After producing SLR cameras since 1959, and with no new DSLRs released since 2020, "Nikon has withdrawn from the development of SLR cameras" – and "Canon also plans to follow Nikon and stop producing SLRs within a few years."
That's according to a report by Nikkei, which notes that the ongoing erosion of the DSLR business (thanks, in the main, due to the best camera phones (opens in new tab) stealing share from the best cameras (opens in new tab)) has caused the Big N to withdraw from the development of mirrored cameras to focus on the mirrorless sector.
• Looking for the best Nikon camera, whether DSLR or mirrorless? (opens in new tab)
However, Nikon immediately retorted to the report with an official statement – but using very selective language, only insisting that it is "continuing the production" of DSLRs rather than answering whether it is still continuing their development.
So, where does the truth lie? We have, after all, heard for years that DSLRs are dead. Is this just more doom and glooming?
Alas, we think that Nikkei's report (opens in new tab) is likely accurate. "Japanese camera maker Nikon will withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras, Nikkei has learned" (thanks to (opens in new tab) Nikon Rumors for the translation).
After noting that the company hasn't launched a new DSLR since the flagship Nikon D6 (opens in new tab) in 2020 (now officially replaced by the Nikon Z9 (opens in new tab)), the report adds that: "The company has already stopped development of compact digital cameras. From now on, Nikon intends to focus on digital mirrorless cameras, but production and distribution of existing SLR models will continue."
Canon is in almost the exact same position, having not released a new DSLR since the flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (opens in new tab) (though this remains its flagship pro body) and entry level Canon EOS 850D (opens in new tab) in 2020. The last DSLR to be released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III (opens in new tab) in 2021.
Still, while Canon's DSLR sales still account for some 74,500 units, Nikon's DSLR sales have slumped to 21,400 – at points even getting perilously close to the sales lows of Ricoh (Pentax), which currently sits at just 4,000 units according to the latest report (opens in new tab).
For its part, Nikon's official statement (opens in new tab) calls the Nikkei story into question – though again, it doesn't actually deny the claims made:
"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."
How long can DSLRs keep dodging bullets? A little while longer, according to Nikon.
Read more:
Best DSLRs
(opens in new tab)Best Nikon lenses
(opens in new tab)Nikon D6 review
(opens in new tab)Nikon Z9 review
(opens in new tab)Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (opens in new tab)
Canon EOS 850D review (opens in new tab)
Pentax K-3 Mark III review (opens in new tab)
