Nikon and Apple’s rumored app could be a game-changer
Sep 28, 2015
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According to the latest rumors the app Nikon and Apple were said to be developing will be used to update camera firmware, sync custom settings and add features via the camera’s WiFi.
This app could be related to the firmware download program we were expecting and might be released with the upcoming D5 (and hopefully the D300s replacement).
Is Nikon about to revolutionize the camera market?
Since March we’ve been hearing rumors about Nikon USA working with Apple iOS engineers on a secret project at the Cupertino campus. In June Nikon Rumors updated that the app could be used to add or purchase new features as the firmware advances, but that it is not known whether it is designed for DSLRs or for the Coolpix cameras.
The latest (unconfirmed) update from Nikon Rumors claims that not only will compatible WiFi-enabled cameras be able to add features using the app as the firmware is updated, but the firmware itself will be upgradeable using the app as well. This will save users from the hassle of connecting the camera to the computer and downloading the new firmware, and make the process very similar to the way iPhone users can upgrade their iOS.
So why do I think this could be related to the firmware download program we previously mentioned? Well, mainly because developing an app that will allow wireless firmware updates is a terrible use of resources when cameras get new firmware as infrequently as Nikons do today. It just doesn’t make sense in the current state of things, but it would make more sense if cameras were to start getting more frequent updates.
New camera releases, for the most part, aren’t as exciting and groundbreaking anymore as they used to be. That makes it harder to get people to upgrade their current gear and harder to sell the cameras to new customers. However, having the capability to add new features over time (or perhaps purchase add-ons) will definitely be a strong marketing point.
Add to that the fact that such capabilities must require considerably more advanced firmware than what’s currently in our cameras and it seems very logical that the new app and firmware download program will be available with the new models rather than existing ones.
Some might be thinking that being able to update the camera’s firmware and features will negatively impact the sale of the next generation of cameras (D6 etc). This is a possibility, but perhaps Nikon is again following in Apple’s footsteps and is looking to start making money by selling add-ons such as filters, premium features, etc. So people might not upgrade as often after buying such a camera, but the additional income from in-app purchases could more than make up for the lost revenue. Not to mention the new customers that will move to Nikon if all this will actually happen.
While some features could be aimed at the consumer level, it is mentioned that the app can manage a number of registered cameras and update them all at once. That’s convenient, but syncing custom settings between the cameras is the feature that has me most excited at the moment.
As you can see, Nikon could theoretically revolutionize DSLRs as we know them (and its own business model). On the other hand, Nikon might just release a decent-yet-useless app with nothing more than a bit of a cool factor.
There’s no expected release date for the app, if it’s true, but I’m remaining at least somewhat optimistic until I have reason to believe otherwise.
Oh, and no talk about an Android version of the app but it might just be a better kept secret.
Liron Samuels
Liron Samuels is a wildlife and commercial photographer based in Israel. When he isn’t waking up at 4am to take photos of nature, he stays awake until 4am taking photos of the night skies or time lapses. You can see more of his work on his website or follow him on Facebook.
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9 responses to “Nikon and Apple’s rumored app could be a game-changer”
Are we talking about wireless upgrading ? My iPhone camera already have it.
The term game changer is thrown around quite a bit these days. Any time I hear that term I get awfully skeptical.
Forgive me if I’m wrong but doesn’t Sony already do this with the a7/a6000 and the PlayMemories app which enables features and add-ons via wifi?
Maybe this is just me being a stubborn, but isn’t the key to create a product with great software and hardware rather than releasing something which is only half-baked which you have to update all the time to fix the bugs. If they are aiming to release some kind of one-size-fits all camera which is only limited by software that you have to pay for I’ll be very disappointed. On the flip-side, if I can buy a really cheap camera, jail-break it and make it identical to the pro camera then I’m all for it!
Yes the Sony a6000 does have this built into the camera. You can purchase additional features for your camera as well they do offer some freebies too. New features do appear from time to time. It’s definitely very cool.
Is it a Nikon app created for iOS or are Apple working with Nikon? If adding features by way of filters and like is where Nikon is headed, I really can’t see Apple actively lending a hand to Nikon as they would be creating a competitor for the iPhone’s camera. As misleading as their advertising is, the iPhone camera is a major focus for Apple’s marketing machine.
If it’s just an app for updating firmware and the likes, well that’s hardly a game changer. It isn’t going to sell camera bodies to professionals and won’t mean much to the consumer.
Not really a game changer is it?
Especially seeing as I’ve been able to do this with my Samsung NX1 for quite a while now and it doesn’t need an app to update firmware, you can do that directly from the camera. The app allows you to download custom settings from a community and upload your own. But Apple is involved so therefore it must be new.. (rolls eyes)
Sony has been doing similar things as well, you can buy apps to add to the camera to increase functionality.
I suppose it would be nice to update the camera firmware without needing to load it on a memory card, but I think the term “minor added convenience” would be a far better way to describe it than “game changer”
Apparantly it takes very little to “revolutionize” cameras.
I would tend to think “game changer” should be reserved for something like a completely new type of sensor that offers 40+ stops of DR with clean ISO of 4 billion. Or a new battery that lasts 12 years, or infinite memory system that writes to your server at home as fast as an on board memory card.
Meh
Game changer? An app? ???