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 was aimed at enthusiast photographers looking for near-SLR quality in a small, portable body.
Despite its official presentation and the expectation generated, the entire DL series was canceled before mass marketing due to development and cost problems.
Key facts
- Year announced: 2016
- Status: Project canceled
- Sensor: 1" BSI CMOS, ~20.8 MP
- Lens: 24-85mm equivalent
- Aperture: f/1.8–2.8
- Zoom: 3.6x
- Macro: Up to 1:1 ratio
- Video: 4K UHD 30p + clean HDMI output
1” sensor BSI CMOS
The DL24-85 incorporated a backlit 1-inch type sensor (BSI), a format that in 2016 represented the standard in premium compacts.
Advantages of the 1” sensor
- Better ISO performance compared to traditional small sensors
- Greater dynamic range
- More control over depth of field
- Superior image quality compared to conventional compacts
24-85 mm f/1.8-2.8 lens
The focal range offered a very balanced versatility:
- 24 mm: true wide angle for landscape and architecture
- 50 mm: standard natural perspective
- 85 mm: ideal compression for portrait
The f/1.8-2.8 aperture was particularly ambitious for a compact with a zoom, allowing better low-light performance and greater subject separation.
The 1:1 macro mode was a rare addition in cameras in this segment.
4K video in 2016
The inclusion of 4K UHD recording at 30p and clean HDMI output indicated a hybrid photo-video orientation.
In that period, the market already showed a strong inclination towards content creators. They were looking for compact cameras with advanced video capabilities.
Why was it cancelled?
In 2017, Nikon officially announced the cancellation of the DL series.
Key factors
- Development and production problems
- Increased costs
- Internal strategic restructuring
- Fall of the compact market due to the advancement of the smartphone
The company decided to concentrate resources on the development of its mirrorless system. full frame, which materialized in the Z line starting in 2018.
Conclusion
The Nikon DL24-85 represents a “what if” within the photography industry
It was a well-designed camera from a technical point of view, but it arrived at a time of profound structural transition in the market.