GEAR TESTS: NIKON Z6 III UNDERWATER CAMERA REVIEW

THOMAS ANDERSON
Media Producer

The Nikon Z6 III is the latest entry-level full-frame “prosumer” camera from Nikon, featuring an all-new 24-megapixel partially stacked sensor. New to the Z6 series is Nikon’s updated autofocus system, inherited from the larger Z8 and Z9 cameras. It also includes a brand-new electronic viewfinder, which is an improvement even over the high-end Z8 and Z9 models.

The autofocus system on the Z6 III is impressive—fast, snappy, and responsive—even when shooting macro with a diopter. The EVF, though not quite as good as Sony’s or Canon’s latest, is a big step up from previous Nikon models and offers good dynamic range when shooting high-contrast underwater scenes. Despite the lower megapixel count, the image quality is superb, though more resolution would certainly be welcome.

I shot the Z6 III using a Nauticam housing, the now-discontinued Nikon 8–15mm fisheye lens with an FTZ adapter, and the Nikon 24–50mm with the Nauticam WACP-1B. Being able to use a fisheye is excellent for photography, while the 24–50 and WACP combo provides great flexibility for video shooting. The Z6 III is a step in the right direction for Nikon, and I look forward to further improvements in future models.