As sensor technology continues to advance it seems we are just minutes from when the next generation of low level DSLRs will match or better the x100s performance, at a lower price, and better form, function and flexibility for a large target market. In some ways this is comparing apples and oranges in that (a good thing) perhaps the price of the "Rebel" DSLRs will fall further to ward off the threat of the mirrorless cameras. This would further define the difference of these types of cameras.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I'm nodding because I almost get to the point where image quality is no longer a concern with the current selection that is available for us to choose.
We're currently back to where form (size, shape, handling) would be the determining factor, and as history revealed, most people prefer small, compact, and quiet. Smaller segment of photographers wants or needs big and heavy.
That is until *everyone* and their dogs uses small, compact and quiet, then human nature dictates that "I want to be different" and we'll restart the pendulum swing back to big and heavy.
Repeat and rinse
We're currently back to where form (size, shape, handling) would be the determining factor, and as history revealed, most people prefer small, compact, and quiet. Smaller segment of photographers wants or needs big and heavy.
That is until *everyone* and their dogs uses small, compact and quiet, then human nature dictates that "I want to be different" and we'll restart the pendulum swing back to big and heavy.
Repeat and rinse
gilpen123
Gil
I've seen some real good shots from IPhones.......and some real bad shots with high end cameras.
I have been telling myself this everytime I see a great image from the x100. I really want one, but if I do get one it isn't going to make me a better photographer.
gilpen123
Gil
If I'm a Landscape photographer, I wouldn't touch the mirrorless M43 with a 10 foot pole though. Landscapes are meant to be printed large and law of physics will always prevail.
Chris101
summicronia
You mean a retro-looking camera, right?
steveclem
Well-known
A camera that didn't resemble a typewriter would be nice, retro style and design appeals greatly to me.
gilpen123
Gil
Retro is preferred but any design will do as long as it has at least M43 or bigger sensor and compact.
bensyverson
Well-known
The entire industry was caught with its pants down. They saw mirrorless as "small cameras for women." But really they're "small cameras for enthusiasts." Everyone got it wrong.
Even Panasonic—who got this whole thing started—misread the success of the GF1. They followed it up with a string of dumbed-down successors. It took them years to introduce the GX1, and they STILL didn't nail it.
Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Olympus are now watching in horror as Sony and Fuji show everyone how it's done. By marketing to enthusiasts, Sony and Fuji can justify higher prices, and thus higher profit margins. Olympus finally "got it" with the E-M5, about 24 months too late.
Meanwhile, Nikon came out with a me-too system that's already a historical footnote, and Canon was too busy selling DSLRs to even notice what was happening. Now that they see Fuji generating so much excitement over a $1700 camera that can barely autofocus, they're probably paying attention.
Canon needs to introduce what is basically a full frame NEX-7 for a new lens system, with insanely good autofocus. The body could be $2300, and the new lenses could start at $600 and go up to $1600 or beyond. The profit margins would be huge, and the sales would be out of control. Hopefully they'll understand this eventually.
Even Panasonic—who got this whole thing started—misread the success of the GF1. They followed it up with a string of dumbed-down successors. It took them years to introduce the GX1, and they STILL didn't nail it.
Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Olympus are now watching in horror as Sony and Fuji show everyone how it's done. By marketing to enthusiasts, Sony and Fuji can justify higher prices, and thus higher profit margins. Olympus finally "got it" with the E-M5, about 24 months too late.
Meanwhile, Nikon came out with a me-too system that's already a historical footnote, and Canon was too busy selling DSLRs to even notice what was happening. Now that they see Fuji generating so much excitement over a $1700 camera that can barely autofocus, they're probably paying attention.
Canon needs to introduce what is basically a full frame NEX-7 for a new lens system, with insanely good autofocus. The body could be $2300, and the new lenses could start at $600 and go up to $1600 or beyond. The profit margins would be huge, and the sales would be out of control. Hopefully they'll understand this eventually.
gilpen123
Gil
Nikon and Canon are 2 very strong brands that have a huge war chest but they are not interested at the moment. The seemingly niche market of the mirrorless are no longer so. I came from film SLR to DSLR; Nikon D300 was my last and some high quality glass 17-55 2.8, 85 1.4D, 70-200 2.8 and a 105 2.8 VR Micro. From 2007 onwards, I moved to RF and found the joy of a compact and light gear that I can bring with me anywhere without breaking my back. Then the mirrorless started to appear in the market but I only jump when the EP2 arrived. I still have MF, DRF and RF complimented by the mirrorless and I'm a very happy camper. No doubt the performance of the D700, D3 and the Canon 5Ds are great but I can't get to use them much for my love of street photography. If I am a pro I would definitely have them as my tool of the trade but I am just a hobbyist as what most people are. This post is not intended to be a DSLR vs mirrorless but rather a question as to why they are not paying any attention to this. As can be seen in the market info, it's eating up the DSLR market fast. The development, Fuji, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic are putting into this segment is tremendous. We'll see the impact if they don't make a move in the next 12 months. I can almost guarantee that market forces will eventually change the digital camera landscape.