As far as I know, there won't be any new Z System cameras this spring and summer. I don't anticipate any announcement (other than perhaps a lens or accessories) from Nikon until the August/September time frame, meaning essentially "fall delivery."
Many of you are trying to get your gear in shape for your summer holidays, so keep the above in mind. Here's a few other things I'd say about buying the Z System right now:
- In stock at existing prices shouldn't be ignored. That's particularly true for lenses, and even more so for lenses manufactured in China (see list of where Nikon makes lenses). Why lenses? (a) Nikon is the midst of restructuring their glass/lens manufacturing, including new plants that aren't yet open; (b) Nikon gets some lenses on an OEM basis from Tamron, who's moving some of their production out of China; and (c) Nikon has an overstock on many lenses at the moment, and I don't think they're in a hurry to up their lens production, even on popular ones.
Overall, Nikon's still trying to figure out how to maneuver the tariff tango (though note that NikonUSA has announced "price adjustments" starting June 23rd; see previous story). They've also now pointed out the potential for earnings impacts at a top-level. Some form of tariff-induced change now should be considered a permanent fixture, not a temporary adjustment. Even at its lowest form (10% new tariff), that's still too much for most companies to absorb without adjusting pricing. We could be in for a rise in list prices that's mitigated by instant rebates trying to move any larger-than-wanted inventory, in which case pricing for some items might seem not to have adjusted, but I think that's a short term thing. I wouldn't count on that staying true long-term. Which brings me back to "stock at existing prices" being something you shouldn't ignore. There are some good bargains there. - Buy the Z9 generation cameras. If you don't know what those are, here's the list: Z50II, Z5II, Z6III, Z8, Z9, and Zf. Yes, I know the Z5, Z6II, and Z7II look very tempting at the current rebate pricing (US$1000, US$1400, and US$1800 respectively). They're even very fine cameras in their own right, and probably more than enough camera for many. However, I hear from people buying Z System cameras every day and I hear what they're frustrated with or complaining about. Many (if not most) of those complaints go away with the Z9 generation. In particular the focus performance, but there are other things that people find helpful, too. That new Picture Control button on the Z50II and Z5II should really appeal to someone wanting out-of-camera images (JPEGs), as it surfaces a primary tool in a way that is fast and direct (and can be customized).
Sure, if you're only photographing landscapes and cityscapes at small apertures with lots of depth of field, then the focus performance of the Z7II isn't going to bother you and you'll get results exactly as good as the Z8/Z9 for that, but that one time that you're suddenly dragged into being your family event's photographer will tax you ;~). Moreover, I'd argue that for static landscapes/cityscapes, the pixel shift on the Z6III and Zf would produce a better result for blowing up large (96mp deBayered instead of 45mp Bayer).
On the DX front, the Z50II is only US$50 more than the Zfc, but there's just so much more to it that it exposes just how much you value looks (retro dials and faux leather colors) over substance.
Despite some intriguing pricing, I'd say you need to know why it is that you're going to buy a previous generation camera over the newer ones, and you need to be pretty sure that something about that previous generation won't be frustrating to you. - Full frame US$1000-2100 is jam-packed at the moment. Nikon (and other makers) are fishing for more full frame customers right now. There's never been a broader and deeper set of choices at the entry to high-consumer level. Z5 US$1000. Z6II US$1400. Z5II US$1700. Zf and Z7II US$1800. Z6III US$2100. That's seven Nikon models spread across a fairly narrow pricing range (all but one a 24mp camera). Simply put, the Z6III is the best of this bunch, the Z5II remarkably close. (Note both are Z9 generation; see previous bullet.) If you're buying a kit lens along with the camera, the discounts with the Z6III make it even more tempting compared to the Z5II with the same lens. If you're not buying one of those two cameras, you have to ask yourself what are truly willing to give up to spend less money. On specs, the Z6II looks like it might be worth the US$300 discount compared to the Z5II. In actual hand and practice, though, I'd be disappointed with what I could do with the Z6II far faster than with the Z5II.
- The best all-round deals right now are... The Z50II with the two lens kit, the Z5II body (if you have existing lenses), or the Z6III with the 24-70mm f/4 lens.
Given the price changes coming June 23rd, you need to seriously consider your spring/summer buying now, or risk paying more by delaying your decision.
