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)
Nikon mirrorless camera size comparisons
Official Nikon mirrorless camera video teasers
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