where there’s smoke there’s fire

One of the challenges with the upcoming Nikon cameras is that some of the rumored details overlap, making it difficult to assign specific specs to individual models – especially since the actual model names are still unknown. For example, the rumored mirrorless camera without an EVF and the fixed-lens model without an EVF could very well be referring to the same camera. There are also no clear details on the fixed-lens Nikon camera – will it be with a 1″ sensor, full frame, or will we get both? Once the official model designations are revealed, it will become much easier to sort out which rumors belong to which upcoming body.

Here is an updated list of what to expect next from Nikon (see previous reports):

Cameras

• Nikon Z9II: heavy RED integration, see rumored specifications, rumored for 2027.
• Nikon mirrorless full-frame minimalistic interchangeable lens camera without a viewfinder: designed for photography (similar to the ZR but based on the Z5II). Rumored for October-December 2026.
• Nikon compact full-frame fixed-lens camera: stylish, expensive, multiple colors, slim, no viewfinder. Rumored for March 2027.
• Nikon compact fixed-lens point-and-shoot camera with 1” sensor.
• Nikon APS-C camera: most likely a new top-of-the-line/high-end DX model. The Z30 is already up for replacement – it was first announced in June 2022. There were some unconfirmed reports that this could be a mini-Nikon ZR model with some RED tech inside. The RED Komodo, for example, features a Super 35mm sensor, commonly regarded as an APS-C equivalent (it’s slightly larger than a typical APS-C sensor). Rumored for September 2026.

Lenses

• New/cheaper 14-24mm, 14mm, or similar wide-angle lens as a companion to the new 24-105mm – to be paired with the Z5II (not a replacement for the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens).
• New Nikon 16-35mm lens or a similar lens designed for vloggers.
• Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens expected in the second half of 2026 (not confirmed).
• Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.4 to match/complete the 35mm/50mm f/1.4 lenses (expected later, may not arrive in 2026).
• More Nikkor Z cinema lenses – this has been reported for months. The lens teased at the NAB show is expected to be announced at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam (September 11-14).

Keep in mind that the announcement dates above are just estimates based on rumors, and have not been confirmed yet. I can bet that there will be delays.

2026 will be a very slow year for Nikon. So far, Nikon has officially announced only two new lenses:

• Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II
• Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1
• Nikkor Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S (development announcement)

I was told that 2027 will be much better.