In an attempt to one-up everybody else with the highest count of new product rumors, Nikon has apparently racked up five different potential new cameras which have been officially registered with one type of patent or another.
[Recent News: Nikon patent images leaked for new Z-mount camera?]
Five….that’s a lot of new cameras! I doubt we’ll see every single one of them before Christmas 2019, of course, but you never know! (How many cameras would you bet we see from Nikon before the end of this year? At least three, not unlike Sony’s potential new camera count?)
Which Rumored Nikon Mirrorless Cameras Could Be Next?
There are two definite possibilities for the next mirrorless cameras from Nikon: one could be an affordable, minimal FX full-frame camera that competes with the Canon EOS RP, (so, in the range of $999 to $1,199?) …and/or one APS-C DX format mirrorless body with the new Z-mount.
The former makes a lot of sense because it’s smart business to attract new photographers as beginners, and get them to upgrade later. It worked for me; my first DSLR was a Nikon D70, and my first “pro” camera was a Nikon D700 ~4 years later!
The latter, however, could mark a whole new system for Nikon- a DX-Z system which would likely mean a whole separate line of DX-Z lenses, too. We’ll talk about that possibility in a second, but first…
No Mirrorless D5 Yet?
One thing seems rather unlikely, though, and that is a high-end, action sports/wildlife flagship mirrorless camera, a mirrorless D5.
Why not? Because unless Nikon has developed a whole new hybrid autofocus system that is leaps and bounds ahead of the Z7 and Z6 autofocus system, they might not be ready to match what a D5 can offer in terms of autofocus performance, nor that of a Sony A9.
I do think we’ll see such a flagship camera sooner or later, of course, and when it does arrive it will likely be formidable and drool-worthy. Even though Sony is likely going to have an A9 mk2 out by the time Nikon (or Canon) make their own >$4,000 mirrorless flagship(s), …it seems clear at this point that mirrorless technology is progressing rapidly and it’s just a matter of time before Nikon, Canon, and Sony all have high-end mirrorless systems that outclass current-generation flagship DSLRs in at least a few ways.
Will Nikon Make DX-format Z-mount Cameras?
Surprisingly, this seems to be the more controversial rumor, so let’s take a minute to consider the situation:
On the one hand, despite what some non-experts on the internet say, DX is not “dead”, and FX is not the only sensor format worth investing in. DX is actually still the “sweet spot” for value, performance, and likely profit margins plus sales volume, though of course, that’s just a wild guess.
APS-C cameras get a bad rep (rap?) because Nikon (and Canon, and Sony) always wait quite a few years before coming out with a “flagship” option, such as the Nikon D500 or Canon 7D2. However, those cameras still sell very well, from what I’ve heard, and there are even more people looking for a D7200/D7500/D5600 class of camera, too.
So, making a mirrorless DX camera probably makes sense. However, on the other hand, Nikon’s Z-mount is, well, it’s absolutely enormous. In fact, it’s so bit that it could actually swallow the whole F-mount bayonet inside it!
So, it seems like it would be just a little overkill to put an APS-C size sensor in the Z-mount. Then again, if they take away the viewfinder, or move it to the side or something, you could still have a rather compact camera, even though the mount would consume almost the entire front of the camera, especially for an entry-level Z-mount DX camera that tries to be the size of, say, a D3500 or D5600.
Personally, I don’t know what to think. I’m a conservative guesstimator when it comes to such unknowns, so I’ll leave this one totally up in the air; I officially have no idea what to think. So, what do you think about Nikon DX mirrorless? Is it a bad idea, or a good idea? If it existed, would you rather have a D5600 class camera, for casual photography or vlogging etc. …or would you rather have a semi-flagship camera that is more like a mirrorless D500?
Which Rumored Nikon DSLRs Could Be Next?
This is a very simple, “it’s just a matter of time” prediction: We’re due for an update on two of the best DSLRs ever made, the mid-range Nikon D750 and the flagship D5. Let’s just trade those fives for sixes, and call the two new cameras a D760 and a D6. We have no official word yet, but this would be a natural progression. Heck, you don’t even have to make either of the existing DSLRs that much better, just throw in good 4K video, good on-sensor autofocus, and maybe a fully articulated LCD on the D750 replacement? I can dream…
To keep it short, you can definitely expect both of these cameras sooner or later, it’s just a matter of time. Maybe Nikon will wait until some time in 2020 to release them both, if they feel like it is more important to release one or two more mirrorless camera bodies first. Personally, I think we’ll see at least one of these new DSLRs before Christmas. Pure speculation there, folks.
What Other Cameras Could Nikon Make Next?
Nikon’s A1000, a 35x zoom compact camera announced in Jan 2019
Last but not least, it might be wishful thinking to assume that every single camera Nikon has filed a patent for will be an interchangeable lens camera, whether mirrorless or DSLR. It is likely that we’ll see maybe one or two compact AKA point-and-shoot cameras, too.
