New J1 and V1 Cameras From Nikon

I've had several phone calls today asking about the new Nikon J1 & V1 cameras that Nikon introduced yesterday. The first reaction I got was disappointment that the announcement was not about new professional D-SLRs. Nikon has most certainly not abandoned or lost interest in the pro market. The reality is that this is not cause for disappointment but cause for excitement. While these are not pro cameras the technology in them is stunning and when extrapolated to the future it is obvious that when-not if- but when those new D-SLR's do come we can expect great things.

We have come to the point where professional level D-SLR cameras have become so good that neither the technology nor the current economy warrants the rapid 20-30 month life-cycle that we saw in the beginning of the digital camera revolution. After 26 years with Nikon I have learned to be patient and fasten your seat belt.