Steve M.
Veteran
They will have to rescue themselves in the current imaging market. Hopefully by reinventing themselves, as the future of DSLRs, which is what they are primarily making these days, is soon to be the next ex thing. Nikon has a great brand name and strong (but fading) customer loyalty, but they need to totally rethink where the market will be 5 years from now to have any success, or they will squander the name's worth. In the meantime they can sell their name to makers of high end sun glasses, optic manufacturers, etc and make hay while the sun is still shining on their company.
Personally, I think digital imaging is long in the tooth. The sensors are as good as they will ever get. More resolution or sharpness is not going to help anything, and everyone understands the medium's inherent difficulty in matching B&W's film performance in terms of IQ, just as digitally shot movies are apples and oranges compared to movies that are shot on film. No one shoots film because it's cheaper.... it is hugely more expensive to shoot, but has a look that cannot be duplicated digitally. I just watched a good print of 2001: A Space Odyssey last night that had been shot on 70mm film (not the inferior 35mm print) and wow! That is leap years better than any movie ever made from a digital source. So Nikon has to take chances, and look at what is "better" than digital, and what is the up and coming technologically that is going to supersede it. One thing you can take to the bank....something is going to, and those that are now working on what it will be will become the leaders of tomorrow.
Will the next "big thing" in consumer imaging be 3-D? Holograms for the masses? Virtual reality? Nikon needs to figure this out because the only other alternative is to turn themselves into a niche company and build film cameras again. That looks like a dead end. Hopefully they will look closely at what happened w/ Kodak and not repeat their mistakes. Unfortunately, big corporations, especially conservative corporations like Nikon, think and act very slowly. Liken them to a super tanker that takes miles and miles to stop. The captain needs to know well beforehand what he is going to do, or it will be late.
Personally, I think digital imaging is long in the tooth. The sensors are as good as they will ever get. More resolution or sharpness is not going to help anything, and everyone understands the medium's inherent difficulty in matching B&W's film performance in terms of IQ, just as digitally shot movies are apples and oranges compared to movies that are shot on film. No one shoots film because it's cheaper.... it is hugely more expensive to shoot, but has a look that cannot be duplicated digitally. I just watched a good print of 2001: A Space Odyssey last night that had been shot on 70mm film (not the inferior 35mm print) and wow! That is leap years better than any movie ever made from a digital source. So Nikon has to take chances, and look at what is "better" than digital, and what is the up and coming technologically that is going to supersede it. One thing you can take to the bank....something is going to, and those that are now working on what it will be will become the leaders of tomorrow.
Will the next "big thing" in consumer imaging be 3-D? Holograms for the masses? Virtual reality? Nikon needs to figure this out because the only other alternative is to turn themselves into a niche company and build film cameras again. That looks like a dead end. Hopefully they will look closely at what happened w/ Kodak and not repeat their mistakes. Unfortunately, big corporations, especially conservative corporations like Nikon, think and act very slowly. Liken them to a super tanker that takes miles and miles to stop. The captain needs to know well beforehand what he is going to do, or it will be late.
nikonhswebmaster
reluctant moderator
Just not that simple. (edited for clarity)
PKR
Veteran
I think Nikon is part of Mitsubishi group. Buying them would be through Mitsubishi I would guess. I don't think Nikon is up for sale.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon
willie_901
Veteran
Thom Hogan has discussed how Nikon is not a subsidary of Mitsubishi.
The western concept of a business group does not correlate well with the Japanese concept 'keiretsu'.
There is no public information that indicates Nikon is up for sale. The question seems to be is Nikon's business model sustainable and what will.can Nikon do to evolve into a more healthy organization. Nikon is not selling any of their business units. They canceled a new camera line and eliminated about 1,000 employees in its Semiconductor Lithography Business Unit. Together these changes forced Nikon to write-off a rather high amount from their books which had to be declared as an “extraordinary loss”.
Note to Mods: If this link happens to be inappropriate, please send me a PM and I will re-post without the link.
oltimer
Well-known
Willie 901, you're bang on with your thoughts. There has been some new advanced announcements made by a firm in Germany and one other in the Semiconductor Litho Field in the last 2 months. Nikon will probably keep a few people around for their work in this area for just servicing, and just drop out of it completely over time.
PKR
Veteran
P
Hi Willie; If you read carefully you will see that I did not use the word subsidiary; I said: I think Nikon is part of the Mitsubishi group - which it is.
The members hold each other's stock. I understand the concept.
The reference to "sale" was to address a post a page or two back.
pkr
Hi Willie; If you read carefully you will see that I did not use the word subsidiary; I said: I think Nikon is part of the Mitsubishi group - which it is.
The members hold each other's stock. I understand the concept.
The reference to "sale" was to address a post a page or two back.
pkr
Scrambler
Well-known
I know this isn't the world picture, but speaking with the one remaining professional film developer in my area, he states Fuji are cutting back their film supplies in Australia, and he is of the view that Fuji have not adapted well to market changes - e.g. he says instant is not selling well here.
