Nikon says new concept SLR-level cam due soon

Nikon President Makoto Kimura today revealed that his company is developing a "new concept" camera that could ship before the company's fiscal year is done in March 2011. He expects it to have a stronger emphasis on video and floated the possibility that it might use a mirrorless system, not unlike Micro Four Thirds or Sony's NEX series. A chance remains that the camera could slip further into 2011, Kimura told Bloomberg in an interview.

Little has surfaced of the camera outside of the new statements, but a mirrorless Nikon camera has been one of the most persistent rumors in 2010. The photography gear maker has hinted it may be a competitor to the Canon G11, which has a non-removable lens but a large number of manual controls and a larger than usual sensor.

Nikon has regularly trailed Canon in its video performance and may use the new camera to begin reclaiming its technical edge. All of Canon's current-generation DSLRs can now shoot video in 1080p, often with more control over image quality. Nikon's DSLRs, even the $5,200 D3s, can't shoot higher than 720p.

By Electronista Staff