What do you think about Compact System Cameras? Can these gadgets replace the DSLR as your primary camera or just to serve as a secondary/backup camera? Why/Why not?

The best answers will be published on DPP 42. Deadline on December 05.:)

In the near future, for non-professionals (hobbyists), I believe Compact System Cameras (CSCs) can replace DSLRs. They are smaller/compact (compared to the bulky DSLR) but the image they produce can closely match those of entry level DSLRs. But then again, this will not be true for professional photographers who need the highest image quality possible, which the high-end DSLRs can deliver.

Currently,I chose the appropriate equipment as the situation requires it. For studio and indoor work where bulk and weight isn't an issue, I'll use a DSLR. For family and events which prohibit the use of DSLR's, a CSC or advanced point and shoot is sufficient.

In the future, will CSC's ever replace DSLRs? It might as the CSC itself is a product of recent technology developments in sensors and optics. When electronic view finders and other alternatives offer performance comparable to that of a optical SLR viewfinder, expect most mainstream users of DSLR's to shift.

Compact System Camera's are DEFINITELY the future! Its just isn't so clear yet now cause only one company is doing it right, and that is Sony with their NEX line of cameras. Their two latest from this family is taking the photography world by storm because of performance that rivals even the top end DSLR offerings from Nikon and Canon.

Take Nex 5N for example. Its been having an overwhelmingly positive rave review from every single publication/website that touched it. It is so small, its lens mount is bigger than its body. But Sony managed to put a full size APSC sensor and their latest image processor in it. Its Hi ISO quality rivals that of the full frame 5DMk2. And its video prowess wipes the floor of any other DSLR camera that exists (or announced. :D) 60fps at 1080p is a framerate at a resolution that the Canon 5DMk2,1dMk4, and even the just announced 1Dx and C300 will only dream about. It bests even the flagship A77 in image quality and maximum ISO both in photos and video. And because of its very short flange distance, any adaptor maker can make an adaptor for it so it can use any lens from ANY BRAND from any year even invented. Yes from Leica, to Zeises to Canons to Nikon, it can take them all. Suddenly the limitation of throwing your lens collection away for a new camera is gone. All this power and capabilities in a body smaller than your average smartphone!

And for all the "pros" who like the small body but nesccessitate physical controls, Sony answered back with its flagship Nex 7 with a fully customizable tri navi control system, a hot shoe, built in flash,super high quality EVF in a body, similar in dimensions to an iPhone! It has Sony's latest 24 megapixel APSC sensor, which at low ISOs , your gonna have the cheapest studio camera ever! Thats 24 whole megapixel of information for your building sized billboard prints in a camera that fits in your pocket!

So there, Sony just ended all the issues dslr purists could whine about. They just stuffed pro level performance and specifications on super small bodies. Thankfully Sony exists for innovation. Its showing the dslr market leaders that things they say is impossible is quite easy to do. There's no more excuse. We do not need a flipping mirror, 10 kilograms of weight and a body that covers your face when you take a photo with it to get the same digital quality the pro's require. Compact System Camera's have arrived, and its name is Nex.

They are so amazing that pretty much every single photography/gadget magazine and or website this year lists the Nex 5N or Nex 7 as product of the year (ususally together with the A77). If this is not a sign of the future, I dont know what is.

Nothing is impossible. Who ever thought that digital would replace film back then? As Compact System Cameras might be the next best thing to an dlsr, there just might be another system in the works replacing everything.

I believe one cannot categorically state that CSCs will or will not replace DSLRs now or in the future. It all depends on the needs of the photographer---the one who knows what he or she wants and how to achieve it.

In a few decades, the CSC or a similar system will undoubtedly replace the DSLR. But until technology catches up, the CSC will predominantly remain as a back-up camera.

Ergonomics, support and price. The DSLR simply is better.....for now.

I know this is late but I just want to share my view on the matter. :)

As of the moment, the camera manufacturers are still improving their lines of DSLRs and CSCs. However, I still find the DSLR more effective and flexible in terms of usage.

Technology is all about power so anything that is inferior will not go to the top.