What's a Partially-Stacked CMOS Sensor?
Because that's what's in the new Nikon Z6 III
The just-announced Nikon Z6 Mark III features a 35.9 x 23.9 mm (full-frame) partially-stacked CMOS sensor. Great!
Ah, what exactly does that mean?
If you ask Nikon, they will tell you what it does. Which in short, makes it an ultra-fast 24MP sensor with insane video resolution such as internal full-frame 6K 60p RAW, full-frame 1080p 240p, and DX-crop 4K 120p. This faster readout reduces rolling shutter for video and provides faster bursts and readouts for still photography.
How the Z6 Mark III achieves that is just as interesting. What Nikon has done is added the extra circuitry to make the Z6 Mark III stacked at the top and the bottom of the sensor instead of the full area.
Clever!
They think that’s a sweet spot between enhanced performance and costs. Agreed on the performance front. As for cost, the Z6 Mark III sells for $2,500 however, so, there’s that.
If you’re a hybrid photographer who relies on both video and still capture, this camera should be tempting with its robust video performance and other goodies such as a Line In jack to accompany the External Mic jack.
For still photographers, I’m not sure the partially-stacked sensor has the same allure for a 24MP camera compared to the Canon R6 II and Sony a7 IV that run about the same. We’re now getting into personal preference.
One additional thing I will note with the Z6 Mark III is the 5.76M dot OLED electronic viewfinder that blows away other cameras in the category. I’d sure like to take a peek through that.
This Week’s TDS Podcast
Pentax Actually Did It - The Pentax 17 Film Camera
Those crazy kids at Ricoh/Pentax said they wanted to make a new film camera. And lo and behold if they didn’t pull it off. And it’s darn nice too.
In this week’s TDS Photography Podcast, I talk about the Pentax 17 from the perspective of a guy who already shoots film and runs a camera shop with refurbished 35mm cameras.
If you’re tempted by the Pentax, be sure to tune in.
Thank you for explaining the sensor! I cannot tell you how many "reviews" on YouTube have tackled that topic by saying, "It has a partially-stacked sensor; I don't know exactly what that means." The specs on this camera are impressive, and Nikon's strategy is interesting. Clearly, they're aiming for hybrid photographers with the video specs, the readout speeds, and the flippy screen. I think it's good value for what you get, and I think it will sell really well, but if I was a stills-only photographer (which I am) and didn't already have a Zf (which I do) I would get myself a Z6II while they're on sale and put the extra $900 in my lens or travel fund.