Yes, the image at the top of the site changed. Nikon keeps popping out new cameras and I needed to do something about that to look current without creating a long, wide line of miniature cameras.
In considering the site design problem, I noticed something: Nikon is extensively using pairing and echoing in their lineup. Technically, I could have also paired the Z8 with the Z9 visually, but I decided against that for the time being. Consider:
- Z8/Z9 — (Echo) A smaller version of the primary camera.
- Z6III/ZR — (Pair) A different body and UX for the same electronics.
- Z5II/Z5IIC — (Pair) Essentially two additional body choices (silver/black, without viewfinder).
- Zf/Zfc — (Echo) FX and DX expressions of the same idea.
- Z30/Z50II — (Pair) A different body and viewfinder removal for the (almost) same electronics.
Note also that the ZR and Z5IIC pair as headless cameras, while the Z50II and Z5II pair as DX versus FX variations.
You can now see why the Z7II folk are all complaining: they’re the lone stag not yet mated up at the current prom. Poor fellows. They used to be paired with the Z6II, but that couple broke up and the Z6 went on to find a different friend to hold hands with.
Yes, my tongue is a bit stuck in my cheek, but it does bring up an interesting question: will Nikon eventually mate the Z7 line up with an echo/pair? I can imagine two ways that could go: (1) a Z7III pairs up with the Z8 by going to a rangefinder style body; or (2) we get a distinct Z7III and what, a Z7R pairing (which implies an additional ZR, Z7R pairing)?
One thing seems clear: there’s method in Nikon’s madness. I doubt they would have gotten to the current situation without having fully thought through how the lineup appears and can be cross-marketed. Other than the Z7II, every other model has at least one, and in some cases, multiple pairings or echoes. This is the old up-sell, side-sell, down-sell marketing game done in an interesting way. It makes a lot of sense to me, even though I keep reading from you that it makes no sense to you.