As the camera industry continues to evolve, Nikon finds itself at a pivotal moment. The transition to mirrorless cameras has been largely successful, with the Z-mount gaining traction among professionals and enthusiasts alike. However, to maintain momentum and excitement, Nikon will need to expand its lineup strategically in 2025. Here’s a look at what gear Nikon could—and perhaps should—announce to captivate photographers in the coming year.

Cameras

1. Nikon Z8s and Z9 II

Building on the success of the Z8 and Z9, Nikon could introduce updated versions of these flagship cameras. Expected improvements might include:

• Z8s: Incremental upgrades such as a new sensor with enhanced low-light performance, faster burst rates (20-30 fps with RAW), and improved video capabilities (e.g., 8K at 60fps with ProRes RAW).
• Z9 II: Advanced cooling for extended video recording, a more robust autofocus system, and dual CFexpress Type B card slots with faster write speeds.

2. Nikon Z7 III

Nikon Z7 II is due for updates. The next generation could include:

• A stacked sensor for faster readout speeds and minimal rolling shutter.
• 4K 120fps and 6K video with 10-bit internal recording.
• Enhanced autofocus with AI-powered subject recognition and tracking.
• Fully articulating touchscreens for improved usability.

3. Nikon Zf II

Following the likely success of the retro-styled Zf, Nikon could release a second iteration in 2025. This model might feature:

• A 33MP sensor for higher resolution.
• Improved IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) performance.
• Customizable dials for enhanced tactile control.

4. Nikon Z APS-C Flagship

To appeal to wildlife and sports photographers seeking lighter gear, Nikon could introduce a high-performance APS-C mirrorless camera:

• 32-36MP sensor for excellent reach and detail.
• 15 fps mechanical shutter and 30 fps electronic shutter.
• Dual card slots and weather-sealing for rugged use.

5. Nikon Z1 (Entry-Level Full-Frame)

An affordable entry-level full-frame camera could help Nikon attract new users:

• 24MP sensor.
• Minimalist design with limited physical controls.
• Competitive pricing to rival the Canon EOS R8.

Lenses

1. Super-Telephoto Primes

Nikon could expand its lineup of Z-mount super-telephoto primes:

• 400mm f/4: Compact and relatively lightweight, ideal for wildlife and sports.
• 600mm f/4: A professional-grade lens for extreme telephoto needs.
• 800mm f/5.6: Lightweight compared to DSLR equivalents, appealing to bird photographers.

2. Affordable Telephoto Zooms

To attract budget-conscious photographers, Nikon could introduce:

• 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3: A versatile lens for enthusiasts.
• 200-600mm f/6.3: A more affordable alternative to the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3, targeting hobbyist wildlife shooters.

3. Compact Primes

The Z-mount system could benefit from compact primes for street and travel photographers:

• 24mm f/2.8: Ultra-light and compact for everyday use.
• 35mm f/1.8 Pancake: A portable lens for versatile shooting.
• 50mm f/2: A budget-friendly standard prime.

4. Professional Zooms

Nikon could release more professional-grade zooms with faster apertures:

• 12-24mm f/2.8 S: Ultra-wide for architecture and landscape.
• 24-85mm f/2.8: A versatile walkaround zoom with consistent brightness.
• 70-200mm f/2 S: A groundbreaking lens for portrait and sports photographers.

5. Macro Lenses

Expanding the macro lineup could include:

• 105mm f/2.8 Macro S: With VR and enhanced sharpness for studio and nature photography.
• 60mm f/2.8 Macro: Compact and versatile for close-up and general use.

Accessories

1. Improved Battery Grips

Battery grips with additional controls, improved ergonomics, and hot-swappable batteries would enhance usability for professionals.

2. AI-Powered Viewfinder

A high-resolution EVF with built-in AI features, such as subject highlighting and augmented reality overlays, could revolutionize the shooting experience.

3. Modular Accessories

Modules that add functionality—such as XLR inputs for audio, larger displays for video monitoring, or advanced flash control—could cater to hybrid shooters.

4. CFexpress Type C Cards

New, faster memory cards compatible with CFexpress slots could improve workflow for high-resolution video and continuous shooting.

Innovations to Watch

Nikon may also venture into innovative technologies, such as:

• Computational Photography: Features like enhanced HDR, focus stacking, and automated pano stitching could differentiate Nikon from competitors.
• AI Autofocus Updates: Firmware updates with AI-powered improvements could make existing cameras even better.
• Wireless Tethering and Cloud Integration: Nikon could introduce robust cloud workflows and wireless tethering solutions for instant file sharing and editing.

Conclusion

Nikon’s announcements in 2025 could redefine its market position. By balancing updates to its professional-grade cameras with fresh offerings for enthusiasts and newcomers, Nikon has the potential to excite and expand its user base. With cutting-edge lenses, innovative features, and strategic pricing, the future of Nikon’s Z-mount system looks brighter than ever. The key will be to stay ahead of the competition while catering to the diverse needs of modern photographers and videographers.

E8M spotted another new Nikon camera registered in China on July 12. IN total Nikon did register three cameras in the past 2 months. They have the following codes:

• N2216
• N2312
• N2318

It’s still unclear which model we can expect, all we know is that it usually takes 3-4 months after registration for these cameras to be announced.

