To add to the point above: the conversation here really highlights that tension between waiting for a flagship DX and buying what actually exists. We have basically established that the Z8 is the closest thing to a high-end option we have right now, but it doesnt satisfy everyone looking for that specific crop-sensor advantage. I think the outlook for a Z90 is still pretty uncertain. From what I have gathered, there are a few technical hurdles holding things up:

• Thermal management in smaller bodies for high-speed video is a nightmare.
• Nikon seems to be prioritizing their full-frame lens ecosystem for now.
• Production costs for a stacked APS-C sensor might be too high for a mid-range price point. Not sure if this is 100% accurate, but someone told me the internal focus is on the older full-frame sensor refreshes first. If you need a reliable setup for your gear bag today, waiting for a rumor to come true is a risky strategy. It might be better to look at high-resolution full-frame bodies or even sticking with a proven DSLR flagship until the mirrorless tech for DX truly matures.

omg i am in the exact same boat!! honestly i have been checking rumors every single morning because i just need that rugged high-speed dx body for my birding. it is so stressful waiting and i hate the idea of switching systems after years of nikon glass but i have been looking at what others are doing just in case... the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera is amazing for that high resolution and it feels so solid in the hand which i love, but the autofocus tracking is kinda hit or miss compared to nikon imo. then there is the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera which has incredible speed and that 32.5mp sensor is fantastic for cropping but i just cant get used to their lens lineup and the build quality feels a bit more plasticky than what i am used to with my old gear. i really wanna stay nikon for the reliability and safety but man... the wait is killing me! if they dont announce something soon i might just cave and get a Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera even tho it is way more expensive than i planned just for that peace of mind!!

^ This. Also, I have to politely disagree with the notion that current full-frame options are a suitable replacement, as I have been dealing with this exact same problem for over a year now. I attempted several DIY configurations with teleconverters to simulate the DX crop, but unfortunately, the autofocus reliability was not as good as expected. It is incredibly disappointing that we still dont have a clear answer regarding a professional DX body... honestly been waiting way too long for this.

Been thinking about this for a while and honestly, I would suggest being much more careful about waiting for a rumored Z90. If you need reliability for the next five or ten years, betting on a camera that might never come out is a bit risky. I'd actually disagree with the idea of waiting for a DX flagship if you're looking for a professional-grade build that really lasts. You might want to consider these safer paths instead:

• Nikon Z9 Flagship Mirrorless Camera if you can find a used one. Its built like a tank and handles the crop factor with enough megapixels to spare.
• Nikon D850 DSLR if you want the most reliable wildlife setup ever made and dont mind the weight.
• Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter to ensure your current glass stays 100% compatible without those weird autofocus headaches people mentioned. Make sure to think about the long-term value too. Buying a pro-level body that exists right now is usually a safer bet than waiting for a crop sensor flagship that Nikon seems hesitant to build... just my two cents.

tbh i spent forever waiting for a D500 mirrorless equivalent because i really needed that reach for wildlife. it gets frustrating watching the rumors fly while your old gear starts to feel slow. i actually sat down and crunched the numbers on readout speeds and buffer depth a few months back. if you dont wanna wait for a z90 that might never arrive, here's what i looked at:

• Nikon Z8 is the heavy hitter but the price is rough if you're strictly hobbyist.
• Sony Alpha 6700 has the ai autofocus which is insane but the ergonomics feel kinda small.
• Fujifilm X-H2S is basically the spec sheet everyone wants for a z90 with that stacked sensor. i eventually just bit the bullet on a used Nikon Z9 body because i couldnt deal with the rolling shutter on the cheaper models anymore. its heavy but the tech is just on another level compared to the current dx lineup like the Nikon Z50. cost wise it was a gamble but the data doesnt lie about those frame rates.

Likely a baby Nikon Z9 ?