In an interview with DPReview, Nikon Department Manager of Nikon’s Imaging Business Unit, Keiji Oishi, says a new Nikon Z camera is coming in 2021.
“A flagship Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera can be expected within the year, and is being developed with the goal of surpassing the D6,” Keiji Oishi said in the interview. “A flagship Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera can be expected within the year, and is being developed with the goal of surpassing the D6.”
What can we expect from the new Z camera?
Oishi revealed Nikon’s focused on delivering 8K video to the Z line. Adding 8K video allows them to compete with Sony’s Alpha 1 and Canon’s EOS R.
“We consider 8K to be an important feature, in that the high resolution and high definition required in still photography is also important for video,” Oishi says.
In the interview, Oishi says Nikon also looking to increase the performance of 4K video shooting. Another feature Oishi mentions is generating high-res still from 8K video.
A lot is riding on next camera in the Nikon Z line
It’s no secret Nikon’s been having financial issues. For 2020 alone, it lost $720M. This massive loss is making Nikon reevaluate its path moving forward. Nikon recently said it’s going to focus on developing its mirrorless technology.
“In the last quarter, we reported record mirrorless sales, which was helped by strong performance of the Z7 II and Z6 II. We observed strong sales of new products, both mirrorless cameras and lenses; our shift to models for professionals and hobbyists progressed smoothly. The cameras are being reviewed very well, and the customer response has been extremely positive,” Oishi says.
The next installment to the Nikon Z camera line is crucial. With such historical losses as it experienced last year, Nikon needs to turn things around fast.
