Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I currently am using a z8 and z6ii but am hanging on to the D500. I would like to go all in for mirrorless but Nikon so far hasn't built a replacement for the D500. I like using the 500 with a longer lens since it turns the 200-500 into a 300-750. The z crop sensor cameras are not a replacement in my opinion but more of an entry-level camera. Does anyone think a more professional/enthusiast crop sensor body is likely?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I personally am not holding my breath for such a camera. The crop sensor was a manufacturing compromise, because it was just too difficult to make "full size" sensors. Now that sensor technology is more mature, that motivation is not nearly as strong. It is also going to be ever more difficult for companies to support making multiple formats if the market continues to shrink.

The next "new" camera that I buy (if it happens) will be a Z8 or whatever similar model is available when that happens. But I do not plan to ever get rid of my D500s. They are just too good (for everything, not just birds, sports, and wildlife). Several here like to make fun of me for having that attitude, but I really don't care. Their ignorance doesn't phase me in the least.

So my advice is to take good care of that D500. You might even consider buying a second one if you can find a nice one at a good price.

fantom Loc: Colorado

You can easily turn the Z8 full frame into a crop sensor camera thru a couple of clicks in the i menu, if that is what you are looking for.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I know you can, but I like having a crop-sensor body set up one way, and a FF another way. I also know by using different menus like A menu and B menu you can customize the 8 to perform differently with the click of a button or two. I may do that, but for me carrying two bodies, one set up one way and the other set differently has always been my preference.

dsnoke Loc: North Georgia, USA

On YouTube, there is a video predicting a Z90 this year. APS-C sensor, 33 MP and I forget what all. No date, and no confirmation from Nikon.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Lots of rumours. You could try googling Nikon rumours or try HERE on YouTube.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

I had my Z50 out the other day shooting some surfing, I hooked it to the 100-400 and even used the Nikon doubler...man, I'm impressed by the results! That little camera is a gem...I don't think I'd go out shooting small, fast birds, but big slow ones it'd do fine (and the surfing shots were outstanding). Cheap, you should investigate!

BebuLamar

I don't know if Nikon would do it. It has to have at least 24MP, at least same AF and frame rate as the Z8 and priced below $2000.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

It would also have to have the professional user interface/operating system (like the Z8, not the Z7) to be a true replacement. My impression is that a camera called a Z90 will be a consumer-grade camera by the current nomenclature. There are also a whole host of other requirements. I would expect a price much closer to $3000. It's closest relative would be the Z8, not the lower-tier murrorless cameras.

Judy795

I love my 2 d500s. I would also like to have a Z9 but worry about weight and costs of the camera and Z lenses.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

If weight is a problem, go with the z8 which is essentially the same camera as the z9 without the weight of the battery pack. As for lenses, you could stay with the ones you use on the D500s. Some people fear the adaptor would degrade photos but it does not. Eventually, you may want to transition to z glass but you would not have to.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I would like to go all in for mirrorless..." Why Mike? Please share what perceived reason(s) drove this goal?

In my brief analysis the primary commercial photographers that truly benefit from the mirrorless paradigm (in my humble estimation) are the Sports/Action crew... It is here that mirrorless walks away from DSLR's (you can easily see this for yourself in the UHH Sports Forum or on flickr). Other than that I have found no compelling reason to abandon my substantial investment in F-Mount glass since even DxOmark rates Nikon's D810 and D850 IQ equal and/or better than Nikon's mirrorless offerings.

That said, currently I'm only interested in shooting commercially for recompense, a.k.a. for me the "thrill & joy" has long since gone so either I'm shooting for a client or I'll pursue other avenues more lucrative than photography... Such as Bridal Makeup Artistry which pays considerably more per/hour that wedding shooters typically make (per hour invested).

My question to you Mike is how many of your paying clients actually asked you "What Brand/Model camera are you using? I have yet to have a client ask me this, they only ask how soon they can have their deliverables

A very wise gentleman once enlightened me when I shared with him that my camera wasn't state of the art.
"and old clunker it may be, but try to replace it and we shall see..."
That was in the 1970's and I was shooting an F3...
Funny how nothing ever changes, just the players.

Food for thought Mike "It's a poor craft-person indeed that blames their kit for want of success."

If however you are paying the bills shooting sports at even the high school level then mirrorless can be (and often is) an empowering tool of choice. At the college and professional level check out those with credentials shooting from close in on the sidelines... It is there you'll likely find the Kit that has been validated through many, many hundreds of hours. Or you can get on flickr and search the top shooters portfolios where you can see precisely what kit they are plying their craft with. Got to love flickr, especially if you've ponied up for a Pro Account (which btw, suppress all the obnoxious ads like those you see on so many photography sites.

Hope this makes sense Mike... Wishing you much success with your Epic D500!

Oh, and maybe pick up several more D500s since the market availability is crazy high now.
As I type this mpb has seventeen D500's listed for sale!

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Good thoughts, Thomas. You are right, one shouldn't have to feel it has to be one or the other. Just because I like the newer technology of mirrorless, doesn't mean there is anything wrong with DSLRs. I plan to keep a few of the legacy Nikon lenses anyway like the 85 f1.4 and 70-200 f.2.8. These will be perfectly at home on the mirrorless bodies as well as a D500. I shoot very little for pay. People who know I have 40 years of experience in photography will call on me a couple of times a year for a shoot but 95+ % of everything I do is strictly for the enjoyment of doing photography. I'm 73 and retired so the dollars aren't there to replace all my Nikon glass with the equivalent in z glass. I will continue to use some DSLR lenses for the foreseeable future.

Thanks again for your input.

Bill_de Loc: US

You forgot the link.

https://www.nikoncafe.com/threads/z90-on-the-horizon.350937/

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mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

So why not buy a second Z8 and set it in DX mode, leave the other in FX mode?