DPReview Shutdown Thread

[Ed B]

Obviously, Amazon doesn't want/need us, and guess what? Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and a bunch of other online sites are great for shopping.

 

[Ainisru]

I wonder if there's a way to bulk-archive the forums? So much knowledge there that does not exist anywhere else.

Agreed, I found a bunch of small helpful tidbits and information that was very old. Things about learning neat quirks on cameras from two decades ago.

For example, some early budget 2000s DSLRs had a hybrid shutter, such as the D70! The flash sync was limited to 1/500, but it could actually sync all the way up to 1/8000!

 

[sybersitizen]

Hey what will happen to Chris & Jordan??!! Back to the Camera Store probably isn't an option? Wonder if they might do a start-up of their own? No Chris, you will NOT start a fly fishing show!!!! Just...no...

Don't worry ... they're fine:

 

[champ3jd]

To be as non political as possible, I can't say as I'm surprised in this wonderful economy.

Pity. This was a great site. I've been a member since June of 2004. Never said much, but learned alot.

Farewell friends, you'll be missed

 

[mfinley]

… Dpreview: This is an opportunity to simplify, remodel and monetize the Dpreview forums. The forums are an invaluable source of inspiration, experience, and advertising.

… More advertising would be understandable. A modest, yearly subscription rate would be fair, and corporate rates as well.

I suspect you don't even need a subscription. The forums by themselves I imagine are profitable. Moderation is voluntary, the only costs are software updates and server related.

Running a forum site is the ultimate passive garage business for somebody. You don't need millions of dollars like amazon to make it worth while. $10K a month is a nice income for a single person, which is all it takes.

--
Thanks,
Mike
https://www.travel-curious.com

 

[Ed B]

To be as non political as possible, I can't say as I'm surprised in this wonderful economy.

Pity. This was a great site. I've been a member since June of 2004. Never said much, but learned alot.

Farewell friends, you'll be missed

Sorry, but even with this economy, if Amazon can't figure out how to make a profit from the world's largest photography site, they have a real management problem.

Whoever was behind this decision needs to have their worth assessed.

 

[Sonyshine]

Very sad news, especially for DPR staff.

It was probably inevitable with the rise of mobile phones and the decline of ‘traditional’ cameras.

I also doubt that Amazon made many camera sales through the site.

A sad day.

Stupidity is far more fascinating than intelligence. Intelligence has its limits...

 

[Poldersnapper]

I'm very sad to get this message.
First of all for all the employees, of course.
Let's hope you all find suitable jobs elsewhere.

For those who have Twitter, let's use the hashtag #DPReviewFriends to stay in touch and share some photos and stories.

André

 

[joslocum]

Meanwhile...

 

[SithTracy]

I am not overly active at participating here, and my profile was never up to date, but I checked in here often to seek knowledge, ideas, and inspiration (and occasionally found a laugh or two). I wish all the employees of DPReview the best of luck in finding a new place to hang their hats and make an income.

 

[Pixellicus Digitalis]

I literally could not remember how long I have been a member and constant reader of DPReview. I checked the Canon timeline to see when the EOS 350D (8 MP, no video, tiny 1.8 inch rear screen) came out, as that was the camera that got me truly enthusiastic about foregoing film. It was 2007, so my constant companion of over 15 years is going to disappear.

For some time I had been preparing myself for DPReview to start charging as I assumed the bean counters at Amazon would one day tire of relying on advertisers to finance the site. But to shut it down altogether? Wow, didn't see that coming. It literally feels like losing a family member -- except I have spent far more time on DPReview than I have dealing with relatives.

Canadians will remember Black's, once the country's biggest photography chain which shut down some five years ago. Not having the store in my local mall to process prints was a blow then -- but losing DPReview may be even worse as it is far and away the best photography site. In fact it is one of the finest, most comprehensive sites on any topic. There is literally nothing about cameras one couldn't find out on DPReview.

I guess there is nothing to do now but wish everyone who has contributed to the site all the best, and thank them for 25 years of truly excellent content.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

Sorry to hear this. DPReview has been a great resource for the nearly 20 years I have been looking at it.

Does anyone have any favorite alternative forums they would recommend? There are several I visit occasionally but DPReview was always where I went first.

Forget Fredmiranda...haha

Why is that? I know it is a pay site but I'm just curious why you say this ?

I guess it is more of a photography site versus a photography gear site, but I was actually thinking about going there anyway. For other reasons though.

 

[Alseyn]

3 weeks and gone will be all comparisons, easy to read spec sheets, reviews. All of it. This is a huge loss for all photographers, pro or amateur alike.

 

[C h r i s R]

So sad...

 

[z2122]

after 19 years this is really disappointing for me .

Never thought, that this site will lose.

Where do you go?

 

[klassenl]

Painful.

 

[Ed B]

Sorry to hear this. DPReview has been a great resource for the nearly 20 years I have been looking at it.

Does anyone have any favorite alternative forums they would recommend? There are several I visit occasionally but DPReview was always where I went first.

Forget Fredmiranda...haha

Why is that? I know it is a pay site but I'm just curious why you say this ?

I guess it is more of a photography site versus a photography gear site, but I was actually thinking about going there anyway. For other reasons though.

Only the for sale portion of the site charges. The talk/equipment forums are free.

 

[InkedMarie]

April Fools

Oops only march 21 :-x

I looked twice because I was hoping it said April 1. Nope.

Marie

 

[Neverlost99]

REDDITT may be the best answer for discussions but gear reviews are going to be hard to come by. I assume Amazon pulled the plug as part of massive layoffs and someone complaining about getting a box of soap instead of a Sony.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

In order to prevent a dozen similar threads, this thread will act as the thread to discuss DPR closing its doors. Other threads will be locked. General thoughts also welcome, but hopefully community members can discuss other forum options moving forward.

If Amazon does not need Dpreview anymore, so be it. Is Amazon simply going to close the domain? Why would they do that? Sell it, and maybe some of the Management here can purchase it back for a small investment amount. Or, take back control from Amazon for an agreement to allow Amazon to advertise here for FREE for a period of time.

I am sure Amazon is paying salaries here, and probably not making sufficient enough money to maintain this website, but it would be foolish to just close it, and not try to make some return on their investment. Why not try to negotiate a "buy back" and then you guys Manage it like Phil Askey use to do.

I have no idea what the participation volumes are here anymore, because I do not see the data, but there is a lot of effort here to make a wonderful website, and it sure would be a shame to just let it die.

Just me two cents worth. If it does indeed close in April, then THANK YOU for all the years. As it has been a very informative website, and I have learned so much from the use of this website.

Thanks to Phil, Richard, and the rest of you for the ride, but I truly hope something can happen to keep this wonderful website alive.

I'm not saying this is why, but has the thought crossed your mind that maybe this forum offers too much information ???

Recently I posted about selling my $4,000 R5 to buy another $1,500 or R7, and in the back of my mind I was wondering what the people up top might think about a post like this ?

Long story short, maybe this is all my fault lol Of course I'm being facetious.

But seriously would Amazon sell more product if they have more confused customers buying random stuff that they really don't need ???

Just some food for thought.