Nikon DL24-85 - The compact that never hit the market
The Nikon DL24-85 was an advanced compact camera announced in 2016 by Nikon as part of the DL series. It targeted enthusiast photographers who wanted DSLR-like image quality in a small, portable body.
Despite being officially announced and generating a lot of interest, the entire DL series was canceled before reaching mass production due to development challenges and rising costs.
Key Specs
- Announcement year: 2016
- Status: Canceled project
- Sensor: 1" BSI CMOS, ~20.8 MP
- Lens: 24–85 mm equivalent
- Aperture: f/1.8–2.8
- Zoom: 3.6x
- Macro: Up to 1:1 reproduction
- Video: 4K UHD 30p + clean HDMI output
1" BSI CMOS Sensor
The DL24-85 featured a 1-inch back-illuminated (BSI) sensor, a format that by 2016 had become the standard for premium compact cameras.
Benefits of a 1" sensor
- Better high-ISO performance than smaller compact sensors
- Stronger dynamic range
- More control over depth of field
- Higher overall image quality versus typical point-and-shoot compacts
24–85 mm f/1.8–2.8 Lens: The Real Hook
The focal range was well balanced for general use:
- 24 mm: true wide angle for landscapes and architecture
- 50 mm: natural, standard perspective
- 85 mm: flattering compression for portraits
The f/1.8–2.8 aperture was especially ambitious for a zoom lens in this class, enabling better low-light performance and more subject separation.
A 1:1 macro mode was another standout feature, uncommon in 1-inch premium compacts.
4K Video in 2016
4K UHD recording at 30p and clean HDMI output signaled a hybrid photo/video intent.
At the time, demand was growing fast among creators who wanted strong video capabilities in a compact camera.
Why It Was Canceled
In 2017, Nikon officially canceled the DL series.
Key factors
- Development and production issues
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Internal strategic restructuring
- The shrinking compact camera market under smartphone pressure
Nikon ultimately chose to focus resources on its full-frame mirrorless system, which arrived with the Z lineup starting in 2018.
Conclusion
The Nikon DL24-85 is one of those big “what if” products in modern camera history.
On paper, it was a well-designed premium compact: a competitive sensor, a fast and versatile lens, early 4K support, and a clear target user. But it was also born in a period of major structural change across the market.