[Digitalis]

We are long past the golden age: 1962~1988

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Last edited by Digitalis; 01-09-2016 at 06:39 PM.

[Kerrowdown]

Golden Age of Photography?

When folk pay their invoices.

[monochrome]

That's what's going to kill photography as we know it, more like the Twilight Age of photohraphy.

Phil.

I dunno - the Instamatic didn't kill photography as we knew it.

[gofour3]

I dunno - the Instamatic didn't kill photography as we knew it.

True but the difference back then was you had to buy a camera to take any kind of pictures. The price you were willing to spend dictated the quality of camera/picture you would get.

Now everyone seems to have a smartphone what also takes pictures. I'm not sure if the younger crowd is willing to spend the extra cash to buy a separate camera, when the quality of the pictures they get from their smart phone is "good enough" for them.

Anyways we will see in five years or so.... It may be a sad time for us traditional photographers with SLRs.

Phil.

[monochrome]

I firmly believe SLR global sales will decline to 2004 levels, which will devastate Nikon and maybe even Canon. Sony is at the mercy of its parent company's finances.

I bet RicohTax will be fine, along with Fuji. Both have small capital footprints and conservative parents.

[JibbaJab]

Now everyone seems to have a smartphone what also takes pictures. I'm not sure if the younger crowd is willing to spend the extra cash to buy a separate camera, when the quality of the pictures they get from their smart phone is "good enough" for them.

We are. It's like fast food vs fine dining. Just because one of them is more convenient, doesn't mean people no longer value quality. Social media also motivates us to keep striving for better and better quality photos.

I think it's interesting how Polaroid cameras are enjoying a comeback right now among young people.

[gofour3]

I think it's interesting how Polaroid cameras are enjoying a comeback right now among young people.

Yeah I totally agree about younger people shooting analog, that makes me very happy! Vancouver and the US Pacific NW has a large film community, with many processing labs doing good business.

I only shoot film and own 23 Pentax cameras, all but one were bought used. The one that I bought new was way back in 1975 when Asahi Optical Co. owned Pentax. Most of the analog cameras bought today are used, so Ricoh and the other camera manufactures are not making any money.

My concern is the the number of new camera sales five years from now. Are younger people going to buy a new somewhat expensive DSLR, when smart phone camera technology keeps getting better? Judging by the number of smart phones I see at tourist destinations, where you would expect to see a majority of people using SLRs, it's swinging more and more to the smart phone side with people of all ages.

Phil.

[bertwert]

Are younger people going to buy a new somewhat expensive DSLR, when smart phone camera technology keeps getting better?

Yep.
Take me for an example...

[gofour3]

Yep.
Take me for an example...

Yeah but you belong to the forum already and I assume you are over 17?

I'm aiming for the folks that are currently 10-17, in school and already own a smart phone but no camera. (Who in five years from now could be new Pentaxians)

Phil.

[bertwert]

@gofour3


Sorry I just had to laugh.
I'm 14 years old
Also I don't own a smartphone/cellphone of any kind.

[gofour3]

@gofour3


Sorry I just had to laugh.
I'm 14 years old
Also I don't own a smartphone/cellphone of any kind.

Hey I'm telling your mom, you were on the forum during school hours!

Well if you really are 14 and already have a Pentax, you are one of a handful in that age group.

Anyways I can't talk to you any longer as I'm and old fart and your a minor.....................

Phil.

[bertwert]

you were on the forum during school hours!

Homeschool
Though I probably spend a bit much time here