Do you really need a new camera?

I spend a good bit of time trolling Google Plus looking for interesting stories, comments, photos, etc. just to help keep my finger on the pulse of the photo community. Over the past couple of weeks the big chatter has been all about the new DSLR cameras that have been introduced by Canon and Nikon (and even Fuji and their X-Pro 1). There has been a lot of excitement but also a lot of bitterness about the cost of the cameras.

Now, truth be told, I have already ordered my D800 but I have specific reasons for doing so, which kind of brings me to my next point, which is, do all these people who are complaining about the cost of upgrading really need to upgrade? I see the comments all the time, “36MP? How am I going to process those huge files?” or “A new focus system will be great but I can’t see paying that much.”

It’s true that there are a lot of nice new features in these cameras but they come at a premium. So the first question you really need to ask is –  do I really need them? Is there something about this camera that is going to really revolutionize my photography to the point that the investment I make will be worth it. If the answer is yes, then it’s time to look at how you are going to finance your purchase. If it’s no, then just be happy with what you have and keep working on your photography.

This hobby/profession that we enjoy so much is not without costs. It’s an expensive endeavor to be sure and trying to keep up with the Joneses can really interfere with the goals that you once had. The truth is that camera manufacturers are in the business of making money and the way to do that is to introduce new cameras about every 2 years or so. They could rest on their laurels but they know that if they add a new bell or whistle every now or then, that the urge to buy will be too great for many of you. Once again, I’m not telling you NOT to buy a new camera. What I am advocating is that you truly evaluate the reason for the purchase. Of course this advice does not apply to doctors and lawyers with vast amounts of disposable income.

I think that Stephen Stills (of Crosby, Stills, and Nash fame) put it best – If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.

Related posts:

1. A Fantastic Way to Fire Your Camera – Triggertrap Mobile
2. Buy the Camera, Get the Book
3. Why I don’t want a mirrorless camera
4. Upgrading to a Full Frame Camera? You May Have to Leave Your Old Lenses Behind
5. A New Edition to My Camera Family – The Lumix LX3