Nikon 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. As of this moment, we don’t really have any information about the camera other than the few key details listed below, but once we get them we’ll be sure to publish them. As you can expect we’ve already asked to get a hands-on, to review to test & review the camera once it’s available. Read the rest of the press brief below:
[Related Reading: Affordable Full-Frame Mirrorless Comparison | Sony A7C VS Nikon Z5 VS Panasonic S5]
Nikon Z9 Press Release
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.
[Related Reading: Nikon Z6 II Review | A Great Camera, Perfected?]
Nikon Z9 VS Sony A1 VS Canon…EOS R1X?
Of course, the question everybody is wondering is, how will this new Nikon camera compare against Sony’s new A1, and Canon’s inevitable high-speed flagship? We can only speculate at this point, however, one thing seems clear: With a stacked sensor that is capable of 8K, Nikon is very serious about staying competitive!
Also, compared to the two big DSLR flagships of yesteryear, Canon’s 1D-series lineup and Nikon’s D1-6 lineup, it is also clear that we will probably have THREE contenders in the $6K+ action sports flagship camera market, instead of two. This comes as a bit of a surprise at a time when the camera market itself is dwindling down to only the most serious professional photographers.
Honestly, though? For most photographers, cameras like Nikon’s Z6 and Z7 series, or the Sony A9 or A7R series, or Canon’s EOS R5 and R6, …are all going to offer more than enough speed, resolution, and overall flagship-grade performance and functionality. Just like the past decade-plus of Nikon and Canon cameras priced in the $6-8K range, these new “monsters” are going to be reserved for the truly high-end, demanding work.
Still, it is incredibly exciting to see Nikon entering this realm, considering that even going all the way back to the legendary Nikon D3, the flagship cameras have been truly impressive. At the very least, we expect the Nikon Z9 to be neck and neck. The only awkward moment now is, …should they have called it the Z1? Hmmmm…
For more information about current Nikon products, including the Nikon Z series camera line and NIKKOR Z lens lineup, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
Get Connected!