Is Viltrox Really Building a Camera to Compete with Nikon?

Viltrox has been one of the most sought-after third-party lens brands to work with. However, since Nikon has sued Viltrox, there have been waves of new reports of varying kinds. One of the latest articles points out that Viltrox is keen on launching a new camera that offers a Z-mount. How is that possible? Let’s find out.

According to Photo Rumors, reports from Chinese photography forums have revealed that Viltrox could be developing its own mirrorless camera body. The twist, of course, is the use of the Nikon Z mount, the same mount that is at the center of an active legal dispute. In fact, Viltrox even hinted this to us last year in an interview then told other publications that that wasn’t what they said. However, Viltrox never contacted us for any sort of corrections on this.

The report is announced after Viltrox filed a patent in China involving the Nikon Z mount. This was initially about the design of the lens, but now a lot of people are talking about how this could also result in a whole new camera. Some Chinese commentators are framing this as a defensive move, one where Viltrox will control its own hardware if Nikon restricts Viltrox from making its own lens over licensing and royalties. This is a bold assumption, but one can’t dismiss it either, given what is happening in the market.

The legal challenges make a Viltrox camera with a Z-mount an unlikely preposition. The Chinese company is already being sued over the Z-mount lenses, and so a new camera would also mean more legal troubles. Moreover, building a whole new camera is also fundamentally different than creating newer lenses. It would require research into sensors, processors, IBIS systems, EVFs, and firmware ecosystems, all of which need investment. Yongnuo did try, but they failed, and Sigma offered their own camera but also was not able to sell well. Viltrox, despite its success, will need back up to be able to do this.

If they are indeed ready, then it makes more sense to create an L-mount camera as the company is a part of the L-Mount Alliance. The company can have a royalty-clear route and create a mirrorless cam that supports Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma lenses with ease. The latter can make slightly more business than going after Nikon. To that end, we really don’t think that they’re going to build a Z-mount camera.

While reports like this must be taken with a pinch of salt, if proven true, this could also mean that Viltrox may develop a camera inspired by or similar to Nikon’s Z-mount. It can be different enough to avoid infringement but to maintain compatibility with Z-mount glass. An open alternative could also challenge Nikon’s system, especially since Chinese products are far cheaper than Japanese or European products.

This also means Chinese optical brands may no longer be interested in the accessories market alone. Viltrox, in particular, has improved its quality and a camera body also signals their ambition or hunger for more.

At the moment, we can only think of the patent as just an idea, rather than a concrete product. It’s worth watching what it can offer.