The 9 Best Mirrorless Cameras (2025): Full-Frame, APS-C, and More

Nikon’s Z6 III brings a lot of the flagship options of Nikon’s far dearer Z8 and Z9 to the Z6 line. The Z6 III (8/10, WIRED Recommends) options Nikon’s 24-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor, very quick and correct 3D subject-tracking system, and ProRes encoding for video—making it among the best hybrid, picture/video cameras available on the market.

The “partially stacked” bit means you get a number of the efficiency advantages of a stacked CMOS sensor, like these discovered within the Nikon Z8 and Z9, however not the downsides, or not less than fewer of the downsides. Stacked sensors, ahem, stack the processing circuits proper on high of the sensor itself (technically it is behind the sensor), which implies the RAM is instantly tied into the sensor, making for extremely quick readout. That is what permits high-end cameras to shoot upwards of 12 RAW pictures per second with out the viewfinder blacking out. The draw back to stacked sensors is that you simply run into some rolling shutter distortion with transferring objects, and there’s typically much less dynamic vary. The Z6 III’s partially stacked sensor is an try to reduce these downsides, and it principally works. The 5.76-million-dot viewfinder has a blazing quick 120-Hz refresh price and is insanely vibrant and great (it helps full HDR shade area). The again panel is not dangerous both, with a 2.1-million-dot show and full articulation, which makes it simple to shoot video from just about any angle.

The principle draw back right here is the Z6 III has a couple of cease much less of dynamic vary than its rivals, however in precise real-world use, I did not discover this to be an element.

SpecsSensor size24 MP Partially Stacked Full FrameMax Photograph Body rate12 fps RAWVideo6K/60p RAW

★ Options: For extra decision, there’s the Nikon Z8 for $3,397, which may be very almost similar to the Z6 besides it has a better decision, 45 MP totally stacked sensor, and some extra on-camera buttons (the Z8 additionally has a sensor defend to guard it when altering lenses, which I like). The Nikon Z5, however, is among the most cost-effective full-frame cameras. Typically on sale for round $800, the Z5 is a stripped-down Z6. It is a barebones digicam, however for some that may be all you want.