We already know that Nikon is planning to announce the Nikon Z9 Mark II camera before the Winter Olympics, so there is a huge possibility. We have also discussed the expected set of core specifications that will be included in the camera. One of the things that is almost confirmed is the arrival of the new Expeed 8 image processor inside the camera.
In the latest update to the rumours, the rumour mill specifically mentioned that yes, we are still expecting the arrival of the Nikon Z9 Mark II camera at the end of or the very beginning of 2026. As usual, they will make a development announcement first, followed by teasers, and finally the official announcement. Hence, this is the process that Nikon will follow during the Z9 Mark II announcement.
Take a look at the list of to be announced FX bodies with the Nikon Epeed 8 image processor
List of FX Bodies with Expeed 8 Image Processor
- 2028 — Z50 III, Z6 IV
- 2027 — Zf II [Late 2026 or early 2027], Z8 II
- 2026 — Z30II [Q1 of 2026 or Late 2025]
- 2025 — Z9 II, ZfcII (bold indicates likely EXPEED8 cameras)
- overdue: Z5II, Z7III
We have also discussed the relationship of Nikon Flagship cameras and the Olympics in our previous post
Nikon Flagship Camera Releases and Olympic Connections
| Olympic Event | Year | Nikon Flagship Camera | Release Date | Camera Type | |
| Sydney Summer Olympics | 2000 | Nikon D1H | February 2001 (announced 2000) | DSLR | |
| Athens Summer Olympics | 2004 | Nikon D2H/D2Hs | July 2003 (D2H), February 2005 (D2Hs) | DSLR | |
| Beijing Summer Olympics | 2008 | Nikon D3 | August 2007 | DSLR | |
| London Summer Olympics | 2012 | Nikon D4 | January 2012 | DSLR | |
| Rio Summer Olympics | 2016 | Nikon D5 | January 2016 | DSLR | |
| Tokyo Summer Olympics (postponed to 2021) | 2020/2021 | Nikon D6 | February 2020 | DSLR | |
| Beijing Winter Olympics | 2022 | Nikon Z9 | October 2021 | Mirrorless | |
| Paris Summer Olympics | 2024 | Nikon Z9 (firmware updates) | No new flagship (firmware updates in 2023–2024) | Mirrorless | |
| Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics | 2026 | Nikon Z9 II (rumored) | Expected late 2025/early 2026 | Mirrorless |
The Winter Olympics will start from February 6 to February 22, in 2026, so there is a very high probability we will see the announcement of the Nikon Z9 Mark II camera in the 4th quarter of 2025, since it has to become available during the Olympics for shooting.
Nikon Z9 Mark II Camera Expected Specifications
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A 45 megapixel Stacked full-frame CMOS sensor inside the camera
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Introduction of Expeed 8 image processor
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Enhanced video integration from RED video technology, potentially improved 8K video capabilities
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Enhanced with Expeed 8 image processor, a lot of work can be done in the AI AF zone as well as in the performance part of the camera
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Content Credentials: Support for authenticity features
Stay tuned for more updates coming
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source NR.com
