DSLRs are a dying breed

[NowInc]

Part of the reasoning for the "larger" body factor, as I see it, is actually due to the glass. I can't say for sure, but I think putting say a 400mm on a tiny mirrorless DSLR may not balance well.

Mirrorless isn't going anywhere, in fact it will gain popularity among hobbyists and "every day" sort of consumers. A small size factor coupled with the impressive image quality is undeniably attractive. Even if the technology isn't embraced by the pro level (ie: sports photographers and the like whom use heavy lenses), thats is not the majority share. What I see resulting from the trends is no more traditional DSLR entry or mid range models...leaving only the pro level with moving parts.

 

[KeithVH]

I still stand by my original argument. If all we were talking about was IQ, with no relation to any other facet of shooting, then I agree the tombstone is on the horizon. But there is so much more.

This whole thing ain't going nowhere fast until there is a "system" in place. We are just talking single bodies here too. I'd like to see more than one model in a lineup. 300/2.8? A 600? Weather-sealed? Lighting options and control? When I see Sony providing the same services CPS does at major events, they'll have arrived.

Oh, and can you just imagine that every Sam and Sally Shooter who has forked out a fair chunk of change over the last 5-7 years for a single DSLR as their only camera with a plastic lense (who grew up where a film camera in the family lasted 20-30 years or more) who are now going to be told they need to buy mirrorless? HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[PhotoDave219]

Just thought I'd stir things up a bit...

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2012/01/04/dslrs-are-a-dying-breed-3rd-gen-cameras-are-the-future/

No More DSLR Equipment for me – Trey Ratcliff

I can’t picture myself investing any more money in DSLR bodies and lenses. The new Nikon D4 that is coming out? Not interested.
3rd Gen Cameras are already here, and they will only get better according to all the laws of size and speed we’ve come to know and love.

I beg to ing differ. As a working photojournalist, I shoot - and will always shoot - with a dSLR.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Part of the reasoning for the "larger" body factor, as I see it, is actually due to the glass. I can't say for sure, but I think putting say a 400mm on a tiny mirrorless DSLR may not balance well.

Mirrorless isn't going anywhere, in fact it will gain popularity among hobbyists and "every day" sort of consumers. A small size factor coupled with the impressive image quality is undeniably attractive. Even if the technology isn't embraced by the pro level (ie: sports photographers and the like whom use heavy lenses), thats is not the majority share. What I see resulting from the trends is no more traditional DSLR entry or mid range models...leaving only the pro level with moving parts.

JFC.... i left the 300/2.8 in the car yesterday and ran around with the 300/4. So much lighter and less abuse on the back.

 

[PhotoDave219]

for a vast majority of people photography is just a casual snapshot of their kids on vacation, they could care less about quality especially since the last 5 years or so small cameras have stepped up their game for this market.

I find that too many people - especially photo buyers - dont care about quality ... or they wouldnt know quality if it bit them on the .

 

[Cesar R M]

I find that too many people - especially photo buyers - dont care about quality ... or they wouldnt know quality if it bit them on the .

just posting a famous saying.. a tool is only as good as the person using it.

I'm nowhere near pro or even enthusiast or anything like that, but I like to take photos, I own a cheap (cheap as in getting it during a discount) Nikon D5100 with the basic lens.

and in my humble opinion.. that quote is spot on.

It doesn't matter of Joe M. gets the strongest and most expensive dSLR ever..
a real pro could use even a disposable camera to get the best of the scene and beat Joe M in quality and composition anytime. (I could argue that also depends on the timing we have to get the best shot.. aka weather, events, sun..etc..)

 

[fractal]

2013 Camera of the Year: Sony a7R
Sony takes home the gold with a total game changer


http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/11/2013-camera-year-sony-a7r


Why it Won: Brings full-frame quality into lighter, smaller bodies; Best imaging of any ILC camera; Introduces a whole new system for advanced users; Strong, weather-sealed body with great fit and finish; Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and NFC; Almost universal adaptability to other systems’ lenses

The camera actually outperformed our expectations, given the relatively small size of its body—smaller in volume than the Leica M, with considerably more electronics inside. Given the cramped interior quarters, there’s not much of a heat sink for a 36.4MP full-frame sensor, and heat buildup is a major cause of digital noise, which can also rob resolution. But the 7R proved competitive on all our test criteria with the Nikon D800, the highest-resolution digital camera available short of going to a (far pricier) medium-format camera.

Impressive as the 7R’s imaging power is, it’s all the more impressive for the package it comes in. This camera was clearly designed for pros and serious amateurs, with its tough, weather-sealed body, logical and ergonomic controls, superb electronic viewfinder (who needs a pentaprism?), and built-in connectivity. And the 7R came out of the bag as part of a full system, including five lenses and more to arrive soon (see the test report for details). There’s a vertical battery grip, the HVL-F60M electronic flash/video light that allows for wireless radio TTL, stereo mics for video, and more. We’re confident that Sony will thoroughly build out the system

 

[KeithVH]

Interesting. Let's say I trust Pop Photo. Of the last 8 years, Sony has won 4 of 8 times. While they are capable of some technical brilliance, I've always thought of Sony as a more of an average camera/consumer-oriented equipment builder. Probably because of the MTBF rates on all their product lines (saw something a while back in Consumer Reports on this). I then think of all the other great cameras released this year in comparison and I do wonder.

Technically, they sound great on paper. IQ, at least at lower ISOs, is great. I really never go above 800 on any camera anyway so no big deal. I just can't commit to another system, as limited as it may be, based on a single body.