This is the end? Smartphones will soon replace DLSR cameras

At present, the idea that smartphones will replace DSLRs seems unlikely. But the path is already set. The Nikon giant joined Canon after failing to invest in future single-lens SLR (reflex) cameras.

In December, Canon announced that the 1DX Mk III would be its last professional camera. The company says that for now, it continues to develop simpler DSLRs that shouldn’t last long.

Now, according to the Nikkei Asia website, Nikon has completely stopped developing SLR cameras. The D6 will be the Japanese company’s latest professional SLR, while the D3500 will be its latest entry-level model. The reason may be increased competition from smartphone cameras.

Nikon plans to focus resources on cameras mirrorless (mirrorless), which have become popular products with the most advanced digital technology.

However, in a press release, the company stated that the Nikkei article was “speculation” and that “Nikon has not made any statements about it.” He also emphasized that “Nikon continues to manufacture, sell and service digital SLR cameras.”

In June, the Japanese company announced that it would be discontinuing production of its two most affordable DSLRs, the D3500 and D5600, in order to focus on “mid-range and high-end cameras and lenses aimed at professional and amateur photographers.” The company is also focusing on strengthening products for a younger audience, “for whom video is the main focus.”

The rise and fall of DSLRs

Professional photography goes down in history. Single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) with a mirror were the first design to give photographers a real look at the image they were taking. They work by using two mirrors placed at a 45 degree angle to create a periscope allowing the photographer to look through the lens. When you press the shutter button, the main mirror moves back, allowing light to hit the film.

Digital SLRs (DSLRs) used the same design, simply replacing the film body with a digital sensor. DSLR lenses and accessories can still be used, giving photographers an affordable transition from film to digital—the biggest investment is often in lenses, not camera bodies.

Nikon and Canon were the two main players branch. Nikon released its first SLR in 1959 – the venerable Nikon F – and its first professional DSLR in 1999 in the form of the D1. The professional one-digit D-series cases have given way to the current D6, which was launched just over two years ago and will now be the last.

The main design advantage of SLR cameras – the ability for photographers to see through the lens – ceased to exist with the advent of digital viewfinders and screens. While old-school people still prefer optical viewfinders, most new generation photographers have been happy to carry around lighter, less bulky cameras.

Rise of the Chambers mirrorless

cameras mirrorless (mirrorless) were formerly called poor man’s DSLRs, offering smaller sensors and lower quality interchangeable lenses. However, over time, manufacturers realized that there was a market for mirrorless cameras and lenses that offered similar quality to DSLRs but in a more compact form.

Travel and wedding photographers were the first to see the benefits of a more compact and lighter kit, and Nikon and Canon launched cameras. mirrorless as an interesting alternative to DSLRs.

Nikon’s first step into the camera market mirrorless appeared in 2011 with the Nikon 1. But it wasn’t until the launch of the Nikon Z 7 in 2018 – and a number of related lenses – that it offered a camera that could seriously compete in image quality and usability with a DSLR.

smartphones

Smartphones have become the most popular cameras in the world. While using a smartphone as a replacement for a DSLR is still not common, the improvement in quality and capacity over the years tends to do so.

However, we are still far from the day when the smartphone will replace cameras. mirrorless for professional use.

The transition will not happen overnight and will not be direct, but we are already on that path, and recent news is a big step forward on this path.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra will have Sony’s 1-inch IMX989 camera sensor
The device is due to launch on July 4 along with other models in the Xiaomi 12S lineup.

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Source: 9to5mac, The Verge