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Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III – which one is right for you?

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If you landed on this page you are probably thinking about buying either a Nikon Zf (read my full Nikon Zf review here) or Nikon Z6III camera and don’t know which one is right for you. In that case you came to the right place, this is my Nikon Z6III vs. Nikon Zf real world experience. I’ve owned both of these cameras for over a year and can tell you from my own experience how they compare – and help you choose the right one for you. Lets dive in!

Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III review
Let the battle begin: Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III!

Quick comparison Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III

Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III
Much is the same, but a lot is also very different

What is comparable?

  • Both cameras have a 24 megapixel full frame sensor
  • Both have very good built-in stabilisation
  • Both have the Nikon Expeed 7 processor – with comparable autofocus functionality and speed
  • Both have subject recognition in manual focus mode
  • Both have dual card slots, although they are a very different in execution
  • Both have flip-out screens – in stead of the more photography-focused Z8-style screen
  • Both use Nikon EN-EL15 batteries – and offer similar battery life in normal use
  • Both are weather sealed and can endure some challenging conditions
  • Both are in about the same price range – 1800/2000 Euro/ Dollar
Back to back – here you can see the Zf without grip has a little slimmer profile

What is better on the Nikon Z6III compared to the Nikon Zf?

Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III
The Nikon Z6III – a great camera, but maybe also a little plain? – Image by Nikon NL (www.nikon.nl)
  • The Nikon Z6III has a partially stacked sensor that is faster than the Zf’s sensor;
    • Both cameras can shoot up to 14 fps in mechanical shutter.
    • The Nikon Z6III can shoot up to 20 fps in RAW using electronic shutter (Zf 14 fps also in electronic shutter).
    • The Nikon Z6III offers 30 to 120 fps shooting options in JPEG.
    • The Nikon Z6III’s read-out speeds are much higher – making electronic shutter mode usable for fast moving objects (less rolling shutter).
The Z6III’s dual card set-up is more capable than the Zf’s, but it is also more expensive to fill both slots
  • The Nikon Z6III has a CF-Express / SD-card dual card setup – giving it higher write speeds than the Zf’s SD/ Micro SD setup. This means you can shoot up to a thousand photo’s in one burst (vs. 200 for the Zf).
  • The Nikon Z6III has a higher resolution EVF with 5,76 million dots vs. 3,69 million dots on the Zf. The EVF also gets much brighter.
  • The Nikon Z6III has a classic Nikon DSLR-like design that is more comfortable to hold, especially when using heavy lenses.
  • The Nikon Z6III can shoot video up to 6k and 4k at 120 fps.

What is better on the Nikon Zf compared to the Nikon Z6III?

Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III which one is right for you
Nikon Zf – the looks are its main attraction
  • The Nikon Zf has a much more interesting design with its Nikon FM2 inspired looks.
  • The Nikon Zf has real brass dials for most functions – this means you can quickly see and adjust all settings.
  • The Nikon Zf’s slower BSI sensor has about one stop more dynamic range compared to the Nikon Z6III’s partially stacked sensor at lower ISO’s (up to about 800 ISO) – making it better for landscape photography.
  • The Nikon Zf is a little smaller and lighter – when not using a grip.
  • The Nikon Zf’s dual SD/ MicroSD set-up is cheaper to use, since SD and MicroSD cards are cheaper to buy than CF-Express cards that the Nikon Z6III uses.
These dials are the Nikon Zf’s claim to fame

Which one should you choose? Real world experience.

Both are very capable cameras that can be used for many different types of situations. The difference is mainly a choice between style and comfort in my opinion.

The Nikon Zf really shines with a small lens and with grip (with Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 EVO)

I’d even go as far that there isn’t a real world situation where you’d miss the shot if you have either one of these. Both are capable enough to work for any kind of situation. I’ve shot indoor volleyball and motorsports with the Zf and it worked perfectly. And I’ve shot landscapes with the Z6III and never missed anything when it comes to dynamic range. Midrange full frame cameras are so capable these days that they will be usable for almost anything.

Probably my least favourite design choice on both: the flip-out screen

When diving deeper my short answer would be:

Get the Nikon Z6III if:

  • You mostly use big and heavy lenses – like:
    • Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S & Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8
    • Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 & Nikon Z 100-400mm or other big and long zoom lenses
    • Heavy prime lenses like the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 Plena or adapted F-mount lenses like the early Sigma Art lenses
  • You shoot sports, action and/ or wildlife – the improved shooting speed, marginally faster AF and sensor read-out might be an advantage in some situations.
  • If you don’t expect to use the dials on the Zf and will use your camera like you did with a classic Nikon DSLR.

I notice I grab my Z6III when I’m using my bigger lenses or for more serious work like family shoots or portraits. The big grip and added comfort make the Z6III my choice when holding the camera for longer periods. The more classic Nikon DSLR-style controls make it easier to adjust the camera on the fly using muscle memory without taking my eye off the viewfinder.

Left: Nikon Z6III with Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 – Right: Nikon Zf with Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO

Get the Nikon Zf if:

  • You love the look, style and feeling of classic cameras and like to use dials to adjust you settings.
  • Photography for you is about slowing down and taking your time.
  • You shoot landscapes or other kinds of photography where the highest possible dynamic range is a priority. The Zf is marginally better than the Z6III in this regard.
  • You mostly use compact prime lenses or smaller/ lighter zoom lenses like:
    • Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 & Nikon Z 40mm f/2
    • Nikon Z S-line primes like the 35mm, 50mm, 85mm f/1.8 S
    • Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 or Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4
    • Nikon Z 24-50mm zoom, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 or Nikon Z 24-200mm
    • Plan to use manual focus Z-mount or adapted lenses like Laowa, Voigtlander, Viltrox etc.

If I’m going out with just my primes or for fun, situations where I have more time I take my Nikon Zf. It is more fun to use, great to slow down and take your time to setup for the perfect shot. With the Smallrig wooden grip it is comfortable enough to use for long periods, even with a heavier lens. But without the grip I get cramped hands, even when using a smaller and light lens. I have to add this is a personal thing, I have this problem with my bigger hands. If you have smaller hands this might not apply to you.

The Zf is more heart than head, the Z6III is the other way around

Conclusion Nikon Zf vs. Nikon Z6III

So, which one is right for you? I think the most important thing to remember is that both are magnificent cameras. And that the spec sheet differences between these to are small and will not excluded one or the other. So if you are making a choice I think you can’t go wrong with either one. It is mainly a style and comfort choice.

If you put a gun to my head and ask me to choose either one I’d go for the Nikon Z6III. Why? Because it is a tad more flexible. It will work for anything the Nikon Zf will be good for, but also works better for me with my big lenses. But it is also a little boring. It feels a little more like a household appliance than a creative tool.

If you like the Nikon Z6III controls and body, but you need more dynamic range or you don’t need the high shooting speed I’d go for the Nikon Z5II. This combines the Nikon Zf’s internals with the Nikon Z6III’s body and controls. And it is the cheapest option. Nikon really hit a home-run with this new model!

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