[felix]

I don't dare to state that I know the solution, of course. It is probably more in software rather than hardware.

 

I agree for the most part, however, I think there is still some potential for innovation in the hardware department. Think of organic sensors, color-splitters or simply larger CMOS sensors (4x5" with live-view on a ~7" rear display  B)  ).

Also, a lot of current smartphone-technology (like gyroscopes, etc.) could be used more effectively in cameras. For example, I think Hasselblad's True Focus system is an interesting application of such technology. But that's probably on the borderline between hardware and software. 

 

Apple is sadly not as innovative and bold as they used to be, but they could probably still come up with something. I think, right now, the biggest threat for CaNikon (Nikon more than Canon) are companies like Samsung & Fujifilm, which run a photography business unit "just for fun". They are not as dependent on camera and lens sales and can do experiments like the X100-Series or technology show-offs like the NX1. None of these have threatened CaNikon seriously yet, but you just can't predict if and when such an experiment will really take off.