Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera said to be in development

Nikon is once again believed to be developing a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor which could be announced by the end of 2015 or in early 2016.

The rumor mill has spoken about the possibility of a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera for a long time. The speculation was fueled by Dirk Jasper, a Product Manager for the company’s European branch, at the Photokina 2014 event where he admitted that the Japan-based manufacturer may release a professional mirrorless camera with a larger sensor at some point in the future.

After a quiet period on the gossip talks front, sources are talking about an alleged Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera once again. Moreover, a source has even leaked some details about the device, while claiming that the product is in the hands of a few select testers.

A concept of the Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera showing what the device may look like when it becomes available on the market.

Nikon full-frame mirrorless currently undergoing field testing

Sales of mirrorless cameras have slightly decreased over the past few years. However, sales of DSLRs and compacts have dropped dramatically in recent times. The trend is expected to continue, so companies such as Nikon and Canon will simply have to put more time and efforts into the mirrorless market.

Although Nikon claims that sales of 1-series MILCs are going well, professional photographers are not fond of this platform because the image sensor is small and the lens line-up is poor.

The solution consists of a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera. Sources are reporting that the company is already testing it while development continues. Furthermore, the device will be ready later this year or at the beginning of 2016.

Nikon FF MILC to support conventional F-mount lenses

As for the specs of the Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera, it seems like the device will not have a built-in electronic viewfinder, so the users will have to rely on its built-in display or on an external viewfinder.

Moreover, its design will be inspired by mirrorless cameras, so it will not have a large grip on the right like a DSLR. It is said to be relatively tiny when compared to a DSLR as its dimensions will be similar to the ones of the Olympus OM-D E-M1.

One of the key aspects of this rumor consists of the fact that the shooter comes with a conventional F-mount. This means that photographers will be able to use their F-mount optics without purchasing additional converters or another type of lenses.

It is worth reminding that the Japan-based company has recently patented a 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras so another lens mount is still in the cards. Stay tuned for more details!