Nikon Z system

Just in time for Photokina 2018, Nikon announced the release of their first-ever full-frame, Nikon FX-format mirrorless cameras Nikon Z 7 45.7MP (to be released in September 2018) and Nikon Z 6 24.5MP (to be released in November 2018), as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount.

Nikon's second round of mirrorless system arrives exactly 10 years after Olympus and Panasonic unveiled their compact mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system in 2008, aiming at reducing the bulk associated with DLSR cameras, with the first ever ditigal micro 4/3 camera being the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 in September 2008, followed 9 months later by Olympus PEN E-P1 in June 2009.

Samsung was next to join the mirrorless party in January 2010, with its APS-C crop CMOS mirrorless interchangeable lens digital camera Samsung NX10 with proprietary NX-mount, followed by Sony’s first mirrorless model in May 2010, the Sony NEX-5, featuring APS-C crop sensor and using it's own E-mount, next came the short-lived Pentax Q in June 2011 and Nikon 1 V1 in September 2011.

The new Nikon's Z mount system comprises of mirrorless cameras Z 6 and Z 7 featuring a new, larger-diameter mount, and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories.  Both cameras are using the same 3690k-dot, OLED panel electronic viewfinder (EVFs) which promises a better representation of what your final image will look like along with real-time data about your images before capture, so you can make quick adjustments on the fly. The Z system inherits Nikon's tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, great ergonomics, and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the new Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design, greatly increasing capabilities in optical performance. Both cameras provide mirrorless features including fast high-speed continuous shooting: approximately 9 frames per second for the Z 7, and 12 fps for the Z 6, to help capture fast motion, as well as hybrid autofocus (AF) systems that combine phase and contrast detection. The Z 7’s AF has 493 focus points and the Z 6 has 273 focus points, which cover approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically.

Z 7 and Z 6 feature Nikon’s first in-camera vibration reduction (VR), which offers compensation for movement along 5 axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed of up to approximately 5 stops. This function can also be used with Nikkor F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, when using the Mount Adapter FTZ.

In terms of video, Nikon's Z 7 and Z 6 can shoot full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX-based video format or Full-HD/120p movies. Nikon sensor’s full-pixel readout promises sharper 4K UHD movies, while the Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can be used with 4K UHD and Full-HD movie recording.

The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, the 58mm ƒ/0.95 S Noct lens, which will be able to shoot photos with an extremely shallow depth of field in extreme low light.

The new Z mount is large enough to contain the exit pupil of an f/0.95 lens, thus giving the lens designer much more freedom, as the traditional SLR Nikon-F mount is too small to design a f/0.95 lens without making a compromise. Additionally, a new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount SLR lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter "Z" represents the culmination of Nikon's relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new era. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image-makers with tools to realize greater creativity.

At this time, there are three new lenses compatible with the Nikon Z mount system's full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras, for which a new larger-diameter mount has been adopted, as well as the Mount Adapter FTZ. The three new lenses are the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S.