Rumour | Full-frame Nikon Zf retro camera or Z6 III update coming as soon as September with a firmly midrange price tag

After a fairly tumultuous Z8 launch, rumour has it that Nikon is planning on launching yet another full-frame mirrorless camera as soon as August or September. According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon is planning on launching a retro-styled camera to complement the existing Zfc APS-C body, but the proposed launch timing and Nikon's regular release schedule indicate that it may instead be a Z6 III, which is overdue already.

Not all that much is known about the upcoming full-frame camera, except the price, and that its existence is more or less confirmed by Indonesian certification documentation.

Whether it turns out to be the retro-styled Zf — an unconfirmed naming suggestion — to slot in above the APS-C Zfc, or the Z6 III everyone has been waiting for, the camera will supposedly come with a price tag of around US$2,000 to US$2,500, putting it right around the price of the Z6 II.

That pricing might be a good indicator of what's to come, though, since the Zfc costs almost 12% more than the Z50, despite sharing all of the same hardware. The Nikon Z6 and Z6 II both launched at almost exactly US$2,000, with the standard lens kit coming in at US$2,599, so it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine a replacement Z6 III coming in 2023. A hypothetical Zf, though, would likely start at around US$2,300, rather than the rumoured US$2,000.

Although, a Zf would be a welcome addition to Nikon's line-up, especially for those photographers who prefer retro dials and looks, an update to the Z6 lineup seems more plausible. If Nikon did launch a retro-inspired full-frame camera, though, it would likely use the same hardware as the Z6 II, mimicking the relationship between the Z50 and the Zfc.

Using the Z6 II hardware for a Zf camera would mean a 25 MP BSI-CMOS sensor with five stops of five-axis in-body image stabilisation, and the spectacular autofocus speed that Nikon is known for. A setup like that would probably satisfy most photographers who would go out of their way to pay extra for the aesthetics of a Zf retro camera.

It is also possible that Nikon would use the internals from the Z7 II in a Zf camera, although the Z7 II still sells for US$3,000, making the price tag a bit pie-in-the-sky.

Nikon has had its retro-themed Nikkor Z 28 mm f/2.8 SE prime lens in its lineup for quite some time, now, and it seems odd that its retro looks and full-frame compatibility should be wasted on an entry-level APS-C camera, like the Zfc.

While many may be hoping for a full-frame retro from Nikon to replace the late, great Df camera, whatever this new camera ends up being will likely be a hybrid powerhouse, given Nikon's impressive showing of late.

Buy a Nikon Z 6 II full-frame mirrorless stills/video hybrid camera on Amazon.