Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Body Introduced

Nikon likely turned some heads following the recent introduction of its Z9 mirrorless camera body. Have you heard the news yet?

While there isn’t much official information out as of yet, Nikon said in a press release that this camera body will represent a significant leap in technology and performance. Referring to the new body as a “flagship,” Nikon said it will “bring 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.”

Scheduled for a 2021 release, the Z9 looks to be a professional, full-size, full-frame, mirrorless camera body that will have features expected to make it Nikon’s best mirrorless camera body to date.   

What Can We Expect?
Again, there is not a lot of information out there, however, we do know the body will be a first of its kind. The Z9 is expected to be better than the Nikon D6 in every way, and one can assume this would help us guess the kinds of things we’ll see in future mirrorless releases from Nikon. 

Nikon expects with the Z9 “an unprecedented imaging experience from capture to workflow exceeding that of previous digital-SLR and mirrorless cameras.”

Bold statements from Nikon here, but isn’t it exciting to read? 

The Z9 will be the first Nikon camera to utilize a stacked CMOS sensor (most likely a high-resolution stacked sensor). It will also be the first Nikon camera to shoot 8K videos. It utilizes a newly developed FX-format stacked CMOS sensor and a new image-processing engine. 

Rumors
Rumors are certainly out there regarding some of the camera specs and since rumors are fun and in this case harmless, let’s take a look at a couple that are making the rounds out there. The following rumors about the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera body come from Nikonrumors.com:

• Integrated vertical grip handle
• Nikon Z9 is expected to be released in the fall of 2021
• 20 fps
• Multishot-mode
• Improved AF (Object detection AF)
• “Stunning” AF tracking (better than the D6)
• Two XQD/CFX type B memory card slots
• ISO 64 – 25,600, Hi1, Hi2
• Improved noise levels and specifically significantly better dynamic range
• High resolution, blackout-free EVF: probably 5.76 MP or maybe even 9k MP viewfinder, 120 Hz refresh rate (the resolution can be reduced to increase the refresh rate)
• New user interface (no second LCD screen on the back like the D6)
• New battery: Nikon EN-EL18x
• Gbit LAN, USB-C, WiFi, GPS
• Price: $6,000 – $7,000

We’ll have to check back to see how many of these end up being correct, just for fun! Exciting developments from Nikon, BCJ will surely be keeping tabs on any developments with this camera body and will report as we learn more.