When discussing an exceptional and groundbreaking camera that has achieved the impossible, it deserves rigorous celebration. Such a device can be easily referenced years later, particularly when the brand that produced it starts to falter in the future. For example, the Canon 5D series is still regarded as a significant advancement, with many believing that the company has yet to match this level of technological success in the mirrorless segment. The D850, launched in 2018, is another case in point. In contrast, Nikon has pushed its existing lineup forward with another revolutionary innovation, the Nikon Z9. Now, reports about the next generation in this lineup are beginning to emerge, which has generated a lot of excitement.
How Can Nikon Make An Excellent Device Much Better?
If you look at our review of the Z9 and its subsequent firmware updates, you know how much we love this device. In fact, we stated that Nikon finally became its own brand in recent years, especially after it perfected their full-frame mirrorless lineup. So, what could the company do to ensure they surpass the benchmark they have already set? According to Nikon Eye, there are several rumors, predictions, and speculations about what the Nikon Z9 successor may look like. We list the changes that many hope will be included to make the perfect camera even more enticing:
- Improved sensor: The Nikon Z9 features a fast 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor with great low-light capabilities. Akin to this, speculations and predictions state that Nikon may introduce a higher-pixel sensor with up to 61 megapixels. If this is indeed true, Nikon would rival the Sony A7R IV and Leica M11. There are rumors of the introduction of backside illumination (BSI) or even global shutter implementation to remove the rolling shutter challenge.
- Improved EXPEED processor: The existing EXPEED 7 processor helped perfect the camera’s autofocus and real-time image and video processing and introduced 8K video recording capabilities. The next-gen camera is expected to have a faster processor, which can improve burst rates, computational photography features, and battery life and make the device more energy efficient.
- Faster autofocus: Nikon Eye notes the rumored device could introduce better animal eye detection or tracking for smaller, fast-moving subjects. It may also include updated AI-driven autofocus algorithms for perfect performances in challenging environments as well as include more focus points for “compositional freedom.”
- Build: The Nikon Z9 II is expected to weigh less and be built using magnesium-lithium alloys. It also hopes to offer better ergonomics and a tiltable and fully articulating screen.
- Connectivity and Battery: Many would love to see CFexpress Type B/SD hybrid slots, more wireless capabilities with 5G connectivity, and advanced tethering options. There is also a need for USB-C power delivery charging.
Nikon Needs To Learn From Sony
A perfect example of such an iteration is the Sony a1 series. The a1 was already an exceptional option, which offered a plethora of features for a variety of users. Furthermore, it was a step above the a9, which is still considered a great device for fast photography. So, when the a1 II was announced, many celebrated the introduction of certain features, while others hoped for a larger sensor. However, as we noted in our review of the device, the a1 II only makes sense as an “upgrade” due to its exceptional autofocus. “The Sony a1 II is worth the upgrade if you photograph people and events. It, by far, does the best job at autofocusing on people of color in low light in the realm of Sony cameras. But otherwise, it’s more or less just the Sony a1,” we wrote.
Learning from this proves that some benchmarks may be difficult to surpass. Only the most professional photographers would feel the need to switch from an expensive camera to an even pricier one. So, if Nikon is serious about introducing an iteration of the Z9, it would be better to have features that justify the hefty price tag. Fortunately, their deal with Tamron already offers photographers a variety of lenses to choose from. So, if the Z9 II includes some of the above-mentioned specs for its rumored release in 2025, the camera will have a chance of outselling the older model. But we have to wait and see what we have in store.
