Mr. Adachi: It may be the ergonomics, but we put the importance on the easy-to-use UI for the users when developing all of our products. So, it is the product planning team’s thought that this key notion will not change even as we progress into the future.
Although the styling could change depending on the era or the shape might change depending on the parts and mechanical formation factors, we will continue to pursue an easy-to-use design build, the same as always.
Mr. Imamizu: For Nikon, the ease of use in keeping the best distance between the users and the camera as a tool exists as our strongest core goal. You could also describe this in the way a sense of unity exists between humans and horses.
You are pursuing how the cameras should function when seen as a tool.
Mr. Imamizu: Yes, that’s right.
I certainly think that it is superior in terms of the physical sense of touch and operability. I personally feel that Nikon is creating cameras with exactly the right sense of unity as between humans and horses. On the other hand, I get an impression that the operational system in regard to UI hasn’t had any major improvements. I’d love to see some improvements made as it’s been two years since the release of the Z series.
Mr. Adachi: Although we have been revising small parts, we know that we’ve been receiving requests about the operability. We’re planning to reflect these requests in the future models.
As the main designer, can you tell us the best angle to view the Z 5?
Mr. Imamizu: Personally, I like to look up at the camera diagonally from the bottom, from the grip side.
It looks more powerful, right?
Mr. Imamizu: Yes. I want people to see that it is full of calculated decisions. It is also the part which I want the users to actually experience and that’s why I like this angle. From this angle, you can see the grip where the users will touch the most including the shutter-release button, the most important part of a camera. The EVF is also on the back where we put our best efforts forward for the sake of a large mount and the comfortable viewing experience. I think this is the angle where you can see the formation all of these elements at its most realized.
I really sympathize with what you just said. Once again, I don’t understand why you don’t share these kinds of points on the Nikon website.
Everyone: (laughs)
By the way, do you ever talk about your ideal camera, something like a “Nikon of your dreams”, within other staff members?
Mr. Adachi: We actually talk a lot about our ideal cameras, as some people are like a walking dictionary.
Not only in the Imaging Business Unit, there are many staff members who are simply a Nikon fan or likes cameras in general.
In the past, we did an internal survey about the Z 7/Z 6 and there were a lot of opinions from the other units aside from the Imaging Business Unit. We were surprised to receive so many detailed opinions from them and we understand that there are many people who love cameras within our company.
Finally, was there anything that you wanted to achieve but couldn’t for the Z 5?
Mr. Adachi: We feel that we did our best against our goal, but we certainly struggled with whether or not to have the back monitor in tilting mode or vari-angle mode until the very end. From the marketing point of view, we had an option to go with the vari-angle monitor when you think about the compatibility of movie recording. However, we prioritized the camera size and landed on the tilting monitor.