Nikon Hits the Sweet Spot with the Z6 III—Best Mid-Range Hybrid of 2025?

In the most recent Petapixel podcast, the hosts gave Nikon high praise for what might be the best mid-range mirrorless release of the year: the Nikon Z6 III.

Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake were unanimous in their excitement, calling the Z6 III a “genuinely new and competitive camera” that lands right where most hybrid shooters want to be. With a stacked sensor, fast performance, and competitive autofocus, the Z6 III punches above its class—and unlike Sony or Panasonic, Nikon actually filled the $2,000–$2,500 market gap.

Jordan said, “It’s not just a ‘safe bet’ camera—it’s exciting. And that’s rare at this price point now.” Chris added that he would absolutely recommend the Z6 III over options like the Sony A7 IV or Panasonic S5 II for most hybrid users.

They also pointed out that Nikon’s execution with the Nikon Zf proved that a retro-inspired design can be more than a gimmick—it’s functional, intuitive, and fun to use.

Jordan emphasized that Nikon is on a hot streak right now: “Z8, Z9, Zf, and now the Z6 III—every release has been solid.” The only thing missing, according to the podcast, is more marketing and maybe a few more third-party lens options to really make the system shine.

With Canon and Sony scrambling to maintain their positions in the mid-tier market, Nikon seems to be the only one actively innovating and releasing feature-rich bodies that don’t require flagship-level budgets.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect hybrid mirrorless camera that nails both photo and video, the Z6 III might be it.