HHPhoto
Well-known
The photo (and film market) in Australia is in general much weaker compared to much other markets.
Germany for example is photographer's paradise compared to Australia.
Fujifilm is a huge company, very diversified into numerous different fields. They are like a big "oil tanker": They need much time to change their direction, and react to market changes.
Finally - and very late - they have introduced a BW Instax film after 12 years of increasing demand for their Instax films.
Or look at their digital cameras:
They needed about a whole decade - and several failed attempts - to finally have a strategy and a line-up that is working.
I think we will have positive news from Fujifilm in the future - both digital and film - but more in the mid-term.
They need more time than smaller companies.
But back to the topic. Nikon.
Here are the latest news:
https://petapixel.com/2017/02/25/nikon-speaks-will-focus-medium-high-end-dslrs-lenses/
Cheers, Jan
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mani
Well-known
When Nikon discontinued their Coolscan scanners there were huge numbers of people scrambling to buy them - I was one of them, ringing around dozens of authorized dealers to find someone with enough integrity to not double the manufacturer's recommended retail price. These scanners still resell for more than their original new price.
If Nikon had any sense, they'd re-enter the market.
If Nikon had any sense, they'd re-enter the market.
Skiff
Well-known
+1 .
They have problems and have to do their "homework", that is obvoius. But the same is valid for almost all other digital camera manufacturers, too. Almost all have big problems because of the significantly declining demand for digital cameras.
I am convinced Nikon is strong enough to resolve their problems by themselves.
What do they have to do:
1. "Mainstream" strategy:
a) Better R&D work: Finish the test procedures before a camera is introduced to the market, to avoid those bugs we've seen with the early D800, D600 and D750 units.
Trust in the brand is a huge capital. Nikon must not risk that by bad work in the design and testing process.
b) Strong focus on the DSLR market. It is the biggest market by far, the most profitable and the least competitive with only one real competitor: Canon (Sony and Pentax together have less than 10% market share). The DSLM market is much much smaller and has nine competitors. Very brutal competition.
c) Make two record-small DSLRs: One for beginners, one for advanced photographers. Like the former Canon SL-1, but with better quality. Make them an attractive alternative for DSLM users.
d) Introduce more DX prime lenses for APS-C. Add a very compact "pancake" design series of lenses to the current lens line-up (like the former Nikorr 2,8/45 P).
e) In the past Nikon was very successful with the parallelity of two (similar) bodies with two different sensors for different applications: One lower resolving sensor with better dynamic range, higher ISO and higher speed (fps), and one "slower" sensor optimised for high resolution.
Make that again:
A 24 MP high-dynamic range, high ISO + high speed sensor (fps)
in both "D810" like and a "D5 like" camera.
And
a 50 MP high resolution sensor in both a "D810" like and a "D5 like" camera.
So a "S" and "X" line.
f) Introduce a mirrorless APS-C camera line (like the Canon EF-M, that is the right path). Position it (and advertize it) also for upgraders from smartphones. This system will replace the Nikon 1 system in the long run.
Higher-end smartphones will probably have 1" sensors in the future. To get "smartphoners" interested in upgrading to real cameras these cameras have to be significantly better than smartphones. The difference must be clearly visible. Therefore APS-C.
2. Thinking "out of the box":
The whole digital camera market will continue to decline for some further years.
But the film demand is increasing. Nikon should prepare for that development:
a) Nikon's legendary scanners Coolscan V, 5000 and 9000 are on very high demand on the used market. For units in good condition often more (!) than the former new price is given. A clear indication for a very strong demand.
Also scanner manufacturers like Pacific Image / Reflecta and Epson are reporting increasing demand for years.
It would be a smart move from Nikon to introduce an improved line of scanners (with real 5000ppi resolution).
b) The most successful photo product on the market is currently Fuji Instax: Last year alone 6.5 million Instax cameras were sold. That is more than double (!!) the volume of the whole DSLM market.
The Instax film is very good, the Instax cameras not so.
Why not a (very) good camera with a good lens for Instax mini and Instax wide film? I would buy them at once. I need it for my professional work at weddings.
c) It has been clever to keep the FM-10 and F6 in production. Nikon should prepare for extended film camera production in 3-5 years from now:
F7, F200, FM4A.
robert blu
quiet photographer
I agree with Skiff post. Nikon can rescue itself, but with a better strategy.
For instance no need for a new ape.c dslr each year, (D5000,5100,5200,5300,5400,5500,5600...) when you have which works you'll probably will not buy another one next year....but if you have a convincing line of dedicated lenses...like aps-c primes, wide angles included...that you'll probably buy...
