David Brommer: Is the DSLR Dead?

A good friend of the Phoblographer’s and long time photographer of the goth/punk/metal scene, David Brommer asks this question. Are DSLRs really dead? Trey Ratcliffe predicted and stated it a while ago; and our Reviews Editor Andy Hendriksen sold everything for the Olympus OMD. Even I’m down to only my 5D Mk II with a Fujifilm X Pro 1 and Olympus OMD EM5 myself.

In his post, David characterizes and breaks down the different types of photographers from his years of experience in the industry at not only B&H Photo, but other places as well. Then he goes on to break it down even further.

We recently saw Popular Science asking the same thing.

Personally: I believe that any DSLR made from now on needs to be full frame. There is no point for APS-C or Micro Four Thirds DSLRs because the mirrorless options just do so well. The industry is in a very curious spot right now; and with consumers grabbing more and more full frame options, it may be a really tough call at this point. That’s not to say that vision doesn’t count; it surely does. But with all due respect, clients often want to see a Canon or Nikon badge on your camera if you show up to a job; so there is some sort of, “looking the part,” that goes into this.

Luckily, $3,000 worth of lights can do it.

Let us know your thoughts below after reading David’s piece.

Tagged as: david brommer, dead, dslr, mirrorless cameras, Photography, popular science

Alan

With “all do respect”? You mean “due respect,” right?
Herr_Synnberg

Trey was being overly dramatic when he posted that and I told him that he was wrong.
In a couple of months, he proved me right and bought a D800.

There are still uses and users who prefer the reassuring girth of DSLRs. I am one of them and I can’t understand this recent fascination towards smaller and smaller cameras. I tried to use an OM-D for an extended period of time and it was a painful attempt. My D800 in contrast, feels just right in my hands.

That said, I agree that DSLRs should be full frame only eventually. One of the reasons APS-C DSLRs were created was because full frame sensors were frightfully expensive to manufacture. Sony and Canon have now brought that cost down to reasonable numbers. For most beginners and casual shooters, mirrorless cameras are just fine. It’s almost painful to watch random tourists/ mom ‘n pops hold DSLRs like a point ‘n shoot (WIth hands on both sides) and taking blurry shots of whatever. These people are much better off with mirrorless cameras. It’s only when you become a very advanced shooter in search of specialized tools such as superteles/ an all inclusive lighting system/ tilt-shift lenses etc. where you need DSLRs.
Paddy

I still see the need to have one. And I actually enjoy using them. Wouldn’t give up my a850 now.

Also, on vacation in Germany recently to see an art fair, there were hundreds of APS-C DSLRS. In use more then point-and-shoots or even cell phones. Seemed like everyone had one. I was one of handful of people I saw using a mirrorless. I was surprised but we’re a long way from the death the DSLR I think.
- http://www.facebook.com/davidbrommer David Brommer
  
  I’m always amazed at the amount of entry level DSLR cams I see, especially in Europe. The inexpensiveness gives power to the people.
vwk

When I have to do critical manual focus, especially with large apertures (85mm @ f/1.4 & 300mm @ f/2.8), I prefer the optical viewfinder a lot more than the electronic viewfinders. Even with focus peaking and other electronic assists, I’ll always use a DSLR. Just feels much more natural. There is no doubt in my mind that the interchangeable lens compact digital cameras will become the industry money maker in the coming years. Not everyone does critical focusing at large apertures. Maybe we’ll see a decline and perhaps even a shake-out in the DSLR industry, but they will still play an important part in photography.
cgw

David’s got a firm grasp of the obvious but not much more. Penta-mirror finders on many DSLRs suck; bright, real prism finders with decent coverage only come at price, making MILCs the winner unless you’re buying from the top DSLR shelf.Not totally sure about the tired “mine’s bigger than yours” logic being axiomatic in impressing clients–they’re really only interested in the results, not the gear itself. A bit less salesmanship might help, too. FF mirrorless will happen–the only question is: when?
- ChrisGampat
  
  I’m still dreaming about Medium Format mirrorless. A Digital Mamiya 7 II would make me sell everything.
  
  *-Chris Gampat*
  Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
  Twitter.com/Phoblographer
  Facebook.com/ThePhoblographer
  - Manokg
    
    Wait another 10 years, and it’ll happen.
Renato Valenzuela

in regards to looking the part, that’s the only reason why i bought a 4 year old iMac. but i just can’t see “mirrorless” taking over.