Nikon Rumored To Be Launching Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Models
Nikon and Canon’s glacially-slow move to embrace mirrorless technology in their pro camera lines has not only been an embarrassment, but has cost them increasingly-large chunks of market share as Sony and others have made their mirrorless models highly competitive. So it wasn’t a surprise when Nikon announced it plans a full-frame professional-caliber mirrorless camera body, but a leak this week says there might actually be two different versions.
Rumored Specs For Nikon Pro Mirrorless Models
The flagship model is rumored to support a 45MP or 48MP sensor, while the second model may have 24-25MP. Both models are supposed to be similar in size to a Sony a7, but with a better grip and better ergonomics.
One rumor I hope is at least partially wrong is the card formats — supposedly XQD and CF Express. XQD just hasn’t gotten much traction, and requires a unique reader for your Nikon camera. The EVF (Electronic View Finder) is supposed to sport an impressive 3.6MP. High-fidelity EVFs are part of what has allowed mirrorless to take off. Even those of us who grew up with optical viewfinders can benefit from the variety of information overlays and live adjustments an EVF make possible. The cameras are rumored to support 9fps, but without knowing more about whether that is with continuous AF, and burst size, it’s hard to know overall how the camera will perform for action photographers.
New Lens Mount Will Make Or Break The Cameras
As has long been reported, one reason Nikon has been slow to mirrorless is that unlike Canon, it definitely needs to introduce a new lens mount. The new Z-mount will need either new lenses or the use of an adapter. Initially, there are supposed to be three lenses introduced, a 24-70mm, 35mm, and 50mm. Unless you have fairly simple needs, that means you’ll be relying on the adapter a lot of the time. Anyone who currently shoots with pro Nikon gear has thousands, or tens of thousands, of dollars invested in F-mount compatible glass. If switching to the new lens mount involves too much hassle, or the adapter doesn’t work well, then it will definitely open the door to more defections to Sony.
Getting Your Hands On One
The rumored launch timeline is surprisingly quick, with an announcement in late July, and availability in August. I wouldn’t hold your breath on that, though. However, if you’re about to buy a pro DSLR from Nikon, it might be worth stalling until these cameras are announced. They won’t come cheap, though. The high-end model is rumored to sell for $4,000 in a kit that includes the new 24-70mm lens. The lower-end model will supposedly be available in a similar kit for $3,000.