Think about this- perhaps all this high technology will be the END of folks depending on talent, skill, resourcefulness and real creativity in photography. Over the years there have seen some incredibly great images made with cameras that most of y'all would not consider anything more than a doorstop or a paperweight.

For me, photography is my job- I shoot just about every day in order to keep my business going and earn a living. I like cameras that don't get in my way and present a barrier or delay between me and what I am shooting. I don't want a viewfinder with so much data that it looks like the flight deck of an airliner. All I need is f/stops, shutter speeds, and a focus mechanism and a little automation is convenient when necessary- the rest is window dressing that I have to pay for but seldom need. I buy the lenses that I need for the work that I do. Many of my images are used in large commercial displays so they gotta be sharp so I invest in good glass. I have to invest in heavy duty lighting gear but most of it is big but simple- unfortunately, small speedlights are expensive "toys" in comparison to what I need to have.

The photographic equipment business is just like every other successful industry. They have to constantly come up with new products and promote them. Distributors and retailers are part of the "food chain" they all have their place and jobs to do. I certainly don't resent their efforts and they are all entitled to prosper. If not for the manufacturers' research, development and engineering there would be no technological innovation and progress in photogray. The distributors and retailers do the importation and keep us supplied with what we need or want. I appreciate all of this- I use cameras and related gear, I don't invent it, make it or bring it to market. I have a studio, not a camera store.

In a free enterprise and free market society, supply and demand will determine what's hot and what's not.

My advice for folks who are looking to buy a new camera, get into a system or upgrade to something new is simple. Work backward from your individual requirements and budget. When you settle on a brand or type the next step is go directly to the dealer and hande the equipment. Look for cameras that feel ergonomically compatible with your hands and your level of dexterity. Choose one with a comfortable weight, center of gravity and size so you don't end up fumbling with unwieldy gear. You needn't be an avid camera collector to be a good photographer! Spend your time and money on learning to operate you gear to the point where it becomes second nature and then concentrate on your art!

There are many non professionals, like myself, who will probably continue to use DSLRs for years to come. I can understand why a professional would want to go mirrorless, but non professional consumers making the jump from cell phones to something better are not going to want to fork over more than $2,000 or $3,000 for a mirrorless camera. Until prices drop significantly, companies like Nikon and Canon will continue to make entry level (and affordable) DSLRs to get people hooked into their ecosystems. So my guess is we will continue to see DSLRs, especially lower priced ones, for a number of years.

I appreciate that Hasselblad probably has the best whiz-bang viewfinders on the planet, but not at any price range that makes sense for a hobby photographer like myself (I gave up photography as a business in the early 90's) it was easier to make great money and benefits with other talents I posses. I have been a photographer most of my life, started shooting in the 1963 time frame, not a newbie in any sense of the word. If I have to spend thousands to have a viewfinder that is a little better than the one in my old D90 - ain't interested, wouldn't make any sense.

I also have a rather large collection of Nikon, Sony, Fuji and Canon, and shelves full of great old glass. Have not bought a new camera or lens in decades (all used, once in a while a "refurb"). I appreciate modern electronics, maybe more so than others, but I keep it all in perspective (retired, shoot for fun and enjoyment). I would love to replace my old jeep with an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but there is no practical reason to do so (other than to show off).
YMMV
Cheers,
mike

The prices for mirrorless are going to be lower than for an equivalent DSLR because precision mechanics are more difficult and costly to manufacture than are electonics. The equivalent lenses are also going to be less expensive to build because of the shorter focal plane to rear element distance allowing smaller elements. When people are willing to spent over one K for a phone, I think the mirrorless will overtake the DSLR not only in size and weight decrease but in price competition as well. And I do not think it will need 10 years. at least in manufacture. I do not think you are going to see any more than one new high end DSLR model from CANIKON after these new high end mirrorless cameras become established. It makes no sense, because the optical/mechanical workaround is so much more difficult than the electronic solution.

The prices for mirrorless are going to be lower than for an equivalent DSLR because precision mechanics are more difficult and costly to manufacture than are electonics. The equivalent lenses are also going to be less expensive to build because of the shorter focal plane to rear element distance allowing smaller elements. When people are willing to spent over one K for a phone, I think the mirrorless will overtake the DSLR not only in size and weight decrease but in price competition as well. And I do not think it will need 10 years. at least in manufacture. I do not think you are going to see any more than one new high end DSLR model from CANIKON after these new high end mirrorless cameras become established. It makes no sense, because the optical/mechanical workaround is so much more difficult than the electronic solution.