Bloomberg article. Interesting use of the phrase ‘status symbol’ here. Usually, it’s about flexing Veblen goods, but here it’s used in the context of enthusiasts using Chinese products that are of equal or better quality than established brands, even though the price is lower.

but at what cost?

What I am praying for is that some new renegade Chinese brand swoops in and save photography as a hobby with new and exciting entry-level DSLRs or mirrorless cameras that are reasonably priced. Phone photography improving technologically and brands like Canon, Nikon catering only to rich people has really harmed the mass access to photography as a hobby. I still have the Nikon D3100 I bought about a decade ago and the current cheapest Nikon camera I can find on Amazon right now is twice the price.