Nikon 1 inch
The Nikon DL series was an ambitious bid to dominate the premium compact market through three variants equipped with 1-inch sensors: the DL18-50, featuring a class-leading f/1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens; the DL24-85, designed for everyday use with an impressive 1:1 macro function; and the DL24-500, a "superzoom" version for capturing long-distance action. All models shared high-end technologies such as the EXPEED 6A processor, a blazing-fast hybrid autofocus system, 20 fps continuous shooting, and 4K UHD video recording, all within a user interface familiar to DSLR owners.
However, the project was permanently canceled in February 2017, one year after its announcement, without ever hitting the shelves. The decision was driven by critical development delays caused by issues with the image processing chip and an unexpected increase in production costs. Faced with a compact camera market that was rapidly shrinking due to the evolution of smartphones, Nikon determined that the DL series would no longer be profitable, making it one of the most famous cases of "vaporware" in photography history.
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Official Announcement: Cancellation of the Launch of the Premium Compact Camera DL Series / February 13, 2017
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation announced today that sales of the highly anticipated DL series of premium compact cameras—the DL18-50mm f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85mm f/1.8-2.8, and DL24-500mm f/2.8-5.6—will be canceled.
The DL series was originally planned for release in June 2016. However, after issues were identified with the image processing integrated circuit, the launch of the three cameras was indefinitely postponed.
Since then, everyone involved has worked diligently to develop products that will satisfy our customers. However, the decision has been made to cancel sales of the DL series due to concerns about its profitability, considering the increased development costs and the anticipated decrease in sales due to the slowing market.
We sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this decision, especially customers who have waited so long for the cameras to be released, retailers, and others whose businesses will be impacted, for any inconvenience this decision may cause.
