Update: this is a detailed recap of the interview with Mr. Goto, sent to me by a reader:
When asked about interesting concepts at Photokina it seems the Samsung NX100 caught his eye with the camera’s small size as a key to this systems’ merit. The interviewer jumps at this and asks if it is OK to say that when so many people are waiting for Nikon to develop mirror less systems. He then asks that if Nikon was hypothetically willing to make a mirror less interchangeable lens system, would it be APS-C, considering the problem with size due to lenses used. He replies that going APS-C would only make things bigger and would detract from the F mount’s market value in terms of IQ and features. If the lens system and body are not smaller in total, the whole meaning of reducing size is lost. If it was up to him to make such a thing, a mount smaller than the F would be chosen (his personal opinion)
In the interview Mr. Gotou does not confirm whether they are developing mirror less systems, he says that they are “eagerly developing a new genre of camera” that president Kimura described (in a previous interview probably) as “something that no maker is currently making” and that there is a hush order on what that thing is and that Nikon president Kimura says “Nikon will introduce this product as soon as it is completed” but also Mr. Gotou added “Nikon will view the market movement to decide when to introduce this product”
When asked whether it is a concept that will appeal to people using such product for work (I guess he means a pro product) or more of an enthusiast type concept, he responds by saying that although it is not targeted towards people who use cameras in their work, some will look at this product as a really fun to use camera.
It is interesting that he says that the “current concept specs” may have many fans but also many naysayers at the same time. It is a concept that has a clear like or dislike idea.
Another interesting thing is that the inclusion of the letter “F” on the new caps hinting towards a new mount system other than the F mount coming is just a baseless rumor, nothing more.
Seems that Nikon is dedicated to the F mount and its continued support and development and there is no need to betray this format as it is not showing any sign of becoming obsolete.
At Photokina DC Watch had an interview with Tetsuro Goto (Director of Laboratory Research and Development of the Nikon Imaging Company). Google’s translation is almost useless – this is what I got out of it: Mr. Goto confirms that Nikon is working on a mirrorless camera: “So far I can tell there is a new type of camera” but they are watching “market trends” and will release it “when the opportunity comes”. At the end of the interview there are some comments that CP+ 2011 event in February could be a perfect stage to launch new consumer products. This is probably a reference to the Coolpix line refresh that happens twice a year (in February and August) but a new mirrorless camera could also be considered as a “consumer” model.
I would appreciate if anyone can provide us with a better translation of the interview (only the interesting parts):
“Q: For mirror reflex camera with interchangeable lenses with no way, you’ll have time to build a new system in the near future by Nikon?
A: If you’re coming to the mount system is deserted, but soon you’ll have to go in that direction. However, in practice F hopefully evolve successfully mounting system, users are more situation. In order to penetrate the emerging single-lens reflex, if allowed to grow If we let the situation evolve successfully, I do not think that cheating is necessary. I have more and more users from, F should we evolve the system properly mounted. That sounds like the work of the division.
Q: System of Nikon interchangeable Miraresurenzu, had always been rumored to disappear repeatedly. Do you think the lineup of Nikon actually need? Temporary rear lens cap that F is described as mounting, mounting another stepping stone appearance? Was told when I’m there.
A: Mauntorenzukyappu is, not particularly meaningful to develop a 645-format camera that Nikon is about the same as unsubstantiated rumors put out so soon. It has lately become more rumors subsided. For mirror-less aircraft, the President Kimura, “things like where the manufacturers are not made, but as soon as I get finished,” I said. So far I can tell there is a new type of camera. Turning on while watching market trends, and best when the opportunity comes.
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Also, in the consumer products, the U.S. repeatedly risen to the PMA Conference in February that the move to be held in September. New product launches in the spring because there are many things done in January 2, CP + will be the perfect stage to launch the camera manufacturers spring model.”