It is not surprising that they leave the range of both brands the same. I think it is a takeover that is a bit difficult to explain. Different markets, different products. Short-term synergy is not really possible.
Sony is much better positioned, as has become apparent in recent years. One lens mount with a short flange that can be used in the market from consumer to high end. It didn’t do them any harm. Nikon is now making very nice stuff again (after a dark period), but between the violence of Canon and Sony, they are not getting the attention and market share that their quality might entitle them to.
Filming with a Nikon? Yes of course, but: there is no cine glass and the shape remains that of a photo camera. Two things that part of the market does not want.
With the acquisition of Red, Nikon can now also work towards integration in the long term. It is not yet simple. A Red camera with a Nikon FZ Mount seems like a great idea. An annoying detail: Red doesn’t make cine glass, neither does Nikon. Cine glass with FZ Mount does not exist as far as I know. The market in which Red operates also prefers to use PL Mount. Well, that can all be solved with adapters, but still. Of course Nikon can start building cine lenses. But that market is already quite saturated.
It is a takeover that seems mainly motivated to maintain sufficient mass in the long term to continue to participate. The bottom of the camera market has been/is being eaten up by smartphones. I doubt it will help them sell more cameras. It remains very painful that they arrive late at the party.
