Is the DSLR Finally Dead? | Cameras & Coffee

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

It might only take a couple influencers to say they're "tired of looking at screens and want to see the world with our own eyes" to make DSLR's suddenly come back

In fantasy land perhaps.

[@DavidHancock]

LOL, that's a pretty solid take, honestly.

[@rjbiii]

Agreed. Pentax has a chance at becoming a Leica-like company if they cater to a niche and make it high end.

[@ufukkiblat]

I've been using mirrorless for almost 10 years and never once I thought "man my eyes are tired looking at EVF". With the technology improved and EVF has more framerate and resolution, it almost like we look at real world.

[@FloDsu]

Pentax has ALWAYS been shit at marketing and sales distribution channel strategy. I say that as somebody who shot and shoots partly with Pentax. Ricoh might pull it off though, so you might be on to something. Marketing and Distribution are typically absorbed in a merger in a single team, a Pentax is now only a logo, not a company.

[@SDWales]

Well, I think the DSLR is surely dead. So .. I've recently grabbed a bunch of *older* Pentax APS-C DSLR beauties at crazy prices, and also insanely low cost primes and zooms to go with them. Superb quality. Cost ...peanuts. They are small, light, superb. I don't have a concern if they are not selling new DSLR's. I absolutely get what younger consumers want - 100%. It is their now, and their future. Personally, I love optical viewfinders and compact SLR's. I've used them for literally decades (Pentax and OM). No complaints here.

[@garyhill3752]

Just bought a DSLR, great value for money and a much better experience than mirrorless

Slower focusing, bulky bodies and lenses is a much better experience?

[@alen2937]

Whereas I do get the experience (I have an olympus 4ti) the newest mirrorless are more akin to point and shoot, you are left almost with only to think the composition part.

[@DavidHancock]

Not all have slower focusing and a lot of the focus is lens-dependent. I did a recent video comparing four 50mm AF Lenses on the same camera and there was a calculable variation in AF speed. I've been using two 40mm f/2.5 lenses for an upcoming video, too, and the Viltrox seems to focus WAY more slowly (and more inaccurately) than does the Sony.

[@cwantuch]

Okay, contrary to some of the comments I see, I agree with you. And oddly I was mirrorless for 10+ years and recently started shooting film again and it lead me back to SLRs and now DSLRs. I just bought 3 old Canon FF DSLRs and I do love them. I don’t care about the size because I also shoot medium format. DSLR and SLR are smaller. I have no issue with focus speed on any of the Canons. Still many times faster than I can focus and it gives me the option to manual focus, despite how difficult it is for my older eyes, when I need to. I’m usually doing some infinity focus anyway when I need manual focus.

[@kamilpotato3764]

@@DavidHancock I will be honest. For me problem with dslr is “drifting” af accuracy of lenses and need to occasionally calibrate autofocus.

[@ThePirateShoots-ox1tv]

There's no better camera for landscape, starscapes (stars & landscape), sports, wildlife than DSLR. Just because of battery consumption. But... no one speaks about this!

[@DavidHancock]

That's a very good point. My K-1 had amazing battery life compared to my A7 IV.

[@backgammonbacon]

There are many dedicated astronomy cameras now that are way better for starscapes than any DSLR ever will be. Also mirrorless cameras exist and they aren't DSLR's.

[@kiwipics]

No ... I still have my SLRs, DSLRs and love them ...

Great but your next camera will be mirrorless.

[@chronicfish]

or not ...

[@lupindeweir]

Why, did the print die? Come on, the pinhole camera is still being used. The only thing that will kill the DSLR is the tech no longer being supported.

[@DavidHancock]

You're not wrong about that. There's a financial incentive to camera makers to kill support for legacy gear, unfortunately. There are a lot of small ways they can do that -- stop releasing firmware (which applies to most older cameras), stop making replacement parts, limit that authorized repair centers that can buy parts, and kill off software support for the file types or encourage third-party photo editing software makers not to support old cameras with software updates. All of those add up to a winnowing of support that would accomplish exactly your point.

[@---us7qf]

Well, I am getting a new Nikon D850 in the next few months, so they maybe dead for the marketplace, but not for me. Of course, I don't count...

[@itsthehumidityyall8303]

I’m with you!

[@djtoman6875]

The D850 is the best DSLR ever made. I'm currently using a Z8, which is an astounding piece of technology, but still prefer the files out of the D850.

[@adriancozma6102]

Got mine a few months ago, and it's clear to me I won't switch to mirrorless anytime soon.

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

hopefully it stays that way cause I want the Df and if DSLR's ever skyrocket like film cameras did I will cry :(

[@adriancozma6102]

@@s_t_r_a_y_e_d the price for a Df is almost as high as for a D850 right now. Makes no sense to me

[@quadibloc2]

Since one can view what the sensor sees on an electronic screen, why have DSLRs? I could come up with only one good reason: ease of manual focusing. But not one single DSLR has a split prism focusing screen, let alone interchangeable screens. (Except for early Kodak ones based on Nikon film bodies.) That's the feature to add to a DSLR to give the DSLR a reason to exist.

[@cydery]

I've been shooting film all my live, (close to 60 years) and I use a Canon TX, FTb and an early F1. I sill have negatives dating back to the mid 1970's that are as good as the day they were shot. Now, I have some very serious photographer friends who have lost entire portfolio's through computer crashes, damaged storage devices and the list just goes on. None of my camera's have ever been serviced other than the occasional clean on the kitchen table. My F1 was made in 1971, how many digital camera's will still be firing after 54 years????????

