I really like Nikon’s new direct style: no teaser, no leaks, just straight talk. In a “Let’s get this over with, and put it out there” decision, Nikon has announced in a press release that it is developing its full-frame flagship mirrorless camera. The name is out there, too, so no more guessing: it’s the Z 9.
There is even a picture of what it looks like (with the understanding that the appearance of the camera when released will differ somewhat from the photo shown).
PRESS RELEASE
NIKON IS DEVELOPING THE NIKON Z 9 FULL-FRAME FLAGSHIP MIRRORLESS CAMERA
MISSISSAUGA, ON – March 9, 2021 Nikon Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the development of the first flagship model for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted: The Nikon Z 9. The full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless camera is scheduled for release in 2021, and represents a significant leap in technology and performance.
The Z 9 brings together Nikon’s groundbreaking technologies to deliver the best still and video performance in Nikon history, meeting the advanced needs of professionals in a wide range of genres. It utilizes a newly developed FX-format stacked CMOS sensor and new image-processing engine. In response to the growing needs of professionals, advanced enthusiasts and cinematographers, it includes support for 8K video recording as well as various other video specifications that fulfill diverse needs and workflows. The Z 9 embodies ultimate usability as a tool, offering users an unprecedented imaging experience from capture to workflow exceeding that of previous digital-SLR and mirrorless cameras.
Information regarding the release of this product will be announced at a later date.
For more information about current Nikon products, including the Nikon Z series camera line and NIKKOR Z lens lineup, please visit www.nikon.ca.
About Nikon
Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Canada Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, visit www.nikon.ca, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
The Nikon Z 9, of course, will compete head-on with the Sony A1. I’m sure that Nikon engineers can easily match Sony A1 feature for feature, and more. But what about size? Do pro photographers still care to lug around humongous cameras? It’s not a challenge to cram lots of features into a D6 body, but I have a feeling photographers are now demanding more compact and lighter bodies.
Remember how Nikon tried to jump on the retro bandwagon with the Df? That did not go well at all. Looks like they are doing a similar thing with the Z 9 by borrowing the D6 body.
Compare the Sony A1 to the Nikon Z 9, on the left based on the D6 body and on the right based on the Z 7 II. Which one would you prefer?
Camera size images courtesy of camerasize.com