Nikon set to exit SLR camera business as it shifts focus to mirrorless cameras

Nikon Corporation, one of the world's leading camera manufacturers may soon halt production of SLR cameras, according to Nikkei Asia, a leading Japanese publication.

With the rise of smartphone cameras and technology improvements, the classic camera is likely to see the end of its era. Nikon is looking to get ahead of the drop off, announcing that the D6 DSLR will be their last SLR, after which they will shift focus fully to their mirrorless cameras.

An SLR is a single-lens reflex camera, which means that the the eyepiece of the camera is made up of a number of mechanical parts and mirrors. Over the last decade or so, mirrorless cameras have revolutionized the photography industry, providing the same punch as an SLR in a smaller body.

In addition, consumers are no longer inclined to purchase separate cameras as smartphones are equipped with increasingly capable cameras.

The Japan Camera and Imaging Products Association report that mirrorless cameras have overtaken SLRs, of which 2.37 million units were shipped in 2020, versus 2.93 million units of the mirrorless version.

It is becoming harder and harder for Nikon's cameras to compete with smartphones that increasingly have powerful cameras, writes Nikkei Asia. As a result, Nikon aims to offer products with more unique features to compete with Canon and Sony. Canon is also expected to cease producing SLR cameras in the near future.

In Nikon's imaging business, mirrorless cameras account for half of their sales, while SLRs account for 30% of sales. Reports say Nikon's imaging segment brings in JPY 178.2 billion ($1.3 billion). In the short term, Nikon's current SLR camera models will remain in production and distribution in the international market.