Nikon ceases to develop DSLRs.

[Akira]

This article Nikkei (the Japanese newspaper for the economy) says that Nikon has (officially) ceased to develop DSLRs.

https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC219V60R20C22A6000000/

I admit that there still are advantages of DSLRs over mirrorless cameras, but I would think it is an outdated system.

[Hugh_3170]

Probably an inevitable outcome and not too surprising given the capability and success of the Z9.

Thanks for the link Akira - even if I cannot read Japanese! 

[Bern]

It was a question of when Nikon (and other Camera makers) will give all its effort to its mirrorless models. This maybe the start of its full transition to mirrorless and hopefully becomes more accessible and affordable.

[Bern]

The story plot thickens:

Nikon denies the news....

https://www.nikon.com/news/2022/0712_01.htm

[Kenneth Rich]

Does this announcement  herald the appearance of a full frame (24X36) Z fc? You know, some  mechanical linkages, dials and wheels, a minimum of buttons, no video, no flash, intuitive menu system. . . .

[chris dees]

Have a look at Thom Hogan’s view on the article. The title says it all.   
https://bythom.com/newsviews/nikkei-needs-new-staff.html

[Hugh_3170]

Let us hope! 

Does this announcement  herald the appearance of a full frame (24X36) Z fc? You know, some  mechanical linkages, dials and wheels, a minimum of buttons, no video, no flash, intuitive menu system. . . .

[Dogman]

At this time I have about a dozen Nikon DSLRs (DX and FX) and maybe 30 Nikkor lenses plus other brands.  Others here probably have more gear than I do.  So, at my age and with my specific photographic interests, I really cannot envision ever needing--or wanting--another new camera of any type in the remainder of my lifetime.  I'm obviously not part of the target audience for Nikon's new camera line that seems aimed at video more than stills. 

Being out of step is actually not a Bad Thing, you know.   

[Akira]

Folks, thank you for the follow-ups and comments.

Yes, I realized that Nikon officially denies the news posted by Nikkei.  Although Nikkei is a leading paper dealing with the economy, it sometimes makes a false start, possibly to go for the scoop.  (Like me?  )

Chris, thank you for the link to Thom Hogan's sane article.

[Akira]

Just a correction:

Nikkei didn't say that Nikon ceases to "make" DSLRs.  It said that Nikon ceases to "develop" them.  Although the situation makes no big difference, the translation that Thom Hogan saw was not quite accurate.

[Snoogly]

It’s got crazy out of hand here in Japan! Top news story!

One thing though - it shows the deep position Nikon has in the psyche of Japan, and even this dubious story is newsworthy.

[Akira]

It’s got crazy out of hand here in Japan! Top news story!

One thing though - it shows the deep position Nikon has in the psyche of Japan, and even this dubious story is newsworthy.

I guess it's because the Japanese mass-media is afraid of dealing with the negative sides of the political administration.  Hence they are trying to make big noises with the not-so-essential, non-political topics.

That said, I'm well aware that discussing politics is not the raison d'être of this forum.  I hope the thread to stay on the initial topic.

[Hugh_3170]

Maybe it could be instructive to recall how Nikon phased itself out of film camera production and AiS lens production.

In the case of film SLRs it left the bottom of the range entry level film FM10 (made for Nikon by Cosina) and the flagship F6 on the books for many years and they have only recently dropped the selected sub set of the AiS lens line that they sold for a decade or more.  Whether Nikon built up large warehouse stocks of these two film bodies and the AiS lenses that kept them going for ages or just occassionally built them in small batches to meet orders I am not sure.

So maybe some selected DSLRs to cover bottom, mid, and upper ends of the market for the next two or three years, plus a selected sub-set of F-Mount G Series lenses for perhaps a little longer?

However the day will come when Nikon DSLRs and F-Mount lenses will cease to be produced by Nikon.

[Erik Lund]

Thank you all for looking into the story, or should i say non-story 

[MILLIREHM]

It is a Non-Story
But Nikons behavior the last months shows that there is some inner truth behind.  Lots of F-mount lenses and SLR cameras were discontinued (without even having proper replacement in the Z-line) - even the D500. Not too long ago Nikon promised to support both lines. Sad story but the shrinking market and Nikons limited capacities (all used up to establish the Z-lines) lead to evident outcome- even though mirrorless cant fully replace SLRs. I hope they will sell existing stuff for a long time and provide support.
With several SLRs and lots of F-mount lenses, plus two Z-bodies and a few selected lenses plus FTZ adapters I will be fine hopefully.