Nikon interview: “we are putting more emphasis on firmware updates”
Phototrend published their interview from the 2024 CP+ show in Japan with Mitsuteru Hino, head of UX Planning, Imaging Business Unit at Nikon Corp. Here is the recap:
- Nikon F-mount no longer in production: “Since this information has not been disclosed by Nikon, we would prefer not to comment on it. However, there is one thing I would like to let you know: we continue to provide full support for our F-mount products, whether in terms of production, sales or support, as usual. There has been no change in this regard.” Notice that they did not deny the rumors.
- The 90th anniversary of the Nikkor brand: “We have always been a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of glass lenses, and we also strive to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the manufacturing of these optics. We want to continue on this path”.
- On the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9: “First, the customer base for the Z 9 and Z 8 is slightly different. And the needs then also differ between Z 9 and Z 8 users”.
- On the Nikon Zf and Nikon Zfc: “We have combined heritage and new specifications in order to surprise new customers. Our existing customers might say, “Wow, Nikon did that”.
- On third-party lenses from Chinese manufacturers like Viltrox, Sirui, or 7Artisans: “As our user base has expanded, everyone has their own preferences and tastes. So it really makes sense to expand the range of lenses available. We really want our customers to enjoy trying many different Z-mount compatible lenses and enjoy photography.”
- Everyone was expecting the announcement of a new Nikon full-frame camera at CP+: “We understand that there are a lot of expectations from our potential customers regarding a new product. We are aware of this. But that’s all I can say for now.”
- On future Nikkor Z lens roadmaps: “According to our roadmap, this is the end of the current product line. But even after that, we want to continue to generate a lot of enthusiasm among our customers for our future products. We would like to surprise you, so please be patient for that. We make it a point of honor to surprise you in the future. That’s all I can tell you for now.”
- On Nikon AI: “Let’s say you place the camera near the entrance to this conference room. And when someone walks in, the focus automatically shifts to that person and a photo is taken automatically. We actually started using this feature in this environment. By combining subject detection with Auto Capture, you can take photos of dogs, cats, birds, cars and other moving objects. Nikon is the only company to offer this type of functionality.”
- On a new Nikon high-end APS-C hybrid camera body: “We will conduct studies based on customer feedback. We believe Nikon has established a strong presence with the D7500 and D500 in the DX/APS-C camera space. So we continue to listen to customer opinions for the future.”
- On Nikon firmware updates: “Nikon has also changed its organization: firmware developers are now more exposed to customer feedback than before, so we can quickly reflect customer requests in these updates.”
- On third-party Nikon batteries not working with Nikon cameras: “The reason some of our cameras do not accept third-party batteries is security. That’s why we prefer that you use official Nikon batteries.”
Nikon at the 2024 CP+ show
New firmware update for the Nikon Zfc camera on display at the CP+ show