Convergence vs. Divergence

Convergence has become a buzzword in the camera world. The simple definition in this specific case is the convergence of still and video capabilities in one camera. This excellent article by Michael Reichmann on the Luminous Landscape fully explains this trend:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/convergence.shtml


Convergence has been adapted by the major manufacturers in a big way. Except for the top of the line cameras, both Canon and Nikon are introducing live view and HD video in their DSLR’s as they are upgraded. A Panasonic GH1 is being used for a full length movie. Nikon and Canon DSLR’s have been used for music videos and advertisements. So convergence is already at a point of acceptance. Where it exactly goes is still uncertain, but new and exciting areas will develop in the future.

However, just as important for the camera world is what I choose to call divergence. Divergence is where the camera companies develop camera formats or platforms that increase diversity or differentiation in the camera market.

The digital age has seen extensive contraction in the industry. Minolta, Konica, Contax, Bronica, Polaroid, and Rollei are gone, either absorbed by another company or simply going out of business.

To help vitalize the camera industry, the manufacturers must choose different development paths, to differentiate their products to appeal to various market constituencies. Without this push for platform innovation, rather than innovation inside a platform, the industry will continue to contract.

Fortunately for the photographer, divergence has already started to happen.

Divergence occured first in small sensor cameras. It has started to happen in the medium, full-size and medium format markets.

Sigma stuck their neck out and started the trend toward divergence by introducing two large sensor compacts, the DP! and DP2.

Panasonic and Olympus have introduced their micro 4/3rds cameras

Most important, Leica, with their newly announced products, have reaffirmed their M camera, and have introduced two new products in divergent categories. See theonlinephotographer.com:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/09/leicas-back.html

All these things are happening at the top of the camera product world. Plenty of products are available in small sensor cameras, but this divergence is happening at the top of the market, which is important.

Why is it important? Because it offers still photographers more choice.

The camera industry has been driven by divergence.  From the very start, innovation has been driven by changing camera formats.  It's really only been in the past 50 years that one format came to dominate: 35mm.

Digital capture changed that. Small sensors originally ruled due to the limits of the technology and expense of producing large sensors. As volumes increased, prices decreased and the technology was improved. APS-C cameras were introduced. Now full-size 35mm equivalent sensor cameras are reaching prices that were once unimaginable. And sensor sizes continue to increase in in the medium format segment as well.

Photographers have found small, medium, and full size sensors all offer advantages and disadvantages, and each draws differently. Small sensors provide large depth of field and allow for pocket size cameras that produce reasonable quality. APS-C and micro4/3rds cameras provide better quality files than small sensor cameras. Full-size sensors offer better than film quality and the file size to allow large prints. Sensor and camera platform maturity means the manufacturers can tackle the “edges” of the camera market. Examples of “edge” cameras are the Olympus EP-1, Panasonic GF1 and Leica X1. All this can only be good for camera consumers.

This divergence/differentiation which we see now will continue. Samsung has unveiled their APS-C-size sensor compact. Larger sensors WILL become cheaper. Someday there may be a full size sensor compacts like the Leica M that WON’T cost $7000. Someday, not that far away, the small sensor camera markets will be fragmented and reduced by the use of increasingly better camera phones. New products and sensors will be introduced that will render obsolescent what we are just accepting as mainstream. Bring them on!