Although the market for compact cameras has dwindled massively over the last 5 years, there is definitely still a market for both beginner-level compact cameras, and high-end compact cameras. Nikon already anounced three new P&S cameras for 2019, actually. So, maybe there’s one or two more.
Personally, I would love to see Nikon make at least one DX-sensor sized compact, fixed-lens camera, and/or at least one 1” type (2.7x) sensor camera. I was one of the (apparently not few, but not enough) people who were sorely disappointed when the Nikon DL line was permanently shelved; I really hoped to see Nikon compete directly with the Sony RX100-sized cameras, and as a (part-time) vlogger I was very excited about the notion of having an 18-50mm equivalent, compact camera.
Which Camera Do YOU Want Nikon To Make Next?
Enough about what I think/wish will happen, what do you want from Nikon? Would you rather have a lightweight, compact, affordable FX full-frame version of the Z6, (without a viewfinder?) …or would you rather see Nikon launch a DX-format Z-mount camera body and lens system? Or are you still loving your DSLRs, and looking forward to a D760 or D6? We’d love to know what photographers are hoping for and expecting next from Nikon, so leave a comment and let us know!
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I think a much more pro Z6 (Z6 II) should definitely beat Sony in terms of AF, but also be on par with the Lumix GH5.
It should have 4K60fps and be able to record 4:2:2 10 bits internally in ProRes (at least LT and standard flavour), even in N-Log.
It should allow to see focus peaking AND zebras at the same time
A waveform monitor is definitelly more usefull than a histogram!
Could have (but not absolutely necessary) 2 CFast card slots
A second dedicated REC button next to the EVF would be great (maybe instead of the DISP button)
A good idea would be to allow the user to customize what appears on the display.
The mic input should be placed over the headphone one which to me make more sense
a remote control via USB-C should allow smooth control of the diaphragm and ISO, REC and photo buttons (you can do this if your current Z6 is mounted on the Weebill Lab stabilizer from Zhiyun) and be equipped with a fixing adjustable “clip” to mount it on the tripod handle.
Last but not least, a tally light on the front and upper part of the body would definitelly be a plus (even GOpros and Sony RX0 offer that basic yet very useful feature). Of course you would have the option to activate them or not.
I have the 810 and decided to stay with it because I liked the flash built-in. I will wait for the next 850 (860?). Hopefully, it will be soon. But,—- I love the D810.
APSC Mirrorless Z-Mount
(one mount for full frame and APSC like the alpha series..
… seems a good Idea…
but without an EVF?!?
when you have the Sony A6XXX series already there , is this a great idea?
If it’s a beginner camera for cheap, then yeah no EVF. Because trust me, most new photographers who learned photography on a phone instead of an SLR are going to be OK with shooting woithout a viewfinder.
However if it’s not a beginner camera, let alone a flagship DX camera like a mirrorless D500, then yeah, it absolutely needs a viewfinder.
APSC Mirrorless Z-Mount
(one mount for full frame and APSC like the alpha series..
… seems a good Idea…
but without an EVF?!?
when you have the Sony A6XXX series already there , is this a great idea?
If it’s a beginner camera for cheap, then yeah no EVF. Because trust me, most new photographers who learned photography on a phone instead of an SLR are going to be OK with shooting woithout a viewfinder.
However if it’s not a beginner camera, let alone a flagship DX camera like a mirrorless D500, then yeah, it absolutely needs a viewfinder.
I’ll take a D700 with a bigger sensor and the newer af system.
So, a D750 sensor in a D850 body.
You can just shoot the D850 in mRAW, and/or in 12-bit lossy compressed NEF, and get the same result. :-) (Although yeah, I would love to see a D5/D6 sensor in a D850 body, to be sure!)
I’ll take a D700 with a bigger sensor and the newer af system.
So, a D750 sensor in a D850 body.
You can just shoot the D850 in mRAW, and/or in 12-bit lossy compressed NEF, and get the same result. :-) (Although yeah, I would love to see a D5/D6 sensor in a D850 body, to be sure!)
A great dx mirror less camera would make sense, the dx Z should compete with Fuji and Sony. Should have image stabilization and a Focus system that works, 2 SD cards And should have a better image sensor than the d7200… If Nikon would do so, it would be the best selling camera on the market… But B.S. Arrogant Nikon never likes to serve their customers
I’m not sure where you’re coming from, Nikon seems to be one of the best companies at producing a well-rounded lineup that serves their customers as diversely as possible. It’s Canon and Sony that like to leave weird gaps in their lineups..,
A great dx mirror less camera would make sense, the dx Z should compete with Fuji and Sony. Should have image stabilization and a Focus system that works, 2 SD cards And should have a better image sensor than the d7200… If Nikon would do so, it would be the best selling camera on the market… But B.S. Arrogant Nikon never likes to serve their customers
I’m not sure where you’re coming from, Nikon seems to be one of the best companies at producing a well-rounded lineup that serves their customers as diversely as possible. It’s Canon and Sony that like to leave weird gaps in their lineups..,
I would like every Nikon Camera to have GPS in it as a standard feature. Always with the option to turn it off if the person does not want to remember where he/she took their travel pictures. I Geotag all my travel pictures so I remember where I took the picture. I have to use Promote GPS devices for Nikon to geotag pictures.
