The reason for the different Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9 specifications I have been reporting in the past few months is very simple: there are several different prototypes being tested and it is way too early to have a concrete set of specifications more than a year before the official announcement. Currently, I think Nikon is testing (and has been testing for a while) five different high-end Z cameras with different specifications and I was trying to combine all rumored specs into one camera. This was obviously wrong. Here are some details on three of the cameras that are/were being tested. All camera variations have a new PRO body design:
- 60 MP, 16 bit A/D model with a 5,76 MP viewfinder, 120 Hz refresh rate (we may expect something similar for the D850 replacement, without the EVF obviously).
- The next test model has fewer megapixels and it’s designed for sport, same 5,76 MP 120 Hz viewfinder, very high frame rate (>20 fps), stunning AF tracking (better than the D6).
- The third model has a 46 MP sensor, 20 fps, the viewfinder is also 5,76 MP with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
It seems that Nikon is aiming at a high megapixel model and a second camera for sport. My understanding is that the biggest problem/bottleneck is the processor (the 60MP sensor already exists). The Nikon Z8/Z9 rumors could be confusing for a few more months and then everything will start to make sense.
Top pictures: Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera mockups.
