I heard it again last night. Photography is dying. The meaning is that photography as a career option or business opportunity is dead (or dying).
That's dead wrong. And totally wrong thinking. When I hear this, I really think the communication should be that the photography industry is changing.
Much of the conversation around photography resolves around the reports that between 94% and 97% of all photos taken today involve a cell phone. There is no doubt that cell phones are taking a huge number of photos every since day.
Are those incremental to regular cameras? No they are not. In some cases, cell phones are replacing traditional cameras. Those, however, are usually point-and-shoot cameras as well as entry level cameras. It's a matter of convenience. For photos to share with friends and family by email or online, a cell phone makes perfect sense.
There is also a lot of misuse of cameras – cell phones as well as DSLR's and MSLR's.
By the way, DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex. MSLR means Mirrorless SIngle Lens Reflex.
The misuse happens when a camera is used for the wrong purpose. Here's an example: my wife and I were invited to attend the wedding of our son's friend. As usual, I brought my Nikon D850 with me. I think that was a bit of a mistake ... I wanted the photographer hired for the event use an entry level camera to try to shoot the wedding. Not only entry level, but also used an entry level lens. The photographer had no backup equipment. He even attempted to use the popup-flash outdoors in the middle of the day. Clearly had very few skills ... can you imagine his camera or lens failing and having to go to the bride? "Uh, my camera died. Can we do this again next Saturday?".
I'll make it perfectly clear: photography is not dead. It's changing, no doubt about that. But there will always be a need for product shots, photography for events and conferences (including yearbooks, etc.), journalism and news, special events (weddings, graduations). And who can forget the biggest reason of all: capturing special memories.
Photography isn't the only industry to undergo significant technology changes. The task remains the same ... think it through, plan for the changes, adapt.
And just a quick note about another "heard it last night" comment. All manufactuers have at least two quality ranges of lenses. Nikon has their 'S' line, Canon has their "Red Line" versions. That diffentiates between pro level and consumer levels. The difference isn't that significant. Buy what you can afford, and make it work.