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Tony Northrup Nikon predictions for 2026: Serious Refinement, Not Flashy Hype

Tony Northrup listed his BOLD predictions for 2026:

  1. Nikon: Z9 Mark III (adds mechanical shutter for better flash sync; better EVF; improved AF; RED integration)
  2. Nikon: Z7 Mark III (high-res jump; suggested ~75MP TowerJazz sensor; RED integration)
Nikon in 2026: Serious Refinement, Not Flashy HypeHis outlook on Nikon in 2026 is cautious but respectful. Unlike brands chasing trends or retro styling, Nikon is portrayed as a company focused on fixing real-world limitations in its flagship cameras rather than reinventing itself. The expectation is not disruption, but solid, professional evolution aimed squarely at working photographers and filmmakers.

The Nikon Z9 Mark III: fixing what always held it back

Nikon’s most important expected release is the Z9 Mark III. The current Z9 has aged surprisingly well thanks to firmware updates, but he argues that firmware can only take you so far. There are still fundamental hardware compromises that need to be addressed, and 2026 is when Nikon finally does that.

The biggest criticism is the lack of a mechanical shutter. While Nikon embraced an all-electronic shutter approach early, he sees this as a real-world problem for photographers who rely on flash. Sports shooters and outdoor portrait photographers need faster and more reliable flash sync speeds, and the Z9’s electronic-only approach never fully delivered on that promise. A mechanical shutter in the Z9 Mark III would be a major practical upgrade, not a spec-sheet gimmick.

He also expects a noticeably better viewfinder. Even when the Z9 launched, its EVF lagged behind competitors in clarity and refresh behavior, especially when compared to Sony’s high-end bodies. Improving the EVF is, in his view, long overdue and essential for Nikon to stay competitive at the flagship level.

Autofocus, while already strong, is another area where he expects refinement rather than revolution. Better subject tracking consistency and fewer edge-case failures would keep Nikon firmly in the conversation with Canon and Sony at the highest professional level.

Z7 Mark III: Nikon’s high-resolution leap

He also predicts a Z7 Mark III in 2026, and this is where Nikon may make its boldest sensor move. The current Z7 already targets landscape and studio photographers with its high-resolution, no–anti-aliasing design, but it now faces pressure from Sony’s 60MP A7R line.

His expectation is that Nikon leapfrogs rather than matches. He specifically mentions the possibility of a new TowerJazz sensor in the 70–75 megapixel range. That would allow Nikon to reclaim a clear resolution advantage and position the Z7 Mark III as the ultimate tool for photographers who value detail above all else.

This camera, in his view, is not about speed or video dominance. It’s about pure image quality, resolution, and color fidelity — the kind of camera landscape, architectural, and fine-art photographers invest in for many years at a time.

RED influence starts to show

A subtle but important part of his Nikon outlook is the integration of RED technology. Since Nikon acquired RED, he expects some of that expertise to start influencing Nikon’s mirrorless line, particularly in color science and video processing. He doesn’t predict radical cinema features overnight, but he does believe Nikon will begin folding RED know-how into its higher-end bodies in a more visible way starting in 2026.

Nikon’s strategy: practical cameras for serious users

Overall, his Nikon prediction is grounded and pragmatic. Nikon is not expected to chase global shutters everywhere or jump on every trend. Instead, the company is seen as refining its professional tools, correcting past compromises, and making cameras that appeal to photographers who care more about reliability, ergonomics, and image quality than headline-grabbing specs.

If he’s right, Nikon’s 2026 lineup won’t generate flashy buzz — but it will quietly reinforce Nikon’s reputation among professionals who value cameras that simply work, day in and day out.

Do you think Nikon should keep refining its flagship cameras — or is it time for a more aggressive technological leap?

What are your thoughts on this?

7Artisans teases ultra‑compact APS‑C autofocus lens with three focal‑length options and multi‑mount support

7Artisans teaser showing a palm-sized, lightweight all-in-one APS-C autofocus lens
Teaser image suggests a highly compact, pocketable design. Image credit: 7Artisans / Weibo.

