bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

In answer to your title; yes!

bwa

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Very good points Jim.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I don't think the DSLR will suddenly disappear any time soon. As new technologies and mirrorless models emerge there might be a falloff in production and consumption but many DSLR models will remain in production. Many photographers still prefer an optical image (mirror/ground glass/focusing screen etc.) as opposed to an electronically generated image. There are many DSLR systems in use and the owners will still want to add lenses and accessories to their inventories. If the major manufactures continue to respond to demand they will not cut off desirable and saleable supply.

Usually, nothing decent and practical in photography equipment ever entirely disappears- they seem to linger on the used market almost forever. You can still find a Speed Graphic Anniversary Model, produced in the 1940s, still in working order. Every manner of film cameras are still to be found. Surprisingly, some are still being produced and consumed in niche markets at ridiculously high prices. Want a NEW Rolleiflex? Got 5-Grand you don't need?

Folks still mourn the loss of Minolta but the optical technology lives on in the companies that Minolta was absorbed into. Smart corporations buy up patents and continue development and production. Some of the pining for old and discontinued gear is false nostalgia. Many of the OLD cameras and lenses were darn good but the latest models are better!

In the final analysis, WHO CARES? "Who cares" is not a snide or dismissive remark, it is a legitimate question. If you are a wholesaler, or retailer or involved or working in these industries, you should be very interested in marketing and consumer trends. If you are a member of the "photo-press"- magazines or online media, this kinda stuff is grist for your mill. If you are a photograher well invested in a certain system, you can rest assured that there will be a plethora of additions for and replacements of your stuff for a very long time going forward. If you are concerned about what system to get into- don't worry- suit yourself and which camera suits your budget, purposes and ergonomics. It is very doubtful that the entire system will suddenly disappear well before you decide to make a change.

As I have mentioned before, gone are the days when you purchase a high-end camera or system and keep and use it for a lifetime and hand it down to your grandchildren. There is too much built-in obsolescence, not necessarily in the engineering but also in the industry marketing strategies. Technologies are moving ahead rapidly so your children and grandchildren won't want your old stuff- except for sentimental reasons- that is!

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I have four Nikons. Three are DSLRs and a P&S. All presently serve my photographic needs and should for a long time. If and when I ever decide to “upgrade” it may be another DSLR (possibly used) or mirrorless new. In my lifetime I should be able to enjoy a continuous supply of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to my liking.My children and grandchildren will also enjoy a continuous supply of new and used photographic devices that some haven’t even been invented yet. Not my concern for the upcoming decades. Just like film SLRs were a big thing for decades they eventually gave way to digital DSLRs. Personally I like DSLRs but mirrorless is now the coming thing. Both have advantages and disadvantages. None are perfect. We are fortunate to have so many choices.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Well, not for some. One camera is 14 years old, the other 10. I take care of my stuff and have no desire to have the latest and greatest. Momentary thoughts of it, but no burning desire or necessity.
Just because technology is moving means I HAVE to keep up with it??? Not gonna happen!
(NOT gonna keep buying new stuff so my kids have the latest when I die.)
And eventually, EVERYTHING will eventually become an antique, if it doesn't wind up in the trash.
Oh, my cameras are NOT "high end" BTW.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I found that the best way to relieve GAS is to go out and shoot your oldest camera. You may find new things about it that you had forgotten about as to why it was originally purchased. My oldest is from 2005 and still very enjoyable to use. Always nice to experience the “challenge” of old technology.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

My Nikon F2 Photomic and lenses are 50 years old... and it's been decades since I ran a film through them...

Dik

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting thought.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Oh- I agree. As a full-time commercial guy, I use my gear until it disintegrates. I do tend to get good stuff to start with and use to until it no longer works, is impractical to repair or an upgrade is really in order. I never buy gear based on too many bells and whistles- the simpler and the stronger the better. I have studio flas gear that is 40-years old- all I have ever replaced are the flash tubes and modelling lamps.

In the business, I can't buy equipment that won't pay for itself or enable more efficient and faster production or a significantly better product. I do believe in good maintenance but some of my stuff is in use for long hours just about every day and sometimes it just gives out! The only real "antique" in my shop is ME!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The grass is always greener when captured with a mirrorless camera.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Grass is greener in my little Sony H-1.

pdsilen Loc: Roswell, New Mexico

Look at it in terms of dollars and cents. When the market gets flooded with mirrorless cameras, think of how the cost of SLR equipment will plummet. Imagine getting bodies and lenses that now cost three figures for a third of the cost.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: an old camera.

jabra

I am afraid that ALL DEDICATED photo cameras, be it DSLRs or mirrorless will become obsolete with the advancements in the smart phone technology. Mirrorless success already points in that direction. So by the time
DSLRs become "extinct", the mirrorless will follow them shortly. But in the meantime we can happily spend
our money re-tooling incrementally...