Nikon may soon stop making DSLR cameras: report

Popular camera brand Nikon will no longer produce new single-lens reflex cameras, according to a recent Nikkei report.

Nikkei reports that Nikon will continue to manufacture and sell its current SLR models, while concentrating all its efforts on developing new mirrorless models. According to Nikkei, professional operators have been using Nikon SLRs for more than 60 years and have come to associate the Japanese company with them.

Nikon neither confirmed nor denied the report in a press release, but said it was “speculation” and that “Nikon has not made any announcements in this regard.” The company also noted that “Nikon continues to manufacture, sell and service digital SLRs.”

The D3500 and D5600, two of Nikon’s more affordable DSLRs, were discontinued last month. Nikon said the move was made to “concentrate more on mid-to-high-end cameras and lenses aimed at professional and hobbyist photographers,” while bolstering products for younger consumers “for whom video is the primary focus “.

Nikkei reports that Nikon sold over 400,000 SLR cameras last year.

Along with the development of mirrorless technology, SLR cameras were also overtaken by smartphone innovations that reduced the size of the camera market over the years.