The Last Days of the DSLR

[sustento]

Re: adapters - I don't always use the manual focus and sometimes I like the optical stabilization to function. But it's just me...

Buy a Pentax. The optical stabilisation is in the body...

[tw25rw]

Leica M 240 EVF? You mean the LCD on the back? I don't think many would use that for actually taking the photo. It's not what it's there for.

[Tywais]

Leica M 240 EVF? You mean the LCD on the back? I don't think many would use that for actually taking the photo. It's not what it's there for.

I believe they're referring to the add on EVF.

[Darbar]

Photography is so much more about composition and creativity than the hardware you are using.

I've got a DSLR, and have had one for about 5 years... I don't need the latest and greatest micro-mirrorless camera to be able to enjoy photography, and take stunning photos.

It's also much easier to shoot in manual with a DSLR than most mirrorless cameras.. But most people using mirrorless camera have no idea what manual is!

I VERY much doubt this is the end of the DSLR.

[tw25rw]

Leica M 240 EVF? You mean the LCD on the back? I don't think many would use that for actually taking the photo. It's not what it's there for.

I believe they're referring to the add on EVF.

I hadn't realised they had brought the M series so far into the modern world... I've seen conflicting reports that this is compatible with the Olympus version as well..

[FracturedRabbit]

"It's also much easier to shoot in manual with a DSLR than most mirrorless cameras."

Rubbish. Just because a camera has a mirror in it, doesn't make it easier to shoot in manual mode. In fact, quite the reverse. With an electronic EVF you can play with aperture and exposure and have an idea of the result. And with peaking and zoom focus, manually focusing is a breeze.

"But most people using mirrorless camera have no idea what manual is!"

Yes we do! More so than the majority who have walked into a camera shop and come out with a Canikon DSLR because that's what everyone else buys, and then stick it in auto mode for ever.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[manarak]

Photography is so much more about composition and creativity than the hardware you are using. I've got a DSLR, and have had one for about 5 years... I don't need the latest and greatest micro-mirrorless camera to be able to enjoy photography, and take stunning photos. It's also much easier to shoot in manual with a DSLR than most mirrorless cameras.. But most people using mirrorless camera have no idea what manual is! I VERY much doubt this is the end of the DSLR.

I don't agree that photography is more about composition and creativity than about hardware, it all depends on the purpose for which the camera is used.

If the purpose is sports photography from a distance and indoors, the hardware is very important.

If the purpose is art photography, lo-fi cameras open up enough possibilities for the "artist" to not feel restricted.

The end of DSLRs hasn't come... yet.

I am convinced that one day, which probably is in the very close future, mirrorless cameras will equal DSLRs in performance.

The bodies will be smaller, but otherwise they will be quite similar to the DSLR.

I'm not sure if the natural evolution of technology through innovation, in this case doing away with the mirror, really warrants a pro- and anti-mirror debate. Storm in a teacup?

[tw25rw]

"It's also much easier to shoot in manual with a DSLR than most mirrorless cameras." Rubbish. Just because a camera has a mirror in it, doesn't make it easier to shoot in manual mode. In fact, quite the reverse. With an electronic EVF you can play with aperture and exposure and have an idea of the result. And with peaking and zoom focus, manually focusing is a breeze. "But most people using mirrorless camera have no idea what manual is!" Yes we do! More so than the majority who have walked into a camera shop and come out with a Canikon DSLR because that's what everyone else buys, and then stick it in auto mode for ever. Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Yes. I think people equate mirrorless with the little auto-everything compacts that do the thinking for you. But I often see people with big dslrs who use them as point-and-shoots. They point, it makes one or more 'tchuk' sounds and they move on.. Where's the enjoyment in that?

[taotoo]

I just hope that there isn't a gap between DSLR production stopping, and the advent of mirrorless cameras with autofocus and EVFs of equivalent utility.

[tw25rw]

I just hope that there isn't a gap between DSLR production stopping, and the advent of mirrorless cameras with autofocus and EVFs of equivalent utility.

