.
• Manual (M): The user controls both shutter the speed and aperture for complete control over exposure. You can also set the shutter speed for long exposures, such as "Bulb" or "Time."
• User Settings (U1/U2/U3): You can assign frequently-used settings to these positions for quick recall.

Long Time-Exposures: When the M (manual) exposure mode is selected, you can choose between two Long Time-Exposure modes: Bulb and Time. During Bulb shooting, the shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is held down. Bulb shooting is used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks (an optional tripod and optional remote cord are recommended to prevent blur). Time exposures start when the shutter-release button is pressed on the camera or an optional remote control. The shutter remains open until the button is pressed a second time. There is even a setting for extended shutter speeds of up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) for tracking the paths of stars.

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV in still photo mode, and -3.0 to +3.0 EV in movie mode. Exposure compensation is available in P, S, A, and M modes.

Metering: The Z 6III utilizes through-the-lens (TTL) metering using the camera's image sensor. You can choose one of the following metering methods:

• Matrix Metering: The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to tone distribution, color, distance, and composition for natural results.
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight (75%) to the 12mm or 8mm area in the center of the frame. The weighting can also be based on the average of the entire frame.
• Spot: The camera meters inside a 4mm diameter circle (approximately 1.5% of frame). The circle is centered on the selected focus area, centered on selected focus points.
• Highlight-weighted: The camera assigns the greatest weight to highlights to reduce loss of detail in highlights.

Multiple Exposure: This feature records a series of two to ten NEF (RAW) exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. You can choose one of the following white balance options: Auto (3 options), Natural Light Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent (3 options), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, or Shade. You can also choose a color temperature from a list of values (2500K-10000K), or manually set the white balance using the subject, light source, or existing photograph in the memory card as reference. The White Balance Fine Tuning feature allows you to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image by adjusting the amber, blue, green and magenta color settings.

Bracketing: Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, "bracketing" the current value. You can set the increment to 1/3, 2/3, 1, or 1.3 EV, and the number of shots to 3, 5, 7, or 9. In exposure, flash level, and ADL bracketing, multiple shots are required to complete the "bracket" as the camera will vary the settings with each shot. With white balance bracketing, the camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. Bracketing can be combined with continuous shooting or the self timer modes.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. You can set the ISO Sensitivity to Auto or Manual. You can manually select settings of ISO 100 to ISO 64000 in steps of 1/3 EV or 1 EV. For special occasions, expanded settings of Lo 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (equivalent to ISO 50) below ISO 100, or to approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, or 1.7 EV (equivalent to ISO 204800) above ISO 64000.

Picture Controls: The camera offers several preset Nikon Picture Controls. You can choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene: Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Flat monochrome, Deep Tone Monochrome, Portrait, Rich Tone Portrait, Landscape, and Flat. You can also slect from up to 20 Creative Picture Controls, up to 9 Custom Picture Controls, and up to 9 Cloud Picture Controls.

Color Space: The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. You can select either sRGB for photos that will be printed or used "as is" with no further modification, or Adobe RGB for images that will be extensively processed or retouched after leaving the camera.

Active D-Lighting: Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Active D-Lighting offers the following application strength levels: Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low, and Off.

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): The Z 6III does not have a built-in flash. Optional flash units can be attached to the camera's accessory shoe. The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used with CLS-compatible flash units, such as the SU-800, SB-300, SB-400, SB-500, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, and the flagship SB-5000 flash. The following flash modes are supported: Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync, and Off.

Flash Control: The camera supports the following Flash Control modes: TTL, Auto external flash, Distance-priority manual, Manual, and Repeating Flash.

Flash Compensation: Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from -3 EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3 EV to change the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

FV Lock: This feature is used to lock the flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that the flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. The Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.

Connections

HDMI: The camera features a full-size HDMI (Type A) output for connecting the camera to an HDTV or other high-definition video device. The HDMI output resolution can be selected from Auto, 2160p, 1080p, 1080i, and 720p.

SuperSpeed USB: The Z 6III has a SuperSpeed USB Type-C connector. This high-speed USB port can be used for downloading photos to your computer or connecting the camera to a printer. A 24" USB-C cable is included.

Microphone: The camera has a 3.5mm input for an external microphone, such as the Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone. The sensitivity of a connected external microphone can be set in the menu.

Headphone: The camera has a 3.5mm stereo headphone output to allow you to monitor audio during movie recording.

Accessory Terminal: The Z 6III has an accessory terminal for connecting other optional accessories, such as the MC-DC2 Remote Cord.

Included Lens

Overview: The Nikon Z 6III kit includes the NIKKOR 24-70mm f/4 S, a versatile standard zoom lens that is ideal for both still images and movies. The lens is sealed to prevent dust and moisture from entering, especially around the moving parts of the lens barrel. the lens comes with front and rear lens caps, a lens hood, and soft lens case. It will accept 72mm screw-on filters.

Focus Mode Switch: The lens features a two-way switch that lets you choose between Auto focus (A) or Manual focus (M). If the camera is set to Manual Focus mode using camera controls, you must adjust the focus manually, regardless of the setting on the lens.

Control Ring: The lens has a smooth operating Control Ring that has numerous functions, depending upon the setting of the Focus Mode switch. If the switch is set to M (manual), the Control Ring rotates to adjust focus. If set to A (auto focus), you can perform the Control Ring function selected in the camera's menu. In the Z 6III, for example, you can use the lens Control Ring to adjust the power aperture, focus mode (M/A), or Exposure Compensation.

Electromagnetic Diaphragm: The lens has an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism in the lens barrel which provides accurate aperture blade control during auto exposure.

