Will the prolific expansionism of the MILCs - eventually, kill off the DSLR? (Page 3): I am not sure anything is ever "killed" off entirely. People still use film cameras and I think a...

JDG3

I am not sure anything is ever "killed" off entirely. People still use film cameras and I think a person can even still buy buggy whips if you need one.

However, for the largest consumer markets, yes, cell phones and MILCs will dominate until the next big thing comes along. But, personally, I think DSLR's will be around for many years. Maybe they will not be marketed heavily or sold at the big box stores but the specialty camera shops will still carry the cameras and optional items for many, many years.

As in all things manufactured and sold - economics rules.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

With a little circuitry a DSLR or Mirrorless body could be talked on...

Chris T wrote:

I wouldn't know, Mike … as I don't have one …

Telephones are for talking on - not for shooting pictures. I use cameras to shoot pictures - NOT phones!!!

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

I am having difficulty in transitioning from my D5 and D850 to Z7. Different experience. When I need speed and realiability, I revert back to my trusted DSLRs. Maybe it’s me but I know how my DSLRs work and quickly deliver the results I want. I am sure mirrorless will continue to improve providing speed and functionality. Just not quite there yet for me.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

My 1D MkIII still can take very nice pictures, just check out some taken with this body on Flicker. When posting to social media I doubt most people could tell whether I used that body or a 1Dx MkII. But technology keeps marching forward.

Haydon wrote:

Few people have handled a flagship camera and even fewer know what they are like. I still use a IDIV for macro work extensively and it's my second body for event work. It's still takes great images. Those speaking negatively about that line simply do not understand and may not even have a body of work :()

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

The whims of the market will be the determinant. Right now it’s hard if not impossible to find a sedan with a stick shift but they’re readily available in other types of specialty vehicles (I think 🥴).

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Switching to MILC is not for me, I am waiting for Nikon bringing out another Df type new DSLR, I love my Df that is not much bigger in size nor heavier in weight than most FF MILCs. I do have an Olympus mirrorless compact camera but only for experiencing. DSLRs are my main photo gear for shooting.

BebuLamar

wingclui44 wrote:

Switching to MILC is not for me, I am waiting for Nikon bringing out another Df type new DSLR, I love my Df that is not much bigger in size nor heavier in weight than most FF MILCs. I do have an Olympus mirrorless compact camera but only for experiencing. DSLRs are my main photo gear for shooting.

You can keep waiting. I don't think Nikon will make another DSLR similar to the Df. They might make a mirrorless that looks like a film camera (a la Fuji and Olympus style) but not a DSLR.

Thumper26

The film 35mm SLR "killed off" the twin lens camera and I'm sure when the SLR hit the scene a similar discussion to MILC/DSLR took place. It's all about technological evolution - face it, the death knell for the DSLR has been sounded.

Keen

Some people still use glass plates, and 8x10", or larger, View cameras. No part of photography will ever completely die. The APS-C format died out...in the film arena....and has come back in the Digital arena. I really don't care what other people do / don't use. I use what suits me, and other folks use what suits them. Live, and let live.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I think the question is will smart phones iPads and various incarnations kill off serious
consumer, enthusiast, and pro cameras. I notice here that the enthusiasts seem to be
mature folks like me.
While you talk stills the world is huge for video from all kinds of sources.

I am working on a couple of marketing accounts just started. Facts on video.
55% OF YOUR MARKET IS WATCHING EVERYDAY.
72% OF PEOPLE PREFER VIDEO TO LEARN ABOUT SERVICES.
YOUTUBE MILLIONS OF VIEWS. THE FIGURES ARE STAGGERING. VISUAL CONTENT IS WHERE IT IS AT.
THE PEOPLE YOU NEED TO IMPRESS ARE ON THE SCREENS THOUSANDS OF TIMES DAY.
MOBILE, TABLETS, LAPTOPS, PC’S, CABLE, SOCIAL NETWORKING.
"IN THE FUTURE EVERYTHING THAT'S IMPORTANT WIL BE DOCUMENTED IN VIDEO" MEDIASITE

THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT STILLS WONT HAVE THEIR PLACE IN THIS PICTURE.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Low Budget Dave wrote:

Doubtful.

If mirrorless was better in every way, then people would switch. But right now it is only a little better (in one or two ways), equal (in most ways), or slightly worse (in one or two ways.)

It is like going from 8-track to cassette. Meh.

You can't get Quadrophonic sound from a cassette, though, can you?

Dave, tell me - in which ways do you believe MILCs are worse than DSLRs?

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Chris T wrote:

Think about it, folks … ALL Fuji APS-C models, ALL MFT models, ALL Sony FF models, and half of their APS-C models, and now - two FF models from each - Nikon, and Canon … is the road ahead, pretty clear, now?

The mirror was a kludge, to permit a small portable camera similar in size to a rangefinder, that could have a single interchangeable lens and a clear optical view of the subject. It requires very precise mechanical engineering and manufacture. Electronics can be mass produced and are not subject to the extreme mechanical and timing tolerances necessary for moving mirrors out of the way and stopping down lenses in a fraction of a second. It only makes sense. When a simpler, more practical way of doing something comes along, the more difficult one passes away. The wheel replaced the travois and the sledge

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

CatMarley wrote:

The mirror was a kludge, to permit a small portabl... (show quote)

"the travois and the sledge" eh, Cat?

Hmmmmm ….

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Chris T wrote:

Think about it, folks … ALL Fuji APS-C models, ALL MFT models, ALL Sony FF models, and half of their APS-C models, and now - two FF models from each - Nikon, and Canon … is the road ahead, pretty clear, now?

Yea Chris, I,ve thought about it long and hard and I've come to a conclusion, the dslr is going to die a long and horrible death....you happy now?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

LED bulbs have been found to be causing eye problems.
--Bob

ELNikkor wrote:

Well, SUV's are "killing off" sedans, auto transmissions are "killing off" manual, LED light bulbs are "killing off" incandescants, etc., so we may just be witnessing the trend in current camera technology where one technology is beginning to overtake another, as mirrorless cameras continue to improve. (But remember, digital has yet to "kill off" film...)