[@ThePirateShoots-ox1tv]

none :)

[@FART-REPELLENT]

The disadvantage of 35mm film is that it isn’t anywhere near as sensitive to light as digital camera sensors; so if one is shooting a subject in less than ideal lighting conditions using 35mm film, one would have to crank up the ISO to 3,200 resulting in poor image quality. Shoot the exact same subject using a digital camera, one can shoot at ISO 800 hand-held without using image-stabilisation.

[@cydery]

@@FART-REPELLENT Agreed, Horses for courses

[@reinhard8053]

As long as you get 35mm film material. Several more exotic film formats already are gone. And the prices went up steeply. You shouldn't use the motor or you change films every minute. Not to forget that you must hope for the best if there is a motive that can't be shot again. Not errors allowed. With digital you just look at the result.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Quartz watches was the end of automatic traditional watches. Pentax 17 was more successful what expected. There are luxury shift gear cars. 😮

[@jackthompson8377]

Ever try to see a screen in bright sunlight? An optical viewfinder is a must.

[@reinhard8053]

But that could also be an electronic viewfinder like in mirrorless cameras. Gives you way more info than the DSLR viewfinder and shows you how the picture will look. AND you can control your pictures even in bright sunlight. A DSLR only has the backscreen which as described doesn't work well in bright light. That has always been a problem for me when controlling the result of my DSLR.

[@CRJines]

Still rolling with Nikon FM and D-700.. I would think dslr sales are down.

[@spudunit]

Just bought a D700. They don't make 'em like that anymore! 208K shots and counting.

[@whoismikeq]

Excellent video David! I still use DSLRs (Two Nikon D4S bodies and a Nikon D700) for my sports photography. My mirrorless (Currently a couple of Fujifilm X-H2s bodies) are mostly for video work, with occasional photos. The former are rugged bodies, batteries last for multiple events, small file sizes (in the Nikon D4S case, 16MP specifically using 12-bit RAW), & have excellent AF. Sure, they're heavier than most if not all mirrorless bodies. I'm 47 and weight train, no issue there. But the images they produce sell quite well. The aftermarket for replacements is plentiful, so the fear mongering about mechanical failures doesn't hold much water. I don't think DSLRs are dead.

[@djtoman6875]

I've been shooting sports professionally since 2011 and the D4S is my favorite of all time. Phenomenal reliability, autofocus, and just a great sensor. If mine ever dies I'll be going on eBay a minute later to look for a less used replacement.

[@joerg_koeln]

For the time being I will stay with my Nikon DSLRs, because I can easily use most lenses on analog bodies with Nikon F-Mount. Undoubtly the DSLR has some advantages, e.g. the better battery life, seeing the unmanipulated picture and tons of great and affordable lenses. Of course I see the advantages of mirrorless cameras: IBIS, smaller, lighter

[@ThePirateShoots-ox1tv]

Well... but... *** IBIS is no mirrorless feature, isn't it? *** Take the D750, a 70-200 f4: is it really heavier than a Z6 and glass? ... or a Fujifilm T5 with 50-140 f2.8? *** if you take a camera and 3 lenses: you save weight at the camera, but each lens for mirrorless is a little bit longer and comes with extra weight!

[@joerg_koeln]

@ I have a D780 and for travelling lightweight I grab the AF-Nikkor 28-200 G. The lens weighs a bit more than 300g - there is no comparable lens in the mirrorless world.

[@DavidHancock]

The size and weight are definitely accurate. Some DSLRs (most of the Pentax ones, anyway) had IBIS, but modern IBIS is unbelieveable. I hand-held a camera with a 0.6-second exposure the other day and while it showed slight motion blur at 100%, on a cell phone screen there's have been no way to see that little bit of shake.

[@ThePirateShoots-ox1tv]

jep, "light-weight" was just a marketing slogan in the early mirrorless days, when they sold us tiny cameras with tiny batteries lasting 1.5 hours of shooting, and slow lenses. And tiny m43 sensors :) Now, look at the flagship cameras and lenses for 24x36mm today.

[@joerg_koeln]

@@DavidHancock I think that the IBIS is the greatest feature of the more advanced mirrorless cameras. It keeps the lenses relatively small (and cheaper) and also supports very old lenses from the analog era.

[@jw48335]

I think the Leica M schema is their roadmap. Abandon competing with Canikony. Create an SLR/DSLR paired offering that leverages the existing FF lens lineup. KX form factor, make it look classic, an evolution of the K1 + KX. Call it the Pentax KF and KD. No rear screen on the KD, maybe even make it mirrorless internally if it's cheaper. Nikon keeps cranking out classic looking cameras, Fuji too, and nobody has truly figured out modern cameras are boring. I just refreshed to a Panasonic S5ii, but am I excited about it? Not really. It's basically the family camcorder and snapper, replacing a similarly boring Canon. If I want to shoot photographs for fun, I grab an old film camera, or my old X100.

[@DavidHancock]

That could work. I do love the vintage camera look and I have wanted to try the vintage Nikons for a while because they look absolutely wonderful. I've harped on it on the channel before, but all digital cameras are so much more capable than what 99.9% of photographers need that the only real differentiator between them is the interface.