Considering that both Canon and Nikon tried adding GPS tagging to some of their older cameras, and then removed it, I think this feature might not reappear, unfortunately. I liked it on my Nikons, and my friend liked it on his 6D, he even reported that it barely used any battery to run it all day. Alas. Now I just create a separate GPS log file through my phone and then apply that to the raw files later in Lightroom.
I like to have a D500 followup , in a highspeed DX -Z style camera,the Fuji XT-3 sensor (also sony made) is some where on the shelf to buy, 15 fps , A9 like powerful AF system., 2 slots CF express.. a nikon Z200-500mm f5,6-S lens(more profesional the 600mm f6,3) , Nikon did take the wildlife “crown” for the standard setup : D500 + 200-500 and will loose this status easily , a lot off 7Dmk2 sets are replaced for the D500 over time and group off serious photographers who need a lot off reach, not to much weight , a lot of fps , not to large files, not to expensive , this is a steady group of users who invest and the new A7r4 is to expensive, weird to use it in DX cropmode all te time26 MP is perfect, nikon has a chance to fill this gap in the market with a Z5?? , Zxx??
I don’t see much of a future for DSLR. History moves away from moving parts and toward fixed parts — consider solid-state computer memory vs hard disks. Personally, I’d like to see an accelerated rollout of Z lenses, and perhaps a new high-end compact camera with auxiliary lenses.
Fair points, but an optical viewfinder is as likely to go totally “extinct” as film. That is, it may shrink to a tiny following, but there will always be quite a few people who still want an OVF.
Yes, the DL series should be modernized and brought back…
New Coolpix Bridge Superzoom // New DL 24-500?
Hope Nikon will bring a Bridge capable to seriously compete or rival in the 1″ sensor category – FZ1000 M2, V-Lux 5, G3 X, RX10 M4, FZ2000 – :
CX or 1″ sensor at least, 20 MP, 4K, Fully Articulated Touchscreen, Headphones + Mic Jacks, Viewfinder, ….
I would like every Nikon Camera to have GPS in it as a standard feature. Always with the option to turn it off if the person does not want to remember where he/she took their travel pictures. I Geotag all my travel pictures so I remember where I took the picture. I have to use Promote GPS devices for Nikon to geotag pictures.
Considering that both Canon and Nikon tried adding GPS tagging to some of their older cameras, and then removed it, I think this feature might not reappear, unfortunately. I liked it on my Nikons, and my friend liked it on his 6D, he even reported that it barely used any battery to run it all day. Alas. Now I just create a separate GPS log file through my phone and then apply that to the raw files later in Lightroom.
I like to have a D500 followup , in a highspeed DX -Z style camera,the Fuji XT-3 sensor (also sony made) is some where on the shelf to buy, 15 fps , A9 like powerful AF system., 2 slots CF express.. a nikon Z200-500mm f5,6-S lens(more profesional the 600mm f6,3) , Nikon did take the wildlife “crown” for the standard setup : D500 + 200-500 and will loose this status easily , a lot off 7Dmk2 sets are replaced for the D500 over time and group off serious photographers who need a lot off reach, not to much weight , a lot of fps , not to large files, not to expensive , this is a steady group of users who invest and the new A7r4 is to expensive, weird to use it in DX cropmode all te time26 MP is perfect, nikon has a chance to fill this gap in the market with a Z5?? , Zxx??
I don’t see much of a future for DSLR. History moves away from moving parts and toward fixed parts — consider solid-state computer memory vs hard disks. Personally, I’d like to see an accelerated rollout of Z lenses, and perhaps a new high-end compact camera with auxiliary lenses.
Fair points, but an optical viewfinder is as likely to go totally “extinct” as film. That is, it may shrink to a tiny following, but there will always be quite a few people who still want an OVF.
Yes, the DL series should be modernized and brought back…
New Coolpix Bridge Superzoom // New DL 24-500?
Hope Nikon will bring a Bridge capable to seriously compete or rival in the 1″ sensor category – FZ1000 M2, V-Lux 5, G3 X, RX10 M4, FZ2000 – :
CX or 1″ sensor at least, 20 MP, 4K, Fully Articulated Touchscreen, Headphones + Mic Jacks, Viewfinder, ….
The only new Nikon I’d be interested in is a full frame digital SP. A true rangefinder, with manual only focus to compete with the Leica M.
The only new Nikon I’d be interested in is a full frame digital SP. A true rangefinder, with manual only focus to compete with the Leica M.