Nikon to NO MORE make DSLR cameras? Reason behind this might shock

Nikon may no more be making new DSLR cameras from now on. Yes, the news may shock photographers around the world but for Nikon, there are good reasons to do so. Nikon has been making SLR cameras for over 60 years now and while this technology was expected to last forever, it seems the company is done with it and will instead focus on the next-generation mirrorless cameras, which are gaining more traction these days. But its not all bad news for fans of the older style SLR cameras.

First of all, the information comes from a Nikkei Asia report, and Nikon hasn’t confirmed the same. Nikon released a press statement in regard as well. “There was a media article regarding Nikon's withdrawal of SLR development. This media article is only speculation and Nikon has made no announcement in this regard. Nikon is continuing the production, sales and service of digital SLR. Nikon appreciate your continuous support,” says Nikon. Hence, Nikon DSLR cameras will continue to be on sale.

Nikon may no more make DSLR cameras

However, Nikon doesn’t confirm in the statement that it will develop new SLR models. Hence, there is still some kind of vagueness that fans are left in.

On the other hand, the Nikkei Asia report also suggest that while development of new SLR models will cease, the company will continue to manufacture and sell existing SLR models. The last Nikon SLR launched was back in 2020 and there been no new models ever since. The company even discontinued its entry-level Nikon D3500 and Nikon D5600 cameras a while ago, saying it wanted to focus on high-end cameras for professional and hobbyist photographers.

Rival camera maker Canon will also do the same, suggests the report. Both Nikon and Canon are now said to focus on mirrorless cameras, which have seen rising popularity. Mirrorless cameras are lighter and compact in comparison to the bulky DSLR cameras, and have almost the same kind of performance as the SLR cameras.

However, the biggest threat to these cameras is the smartphone. Smartphone cameras have led to death of the point-and-shoot digital cameras, and it has also been eating into the market of DSLR cameras. Phones may have much smaller sensor but they rely on post processing and software tricks to match or outdo big cameras at times.