Although I don't really care who is leading the race (which company sells more units and which of them has more revenue), but I have a feeling that it is better for the company when it sells more units because then it brings more lens sales (especially if the system is closed to third parties), more flashes, batteries, battery grips, adapters...
I had a feeling you'd mention the 5D2, the exception that proves the rule. That's why I said "rarely"
Generally I agree though. Just one thing, I would observe (having lurked on these forums for about a decade) that Canon's products get a harsh reception initially but are often praised down the line, and their sales speak for themselves.
It could be that Canon designs their cameras with users in mind, while Sony designs their cameras with YouTube (p)reviewers in mind.
I would have thought 'twas ever thus - that people "doing detailed research" were always the minority. And speaking as someone who is in that minority, it still ultimately boils down to, whose opinion do I trust, and taking a minor leap of faith, so a lot of the research may simply be reinforcing a sense of control in one's decision making.
Years ago, in many cases people could walk into a camera shop and get recommendations from a knowledgeable sales person. One could also try out a piece of gear, to check the ergonomics…something that no amount of Internet research can really replace.
I am also in that minority, but then, I do research for a living.
Being in the early 30s myself... I guess I would ask what constitutes 'detailed research' to you. I like to think I do some research for most purchases I make, but I also do feel that user reviews and such are a part of that information gathering step.
In regards to ILCs, I honestly think detailed research is not especially productive. ILCs have had decades to evolve, the technology is mature, and the reality is that if you can't take great pictures with any current ILC, the problem is behind the camera. I think what helps is to have a good understanding of the overall offerings of a system, because that's what you're buying into. Are the lenses you might want available. Most importantly, are the cameras easy and comfortable to use.
At their core, modern cameras are computer-based technologies. Even the sensors are manufactured using the same basic methods as computer chips. So it's no surprise that the upgrade cycle is similar. Conversely, the useful life of these items is typically much longer than the upgrade cycle. I saw no need to upgrade my 1D X to its successors, and kept using it as my primary camera until the R3 came out. I will get the R1, but honestly it's a want not a need.
I think most of those with an R6II will not seriously consider an R6III, regardless. Rather, the target market for the R6III will be users of 6-series DSLRs, R8 users, and APS-C camera users. Similarly, though people on gear forums like this one complain that the R5II doesn't offer much over the R5, and YouTubers make a living comparing each new model to its immediate predecessor, the real target market of the R5II is owners of 5-and 6-series DSLRs, and owners of lower lines that want to move up.
Yeah I guess I would consider all of that as part of the research phase. Last part being a bit more difficult to figure out these days with brick and mortar stores slowly dying (I think I'd have to drive a hundred miles to get to my nearest 'real' camera store).
So for me after using the R6II for a year, what I found myself wanting was more resolution and less rolling shutter, which is why I ended up upgrading to the R5II. Which ended up coming with some nice bonuses like even better AF, a more usable pre-capture function, better OOC color rendering, and that sort of thing.
When people told me that those R models such as R1 R3 R5 and R6 and even R8 all will outperform my 1DX then it became for me like a very difficult task or mission to upgrade, because there are like 8 options rather than 2-3 only, and if i narrowed down to only very latest then it will be expensive a bit which mean i have to wait to save and afford, and waiting is the main problem as well if there will be something new again, but it sounds that R1 and R5II will be around for like 2-3 years, but both are expensive, while R6II is 2 years old, so i can't think about R6 to be my choice for another 5-10 years for example, and definitely i won't buy a new camera of 2024-2025 to upgrade it in 2028 if i am still alive, but definitely i buy the last current model available if i can afford it, and R6III price will be cheaper than R1 and R5II.
That means for a replacement for my 1DX and 1D3 and 30D i have to just buy R5II if i can afford it and hold on it until another model coming out such as R6III or R8II or even R7II that can be a backup for my R5II, for sports and wildlife/birds i only need 2 cameras because i use mainly two lenses, one long prime and one telephoto zoom, but because my EF300mm is very old i can't get rid of it to buy newer model so i will hold on 1DX for this lens while my 70-200 MKII can be used with a new R model [with adapter] nicely.
For me, it came down to why I bought the 1D X in the first place. I had previously used a 7D and a 5DII, both with battery grips. The 1D X essentially merged the FF sensor of the 5-series with the speed of the 7-series, and I found the integrated grip far more ergonomically friendly than the add-ons. I bought an EOS R soon after it came out, and used it for travel as I now use an R8. But the 1D X remained my primary camera until Canon came out with an integrated grip MILC. So I'll buy the R1 to replace the R3, since the former will be the top of the line. But I will likely keep using the R1 for 8-10 years, as I did with the 1D X, and pass on the R1 II and III when they launch.
The good thing for you but bad thing for me is that you can afford or get those but me no, i was able to buy so many Canon DSLRs in the past because i was working in a job and didn't have another hobbies, now without a job so not good enough income and another hobbies i feel like i can't keep buying new cameras every 4-5 years, before i could buy a camera every 1-3 years span, not anymore, i don't have any R model at all now, so if i buy one i will make sure it can be the best option over my 1DX and 1Ds3 and 1D3 and 30D.
We still have a few - Wex have locations in major UK cities and their staff seem to care - but tbh trying before buying was never for me. At worst, we can return items so long as they're in good condition, within a time frame that's probably enough to make a judgment. But I found reading enough reviews - and I mean especially by members of the public - I was rarely negatively surprised by anything (the front-heavy nature of the EF 85 f/1.2 II springs to mind). I guess for early adopters that's no use, because it can take years for enough amateur reviews to accumulate. But personally I would never pay the preorder premium anyway.
I’m in Boston, and there are brick-and-mortar options here, as well. By ergonomics I was thinking mainly just how a camera body feels in-hand. But you have a good point that unless it’s strikingly bad (like the first time I picked up a sharp-edged Sony), it often takes a fair bit of use to tell.
My experience with 30 year olds is clearly limited but tiktok/reel influencers, google reviews and same-age friends seems to have disproportionate weight compared to less-biased and more knowledgeable reviewers / "independent" journalism from multiple sources. From restaurants to renovations to cameras, it just seems to be a different methodology.
