Rumors of Nikon’s long‑awaited APS‑C flagship, the Z90, are picking up momentum again after a quiet period. The camera is positioned as the true mirrorless successor to the beloved D500 for wildlife and sports shooters. Leaks from Nikon Rumors and Chinese sources in late 2025 suggest that prototypes are currently in testing, with an announcement possibly coming in mid‑2026 or later. Some sources believe the timeline may slip due to Nikon’s focus on cinema cameras and full‑frame refresh cycles.
In the Z‑mount ecosystem, DX lenses have seen recent additions while bodies have lagged behind. The Z90 could challenge Canon’s R7 and Fujifilm’s X‑H2S for enthusiasts who want reach and speed without the weight or cost of full‑frame systems.
Sensor, Speed and Autofocus
The core rumor centers on a 32 to 33 megapixel APS‑C sensor, with both non‑stacked and partially stacked variants mentioned. This resolution would offer strong cropping flexibility for wildlife shooters while still enabling 15 to 20 frames per second continuous shooting with improved buffer depth.
Autofocus performance is expected to borrow heavily from the Expeed 7 generation, similar to the Z6 III. AI subject detection for animals, birds and vehicles is rumored, addressing the D500’s aging limitations in modern tracking scenarios.
Video leaks point to oversampled 4K/60p with minimal crop. There is no indication of 8K recording, likely to maintain separation from Nikon’s FX‑line flagships.
Body Design and Handling
Build rumors describe a pro‑oriented body with magnesium alloy construction, dual card slots using CFexpress and SD, and improved weather sealing. The weight is expected to be around 600 grams, making it suitable for long days in the field.
The electronic viewfinder may upgrade to a 5.76‑million‑dot OLED, and a fully articulating touchscreen is likely. IBIS performance is estimated at around 7 stops, and battery life is rumored to exceed 500 shots. Together, these features position the Z90 as a “mini Z9” for DX users.
Market Position and Strategy
Nikon’s long silence in the APS‑C segment has frustrated many fans, but recent DX lens releases suggest renewed commitment to the format. If the Z90 arrives with the rumored specifications and a price between 2,000 and 2,500 USD, it could reignite enthusiasm for Nikon’s crop‑sensor lineup, especially as Canon currently dominates the speed‑focused APS‑C market.
Some analysts believe Nikon’s cinema priorities could push the Z90 into 2027. Even so, the D500’s enduring legacy continues to create demand for a worthy successor, and third‑party options like Sigma are not filling the gap for native Z‑mount integration.
Key Specifications (Rumored)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mount | Nikon Z‑mount |
| Format | APS‑C (DX) |
| Sensor | 32 to 33MP CMOS (non‑stacked or partially stacked) |
| Processor | Expeed 7 |
| Autofocus | Advanced hybrid AF with AI subject detection |
| Continuous Shooting | 15 to 20fps |
| Video | 4K/60p oversampled, potential N‑Log |
| Image Stabilization | Approximately 7‑stop IBIS |
| Viewfinder | Approximately 5.76m‑dot OLED (speculated) |
| LCD | Fully articulating touchscreen |
| Storage | Dual slots (CFexpress + SD) |
| Battery Life | More than 500 shots |
| Weather Sealing | Dust and moisture resistant |
Expected to retail around 2,000 to 2,500, with an announcement possibly in mid‑2026.