Nikon mirrorless camera: everything we know so far

By PR admin | Published: August 11, 2018

Here is the latest recap on the upcoming Nikon mirrorless camera courtesy of NikonRumors:

Update - see this post for additional information on the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras and Z-Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/0.95 lens.

General information

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.

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.

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:

4th set of pricing from Nikkei (Japan):

Here is the current Sony pricing for comparison:

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.

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).
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)

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).