DSLR discontinued? Been out of the loop.

[jbachandouris]

So, I had a Canon 10D. When the wife left with the kids I sold it. I purchased an R50 mirrorless a few months back. Can't get over the small size. Wanted to switch back to DSL and that's when I learned Canon and Nikon are out. Best Buy only selling the T7 mostly for college students.

Is this R50 any good despite its size? I've only used it once so far. Easter.

 

[mollyc]

Pentax still makes dslrs but most major manufacturers have switched to mirrorless.

 

[winxmac]

Since DSLR cameras are slowly being phased out in favor of MIL cameras, other than the sensor size, is there any advantage of keeping on using a dedicated camera vs camera on a smartphone?

 

[arkitect]

Since DSLR cameras are slowly being phased out in favor of MIL cameras, other than the sensor size, is there any advantage of keeping on using a dedicated camera vs camera on a smartphone?

Yes. Yes. Yes. 😁

Lenses for one.
Allowing me to process my own RAW files...

But for pure in the pocket all the time convenience the phones are hard to beat.

Still, I prefer the experience of using a dedicated camera.

YMMV. 🙂

 

[mollyc]

Since DSLR cameras are slowly being phased out in favor of MIL cameras, other than the sensor size, is there any advantage of keeping on using a dedicated camera vs camera on a smartphone?

Mirrorless cameras have been more popular than dSLRs for at least five years. Exisiting dSLRs are in no way obsolete, but there is no slowly being phased out, they are already done for by and large.

I cannot imagine doing serious photography with a phone, but everyone has different needs. But mirrorless cameras are superior in many ways to their SLR counterparts. And I say this as someone who also shoots film. Mirrorless has better focusing, better fps, better ergonomics, to name a few things, over SLRs. But at their core, they are the same concept other than not having a mirror.

But try shooting birds, airplanes, or fine macro details with a phone and let me know how you get along. Or playing with shutter speed. Or shooting sports. Really anything other than snapshots. You need a dedicated camera for these types of images.

 

[richardallan]

Pentax still makes dslrs but most major manufacturers have switched to mirrorless.

There is actually some debate about whether Pentax is still manufacturing DSLRs.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

So, I had a Canon 10D. When the wife left with the kids I sold it. I purchased an R50 mirrorless a few months back. Can't get over the small size. Wanted to switch back to DSL and that's when I learned Canon and Nikon are out. Best Buy only selling the T7 mostly for college students.

Is this R50 any good despite its size? I've only used it once so far. Easter.

Yep, for most if not all camera manufacturers, DSLRs are out and mirrorless are in. The camera you have, a Canon R50, has the same size sensor as your old 10D, but it is much improved (higher resolution, for example) in every way, as well as the rest of the camera's tech. A review here says it's a good camera for its price and market segment.

It is smaller than the camera you were used to, and it uses different lenses, but the images should be much better quality.

Since you said you can't get over the small size, I checked to see if there were any battery grips that would add some size to the camera, in hopes that may be more comfortable for you. Sadly, I checked B&H, Adorama and Amazon, and all I could find were some baseplates for quick attachment to a tripod. Not really helpful, sorry.

Good luck with your new camera. Hope to see you posting photos in the forums!

 

[Apple fanboy]

Since DSLR cameras are slowly being phased out in favor of MIL cameras, other than the sensor size, is there any advantage of keeping on using a dedicated camera vs camera on a smartphone?

Bigger better sensors.
Better lenses.
Range of lenses.
Better autofocus.
Better frame rate.
More control.
Focus peaking.
Focus stacking.
Better egomaniacs

Just off the top of my head.

 

[mollyc]

There is actually some debate about whether Pentax is still manufacturing DSLRs.

What are they making instead?

 

[mollyc]

Bigger better sensors.
Better lenses.
Range of lenses.
Better autofocus.
Better frame rate.
More control.
Focus peaking.
Focus stacking.
Better egomaniacs

Just off the top of my head.

I hope they aren't too egomaniac!

 

[richardallan]

What are they making instead?

That is a very good question that no one is able to answer. Ricoh/Pentax are very secretive a lot of the time. Maybe only their compacts and their film camera going forward.

 

[mollyc]

That is a very good question that no one is able to answer. Ricoh/Pentax are very secretive a lot of the time. Maybe only their compacts and their film camera going forward.

I think unless there is an official announcement otherwise, stating rumors that Pentax isn’t making new cameras is unproductive. Pentax has confirmed the K-1 Mark III.

Camera rumors in 2025: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!

The camera rumors are flying thick and fast! Here are the most credible rumblings and reports about what's coming next

www.digitalcameraworld.com

 

[uacd]

Can't get over the small size.

This is common across all people who jump from DSLR to mirrorless. Weight and small size often feel toy-like.

Can’t really advise anything on that, but if you enjoy the JPEG output from this camera – just ignore this and continue to shoot.

