So, while the topic of the thread IS about IQ ... yeah, such decisions do involve things other than IQ alone.
Agreed and I’d likely add that, for me at least, IQ is relatively low down the list of considerations when using the cameras. Handling, menus, lens selections, ergonomics etc are all more important.
Adding a few more general considerations. How committed is the company to the product line in question? Do they operate at a fast pace and are they innovative, or do they just keep the product line going without much investment and innovation? Do they listen to their customers?
Interesting point to consider. Do you have an example of a company/product that excels at this and one that doesn't?
Yes, I do and it is one and the same company. Leica is very committed to the M and the Q, keeps the SL going and in recent years discontinued the APS-C (CL and TL2) and S product lines after keeping them on life support (with minimal investment and R&D) for about 5-10 years.
It seems to me that Leica's commitment to M is the strongest and longest lived in the industry. This includes continuing to manufacture M film cameras. In Leica's AF lines they seem about even with industry trends. But lag badly in terms of innovation. It looks to me that Leica is also very committed to the L mount. Interestingly the L mount is the only AF mount out there with multiple companies manufacturers making both lenses and bodies.
I agree with you on Leica's commitment to the M. I am very unsure about its commitment to the L-mount. The pace is very slow, with little innovation and the fact that there have not been any new Leica lens designs announced since 2018 is concerning. Personally right now I am very happy with Hasselblad and its progress. I do feel they are 100% committed and they do seem to listen to their customers and make improvements in the right areas.
I think HB is going through huge changes after being aquired by DJI. In reality the original HB company, business model, and products failed. HB likely wouldn't exist today if not aquired. DJI is a Chinese company with a very different view of the World, finance, product, and marketing. The historical HB failed and is gone forever. To me it is difficult to judge commitment and longevity in times of such radical change. But new life is exciting to watch. Recently HB is getting a lot of buzz from investment spending in the influencer market. They have been sending free camera systems to large numbers of them not just to try, but to keep. Between Fuji and HB there seems to be a movement to de-gentrify the MF format. We won't know the outcome for many years.
Jan 19, 2026 at 01:00 AM
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