Originally posted by Medium FormatPro As consumers (even professional consumers) we'll never know the real numbers of either Canon or Nikon sales. Even people that sell these cameras professionally (and also pour over the numbers in shop) could also not really give us all an accurate number for anything outside of their company.
As for that pool which is claimed to be shrinking - it isn't. Full frame digital camera sales (such as Canon, Nikon, Sony) have always been good. As a matter of fact most retailers out there could never really get enough of the full frames.
On the consumer side... As for those that can afford items like the 7k++ full frame Nikon D3's or even a D4... The camera body cost isn't their main concern. We're talking about people whoo also have the genuine need for about 10k in computer hardware, and probably another 4k in software - and then how many lens'.
Then there's the medium format break-in point... for the price of D3 one was almost to the point of being able to afford a medium format system. Most of these are ironically not like the Pentax unibody systems. For most Mamiya and Hasselblad; just keep the body and upgrade the sensor - all for not much more thna a Nikon.
And yes there is a genuine client need for medium format; and also extremely high quality full frame images. As for the medium format clients; just go on either the Mayima or Hasselblad website. We're not talking isolated clients, but a great deal of clients
Or one could also take my word for it.
I currently own two complete Hasselblad systems and am getting ready to purchase the Mamiya Credo80. I payed off a majority of my Hasselblad H4 system in just one year of work with it - easily. I'm also able to pick and choose clients - and also still never get anywhere near having the bid-business.
A true creative professional could do quite well in medium format business.
I congratulate you on doing well, but from what I hear the picture is not so rosy for the business in general.
I think there will continue to be a market for big name professionals, for those with marketable specialties, and for aggressive hacks, but things don't look that good for the general run of photographers. At least, that's the message from most sources.
Yes, there is a need for medium format quality in some circles. Whether the number of such clients could be considered large is a matter of opinion. However, for a lot of what used to be bread-and-butter work, current DSLRs are more than adequate. The word is that in many areas photo buyers have become less demanding in terms of quality, looking for cheap rather than excellent.
All this comes to me second-hand, as I really haven't paid much attention to the business for a while. But that is where the weight of published opinion lies.
BTW, I retired early several years ago (Freedoom 54!) after over 20 years as a full-time pro.
I could have carried on, but I'm really enjoying having the time and peace of mind to concentrate on my personal work. Can't be bothered to push things hard enough to buy new gear all the time.
I certainly don't envy people trying to break into the business now, no matter how talented.
In any case, I hold to my opinion about DSLR makers being in a squeeze. It just isn't obvious yet, and may not show up in terms of public numbers for several years. There is a good deal of inertia both in corporate planning and in peoples' buying habits.
Full frame? I dunno. My next equipment decision point is in about two years. I'll go for something that will give me 24x36 inch prints that meet my standards, is pleasant to use, and cost effective. I expect to have a number of options.