Comparing the Nikon Z6 II, Z6 III and Z8

Compare the Nikon Z6 II, Z6 III and Z8

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Comparing the titans: Nikon Z6 II vs Z6 III vs Z8 — Which camera is right for you?

Nikon has increasingly focused on developing powerful mirrorless cameras over the years. With the introduction of the Z-series, Nikon has assembled an impressive collection of full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras, complemented by matching lenses. These versatile cameras are suitable for a wide range of users, from enthusiastic hobbyists to seasoned professionals. The Z-series is renowned for its advanced technologies and exceptional image quality. To help you make the right choice, we compare the similarities and differences between Nikon's latest flagships: the Nikon Z6 II, Z6 III and Z8.

Nikon Z6 II: Versatile mirrorless camera with high-end performance

The Nikon Z6 II is a versatile mirrorless camera primarily aimed at photographers. Equipped with a 24.5 MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor and powerful dual Expeed 6 processor, this camera delivers excellent image quality and performance, even in low light. The fast and accurate autofocus with 273 focus points ensures razor-sharp images, while continuous shooting at 14fps is ideal for capturing fast action. Despite its primary focus on photography, it is also perfectly capable of video work — recording in 4K at 30fps with extensive video options. Overall, the Nikon Z6 II is a versatile camera that gives you the power to capture fast, sharp and smooth footage.

Nikon Z6 III: Innovation and power for photo and video

The Nikon Z6 III is a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera for both photographers and videographers. With a 24.5 MP full-frame sensor and the advanced Expeed 7 processor, this camera offers exceptional image quality and performance. Thanks to the wide Z-mount combined with the Partially Stacked CMOS sensor, more light is captured, resulting in more detail and vivid colours. The camera can record video in 4K and 6K RAW format and offers up to 240fps for extreme slow motion. Ultra-fast autofocus, 3D-tracking and Pre-Release Capture ensure you never miss an important moment. With Nikon Imaging Cloud, your images are instantly and securely backed up to the cloud.

Nikon Z8: Ultimate power and precision for professionals

The Nikon Z8 combines unmatched power and precision, designed specifically for the demanding photographer and videographer. With an impressive 45.7 MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and a powerful Expeed 7 processor, this camera delivers stunning image quality with exceptional detail and colour accuracy. It supports 8K video recording, offers super-fast autofocus and 3D-tracking to effortlessly capture moving subjects. Built-in 5-axis image stabilisation ensures sharp images even at longer shutter speeds. The camera also features a bright electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen for optimal flexibility, plus a robust weather-sealed body for use anywhere.

What are the differences between the Nikon Z6 II, Z6 III and Z8?

In the dynamic world of photography and videography, Nikon offers a range of advanced mirrorless cameras to meet the varied needs of both enthusiastic hobbyists and professionals. The Nikon Z6 II, Z6 III and Z8 are three standout models within the Z-series, each with unique features and improvements. This comparison helps you understand which of these powerful cameras best matches your specific wishes and photography style.

