• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon Z6 advantages over Canon SL3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    35 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SL3 advantages over Nikon Z6

  • Less expensive
    $699 vs $1899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1070 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 70 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    664g vs 1175g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 47 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z6

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL3

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Terrific high ISO performance; Fast AF speeds; Eye AF; Swift 12fps burst shooting; In-body image stabilization; High-quality 4K video; Robust build quality; Familiar Nikon design.

  • Single XQD card slot; Default high ISO NR a bit strong; No 4K 60p; 1/200s x-sync speed; Limited native lens selection (at this time).

The Competition

Compared to Canon SL2

Nikon Z6
Canon SL2
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SL3
Canon SL2
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compared to Sony A7 III

Nikon Z6
Sony A7 III
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
Canon SL3
Sony A7 III
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon Z7

Nikon Z6
Nikon Z7
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Canon SL3
Nikon Z7
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3500

Nikon Z6
Nikon D3500
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Canon SL3
Nikon D3500
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon EOS R

Nikon Z6
Canon EOS R
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Canon SL3
Canon EOS R
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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