Is the DSLR Camera Dead?

 

I have the greatest respect and admiration for professional and serious hobbyist photographers.  After all, I started in photography in 1970 with my first film camera (Minolta SRT-101), which I purchased at the PX on my military base in Germany.  For a period in my life, I made my living as a professional photographer and owner of a studio and camera store.  And I still teach and mentor photographers.  

But in recent years I have become acutely aware of how few people I see shooting with a DSLR.  To further support this, I am an annual pass holder at Disney World and visit the parks about once a week. Here I have the opportunity to observe tens of thousands of tourists.  It is extremely rare that I see anyone with a DSLR.  The camera of choice for nearly everyone is the smart phone.  Predominantly the Apple iPhone.  

Ai states the following - "In 2023, CIPA companies shipped around 1.18 million DSLR cameras worldwide. This is a decline from previous years and is part of a 94% drop in camera shipments between 2010 and 2023.  

A statistics report found that digital camera ownership has dropped by approximately 50% in five years. In the USA, for example, the percentage of people who owned a digital camera dropped from just under 60% in 2018/2019 to just over 30% in 2023/2024.

This supports my observation. 

So, let's look into the past.  Before smartphones.  Who purchased most cameras?  I would venture to guess regular people who wanted to take pictures of their family.  This is what got me to purchase my first camera.  My mother kept sending me letters wanting pictures of Germany.  And I understood her interest in pictures as my grandmother always seemed to have a Browny Bullseye Camera at every family event.  Back before Smartphones when you put a nice camera into the hands of a first-time buyer, something magical happens.  I was bitten by the photography bug that lasted over 50 years. 

Let's examine some photography genres. 

Family  Photos - It would be rare that anyone would purchase a DSLR today to take family event photos.  When it is very likely they have a camera in their pocket. (smartphone).

Portrait Photography - In the past families would dress up and go to the local portrait studio for a family portrait.  I believe that practice is all but a thing of the past.

Sports Photography - Now here is where the DSLR shines.  It would be very difficult to take sports photography with a smartphone.   Not that you could not add a telephoto lens or get some good shots but sports photographers with the best equipment is definitely a DSLR market that still exists.  

Wildlife Photography - The same a Sports.  You really need a long lens for this.  But like Sports photography to really do well you have to be willing to shell out some serious cash. 

Let me know where you still see the DSLR camera fitting in today's market.  Do you still shoot with a DSLR?  Or Smart Phone?  What is your camera of choice?  What kind of photos do you take now?

Personally, I have hung up my DSLR and considered selling out.  However, I do not expect to get much for the gear for the reasons stated above.  I was once obsessed with photography and now that obsession has turned to art.