Nikon Z9 Teaser Briefly Shows Off The Camera’s Unique Rear LCD

Nikon has released a 30-second teaser video featuring its upcoming Z9 flagship camera. While it didn’t reveal much regarding the new camera, the video did highlight one feature that is exclusive to the product: a unique vari-angle rear LCD screen that is unlike those featured on most current generation mirrorless cameras.

Seen from the video, the Nikon Z9’s rear LCD can be tilted out to face the photographer at any horizontal or vertical angles without needing to be flipped out ala the more traditional vari-angle approaches. As pointed out by Petapixel, this new mechanism used by Nikon may be similar to the one featured on the Pentax K-1’s Flex-Tilt LCD screen, which functions somewhat similarly. Nevertheless, both methods are more straightforward when compared to regular vari-angles, and there’s no denying their usefulness – especially when shooting photos at difficult angles.

As for the camera itself, Nikon previously confirmed that the Z9 will come with a stacked CMOS sensor, a new first-party image processor, and the ability to record video at up to 8K resolution. And based on the photo included together with the camera’s first announcement in March, it will feature an integrated battery grip body that allows you to easily shoot in both horizontal or vertical orientations. Unofficial sources, on the other hand, suggest that the camera will feature either a 46MP, 50MP or a 60MP sensor, and an ISO range of 64 – 25,600, among other things.

Yet again, the company did not mention when the new Z9 flagship mirrorless camera is expected to launch. As previously reported, Nikon-specialised publication NikonRumors believes that the product will be fully unveiled officially later in fall this year.

Nikon Announces Slow Shipment For Z FC Cameras, Delays New 28mm Lens Indefinitely

Nikon has announced via its website that it has finalised the shipping timeline for its newly launched Z FC mirrorless camera. However, the company also revealed in the same statement that it does not have the supply to fulfil all pre-orders for the device at this time. It noted that it will do its “utmost to deliver the product as soon as possible”, but did not provide an expected time frame for future shipments.

“We have received a large number of reservations for the Z FC and Z FC 16-50 VR SL Lens Kits that exceeded our expectations,” Nikon wrote in the statement. “For some customers who are currently making reservations, it may take some time before the product is delivered. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers who are waiting for our products.”

While it may take some time for some customers to receive the retro-inspired Nikon mirrorless camera, the same cannot be said for those who’ve also pre-ordered the Z FC 28mm f/2.8 Special Edition Kit lens. In a separate statement issued on the same day, the Japanese camera maker also announced the lens’ original planned release in late July 2021 has been postponed, presumably indefinitely. Again, the company noted that the delay in parts supply is to blame, and promised to inform customers of a new release date for the product once it has been decided.

Aside from Nikon, the currently ongoing shortage of silicon supply around the world has caused numerous delays for other companies – affecting product development from different industries including automotive, smart devices, PC hardware, and even video game consoles. Semiconductor manufacturers such as TSMC and Foxconn warned that the shortage could continue into 2022, with major brands including Sony and IBM also expressing similar concerns.

Nikon globally launched its new Z FC camera back in late June 2021. Although its Malaysian branch (via) did not officially announce its pricing, local stores retailers such as ShaShinKi and YL Camera have listed the pre-order price for the retro-inspired mirrorless camera at RM4,488 (body only).

New Leak Suggests Nikon Might Launch A US$1000 Retro-Inspired Camera Soon

A recent leak first reported by Nikon Rumors is suggesting that Nikon may be planning to launch a new retro-inspired mirrorless camera soon. Believed to be called the “ZFC”, the new camera is shown to feature a design that is reminiscent of the Nikon FM series that were released during the 1970s and 80s.

But before we move forward, we would like to clarify that the full overhead view of the alleged camera shown above is a visualisation created by Nikon Rumors, using parts from different mockups to fill in the blanks. The actual leaked photos provided to the publication (shown below) only revealed portions of the device – mainly showcasing its viewfinder, upper dials, as well as its shutter and record buttons. So keep in mind that there is a chance the visualisation may end up as inaccurate.

As for its hardware, the site claims that the new ZFC camera will be a Z-mount APS-C camera and would feature similar specifications as the Nikon Z50 from 2019. To recap, the latter is equipped with a 20.9MP sensor, an ISO range of up to 51,200, high autofocus at -4 EV, 11fps of high-speed continuous shooting, and up to 4K UHD video recording with no crop.

Besides that, Nikon is also expected to launch two APS-C prime lenses alongside the ZFC, under a new “SE” line: a 28mm f/2.8 and a 35mm f/1.8. The latter is expected to be shipped together with the camera as a kit lens. Unlike the ZFC, Nikon Rumors noted that the new lenses will retain the familiar Nikkor Z-mount design and would not feature a retro-inspired look.

Nikon is said to announce the camera later this month on 28 June, while its release is expected to happen at the end of July this year. The new Nikon ZFC will reportedly retail at US$999 (~RM4,112), while the pricing for the two lenses remains unknown for the time being.

If this leak is accurate, this would make the unannounced ZFC to be the second retro-inspired digital camera from Nikon. The first being the Nikon Df in 2013, which also featured a “timeless design” based on the brand’s classic FM series. But unlike its alleged mirrorless successor, the camera was much bulkier due to being a DSLR.

Nikon Announces Development Of New Z9 Full-Frame Flagship Mirrorless Camera

Nikon has officially revealed that its next full-frame flagship camera, the Z9, is now in development. Along with the announcement, the company also revealed the camera’s design as well as several of its key features.

