How the Nikon Z6 III Smokes My Old D800 Underwater

By Shawn Jackson

As professional underwater photographer, I've really enjoyed leaning into the new Nikon Z6 III. I was previously using Nikon DSLRs like the D800 and D800E and was attracted to the mirrorless Z6 III's high ISO capabilities, improved autofocus and image processor. Let's break it all down.

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/400 • f/10 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

High ISO, Less Noise

Higher ISO capabilities makes a huge difference for darker skies, it makes an impact for me on days when I'm diving and it's cloudy or stormy. Wreck dives are another example, you can really push the ISO more than other cameras and it allows you greater flexibility inside wrecks, swim-throughs, caves, etc. When you line up that great shot in a darker environment, the ISO features on the Z6 III allow you to shoot at higher ISOs and wind up with much smoother images with considerably less noise.

Turtle, image by Shawn Jackson taken with a Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/160 • f/5.6 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Improved Autofocus

In terms of focus, the Z6 III has way more focal points and fantastic focus capabilities. When you're managing your housing, your dive, and marine creatures who rarely sit still for portraits, the enhanced focal abilities allow you to capture crisp images in an instant.

Colorful coral reef, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/160 • f/8 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Stay Up to Speed

The Z6 III also has Nikon's latest image processor which, combined with a fast memory card, makes taking high quantities of photos easier. When a great shot comes out of nowhere, like an eagle ray coming quickly into view, the rapid tracking and shooting means you can instantly jump on those shots.

Split shot of fish with palm trees in background, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite underwater housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/500 • f/8 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Favorite Underwater Accessories

Nikon kept the camera around the same size as the previous Z6 and Z6 II which is super nice for travel, packing, and carrying gear. As an added bonus, with the Ikelite housing having its own USB-C port for easy in-housing charging, doing multiple dives a day without opening your housing is completely possible. Ikelite's Vacuum System keeps your gear safe and dry and allows you greater flexibility in planning your dives. You can even bundle these accessories with the Nikon Z6 III Deluxe Kit # 71071-DLX

For me, I pair this with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobe + Video Light # 40232 which give you extended beam angle, more powerful light with superior diffusing, and, of course, a faster recycle time.

It's a super functional combination of gear - prioritizing speed, light, and focus. I am looking forward to continuing to explore the capabilities of this great combination of equipment.

Image Gallery

Scuba diver with bubbles in foreground, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/250 • f/5.6 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Sea star on white sand underwater, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/320 • f/11 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

School of fish with light rays, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/160 • f/8 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Sponges and coral reef, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

NIKKOR 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ at 12mm • 1/200 • f/5.6 • ISO 100 © Shawn Jackson

Fish in coral reef, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

Diver silhouette behind colorful coral reef, image by Shawn Jackson taken with Nikon Z6 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS232 Strobes

Additional Viewing

Nikon Z6 III Underwater Review & Results

Nikon Z6 III Setting it Up // Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing Assembly [VIDEO]

Ikelite DS232 Strobe Features // The ULTIMATE Strobe with Video Light All-In-One [VIDEO]

Never Take Your Camera Out of the Housing! // USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead [VIDEO]

FIRST RESULTS Nikon Z6 III Underwater in California [VIDEO]

Ambassador Shawn Jackson is a native islander from the Caribbean island of Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras. He began his professional underwater photography career as a Photo Pro at Anthony's Key Resort. From there, he left AKR to start his own professional photography firm handling commercial clients and focusing on his underwater fine art photography. His work has been seen in countless dive magazines including Scuba Diving and Sport Diver. His underwater video footage has also been featured on ESPN as well as several other TV and educational programs. Read more...