Nikon: Cancellation of release of the DL series of premium compact cameras

February 13, 2017 TOKYO – Nikon Corporation announced today that sales of the long-awaited DL series of premium compact camera, the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8, and DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6, will be canceled.

A June, 2016 release was originally planned for the DL series. However, with the identification of issues with the integrated circuit for image processing, release of the three cameras was delayed indeterminately.

Since then, everyone involved has worked very hard to develop products with which our customers will be satisfied. However, it has been decided that sales of the DL series will be canceled due to concerns regarding their profitability considering the increase in development costs, and the drop in the number of expected sales due to the slow-down of the market.

We sincerely apologize to all those affected by this decision, especially those customers who waited so long for the cameras to be released, retailers and others whose business will be affected, for the inconvenience this decision may cause.

Source: Nikon | News | Cancellation of release of the DL series of premium compact cameras

Analysis/Opinion: This announcement puts Nikon in an uncomfortable position of having to rely on the slow-moving DSLR segment for growth. Without a high-end rangefinder-style product, similar to those by Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and without a contender in the mirrorless category, Nikon is basically betting the camera-market farm on the new KeyMission action-camera series. 

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