While the Z5/Z6/Z7 are a lot smaller and lighter than their DSLR predecessors, they're still a good bit larger and heavier than even the 'pro-sumer' crop-sensor bodies like the Z50 or Fuji X-T5 or Olympus OM-1. Some of that is undoubtedly due to the sensor itself, but Sony has proven with the A7c and successors that you can fit a full-frame sensor into a substantially smaller-than-Z6 body.
(For reference, the Sony A7C II is 190g lighter, 10mm narrower and 30mm shorter than the Z6 II. The Fuji X-T5 is 150g lighter, 6mm narrower and 10mm shorter than the Z6 II)
My question: what are the prospects of Nikon producing something in that size/weight-class? And of augmenting their lens-lineup with compact good quality primes and zooms (e.g. comparable to Sony's 20-70/4 or Sigma's 24/2.8, 50/2 and 90/2).
I've found this thread to be an interesting read, with all kinds of views, and of course they're all valid because we're all entitled to an opinion
For me personally, minimising system size and weight is a number one priority .. that's part of the reason why I sadly left Nikon and now shoot a pair of A1's.... Z9 performance in a Z6 sized body etc.
But, it's also very importantly about the lenses... There are tons of compact lenses for E mount, but virtually none for Z mount aside from a few "muffins"
Here’s where I don’t necessarily agree. I mentioned before that travel is when I predominantly do photography. I’d probably get the 24-120/4 for when I just carry a single lens (which is lighter than the Sony 24-105), the 14-30/4 for wide angle (the Sony 12-24 is heavier and less versatile), and with the Tamron 50-400 out for Z-mount, I’m saving weight compared to the Nikon lens too. I will say that the Sony 20-70/4 is interesting though. The question is if 70mm is enough in your main lens.
The only other caveat is that I’m not too familiar with all the other E-mount lenses from third parties.
I’m not really a prime shooter, so ymmv, but if anything, that’s my point.
The point is, there is no point! or, to be more accurate, there are no right or wrong answers. It always comes down to what you want, what you're invested in, and how deep your pockets are. Or, in my case, if your professional needs significantly change and it becomes clear you need to change. Which comes back to that "square pegs in round holes" thing.
My last Nikon travel kit was Z7II, 24-120, 14-30 and 35mm 1.8. Superlative! No lie!
Somehow the Sony website didn’t list the 16-35/4 under UWA zooms when I checked it. That is actually significantly lighter, and enough to tip the balance into Sony’s favor, weight-wise. Though you would have 16-105/4 instead of 14-120/4.
BUT, when I fell into movie sets stills I had a choice.... Z9's or A1's? I chose A1's because they are the same size as a Z7.... so suitable for travel too.
I’d never travel with a Z9 anyway.
If I went with Z9's, or even the later Z8's, I'd still be looking for a "more compact travel kit". As do many folk on this forum.
The Z8 is interesting. It’s heavier than my D750, BUT I use an L bracket with my D750, to protect the Foolography Unleashed bluetooth GPS dongle that sticks out the side. The Z8 has the accessory port on the front, so maybe I wouldn’t need that bracket anymore. In which case the Z8 would be a bit lighter and smaller (I think). I basically want geotagging for traveling.
But, I agree the Z8 isn’t as light as I’d like either.
Plus the 2.8 zooms are smaller in Sony, there are wonderful 1.4 primes, plus a ton of more compact first and third party primes and zooms too
Which is why I say ymmv: I’m not really a primes guy. Which IS a point. And f/2.8 zooms aren’t ideal either. I could go for the Tamron 28-75 G2 (which is very light too) but the range is a bit small. All f/2.8s have either that, or they are heavier than what I’d like.
Currently, with 2 x A1 bodies, I dont feel the need for anything smaller, but an upcoming trip to a dodgy third world country has me eyeing a more compact body, simply for discreetness.
I could choose an A7C used or one of the current bodies in 33mp or 61mp. Or maybe an A6700 APS-C, or a used A6600... all on the same mount ... WITH THE SAME BATTERY!
Yes, you made this point, and I agree it is nice. Though I don’t see myself traveling with two bodies. Unless one is like a Nikon 1 that I take instead of my RX100 V.
You say “this is how you build a system”, but for me, every piece of gear I take, including my RX100 V, is part of the system. I can go out with my D750 and 100-400 for wildlife, and the RX100 V for everything else. That way I don’t have to change lenses either. And I can leave the RX100 set up for landscapes, and the D750 for wildlife. This is kind of what I did in Costa Rica (except my iPhone played the role if the RX100 V - which I found I did not like).
The only thing with the RX is - you guessed it - no geotagging.
So, that's really my point. If you are using exotic telephotos then there's no relevance here.
BUT, if you are a jobbing photographer such as weddings and the like but also you Tavel, then what I say might resonate.
It’s just hobby for me.
ESPECIALLY given more and more strident airline carry on sizes and increasingly enforced 7kg limit.
Hmm, if that’s going to be enforced, I’ll have to pay anyway. I think my 37 liter backpack with clothes, toiletries, sandals, a compact camera, underwater housing, laptop, charger pouch, and a mini tripod on the side, and various small items, already weighs about as much, and maybe more. And that’s without any system camera or lenses.
Of course, one can always leave their heavy gear at home......
I don’t have heavy or light gear. I just have gear, and I travel with it.