New Z6III  at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, WexUK

The new Z6III is a nice camera and that’s why some now question if a new Z7III is actually necessary. PetaPixel wrote that While the Z6 III Is Here, a Z7 III is Far Less of a Certainty:

The only way I can see Nikon can release the Z7 III is to change what photographers have come to expect from it. The only camera really “missing” from Nikon’s lineup is a video-focused system like Canon’s R5C, Sony’s a7S, or Panasonic’s S5 IIX.

On the opposite on Weibo people claim to know the Z7III si coming and is likely to have those specs:

– Accelerated FX-format 90.75MP BSI CMOS sensor
– Cross-pixel Super Pixel Package sensor mode with pseudo LPF (10.1M)
– Four image size selections: L/M/S/B (only L/B for RAW)
– EXPEED 7 processor
– Four-leaf button
– Easy-to-use two-axis multi-angle LCD screen, high-brightness EVF
– Optimized body grip
– 8-stage IBIS, enhanced gyro video electronic image stabilization
– Pixel shift high-resolution shooting
– Dual data stream AF system, updated AI focus algorithm and process, more powerful than Z 9 and Z 8 –
FX/DX-format 14-bit RAW mechanical shutter continuous shooting up to 14fps
– FX-format B-size 14-bit RAW electronic shutter continuous shooting up to 20fps
– HEIF/JPG electronic shutter continuous shooting mode: C30 (FX-B/DX-L), C60 (FX-B/DX-M), C120 (FX-B)
– High quality video sampling modes are 12K-FX, 8K-DX, 4K-FX
– 12-bit N-RAW recording up to FX 12K/30p and 4K/120p, DX 8K/60p
– Supports non-pixel-to-pixel N-RAW encoding
– Up to UHD 8K/30p and 5.4K/60p and 4K/120p H.265 10-bit 4:2:0 MOV video
– Supports 4K ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit MOV video up to 4K/60p, ProRes RAW encoding
– N-log2 with IPP2
– Precise shutter angle options
– Separation of project frame rate and shooting frame rate (S&Q in Codec)
– Two card slots, support CFexpress B, SD UHS-II
– Supports WiFi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth LE connectivity
– USB-C fast charging and HDMI Type-A connectivity

My take is that nobody knows a thing about the Z7III and that all that this means is that it might be not coming any time soon.

The Nikon Z6III could be announced as early as next week. And here is the latest rumored spec list:

• The Nikon ℤ6 III is expected to be the best camera in its category
• Nikon model N2214
• New 24.5 MP BSI sensor specialized for low light and high dynamic range
• New processing engine (EXPEED 7?)
• 6k size 6048 x 4032 full-frame 12-bit NRAW
• 4k60 full ProRes RAW
• Full HD movie at 240fps (8-bit crop)
• New higher resolution EVF: 5.76m dot
• Improved vari-angle LCD screen
• 14 fps mechanical, 20 fps electronic shooting (RAW, 14 bit)
• 120fps stills jpeg
• 37-120min record time
• 1/16000 shutter speed
• Mechanical & electronic shutter
• 293/297 AF points
• Updated focus algorithm (better than ℤ8/ℤ9?)
• Near 100% AF coverage of the frame
• 7 or 8-stop VR (same system as the Nikon ℤf)
• Pixel-shift (previously reported here)
• CFexpress+SD memory cards
• PSAM Dial
• Hybrid body design between the ℤ6 and ℤ8 (bigger than the current ℤ6/7 but smaller than the ℤ8) – see this post
• The playback button is in the same place as ℤ8 (bottom right), as opposed to ℤ6II, which is on the top left side of the camera
• Camera body size and overall dimension are similar to the Nikon ℤ6II: 3-5mm longer width becuase of the LCD hinge and a few mm thicker
• The overall height (bottom to the EVF) remains the same but the actual camera is 2-3mm taller
• The grip button layouts and design look similar to the Nikon ℤ8 apart from the command dial which is the same as the ℤ6II
• All other button layouts are the same as the ℤ6II
• The ℤ6III logo is on the top, just like on the ℤ8/ℤ9
• ℤ logo in the front is also like the ℤ8 but below the current ℤ6II focus sensor
• The ℤ6III body overall is about 30-40g heavier than the Z6II
• The ℤ6III body inherits the design from the ℤ8 – this is why a few months ago I reported it as a mini-ℤ8 (the Nikon ℤ6III is a mini ℤ8, the Nikon ℤ8 was a mini ℤ9)
• USB-C 3.0 (SuperSpeed)
• HDMI A version 2.1 (full-size HDMI)
• WiFi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth LE Connect support
• Better ergonomics compared to the ℤ6
• New cooling design
• Weight: 700-750g
• Battery EN-EL15
• Nikon MB-N14 battery pack
• Several new features not seen in other Nikon cameras, including online firmware updates
• Price: around €3,000 in Europe (less in the US)
• Official announcement: next week (June 10-12 )
• Shipping is expected to start in mid-July.
• The current Nikon ℤ6II will be in production until the end of the year (heavily discounted)
• A new version of Nikon NX Studio with support for the ℤ6 III is expected to be released soon
• The new ℤ6III will be available as a body only or in a kit with the 24-70mm f/4, 24-120mm f/4, and a third unknown lens

via NR