7Artisans is teasing a new lightweight, all‑in‑one APS‑C autofocus lens that fits in your palm. Here’s what we know so far:

Key features

  • Featherweight 180 g body — pocketable and easy to carry
  • Three focal‑length options tailored for street photography
  • APS‑C design with autofocus
  • Multiple mounts planned (official list pending)

We’ll update this post as soon as the full specifications, mount list, and pricing are official.

7Artisans palm-sized compact APS-C lens teaser highlighting pocketable design
Another teaser angle emphasizing the compact form factor. Image credit: 7Artisans / Weibo.

CP+2026 Floor Plan Is Live: Nikon has the fourth largest booth

The CP+2026 floor plan is now available at cpplus.jp/venue-map/

The headline takeaway: Sony appears to occupy the largest booth footprint at this year’s show, scheduled for February 26 to March 1, 2026. As usual for CP+, the biggest booths cluster deeper into the hall. Alongside Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon also command sizable spaces, signaling extensive displays and programming.

Booth size isn’t a verdict on quality, but it often enables more hands-on areas, stage sessions, and demo zones—useful for brands planning busy schedules or broader product line coverage. But just out of curiosity here is the size of the booth relatives to Sony:

  1. Sony — 100%
  2. Canon — ~80%
  3. Fujifilm — ~78%
  4. Nikon — ~75%
  5. Sigma — ~55%
  6. OM Digital Solutions — ~50%
  7. Panasonic (LUMIX) — ~48%
  8. Tamron — ~45%
  9. Kenko Tokina — ~42%
  10. Hasselblad — ~40%

–

Via: DC.life

Weird rumors about a new Nikon ZR C coming soon

Nikon ZR C APS-C vlogging camera rumor on Weibo

Nikon ZR C rumor: entry-level APS-C vlogging camera expected in Q4 2026

Rumor alert: According to chatter on Weibo, the Nikon ZR C is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026. It’s said to target the entry‑level video/vlogging segment with a compact body similar to the Nikon Z30, omitting an electronic viewfinder and mechanical shutter to prioritize portability and price. The model reportedly aims to compete with the Canon EOS R50 V.

Release window and positioning

  • Timing: Rumored for Q4 2026
  • Format: APS‑C Nikon Z‑mount
  • Target user: Entry‑level video creators and vloggers
  • Design: Compact body similar to Z30
  • Notable omissions: No EVF and no mechanical shutter
  • Primary competitor: Canon EOS R50 V

Rumored specifications

  • 20‑megapixel APS‑C sensor (reportedly the same as the Nikon Z50 II)
  • EXPEED 7 image processor
  • Autofocus algorithm derived from Nikon Z9
  • No in‑body 5‑axis stabilization (IBIS)
  • Cropped 4K/60p video recording
  • 1080p/120 video recording

Who is this rumored camera for?

If accurate, the ZR C would appeal to beginners and mobile creators who prioritize 4K/60p capture, reliable autofocus, and a lightweight body over features like an EVF or IBIS. Pairing with stabilized Z‑mount lenses would help compensate for the lack of in‑body stabilization.

Important disclaimer

This information is unconfirmed and may change. Treat all details as rumor until Nikon provides an official announcement.

FAQ (rumored)

When is the Nikon ZR C expected to be released?

Q4 2026, according to current rumors.

Will the Nikon ZR C have an electronic viewfinder?

No EVF is rumored, similar to the Z30’s EVF‑less design.

Does the Nikon ZR C include in‑body image stabilization (IBIS)?

IBIS is not expected. Use stabilized lenses to reduce shake.

What video modes are rumored?

Cropped 4K/60p and 1080p/120 are said to be supported.

How does it compare to the Canon EOS R50 V?

Positioning appears similar—an affordable, compact APS‑C vlogging camera—suggesting Nikon is targeting the same audience as Canon’s R50 V.

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