Here Is The Nikon Z 8 (officially announced, $3996)

Nikon Z 8
View Post

Nikon announced the Nikon Z 8, a rather interesting mirrorless all-rounder camera.

At a glance:

  • 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

You can preorder the Nikon Z 8 for $3,996 at B&H Photo or Adorama.

If you preorder the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera with 24-120mm f/4 Lens, then B&H Photo offers a $200 instant discount.

Nikon press release:

The functionality and performance of Nikon’s flagship mirrorless camera, condensed into an agile body

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame/FX-format Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera.

The Z 8 condenses the advanced functionality and performance of the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a compact and lightweight body while also maintaining superior robustness and reliability. The Z 8 is ideal for a variety of image creators who seek new possibilities for visual expression in a wide range of genres and subjects, such as landscapes, wild birds, airplanes, portraits, and weddings. Whether shooting stills or video, the excellent agility of the Z 8 enables nimble camerawork, realizing superior operability that allows users to push their creativity further. On top of this, its reliable performance allows users to capture decisive moments and achieve outstanding image depiction.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

1. Comfortable operability that is ideal for diverse shooting situations

The advanced functionality and performance of the Z 9 are incorporated into a compact camera body that is approx. 30% smaller than the flagship model. The downsized body has been engineered to retain the easy-to-hold grip as well as comfortable operability. This enables agile and stable camerawork in a wide variety of shooting scenes, even with a super-telephoto lens attached. In addition, the 4-axis tilting monitor delivers high operability when shooting from high and low angles in both horizontal and vertical positions.
For video recording, the Z 8 can record 12-bit RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ video in-camera, allowing users to take advantage of a minimal video recording system that does not require an external recorder. The flexible combinations of shooting equipment suit various shooting styles to streamline operations. With the MC-N10 Remote Grip (sold separately) attached, solo videographers can take advantage of having more control over how they can operate the camera — in a way that was previously difficult on their own. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the wide-ranging accessory lineup and high compatibility with products from accessory brands, users can operate the Z 8 as comfortably as if it were a dedicated video camera.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Nikon Released The Smallest And Thinnest Full Frame Lens Ever

Nikon
View Post

Nikon released a new lens for their full frame mirrorless system, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. A lens that seems to hold a record.

At a glance:

  • Full Frame Format | f/2.8
  • 39mm Equivalent Format on DX
  • Slim, Compact Wide-Angle Prime Lens
  • All-Element Focusing System
  • Control Ring
  • 3x Aspherical Elements
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Size: 52mm
  • Includes HB-III Lens Hood

Nikon press release:

Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens for the Nikon Z mount system

February 7, 2023

The slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted.

With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm and a weight of approximately 125 g, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the slimmest*1 AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the lightest NIKKOR Z lens*2. It can be easily stored in a purse or small bag, enabling users to carry it with them on a daily basis. Adoption of three aspherical lens elements realizes both excellent portability and superior optical performance. Its 26-mm wide-angle focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it an ideal lens for a wide variety of scenes, from cityscapes to tabletop photos, supporting advanced amateur users who take their camera anywhere to capture every shutter opportunity.

Further, the lens features a sophisticated design achieved through various details, such as the adoption of metal components. The supplied lens hood has been specially designed to maintain the thinness of the lens, while also taking operability into consideration. It also supports the attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately). A dedicated slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

  • With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm, the lens is the slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, enabling easy storage in a purse or small bag. A weight of approximately 125 g makes it the lightest NIKKOR Z lens, ideal for carrying everywhere.
  • When mounted on a DX-format camera, the focal length becomes 39 mm (equivalent in 35mm [135] format), similar to the standard angle of view that is ideal for capturing a wide variety of scenes.
  • Excellent portability and effective correction are achieved by adopting three aspherical lens elements.
  • A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m allows users to get close to their subjects for dynamic photography.
  • The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture reduces image blur caused by camera shake, even during hand-held shooting.
  • Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) enables a highly accurate AF drive.
  • Functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring.
  • Supplied with a lens hood that has been specially designed with consideration for operability while maintaining the thinness of the lens, which also supports attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately).
  • A slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.
  • Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistant performance*, enabling it to be taken anywhere with greater confidence.

