Interview with Nikon at the 2025 Salon de la Photo show in Paris
Phototrend interviewed Nikon at the recent 2025 Salon de la Photo show in Paris. Here is the recap:
- Balanced Sales Success: Nikon has seen balanced success across its lineup, with the Z50 II, Z5 II, Z6 III, and Z8 all performing well.
- Attracting New Users: Nikon is targeting smartphone users, especially the younger generation, with affordable APS-C models like the Z50 II, which includes high-end features like the Expeed 7 processor and intelligent autofocus.
- Ecosystem & Services: Support services like the Nikon School, Nikon Plaza (for testing and borrowing gear), and the Nikon Imaging Cloud are key to their strategy.
- Nikon Imaging Cloud: This service provides automatic firmware updates, 30 days of unlimited cloud storage for images, and creative “image recipes” (Picture Controls) from creators.
- Nikon ZR: The first camera from the RED acquisition, the Nikon ZR, has been well-received. Videographers appreciate its REDCODE RAW and RED LOG capabilities, high-quality screen, and advanced 32-bit float internal audio.
- Z Mount Superiority: The Z mount is highlighted as a major advantage. Its short flange distance and wide diameter make it extremely adaptable, allowing users to mount almost any lens (including PL mount, competitor, and vintage lenses) with an adapter.
- New Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens: This updated lens is praised for being lighter and more compact. It’s now an internal zoom (better for gimbals and weather sealing), features faster/quieter AF, new coatings, and an 11-blade diaphragm for improved bokeh.
- Open Mount Strategy: Nikon views the increasing number of third-party lenses for the Z mount (from brands like Tamron, Sigma, and Viltrox) as a positive development, giving consumers more choice and making the Z system highly versatile.
- Future Products: No comment was given on a potential replacement for the Zfc.