These things are market driven. I'm sure they could do it now if they felt the market was there.

[phuketrichard]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

[tw25rw]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

A good article, but already a bit dated after 8 months...

[manarak]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

the point isn't about compact cameras...

alone the size of good optics excludes compacts.

[phuketrichard]

I liked the sony ad :-)

[MJP]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

the point isn't about compact cameras...

alone the size of good optics excludes compacts.

Not necessarily. It comes down to whether both optical stabilisation and AF drive motors are in the camera body or in the lens. There is a balance between size of camera and size of lens. I have the Pentax FA Limiteds which are small full frame lenses of superb optical quality. But they are not optically stabilised within the lens nor do they have their own AF drive motors. OS in the form of Shake Reduction and AF drive comes from the camera body instead.

The downside of this is focusing speed. Lenses which have their own motors, like Sigma's HSM system, are generally much quicker to focus than screw-drive lenses. Some also say it's better to have OS in lens than in camera.

Personally I prefer a camera that's not too small and lenses that aren't too big. So another thing will be compact system cameras becoming too small to handle and I think this is one reason Olympus were happy to produce the EM-1 at the dimensions it is.

[tw25rw]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

the point isn't about compact cameras...

alone the size of good optics excludes compacts.

Some people refer to mirrorless cameras as compact system cameras.. Panasonic are encouraging the adoption of the term DSLM.. M for mirrorless.

[FracturedRabbit]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

the point isn't about compact cameras...

alone the size of good optics excludes compacts.

Yep. those tiny Leica lenses are rubbish....

[manarak]

a well written post

So… Could a Compact Camera System truly Replace a DSLR?

Read more: http://photographylife.com/could-compact-camera-systems-replace-dslrs#ixzz2oCxY336e

the point isn't about compact cameras...

alone the size of good optics excludes compacts.

Yep. those tiny Leica lenses are rubbish....

ok, I should have specified for lenses in the 8-16mm range and lenses in the 80-600mm range.

Agreed, pancake and lenses up to approx. 60mm can be pretty small, even in a zoom version.

[neverdie]

Interesting topic & no doubt eventually one day it will be true, however, there have been various articles and people quoted stating the days of the DSLR are over, for many years now.

Having said that, there's so much more to a camera IMO, than the mechanism of just removing the mirror and creating a smaller, faster camera. I'm yet to see a mirror less camera that can operate to the same level of a high end fx DSLR. I'm referring to ISO capability, the accuracy of the auto focusing system, the detail and range of the various settings, white balance, ev and so forth.

Also the few mirror less cameras I've played with have all been of the type that requires the user to access the digital menus to adjust settings etc........yuk, no thanks, unless they can give us a system that still allows for buttons to be programmed and settings to be accessed quickly and easily (ie:not via digital menus) then they can keep e mirror less stuff.

I've just received one of my wife's hand me downs (dx DSLR) and although it's technology is several years old, it will do me for many more years to come. The wife will get the new Nikon flagship which is coming in the next few weeks and she will probably be shooting with that for years to come as well.

Once all the auto focus issues are sorted and Nikon or whoever offer a full comprehensive range of modern lenses to match the upcoming mirror less models ( as I understand, nikons f mount lenses probably won't be directly compatible with the new cameras ) then and only then will I accept the last days of the DSLR are near....... And even then I will keep shooting with them as my wife is heavily invested in top end lenses and they'll all probably see my life out.

I'd give DSLR at least another 4 years, probably longer. I also note that some of the manufacturers are suffering from financial stress and it makes me wonder if technology will continue at such cracking pace, or if the competition drops off as one or two of the companies fold, what effect this will have on future developments.

So perhaps what your suggesting here is, nevedies days are numbered! Bazmlb, u nasty bugger.

Interesting days really and technology seems to be bounding along at ever increasing paces, one must wonder where it will ever end.

Edited February 5, 2014 by neverdie

[MJP]

^^ ND

Nice to see you T!!!

