Nikon 2026: From the Z9II to Cinema Glass – A Complete Breakdown of Matt Irwin’s Predictions

Matt Irwin expects the following NIkon announcement in 2026:

Camera Bodies

  • Nikon Z9II (Flagship): Development announcement expected between March and September 2026. Features likely include “XP8” processing and RED technology integration.
  • Nikon Z500 / Z90: A high-end APS-C flagship with a stacked 26MP sensor aimed at the D500-legacy wildlife/sports market.
  • Nikon ZRC / Z30R: A professional-grade APS-C cinema camera, effectively an APS-C version of the current full-frame Nikon ZR.
  • Advanced Cine Body: A dedicated cinema camera positioned between the Red Komodo and the Nikon ZR.

Lenses

  • Z Cinema Lenses: A set of 3 to 6 autofocus-capable cinema lenses. The first 2 or 3 are expected by Q2 2026.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 S Version 2: A redesigned professional workhorse featuring new AF protocols to unlock “hidden” focusing prowess.
  • 100-300mm (or 120-300mm): A high-end “tentpole” lens for sports and wildlife, potentially featuring a built-in teleconverter or Phase Fresnel (PF) technology.
  • Ultra-Wide Prime: A 14mm or 16mm f/1.8 S-line prime designed for astro, interiors, and gimbal work.
  • Exotic Primes: Possible development of ultra-fast glass, such as a 50mm f/1.0 with autofocus.

Firmware & Updates

  • Nikon ZR Major Updates: Version 1.5 expected mid-year and Version 2.0 by late 2026, likely addressing Log video concerns and adding anamorphic desqueeze.
  • Feature Trickle-down: New UI features (like red histogram lines and timecode improvements) moving across the Expeed 7 camera range.

First image sample shot with the upcoming Insta360 (fixed lens?) digital camera

What you see here on top is the first image shot on a new and yet to be announced Insta360 camera. It has been posted by the CEO of Insta360. He said that he is testing the new camera’s focal length.

Currently, no further details about the new device have been disclosed. Based on existing leaks, the new Insta360 digital camera might feature:

  • A lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8
  • Capability to capture images at a resolution of 5280×3956
  • A white body coating
  • An independent button for switching between photo and video modes
  • A large image sensor size

Source: Weibo

Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens

Here are the first leaked images of the new Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300 f/2.8 TC VR S lens!

It features VR image stabilization, a built-in TC teleconverter, and is positioned as a high-end S-series lens, suitable for shooting sports, news, landscapes, and wildlife. Announcement is likely to happen at the CP+ show!

via Rednote