Nikon is Dropping out of the market for SLR cameras

According to a Nikkei article, single lens reflex cameras, which were once the technological cornerstone of professional photography, would no longer be produced by the optical and image powerhouse Nikon. Since mirrorless alternatives have improved image quality while giving customers the choice to utilise lighter and smaller items, SLR cameras have been on their way out.

Nikkei reports that Nikon will keep making and selling its current models while concentrating all of its efforts on developing new mirrorless variants. According to Nikkei, professional cameramen have been using Nikon’s SLR cameras for more than 60 years and have come to associate the Japanese business with them.

Nikon would neither confirm or deny the story in a press release, but stated that it was “speculation” and that “Nikon has not made any announcements in this area.” The company also noted that “Nikon is continuing the manufacturing, sales, and servicing of digital.” Two of Nikon’s more affordable DSLRs, the D3500 and D5600, were announced to be discontinued.

Nikon stated that this was done in order to concentrate more on “mid to high end cameras and lenses, targeted at professional and hobbyist photographers” while bolstering products for younger users “for whom video is the primary focus.” Nikkei reports that Nikon sold over 400,000 SLR cameras last year. Along with the development of mirrorless technology, SLR cameras have also been outperformed by smartphone innovation, which has reduced the size of the camera market over the years.