Is this R50 any good despite its size?

Honestly – if you like images coming out of it then it is great and can serve you well.

____
In my humble opinion I had noticed (or at least it seems to me) that Canon is gatekeeping good color science for their highest end models like R7, R5, R1 etc. Anything mirrorless from series like EOS, EOS M, RP output boring and lifeless images.

Paired with subpar kit lenses they sell with each camera, it often results in awful shots that are barely usable even after hours of editing. Lots of ugly black vignetting, abberations in RAW files are worse than from 40 year old camcorders. I mean, they sell THIS in 2025…

I suspect Canon is the reason why many photographers dislike kit lenses😃 Compare it to Nikkor or something similar and it is night and day.

And back to your original question, nowadays no major manufacturers make DSLRs. You can get them second hand but no new cameras so far. They have jumped ship since 2014.

In my opinion, many so-called “budget” 1000€+ cameras nowadays have very cheap quality build and “feel”. Also all this vlogger-oriented hysteria like tilting or fully-articulated displays are too much. This tells me that photographers and experienced hobbyists are not their target audience anymore and they cater to vloggers.

I think camera must be built like tank to withstand anything that life throws, excluding water, MAYBE!! After all my iPhone can be submerged into water, and many cams can’t even stand light rain or snow.


At the end of the day, it is just my opinion and if you like your camera and results you get – use it. If it feels somehow worse than you expect - sell it.

I am generally in the same boat as you and have an old Nikon DSLR from 2011 and right now thinking whether I should life-support it and buy a new battery+18-140 lens or switch to new Z50 II. The problem is Z50 II as every mirroless camera feels like it is built cheaply with wobbling display and goofy matte plastic. I want something even closely comparable to my DSLR or better, don’t want to waste 1200€ on fancy new toy

 

[Apple fanboy]

This is common across all people who jump from DSLR to mirrorless. Weight and small size often feel toy-like.

Can’t really advise anything on that, but if you enjoy the JPEG output from this camera – just ignore this and continue to shoot.



Honestly – if you like images coming out of it then it is great and can serve you well.

____
In my humble opinion I had noticed (or at least it seems to me) that Canon is gatekeeping good color science for their highest end models like R7, R5, R1 etc. Anything mirrorless from series like EOS, EOS M, RP output boring and lifeless images.

Paired with subpar kit lenses they sell with each camera, it often results in awful shots that are barely usable even after hours of editing. Lots of ugly black vignetting, abberations in RAW files are worse than from 40 year old camcorders. I mean, they sell THIS in 2025…

I suspect Canon is the reason why many photographers dislike kit lenses😃 Compare it to Nikkor or something similar and it is night and day.

And back to your original question, nowadays no major manufacturers make DSLRs. You can get them second hand but no new cameras so far. They have jumped ship since 2014.

In my opinion, many so-called “budget” 1000€+ cameras nowadays have very cheap quality build and “feel”. Also all this vlogger-oriented hysteria like tilting or fully-articulated displays are too much. This tells me that photographers and experienced hobbyists are not their target audience anymore and they cater to vloggers.

I think camera must be built like tank to withstand anything that life throws, excluding water, MAYBE!! After all my iPhone can be submerged into water, and many cams can’t even stand light rain or snow.


At the end of the day, it is just my opinion and if you like your camera and results you get – use it. If it feels somehow worse than you expect - sell it.

I am generally in the same boat as you and have an old Nikon DSLR from 2011 and right now thinking whether I should life-support it and buy a new battery+18-140 lens or switch to new Z50 II. The problem is Z50 II as every mirroless camera feels like it is built cheaply with wobbling display and goofy matte plastic. I want something even closely comparable to my DSLR or better, don’t want to waste 1200€ on fancy new toy

Buy a Z8 and battery grip. Probably feel as big as your old DSLR. What Nikon camera do you have? I switched from a D750 to a Z6iii last year.
Autofocus has improved a lot. Articulated screen is useful for macro. But for the rest of the time I keep it facing the body and don’t use it.

Also don’t discount keeping your current lenses and an FTZ adapter. I sold a lot of my glass to fund the purchase. Still have the 105 macro though.

 

[richardallan]

I think unless there is an official announcement otherwise, stating rumors that Pentax isn’t making new cameras is unproductive. Pentax has confirmed the K-1 Mark III.

Camera rumors in 2025: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!

The camera rumors are flying thick and fast! Here are the most credible rumblings and reports about what's coming next

www.digitalcameraworld.com

Well, MacRumours is by name a rumours site so I really don't see any problem with that. And as far as The K-1iii goes, I'll believe it when it's on the shelves. Also, the site you have linked to is a rumours site and I am not aware of any official announcement by Ricoh that they are definitely working on a K-1iii. Certainly hasn't been talk of it on the Pentax users forums I am on.

