Nikon would stop making DSLRs to focus on mirrorless cameras

Nikon will stop production of its SLR cameras according to Nikkei Asia. The growing competition from smartphone cameras continues to change the camera industry. The Japanese camera maker will focus on new mirrorless camera models and the Nikon D6 DSLR will be Nikon’s latest DSLR.

An SLR (single lens reflex) camera uses a combination of mechanical parts and mirrors to display an image through the lens or eyepiece. Mirrorless cameras have taken the industry by storm over the past decade. Also, smartphone cameras are getting better and better, and casual consumers no longer see the need to buy a separate camera.

Nikon Z 7II mirrorless camera

Mirrorless cameras don’t wear like SLR shutters because they aren’t mechanical. Additionally, they can shoot and process images faster than comparable DSLRs. They are also designed to take up less space and are therefore more compact. In 2020, mirrorless camera sales (2.93 million units) exceeded the number of SLR shipments (2.37 million) according to the Japan Camera and Imaging Products Association.

“Nikon cameras have lost ground to smartphones, which are increasingly equipped with powerful cameras,” Nikkei writes. “Nikon aims to beat them by offering products with more unique features.” Canon is also expected to stop making SLR cameras in the next few years.

Mirrorless cameras account for half of Nikon’s imaging business revenue, with around 30% of revenue coming from SLRs. Nikkei notes that Nikon’s imaging segment earned 178.2 billion yen (~$1.3 billion). Production and distribution of current Nikon SLRs will continue for the time being.

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