A 'redefinition of photography' may be needed says Nikon president Makoto Kimura, as new details emerge of an interview in which he hints at plans to launch a mirrorless camera system.

During the interview, which took place on 26 June, Kimura was asked if Nikon intends to launch its own compact camera system following the likes of Sony, Panasonic and Olympus.

Kimura is quoted as saying that while manufacturers of new camera systems may intend to take a share of the DSLR market, Nikon intends to retain its 'top position' in the DSLR category, while creating an 'entirely new domain'.

Respected Japanese trade publication Pen News Weekly quotes Kimura as telling reporters: 'It will be a camera that may take photos of the world that the traditional SLR cannot reach.

'Nowadays digital cameras take movies, performance of cameraphones is rapidly advancing and demand for simple movie cameras for uploading video on the internet is on the rise. Redefinition of photography may become necessary.'

Nikon's head office has, so far, refused to comment on Kimura's remarks.