Nikon filed patents (P2018-72638A, P201872640A) for a 20mm f/2 full-frame lens designed for a curved image sensor:
Nikon filed a patent (P2018-67965A) for a stacked BSI image sensor with dual shutter mode: rolling for low-noise and global for less distortion.
Today Nikon announced their financial results for the year that ended March 2018. As previously reported, profits are up for the entire company – here are the key numbers with relevant data from the Imaging Products Business:
Operating Profit: ¥56.2 billion (¥55.5 billion increase from last year, ¥3.2 billion above estimates)
Annual dividend increased to ¥36 per share from previously forecasted ¥31 in (previous year: ¥16, more info here).
More details on the Imaging Products Business – revenue is down, profits are up YoY:
Here is the 2019 forecast by segment:
Nikkei just published a new article ahead of the Nikon’s yearly financial results announcement titled “Nikon sees 30% profit boost on demand for panel-producing gear, Camera maker’s cost-cutting and reforms show signs of working“:
“Nikon’s operating profit is expected to jump 30% to 70 billion yen ($640 million) in the current fiscal year ending March 2019, as its structural reforms bear fruit and capital investment in places like China lifts sales of its large display-making equipment.”
And also:
“Nikon will have a monopoly on next-generation equipment capable of making large flat-panel displays.” (pictured above)
Nikon’s sales are also expected to be up mainly because of its precision equipment business. Here is a quote from Nikkei on the camera business:
“Meanwhile, the market for Nikon’s mainstay single-lens reflex cameras is shrinking. But the company aims to offset the decline with structural reforms it began in fiscal 2016. Last fiscal year, it began using return on invested capital as a way to measure segment performance. Moving forward, Nikon will also streamline costs in its imaging products and precision equipment businesses, while holding down outlays in advertising and research and development.”
Nikon, of course, issued a statement that the official financial results are not announced yet (they will be released on Thursday), but based on previous reports, Nikkei reports are usually spot on:
Nikon has new rebates for the month of May (see full listings at Adorama & B&H). The new dealas are set to expired on June 2nd, 2018:
Nikon D500 with free MB-D17 battery grip and accessories
Nikon D750 with free MB-D16 battery grip and accessories
Nikon D810 with free MB-D12 battery grip and accessories
Nikon D3400 deals
Nikon D7500 price drop (extended)
Other Nikon deals
→ New Hugyfot underwater housing for the Nikon D850 camera announced (more D850 underwater housing options).
→ Nikon D850 won two consecutive gold awards at the “Digital Camera Grand Prix 2018 Summer” (see all the awards the D850 got).
I already started receiving small bits and pieces about the new Nikon mirrorless camera and here is the recap (old and new info combined):