[neverdie]

Hello young Mr M,

I've actually been around for a few days taking particular interest to this photography forum, which has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, a credit to all of you who participate & the photography mods.

I take particular note Mr M, that you might been finally about to part with some of that hard earned cash and come over it NIKON. Good to see. I hope you have plenty of cash to buy the holy trinity to go with that D800 ? (e)?

I don't really have much to add, as you know me, I spend more time carrying the cameras than using them lol

[MJP]

Hello young Mr M,

I've actually been around for a few days taking particular interest to this photography forum, which has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, a credit to all of you who participate & the photography mods.

I take particular note Mr M, that you might been finally about to part with some of that hard earned cash and come over it NIKON. Good to see. I hope you have plenty of cash to buy the holy trinity to go with that D800 ? (e)?

I don't really have much to add, as you know me, I spend more time carrying the cameras than using them lol

T, my DigitalRev basket is full!!!

Only one from the Trinity the 14-24/2.8, a Nikkor 85/1.4G and a Nikkor 135/2 DC and a Nikkor 50/1.2 with D800e and grip and SB-910 flash.

Should be able to press the go button in May.

It's worth it. I'm worth it. You're worth it.

[neverdie]

Hello young Mr M,

I've actually been around for a few days taking particular interest to this photography forum, which has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, a credit to all of you who participate & the photography mods.

I take particular note Mr M, that you might been finally about to part with some of that hard earned cash and come over it NIKON. Good to see. I hope you have plenty of cash to buy the holy trinity to go with that D800 ? (e)?

I don't really have much to add, as you know me, I spend more time carrying the cameras than using them lol

T, my DigitalRev basket is full!!!

Only one from the Trinity the 14-24/2.8, a Nikkor 85/1.4G and a Nikkor 135/2 DC and a Nikkor 50/1.2 with D800e and grip and SB-910 flash.

Should be able to press the go button in May.

It's worth it. I'm worth it. You're worth it.

You will be happy with all that gear.

The 14-24 is SUPER, we were talking about buying a second one and hiding it deep inside the safe just in case Nikon stop making them..........almost as good as gold bullion

You're definitely worth it old mate, gentleman.

From memory, your not needing a tele zoom ( which is a pity cos the 70-200vrii) is so seriously sharp & even makes a really special portrait lenses....... The 24-70 lives at least on one of the bodies..... That 50mmm 1.2 is soooooooo faaaaaaaast.

I hope u have lots of hard drive space and a decent amount of computing powa for those beefy files - lol.

Take it easy & I look forward to seeing some shots from that 800e.

Ps: the misses is passing her 300s to me, it's only got a few hundred thousand actuations on the clock, so it will probably see an old baaaastard like me out and I'm crap anyway, but I like to tinker some days.

I've seen some amazing woRk out of others d800e, the Detail it produces will blow u away.

Edited February 7, 2014 by neverdie

[sunshine51]

^^^ @ neverdie & mjp...

I agree that the 14-24 is a superb lens & worth the $$$$ you're gonna spend on it.

Why not add the 70-200 vr2 nano? $$$$$$? And the 24-70 is also superb....however,

so is Sig's 24-70 which is about half the price & just as sharp...at least mine is.

Take the following info to heart MJP when you do your purchase...Firstly I would

never buy off the internet even from say B & H. Why? I'm just not buying a brand

name piece(s) of kit....I'm buying a brand name piece(s) of kit only after I check

it out on my camera/cameras that the kit will be used on. Not all Canikleicapana's

...etc are 100% sharp or default free upon purchase, although this is a very rare thing,

one must be prepared for any eventualities...especially since hard earned big $$$$

will be involved. I mean you wouldn't buy a new Roll's "on spec" without going for a test

drive would you? I didn't think so. Even Rolls Royce produce the odd lemon...

When you buy, take your laptop along and grab a few shots in the camera store then

give the frames a good look in your favourite software. Make the exposures at different

settings...even some that are way off the mark....just checking eh! If everything checks

out ops-normal then buy. If there's something not proper in your exposures and you

know you didn't do that on purpose...then have a serious rethink about the cause of

the problem and it's solution. Especially if the camera store has only one lens or one

body that you wanna buy and it would take a month of Sundays to get another or

whatever excuse you're given.

