Nikon may be axing some of its DSLRs in favor of mirrorless versions

News
By Sharmishta Sarkar
published

Three DSLR models may not make the cut

Image: Nikon (Image credit: Nikon)

For those looking to buy a new DSLR, there's quite a few models from Nikon to choose from, although only eight of them are currently active. But, if rumors are to be believed, three of them will be the last of their kind.

Nikon Rumors is reporting that the D3500, the D5600 and the D500 will be axed, although it has been suggested that they may be replaced by mirrorless versions instead. This rumor is given weight by Nikon’s own statement from last year that the new Z mount will be used “to pioneer the future”.

Four other DSLRs – the D5, D850, D750, and D7500 – however will reportedly get fresh replacements. After all, we know there's a D760 incoming some time this year.

Without the looking glass

Nikon has been keen on capturing a large part of the mirrorless camera market share, and the launch of the Z7 and Z6 last year was a good start, but the company won’t be stopping there.

A Japanese newspaper recently reported that a mirrorless version of the top-end D5 is already in the pipeline, while another report suggests a mid-price enthusiast level model might also be launching some time this year. However, camera code registrations by Nikon indicate there may be as many three new Z series cameras joining the manufacturer’s mirrorless camera range.

When the new DSLRs and mirrorless cameras will arrive is anyone’s guess, but the rumors of Nikon thinning its DSLR herd may need to be taken with a pinch of salt. After all, the D3500 was launched only in August 2018 and we don't anticipate it being retired in 2019.

Sharmishta Sarkar
Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, Sharmishta's main priority is being TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor, looking after the day-to-day functioning of the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore editions of the site, steering everything from news and reviews to ecommerce content like deals and coupon codes. While she loves reviewing cameras and lenses when she can, she's also an avid reader and has become quite the expert on ereaders and E Ink writing tablets, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about these underrated devices. Other than her duties at TechRadar, she's also the Managing Editor of the Australian edition of Digital Camera World, and writes for Tom's Guide and T3.