Nikon and Fuji

[petrolhead]

Was passed this. Is it a hoax??

See for yourself

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.photolive.com.cn%2Fin dex.php%2Faction_viewnews_itemid_1031.html&langpair=zh%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools&num=100

[freddyco]

Don't they already cross share bodies and Nikon mounts on Fuji cameras? See this review. (http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2007/04/30/Fujifilm-S5-Pro/p1)

Anyway, I have been thinking that Sony wants to get as serious in DSLR as they are in HD Digital Video market. They are pretty serious already. But one way for them to capture more pro customers would be to acquire a smaller company but industry leader like Nikon. In fact, I think Nikon is the only option left.

My limited knowledge leads me to believe that Nikon is falling behind Canon in technology and already relying on Sony for sensors. So Sony could hinder Nikon's innovation in the right circumstances. If Sony were to acquire Nikon, it would allow Nikon cameras to compete with Canon's innovation long term. I can't see Nikon keeping up otherwise. I think Sony would keep the Nikon brand, look, and usability to ensure the user base remains loyal.

Then again, Sony is having all sorts of trouble with its many many entities... Now might not be the best time for Sony to make such a leap. And now it looks like Fuji could give Nikon the sensor technology it needs, at least for short term. But I am not sure they would keep up with the long-term R&D budget of a Canon...

[Familiaphoto]

Sony buying Nikon...interesting idea. They just bought Minolta...guess they want to own the world.

[vic6string]

Sony is having credit issues right now that would probably make the takover of an entity as large as Nikon a problem. Besides, Sony already took Minolta over so, along with their own crew, they should have a more than adequate R&D dept and the merchandising partners the Minolta left behind. I don't see where it would really make sense unless Nikon falls into a hole like Minolta did and Sony can scoop them up on the cheap.

[lostdoggy]

Nikpn is wholely own by one of the largest if not the largest consortium in Japan so the likelyhood of it being bought up by Sony would not be likely. Now wouldn't a take over like that require a bank to back it up?