Nikon Technologies: The NIKKOR 24-70mm f/4 S lens is equipped with the following Nikon technologies:

• Stepping Motor (STM): NIKKOR Z lenses incorporate a stepping motor to give you fast and accurate auto focusing. The drive system is whisper quiet, making the lens ideal for recording movies.
• IF Lens: NIKKOR IF lenses focus by shifting only the internal lens elements. Internal Focusing lenses do not change in size during AF operation, and are typically more compact, lightweight, and capable of closer focusing distances.
• Aspherical Lens Elements (AS): The lens contains curved non-spherical lens elements to reduce aberrations. They are used to correct distortion in wide angle lenses.
• Aspherical - Extra-low Dispersion Elements (AS-ED): The lens features Aspherical - Extra-low Dispersion glass lens elements, developed by Nikon to correct chromatic aberrations.
• Nano Crystal Coat (N): Nikon's Nano Crystal coating helps eliminate internal reflections and ghosting effects caused by red light. It also reduces lens flare caused by light entering diagonally into the lens.
• Fluorine Coating (FLC): The lens features Nikon's fluorine coating on the front element to repel smudges and fingerprints, dust, and water droplets. The lens is easy to clean, and can withstand frequent wiping. The coating is also anti-reflective, which helps you achieve clear images.
• Super Integrated Coating (SIC): The lens features a multi-layered coating of the optical elements.

Lens Hood: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S comes with the HB-85 lens hood. The hood helps to block stray light from entering the lens from the sides, causing flare or ghosting. It also protects the front lens element from rain and snow, or accidental impact. When mounted, the lens hood adds approximately 1-13/16" to the overall length of the lens. When not in use, you can reverse-mount the lens hood.

Specifications:

• Type of Mount: Nikon Z mount
• Focal Length: 24-70mm
• Focal Length Scale: Graduated in millimeters (24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm)
• Filter Diameter: 72mm
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.3x
• Lens Construction: 14 elements in 11 groups (including 1 ED lens element, 1 aspherical ED element, 3 aspherical elements, and elements with Nano Crystal Coat, and a fluorine-coated front lens element)
• Closest Focus Distance: 0.99' (11.88") from focal plane at all zoom positions
• Focusing Method: Internal Focusing System
• Diaphragm: Rounded 7-blade
• Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
• Angle of View:
  • FX Format: 84° - 34°20'
  • DX Format: 61° - 22°50'
• Dimensions: Diameter 3.046" Length 3.666" (4.263" w/lens caps)
• Weight: 17.7 ounces

Play, Print and Edit Features

Auto Image Rotation: Photographs taken while Auto Image Rotation is set to "On" contain information on camera orientation, and allow the images to be rotated automatically during playback.

Full-Frame Playback: During Full-Frame playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view four (2x2), nine (3x3), or 72 (9 x 8) images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 24x for large images, up to 18x for medium images, and up to 12x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can move it around on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

Retouch Menu: The Retouch Menu allows you to create trimmed, resized or retouched copies of the photographs you have taken on the memory card. The Retouch Menu gives you the following editing options: NEF (RAW) processing, Trim, Resize, D-Lighting, Straighten, Distortion control, Perspective Control, Monochrome, Image Overlay, Lighten, Darken, or Motion blend.

Image Comment: The camera allows you to input up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text and save it to a recorded image. The comment can be viewed in NX Studio software as metadata.

Battery Information

Battery: The Z 6III is powered by the included EN-EL15c Lithium-ion battery (7.0 V, 2280 mAh, 16 Wh). The battery charges in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes using the optional EH-8P AC adapter (sold separately), or in approximately 2 hours 35 minutes with the optional MH-34 battery charger (sold separately). The estimated battery life for the EN-EL15c is as follows:

USB Power Delivery: The camera allows you to draw power from devices connected via USB for charging the battery, or running the camera on USB power. You can charge the battery with an AC adapter with a USB output of between 7.5 watts (5V / 1.5A) and 15 watts (5V / 3A).

Computer Requirements

Camera Software: No software is included with the Z 6III. Nikon offers the following recommended computer software in its Nikon Download Center:

• NX Tether: This software can be used for tethered photography when the camera is connected to a computer. (available for Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS 14 (Sonoma), macOS 13 (Ventura), and macOS 12 (Monterey))
• NX Studio: For viewing and editing photos and videos shot with Nikon digital cameras. The Nikon Transfer 2 component of the software lets you transfer photos to the computer. You can also convert NEF (RAW) images to another format, such as JPEG. (available for Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 13 (Ventura), macOS 12 (Monterey), and macOS 11 (Big Sur).)
• Wireless Transmitter Utility: This software is required for connecting the camera to a network. You must pair the camera with the computer to download pictures over a wireless or Ethernet network. (available for Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 14 (Sonoma), macOS 13 (Ventura), and macOS 12 (Monterey).)
• Webcam Utility: Webcam Utility lets you use the Nikon Z 6III as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB. (available for Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 13 (Ventura), macOS 12 (Monterey), and macOS 11 (Big Sur).)

Smart Device Apps: The following apps are for connecting the Z 6III to a smartphone or tablet:

• SnapBridge: SnapBridge is a mobile application that connects a smart device to the camera wirelessly, allowing you to download pictures to the smart device or control the camera remotely. SnapBridge is available for Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 13.0 or later, and Android devices with version 6.0 and up.
• NX MobileAir: With NX MobileAir, you can connect the camera to a smart device via USB or Wi-Fi, and import the pictures from the camera to the device. Then the imported pictures can be uploaded wirelessly from the smart device to an FTP server. NX MobileAir works with Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 15.0 or later, and Android devices with version 9.0 and up.