Nikkei: Nikon to stop DSLR cameras development, Canon to follow in a few years
After Nikon DSLR sales in Japan fall almost to Pentax level, Nikkei reported today that Nikon will no longer develop DSLR cameras and Canon will also stop producing DSLRs within a few years:
"Japanese camera maker Nikon will withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras, Nikkei has learned.
It now plans to focus resources on mirrorless cameras, which have become mainstream products on the back of more advanced digital technologies.
Since June 2020, when Nikon launched its flagship D6 SLR, no new SLR models have been released. The company has already stopped development of compact digital cameras.
From now on, Nikon intends to focus on digital mirrorless cameras, but production and distribution of existing SLR models will continue.
Rival Canon also plans to follow Nikon and stop producing SLRs within a few years." (Nikkei)
Nikon issued a press release claiming that the report is just a "speculation":
“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 regards. Nikon is continuing the production, sales and service of digital SLR. Nikon appreciate your continuous support.” (Nikon)
Canon has not issued an official statement yet.
It could be that Pentax will be the only DSLR camera manufacturer left.
Via NikonRumors