Nikon mirrorless camera rumors: THE BIG RECAP

Here is the big recap on the new Nikon mirrorless camera (just a friendly reminder that these are just rumors – the real specs could obviously be different):

General information

The names of the two new Nikon full-frame cameras will be:
- Nikon Z6: high speed, low light model (24MP)
- Nikon Z7: high-resolution model (45MP)
Nikon is rumored to target/compete directly with the Sony A7/A7r line of cameras.
Similar body size to the Sony a7 camera but with better ergonomics and a better grip (we already know that from the leaked pictures).
Battery life is said to be worse than current Nikon DSLR cameras.
There is a chance that the new Nikon mirrorless cameras may use existing DSLR batteries.
My understanding is that there is only one selection wheel on top of the camera.
Most likely no built-in flash.
The promo materials should include dancers/singers.
~~Potential names: Z300 and Z500 (not confirmed at all, could just be a guess).~~
The new Nikon mirrorless camera will have features/functions never introduced beforehand (not sure if this applies to Nikon, to mirrorless cameras, or to the industry in general).
There is a second LCD screen on the top of the camera (see leaked pictures).
The camera’s “prism” with the EVF is a bit less angular/smoother when compared to the Sony a7 (also confirmed by leaked pictures and teaser video).
There is no word on a Nikon APS-C based mirrorless camera. In fact, the rumors I have been receiving in the past 9+ months have only been for a full frame solution.
The Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 have exactly the same body and use the same battery
The EVF is fixed
There are no scene modes
There is a green AUTO mode as well as PSAM and 3 user settings

Nikon mirrorless camera technical specifications

Two Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras expected: one with 24-25MP and one with 45MP (48MP is also a possibility, previously reported in October last year).
BSI sensors (supposed to be new gen/tech with advanced AF).
5-axis in-body stabilization
9fps
Memory cards: XQD and CF Express (ProGrade is coming with a CF Express card).
EVF resolution: 3.6MP (I am not sure if this is MP or million dots).
Very good video AF features.
Video AF could be different for the two mirrorless models (the cheaper version may have less AF goodies).
AF tracking ability of the 45MP version on par or better compared to the current Sony A7 models.
Over 400 AF points, not sure about the exact number, it should be somewhere between 430-450. The AF is supposed to be very fast.
The rear LCD screen is tiltable just like the Nikon D850.
I see 8K listed in the technical specifications, but it is hard for me to get the translation right – I don’t think it’s for video, maybe it is for 8K time-lapse just like the D850?
4K video.

Nikon mirrorless camera price

1st set of pricing received:

Nikon 45MP full frame mirrorless camera: $4,000/€4,000 in a kit with the 24-70mm lens
Nikon 24MP full frame mirrorless camera: under $3,000/€3,000 (also including a lens)

2nd set of pricing received from Europe:

Nikon 45MP full frame mirrorless camera: €4,000 (around $4,670, 20% VAT included in price)
Nikon 24MP full frame mirrorless camera: €2,500 (around $2,900, 20% VAT included in price)

3rd set of pricing received from the UK:

Nikon 45MP full frame mirrorless camera (body only): around £2,400
Nikon 24MP full frame mirrorless camera (body only): around £1,700

4th set of pricing from Nikkei (Japan):

Reported pricing between ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 ($1,800 – $2,700)

Here is the current Sony pricing for comparison:

The Sony a7r3 with 24-70mm f/4 lens is now $3,896 (currently $500 off).
The Sony a7m3 with 24-70mm f/4 lens is now $2,896 (currently $300 off).

New Nikon mirrorless (Z?) mount

New Nikon mirrorless Z-mount – confirmed by multiple sources and Nikon (could still be called something else).
New mirrorless mount size: 55mm. The dimensions I reported a few months ago were 49mm for the actual opening and 65.4mm for the entire mount diameter – we could be talking about different ways of measuring the same mirrorless mount and all three numbers could be correct.
The new mirrorless mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses – check the NOCT trademark and f/0.9 lens patents?
I have no confirmation on whether the new mirrorless mount can cover medium format.
The new Nikon mirrorless lenses could be called Z-Nikkor.
The new Z-mount is almost as large as medium format mount for some 6×6 SLR cameras.

Nikon mirrorless lenses

Three lenses are rumored to be initially announced:
- 24-70mm f/4 (you can see the 24mm mark on the lens)
- 35mm and 50mm prime lenses (I think the 35mm and 50mm will be f/1.4 but I am not sure).
- There is also talk about a 24mm lens, but it may come later.
Sophisticated new F-mount adapter – also confirmed by multiple sources and Nikon.
F-mount adapter can be used with “any” or “many” Nikkor lens (previously reported here). The Nikon Z-to-F lens adapter will be equipped with its own nonrotatable tripod socket (similar to the Nikon 1 FT1 lens adapter) and electro-motor in order to mechanically operate aperture lever via CPU signals.
Two electric AF motors (not confirmed yet).
I was told that Nikon is currently developing a large number of new mirrorless lenses and this is a priority.
At least one new mirrorless zoom lens will have power zoom for video recording – I think this is even visible in one of the leaked pictures (unconfirmed, could be announced later).
The new mirrorless mount will allow for f/0.95 lenses (see the NOCT trademark and f/0.9 lens patents)
Update: there will be a Nikon Z-Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/0.95 lens. This will be the fourth Z-mount lens and it will be announced after August 23rd (I have no exact date yet).

Nikon mirrorless camera official announcement date

The official announcement is rumored for August 23rd (see also this post and this post).
Nikon UK is doing some press briefings first week of August, with an NDA to be signed on the day.
Nikon is purchasing advertising in magazines that are supposed to start in mid-August.
The biggest problem could be that Nikon may not be able to meet demand as production facilities are not yet ramped up after the restructuring (just like the D850)
One possible (rumored) scenario is that 45MP Nikon mirrorless full-frame camera will be announced first, while the second 24MP Nikon mirrorless full-frame camera could come later.
Shiping is expected to start in September.
The upcoming mirrorless full-frame camera is rumored to be the most expensive Nikon marketing campaign ever with blogger meetups in exotic locations and maybe even some celebrity involvement.
The new Nikon mirrorless camera will definitely be on display at Photokina in September (see this, this and this previous reports).
Nikon will concentrate on high-end prime lenses for their new mirrorless system.
Update: on August 23rd we will get both the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 mirrorless cameras together with the 24-70mm f/4, 50mm f/1.8 and one more wide angle lens (24mm f/1.8 or 28mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8). The Nikon Z-Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/0.95 lens will be announed later.

Nikon Z mirrorless camera rumored roadmap:

2018:

2 cameras and 4 lenses: Nikon Z6 + Z7 with the 24-70mm f/4, 50mm f/1.8 and one more wide angle lens (24mm f/1.8 or 28mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8). The Z-Noct-Nikkor will be announced later – maybe at Photokina.

2019:

Nikon Z Speedlight
Nikon Z booster/grip (not sure if Nikon will announce a “regular” battery grip next week)
Four or five new Nikkor-Z lenses – one or two will be zooms
So far there are no plans for a third Nikon Z mirrorless camera (full frame or APS-C)