[@jw48335]

@@DavidHancock I know I'd buy into it. Evolve the lenses, release specialty limited edition bodies, etc. Maybe offer manual and autofocus versions - no AF = cheaper price point, KFm, KFa, KDm, KDa 😁 Oooh, if they went internally mirrorless, they could add focus peaking as the focus mechanism on the KDm version 😎

[@Cotictimmy]

I don’t disagree with the statement that younger photographers don’t want optical viewfinders, but having said that, I love my Nikon D3x, D3s, D810, and using their optical viewfinders. Yes, I recently got a cheap, used Z5 - and it’s great shooting with vintage manual lenses on it, but my opinion is that the AF isn’t great. I think if you want a Mirrorless where the high tech auto focus features actually work as advertised, you have to spend a lot more money on a mirrorless body than I am prepared to spend.

[@DavidHancock]

I do concur on the cost especially. Mirrorless cameras are super expensive.

[@Animaduniversum]

Man, you really shook me. I ran to my camera bag, checked my Canon 6D and 100D - nah, not dead. Still work like a charm.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I was an early adapter to mirrorless, in 2008 with what’s ostensibly the first mirrorless camera, the LUMIX G1. Since then I’ve gravitated to using mirrorless mainly for video work, but last year a relative gave me their Canon T5i Rebel, an APHS DSLR. Since then it’s become my daily carry, with a compact 24/2.8 lens. I found I like optical viewfinders but for still photography accuracy of composition was crucial to my style, hence why rangefinder cameras didn’t work as well. So I need through-the-lens viewing. And with the older Canon Rebel T5i phase-detect AF through the viewing prism the speed and accuracy of focus is great. I also have a Ricoh GRiii, but absent an EVF the non-tilting screen easily gets washed out in bright light, and an external mounted optical finder presents the problem of inaccurate framing. So the DSLR ends up being a better street camera for me. I wish I hadn’t bought the Ricoh, should have spent the money on a fullframe DSLR instead.

[@chronicfish]

Nikon D200, D7200, Nikon FM, F-801s and even my trustworthy brick , the Nikkormat Ft2 , every single time !

[@rookmenka]

Even though I'm still using DSLR and I love it, I can totally see why it's dying. Let's be honest, mirrorless are faster, lighter, really good high ISO quality and if you're doing weddings, or other intimate photography... The shutter is silent. Personally don't know if I'm ready for that change, because that's why the photography is fun and challenging, but with the newest technology, mirrorless might be the only option.

[@DavidHancock]

I won't lie, I resisted going mirrorless for a long time. Once I did, wow, it's been a huge change and I honestly grab the mirrorless over the 35mm film SLRs and DSLRs all the time. One interesting thing I found with mirrorless shooting was that I got very used to seeing the image on the back or to the side of the camera to the point that my large-format camera use got better because that's a more-familiar feeling now than it used to be.

[@KevinRedder]

I got 5D Classic 3 years ago and out of all my cameras it produces the best looking images out of the bunch.

[@thatguyoverthere115]

I went from mirrorless to a DSLR and never looked back. I've been drooling over Pentax DSLR's because of the massive lens compatibility and image quality. They also have really unique features like IBIS and even a star tracker that uses the sensor stabilizer when you get a special accessory. If they manage to keep making DSLR bodies AND start doing more film ones....then I'd happily stay in that ecosystem hahaha.

[@rstebnicki]

After 10 years of working on 5D3, I finally bought 5d4. Wonderful machine, everything is better, display, dp in live view. Worse battery. I use R5 with RF85 1.2DS and RF50 1.2 privately.

[@dct124]

I think Pentax could evolve the Pentax 17 design, with a beefed up digital version (bigger). Pentax 17c, Pentax 17f Hybrid viewfinder (RF+EVF). Essentially a center mounted electronic/optical rangefinder like the X-Pro3. Sensor size: 20mp BSI-partially stacked APS-C & Full Frame bodies. 400+ cross type only AF points -5ev +7 stops IBIS E-shutter: 30fps, 60fps full resolution RAW. 1/32000s M-shutter: 12fps minimum. 1/8000 - 900s Video specs: 4K DCI/UHD 23.9fps - 60fps (10-bit 4:2:2) 1080p 23.9fps - 120fps 720p 23.9fps - 240fps Fan integration Full HDMI Mic Headphone USB-C 3.1 Memory: Integrated 1TB SSD (2000mb/s r/w speed) 1x UHS-II SD card Tilt LCD Top: ISO dial, X, 50-51,200, secondary command dial (Shutter controls, S, CL, CH, Timer, etc) Top: Exp Comp dial Top: PSAM, Auto, secondary dial U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 Top: record button Top: Shutter release Back: shutter speed command dial Back: AF-On, secondary switch stills/video Back: AF Joystick Back: Comm. pad (PEAKING, SHUTTER, DISP, ZEBRA) Back: Trash/Format (top left) Buttons: Vert: MENU, PLAY, +ZOOM, -ZOOM Horz: QUAL, WB, ? info Front: aperture command dial Front: 2x custom fn buttons

[@slr7075]

I love using DSLRs but one thing that I love about mirrorless is the short flange distance for adapting an endless amount of legacy lenses.

[@djtoman6875]

Huh? I'm a huge fan and user of the F mount system, but the Z mount is even more versatile for adapting legacy lenses.

[@amermeleitor]

There is an alternative for companies that have everything to make a good mirrorless except a mount, and that's the L mount. Why not to join the L mount alliance? Pentax have optical designs, color science, ergonomics, menus and UI, and everything to develop a mirrorless camera. They can outsource the AF development if needed. And using L mount they can access a good lens lineup while development their own lenses for mirrorless. Even they can sell a Pentax K to L adapter. If they want to cover a medium format sensor the thing is they need a new mount to go mirrorless.

