Nikon cameras inherit a proven legacy that has been built continuously through the F and D series. This is the root of the Nikon spirit that we consider so important, and it's a quality that our customers also value. The design team's mission was to get the most out of this legacy while creating something new.
After deliberating within our department, we narrowed things down to three design directions: one emphasizing authentic mechanical appearance, symbolized by the Nikon F and F3; another focusing on dynamic design that fits the photographer's body, inherited from the D series; and a new direction unique to mirrorless cameras, centered around the Z mount that defines this new stage in the history of Nikon. Following discussion by all members of the design team, we decided to base the design around the Z mount, and give the appearance a Nikon feel.

Since the cameras were first announced, we have had a lot of customers comment on how they feel like a Nikon when they pick them up.
That's a result of the concept of ergonomic design built up over many years, comfortable operational touch and attention to detail.
Designers have actively participated in this project from the initial stage of development, and a brand new framework has been created for the Z series.
Everybody has different sized hands. While maintaining the compact, lightweight body of a mirrorless camera, the Z series realizes an easy-to-hold grip even for photographers with large hands. This is because the top of the grip is designed higher than the rest of the body, allowing room for even the little finger.
A distinguishing trait of the Z 7/Z 6, which has been designed from the very base of the framework, is the electronic viewfinder (EVF) unit that protrudes from the rear of the camera. After long and careful evaluation, we produced an EVF that allows the photographer to concentrate on shooting without their nose touching the rear monitor while composing their shot.
Another Nikon-like element we focused on was texture. For the leather texture finish employed on the grip, which affects how the camera feels to hold, we considered multiple combinations of density and depth to create a pattern that perfectly fits the hand.

We also paid special attention to the coloring of the buttons. While values and symbols are usually just printed on buttons, with the Z 7/Z 6, their shapes were engraved on the buttons first and then ink was poured in. This enhances the texture and also prevents markings from being worn off by sweat or friction. Although it requires an extra step in the production process, we employed this method on all the buttons because we thought it was worth it.

Designing the compact mirrorless body while ensuring the reliability and operability that helps make a camera that feels like a Nikon — all finished to the highest level — was a major challenge.
Operability is affected by how accessible each button is when holding a camera. We evaluated the position and size of each button, drawing on our knowledge of ergonomics from digital SLR cameras, to ensure the fingers could reach them naturally. The human hand can clearly recognize even the slightest difference, so each button has been fine-tuned down to 0.1 mm.
In particular, the buttons on the rear of the camera have been minutely adjusted for size, projection amount, angle and operational feel, to prevent users from making mistakes when operating them while looking through the EVF. By making the top of the grip higher than the rest of the body, there is even room for the little finger, while the AF-ON button on the rear is tilted slightly so users don't accidentally touch other buttons when pressing it. All of these adjustments have been carefully considered down to the 0.1 mm level.

Due to the smaller surface area of the camera's compact body, there are fewer operational components. However, we have dramatically revised the GUI of the Z 7/Z 6 to ensure an easy transition for users coming from digital SLR cameras.
During the design process, we considered the operations not only of cameras, but also widely used devices such as smartphones.

The i button, which allows access to various functions, is located in a position that the thumb can reach naturally when holding the grip. All 12 items displayed in the 6×2 layout can be customized, allowing anyone to enjoy superior operability according to their needs. The GUI design in the EVF has been changed from that of the rear monitor to avoid eyestrain. Specifically, we positioned the icons and settings information in the lower part of the frame, where users can look at them naturally without getting distracted, for comfortable operation when using the EVF. In this way, the camera inherits the user-oriented, feels-like-a-Nikon operability of digital SLR cameras.
Delivering a natural view through the EVF is one factor that contributes to making the camera feel like a Nikon. To take full advantage of this feature, we have adjusted the details and contours of each element within the frame, such as settings and icons, so users can confirm them as clearly as possible.

The Z 7/Z 6 herald the start of a brand new era. That is why they employ new design approaches. Achieving a sense of unity between the lens and body is one of them. The Z 7/Z 6 have been developed to exploit the full potential of the system. To embody this philosophy in the design, the mount uses a metallic ring with the same anodized aluminum* texture as the lens root. When a lens is attached to the body, they look like a continuation of each other, giving an impression that the lens is an extension of the mount.

*Aluminum with anodic oxide coating.

The design of the Z 7/Z 6 is a first step in this new era for Nikon cameras. However, the process of evolution is still ongoing. The pace of technological evolution is rapid, and that's also true of design. We will seriously consider feedback from our users, and keep striving to respond effectively to their various requirements.

*Position and job description are as of the time of the interview, but have been partially revised.