In the early 2000s, digital cameras were a wonder for me, and given the cost, it wasn't hard to look upmarket just a bit and get a DSLR and go down the rabbit h

In the early 2000s, digital cameras were a wonder for me, and given the cost, it wasn't hard to look upmarket just a bit and get a DSLR and go down the rabbit hole looking for lenses. But I think DSLR manufacturers were buoyed by consumer digital camera sales, which evaporated once smartphone cameras got good enough. Now DSLR usage is either professional or niche (more so). I know I only reach for my Pentax K3-II for special occasions or special uses, like trying to capture wildlife (which is too far away and too fast for most smartphone captures.) But Pentax seems to be a (nearly) dead brand in this space. If I wanted to keep doodling in the hobby, I'd probably eventually have to switch to mirrorless or switch to the Canon/Nikon duopoly. I would greatly miss the rugged feel, durability and weather resistance in my Pentax body and lenses.