Is Nikon really about to drop out from the SLR camera market?

Nikon is perhaps one of the most well-known brands out there when it comes to cameras and imaging products, together with the likes of Sony, Canon, Leica and more. Its historic Nikon F single-lens reflex (SLR) camera shot Nikon to fame among photographers when it debuted in 1959.

Despite it’s rich history in SLR cameras though, a recent report from Nikkei Asia claims that Nikon is set to stop making SLRs altogether, instead focusing on mirrorless cameras. It says that due to the intensified competition from the smartphone scene, Nikon wants to focus its resources onto mirrorless digital cameras with more unique features. Mirrorless cameras already account for half of the revenue from Nikon’s imaging products division, while SLR cameras make up for 30%.

The Japanese company’s last flagship SLR was the D6, released in June 2020, with no new SLR models since. Additionally, Nikkei Asia says that Nikon has completely halted compact digital cameras too. While Nikon’s focus will now be on digital mirrorless cameras, it was also reported that production and distribution of their existing SLR models will continue for now.

With that being said, Nikkei Asia’s report has since been rebutted by… Nikon themselves. While technically not confirming or denying the report, Nikon has released a statement dismissing ‘a media article’ as merely speculation, with no formal announcement from Nikon regarding their SLR business for now.

“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

As mirrorless cameras continue to outperform and outsell their SLR counterparts, it’s hard to see SLR cameras returning to the same heights it once had anytime soon. However, it would be a shame to see Nikon, a giant of the industry give up entirely on the camera that it helped make the defining camera in the late 20th century.