The Japanese Digital Camera Magazine did a series of interviews with leading camera manufacturers about their future products (see a recap of the interviews with Pentax and Olympus executives). The magazine will be published on December 19th, 2011 in Japan. A 12 pages preview of the upcoming issue can be downloaded here (the Nikon interview is on page 7). Here is a quick recap (thanks Matthew) of the Nikon section:
- D700 successor to have high pixel count, high resolution
- D3 successor to become a highly sensitive, high speed model
Keyword (explanation/ editing dept)
D3, D700 successors. The two models that have been in production for several years are expected to have their successors announced early in the new year. I would say it will be aimed at CP Plus. Considering the trend towards high pixel count, it is thought that both models will have a considerably higher pixel count than the current approx 12MP.
Large improvements toward “High Sensitivity” “High Resolution” “High Speed”
These are the keywords from Mr. Tanaka’s question on how future cameras will progress. Mr. Sasagaki predicts DSLR cameras above entry level will become “pointed cameras” with very advanced functionality. It does seem that these are strongly desired in various media.
The current year at Nikon as seen by Kimio Tanaka
2011 was a tough year for Nikon. Sendai Nikon in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, got a beating, and as soon as it started to recover, then came the Thai flood disaster. The main factory went into complete shutdown. Because of this, the announcement of what was rumored to be “something big” which was expected in Autumn was “pushed back” to 2012. As the announcement schedule became considerably twisted, in 2012 the strain will likely lead to a new product rush hour. The big news for 2011 would have to be the Nikon 1. For Nikon this is the first camera system based on a new mount since the Nikon F 50 years ago.
For all Japanese speaking readers: if you see any other interesting info in the interview, please add them to the comment section and I will update the post. Thanks!
