The Leica Q series has been incredibly successful. It has two criticisms; price, but a European built camera made in small numbers is never going to be cheap; and the choice of lens, a 28mm for full frame. For many just too wide for general use.
Many asked for 35mm and just as many requested 50mm.
For many 35mm is too wide, which is why Leica chose 28mm originally. Leica’s new model is 43mm, now 40mm to 45mm was very popular in the past, and by choosing 43mm Leica is likely to capture those wanting a 35mm and the 50mm.
Some of my project ideas are extremely simple but end up working very well.
Project Red is one such idea.
I have been going back to this theme since the early 2000’s and it’s interesting how the idea has changed from studio to more environmental out door shoots. Something that I will be continuing to come back to over the next few years.
Canon have their L glass. Sony have G class. With the Nikon Z system we have S glass.
Top of the range, very little compromise.
Now back in the old f mount days, Nikon did not differentiate there top professional glass, but in general it was f/1.4 prime lens were pro and the f/1.8 were a slightly cheaper option.
Nikon caused some surprise when they released the new S range f/1.8 lens with people wondering if these were actually pro as they were not f/1.4. They have now started to fill out there range with some S glass at f/1.2.
Leica M10
So it was with some surprise they released a couple of non S f/1.4. It’s been an interesting choice. For those that feel the S glass is too clinical we now have a smaller lighter f1.4 lens with a bit more character.
I had a shoot this last Thursday, some art nude with colour gels; and I spotted on social media another firmware. update for the old Z7. I decided against applying it as it did not seem to offer me much but I’ll apply it this weekend and then start testing. Nothing like a bad update to upset a days shooting. I have to admit to Nikon their updates are pretty solid and I have never had an issue. Not like Adobe; I use Lightroom to tether and often an update just before a shoot will bring issues.
So here we have the new Nikon Z6 mark 3, or Z6III as it will be most likely known as.
Most reviews are positive and the processor out of the Z9/8 together with its lower resolution sensor, still 24 MP makes it a bit of a speed beast and excellent for event photographers who take lots of shots at each event and want a manageable file size.
Looking through the reviews there seems to be only three complaints
No improvement to resolution
More expensive
No battery charger
24MP is still a sweet spot for video and this is its strength, event photographers will be glad of 24MP. Others using this, especially new comers wanting a budget Nikon first Nikon Z might be disappointed its not more like 36MP.
A few comments on the price, but its prices well to its competitors and counting inflation over the last few years it might not actually be any dearer.
No battery charger. Nikon being a bit cheap. Part of me understands this, but maybe leaving the charger out for the Z9/8 would make more sense. Myself as a Nikon user of many years have lots of chargers for this battery format, but new comers will not. Is this camera or new comers. It will certainly please those looking at reducing electrical waste.
So by Monday next week we will finally now all about the long rumoured Nikon Z6 mark iii.
This is a tough camera for Nikon, its typically been the cheaper enthusiast camera, those that want something more capable then the base models Z50 and Z5 but cannot afford the Z8, Z9.
Its also been the faster more video focussed brother to the Z7.
Make it too good, it will be too expensive, you might as well pick up a Z8. Aimed at the cheaper end of the market and Nikon haters will say Nikon cannot make a decent mid prices camera.
We will see where they go with this but its a tricky balancing act.
