Nikon Camera Production

All production numbers are based on available information about Nikon serial numbers found here:
www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html
Be aware that these serial numbers are incomplete and therefore do not represent accurate production numbers. Still, certain trends can be shown and it is the only information available – Nikon knows more but they do not publish detailed production numbers.

First shown is production per year of certain cameras. Note that this is not an accurate timeline when it comes to launch dates of particular bodies, but rather intended to show how certain product lines developed since about 2008:

Overall the decline of the camera industry from 2012 onward can be seen in some models, combined with a much faster decline of certain dSLR’s after 2015/2016, mostly in the lower price segment. In particular the D610/D750 FX bodies resisted the overall drop in sales much better than DX, so the launching of the Z6 was a logical move and is reflected in its sales numbers.

Some additional notes:

the massive drop in dSLR sales reflects overall CIPA statistics.
the Z5, Z6 II and Z7 II are not included as there are only very low (too few submissions?) serials available.
I have been very pessimistic about a Z-version of the D500 and the overall low yearly sales, combined with a contracting market, is the reason. It is a niche market. I don’t expect such a body being high on Nikon’s priority list, the more so as it would compete with future updates of the Z6/7 series.

Of course your analysis and conclusion based on these numbers might be different.

Here’s more detailed information, with a better time line. Certain camera bodies were combined to make it a bit easier to view (click to enlarge):