NEX as a DSLR Replacement

Personally, I go with your option #2 the most.  The DPR challenges are not an indication of serious photographers...they are only indicative of people who like to enter challenges, possibly in hopes of receiving some validation or compliment.  I'd venture a guess that there are few pro photographers who would enter their work in a 'challenge' of any type.

Certainly I can say that my interest in challenges has waned to the point I simply don't bother to enter them anymore.  I had a brief phase where I tried it on a few forums, mostly a few years ago...including on these forums.  But I just tired of it...the adulation didn't do anything for me, I don't need the validation, and the effort was not worth the reward.  So #3 also applies to me.

Now, I also will add the disclaimer that I do use my NEX as a second body - so #1 does apply to me as well.  However, I have also sold work from my NEX camera alongside that of my DSLR, so the output from the NEX certainly matches that of a DSLR and I can use the camera with the same serious intent.  It just wasn't the driving motivation to purchase one - with the DSLR, I know it's my main camera, and I could use it for pleasure or work, serious or casual...but I longed for something that could match the IQ while lightening the load.  With the NEX, the goal was met to lighten the load without IQ loss, so I could use it as a second body alongside the DSLR or take it on its own when I wanted to go light, yet could still shoot both the casual and the serious stuff if needed, and I could still print, sell, and publish photos taken with it - as long as the effort was put into it, the results could hang side-by-side with DSLR results and be indistinguishable.

Some folks enter challenges purely for fun.  Others seem to 'need' the challenges to assuage their doubts or validate their perceived stature.  I tried it for fun for a while, until it just wasn't all that exciting or enticing anymore, then I faded out.  I certainly don't think that takes away from my seriousness about photography!

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Justin
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