According to the press release, Nikon markets the Z9 to offer an “unprecedented imaging experience” via a set of “groundbreaking technologies.” These include a newly developed FX-format stacked CMOS sensor and a new image-processing engine, which enables it to record videos at up to 8K resolution – making it the first and only Z-series flagship with the capability to do so.

From the provided concept render, the new camera is shown to sport an integrated grip body  – another first for the Z-series – which allows users to shoot in either landscape and portrait orientation with ease. Most interestingly, the Z9’s form factor appears to be slightly more compact when compared to Nikon’s D-series flagships, which commonly offers integrated grip-styled bodies. However, the company noted that the finalised product may differ from the render provided – although it’s doubtful that the differences will be anything too drastic.

It appears that Nikon will finally bring the fight to Sony’s Alpha 1 and Canon’s EOS R5 mirrorless cameras by including 8K recording capability on the new Z9 flagship. Whether it is able to match up to the competition remains to be seen, especially in terms of internal cooling when recording in high resolution.

Most handheld mirrorless cameras with such capabilities have the tendency to overheat after a certain period of time – with the Sony Alpha 1 claiming to be able to last up to 30 minutes when shooting 8K, while the Canon EOS R5 is able to last approximately 20 minutes before shutting down. In Nikon’s case, the Z9 should at least feature a cooling system that is on par with Sony’s or risk getting overshadowed by its competitors.

Besides that, Nikon did provide any further information regarding the Z9’s specifications. But on the unofficial side of things, website NikonRumors claims to have obtained details of the camera from a supposed reliable source. The site reports that the Nikon Z9 will come with either a 46MP, 50MP or 60MP sensor, an ISO range of 64 – 25,600, 20 fps continuous shooting, two XQD/CFX type B memory card support, a high resolution and blackout-free EVF, as well as a slew of upgrades to its onboard autofocusing, dynamic range and noise reduction features.

The company has yet to reveal when it is planning to fully unveil the upcoming Nikon Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera. NikonRumors, on the other hand, suggests that Nikon will launch the flagship in the fall of 2021 with an expected price tag of US$6,000 (~RM24,744) – US$7,000 (~RM28,868).

Nikon To Close Lens Factories In Japan Due To Camera Market Decline

Nikon appears to be scaling down production yet again in its home country of Japan. According to a report by Nikkei, the camera maker is set to shut down two of its lens manufacturing factories in the country, and will also shift staff and operations to its remaining plant in Otawara, Tochigi.

The Japanese news agency added that Nikon is further consolidating its domestic manufacturing of lenses as part of its efforts to reduce costs. This is a result of the decline of the camera market caused by the ever rising popularity of smartphones.

“We will ask 108 employees working at the Nagai factory and 54 employees at the Aizu factory to move to the factory in Otawara City, and if it is difficult to move, we will support reemployment,” a company spokesperson told Nikkei. “The site of the Nagai factory will be sold, and the site of the Aizu factory will be returned to the local government.”

It was previously reported that the company had also planned to cease operations in its Sendai plant and move all of its camera production to its factory in Thailand. Nikon is said to continue manufacturing high-end lenses in Otawara, while most of its lens production is handled by its Thailand factory as well.

Nikon To End Camera Manufacturing In Japan; Shifts Production To Thailand

Japanese news agency Asahi has reported that Nikon is ending domestic camera production in the country. It is said that in an effort to reduce costs, the company is planning to shift all production from its Sendai factory (pictured above) in the Miyagi prefecture of Japan to its Thailand factory. 

The Sendai factory has been in operation since its opening in 1971, with its first manufactured product being the Nikon EM camera which was released in the same year. Since then, the facility has been the centerpiece for the company’s camera production and has provided technical assistance to its overseas production.

Nikon confirms that even though the factory is no longer manufacturing cameras, it will continue to be used as a start-up facility for new business endeavors. According to Nikon general manager of video division Hirotaka Ikegami, the Sendai factory will emphasise on production technology and mobility. 

He added that Nikon’s factories in Thailand will focus on producing “high-performance, high-precision parts” required for its camera products. According to several sources,  the company has reportedly started to move the manufacturing of its Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II cameras to the Thailand factories in October, and production for the Nikon D6 will also follow suit by the end of 2021.

The company previously announced that it is currently ceasing operations in Malaysia, with a complete exit slated for 1 January 2021. All of its imaging and industrial metrology businesses will be handed over to its local partners, namely Futuromic Photo AV Sdn Bhd and QES (Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, respectively.

Nikon Malaysia To Cease Operations; Brand Responsibility To Be Transferred To Distributors

 

In an unexpected turn of events, Nikon Malaysia has officially announced that it will cease operations by 2021. The announcement was made through its official website and social media channels on 4 November 2020.

“We are grateful for our passionate community’s support and loyalty through the years with us, and it has been a pleasure serving both the Imaging and Industrial Metrology fields in Malaysia,” Nikon Malaysia wrote in the announcement. Around the same time, it also released an official statement on its corporate news page regarding the brand’s presence and future in the country.

The company stated that from early January 2021, all of its Imaging business will be handled by local partner Futuromic Photo AV Sdn Bhd to serve as Nikon’s marketing, sales and after-sales service for its products and activities in Malaysia. Concurrently, it also revealed the distribution of its Industrial Metrology business in the country will be handed over to QES (Asia Pacific) Sdn Bhd.

“Nikon is committed and will continue to provide products and services that meet customers’ needs and expectations in the Malaysian market and throughout the world,” it added. The Japanese giant says that it will continue to operate in the country until 31 December 2020, and will cease all local operations on 1 January 2021.