And it was a shame the Nikon behavior with scanners, for years no software updating...but the scanners themselves are excellent, I still use so long it work my 5000ED...
robert
For instance no need for a new ape.c dslr each year, (D5000,5100,5200,5300,5400,5500,5600...) when you have which works you'll probably will not buy another one next year....but if you have a convincing line of dedicated lenses...like aps-c primes, wide angles included...that you'll probably buy...
And it was a shame the Nikon behavior with scanners, for years no software updating...but the scanners themselves are excellent, I still use so long it work my 5000ED...
robert
Mackinaw
Think Different
I’d love to see this. I too, shoot weddings, and my SX-70 is always a bit hit. But IP film is pricey and quality, while good, is not in the Instax league. A more full-featured Instax camera (by any manufacturer) with a good lens would be very nice indeed.
Jim B.
Hogarth Ferguson
Well-known
From my perspective, they need to consolidate their product lines to things people have been asking for. They seem to have avoided, at all costs, a professional mirrorless camera for fear of eating their DSLR revenue. They have ignored that if they don't eat their own DSLR sales with mirrorless, someone else will.
A professional grade mirrorless camera with full functions of the nikon lenses via an included adapter. Cut down on point and shoot cameras and things that they aren't that great at, like the key mission cameras.
I have hopes that this will refine their direction and they will start to put out more quality products because of it. Would I love to have a $3,000 digital SP to compete with Leica, of course, but not likely, and I know that. But to see them release things like teh nikon 1 lineup (which I have and love) without a clear vision just makes me mad. Why are they designing and marketing a camera that has no clear purpose when people had (at the time) been screaming for a d300s replacement? From the outside these things just look stupid.
A professional grade mirrorless camera with full functions of the nikon lenses via an included adapter. Cut down on point and shoot cameras and things that they aren't that great at, like the key mission cameras.
I have hopes that this will refine their direction and they will start to put out more quality products because of it. Would I love to have a $3,000 digital SP to compete with Leica, of course, but not likely, and I know that. But to see them release things like teh nikon 1 lineup (which I have and love) without a clear vision just makes me mad. Why are they designing and marketing a camera that has no clear purpose when people had (at the time) been screaming for a d300s replacement? From the outside these things just look stupid.
Ronald M
Veteran
Chinese rescued Volvo. Will, can the rescue Nikon.
I for one will not buy Chinese Nikon stuff.
There is no reason they need a bail out. Looks to me they have a plan for profitability, not a plan for volume like the past. Profit is what keeps business going.
I for one will not buy Chinese Nikon stuff.
There is no reason they need a bail out. Looks to me they have a plan for profitability, not a plan for volume like the past. Profit is what keeps business going.
RObert Budding
D'oh!
The corporation generated over 100 billion yen in operating cash flow, so the company itself is not in financial jeopardy.
http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/ninoy/financials/cash-flow
I would say that 1/3rd is very significant.
ian_watts
Ian Watts
It doesn't even need to be improved. A reintroduction of the 5000 with software that works with current operating systems would be a popular product.
Livesteamer
Well-known
If Nikon wants more niche products how about new plain prism finders for the Nikon F? I would also love to see a modern meter for a Nikon F and I would pay a crazy price if Nikon could stuff the meter from an N90s into a Nikon F Photomic prism. I know, I'm dreaming. Joe
BillBingham2
Registered User
Kent
Finally at home...
Before Nikon doesn't publicly signal insolvency, nobody will have to buy the brand.
The figures are worse than before but not disastrous.
Nobody knows what the camera market will look like in ten years from now, but I doubt that a lot will change within the next two or even three years.
With Nikon it's just like with any other company: if they meet the consumer's taste, they will be fine. Nikon's problem was that they came up with some unwise decisions. They have a "name" and they should focus on their (former) reputation, much like Tom Hogan writes...
Get rid of the Coolpix line. (Smartphones have taken over.)
Get rid of the "action cams". Other companies do better.
Replace the 3000 and 5000 series with a good APS (!) mirrorless system. Don't forget the lenses!!
Bring on one or two high-end compact cameras (just like the DL series, they just have stopped). Big sensor, great lens.
Continue semi-pro (DX) and pro (FX) DSLRs. The lenses are there.
The figures are worse than before but not disastrous.
Nobody knows what the camera market will look like in ten years from now, but I doubt that a lot will change within the next two or even three years.
With Nikon it's just like with any other company: if they meet the consumer's taste, they will be fine. Nikon's problem was that they came up with some unwise decisions. They have a "name" and they should focus on their (former) reputation, much like Tom Hogan writes...
Get rid of the Coolpix line. (Smartphones have taken over.)
Get rid of the "action cams". Other companies do better.
Replace the 3000 and 5000 series with a good APS (!) mirrorless system. Don't forget the lenses!!
Bring on one or two high-end compact cameras (just like the DL series, they just have stopped). Big sensor, great lens.
Continue semi-pro (DX) and pro (FX) DSLRs. The lenses are there.