In news that really isn't a surprise to many, Nikon will likely no longer develop any new DSLR cameras, now turning their focus entirely to their mirrorless lineup.
Nikkei Asia is reporting that Nikon will no longer develop new DSLR cameras, shifting their focus exclusively to their mirrorless lineup. The company's last DSLR, the D6, came out in early 2020 and was mostly iterative over the D5, showing signs that the company was winding down their DSLR development.
Nikkei cites stiff competition from smartphone cameras as a contributor in Nikon's decision, with the company choosing to focus on creating cameras that distinguish themselves from phones with their features. That being said, the company still plans to produce and distribute DSLRs for the time being, and it isn't clear when that might ramp down. In response, Nikon released the following statement:
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.
The statement doesn't contradict Nikkei's article, which only cited a cessation of development, not production of DSLRs. While Nikon hasn't confirmed this, I would have a hard time believing they are devoting any significant resources to new DSLR development at the moment, and I expect Canon is in a similar position. Within the next few years, it is likely Pentax will be the only company producing new DSLRs.
Until EVF's come a lot further, I will be sticking to my D850 and D500
I said the same thing, but I tested an R5 and found it tolerable. And after I got mine, with a few settings changed, it's alright.
Have you tried the Z9 EVF?
I moved to an R5 from a 5DMkIII. I don't know about other EVFs. But, Canon did a pretty good job. Being able to gauge you results in real time is a game changer.
Yooo have you tried that evf in low light yet? hows it do? I've tried a few different evf's and they seemed to be pretty bad when the light gets too low. like you can barely see anything if at all. I mean i have an XT-1 XT-2 and a GFX100s but unless i have modeling lights (which i don't sadly :'[ ) i can't see anything or it's so grainy on the GFX that it makes getting focus tack sharp a real pain. I don't know how they are on nikon and canon.
Oh yeah! I'm not sure what's at play there. But, I was shooting just after blue hour to get the landscape exposure in for a Milky Way shot. It seems as if the EVF goes bonkers. Exposure simulation (ES) becomes useless as it seems to retain the last/best prior reading and locks that in even though it's now completely dark.So, basically, it's giving you a view of what's not really there if that makes sense.
It sounds like you were doing flash work. ES works great on the R5 as long as you have a flash head or trigger in the hot shoe. You don't even need a modelling light to see. But, focusing is a different matter. Sometimes the modelling light helps for attaining focus faster.
My Sony a7iii and a7rii EVF (and LCD) can see in low light. Have you tried turning off Live View Display (or whatever the equivalent for yours is)?
For what you shoot, I think you'll be fine with OVFs for a while.
Purchased a Z9 several months ago and haven't picked up my D850 since.
After some time with my Z6ii, I feel no need to go back to my D800 and will probably sell it to go towards a second Z6 as my backup. I thought I would miss the optical viewfinder but I really don't. There are times that it's hard to tell if the shot is in focus because of the pixel pitch on the EVF but I got that with the EVF, even on the big D850 viewfinder. At least you can zoom on an EVF.
The only thing I miss is screw drive AF/D lens compatability but even then with the quality of the EVF/ peaking it's probably still more reliable than the AF was on it anyway.
TL;DR Nikon is absolutely nailing mirrorless and there's not really a need to have traditional DSLRs anymore if they continue to improve. Would 1000% choose a Z9 over a D850 or D6
"At least you can zoom on an EVF"
This is one of my top 3 favorite aspects of EVF's. Especially on fuji with that smaller box you can have pop up next to a larger box for checking focus way up close. you can also switch which box you compose with and which box you focus with. The small and large boxes can do either or! :D
I'm not surprised. In some respects, mirrorless cameras are less complex.
I'm not sure if the Nikkei story is just a piece of highly placed market manipulation, but I am sure that those tank like Nikon DSLRs that I own will be used, even with my purchase of more Nikon Z bodies. I didn't need to have my cataract surgery to see the shift in development. Film is still being developed and sold too, I might add.
Is anyone really surprised by this rumor? It's a little like when diesel replaced steam -- nostalgia and former glory couldn't prevent the railroads from switching because it was better.
It can be expected in this day and age where technology is growing exponentially each week. I personally don't like seeing this as, with others, I appreciate the EVF of dslrs. I have handled my son-in-law's Z9 and really like the EVF. My Z6 is also good but there are things about dslrs I really really enjoy. Oh well. I guess the king is dead. Long live the king.
The question is, should we be selling all of our used DSLR gear before it plummets in value?
If you're not still using it, sure. It's quite possible that DSLR prices will stay up as there are enough of us old guys that just don't jump on the train. New tech doesn't necessarily create obsolescence.