[@DavidHancock]

Huh. That's a clever idea. And if they were to do something like that, I IRC the L mount has a larger inner diameter than K and that would make a K to L adapter a viable product.

[@GinoFoto]

The market still has a gap, demanding a compact camera from Ricoh, something between the GR III and X100VI with a full-frame sensor.

[@Austinite333]

The short answer is yes as mirrorless is the overwhelmingly dominant platform. Long answer is as long as they keep working many of will still use DSLR’s as they become more and more affordable. Lenses too. Image quality on cameras that most of us can afford has not changed a lot in years. Sure maybe a bit but one can still produce a fine image with cameras made 10 years ago.

[@rjbiii]

A new K mount film SLR would be so cool. I would buy that in a heartbeat.

[@geophizz]

I was at a photo show and talked to the PhaseOne rep about bigger sensors. He said that the current size of medium format sensors is about as big as they are going to get because they are incredibly difficult and expensive to make, and the market for them is so very small that they could never make it work financially.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

I'd say a whole hearted "no" (for Canon at least). I just used my 1D X Mark II the other day in a sports scenario and I'm continued to be blown away at how good the pictures looked and how well the camera performed with fast moving action. I just used a 5D Mark II to take portraits at work yesterday. I constantly use my 5D Classic as my fun camera and for various events. My 5D Mark IV is an absolute beast when I need a bit more resolution. I love my DSLR's and use them often.

[@taylorlimbeck6854]

Friend of mine just bought the 645 and the k3 mono. I just bought a d610 and few f mount lenses for fun. I think the novelty and fun factor of these cameras will keep them alive. Millennials and Gen Z think of cameras by Sony and Canon as equipment used for work. Cameras without soul. Fujifilm, Pentax, and Nikon are starting to figure this out. OM system could really crush it if they relaunched pen F digital and film cameras.

[@kytoober5137]

I still know plenty of photographers that still use dslrs (I still do from time to time). The market of people that are constantly upgrade their camera are not as big as influencers want you to think it is. Pentax doesn't need a large market share, just a dedicated market share. To this day I still run into people with Pentax dslrs. I don't think it's dead but like film it's a niche market. Also on the subject of optical view finders, nothing beats the can you finders on older film cameras. Most newer film cameras, add almost all dslrs have electronically charged viewfinders, which always end up being darker, then their complete analog counterparts.

[@gogogeegee76]

But younger generations love analogue film cameras and hate staring into a screen 15hrs a day 😁

[@steveoc64]

I just checked my storage cupboards .... Nope, all those Pentax DSLRs in there are still working fine ... as my film SLRs and rangefinders. So not dead yet. Thats a relief

[@geofff6671]

The advantages of mirrorless for digital were clear to me as soon I tried the early Olympus Pens. A modern enthusiast oriented film slr might still be viable. The Pentax 645D was ultimately a failure, so no way is a medium format dslr going to be viable.

[@andrewwatts970]

I’m so old that I skipped the view finder all together and got a Leica MD-2. Perfect solution.

[@ShutterKnack]

I dunno. There is still improvements to be had with optical viewfinders but the manufacturers ditched OVFs due to market. EVFs are the future and there is no doubt about that. Regarding improvements, here are my thoughts: 1. Hybdrid autofocus through OVF - uses phase detect and a split second CD autofocus in the end to ensure focus accuracy 2. Translucent histogram overlay on the OVF and other information - technology is there in the X100F and X-pro series of cameras 3. From 1 and 2, maybe a translucent screen that illumnates focus peaking through OVF ? possibilities are endless 4. LX-esque brightness and magnification on a DSLR I doubt the above will happen especifally when there's no longer a demand but who knows.

[@Zobeid]

My prescription… First, stay the course with DSLRs. Don't pull a Polaroid! You might remember how Polaroid scrapped their instant film business just before the popularity of instant film photography rebounded, and Fujifilm has ended up owning all of that-and making a ton of money from it. A film SLR with lens compatibility could provide synergy with the DSLRs. Second, bring back the mirrorless system that Pentax already owns, the Q system. It has a lot of unrealized potential and would be like nothing else on the market. It could benefit from much of the same technology, computational photography, that has been developed for phone cameras. They could make an updated Q body, they could make a monochrome Q, they could make a Super Q with an EVF. And yes, finally give us that 09 Telephoto Macro lens that was developed but never produced!

[@DavidHancock]

I would definitely look at revitalizing Q were I at Ricoh, especially if the compact cameras are really selling well.

[@emmanuel6247]

At this point, Pentax should focus on film cameras and keep their current dslr line up as it is. I recently bought a mirrorless camera and to be honest I miss the mirror but it is what it is.

[@DavidHancock]

I would love to see them focus more on film cameras.

[@Chris-xe5ts]

Market for new DSLRs is beyond dead

[@phallicusoblongus]

I actually NEED an optical viewfinder. I find it near-impossible to take nice photos without one. I end up getting very distracted from my composition on an LCD, but find myself much more focused with a viewfinder.

[@reinhard8053]

Get a camera with electronic viewfinder. No big difference, but you can choose what info it shows.

[@phallicusoblongus]

@@reinhard8053 Have an EVF attachment on my mirrorless. It's vastly improved my experience for sure. I still prefer my analog VF. It's all mental, but still.

[@Notemug]

I am having some home-made tomato juice instead of coffee this time.

[@DavidHancock]

The bar across the street calls those a Boring Mary.

