A sub $1,000 Full Frame Mirrorless camera from Nikon would really shake up the camera market.
In the not too distant past it was impossible to find Full Frame cameras for prices that could be considered affordable, but oh how times have changed. We are living in a world where photographers can now get their hands on Full Frame Mirrorless cameras for just over $1,000. While that’s not ‘cheap’ it’s a heck of a lot less than they used to be. A recent report now states that Nikon may be joining the affordable Full Frame Mirrorless camera club too with an offering that may cost just $900. Join us after the break for more info, and to see what we would like to see in such a camera.
A recent article over at Canon Watch reported that Nikon will introduce an entry-level Mirrorless camera in 2019 that will not be more expensive than 100,000 yen. That puts this new Full Frame Mirrorless camera firmly in the $900 ballpark. The report goes on to say that the same interchangeable lens system that’s used by Z6 and Z7 will be used on this new camera too. The reasoning behind this low price is that Nikon can attract new users instead of having to rely on enthusiasts who are already using Nikon cameras.
Now, to be clear, at no point in the article does it say that this new camera will be a Full Frame Mirrorless camera; it could very well end up being APS-C for all we know. Knowing that Nikon wants to get a one up over Canon and their EOS RP, and that the lens mount (and current lenses) is based on Full Frame sensors, we tend to think that it will indeed be a Full Frame Mirrorless camera.
This report begs the question, what exactly could you get in a Full Frame Mirrorless camera that costs less than $1,000? Honestly we would like to see a Megapixel count that is at least equal to the Canon EOS RP. In reality, we would probably see a variant of the 24.5 Megapixel sensor used in the Z6, which would be a good thing; the sensor in the Z6 is very capable.
The construction will likely be plastic so that production costs can be lower. That’s okay as long as it’s built solidly with perhaps a touch of weather sealing (more than likely, there will be none). Dual card slots will really differentiate it from the EOS RP too and would be a welcome inclusion as well.
In order to cut costs, we may very well see the EVF being removed from the entry-level Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless camera, as well as the top mounted LCD. If that were to be the case, the rear LCD would need to be of high quality. The touchscreen on the Z6 is more than adequate, so keeping that would be great. And for the love of Pete, please keep a max shutter speed of 1/8000, and not the 1/4000 that’s found in the EOS RP. It would also be in Nikon’s best interest not to cripple 4K video. If Nikon is serious about attracting new customers this camera would need to compete with the Sony a6400 when it comes to video capabilities in this price range.
We are sure that IBIS will be removed in order to shave costs. The screen could also be fixed instead of being able to tilt. Who knows really. The sub $1,000 price point for a Full Frame Mirrorless cameras is uncharted territory. One thing is for sure, being able to produce, and more importantly turn a profit on any camera is important so there will definitely be major cuts somewhere. Lets just hope they limit them to what’s mentioned above.
If the sensor and the image processor remain the same, and their capabilities are kept intact, a $900 Full Frame Mirrorless camera like this will sell quite well. The ball’s in your court, Nikon. Make it count. What would you like to see in a sub $1,000 Full Frame Mirrorless camera? Let us know in the comment section below