Photo news: Nikon's platformization and another Leica clone

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When we described Nikon's platform concept in this column in November 2024, there was some discussion about it, and not just in the editorial team. One tenor: cameras are not cars because a modular system with widely differing products, price points and areas of application makes no sense. Nikon seems to see things differently, as the new Z5 II also follows the idea of a uniform platform for software and hardware.

Our report on the launch clears up the technical data, so let's move on to the special features, and first the question: Where did Nikon save money here? The body of the Z5 II costs 1900 euros, while the next largest camera in the Z series, the Z6 III, costs 3000 euros with a partially stacked sensor. Of course, this is all based on the RRP, as prices on the market are currently as fluid as with many technical devices. Since the new Z5 already has many professional functions, including two SD slots, fast autofocus, weather resistance and all kinds of interfaces, there must be a catch somewhere in the comparatively low price.

No stacked sensor, but...

This is located in the outdated 24 megapixel sensor from the Zf, which is also not designed in a stacked construction, i.e. with memory on the image converter it allows high readout speeds and therefore frame rates. Now comes the big but: as the camera uses the Expeed 7 processor from the flagship Z9, the "small" Nikon can achieve up to 15 frames per second with light raw compression and up to 30 with JPEGs. For comparison with DSLRs: even with the – – mechanical shutter, it still achieves 7.8 fps. The aged professional camera D750 (it is still in Nikon Pro support) only achieves 6.5 frames per second.

And that's why the platform concept also makes sense for cheaper cameras: take the high-end processor, which Nikon doesn't need to develop from scratch and for which no new software is required, an existing sensor, plus the autofocus of the Z6 III, and you have the Z5 II. Apparently, Nikon has saved so many development and production costs that the aforementioned professional features were still included. A pleasant side effect: the competition is left behind.

For DSLR switchers and filmmakers

A small but very important detail for filmmakers is also on board, mainly thanks to the software and fast CPU: the camera in the true mid-range class can record raw video with 12 bit internally. The acquisition of Red, including their patent for internal raw recording, makes this possible. Nikon's N-Raw format is now also supported by Adobe's Premiere Pro, so that nothing stands in the way of professional ambitions. Really not bad for a camera under 2000 euros.

However, Nikon really goes the extra mile with the normally recommendable kit offers. With the 24-70, f/4.0 lens in the native Z version, 2500 euros are already due. For the smallest bundle with the 24-50 millimeter zoom, which can only handle f/4.0 to f/6.3, the price is 2200 euros. It is smarter to take this kit together with the FTZ-II adapter for the F bayonet. Together with the, let's say, alibi lens, this costs 2300 euros and decades-old Nikkore – and lenses from third-party manufacturers – will fit. How well the electronics play along, however, has to be tested on a case-by-case basis. With the Z5 II, Nikon obviously has DSLR switchers in mind. The fact that the widely used EN-EL-15 rechargeable batteries still fit is another indication of this.

Echolens, the retro camera with retro image quality

A start-up that calls itself "Echolens", only has a website and wants to finance a camera via Kickstarter from mid-2025 apparently wants to be neither modern nor traditional. There is no legal notice, and the same applies to the Kickstarter campaign. However, a 1-dollar reservation for a – also not yet named – accessory, should the camera ever be ready, is offered. That doesn't necessarily mean anything in crowdsourcing, it could well be that someone is really working on a camera. Even after April 1, we checked the site several times to see if it was still there. It doesn't seem to be a joke.

Although the Echolens is supposed to work digitally, it does not have a display, but only a – presumably – optical viewfinder. All other data, such as sensor, lens, battery or memory, are not yet available – but sample images that are supposed to look "analog". They do, but at the level of simple snapshot cameras from 50 years ago: Massive vignetting, low in-image contrast and just as low resolution. Any mid-range smartphone can do this better today. Because even if you want to learn to take manual photos with the camera in front of your eyes and turning the dials, the results should be competitive. But, as I said, let's wait and see what else might come along. By the way, what does this have to do with Leica? The Echolens looks very similar to a camera from Leica's M series.

US tariffs could change the camera market

We can only wait and see when it comes to the new US tariffs for all countries in the world. Japan, the home of most modern cameras, is on the list with 24 percent for imports into the USA. Other Asian countries where cameras and lenses are manufactured are also subject to double-digit surcharges. This could also affect the European market if the Japanese companies distribute any sales losses due to higher prices in the USA globally. Our colleague Mark Mantel has explained how tricky this can be with complex technical products using the example of PC hardware. And because it is difficult to predict, all we can do is wait and see.

Analog photography is cultural heritage

Not really a long read, but at least good news for the weekend is Christine Bruns' report on Unesco. It has accepted analog photography as part of Germany's cultural heritage. So, see Echolens, it's not just about pure market-based retro hype, but about genuine cultural heritage. One that would not have existed without the Leica 1, and even if it has already been suggested here: Bernd Kieckhöfel's story on the 100th anniversary of the first 35mm camera is now also worth a second read.

(nie)