[@tfresh99]

If younger buyers don’t want optical viewfinders, is it contradictory that film cameras are getting more popular? I actually bought a Pentax KF for its weather sealing after getting a GR3 and loving its performance and my M43 EP5 dying from an apparent lack of weather sealing. I’ve enjoyed the KF so far, still love my Canon 6D but can’t put down my Nikon Zf, which to me is about the best looking camera you can buy and performs even better… A great shooting day is being able to shoot both DSLR and mirrorless.

[@DavidHancock]

@@tfresh99 you know, that's an excellent question and it could simply be that film SLRs are preferred but digital mirrorless is also preferred and that the different media dictate different preferences. I'd need way more market data than I can access to say that with any level of certainty, however.

[@findefuchs]

I just love optical viewfinders, DSLR or Rangefinder even the one's witch go on the hotshoe for like a Nikon Coolpix A or Ricoh GR... But from a technical point of view i think that there's a lot of potential for DSLRs with things like subject detection, video specs and more. Someone just has to develop and build it. Thats why I keep supporting Pentax.

[@reinhard8053]

But why use a mirror if you can't use it for video ? And most advanced features need the complete sensor data which is not available with a mirror without many unnecessary technical wizardy.

[@findefuchs]

@reinhard8053 Mirror because I shoot photos most of the time, and better video specs take nothing away from a DSLR so it would be nice... and things like eye tracking and subject detection are possible with DSLRs, look at the Pentax K-3 III or the Nikon d500. If they improve and keep developing i don't see a need for mirrorless because you could have all the video specs, millions of AF points and all that in live view but still the nice OVF experience. I would love that. Pentax K-3 III is a nice step in this direction but video on Pentax is still laking😂😂😂

[@arunphillips6977]

No, DSLR's are very much alive and perfect for every photography project!

[@x4rd]

I'm certain that the new strategy for Ricoh is to have a premium compacts - GR line, THETA line and film Pentax SLRs, those three are growing market. Currently I can't see the development of new products for Pentax DSLR cameras (lens + cameras as well).

[@whoever_81]

Yes

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Amateur. Main cameras are Nikon D2X and D700. Had some m43 cameras which were great but I like the feel of large/heavy DSLRs more. I sold the m43s and went back to Nikon. More fun to use.

[@DavidHancock]

I also prefer Nikons to M4/3 bodies. They're just a bit more fun and enjoyable to use.

[@keironstoneman6938]

As long as my old Pentax mx keeps going for another 20 years, film keeps on being produced, and my lenses stay clean the camera insustry can just walk on by.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

With the excitement for retro they could revive their entire DSLR market. A K1000 style DSLR, oh man that just sounds exciting!

[@oblivion_007]

Not possible. They cant do anything if they are not ready to abandon K mount

[@alberteinstein3148]

Hello from France ! For 1:41-1:48, in the original interview (part "Comment vendre le reflex en 2024 ?") : "Franchement, cela ne fait plus partie de notre stratégie actuelle, car les ventes dans ce domaine réduisent." meaning "Frankly, this is no longer part of our current strategy as sales in this area are decreasing."...

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! That does sound like he's stating corporate policy.

[@FoarteMisto]

came for the title and stayed for the dog leg.

[@DavidHancock]

@@FoarteMisto 😃

[@angloitalo]

You mention that optical viewfinders make focusing difficult for eyeglass wearers. Ok. But don't upper tier DSLRS have variable diopter viewfinders?

[@DavidHancock]

Yes, but typically those go a max of 1.5 in either direction. That's not a lot of adjustment. It is possible, and I have done this, to take an old glasses lens and cut it to fit an eyecup and then use that in lieu of glasses. The downside there is that anyone with an astigmatism is limited to a single image orientation.

[@angloitalo]

@@DavidHancock Thanks for your intelligent reply

[@spudunit]

I think Ricoh should stick to its guns, maybe add some cool hybrid tweaks. Remember the Olympus E-10 and E-20N with their semi-transparent fixed mirrors? Imagine that revived with a thin film EVF overlaying the OVF, which can be toggled on or off. Multiple problems solved! All I ask is that you send me one, Ricoh.

[@KibaSnowpaw]

I like DSLR over mirrorless I got the d7500

[@ThePirateShoots-ox1tv]

mirrorless is a marketing thing. That's just is it. Think of the incredible small Canon 200D in APS-C. But I chose a 60D because of it's size and many dials and ergonomics. Or think about the small and capable Nikon D750 / D780, speaking "full frame". On the other way, think about Fujifilm X-T1; battery size was a joke. Went outside yesterday with my Fuji X-T2, battery drained in no time at 3 deg Celsius. I personally switched to mirrorless because of eye/face detection. But on T2, autofocus felt inferior in low light, so I upgraded to T3, finally to H2. But there are low light or against-the-light occasions I think DSLRs are still better. Or shooting macro when there's a dragonfly out of focus, you cannot get it with mirrorless, I experienced. (Although no possibility to cross check behaviour of an DSLR with this matter, just gut-feeling.)

[@Man_Cave]

I would imagine Pros will still be using DSLRs for the next 15-20 years. Especially portrait photographers. Sports photographers will probably be the first to give up their DSLRs for mirrorless.

[@stathorinoakenshield6331]

DSLRs are dead and have been for some time. They have absolutely no advantage over a modern mirrorless camera. It doesn't make sense to me that some people still defend them. Technology has moved on and so must you if you want to make your life easier. If not, then just stick to your old technology for nostalgia reasons but don't try to find excuses to defend your choice.

