DSLR is DEAD?

Mirrorless is the future? The DSLR is dead? Kind of a funny argument when it comes down to it. Photography has grown a lot over its short history. One of the greatest things about it is that no technology ever replaces what's come before it. Digital photography has brought on a lot of new technology and mirrorless is the latest accomplishment. Mirrorless allows us to have a full data readout from the sensor. Sony has made incredible strides with their autofocus speeds as a result. Canon and Nikon have both introduced their first mirrorless systems in the last year. We have barely scratched the surface. Though surprising, Nikon's latest announcement is the Nikon D6 - a DSLR.

Your gear doesn't matter beyond picking the right tool for the right job. What matters is what you have to say as a photographer and how you communicate visually.

On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!

Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[laideae]

This video is proof that you’re a photographer and not a gear head or a sales rep disguised as youtuber. Couldn’t agree more with your point of view.

[JonathanHeresOficial]

The Art of Photography: "Cameras are tools"
Everyone: "great composition! ... what camera do you use?" ...

[bencushwa]

"The right tool for the right job"

Amen brother.

Mirrorless vs DSLR? Full frame vs crop? Nikon vs Canon vs Sony?

None of it matters. They're all tools. They have different strengths and capabilities. What matters is how you, the photographer, use them to create an image that expresses your artistic vision.

[dimebagdarrell]

That's right, DSLR is not DEAD, just is going to be the next VINTAGE.

[hellofromdavid]

The most important factor in photography is light quality. This is independent of any camera.

[AllgoodthingsTv]

Don't agree. I shot film throughout the 90s: push/pull snip tests, APC Polaroid backs, etc. If someone said, "I'll give you $1 mill to shoot the 100 sharpest, most professional looking images of a certain subject and I don't care what format you use (but no smartphones)" no one would be racing out there with Nikon film camera with Kodak Lumiere. We'd all be using the most advanced camera possible, which would likely be a mirrorless digital camera with a great AF lens. Your video oversimplifies: yes, you can take photos with all those cameras, but have you ever seen the crappy red carpet pics on IMDB of the 90s compared to the photos taken today with digital cameras? Some of these formats are strictly for enthusiasts now. They are not the practical choice to get the best image out there.

[sleeponsundays]

When people say DSLRs are “dead” they mean they are being replaced as the go to for professionals. The innovation is in mirrorless, which is why the majority of professionals in the future will use mirrorless cameras. There is nothing wrong with DSLRs, but the progress in photography will be in mirrorless.

[petesorchids]

Well said Ted, no matter what camera, the person behind the camera!!!!

[BrianAnderson-]

Thank you for saying what needs to be said :)

[RedBatRacing]

My DSLR is still working fine. It's not dead

[TimMoran]

No matter what technology comes next, it all still comes down to lighting and lens.

[erikdowgin]

Mirrorless cameras are just so dinky in my hand. It always feels like I am just filming and when I click the shutter I am just taking a screenshot.

[morrison]

Top photographers worldwide are NOT using mirrorless and will not start using them anytime soon, no matter what sony think.

[danielfinch]

Anyone want to send me their dead Cannon 5D mk5.

[SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Everything you just stated; is reasonable. One is a right-handed hammer, the other is a left-handed hammer.

[joecrafted]

I love my Kodak Retina IIIc! Such a wonderful little camera. I was shooting at a Thai restaurant in Mountain View CA and the owner came running out. I was concerned he was going to tell me to put my camera away, but instead he was so excited to see the Retina because he had one when he was young in Thailand and shot *everything* with that camera. He had the biggest smile and his eyes gleamed, one of my fav stories of shooting with an older camera. My other fav story was shooting with a Yashica Mat TLR and I pulled it out to shoot a fife and drum muster with (primarily) teens. One of the drummers eyes opened HUGE and she asked "What? IS THAT?" She couldn't believe it was a camera and again thought it was the coolest thing she ever saw.

[Skinvictus]

Ironic that everyone wants to capture timeless photos on cameras we can’t wait to deem obsolete.

[THETONESHOW]

Ohhhh charged title! I love it lol. People also said Vinyl Records were dead and there is actually still a very vibrant record community out there. Different tools for different folks.

[Darielcummins]

I sold my A7Rii to a friend who was shooting with a 80d. He sold the A7Rii and is getting a canon dslr instead. I feel like DSLRs aren’t going anywhere.

[bernardosousa]

Great to see more frequently videos! Love your work