'No viewfinder, no deal' — why Nikon's new rumored full-frame compact is already dividing fans | Tech Radar
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'No viewfinder, no deal' — why Nikon's new rumored full-frame compact is already dividing fans
The Fujifilm, Sony, Leica and Ricoh alternative we need?
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Nikon could be making a fixed-lens compact camera in the mold of its ZR mirrorless cinema camera (above). (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
Nikon is being tipped to release a fixed-lens full-frame compact camera
It could have a similar form factor to the Nikon ZR, meaning no viewfinder
That's despite it supposedly being for photography, with no video capabilities
Nikon could be working on a fixed-lens compact camera to rival popular models such as the Fujifilm X100VI, Ricoh GR IV, Sony RX1R III, and Leica Q3, and its rumored specs make for, let's just say, interesting reading.
That's according to Nikon Rumors, which suggests that Nikon will launch a full-frame compact this year, having changed tack from earlier this year when it was suggesting that a photography-centered variation of the Nikon ZR mirrorless cinema camera was en route.
The post then goes on to detail a surprising list of features, which, when combined, make for curious reading. It's the potential omission of a viewfinder that has sparked a strong reaction among fans in the comments section.
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One Nikon fan reacted by writing, "It's not a stills-oriented camera if it doesn't have a viewfinder", while another simply wrote, "No viewfinder, no deal".
I'm still intrigued by Nikon's potential fixed-lens full-frame compact and believe it could fill a gaping hole in the premium compact camera market. Here's why...
The Nikon ZR cinema camera, which Nikon's rumored fixed-lens compact could look like(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
The premium Leica Q3 — compact by name, but not by nature(Image credit: Future)
The RX1R III is the most obvious rival to Nikon's potential work in progress, and I would expect the Nikon to come in costing much, much less. (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
The RX1R III features a viewfinder, but its screen is fixed(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
And then there's the Ricoh GR IV which is a truly pocketable camera, but its sensor is smaller, being APS-C(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)
And how can I leave out the model that has popularized fixed-lens compact cameras, the Fujifilm X100VI(Image credit: Future)
Ever since premium fixed-lens compact cameras trended, thanks in no small part to the Fujifilm X100 series, I've been keeping my eye out for Nikon to get in on the action, especially knowing how good value it can be.
It also has a lesser-known history in this space — its (long-discontinued) Coolpix A was a tiny fixed-lens compact with 28mm f/2.8 lens and 16MP APS-C sensor, similar to the Ricoh GR series (I attended the product launch in 2013, long before my Tech Radar days).
The latest rumors suggest my wait for a modern-day Nikon fixed-lens compact could soon be over, and it could be a full-frame model.
That would give it a sensor size advantage over the Fujifilm X100VI and the Ricoh GR IV with their APS-C sensors, and I predict an affordability angle over the Sony RX1R III and Leica Q3, which are extremely pricey full-frame compacts.
All those premium compacts are wildly popular and fabulous — I should know, I've tested them all — but there's an obvious gap that I believe Nikon could fill: an affordable full-frame option. I predict that this rumored camera could come in at up to half the price of the Sony and Leica cameras.
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The rumored features, however, leave me with mixed feelings. I like the sound of a high-resolution full-frame sensor (perhaps the current 45MP one found in the Z8 and other models, but not the stacked type?). Also, a slimline body measuring somewhere between 22-25mm in depth sounds positively tiny (though presumably the built-in lens will protrude).
I'm less excited, however, by the prospect of no in-body image stabilization and no viewfinder. And most surprising of all is the suggestion that this mystery camera won't have video recording.
Let that sink in. This could be a photography-only camera, yet one without a viewfinder. In a recent poll about viewfinders, I asked our readers if they would buy a camera without a viewfinder, and the majority said no.
That being said, rumors suggest that a hotshoe will feature, and it will accept, an optional EVF accessory. It seems that Nikon could be prioritizing compact dimensions and a low price over certain built-in features, instead offering them as optional extras, such as a removable EVF.
There could also be a tilt touchscreen, which, for me, is preferable over the fixed screens in the Ricoh GR IV and Sony RX1R III. For all my concerns, I'm still excited by the rumored camera's potential.
What do you make of the Nikon fixed-lens compact camera rumors? Is this the kind of camera you'd be interested in trying? Let me know in the comments below.
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Tim is the Cameras editor at Tech Radar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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