[@1redgate8]

shooting k5ii and looking to get k3iii. form factor of body is superb. shoot olympus e-m1 mk2 also

[@careypridgeon]

I got my Panasonic S5 out today to work out if I still want to keep it. I don't use it, don't digitise my own negatives as my hoped for darkroom or decent place to digitise negatives with one never materialised. So I'm more interested in a scanner now. If I sell it I should make enough to get an Epson V850 Scanner. Photography wise I wear glasses but I also own medium format cameras with huge ground glass focussing screens, so those are easy to use. The S5 is still lovely and does have the large swivelling screen, but I'll never buy another lens for it.

[@DavidHancock]

I have heard great thing s about the V850 and strongly considered buying one myself for color negatives.

[@vin424242]

Have an OM1 however my favorite camera is my E3 picked up for 130 quid, lovely optical viewfinder

[@javaman4584]

It's the same in amateur astronomy. People new to the hobby don't want to squint through an eyepiece to maybe detect some object. They want to take pictures and view Hubble-like images on a screen. And now with automated telescopes they can avoid any of the post-processing work involved in creating the picture and just let the telescope do everything for them.

[@DavidHancock]

That makes a ton of sense. I don't reach for any SLRs for astrophotography any more, nor do I use the EVF for composing images (I do use the EVF during capture to prolong the battery life, though, especially for star trails series.)

[@aantonic]

do i care if DSLR is dead or not? i use Canon 5dm2 and will be continue to use it untillit dies, then i will buy cheap another one, same model.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

No because Pentax, Hasselblad, and Phase One are still making DSLR cameras. I don't think Hasselblad mirrorless is a replacement for their DSLR because of the sensor size. Pentax might have to downsize and just offer a few lens. I think there will always be a market for DSLR just like there is a market for rangefinders.

[@neildarlow]

Once the KZbinrs move away from mirrorless to cinematic cameras, manufacturers will have to address the needs of photographers and I think there will always be a desire for DSLRs from them.

[@bondgabebond4907]

As a Sony user, owner of the compact A7CR, you can use that camera expertly for stills. I can do video if I choose. It's serving the purpose of still shooting in a compact, rangefinder style camera. There is no argument for an DSLR. It is a relic, the rather weird contraption that saw the advent of total digital cameras. Mirrorless is the logical conclusion moving from SLR/Film Cameras to digital. I own the Nikon F2, a beast of a film camera that has a mirror, of course. Why a digital camera has a mirror is a mystery to me. It's not necessary and really kinda stupid.

[@DavidHancock]

I don't really buy that. I'm a KZbinr, sure, but my A7 IV is 95% for stills work. If you take out the video manuals I make with it, that number is functionally 100%. There are definitely some cameras that are more optimized for video -- A7S III, for instance -- and some that are more for stills -- any of the A7R bodies, for instance. So I do think that most of the makers have done a decent job of finding ways in their lineups to cater to both markets.

[@arricammarques1955]

5D Mark IV + Pentax LX, & Hasselblad 503CX + CVF 50MP/A12/24, Yashica 35 GTN. : )

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

I highly doubt it.

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

I kinda doubt Ricoh will abandon DSLRs completely but I will not be really surprised if they dumped anything other then APS-C. Especially as Tamron I think shut down completely development of DSLR lenses so no rebadges anymore and I kinda doubt Pentax will have R&D power to keep APS-C and FF body lineups (software updates) as well as APS-C and FF lens lineups just by themselves. Especially as they need to dedicate R&D to film camera and if they do fully mechanical SLR they will need new manual lenses too. We will see. Interesting times to live in, sadly.

[@xmeda]

FF lineup is incompetitive joke and APS-C was neglected for years. Only GR compacts are selling well. Even K3III is nowhere near what K5 sales were. And you need to produce at least some 50-60k units per year to pay for development. Which is not happening. That is why we also have that joke KF which is just renamed K70 disaster plagued by solenoid problems. And that is why we have those "reintroduced" FA35/2 or FA50/1.4 but no new lenses since DA*16-50/2.8PLM. They are done with it like they let whole 645 system to die.

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

@@xmeda Did Pentax hurt your family or something? You show in every video about Pentax and rant how bad they are. Ricoh camera business became profitable the moment they released K-3 Mk III and it stayed that way despite small, tiny, minuscule market share of that brand. Will they release new DSLR? Don't know. Does it makes current DSLR they sell bad, not able to create great photographs? No, bad photograph is always fault of meatbag operating camera.

[@CarlosMelara-kt3ki]

I am not converting over to mirrorless. I am old school and will remain this way till the end.

[@Film_Fog]

whenever i get to an event, i look around to see what the professional and press photographers are using. In 2024, the majority of working photographers are using DSLRs. It’s the youtube echo chamber and hobby photographer’s that mostly use mirrorless. But then again, working photographers may be in a minority of the market share.

[@DavidHancock]

That's an interesting observation. I have noticed DSLRS still in the ranks with pros, but at a declining ratio.

[@Photovintageguy]

It's mainly because of video, I'm shooting a lot of film slrs, I'm loving the mirror. For video and say log luts, and all tte exposure aids, definitely screens are better.

[@DavidHancock]

I do love film cameras a lot. There's an absolute joy in using a camera with an interface dedicated solely to the activity of using the camera for taking a photo vice a modern, highly complex digital camera that has an interface that splits usability between taking photos and configuring a endless maze of menu screens arranged like Dante's circles of Hell.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Is the GFX really just Fujis full frame cameras?

