First info about the new Nikon Z compact camera with no EVF

Seems like the first Nikon Z camera of the year will be a sort of Lumix S9 competitor. Here are the rumored specs:

  • No EVF
  • Optional hotshoe EVF
  • Two physical dials (one is dual-purpose)
  • High-resolution full-frame sensor
  • No IBIS
  • No video
  • Tilt-only OLED screen
  • Similar to the ZR but designed for photography (not video)
  • Small, slim body (22-25mm thickness)
  • Black, champagne, and panda color options

via NR

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Possible Nikon Z9 II & the Nikon Z90 specs

These are the latest rumors:

  • Z90 gets a 33MP full-frame stacked sensor

  • Z90 burst rate is between 15–20 fps

  • Z90 gets dual card slots: one UHS-II, the other CFexpress Type B

  • Z9 II will have 3.5× faster readout speed with a new sensor

  • Z9 II 120 fps will increase from 11 MP

  • Z9 II will get a lot of RED’s video tech, making it the most powerful hybrid mirrorless camera on the market

  • We should have more information on the Z9 II at the beginning of March

Nikon Z9 II video specs hidden in Nikon ZR firmware 1.10?

Rumored Nikon Z9 Mark II Specifications:

  • Extended Recording Times: Support for up to 360 minutes of continuous recording.
  • Advanced Thermal Management: Significantly improved heat dissipation and power handling for long-form video.
  • RED R3D NE 12-bit RAW: Integration of RED’s proprietary RAW codec and color science directly into the hybrid flagship.
  • Professional Monitoring Tools: Addition of waveform monitors, vector scopes, and false color displays.
  • Highlight Clipping Warnings: Real-time safety nets tied to histogram and waveform data while shooting in RAW.
  • Production-Grade Metadata: Adoption of RED-style file naming (reel number, clip number, and date) for easier NLE organization.
  • LTC Time Code: Built-in support for LTC time code sync via the audio jack for multi-camera production.
  • Nikon Imaging Cloud Integration: Direct access to RED-engineered imaging recipes and cinematic color profiles.
  • Advanced Exposure Standards: New log formats and exposure controls designed to align with professional cinema workflows.

Nikon 2026 Predictions Cameras, Lenses, Firmware by Matt Irwin

Matt Irwin expects the following NIkon announcement in 2026:

Camera Bodies

  • Nikon Z9II (Flagship): Development announcement expected between March and September 2026. Features likely include “XP8” processing and RED technology integration.
  • Nikon Z500 / Z90: A high-end APS-C flagship with a stacked 26MP sensor aimed at the D500-legacy wildlife/sports market.
  • Nikon ZRC / Z30R: A professional-grade APS-C cinema camera, effectively an APS-C version of the current full-frame Nikon ZR.
  • Advanced Cine Body: A dedicated cinema camera positioned between the Red Komodo and the Nikon ZR.

Lenses

  • Z Cinema Lenses: A set of 3 to 6 autofocus-capable cinema lenses. The first 2 or 3 are expected by Q2 2026.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 S Version 2: A redesigned professional workhorse featuring new AF protocols to unlock “hidden” focusing prowess.
  • 100-300mm (or 120-300mm): A high-end “tentpole” lens for sports and wildlife, potentially featuring a built-in teleconverter or Phase Fresnel (PF) technology.
  • Ultra-Wide Prime: A 14mm or 16mm f/1.8 S-line prime designed for astro, interiors, and gimbal work.
  • Exotic Primes: Possible development of ultra-fast glass, such as a 50mm f/1.0 with autofocus.

Firmware & Updates

  • Nikon ZR Major Updates: Version 1.5 expected mid-year and Version 2.0 by late 2026, likely addressing Log video concerns and adding anamorphic desqueeze.
  • Feature Trickle-down: New UI features (like red histogram lines and timecode improvements) moving across the Expeed 7 camera range.