While the world keeps dancing to the mirrorless tune, Nikon’s DSLR titan, the D6, is still standing strong—literally and figuratively. Despite claims of its demise, the camera remains very much in stock, very much in demand, and very much priced like the top-tier legend it is. In the age of the mirrorless revolution, are we prematurely writing the obituary of DSLRs? And if Canon has turned the page, why hasn’t Nikon?
A Premature Farewell?
Recent chatter among photography circles and media outlets claimed that Nikon had silently discontinued its DSLR flagship—the Nikon D6. Given the unstoppable momentum of mirrorless development, this wouldn’t be surprising… except it isn’t true. A quick visit to Nikon USA tells a different story: the D6 is still listed, in stock, and demanding its full $6,500 USD price tag. That’s right—Nikon’s ultimate DSLR is still being sold brand-new in 2025, and Nikon hasn’t issued a single word about discontinuing it. That’s a bold stance in a world seemingly bent on rendering DSLRs obsolete.
Canon’s Official Goodbye to DSLR
To understand the contrast, one needs to look at what Canon has already done. Canon’s Chairman and CEO, Fujio Mitarai, declared in an interview that the EOS-1D X Mark III would be Canon’s last DSLR. That wasn’t just a product shift; it was a funeral announcement for Canon’s DSLR line. Fast-forward to 2024, and Canon doubled down on that statement. First, with deep discounts on the 1DX Mark III—a move that felt like a clearance sale more than a tribute. Then, Canon introduced its long-awaited mirrorless flagship, the EOS R1, positioning it as the spiritual and professional successor to the 1DX line. But in a surprising twist, the 1DX Mark III has returned to its original price point, regaining value and now retailing higher than the R1 itself, according to this report. This unexpected reversal signals renewed demand, possibly due to limited availability, professional trust, or nostalgia-fueled buying among elite photographers who still swear by DSLR reliability. So Canon has walked away from DSLR development—but the 1DX Mark III hasn’t faded away. In fact, it seems to be standing taller than ever, both in legacy and in price.
Nikon D6: A Different Approach
The Nikon D6 was officially launched for retail back in 2020 (read the launch article here), at a time when the DSLR vs. mirrorless debate was heating up. The D6 was clearly intended as a DSLR fortress—unshakable in speed, ruggedness, battery life, and optical precision. Aimed primarily at sports photographers, wildlife shooters, and photojournalists, the D6 was (and still is) a workhorse built for real-world battlefields. And what’s fascinating is that Nikon continues to support and sell the D6 as if the mirrorless war never happened.
When the Mirrorless Twin Costs Less
Another surprising twist in this saga? The Nikon D6—this mechanical titan of the DSLR world—costs more than its mirrorless twin, the Nikon Z9. While both cameras are considered flagships in their respective categories, recent developments have made this price gap hard to ignore. As covered in this article, the Z9 has just received a major discount, likely in anticipation of a Z9 Mark II announcement. This means that a brand-new Z9 now sells for well under $5,500 USD—a full $1,000+ less than the D6. This price discrepancy is both fascinating and revealing. The Z9 features a stacked full-frame sensor, blackout-free EVF, internal 8K video, and cutting-edge AI autofocus. Meanwhile, the D6, while robust and fast, lacks many of the modern innovations mirrorless cameras now deliver as standard. So why is the older DSLR still priced like royalty? The answer likely lies in legacy value, professional trust, and perhaps Nikon’s intention to maintain a premium positioning for its last DSLR giant. For many photojournalists and action shooters, the D6 still represents the peak of reliability—a camera built like a tank, for situations where failure is not an option. Still, the fact remains: the D6 costs more than the Z9, and that alone tells a bigger story about Nikon’s transitional era. As the mirrorless market pushes forward, DSLR holdouts are not just surviving—they’re commanding a premium.
