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Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2026-2027

Nikon's biennial global contest, renamed the Nikon Film and Photo Contest for its 40th edition, is a manufacturer-run competition with one of the cleanest published AI distinctions in the field: fully AI-generated images are banned, AI-based editing of the entrant's own photographs is allowed. Entry is free. The 2024-2025 cycle took entries from 30 October 2024 to 16 March 2025 and announced its winners on 14 October 2025. The 2026-2027 edition would open in October under the previous cycle's calendar, but as of 7 November 2026 the contest site announces nothing, so dates, fees and rules remain those of the last edition until Nikon publishes the new guidelines.

AI banned
Deadline
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Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

Images generated by AI are prohibited. However, AI-based editing of images taken by the entrant him or herself is allowed.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

Quoted from the 2024-2025 entry guidelines, still the current rules page. The contest draws a clean line between AI-generated images (prohibited) and AI-based editing of the entrant's own captures (allowed). This explicit framing is rarer than it should be; many competitions leave the boundary implicit and let the jury decide case by case. The guidelines do not mention RAW files or Content Credentials.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2026-2027 allow AI-generated images?
No. Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2026-2027 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
How much does it cost to enter Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2026-2027?
Nikon Film and Photo Contest 2026-2027 is free to enter.

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