When I first started writing about photography in any professional capacity, Nikon was widely seen in the camera business as one of the unassailable ‘big two’ brands, alongside Canon. But in recent years it’s slipped behind not only Canon, but also Sony and, most recently, Fujifilm, in terms of market share.
The above is no surprise as it’s neither released, or, at the time of writing, even announced, anything new for 2026.
The most recent significant Nikon cameras to appear were the Z5II, an entry-level full-frame mirrorless announced way back in spring 2025, plus the video-first ZR, a collaboration born out of its acquisition of the brand RED, announced last September. So, there’s been nothing new for a full year, at best.
That’s left the rumour mill wide open and commentators scrambling to share ideas of what Nikon could, or should, release next. Might there, for example, be a photography first version of the ZR on the way, or something with its form factor?
Or might, given the demand for fixed-lens compact cameras which we’re constantly told are outpacing all other categories in terms of sales and shipments, Nikon resurrect the idea of a Nikon DL series with a 1-inch sensor, mooted a decade ago but which, unusually for the brand, never made it to market? Back then the demand for compacts was seemingly shrinking. But, however, the opposite is now true.
Something that outwardly resembles the Nikon Zf and Zfc, or at least scoops up some of its DNA, would surely go further towards helping seal the deal for any photographers seeking a retro-styled compact that’s portable, practical, takes great pictures, but moreover, looks to die for. Or could we see a mini-Nikon Z9?
Given the success of high quality, fixed lens compacts including Fujifilm’s much-in-demand X100VI, it feels like a no brainer for Nikon to release something that might come close to competing, satiating Nikon fans seeking a high-quality, street-photography-enabling compact. Moreover, it feels slightly criminal that it hasn’t already released a ‘Fuji X100VI killer’.
Potentially more concrete, but for my money less exciting ‘new’ camera rumors, including potential Z9II and Z7III upgrades, have a greater chance of becoming true before we see anything resembling the above from Nikon. But we can dream.
For my money, away from higher-end, more prestigious models, Nikon is already missing a trick by not reimagining or even re-introducing snapshot cameras from its pocket-sized CoolPix range. Like Panasonic and Canon have done, Nikon could conceivably re-hash formerly discontinued examples in a flashy titanium colored shell, or, failing that, blush pink, and have a new TikTok-watching Gen Z photographer audience immediately on board.
Let’s hope we see a late 2026 release from what continues to be one of the biggest names in the photography business, to save us all guessing. Come on Nikon, what are you waiting for?
