The new Nikon mirrorless system

[Bjørn Rørslett]

This is a placeholder for forthcoming news about the eagerly awaited new Nikon mirrorless camera. Nikongear will be in the forefront with hands-on experience etc.

For now, the thread is locked. It will open Aug. 23, 0700 CET

Until then, stay patiently cool.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Tension is perceptibly mounting amongst the horde of black-clad Nikon officials.

[Jan Anne]

Couple of screenshots of the lenses from the Nikon Z event.

[Jan Anne]

Z Lens Roadmap

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Birna is pleased. She has ordered Z6 and Z7.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Part of the reason is this

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Another reason is the FTZ adapter, that really transforms the Z cameras into a platform for any F-mount lens.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The FTZ adapter should work with even the most exotic of F-mount lenses. It will allow the use of manual lenses with CPU of course, as expected.  AF/AFD lenses will meter, but there is, again as expected, no screwdriver AF transmission, thus these lenses from late '80s up to the first generation of AFS optics will not do autofocus. Indeed, like they behave of most Nikons today.

Here is the 55/3.5 Micro-Nikkor on the FTZ. One can regulate the aperture from the camera's thumbwheel on the top right corner. In this case, as the lens is CPU-modified, nothing additional is required. For non-CPU lenses, there is the same procedure as on traditional DSLRs by diving into the menus and set the lens data there.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The previous picture highlights a key difference between the Z series and today's F system. The film plane of the Z sits in the front of the camera, not deep into the body as with the DSLRs. Thus, put side by side, the FTZ-equipped Z6/7 juts seemingly further out than the DSLR, however, when one measures from the focal plane mark on either system, there is of course no difference.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Now, how does the new cameras handle? Remarkably similar to any modern Nikon. Only the trace of flicker in the viewfinder under fluorescent lights indicates this is an EVF not OVF. The finder optics are really advanced and projects a very crisp and clear image to the user. There is no problem reading even the corners of the finder frame with glasses on.

[chambeshi]

Now, how does the new cameras handle? Remarkably like any modern Nikon. Only the trace of flicker in the viewfinder under fluorescent lights indicates this is an EVF not OVF. The finder optics are really advanced and projects a very crisp and clear image to the user. There is no problem reading even the corners of the finder frame with glasses on.

Thank you for live Updates and direct first impressions. Many of have been/are leery of EVF performance. Although admittedly marketing speak, the Live technical presentations earlier from Tokyo laid out several poignant statements.
No 1 in FF cameras is core goal of Nikon... The pledge to integrate Z and F mount technology....
The new slogan "Capture Tomorrow" bodes well!

And NOT least - the FTZ adapter supports 380+ F Nikkors but as you point out NO support for AFD focussing. Ouch1 But the singular -ve in today's news :-)

Thank You

[tommiejeep]

Remaining Cool  . Obviously a multitude of questions but am initially very pleased that the non-CPU lens data remains in place.  One of my complaints with Sony.  I shall check this thread daily.  Broke at the moment so no big rush but I may not buy the Tamron FE 28-75 at the end of the month 
Tom

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The lack of support for "screwdriver AF" was expected and is similar to the situation for all except the higher-end Nikons today. There is always the possibility of another FTZ model that incorporates an additional motor to drive these old lenses, but this solution will be bulky and counterproductive to having a small camera.

Taking a coffee break now. The last 24 hours have been hectic.

In answer to a question not yet asked, "how fast will Birna have the review camera", this occurs within September when her Z7 arrives. There are only pre-production camera in existence now and they only deliver jpg.

[chris dees]

Would be nice if you have one at Photokina. 

[Eddie Draaisma]

The 58/0.95 looks just a little bit smaller than my 300/2.8