I had a prob with my Nik 24-70 once & sent it to Nik Service & they didn't have one

to loan me so I ended up buying Sig's version as a temp replacement. In the end

when the Nik was returned to me it worked but the edge sharpness was messed

up so I sent it back with a nasty talk to Nik in person. The Sig is just as sharp

not only in the centre but also at the edges and a few of my photog mates say

I have a Sig rarity and they also want to find a rare one. Another photog mate

compared Nik & Sig 24-70's and settled on the Sig for the same reasons I did;

being the same and cheaper. My old Nik 24-70? I sold it. Sig make a great 70-

200 but I would still get the Nik version over the Sig if I had to do it again even

knowing that the Nik is awfully pricey & weighs a ton. The Sig also weighs a ton

but costs much less and there's the rub...in the centre it's just as sharp as the Nik

but at the edges plus out at 200....the sharpness is a bit off....just a lil bit but

noticable in a side by side comparison.

One lens you may want to give serious thought to and delivers kick ass results

is Nik's 24-120 f4. The old model was f3.5-5.6 but the new one being f4 all the way

works very much like a 2.8 lens...even in low light...and it has that bit of extra

reach I reckon you will like when you need it...instead of changing to the 135

and perhaps missing the shot in the process...even if you zoom in with your feet.

The 24-120 works nicely on either the 800 or 800e....trust me...it lives on my 800!

My Sig 24-70 lives on my 700 while the 70-200 vr2 nano lives on my 800e. This

is pretty much my "working bag" along with bat grips attached & a Quantum powered

SB910...and perhaps a couple other lenses....just in case.

Now...after you buy your 800e and lenses you only need to get another Nik body

of at least D7K or D600 variety and you qualify for Nik's Professional Service.

Then your headaches can really begin...hah!

Keep Shooting Y'all

PS....MJP.....did you know that the Carry Speed sling makes a great helicopter

mount for aerial shooting provided you score a couple strong carabieners and

some good military grade kevlar/nylon cargo webbing? Mind you...you will also

need to get a safety harness for yourself so's ya don't fall outta the open door

but that's another matter....save the gear first!

[MJP]

Sorry ND and Sunshine, been flat all week and no time to post.

I agree about buying from a local main dealer but the cost is quite significantly more.

Will definitely push this back a while.

Work is flat out for the foreseeable but I reckon this is going to come in around £10k and change.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[MJP]

Hello young Mr M,

I've actually been around for a few days taking particular interest to this photography forum, which has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, a credit to all of you who participate & the photography mods.

I take particular note Mr M, that you might been finally about to part with some of that hard earned cash and come over it NIKON. Good to see. I hope you have plenty of cash to buy the holy trinity to go with that D800 ? (e)?

I don't really have much to add, as you know me, I spend more time carrying the cameras than using them lol

T, my DigitalRev basket is full!!!

Only one from the Trinity the 14-24/2.8, a Nikkor 85/1.4G and a Nikkor 135/2 DC and a Nikkor 50/1.2 with D800e and grip and SB-910 flash.

Should be able to press the go button in May.

It's worth it. I'm worth it. You're worth it.

You will be happy with all that gear.

The 14-24 is SUPER, we were talking about buying a second one and hiding it deep inside the safe just in case Nikon stop making them..........almost as good as gold bullion

You're definitely worth it old mate, gentleman.

From memory, your not needing a tele zoom ( which is a pity cos the 70-200vrii) is so seriously sharp & even makes a really special portrait lenses....... The 24-70 lives at least on one of the bodies..... That 50mmm 1.2 is soooooooo faaaaaaaast.

I hope u have lots of hard drive space and a decent amount of computing powa for those beefy files - lol.

Take it easy & I look forward to seeing some shots from that 800e.