Nikon Z6 II Nikon Z6 III Nikon Z8
Lens mount Z-mount Z-mount Z-mount
Megapixels 24.5 MP 24.5 MP 45.7 MP
Max photo resolution 6048 × 4024 px 6048 × 4024 px 8256 × 5504 px
Image sensor BSI-CMOS Partially Stacked CMOS Stacked CMOS
Image processor Expeed 6 Expeed 7 Expeed 7
Image stabilisation 5-axis IBIS 5-stops 5-axis IBIS 8-stops 5-axis IBIS 5-stops
Electronic VR (E-VR) No Yes Yes
Viewfinder 3.69m-dot OLED EVF 5.67m-dot OLED EVF 3.69m-dot OLED EVF
Viewfinder brightness 3,000 nits 4,000 nits 3,000 nits
LCD screen 3.2" 2.1m-dot, 11 brightness levels 3.2" 2.1m-dot, 15 brightness levels 3.2" 2.1m-dot, 15 brightness levels
Display type Tilting Tilt & swivel Tilt & swivel
Autofocus subjects People, animals & vehicles People, animals, vehicles & aircraft People, animals, vehicles & aircraft
AF sensitivity Down to -4.5 LV Down to -10 LV N/A
AF points 273 299 493
3D-tracking No Yes Yes
Pre-Release Capture No Yes Yes
Focus Point VR No Yes Yes
Photo file format JPG & RAW HEIF, JPG & RAW HEIF, JPG & RAW
Max capture speed 14 fps 120 fps 120 fps
ISO range 100–51,200 100–64,000 64–25,600
Flash sync speed 1/200 s 1/200 s 1/200 s
Video file format MOV & MP4 RAW, MOV & MP4 MOV & MP4
Max video resolution 4K/30fps 6K/60fps 8K/60fps
Internal recording 8-bit 4:2:0 10-bit 4:2:2 10-bit 4:2:2
External recording 10-bit N-Log 12-bit ProRes RAW / Blackmagic RAW 12-bit ProRes RAW / Blackmagic RAW
Log recording 10-bit N-Log 12-bit N-Log 12-bit N-Log
Hi-Res zoom No Yes Yes
Slow motion 120fps in 4K 240fps in 4K 120fps in 4K
Memory slot CFexpress Type-B & SD CFexpress Type-B & XQD CFexpress Type-B & XQD
Nikon Imaging Cloud No Yes No
Battery EN-EL15c EN-EL15c EN-EL15c
Charger included Yes No Yes
Battery life (photos) ~410 shots ~410 shots ~360 shots
Battery life (video) ~115 min ~115 min ~90 min
Weather resistant Yes, 0–40°C Yes, -10–40°C Yes, -10–40°C
Dimensions 134 × 100.5 × 69.5 mm 138.5 × 101.5 × 74 mm 144 × 118.5 × 83 mm
Weight 615 g 750 g 910 g
Released 2020 2024 2023

Why choose the Nikon Z6 II?

The Nikon Z6 II offers a perfect balance between performance and versatility, making it the ideal choice for both enthusiastic hobbyists and professional photographers. Its powerful sensor and advanced image processor let you effortlessly capture breathtaking images, even in challenging lighting conditions. The lightning-fast autofocus keeps your subject sharp at all times, while image stabilisation helps produce sharp, stable images — whether shooting handheld or recording video. The Z6 II is not only capable in diverse conditions but also offers user-friendly operation, durability and compatibility with a wide range of Nikon Z-mount lenses.

Why the Nikon Z6 III should be your next camera

The Nikon Z6 III is the perfect example of ultimate versatility and outstanding performance in the world of mirrorless cameras. The camera offers unparalleled image quality and creative possibilities thanks to its powerful full-frame Partially Stacked sensor and Expeed 7 processor. Improved autofocus with faster and more accurate tracking, up to 8-stops image stabilisation and a robust weather-sealed build make the Z6 III ideal for every situation. With the ability to record 6K RAW video and a bright electronic viewfinder with an ultra-wide colour spectrum, the Z6 III also excels in video. Whether you are a professional photographer seeking the best performance or an enthusiastic hobbyist looking for a camera that meets all your needs, the Nikon Z6 III is the best choice for anyone seeking uncompromising quality and versatility.

Why the Nikon Z8 is the ultimate choice for you

The Nikon Z8 offers photographers an unparalleled combination of innovation, performance and versatility, making it the ultimate choice for (semi-)professionals. With its impressive 45.7 MP full-frame sensor, powerful Expeed 7 processor and advanced autofocus capabilities, the Z8 delivers breathtaking image quality and extraordinary performance, even in the most demanding conditions. Thanks to a wide ISO range of 64 to 25,600, the Z8 produces images with unmatched brightness and dynamic range. With 8K UHD video capabilities and a wide range of advanced video features, the Z8 also offers unprecedented possibilities for videography. The ergonomic design and intuitive controls make this mirrorless camera user-friendly. In short, the Nikon Z8 enables photographers and videographers to push their limits and take their work to an even higher level.