Nikon Rumors About Retiring SLR Production Are “Speculation”, Company Says

Nikon Z 8 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Nikon Rumors
View Post

Nikon didn’t wait much to answer to yesterday’s report that they were withdrawing from SLR production.

In a note released on their Japanese site, Nikon states (machine translated):

Today [yesterday, 7/12/2022, editor’s note] , some media outlets have reported that we have withdrawn from the development of single-lens reflex cameras, but this is speculation and not announced by us.

We continue to produce, sell, and support digital SLR cameras, and we hope that our customers will continue to use them with peace of mind.

So, do not neglect to use Nikon gear with peace of mind.

Canon Also Planing To Retire SLR Camera Production (along with Nikon)

Viltrox Eos R7 Eos R10 Canon Cameras Europe Canon Eos R1 Eos R Rf 14-35mm Olympic Games Ef-mount Rudy Winston
View Post

After yesterday’s story that Nikon is set to withdraw form SLR camera production, a new report reiterates that Canon will follow suit.

Nikkei Asia reports about Nikon retiring SLR camera production, and cites Canon too.

TOKYO — Japanese camera maker Nikon will withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras, Nikkei has learned.

Nikon’s SLR cameras have been widely used by professional photographers for more than 60 years and have come to be seen as synonymous with the Japanese company.

It now plans to focus resources on mirrorless cameras, which have become mainstream products on the back of more advanced digital technologies.

[…] Rival Canon also plans to follow Nikon and stop producing SLRs within a few years. 

This doesn’t come as a breaking new to Canon fans. Reports about Canon retiring SLR production showed up some time ago (and where partly denied by another Canon exec).

The future present is mirrorless.

Is Nikon Retiring From SLR Camera Development?

Nikon Z 8 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Nikon Rumors
View Post

That’s a weird news, not even a rumor. Nikon is said to withdraw from SLR camera development.

Reported by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, here are the main points (machine translated):

  • Nikon withdraws from development of single-lens reflex camera
  • Existing models will continue to be produced and sold for the time being
  • Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and image processing technology and concentrating on the development of mirrorless cameras that are becoming mainstream in the market
  • Canon also plans to end the development of the flagship model of SLR cameras within a few years
  • Nikon directs development resources to mirrorless cameras, which are expected to grow
  • It is easy for mirrorless cameras to be equipped with digital technology, and there is a large margin for expansion of shooting functions.
  • Mirrorless cameras are cheaper than single-lens reflex cameras, which have the same functions as the price of less than 100,000 yen.
  • By improving the performance of image sensors and processing engines, it is becoming possible to use it like a single-lens reflex camera without any discomfort.

Uh, I do not know what to think here. But given that Canon seems also set to abandon SLR development, it might be plausible that Nikon will too. Any ideas? The future present is mirrorless, I guess.

[via asobinet]

Confirmed: Nikon Z 9 Imaging Sensor Is Made By Sony

Nikon Z 9
View Post

Not that we had much doubts about it, but now it seems ascertained: the imaging sensor featured in the Nikon Z 9 is made by Sony.

Nikon Z 9 at a glance:

  • 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 7 Image Processor
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • Vertical Grip, 2x CFexpress Type B Slots
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS

The highly specialized site Tech Insights published a report about the Nikon Z 9 imaging sensor, and it turn out it is made by Sony.

This report presents a device essentials folder (DEF) of the Sony IMX609AQJ full frame 45.7 MP stacked back-illuminated CMOS image sensor from the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera.

The report was spotted by How2Fly on Twitter. Given the authority of Tech Insights, here are no doubts left about who builds the Nikon Z 9 imaging sensor.

Sony imaging sensors are very good, no discussion here, but Canon’s are also very good and I like the fact that Canon is still researching and developing their own imaging sensors.