Ps: the misses is passing her 300s to me, it's only got a few hundred thousand actuations on the clock, so it will probably see an old baaaastard like me out and I'm crap anyway, but I like to tinker some days.

I've seen some amazing woRk out of others d800e, the Detail it produces will blow u away.

ND, I had no idea you were into this!

Get shootin' and postin' my Bruv.

[neverdie]

Hello young Mr M,

I've actually been around for a few days taking particular interest to this photography forum, which has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years, a credit to all of you who participate & the photography mods.

I take particular note Mr M, that you might been finally about to part with some of that hard earned cash and come over it NIKON. Good to see. I hope you have plenty of cash to buy the holy trinity to go with that D800 ? (e)?

I don't really have much to add, as you know me, I spend more time carrying the cameras than using them lol

T, my DigitalRev basket is full!!!

Only one from the Trinity the 14-24/2.8, a Nikkor 85/1.4G and a Nikkor 135/2 DC and a Nikkor 50/1.2 with D800e and grip and SB-910 flash.

Should be able to press the go button in May.

It's worth it. I'm worth it. You're worth it.

You will be happy with all that gear.

The 14-24 is SUPER, we were talking about buying a second one and hiding it deep inside the safe just in case Nikon stop making them..........almost as good as gold bullion

You're definitely worth it old mate, gentleman.

From memory, your not needing a tele zoom ( which is a pity cos the 70-200vrii) is so seriously sharp & even makes a really special portrait lenses....... The 24-70 lives at least on one of the bodies..... That 50mmm 1.2 is soooooooo faaaaaaaast.

I hope u have lots of hard drive space and a decent amount of computing powa for those beefy files - lol.

Take it easy & I look forward to seeing some shots from that 800e.

Ps: the misses is passing her 300s to me, it's only got a few hundred thousand actuations on the clock, so it will probably see an old baaaastard like me out and I'm crap anyway, but I like to tinker some days.

I've seen some amazing woRk out of others d800e, the Detail it produces will blow u away.

ND, I had no idea you were into this!

Get shootin' and postin' my Bruv.

You crazy old fool, we chatted bout photography many times, I'm no good at it but my old bag, she pretty good. I lug all the crap around and do as I'm told, occasionally I press the buttons and spin the dials but I not real flash at it, I certainly wouldNt post anything, but it's interesting never the less and keeps the old grey matter active.

You might have seen Nikons just announced information about the D4s and apparently they've improved the auto focusing and low light performance over the D4 and with the new expeed 4 there's going to slight gains with fps. Given that the D4 and the D800 were released only weeks apart in 2012, it could be the case that the D800 gets a small revamp and re-released as a new d810 or d800(s) with expeed 4 and a slightly higher frame rate, which in my opinion is the only thing that let's the camera down in my opinion (I like to photograph small creatures, birds and the like) and 4fps would take some getting use to after the 7 & 8 fps on the D300s. I understand for a competent photographer this may be less of a worry but for me, it would make a difference.

Anyway, if your not getting it for a couple of months, a new version with expeed 4 might just get released. Just a thought.

[sunshine51]

Sorry ND and Sunshine, been flat all week and no time to post.

I agree about buying from a local main dealer but the cost is quite significantly more.

Will definitely push this back a while.

Work is flat out for the foreseeable but I reckon this is going to come in around £10k and change.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

No wuckin furries MJP....you'll appreciate your new kit even more the harder

you work for it!

[MJP]

Sorry ND and Sunshine, been flat all week and no time to post.

I agree about buying from a local main dealer but the cost is quite significantly more.

Will definitely push this back a while.

Work is flat out for the foreseeable but I reckon this is going to come in around £10k and change.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

No wuckin furries MJP....you'll appreciate your new kit even more the harder

you work for it!

I'm going to have to split it over two financial years. I only get an allowance of £6k for capital equipment under accounting rules.

[MJP]

ND, my memory is shot to pieces.

I'm going to hang it out a while for the D800 successor, the D810e I guess. Or see what the D4x brings us and of course how much.

Plenty of time.