[@DavidHancock]

Not really. It's considered medium format because the sensor is roughly 44mm X 33mm, which is a hair larger than the smaller film medium-format images of 127 half-frame, which were 4cm X 3cm. That said, I don't think of that as medium format, honestly, for the very arbitrary reason that back in the slide days slide frames came in sizes up to 4cm X 4cm to allow 127 TLR cameras to take photos that could be projected in a 35mm slide projector. To me, that seems like something that should be considered small format. So that's a winding answer to say that GFX is considered medium format because it's the same size as the smallest medium-format negatives were but I don't think of it as a true medium-format camera. I also don't think of 127 half-frame and 127 TLR cameras as medium-format cameras.

[@exitar1]

It certainly looks like it even though dslr is perfectly capable for most photography tasks..

[@DavidHancock]

They are definitely more than enough for almost everyone.

[@jingiskahn3466]

I also claim DSLR is dead, but not the DSLR user. The DSLM is feature ritch but it didn’t make better pictures. I would say it’s a question that we should ask in 5 years. Many hobby photographers switch their Kamera after 3or 4 generations.

[@robertodepetro1996]

I bought few days ago a D700 for 300 euros, like new. And also nikon F lens are a bargain now. It's just great that most people think dslr are dead...:) :) :) :)

[@joao.s.cardoso]

I just got an Nikon F3, an F80 and started to shoot film again. So... basically... for me no. :) SLR are not dead. And D-SLR are still pretty good cameras. Nikon D750 and D850, Canon EOS 5D IV and many others are still fantastic cameras with fantastics sensors. If I was a professional and had the need to use always the best gear that would give me the more assurance of continuity and ROI then yes SLR and D-SLR are a thing of the past. But analog is not dead and in fact seems to be something that people are again looking as a way to get back to the physical aspect of photography. BTW I have a very complete mirrorless Fujifilm systems with multiple cameras. About young photographers, I'm not so sure. What we see is that the analog market is gaining interest on younger generations. It would be normal for people like me trying to experiment with film again after 20 years... but last time I went to an analog camera gear store in Lisbon, while I was there I say young people at the desk and young customers. Last weekend I went to Lisbon Zoo and I saw a couple of young photographers using analog cameras. And online communities seems reflect that too. Camera sales have declined over the years because most people prefer to use cell phones.

Plenty of good excuses there but not many facts.

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

DSLR cameras will disappear, mirror-less will take over. After 10 years, someone will look through the viewfinder of an old DSLR, and be amazed they are seeing through the actual lens. They will be a resurgence. A few brands will release a production DSLR compatible with original lenses. They will cost a premium.

[@xmeda]

I can perfectly imagine DSLR that has detachable EVF (like Olympus M4/3 cameras had) and proper live view implementation with on-sensor phase detect modules that will work both in pentaprism mode and live-view mode. It will be more expensive, but it will solve the worst problem of DSLR - autofocus. There is no chance to have DSLR capable of tracking eyes or doing object recognition through TTL/Pentaprism/phase detect mode. Ricoh is not a nice example as they removed a lot of R&D guys to save money and cut the R&D money years ago. Results are very obvious now. More and more products discontinues, K mount camera sales barely there and nothing new coming. We will see how Ricoh will let K mount DSLR die and they will only focus on GR compacts. I can bet on this now. Big sensor DSLR for medium format or even larger for Ricoh is pure nonsense. They will NEVER reach production numbers to pay for that and now they do not have those sales coming from APS-C sales like they HAD in past when they released 645D and 645Z. They killed that by neglecting APS-C for years while they focused on FF K-1 adventure that ended up as horrible waste of resources which devastated whole Pentax DSLR market. Camera development cost several millions of dollars equivallent. Price of sensor is just marginal part, the development and NPI needs to be covered by sales. And if you invest something like $15M into such thing, guess how many of such cameras you have to sell even in case it will cost $10k... and nobody would buy those. Its just nonsese.

[@DavidHancock]

Honest question, how would an SLR EVF work? SLRs only have OVFs.

[@Mike_Wazowski_z]

I'm about to trade in my Canon 5D dslr for a Pentax lol. I'm that guy that buys old flag ship cameras once they're considered old or outdated.

[@DavidHancock]

Honestly, if you're looking at a K-1, you'll be so much happier with it than the 5D.

[@Mike_Wazowski_z]

@DavidHancock I've been wanting to upgrade for a bit now finally got around to collecting all the gear I barely use to sell. I really also want to see how it does scanning film with the pixel shift even though it'll probably already be a huge upgrade from the 5D normally. And those lenses for the K1 look incredible 🤩

[@stevenmccaughan2752]

There isn’t a rear screen that holds up to bright sunlight still needs a view finder

[@DavidHancock]

@@stevenmccaughan2752 I do have a lot of trouble with that.

[@reinhard8053]

Electronic viewfinder ? Also helps with controlling pictures.

[@bondgabebond4907]

There is a small bubble of photographers who use cameras. Next to that small bubble is a very large bubble. That bubble is the rest of us who use the cellphone camera exclusively. The argument over film, DSLRs and mirrorless are just that, arguments for a very finite number of people. The glory days of cameras is long gone. Like film, cameras will never die as there are those who want more than what a cellphone can give us. But that number will never be as large as it was in the 70s and 80s up to the day the cellphone took over. I use both cellphone for the quick and dirty photo, photos I don't care about, and I use my camera for serious work. Arguments like this go over 99% of the population as they don't care about digital cameras or film.

Smartphone snapshots are not real photography unless you're a philistine.

