| I think this article gets it right, I do see a gradual downward trending of DSLR usage Context: I consider myself a serious amateur photographer. I own a Nikon full frame DSLR (D750) as well as a slew of Nikon professional prime an zoom lenses. I also own a Nikon N80 film camera, and a 30+ year old Nikon FE2 camera. I also did large format photography and had a Shen Hao HZX 4X5 Camera as well as a 60+ year old Graphlex Crown Graphic 4x5 camera and a Mamiya RB76 medium format camera (sold those a few years ago). Oh, and I also own a Fuji X100F mirrorless (I wanted a high quality camera that was easier to carry than my DSRL+lenses). The only recent manufacturer I can think of that came out with a DSLR was Nikon (with the D780) and they ae possibly coming out with a D850 successor. I don't see any new full frame DSLR cameras being produced (I still expect to see consumer level DSRL cameras). But this does not mean the cameras will die out, since there is a robust used market. The D750 was first produced in 2014, I bought one in 2019 (it was my first full frame DSLR, prior I had a D300 DX camera). It is 24 MP, which is still pretty decent and should last me for a couple more years. Some of my DSLR lenses (which are compativle with the Nikon N80) I bought used (great way to save money). For me, since I intend to stick with Nikon, moving to mirroless
at this point makes no sense because a) For the type of photos I take, does not make a difference. 24 MP is plenty enough for me https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamkimeria/51370902562/siz... b) Nikon Mirrorless is still not on par with their DSLR offerings. The Nikon Z7II is a great camera, 47 MP but lacks features they have in their prosumer and high end DSLRs. I would also need to get a whole slew of new lenses (there is an adapter to use my existing lenses but it is clunky). If I were willing to switch to another manufacturer (I'm not, I have been very happy with Nikon for 25 years) I could see myself switching right now. I suspect I will move over to mirrorless with Nikons next version of the Z7 (possibly in a couple of years) but will keep my DSLR and lenses (but sell some on the used market, www.keh.com is a godsend). But as some have pointed out, phone cameras get better and better. I expect those to cannibalize the sales of mirrorless rangefinders (like the X100 range) but you will never get the flexibility that prosumer DSLR/mirrorless systems give you (dynamic range, ability to switch lenses, super-fast focus if you are a sports photographer etc). But I am at the point where I am comfortable using my iPhone (and I have the XS, not the latest) for day to day photos where I either don't have my camera or did not carry it) |