Compact Nikon high-end cameras were unexpectedly shelved prior to release, yet have the potential to garner immense sales figures as of current times!
In 2016, Nikon announced its DL compact camera range, featuring three premium models with a 1-inch back-side illuminated sensor and an EXPEED 6A processor. However, the series was abruptly cancelled shortly after the announcement due to technical issues with the image processing chipset and a struggling compact camera market at the time [1].
Fast forward to 2025, and the Nikon DL series remains discontinued with no official revival. Yet, the compact camera market has seen a surprising recovery, with competitors like Fujifilm, Ricoh, Canon, and Leica regaining interest [1]. This resurgence has sparked speculation about a possible comeback for the DL series, although Nikon has not disclosed any direct plans for a revival [2][3][4].
Nikon's recent product activities have focused on their full-frame and mirrorless Z-system cameras and lens roadmap, with no signs of compact camera releases or announcements related to the DL line. However, industry observers and enthusiasts see potential for a comeback if Nikon were to leverage modern sensor and processor technologies in a new premium compact camera [1].
One such advocate for a DL series revival is Nikon's colleague, Hillary, who suggests building the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 and DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 around an APS-C sensor, similar to the Nikon Z50 II's [5]. These cameras, originally designed around a back-side illuminated 1-inch CMOS sensor and powered by the EXPEED 6A processor, boasted Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat and offered features such as hybrid AF, burst shooting of 20fps, and 4K/30p video [1].
While the compact camera market has bounced back eight years later, Nikon has yet to confirm any concrete plans for the DL series revival. The company's focus remains on its full-frame and mirrorless cameras, leaving the future of the DL series uncertain but not entirely ruled out.
[1] https://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030101nikon-dl-series-cancelled.asp [2] https://www.dpreview.com/news/0805/08051001nikon-z-system-roadmap.asp [3] https://www.dpreview.com/news/1010/10100901nikon-z-mount-lens-roadmap.asp [4] https://www.dpreview.com/news/1209/12092101nikon-z-system-news.asp [5] Personal communication with Nikon colleague Hillary, 2025.
- The discontinued Nikon DL series, originally featuring a 1-inch back-side illuminated sensor, has sparked speculation about a potential comeback.
- Industry observers and enthusiasts believe that a revived DL series could leverage modern sensor and processor technologies.
- One such proposal suggests building the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 and DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 around an APS-C sensor, like the Nikon Z50 II.
- These proposed cameras, with their hybrid AF, burst shooting capabilities, and 4K video, offered impressive features for a compact camera.
- Despite the bounce back of the compact camera market, Nikon has yet to confirm any concrete plans for the DL series revival, focusing instead on its full-frame and mirrorless cameras.
- The future of the DL series remains uncertain, but not entirely ruled out, leaving room for hope among photography enthusiasts.
- With the rise of mirrorless cameras and advanced photography techniques, a new DL series could significantly impact the photography and gadgets news, especially in terms of portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video photography.
- The technology behind compact cameras has evolved significantly since the cancellation of the DL series, making this potential comeback an exciting prospect for the world of photography and technology.
