The Nikon DL was actually considered one of the most curious footnotes in camera history: announced in 2016 as an ambitious premium compact camera with a large sensor, it was then scrapped in February 2017, before even a single unit had been shipped. Almost ten years later, there are now increasing signs that Nikon wants to give the series a second chance after all.
What is known about the Nikon DL?
According to recent rumors from NikonRumors, the manufacturer is planning either a completely new model with a 35mm-equivalent lens in the 24–70 mm range, or a re-release of the two originally announced variants: one with an 18–50 mm lens (f/1.8–2.8) and one with a 24–85 mm lens (f/1.8–2.8). The third super-zoom version, unveiled in 2016 with a 24–500 mm focal length, is not expected to return.
The lens is expected to be paired with a modern 24-megapixel 1-inch sensor. This would put the Nikon DL in direct competition with established premium compact cameras such as the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, which also uses a 1-inch sensor and currently retails for just under 1,170 euros.
| Feature | Rumor about the Nikon DL |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1-inch, 24 megapixels |
| Lens (Variant 1) | 24–70 mm (35mm equivalent) |
| Lens (Variant 2a) | 18–50 mm, f/1.8–2.8 |
| Lens (Variant 2b) | 24–85 mm, f/1.8–2.8 |
| Viewfinder | Optional external EVF for the hot shoe |
| Position | Premium compact camera, high-quality body |
Premium features instead of a budget model
Nikon is reportedly positioning the DL once again as a high-quality premium compact camera. This is reflected in a particularly high-quality body, user-configurable picture styles via Nikon’s Picture Control system, and an optional electronic viewfinder, which is said to be available separately for the hot shoe. No official information has been released yet regarding the price or launch date. It is also unclear whether Nikon will ultimately release both lens variants or just one of them.
It is noteworthy that the DL is apparently being developed not as a replacement for, but alongside another Nikon compact camera—already rumored—that features a full-frame sensor and a fixed lens. Nikon would thus be offering two premium compact cameras in different sensor classes—a strategy that makes perfect sense given the ongoing compact camera hype of recent years.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether the Nikon DL will actually make it to stores this time—Nikon has not officially confirmed anything yet. However, the latest rumors indicate that the manufacturer still considers the concept of a premium compact camera with a large 1-inch sensor to be relevant. If you’d like an overview of alternatives already available, you’ll find suitable recommendations for every budget in our compact camera comparison, such as the Nikon COOLPIX P1100, which also boasts a powerful superzoom.
If you’d like to get your hands on a comparable premium compact camera with a 1-inch sensor right now: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III on Amazon*.
