2023 was a blockbuster year for Nikon, so it's not surprising that their 2024 was more mellow. And by mellower, I mean they only released two cameras, three lenses, announced the development of a cine-focused zoom, and acquired a major cinema camera manufacturer. For a (relatively) quiet year, Nikon is certainly building anticipation for the future while still stoking the Z-system flames with several important announcements in 2024.
The Little Flagship That Can
While not the true flagship, Nikon has gotten into the habit of including so much tech from their flagship Z9 is recent releases that it's hard not to be impressed by what is decidedly their staple mid-tier camera, the Z6 III. This camera is only "mid-tier" thanks to the Z8 and Z9 monsters that are upmarket from it; the Z6 III brings a wealth of new tech to the board that make it a very enticing camera for most shooters today or as a perfect B-cam for those working with the Z8 and Z9 on a professional level.
The Z6 III is the first mirrorless camera to feature a partially stacked sensor, which is capable of much of the impressive speed and reduced rolling shutter as the Z9. This unique sensor design also adds to the camera's quicker AF, better viewfinder experience, and improved shooting rates for both photo and video needs. It's a hybrid camera in the truest sense of the term, too, offering respectable 6K60 and 4K120 recording formats alongside stout photo capabilities, quick and AI-imbued AF performance, and a series of processing capabilities that benefit portrait photographers and landscape photographers alike.
Nikon's New Compact f/1.4 Lenses
While "big red" launched their own trio of f/1.4 primes, Nikon's pair of f/1.4 primes from 2024 offer a different spin on what a fast prime can be. Compared to the idea that f/1.4 equals a premium, hardy-built lens, Nikon is spinning this to more of a classic interpretation of what a prime lens should be: their NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lenses are among the smallest and most affordable lenses in their lineup, especially considering their speed and optical design.
Perhaps the most interesting comparison for these lenses is to Nikon's own f/1.8 lenses; these older and slower lenses are noticeably larger and heavier than the new primes. It's true the f/1.8 primes are S-tier lenses, and should have the more premium optics, higher sharpness, etc. but if you're someone looking for a more compact option with faster performance, the new f/1.4 lenses are very appealing, especially if you're pairing them with a camera like the new Z6 III.
A New All-in-One
A lens that might have been overlooked from the beginning of the year, the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is Nikon's latest all-in-one zoom, covering wide-angle to super-telephoto fields of view in a relatively lightweight, portable package. These lenses appeal to travelers (mainly) who are looking to narrow down their kit to a single lens without giving anything up. They can be great for trips where you'll need the wide-angle end to photograph buildings and interiors as well as the long end to photograph distant action and small subjects. It's not a lens that's going to outperform and single lens from within the 28-400mm range, but it is a single lens that encompasses everything, saving you space, weight, and money.
A New DX for Creators
Nikon has been very focused on their full-frame, FX-format cameras and lenses, so it was refreshing to see the late release of the Z50 II; the second-generation model of their compact, APS-C-format camera that appeals to content creators, travelers, and other more casual imagemakers.
As mentioned before, even a camera at the Z50 II's level is being influenced by Nikon's flagship, with this petite mirrorless camera gaining the same EXPEED 7 processing as its bigger siblings for faster performance, more accurate and intelligent AF, and refined video capabilities. This camera also has many of the creature comforts creators are looking for, including a dedicated Picture Control button on the body to adjust preset effects, as well as a large vari-angle LCD, nice EVF, and both headphone and mic ports for improved audio quality.
Coming Soon: Nikon to Be a Major Force in the Cine Market
The final piece of 2024 is a bit of foundation work Nikon is putting in to finally enter the digital cinema market in a big way very soon. The more concrete of two examples here is Nikon's development announcement of their first cine-dedicated lens, the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ. Details are scarce right now, but this will be a wide-to-tele power zoom lens that should be a popular choice among documentarians and solo shooters. Besides it being Nikon's own first cine lens, it's also among the first cine-specific lenses for their Z mount from anyone. Could the Z mount become as popular and ubiquitous as the E or EF mount?
The second piece of cine-related news has no concrete products tied to it just yet, but it does get you thinking about what Nikon has in store for 2025 and beyond; back in March 2024, Nikon acquired cinema camera manufacturer RED Digital Cinema. Few details have emerged since the formal announcement, with Nikon stating they "…will leverage this acquisition to expand the fast-growing professional digital cinema camera market, building on both companies' business foundations and networks, promising an exciting future of product development that will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in film and video production."
I think everyone's anxiously awaiting to see what Nikon has in store for filmmakers in the (hopefully) near future.
How do you feel about Nikon's releases in 2024? What was your favorite product? What do you hope to see from them in 2025? Let us know, in the Comments section.
4 Comments
It's disappointing that Nikon isn't developing a mirrorless version of their top of the line DSLR crop sensor D500 (and better) instead of the Z50. The D500 is great for photographing wildlife and birds with it's fast focusing and where zoom lenses have a farther reach than a full frame. I've had similar discussions with fellow D500 owners and we are all feeling snubbed by Nikon. Any word if Nikon is considering developing such a camera?
I'd imagine that by the time the Z50mk3 gets announced, then it will be a replacement for the D500 as it will basically exceed the D500 in almost every category. The Z50mk2 is already getting close to that.
An article claiming to review 2024 Nikon and no mention of them discontinuing the popular Coolpix P1000 back in March with no replacement? While some purists might not think a point-and-shoot is worth talking about, for those shops that still have them in stock, they are selling at a 50-60% premium. And more importantly, it's a great camera for your average birder.
Exactly. That was the first thing I looked for in this article. The camera itself has such great zoom that previously held beliefs of distance have been shattered and much more of our world and our skies are being seen. This camera is a real eye-opener.