It’s been stated earlier than, however now it feels actual: the solar is setting on DSLRs. In truth, it’s twilight.

I write this after information from a number one medium format provider and Part One accomplice Seize Integration (opens in new tab), detailing that Hasselblad has discontinued its manufacturing of H System medium format DSLRs. 

In truth, all H System merchandise are out of inventory – cameras, lenses, battery grips – though Hasselblad will proceed its restore service in Sweden, which might take lots of time relying the place you’re on the planet. 

It’s yet another nail within the DSLR coffin, and on this case I can’t say that I’m shocked one bit.

Sure, the Hasselblad H System (that makes use of Part One digital backs) was lengthy thought of the usual for skilled studio photographers, however its most up-to-date DSLR digital camera was the H6D that was launched in 2016 and it prices round $35,000 / £30,000 physique solely. Mama mia. 

The H6D was a beast again then, appropriate with a 100MP Part One digital again, however Hasselblad has since been acquired by DJI and entered the mirrorless digital camera area with its wonderful X System, which incorporates the Hasselblad X2D 100C that I had the perfect time reviewing and is likely one of the greatest cameras for images in 2023.

Not solely does a digital camera just like the X2D 100C deal with and carry out higher than its DSLR ancestors – I used to be blown away by its 100MP sensor with in-body picture stabilization – however it’s a relative snip at $8,199 / £7,369.

There have been different influences within the demise of the H System, too. Pentax made medium format DSLRs far more reasonably priced than the H System with the Pentax 645Z, whereas after all Fujifilm can also be energetic within the mirrorless medium format area, that includes cameras just like the Fujiflm GFX100S.

It’s a tragic second for an elite group of pros who might afford working life with the H System. And because the legacy Hasselblad H System bites the mud, how does the image look elsewhere for different manufacturers within the DSLR area?

Are DSLR cameras actually useless?

The phrase discontinued hasn’t formally been utilized by both Canon or Nikon, however the writing is on the wall. Nikon has stated its focus is on mirrorless, and the proof is within the pudding after we look again over the shortage of exercise within the DSLR area. 

You’ll be able to nonetheless choose up new Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras and lenses, however the newest cameras off the manufacturing line had been the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III and Nikon D780, each from the primary quarter of 2020. 

Each firms are approaching 5 years of their respective mirrorless digital camera programs; the Canon RF lens mount for Canon EOS R cameras, and the Nikon Z lens mount for Nikon Z cameras. Mirrorless variations of their DSLR cameras have been made, and each firms seem all-in with mirrorless.

That leaves us with Ricoh-owned Pentax, the one torch bearer with its Pentax DSLR cameras. To be truthful, we did get a brand new DSLR earlier this yr, the Pentax Okay-Three Mark III Monochrome, which is an up to date model of the Okay-Three Mark III (from the primary quarter of 2021), with a black-and-white sensor, as its identify suggests.

A faint glimmer of hope then, however what’s Pentax actually as much as nowadays? Nicely, it’s getting again into movie, truly. DSLR can not compete with mirrorless, however movie alternatively? That’s a complete different trending market. I wouldn’t count on extra Pentax DSLR exercise for the foreseeable future.

Secondhand life

Simply because manufacturing has ceased for some and majorly decreased for the remainder, that doesn’t imply DSLRs are out of date. Everyone knows you may get nice picture and video high quality with DSLRs, even when discovering one new will turn into all of the more durable, and it will likely be nigh on not possible to select up a Hasselblad H System digital camera now, regardless of how a lot cash you’ve gotten.

There can be a superb provide of Canon, Nikon and Pentax DSLRs within the secondhand market, the place you’ll be able to bag an incredible deal. So whereas there’s little or no that’s really new within the DSLR market, it might be the main secondhand digital camera for photographers for a while to return.