The Significance of Digital Cameras with Classical Operation Systems

To understand the trend, one must speak with the top manufacturers. This time, we had the opportunity to speak with Nikon, one of the world's leading manufacturers in the digital still camera domain.

First, we aim to explore the essence and origins of classical design through a conversation with Tetsuro Goto and Yasuaki Miura from Goto Laboratory, Video Business Division at Nikon, who were in charge of developing the "Df," a model that embodies the classic design of past film cameras.

During the discussion, we invited Rei Wakita, Professor at the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, whose research includes product design and graphics through user interfaces, to share her impressions of the "Df" from a user's perspective.

—The Joy of Dial Operation
Goto Laboratory is led by Tetsuro Goto, who was involved in the development of professional flagship models, from the "F series" of film cameras to the "D3 series" during the early digital transition. The "Df" was announced in 2013, with this laboratory at its core.

Rei Wakita (hereinafter, Wakita), Keio UniversityI found the "Df" to be genuinely interesting when I held it. For instance, even the "Nikon" logo, reminiscent of older models, seems to appeal to those who have been familiar with cameras for a long time. How did its development come about?

Nikon: Tetsuro Goto (hereinafter, Goto)Current digital cameras operate via LCD screens and electronic buttons, a truly digital method. While they offer convenient and rapid operation, if you hide the logo, you can't tell which camera it is. When we wanted to create a camera that wouldn't get lost among others, one that would convey Nikon's unique value, we decided on a classic design with dial operation, reminiscent of older cameras. That was our starting point.



WakitaSo, you focused only on the functions essential for shooting and what a camera fundamentally needs. Perhaps people who have only ever taken photos with smartphones might be taken aback, but I felt drawn to confront this surprise.

It felt like being presented with a challenge: 'How can I master this?' It might be akin to the desire to expertly control a sports car, like a Lotus Seven, if we're talking about automobiles.

—Reverence for and Return to Legendary Models of the Past

GotoHowever, there were times when it was difficult to gain approval for it as a product. Goto Laboratory was established in 2009, and a mock-up was completed by the spring of the following year. But around 2011, there were many significant societal events, and there wasn't the capacity to commercialize models outside the mainstream.


MiuraThere are still fans of old Nikons who are hesitant about digital cameras. We also hope that the "Df" will allow them to feel a connection to their old cameras and take the plunge into digital. Indeed, there is the tactile pleasure of operation, the fundamental joy of using a tool, and by engaging with it deeply, one can discover new insights.

I felt that we wanted a wider range of people, including younger generations, to use it. I believe the "Df" is a tool that allows one to confront the desire to take great photos by fulfilling it through the joy of improving one's skills.

• Feature: Digital Cameras with a "Sense of Ownership" Stimulated by Design

With a Satisfying Shooting Feel and a Sense of Quality

The "Nikon 1" series, a lens-interchangeable advanced camera, is designed for digital camera beginners, making it easy to shoot and capture beautiful photos. While previous models were designed with a philosophy of "simple and minimal," the latest "Nikon 1 J5" marks a departure from that direction.

From here, we invite Tomoya Masuda and Tatsuya Kobayashi from Nikon's Video Business Division, who were in charge of developing the "Nikon 1 J5," to discuss the background of its development and the intentions of the designers behind the "J5's" seemingly "classic" design.

While not as overtly "classic" as the "Df," the new model, which aims for improved quality and shooting feel, can be seen as part of the "classic design" trend with its grip, buttons, and protruding mechanical dials.

—Balancing Ease of Use and Enjoyment

WakitaMy first impression of the "Nikon 1 J5" was the joy of taking photos that exceeded my expectations. It's easy to handle and reliably captures what I want to shoot without frustration.

Nikon: Tomoya Masuda (hereinafter, Masuda)The "Nikon 1 J5" boasts the world's fastest shooting time lag among lens-interchangeable digital cameras from the moment the shutter button is pressed. At the time of development, we were tasked with improving performance and operability while maintaining the compact and lightweight characteristics of a lens-interchangeable advanced camera.

Nikon: Tatsuya Kobayashi (hereinafter, Kobayashi)A key feature and specific advancement of the "J5" is the enhancement of functions to increase shooting freedom. The adoption of a tiltable LCD monitor and mechanical dials are examples of this.

WakitaI thought the balance between the mechanical dials, the touch panel, and the allocation of functions was superb. Considering the character of the "J5," while some users might find enjoyment in dial operation, others might find it difficult.

—An Appearance That Evokes Emotion

WakitaBeyond the dials, I sense a different approach in the design as well. There are elements and accents scattered throughout, enhancing the sense of quality in the areas you look at and touch, elevating the mood.

KobayashiWe aimed for an appearance that conveys craftsmanship, such as the texture of milled metal and the leather texture on the grip. We believe the sense of quality comes from the balance of meticulously crafted details, rather than making every part flashy.

WakitaWhen I borrowed it and took a picture of my dog, I was truly impressed by the beautiful photo. I was also moved by the lenses themselves. The zoom lens tracked moving subjects effectively. Changing lenses made me feel like a different world opened up beyond what I could see.

WakitaI believe the joy and emotion of taking photos require "surprise" and "resonance." Surprise comes from taking beautiful pictures, and resonance comes from the exterior design and quality that befit its performance. Because the "J5" possesses both, I feel, 'This really is a great camera.'

—The Significance of Classic Design in Today's Digital Cameras

We believed that the tangible sense of quality would naturally lead to a desire to try different lenses or take various kinds of photos.

WakitaSo, it's a product that offers both ease of use and a sense of attachment. The "J5" is intuitive and enjoyable even for first-time digital camera users, making them want to keep it for a long time.

WakitaNot just cameras, but many recent products tend to be flashy or emphasize performance by packing in new features. However, through "classic design," exemplified by the dial operation of the "Nikon 1 J5," it conveys the joy of photography to many people easily. And the "Df" seems to help us rediscover the act of photography itself, something that modern cameras are gradually losing.


Nikon Customer Support Center Navi-Dial
Tel. 0570-02-8000
www.nikon-image.com/

• Feature: Digital Cameras with a "Sense of Ownership" Stimulated by Design