[@DavidHancock]

I don't disagree with any of that. I know exactly no one outside of the photographers I know who owns and uses a camera. Even today while I was out shooting bald eagles, half the people there were holding cell phones. Were there shots as good as me with an A7 IV and a 500mm f/4.5 lens? I hope not. Were mine as good as the dude rocking the R3 with whatever the big Canon AF tele is? Also definitely not.

[@kalinmir]

Pentaxdooming is in season it seems :)

[@DavidHancock]

Definitely don't take this as me being a Pentax doomer. I am really hopeful and optimistic about their future in, at minimum, film.

[@dct124]

Nope. Specifically b/c I don't like the EVF. The mirrorless cameras are great otherwise. Canon and Nikon are still selling DSLRs. Most camera companies have all gotten better sales this past year but the overall market has shrunk. Maybe when I'm older, I'll move onto an EVF but not for another 20yrs when I'm near 60.

[@BuzzAdven]

DSLR is dead in my opinion. Not that they are bad. Its just like anything mirrorless, compact, and film are current and more popular. But I'm sure DSLR's or something similar to it will be developed to improve upon it and make its way back.

[@mikafoxx2717]

I think that dslr sales and influencers are dead. They're more expensive to make nowadays and autofocus and such is better. I like my old dslr's and you wont be able to tell which photos were taken on either. Sensors were so good for so long you can get good ones for cheap in older cameras.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Steinbeck being crude again.

[@DavidHancock]

He has no shame.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

@DavidHancock lol, none.

[@natedagreat90]

It's never been a better time to buy a dslr you can find some high end bodies for dirt cheap i'd recommend that to anyone starting off. Rather than spending thousands on a mirrorless camera, you might sell anyway after it sits on your shelf for a yearccause you could never find the passion

[@lainesjuswin9481]

Ich fände es persönlich gut, wenn Nikon die D780 weiter produzieren würde und Pentax die K1. Ich möcht nicht mit einer Spiegellosen fotografieren. Ich bin 54 Jahre alt und brauche eigentlich keinen Nachfolger und der Markt ist gut gefüllt. Momentan fotografiere ich mit einer Nikon d610/d2x/d3.... Sollte eine kaputt gehen, kaufe ich mir das gleiche Modell wieder, oder den Nachfolger.

[@DavidHancock]

Ich denke, ich würde mir ein neues Pentax K-1-Modell kaufen. Ich liebe eine gute Kameraschnittstelle und DSLRs sind natürlich in der Lage, sich im Live-View wie eine spiegellose Kamera zu verhalten.

[@naxalhim]

You haven't taken into account the cost of low back surgery when use these medium format cameras!

[@DavidHancock]

LOL, I have not. Being part of the American healthcare system, I just assume that means complete financial ruin.

[@carlmcneill1139]

I think the majority of the young people that are buying new will want the latest technology. If the DSLR was the latest tech they would be using it. There's more advantages to mirrorless than advantages for DSLR. And mirrorless are getting better every generation. Many of them are trying out film because they never experienced it. Film sells are up. I've even got back into film this year. I have 2 film cameras in my car with me right now. But not everybody can afford new gear to start with so I can't say that the DSLR is completely dead. It's just that not many manufacturers are making new bodies. If you want a new DSLR you'll have to get one that hasn't been sold yet. There's still plenty of Canon T7 bodies out there new. I rarely see a T8. I don't think they made a many. I know one person that has a Pentax z camera you mentioned. He shoots a lot of medium and large format. He still shoots a lot of film.

[@DavidHancock]

It is good to see film sales still climbing, even though it's gotten more expensive. What's interesting to me, though, is that from the limited data set I have of what people are watching on this channel, film review video watches are WAY down versus two years ago. Lens reviews and vintage -- 15+-year-old -- DSLR manuals are WAY up.

[@carlmcneill1139]

@DavidHancock I can't speak Canon or Sony but Nikon has a new eye focus box that pops up when the eye is in focus when using manual focus. There's a lot of manual focus lenses for the z mount but it also makes it easier to use vintage glass with the new cameras. I don't think my z6 II will ever get that update but I think my z8 might. It's in the zf, z6 III and the new z50 II.

[@techguy9023]

Anyone who has spent money on a Nikon or Canon 400mm f2.8 will likely keep it on some dslr.

[@MM.]

Yes, your DSLR is very dead and obsolete, but in the spirit of the season, I'll gladly take it off your hands free of charge and, oh, all those awful old lenses too, where you never really know how to dispose of them properly (some are even radioactive, I hear!)

[@fumanchew42O]

Beginner photography groups love buying the piece of poop rebel t7 in 2024 and ask if it’s a “good camera”.

[@DavidHancock]

But is it a good camera? 🤔 I do get a LOT of views on my T7 video series and a lot of people search KZbin for T7 instructions.

[@fumanchew42O]

@ for the price of the t7 I got the Sony a7ii no question way better

[@gp60m122]

No because I’ll be using them for years yet.

[@andersistbesser]

Only 70 year old landscapers use dlsrs in 2024.

[@garrytrinh3062]

even film is not dead.

[@DavidHancock]

@@garrytrinh3062 I think I'll do a video about that next week

[@CarlosMelara-kt3ki]

I don’t like Pentax anyway. I stick to my Nikon D3200.

[@badger67]

Er, no.😁

[@DavidHancock]

I'm curious to hear your argument otherwise. And I'm open to the possibility that I'm wrong.

[@brugj03]

No need for these big, heavy and clunky buggers anymore, good riddance. Long live progress.