Partnership Between RED & Nikon Ignites Speculation About Upcoming Camera Innovations
Advanced video technology integration is promised by the acquisition, although new products could not be released for years
Much speculations have been raised over the future of both businesses' camera technology in light of Nikon's recent acquisition of the American film firm RED for a sum of $85 million. Industry insiders and enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the announcement, wondering how this combination will affect Nikon's product portfolio and standing in the video camera market.
As per PetaPixel, the engineers from RED and Nikon started working together as soon as the purchase was completed on 8 April. However, because creating new camera systems is a difficult process, it is expected that a new camera that combines technology from both businesses won't be accessible for several years.
Nikon's president, Muneaki Tokunari, has stated that the business wants to use RED's cutting-edge technology to improve its video capabilities. Tokunari stressed that the increasing demand for video functions in mirrorless cameras is the driving force for this decision, which is a strategic opportunity to increase Nikon's market share among video consumers. According to recent CIPA findings, the interchangeable lens camera market has recovered significantly and is now at a three-year high. The purchase is perceived as a means of capitalising on this trend.
Tokunari said that Nikon's acquisition makes sense given the rising sales in China and other developing South Asian countries, which are greatly bolstering the camera industry's comeback.
Executives from RED and Nikon revealed their ambitions to combine their respective technological capabilities at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in April. Although Hiroyuki Ikegami, executive vice president of Nikon, said that it will take time to completely integrate RED's technology, Keiji Oishi, the former CEO of Nikon and current CEO of RED, also cited RED's experience in colour science and compression technology.
Nikon is investigating ways to add 16-bit REDCode RAW capability to its current Z cameras—the Z8, Z9 and maybe the future Z6 III, in the meantime. Although Ikegami said that no changes should be expected right away, progress should be expected in the near future.
RED and Nikon are concentrating on exploiting their combined technological know-how to create new products. The specifics and release date of a new Nikon/RED camera are yet unknown, but both firms are excited about the potential opportunities for technological advancements.
All things considered, even if a revolutionary new camera might not be released for years, Nikon and RED's partnership is likely to have an impact on camera industry advancements in the future by incorporating cutting-edge video technology into Nikon's line-up.
