The Latest Nikon Rumours

credits: Nikon

New reports from China are reviving talk of a long-rumoured Nikon D500 successor, this time with more specific technical claims. According to these sources, Nikon is developing a new APS-C flagship camera with a resolution of around 32 megapixels. The timing is notable, as the original D500 will mark its 10th anniversary on January 5, 2026, even though the DSLR has long since been discontinued.

Nikon’s current APS-C mirrorless lineup leaves a clear gap where a high-end model could sit. While the Z50 II offers pretty solid performance, it targets a very different audience than the D500 once did. The especially pricing makes that distinction obvious, the D500 launched in 2016 at around $2800, while the Z50 II arrived in late 2024 at $999. Nikon could comfortably position a more advanced APS-C body above the Z50 II, meant for sports and wildlife photographers who want speed, durability, and deeper controls. In rumour circles, this potential camera has been referred to as the Z500 or Z90, though Nikon has never confirmed either name.

The latest information suggests that a production-ready prototype of the so-called Nikon Z90 already exists. The camera is said to feature a 32 megapixel sensor and supports 15 frames per second using a mechanical shutter. While no firm details about electronic shutter performance have been shared, expectations are that it would be significantly faster, possibly 30 fps or more. If these reports are accurate, the camera is expected to be announced in the second half of 2026.