By the way, I have been a Pentax user for over 50 years...

 

[richardallan]

Articulated screen is useful for macro. But for the rest of the time I keep it facing the body and don’t use it.

One of the good things about a fully articulated screen is that you can fully close them to avoid distractions when shooting. I do that a lot as with mirrorless cameras you can access the menus through the viewfinder. And also review images if you wish. I have to say that I actually use the articulated screen quite a lot. More than I thought I would.

 

[Apple fanboy]

One of the good things about a fully articulated screen is that you can fully close them to avoid distractions when shooting. I do that a lot as with mirrorless cameras you can access the menus through the viewfinder. And also review images if you wish. I have to say that I actually use the articulated screen quite a lot. More than I thought I would.

That’s what I said. I meant camera body rather than my body. But it’s only for macro use for me. And then not always. I was shooting bees earlier and kept it closed.

 

[richardallan]

I meant camera body rather than my body.

I know. I was agreeing with you! I use it for Astro too.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I know. I was agreeing with you! I use it for Astro too.

Not something I shoot. I like my bed too much!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, MacRumours is by name a rumours site so I really don't see any problem with that. And as far as The K-1iii goes, I'll believe it when it's on the shelves.

Fascinating.

By the way, I have been a Pentax user for over 50 years...

I hear you..

Actually, I'm a fan of Pentax - my first two SLR cameras were Pentax cameras, (Pentax ME Super, and a Pentax P30T) and I found them sturdy, well-built, not too massive, not too heavy (so many of the later SLRs - especially the digital SLRs were monsters), and, above all, utterly reliable.

Those were the days when I never headed anywhere without a camera to hand.

 

[BotchQue]

I've been happily shooting with a Nikon D-500 (wildlife) and dF (macro and scenics), with a bevy of F-mount lenses collected over the last 3 decades. While I'd dearly love to have the fantastic "eye-focus" function for birds, I can't justify replacing everything at this point in my life (I don't want to be constantly fumbling with that "F-to-Z" adapter).

But it's fun to dream about, and read about, this new stuff.

 

[mollyc]

I've been happily shooting with a Nikon D-500 (wildlife) and dF (macro and scenics), with a bevy of F-mount lenses collected over the last 3 decades. While I'd dearly love to have the fantastic "eye-focus" function for birds, I can't justify replacing everything at this point in my life (I don't want to be constantly fumbling with that "F-to-Z" adapter).

But it's fun to dream about, and read about, this new stuff.

the adapter is not a big deal. if you are primarily using f mount lenses, just leave the adapter on the camera and swap lenses as usual.

if you are using mostly z mount, leave the adapter on your most used f mount lens. this will minimize having to mount adapter and lens separately too often.

 

[smirking]

I'm not sure where things are at with Canon, but Nikon is still very much selling DSLRs even if it's not their focus.

I picked up a second Nikon d780 body last month so I could have a dual d780 setup. I got it refurbished which knocked 40% off the new price. It looked pristine and had a shutter count of 5 out of the box.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Since DSLR cameras are slowly being phased out in favor of MIL cameras, other than the sensor size, is there any advantage of keeping on using a dedicated camera vs camera on a smartphone?

Umm, yes. Real lenses remain real lenses. Tiny smartphone lenses are amazing, but cannot equate to a big heavy expensive piece of optical glass.

In some cases like Nikon for instance the older F lenses work just fine with an adapter on to the mirrorless Z format bodies. However the new Z lenses are mostly even better than the older F lenses, so photogs upgrade both camera bodies and lenses to the mirrorless Z format over time.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

The entire idea behind a DSLR is basically obsolete.

SLR (no-D) were a thing because it let you see what you were actually taking a picture of - exactly the framing, and the focus. By seeing exactly what will land on the film, not a viewfinder that is offset not through the same lens.

The move to DSLR early on had similar advantages, combined with the fact that they were just drop-in-replacements for film. In some cases literally - some early DSLRs were just film camera bodies with the back replaced with a digital sensor instead of a film mechanism. And "pro" was firmly established as an SLR thing, so pros moved to DSLRs because they felt the same.

But even early on, there were digital cameras that removed the two key advantages of SLR over other - by using a digital sensor and a large LCD on the back, you could see exactly what was being photographed, exactly as framed, with focus, exposure, everything. But most of those didn't have interchangeable lenses.

Eventually, the idea of "mirrorless" as its own type came about - combining the two. Interchangeable lenses, with a large always-showing display. There you go, no more need for DSLR.

The only reason DSLRs hung on was "pro use inertia." Companies kept putting their best stuff in DSLRs because professionals kept using DSLRs, and insisted on the best stuff. Once companies started putting "the good stuff" in mirrorless - especially once video use took off (something a DSLR can't do well,) mirrorless took over as "the pro cameras."