In September 2025, we reported that Nikon DSLR sales had plummeted 46% the past year, while across all photography brands, mirrorless cameras were outselling the older format five to one. For Nikon specifically it was higher still, at 11 to one in mirrorless’ favour.
This figure should shock no one. Nikon’s most ‘recent’ DSLR launches were the D6 and D780 back in 2020. Fellow photography stalwart Canon’s last DSLR flagship was the EOS-1D X Mark III the same year. And, if even these companies, who initially dragged their heels relinquishing their reliance on DSLR – embracing mirrorless years after Sony, Panasonic et al – have essentially declared DSLR over, who are we to argue?
The only company now giving two hoots about preserving the DSLR as a current option is Pentax. And that’s a head scratcher, as there’s barely any photographer who gives two hoots about Pentax DSLRs.
Aside from this lone brand, it’s increasingly hard to buy a DSLR new. Which means that if a DSLR camera market still exists, it’s largely comprised of second-hand or ‘used’ options.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’ve never been sniffy about used gear. Especially when it comes to the fast turnover world of tech, where last year’s wallet-buster is this year’s bargain deal.
If we’re buying a reliable brand and the shutter count isn’t alarmingly high, then an authentically ‘vintage’ DSLR can be far better value than the latest mirrorless merely pretending to be retro.
Wave goodbye, or reappraise?
Following revivals of interest in film photography and, more surprisingly, in compact digicams, could DSLR be the next format for reappraisal?
Aspects of the DSLR that once seemed attractive to photographers, such as robust bodies, bigger controls, large optical viewfinders and long battery life, still hold appeal today when compared with mirrorless’ need to cram a plethora of switches and dials onto narrower bodies. It’s easy too to see DSLR’s allure for Gen Z students when prices for new mirrorless cameras have steadily increased. And wasn’t mirrorless hyped up to ensure DSLR owners were forced to continue to spend on a whole new system anyway?
Is it, controversially, time to ditch mirrorless? Rather than eBay it, should I dust off the DSLR? Big lenses coupled with large sensors does equal great image quality after all. Body size aside, it’s not like we’re massively compromising. Plus, once you start adding battery grips, most pro-end mirrorless cameras don’t fall far short of a DSLR-like bulk.
This all being said, I must remind myself that it’s not purely about kit; what’s more important is the photographer’s vision. DSLR, compact, mirrorless or smartphone – they’re all just tools. So, even if, to mangle an REM song lyric, it’s the end of the (DSLR) world as we know it… I feel fine.
Related reading
- Now is the perfect time for the Pentax Q to make a comeback
- I’ve used both Nikon mirrorless and DSLR, and this is the one I’d choose
- Olympus mirrorless vs DSLR – Here’s the one I choose every time
- Here’s what I’ve learned from taking 200,000 photos in 25 years
The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of Amateur Photographer magazine or Kelsey Media Limited. If you have an opinion you’d like to share on this topic, or any other photography related subject, email: [email protected].
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