Whether you realize it or no, I love to take pictures, having received my first camera (a Kodak Instamatic X-15) in 1966. In 1981 I "upgraded" to a Canon T-70 SLR, as well as getting several lenses to go with it. I now use a Kodak EasyShare Z740, which I would love to eventually replace with a more up-to-date digital SLR camera.
I just read an article concerning the dilemma camera manufacturers may be facing in the future. The author, Devin Coldewey of
NBC News, wrote that though we were taking more pictures, there seemed to be a decline in the sales of cameras, particularly the "point-and-shoot" type. Though I had never really thought about it, Mr. Coldewey makes a very valid point...why would you want to spend oodles of money for a camera when your phone has a built-in camera with the capability of sharing that photo with friends and family via such venues as texting and social media. With a "regular" camera, you incur not only the expense of the camera, but the cost of having your photographs developed. Add to that cost, the price of storage containers such as photo albums and scrapbooks.
Mr. Coldewey went on to write that camera manufacturers will need to step up their innovations in order to stay viable, such as adding a way to "connect" with others which he states Canon is playing around with. It seems, according to the article, that Canon, Nikon, and others will have to do major upgrades in order to survive.
I personally cannot imagine cameras going completely extinct. Why? Think about this...would you want your special events (weddings, family portraits, etc.) taken with a cellphone? I certainly would not! What do you do if you want to develop those pictures on your cellphone for a scrapbook or to frame? I have to admit that I'm not aware of the kiosks at such places as the drugstore, Walmart, and Target are capable of having a cellphone hooked up to them.
As for me, I love my cameras, even though I do take photos with my cellphone. I will continue to use one for as long as possible.
(Note: If you would like to read the article yourself, click here.)
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