Capturing the Future with Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India

On 4 July 2024, Nikon India launched the Nikon Z6III, a mirrorless camera with a partially stacked sensor. The brilliance of this camera knows no bounds, with an amazing AI-powered sensor and a powerful auto-focus that doesn’t disappoint. That day, we had the great opportunity to interview Mr Sajjan Kumar, the managing director of Nikon India. Mr Kumar relayed his thoughts on the Z6III and his journey with Nikon. He also imparted his wisdom from years of being in the camera industry and how he has actually learnt from aspiring photographers.

Ex: Can you elaborate on the vision behind the development of the Z6III?

SK: In our market, specifically the Indian market, this is an affordable product with high-end specs. It is also within our flagship models, of which we are very proud. The Z6III is aimed at helping creators who are looking for high-quality features and specs. We want them to showcase their creativity and outperform their domain with the new Z6III.

Ex: How does Nikon Z6III fit into Nikon’s broader strategy in the camera market?

SK: Nikon’s mirrorless and DSLR range now has 10 models, with the addition of the Z6III. The Z6III caters to creators looking for an affordable solution, but we also want them to have access to high specs. Since video consumption is on the rise, this will be the right product for them. So whether they are shooting a wedding, wildlife, or any genre, there are no bounds to their creativity with the Z6III.

Ex: What were some significant milestones under your leadership?

SK: Nikon’s recovery post-COVID was quite encouraging. The market slowly recovered, and Nikon, as a brand, mainly focused on how our customers’ journey remains and what they expect. We are representing a brand that has been meaningful to customers for more than a hundred years. We take that responsibility on our shoulders. So, we have to innovate and evolve ourselves to meet the expectations of our customers, and that’s what we’ve observed. That being said, we came out with a new range of products at an incredibly difficult time, but we were met with success as we kept innovating. For whichever genre of photography they choose, we have the right product for them.

Ex: How does Nikon tackle challenges in the industry?

SK: I don’t think challenge is the right word. However, I always see challenges as an opportunity to understand how we can better treat our customers. I think of it as a developing customer understanding.

Ex: Can you share your journey? What led you to become the managing director at Nikon?

SK: I joined this company in October 2008, and Nikon India’s journey started in May 2007. We were pretty famous from the beginning, and I will say that we, as a brand, are fortunate to be loved by our customers. Not just in our industry but also in our country, which offers a lot of opportunities for videographers due to the rich culture. Our culture includes so much diversity and festivities that make it a spectacle. Weddings are very vibrant and full of colours; the same goes for our festivals and rich architecture. It is totally different if you shoot the north or south. So, the possibilities are endless, and we want to live up to our name. For me, it is an honour and proud moment to represent such a brand that is loved so dearly by its customers. That has made my journey much easier. I also have a team that helped me in putting the organisation in the shape it is today. Now, we are one of the leading brands in the country.

Ex: What are the key lessons you have learned from your experience in the camera industry?

SK: I always work closely with the customers. Seeing customer behaviour evolve is what I find fascinating. This itself gives quite a rich experience to see how things change every 6 months. Because of this, I encourage you to give change a try. Try out something new, try out something different. Change is the most constant part of the camera industry.

Ex: Can you share a memorable story about photography?

SK: In my personal life, I am mainly into wildlife and birding. So whether it is Jim Corbett National Park or Ranthambore, I am fortunate also to have a family that supports me. My wife actually joins me on these trips.

Ex: And which camera do you use?

SK: I mainly use the Nikon Z8.

Ex: Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring photographers and videographers in the industry?

SK: Our country has a rich base of content creators, so my advice would not be required. I think we can learn more from them because now they have many more mediums to use, and more people are joining this league. So, we, as a brand, have to meet their expectations and what they are looking forward to. We learn from them.