Feature: Cameras That Bring Joy to Ownership – The Essence of Classic Design in Digital Cameras Gallery
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June 19, 2015

Feature: Cameras That Bring Joy to Ownership – The Essence of Classic Design in Digital Cameras Gallery

Tetsuro Goto, Nikon Fellow, Head of the Goto Laboratory, Imaging Company. As an engineer, he has been in charge of Nikon's flagship professional cameras for over 30 years. In 2009, he established the laboratory to research new technologies, and announced the "Df" as its first product.
Akira Wakita, Professor, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University. Completed his doctoral program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University. Worked at Lattice Technology, then as a freelancer, before taking his current position. Major works include "Blob Motility," an Award of Excellence at the Japan Media Arts Festival (2010), and a permanent exhibition at Ars Electronica Center (2011-2012). Author of "Introduction to Design Language: What You Need to Know to Connect Objects and Information" (Keio University Press, 2009), among others.http://web.sfc.keio.ac.jp/~wakita/
The "Df" is equipped with the same image sensor and image processing engine as Nikon's current flagship model, the "D4 series." On the other hand, it was developed with a different approach from conventional evolution that pursues "convenience," in response to the desire for better work and photographic expression. It features an analog interface, including dial operation, allowing users to engage with photography at their own pace.<br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
Koshiro Miura, Nikon Fellow, Imaging Business Unit, Goto Laboratory, and Chief Researcher, Marketing Section, First Marketing Department. He has been in charge of the development of the "Df" since its inception. He reportedly sketched designs by hand and created mock-ups himself.
The two cameras in the foreground are mock-ups (wooden models) of the Nikon "Df"
A sketch of the "Df" drawn by designer Koshiro Miura. It was drawn shortly after the establishment of the "Goto Laboratory" in 2009, but it took time to bring it to market.
The "Nikon 1 J5" features a compact, lightweight body that pursues both a premium feel and operability, incorporating mechanical dials that stimulate the desire to shoot and a luxurious metallic texture. In addition to the simple, minimalist design of previous models, it offers analog controls, allowing users to enjoy the pleasure of shooting and the satisfaction of ownership.<br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
Takuya Masuda, Nikon Imaging Business Unit, First Marketing Department, Second Marketing Section. Product planning manager for the "Nikon 1 J5." For the development of the "J5," he focused on a responsive shooting experience and ease of use that allows anyone to take beautiful photos.
Tatsuya Kobayashi, Nikon Imaging Business Unit, Design Department
In the design of the "Nikon 1 J5," emphasis was placed on the texture of the analog dials, while also incorporating a tiltable LCD monitor that supports touch operation, aiming for an interface that is easy for camera beginners to use.<br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
The "Nikon 1 J5" double lens kit includes two lenses: the "1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM" and the "1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8." By changing lenses, users can capture beautiful photos in a wide range of scenes. Despite its compact size, comparable to a compact digital camera, it offers a variety of shooting experiences.<br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
Tatsuya Kobayashi, Product Design Section, Design Department, Nikon Imaging Business Unit. He was responsible for the design of the "Nikon 1 J5," creating a new design that enhanced the premium feel compared to the conventional "Nikon 1 series."
Tetsuro Goto, Head of Goto Laboratory, Nikon Imaging Business Unit
Leica, which first manufactured 35mm film cameras in the world about 100 years ago. Nikon's camera designs, including the "F series," were also greatly influenced by it.
Mock-ups (wooden models) and film cameras such as the Nikon "F series," which served as design references during development.
Film cameras such as the Nikon "F series," which served as design references during development.
Tatsuya Kobayashi (left) and Takuya Masuda (right) from Nikon's Imaging Business Unit, who were in charge of the product development of the "Nikon 1 J5."
The "Nikon 1 J5" features a mode dial on the top of the body, intended to allow for quick and direct reflection of the photographer's intentions.<br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
<strong>Nikon Df</strong><br>Price | Open Price (approx. ¥285,000 for body only)<br>Body Dimensions | Approx. W143.5×H110×D66.5mm<br>Weight | Approx. 710g (body only)<br>Image Sensor | 36.0×23.9CMOS sensor<br>Mount | Nikon F mount (with AF coupling, AF contacts)<br>Effective Pixels | 16.25 million pixels<br>ISO Sensitivity | 100–12800 (expandable to approx. 50–204800)<br>Recording Format (Still Images) | JPEG, TIFF, RAW<br><br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
<strong>Nikon Df</strong><br>Price | Open Price (approx. ¥55,000 for body only)<br>Body Dimensions | Approx. W98.3×H59.7×D31.5mm (excluding protrusions)<br>Weight | Approx. 231g (body only)<br>Image Sensor | 13.2×8.8mm CMOS sensor<br>Mount | Nikon 1 mount (NIKKOR lenses can be used with Mount Adapter FT1)<br>Effective Pixels | 20.81 million pixels<br>ISO Sensitivity | 160–12800<br>Recording Format (Still Images) | JPEG, RAW<br><br><br><strong>Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial</strong><br>Tel. 0570-02-8000<br>http:www.nikon-image.com/<br>
The development team for the Nikon "Df" and "Nikon 1 J5"
Tetsuro Goto, Head of the Goto Laboratory, Nikon Imaging Business Unit. As an engineer, he has been in charge of Nikon's flagship professional cameras for over 30 years. In 2009, he established the laboratory to research new technologies, and announced the "Df" as its first product.
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