Nikon Zee or Zed
The end of the DSLR?
Nikon finally revealed two mirrorless cameras today. A necessary response to the market demand for sophisticated mirrorless cameras.
Thom Hogan offers a thoughtful post on the re-entry of Nikon into the mirrorless world.
Finally, here’s the dirt simple truth. The three primary sources of camera purchase are:
- New users (e.g. the young getting their first dedicated camera)
- Updaters/Upgraders (e.g. existing DSLR/mirrorless users getting a better camera)
- Replacers (e.g. someone who dropped, damaged, lost, or had stolen their gear and is buying again)
Nikon’s problem is the first group, particularly recently with lame entry DSLR upgrades and marketing, plus no real entry cameras to speak of (compact or mirrorless). Sony’s problem is more the second group (because people in one brand tend to stay in that brand, and Sony started in a deep third place position). So it’s going to be interesting to watch as the two battle it out for second place in the ILC business.
I’d still say it’s Nikon’s ball to fumble.
Be prepared to fork over several thousand Canadian dollars for one of these cameras. Vistek has the pre-order pages up and the Nikon Z7 is $4,400 before tax body only and the Nikon Z6 is $2,600 before tax body only.
Three lenses to start. A 24-70mm f4 at $1,300, a 35mm f1.8 at $1,100 and a 50mm f1.8 at $800.
Be prepared for some Nikon shooters selling off their DSLR gear for the new mirrorless offerings. Should be some great deals on D750s, D850s, and assorted Nikon F-mount lenses in the used marketplace.
And, apparently it is Zee. Everywhere. Even in Canada.
