Nikon Z9
We know that the Nikon Z9 is officially coming this year - Nikon announced its development a few months back. Details are still thin on the ground, but rumors are swirling.
Predicted specs: 50MP 'stacked' sensor | Z mount | 8K video recording | 5.76 million-dot viewfinder | Twin card slots
While details are still few and far between, we do now know that the Nikon Z9 is officially coming this year. Not only that but the camera will be packing a new processor, is capable of 8K video and will be released sometime in 2021.
Various resolutions have been predicted for the sensor, but a 50MP count would seem credible, to match the Sony A1, and boost the Z9 past the 45MP of the Z7 Mark II. As it's likely to be aimed at those replacing or upgrading from a D6, we're expecting fast burst speeds, such as 20fps - it's interesting to note that Canon went for the 'low resolution / fast shooting' option for its pro-level Canon EOS R3, so if Nikon can provide both speed and resolution it could set itself apart from its big rival.
Otherwise however, full details are a bit lacking, but with a rumored price tag of between $6,000 and $7,000, which would likely equate to around £6,000 / AU$10,700, we expect the upcoming snapper will have more than its fair share of impressive tools at the ready.
Nikon Z8
Perhaps the long-rumored Z8 will also see the light day of 2021 - but it seems unlikely given we're still waiting for the Z9
Predicted specs: 60MP sensor | Z mount | 4K/60p video | Twin card slots | USB power
In what’s expected to be a step down from the Nikon Z9, the long-rumored Nikon Z8 could also see the light of day in 2021, though with nothing officially announced yet we aren’t 100% sure on this one - and indeed we might find we're waiting until 2022 for anything concrete to show up.
Although we haven't heard too much recently, the Nikon Z8 is expected to compete with some of the best performing cameras out there, supposedly boasting a 60MP sensor, burst speeds of 14fps using the mechanical shutter, and a pixel-shifting mode for shots with 240 megapixels worth of data. It’s all incredibly impressive but until we know anything officially we’ll have to wait and see.
Nikon Z30
We're big fans of the travel-friendly Nikon Z50, and it sounds like an even more affordable sibling could be en route...
Predicted specs: 24MP APS-C sensor | Z mount | 4K video recording | USB-C connectivity | No built-in viewfinder
If you're looking for a small stills camera with a big, APS-C sensor then the rumored Nikon Z30 could fit the bill.
There's been some speculation from Nikon Rumors which suggests the camera giant is planning to launch an even more affordable version of its excellent Nikon Z50 later this year, possibly in November (which would make sense for the main gift-buying time of year).
Specs are thin on the ground so far, but we're expecting it to essentially be a pared-down version of the Z50, which would leave it with a 24MP sensor, 4K video recording and likely lacking a built-in viewfinder to keep the size and cost down.
If the rumors turn out to be true, it could be a compelling alternative the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which arrived earlier in the year.
