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comparatively slow years, it looks like things might now be starting to pick up in camera sales. For starters, there’s all the interesting stuff happening with new cameras, especially in full-35mm format mirrorless models, but elsewhere as well.
With Canon and Nikon now on board (at last!), the cork is out of the bottle and a lot of D-SLR users – especially those ready to replace ageing bodies – will be convinced to make the switch to mirrorless. I suspect quite a few of you may also be convinced to move to the bigger sensor – there are some good arguments for doing so – and invest a little more in your next new camera. We started out with smaller sensors in consumer cameras because it made them much more affordable and for a while there, in mirrorless, the key objective to make the hardware as small and light as possible. More compact camera bodies are still an objective but no longer the sole one, as there are technical outcomes that are just as important, if not more so. Some of the lenses in the new Canon and Nikon mirrorless systems are as least as big and bulky as the D-SLR equivalents, but it’s the new worlds of design and performance potential that are going to be key here.
It’s been a while since there have been truly compelling reasons to upgrade – rather than merely replace – a camera that’s fast approaching its use-by date, but there are now… including even perhaps making a bigger jump up to digital medium format. Fujifilm’s GFX 50R anyone?
And where might you think about buying your new camera? Chances are you may well be heading back to the traditional bricks-and-mortar store. There are significant investments going on generally with the aim of enhancing the ‘retail experience’ which, let’s face it, in the past has probably driven many to the comparatively painless process of buying online. More specifically, in photo retailing we’ve seen the opening of Ted’s Cameras smart new ‘World Of Imaging’ concept store in Sydney, and the Leica Store & Gallery in Melbourne. The Ted’s WOI store brings together most of the major imaging brands under one roof with the emphasis being on more extensive stock ranges – all those accessories that are usually easier to buy online – and expert face-to-face advice and assistance. If you live in Sydney – or are visiting – the new Ted’s store is well worth checking out because a lot of effort has gone into its design which includes gallery and workshop spaces. The Leica facility is, of course, devoted to all things ‘red dot’, but it’s also about creating an experience for anybody who is a photography enthusiast, including a lounge area with a coffee machine (believe it or not, all the staff have completed a barista’s course)… you’re welcome to visit even if you don’t have $20k to drop on an M10 and a couple of M lenses. And there are many more examples of photo retailers working really hard at not just improving service, but also establishing longer-term relationships with customers in various ways such as events and workshops.
If you’re contemplating something as big as a system change, you really want all the advice you can get because it isn’t just the initial investment to consider, but also the longer-term outlays on additional lenses and accessories. It’s one of this magazine’s key jobs to help you get started so you have a better idea about what questions to ask, but it’s capable and well-trained retail staff who have the responsibility of helping you make the right buying decisions. Online purchasing has its place in today’s retailing landscape, but nothing is ever going to beat personal service, especially if it’s enhanced by an attractive environment and attentive, knowledgeable sales people. It’s something both buyers and sellers are now realising… which is going to be good for everybody.