I definitely think this could be a hit for Nikon. People are already using the ZR as a photo camera, and people have been wanting a smaller Z body. Unless it's much smaller than the ZF or has a higher MP sensor, I will most likely pass, as the ZF has been working well as my smaller camera.
I can totally see Nikon sticking with the 24mp sensor in the ZF / Z5II. It's a great sensor, 24mp will be more forgiving on compact / vintage lenses, and the base ISO of 100 over 64 helps a bit with slower aperture lenses. But after 10+ years of using 36-61mp cameras, I can't help but at times wish for some more MP.
I want to see Nikon embrace that new smarter hotshoe tech and start making removable EVFs. This (if EVF-less) and the ZR would be super cool to see that on.
The rumor site, in their "what we know so far" bullet points has "competition to the Sony A7C series" as the top item. It isn't competition to the A7C series without an EVF. Maybe market research has found that most A7C users don't use the EVF, find it to be a hindrance, and wish it wasn't there. /s
The Nikon ZR, Panasonic S9, Sigma BF anf Sigma FP do not have an EVF, so even if there is no EVF there must be a user market for such a camera. I have heard people complaining about the quality of the EVF on the a7c line too. The best option is probably an external EVF like the Nikon 1 v3 had. The camera can keep a cheaper base price and a more compact form factor, and then the external EVF has more freedom to be larger and higher quality.
p.2 #10 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
Of course there's a market, or the Ricoh GR wouldn't be on its 4th generation. The question is how big can you make it before people stop buying it for lack of an EVF. We don't really know yet.
p.2 #11 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
ZR-esque with a nice big LCD and Z5ii/zf sensor and I can overlook an EVF I think. I just got back from a backpacking trip and framing on the LCD was fine, especially on a tripod. This might be the mtb cam I've been looking for.
p.2 #12 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
I have come to realize that the only reason I want an EVF is that I need reading glasses to see the writing on the LCD. Other than that the S9 was great.
p.2 #13 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
Integrated EVF and I will buy based on the photo quality I get from the ZR. Even with the ZR's large bright screen it is too easy to miss compositional details, or it takes longer to squint and find focus with manual lenses ( even Z native ones with green box confirmation ).
A clip on EVF, while it technically solves the viewing problem, makes the camera more difficult to put into a bag, or pull it out, as the protrusion catches on the fabric, so a low profile bag cannot be used. I say this as a Leica M10 with Visoflex user, and a M EV1 user - the latter is far preferable in this respect.
p.2 #15 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
If it’s stylish and small there will be a market for it, fixed lens or not, EVF or not. I’m very happy with my Z5II for now and have no immediate plans for a new camera (lenses, on the other hand…), but I’m happy to see some Nikon buzz for once this year.
p.2 #16 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
Maybe I'm in the minority but a small camera with a decent lcd and mechanical shutter with manual focus aids could be right up my alley. I'd love something smaller/lighter than the ZF.
p.2 #18 · Looks like a Z5iiC is dropping next week
I'm very interested in this as an upgrade path for my son's Z30.
I think if it's ~1500 new, for me personally it will need something to separate it from a used ZR in the same price range. I sold my ZR instead of waiting for the much needed firmware updates to make it more well-rounded, and will get another if all the talked about features actually get added... But maybe this instead?
I think the 24 vs ~60mp sensor debate is very valid. The IQ from this 24mp unit is great and it's very flexible, along with being quite affordable to cram in all the bodies, but having extra pixels is really really nice.
This cannot and will not compete with the A7C without an EVF. This is to take out the S9, and I guess the ZVE1. But I will be surprised if Nikon gives us an actually competitive video feature set- will it have open gate or desqueeze?
