Camera buffs and those involved in the camera industry around the world are anxiously awaiting Aug. 23, when Nikon Corp. will debut a camera model representing one of the most drastic changes in the firm's 101-year history.

Nikon, which along with Canon Inc. has long dominated the global high-end camera market, has put a countdown clock on its website ahead of the big event. The product? A next-generation, full-frame mirrorless camera with a new lens mount.

The release comes as Nikon and Canon — which have controlled the camera market with their single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras for years — are being threatened by the emergence of mirrorless cameras, experts say.