CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

As a person who, prior to retirement, had strong ties to the Japanese (Fujitsu and Epson), I cannot believe that Mr. Shimizu spoke as he did understanding the impact to another division of Sony. As the article states, “While it isn't unusual for Sony to make bold predictions about a sector it's heavily invested in, there does seem to be substance behind its predictions for the continued evolution of phone cameras at the expense of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.” His statements had to be vetted before presentation. Regardless, do not expect to see Sony walk back the statements publicly.

Understand your competition – the smartphone is not your competitor. The person who is satisfied with the production of a smartphone was never going to invest in high end photography equipment. Good news for the smartphone shooter, between improving quality of smartphone, increase in sensor size and software, they will even become happier. Like you, I never go anywhere without my phone and on occasion shooting it in Raw.

The article is not about DSLR vs. Mirrorless. We are most likely just minutes away from Mirrorless exceeding the quality of DSLR. Manufacturers will make sure your future body will be mirrorless. As you look at your tea leaves, understand the going from film to digital is not the same as DSLR to Mirrorless.

What is missing in the article\discussions? The improved technologies in everything associated with smartphone and image processing will also be ported to future mirrorless cameras.

What happens to the high end of photography? First, the technology will continue to improve for both camera and processing. Second, the market (sales) will get thinner, and we will see some players drop out. This could even cause increase in equipment cost. Third, the driving forces to become a master photographer will not decrease. Those who will not invest in high end equipment because the smartphone meets all their needs were never going to invest in the first place; however, this is very bad news for GoPro, entry level cameras and whatever “walkaround cameras” are.

Lastly, in humor, somebody call Chicago PD and ask for a “well visit” for Paul…interesting responses on this topic.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Memory cards also, batteries just consume quicker.
(But I suppose it depends on one's definition of consumables.)

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

When I retire later this year I am dumping my iPhone 13Max (new) and going to a cheap flip phone. No Smart phone needed. Save money for fun stuff.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

My wife went to a smart phone, under duress, when her flip phone just didn't cut it for work (messaging).
I think she like it now.
It is fun stuff... I like the abilities a smart phone has, internet in a pinch, weather apps with radar and lightning maps, messaging, grocery lists, photographer's ephemeris, sky map, and many more. Oh yea, and a nice camera in a pinch. (My DSLR is not glued to my body.)

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Oh really now ? Is film dead as I once read 20 years ago ? I don't care who says what, DSLRs will be around.
And so what ? Cell phones have come a long way and appear very capable, mirror-less are nice too. But, my Nikon D300-S and Panasonic FZ300 serve me just fine. And oh yea, the price was right too since I bought them used.
Marketing Bull**** drives this stuff to sell their newest stuff.
My brain thought for today,
bruce.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

Nickaroo

Sony is foolish for stating this and I don’t think that they did. Now, I do feel that Cellphones might dent the market, but they have a big breakfast to swallow thinking that they will replace Cameras. If this is their Statement, then why are they ramping up DX Lenses this year. I try to not take these Statements to heart. Now, let’s pretend that is their plan, I have close to $60,000 into my gear. I’m sure that me being 64, my equipment will probably last me forever. I went and made a purchase, which caused World War 3 in my home, 2 Nikon D850’s and now I have 4, I did buy 2 Z9’s, I have 2 D500’s, 1 Z72, I also have my D5 which I use a lot at Michigan Football, but nonetheless I did buy a D6. To round things out, I also have 2 D750’s. You name a a Nikon Lens and I know that I have a large selection. My Friend purchased and sold 13 Z9’s. He sold 11 of them for $10,500 a unit. That made him a lot of cash to buy backup lenses and what not. Please do not underestimate Canó, Fuji, Nikon, Leica, or Panasonic. These companies have helped our Aspirations. Great post!!! You brought up awesome points and I do appreciate it when people keep their eyes and ears open.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I'm moving to survival mode. Minimalist. After being on call for the better part of 44 years 24/7, and responsible for dozens of people (first responders) in a 13 million person jurisdiction... I'm good with utter silence. I will be in place where little to no signal is available anyway. My wife will have her smart phone if needed. Doubtful other than to call the undertaker for me.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Key operator: Marketing Bull.
Not only do they get people to bite, some swallow it hook, line, and sinker.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

Hey Real Nikon Lover, I'm with you. My other half and I tried Smart Phones for 6 Months. His remained in his glove box. Why have them?? So we now have what I love to call Dump Phones, total bill for both is $35 a month, and we can use these in our car should we have a breakdown, etc. So, no real need here for a smart phone.

Wasabi

Nikon and Canon are announcing new models frequently but Sony is silent. Nothing new in the works?. Or as someone suggested are they withdrawing from the camera market?

srt101fan

And don't forget the clock, timer, stopwatch, flashlight....Shucks, it can probably help hold up your pants if your belt breaks...🙄

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I can appreciate that.
(I think we computer geeks have an affection for smart phones.)

old poet

I'm retired happy with my D500. 200-500 lens. 105 Macro, 18-105 kit lens. I also have a top notch smart phone. I'm spending no more money at 81 yo. To each his/her own. Mirrorless has won. Cell phone cams will improve. BTW, the James Webb Telescope has 18 mirrors. Can't wait to see the images.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Oh brother and they certainly do don't they.