Sad news coming out of Japan for fans of high-end Nikon point and shoot cameras. Today, Nikon announced the cancellation of the release of their DL series premium compact cameras. The entire line, Nikon DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8, and DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6, has officially been canceled after issues with the cameras’ image processor were discovered.
The Nikon DL series of compact cameras were originally slated for a June 2016 release aimed at photography enthusiasts looking for a compact camera that was capable of producing images comparable to mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and DSLRs. Since the issues with the image processor’s defects were discovered, Nikon had not only delayed the release of the DL line of cameras but worked to fix the issues in hopes of being able to bring the cameras to market. Unfortunately, it seems like fans of the Nikon DL series are getting the line’s death note instead. You can read the full press release from Nikon below.
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.