EVENT COVERAGE 2026 | LITTLE CAYMAN
GEAR TESTS: Nikon Z6 III UNDERWATER CAMERA REVIEW
I was able to take the Nikon Z6 III out for a few dives and shoot wide angle. After not shooting Nikon for a while, there were a lot of things that I learned to love again. The control layout was great, very familiar and easy. It probably has one of the best organized menus in the industry, clear and easy to understand, set up, and shoot. As with other Nikons, colors look great right out of the box.
It’s a big step up from the Z7 and Z6 series original cameras. The control set now is more like the higher end Z8 or D850. The focus tracking is using the same baller 3D tracking that everyone else went on to imitate. Whereas the focus compared to the original Z6 and Z7 left a lot to be desired, the Z6 III is on par with the flagship Z8 and D850. However being in a lower price point will bring some sacrifices in dynamic range and resolution, especially in the highlights. Sun balls were not as tight as what you’d get on a higher-end camera like the Z8. That being said, the overall image quality for a camera this price range is pretty darn good. So if you’re looking for a mid-range Nikon and are in this price range I think this is a major step up from previous Z6 series cameras.
THOMAS ANDERSON
Media Producer
My primary camera of choice since its arrival in June 2024, I was excited to shoot the Nikon Z6 III in Little Cayman. When it was first released, I was excited to see Z8- and Z9-level autofocus accuracy, an improved EVF, and the generally good image quality this camera offers.
However, with the release of the highly competitive Sony A7V and Canon R6 III, the Z6 III is starting to show its age. Despite having an extremely easy-to-use menu system and being generally a pleasure to shoot, the 24-megapixel sensor lacks the same resolution punch as the 33-megapixel sensors used by Canon and Sony.
Where things really fall apart for the Z6 III is video. The camera refuses to custom white balance beyond 50 feet, and color at shallower depths often appears purple or flat compared to the much more accurate and reliable Canon and Sony. As much as I love the Z6 III for its simplicity, ease of use, and lens selection—especially the Nikon 105mm Z MC—it definitely feels left in the dust compared to the Canon R6 III and Sony A7V when it comes to image quality, EVF performance, and video color.
