My analysis of Nikon's October 2019 launches

After merely announcing the development of the D6 flagship DSLR and a 120-300mm f/2.8 F-mount lens a month ago, Nikon had finally released multiple products on October 10th just in time for the holiday season. I find the timing as well as the way they did it and what they said very interesting, so here's some of my opinions on each product and at the end I will summarize what it all means in the grand scheme of things.

1. NIKON Z50 (DX camera)

The Nikon Z50 naturally received the most attention, because it's a product that is attainable and interesting to the broadest public. With a price point of 860 USD for the body (and 1000 USD with the 16-50 mm kit lens), Nikon has entered a lower mid-range segment to compete with cameras like the Sony Alpha a6400 that retails at 900 USD for the body (1000 USD with the 16-50mm kit lens), the Fuji X-T30 that retails for 900 USD for the body (1300 USD with the 18-55mm kit lens), and Canon EOS M6 Mark II that retails $850 for the body (and 1100 USD with the 15-45mm Lens and EVF-DC2 Viewfinder) and the Olympus PEN-F that retails 1000 USD for the body, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 with the 12-60mm lens that retails for 1000 USD. All these reference prices are valid for the US and are taken from B&H and don't include various discounts and promotions. Due to this price point between 800-1100 USD being very attractive for consumers and there being so many offerings from various manufacturers, large retailers very frequently offer discounts of 100-200 USD to boost the sales of a particular model for a limited period of time. I am very sure that after a few months of this launch, especially in Spring 2020, Nikon will also offer discounts and promotions for the Z50, which will make this camera even more attractive. Due to the price point, this camera offers a lot of value: It features the excellent 20.9 mpxl sensor found in prosumer cameras like the D7500 and D500. According to several tests it should have excellent low light performance and great dynamic range. And paired with some of the new S-Line lenses, perhaps the 24-70mm f/4 (you'll get an approximate focal range of 35-105mm), this could be a really high-quality prosumer camera in a very small foot print. The fact that it offers 4k 30fps video, a dedicated EVF, a flip out-screen with touch screen navigation, 2 fn buttons next to the lens like the Z6 and Z7 full frame counterparts, as well as 2 scroll wheels, make this camera a real powerhouse at that price point and almost a steal. While Nikon's marketing is heavily focused on teens and twens with this camera, I can see it becoming a staple secondary camera for Nikon F-mount shooters, especially wildlife shooters that need extra range and want a lighter kit (like people who shoot wildlife with a D810 or D850 for example).

Here's a great first look of this camera by Youtuber Ricci Talks.

2. NIKKOR 16-50mm and 50-250mm (DX lenses)

There was a lot of speculation about whether Nikon will launch any DX lenses for the Z mount, as initially their roadmap only showed high end FX lenses. They have meanwhile released a new roadmap that has changed that (you can see it here) and is much more promising. Nikon has a lot on their plate to make the Z system a viable alternative to their F-mount DSLRs, but I believe they will deliver. While these two DX lenses are nothing for me (I only shoot full frame), I believe they add a lot of value to those who just need a small and light camera. I do have some concerns regarding the 16-50mm's widest aperture of f/6.3 at 50mm, but I will wait and see what the reviewers say after they test it in low light. On the other hand, I cannot expect a low light monster at such a low price point.

Nikon Z50 and DX lenses.

3. NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens

Everything that is extremely expensive is polarizing these days, and Nikon's new Noct lens is no exception to that. With it's 2kg in weight it's heavy and bulky, and with the 8000 USD price tag it's unattainable for most hobby photographers. And there's a reason behind it: It's not meant for them. It's meant for real pros that will need this lens to actually make money and basically a return on this investment in the longer run. It's also going to be a staple of few rental houses, but I don't expect this lens to be stocked. They'll be made for order, and will sell in very low quantities. Nikon won't make a lot of money with it, but this lens will give them prestige. It helps to elevate the new mount, it highlights Nikon's engineering excellency in optics in the past 100 years, it's basically more of a statement that an actual product that will yield short term profits to them. This is a long term investment, and I believe the lens is very future proof. I can imagine 100 mpxl FF sensors being the norm 10 years from now, and combined with lenses like these such camera kits will be a dream for astro photographers. I'm glad Nikon made this lens and launched it merely a year after their Z system was born. I'll probably never own it, but if one day I have the chance to rent it or borrow it for a few snaps, I would surely love to try. I love technology, and this lens is a step forward in ultra-fast lens design.

Here is Nikon's promotional video of the new Noct lens.

4. NIKON MB-N10 Battery Pack for Nikon Z6/Z7

A lot of Nikon fans are clamoring about why Nikon didn't launch a real battery grip for the Z6/Z7, but for me it's not really that important. I think one reason would be that the market for these grips is very small right now, and Nikon has a lot of other projects on their plate, so a battery grip is not on their priority list. From engineering standpoint, a battery pack is much easier to design and manufacture, so at the end of the day this is still better than nothing. What I like about this battery pack is the fact that it makes the Z6/Z7 more ergonomic. I have an issue where my pinky finger slips under the grip, so adding this battery pack seems to solve this. What I don't like is the extra size, weight and cost. With the pack the camera kit looks as big as my D810. I would really need to test this out and see whether the ergonomics improve so much that I would accept the extra bulk. It's hard to say anything without testing it here, and I'm sure I will have the chance one day (and will write about it here). A great feature of this battery pack is that the batteries are hot swappable. You can record and swap one battery, the recording won't stop. So this product is definitely for people who are into videos.

Michael Dontigney explains why Nikon's battery pack is great.

Here's a great first look of this battery pack by Youtuber Ricci Talks.

Final thoughts

While I will not buy any of these products too soon (still happy with my D810 and F-mount lenses), I am very intrigued by the development of the Z system. Personally I'm definitely interested in the Z6 for its low light and video capabilities, as well as being a better option for adapting old manual lenses, but I have not yet pulled the trigger, because I want to see if Nikon's next generation Z6 will offer better ergonomics, or if not how much will it push prices down of the current Z6. I'm happy Nikon is delivering hip and cool products that still look very Nikon-esque, are built very well, and offer a fresh new solution in addition to what they already have with their DSLRs. Nikon is definitely not doomed, they are just in a big transition period right now. I'm also glad that Rob Harmon, a Senior Commerical Planning Manager of Nikon UK, stated recently in an interview that Nikon's "strategy is to run both systems (DSLR & Mirrorless) alongside each other. There are advantages of each and there are still users who prefer using an optical viewfinder and having the longer battery life you get with a DSLR camera. A lot of people are moving to mirrorless for video functionality and the size of the product. Our strategy is to absolutely run both products alongside each other." This is really significant, and I can't wait to see if there will be a successor to the D850 and D750 and how they'll look like. I'm also excited about a higher-end Nikon Z, and of course all the upcoming lenses, especially the 28mm and 40mm pancakes. I think generally the industry is innovating very well right now despite the shrinking market, but a lot of people are complaining, because complaining online is the new pastime for hobbyists.

Nikon is cool again.

What is your opinion on Nikon's new launches and their strategy?