Nikon is leaving the SLR camera market – Nikkei
According to Nikkei, Nikon will stop producing new SLR cameras that were once a technological mainstay of professional photography. Such devices have lost popularity some time ago, as the quality of shooting mirrorless cameras, which also have smaller sizes and weight, has improved significantly. In the amateur segment, SLR cameras are being replaced by smartphones.
Nikkei says that Nikon will continue to manufacture and distribute its digital SLR models, but will focus exclusively on mirrorless cameras when developing new models.
In its press statement, Nikon did not confirm, but did not deny, this information. The company said the article was ‘speculation, and Nikon has made no representations about it.’ At the same time, ‘Nikon continues to manufacture, sell and service digital SLR cameras.’
Just last month, Nikon announced the discontinuation of two affordable DSLRs: the D3500 and D5600. At the time, the company said it wanted to focus more on ‘mid-to-high-end cameras and lenses aimed at professional and amateur photographers,’ while improving products for younger users ‘for whom video is the primary focus.’ Last year, according to Nikkei, Nikon sold more than 400,000 SLR cameras.
Canon is also phasing out SLR technology. Last year, the company announced that the EOS-1D X Mark III would be its last flagship SLR. At the time, Canon’s CEO said that ‘market needs are moving rapidly toward mirrorless cameras.’ Although it was possible that the company would continue to release some entry-level and mid-range digital SLR cameras in the future.
