Nikon will reportedly end production of its SLRs per Nikkei Asia† Increasing competition from smartphone cameras continues to shift the camera industry. The Japanese camera maker will focus on new mirrorless camera models and the Nikon D6 DSLR will be Nikon’s last SLR camera.
An SLR (single-lens reflex) camera uses a series of mechanical parts and mirrors to show an image through the lens or up through the eyepiece. Mirrorless cameras have taken the industry by storm over the past decade. In addition, smartphone cameras are becoming more capable and casual consumers no longer see the need to purchase a separate camera.
Nikon Z 7II mirrorless camera
Mirrorless cameras do not wear out like SLR shutters because they are not mechanical. In addition, they can shoot faster and process images faster than comparable SLRs. They are also built to take up less space and are therefore more compact. In 2020, mirrorless camera sales (2.93 million units) surpassed SLR shipments (2.37 million) according to the Japan Camera and Imaging Products Association.
“Nikon’s cameras are losing out to smartphones, which increasingly have powerful cameras,” writes Nikkei† “Nikon wants to beat them by offering products with more unique properties.” It is also expected that Canon will stop making SLRs in the coming years.
Mirrorless cameras account for half of Nikon’s image processing revenue, with approximately 30% revenue from SLRs. Nikkei notes that Nikon’s image processing segment grossed JPY 178.2 billion (~$1.3 billion). The production and distribution of the current Nikon SLR cameras will continue for the time being.