Nikon will stop developing new single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and will focus exclusively on mirrorless models, according to a Nikkei report. The news marks the end of an era and essentially confirms what most observers were already expecting, as the Japanese company has not launched a new digital SLR camera (DSLR) since the D6 came out in June 2020. While it is said not to design With more new models, Nikon will continue to produce and distribute existing DSLRs such as the D6 and D3500 (above).
Nikon launched its first single-lens reflex camera, the Nikon F, in 1959. It was one of the most advanced cameras of its time, thanks to features such as a large bayonet mount, a viewfinder depth of field preview, a titanium focal length. -Aircraft shutter, modular design and more. The company’s first true professional digital SLR was the 2.7-megapixel D1, launched in 1999.
SLR cameras use a mirror and a prism to provide the user with direct optical vision through the camera lens, with the mirror moving away when the photo is taken. Mirrored cameras, on the other hand, carry light directly from the lens to the sensor and offer the user a view through an electronic viewfinder or a rear screen. Mirrored cameras, as discussed in our explainer and video below, allow for more compact bodies, advanced subject recognition with AI, enhanced video features, and more.
Aside from the not-so-popular Nikon 1 series, it came late in the mirrorless camera business compared to Sony and others with the launch of its Z-mount system and the Z6 and Z7 models in 2018, with the APS-model. C Z50 following. next year. Until recently, its high-end professional line consisted solely of DSLR models like the D6. However, that changed when Nikon launched the $ 5,500 Z9 without a mechanical shutter late last year with a combination of speed, power and video cuts, with very positive reviews.
Nikon stopped making compact cameras some time ago, as this business was essentially devoured by smartphones. It also recently suspended a large number of full-frame DSLR and APS-C lenses and camera bodies over the past year.
Global camera sales have dropped dramatically in just five years, with interchangeable lens cameras (without mirror and DSLR) going from 11.67 million units sold in 2017 to 5.34 million in 2021. This has forced companies like Nikon to focus its efforts on the most cost-effective models. Nikon’s image division now earns half of its money with mirrorless models, with SLRs accounting for 30 percent.
Update 7/12/2022 9:57 AM ET: Update made the following statement on their website: “There was a media article about Nikon’s withdrawal from SLR development. This media article is just a speculation and Nikon has not made any announcements in this regard. Nikon continues with digital SLR production, sales and service. Nikon is grateful for your continued support. “
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