Price Tag Wars: DSLR vs. Mirrorless
Here’s where things get even more interesting. Even with Canon’s new mirrorless darling on the market, the 1DX Mark III still carries a higher price than the R1. That’s not just surprising—it’s illuminating. Why is a DSLR from 2020 holding or exceeding the value of a 2024 mirrorless flagship packed with next-gen AI, 8K video, and advanced tracking? The answer may lie in trust, reliability, and real-world performance. Many professionals still swear by DSLR ergonomics, optical viewfinders, and the no-nonsense nature of DSLRs under pressure. There’s a raw mechanical dependability that mirrorless, for all its innovations, hasn’t completely replicated. That might explain why Nikon isn’t rushing to shut the D6 down—and why it still retails at full price.
Is Nikon Playing the Long Game?
With Canon fully committed to the mirrorless future, Nikon now stands in an unusual position. Instead of being late to the mirrorless game, Nikon might actually be the last DSLR defender, even if unintentionally. This could be a strategic move. While the high-end mirrorless market becomes saturated and aggressively competitive, Nikon can quietly serve professionals who still demand DSLR systems. A niche? Maybe. But a profitable and loyal one. Moreover, for existing Nikon DSLR users with F-mount glass and D5/D4 systems, the D6 remains a seamless upgrade—one that doesn’t force a lens overhaul or a change in shooting muscle memory.
And maybe that’s the real story: DSLRs are not dead. They’re elite. They’re rare. They’re for those who know what they want—and are willing to pay for it.
Is the DSLR Dead? Not Quite.
In truth, the DSLR market is shrinking. That’s undeniable. Mirrorless offers undeniable advantages in terms of technology, form factor, and future development. But Nikon’s continued support of the D6 suggests that death has been exaggerated. Rather than a mass grave, the DSLR landscape looks more like a slow, graceful retirement—with the D6 enjoying a particularly fine bottle of wine on the porch. And maybe that’s the real story: DSLRs are not dead. They’re elite. They’re rare. They’re for those who know what they want—and are willing to pay for it.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon D6 is not a zombie camera. It’s a living legend, still being produced and sold. The market might be shifting, but Nikon isn’t surrendering its DSLR legacy just yet. So before you write your DSLR eulogy, check the facts—and the price tags. Because somewhere in a stadium, a forest, or a battlefield, a D6 is still clicking away, capturing moments that matter. Do you think Nikon is right to keep the D6 alive? Should they invest in a D7? Are DSLRs now collectible tools for elite creators—or should we move on entirely?
There is more to the camera market than Canon and Nikon. Pentax hasn’t even made a mirrorless ILC camera yet, and doesn’t appear likely to do so. The end of Pentax has been forecast for the last 15 years or so, but I’m happy with my K 1 and lens collection from Pentax, Irix, Tamron and others. Does mirrorless have some advantages? Sure, but not enough for me to jump ship to another brand and replace my collection of macro lenses. Just as some photographers still like rangefinders (Leica and Pixii) some still prefer SLR designs, so there will continue to be some market for SLRs.
Absolutely agree — the camera world is much broader than just Canon and Nikon. Pentax is a prime example of a brand that’s committed to the DSLR format, even in a mirrorless-dominated era. Mirrorless systems offer clear advantages in some areas, but for many photographers, optical viewfinders, handling, and lens compatibility still matter more. Just like rangefinders have their loyalists, DSLRs — and by extension SLR ergonomics — aren’t going extinct anytime soon. Just our 2 cents 🙂
The D850is still rated as the best all round DSLR ever, and it is in stock
So the D780, with its Z6 sensor, this is a versatile hybrid camera, with Liveview performance equivalent to the first generation Z Mirrorless cameras.
Agreed! The D850 is still a powerhouse — widely considered the most well-rounded DSLR ever made, and its continued availability speaks volumes about its lasting demand. As for the D780, it’s one of the smartest DSLR hybrids out there, combining the best of both worlds: Z6-level Live View performance with classic DSLR handling. It’s proof that Nikon didn’t just pour innovation into the mirrorless line — they also gave DSLR users something truly versatile. These cameras show that DSLR tech isn’t just alive, it’s evolving in smart ways for photographers who want flexibility without switching ecosystems.