In a first of its kind agreement for the South African photographic industry, digital imaging giants Nikon South Africa and Adobe South Africa have forged a strategic alliance to combine forces.

Under the partnership, new purchases of selected Nikon Coolpix and digital SLR cameras will include special original equipment manufacturer editions of Adobe’s Lightroom 3, Photoshop Elements 9 and Premiere Elements 9 products from this month.

The recommended retail price for Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 is R999 (incl. VAT.) each, so this would amount to a considerable saving for those consumers who are first-time buyers.

Romi Jacobs, chief brand officer of Nikon in South Africa added that the company is  continuously looking to differentiate its offerings and establish a stronger market leadership position in the professional and consumer digital camera market in South Africa, and that the partnership presented an excellent opportunity for Nikon in South Africa to add value to its customers.

According to Grant O’Connor, regional manager for Adobe Systems sub Saharan Africa, the deal will enable consumers to more cost effectively access its image editing software. Connor added that being able to effectively using the tools and capabilities on offer would assist photographers to transform and profit from their creativity.

Both companies will be promoting this bundle together at exhibitions and events such as the Photo and Film Expo.

The deal follows Nikon’s launch earlier this month the Nikon Africa Trust, a goodwill initiative that aims to provide a professional future for young photography students who come from disadvantaged communities across the African continent.