According to the Nikkei, Nikon will be phasing out new SLR cameras that were once the technological backbone of professional photography. Such devices have already lost popularity some time ago, since the quality of shooting mirrorless cameras has significantly improved, which also have smaller dimensions and weight. In the amateur segment, SLR cameras are being replaced by smartphones.
Nikkei says Nikon will continue to manufacture and distribute its existing DSLR models, but will focus exclusively on mirrorless cameras when developing new models.
In its own press statement, Nikon neither confirmed nor denied this information. The company said the article is “speculation and Nikon has not made any statements 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 of its affordable digital SLR cameras, the D3500 and D5600. At the time, the company said it wanted to focus more on “mid-range and high-end cameras and lenses aimed at professional and amateur photographers” while improving products for younger users “for whom video is the main focus.” Last year, according to the Nikkei, Nikon sold more than 400,000 SLR cameras.
Canon is also phasing out SLR camera technology. The company said last year that the EOS-1D X Mark III would be its latest flagship DSLR. At the time, Canon’s CEO said that “market needs are rapidly moving towards mirrorless cameras.” Although it was not excluded that in the future the company will continue to release some entry-level and mid-range digital SLR cameras.
The Last of the Mohicans: Canon’s flagship DSLR line-up will “virtually” end with the EOS-1D X Mark III
Source: The Verge
