Fighting Camera Body Lust

[Uncle Frank]

It's hard not to be envious. I'm surrounded by guys and gals placing pre-orders for the newest generation of Canon (40d) and Nikon (d3 and d300) models. It tempts me to do the same. But I have two issues.

1. I'm married . My CFO feels craftsmanship is more important than owning the newest tool, whether it be a rip saw or a dslr. And Nancy know about rip saws.



2. I'm not sure these new techno-whiz cameras' features would improve my pictures. How can I be when I haven't mastered my old camera yet? After 18 months, my d200 is still better at being a camera than I am at being a photographer .

So, to scratch the "I need a new camera" itch, I put my newest lens, the Tokina 12-24, on my old d200, added the battery grip, and viola!



It feels like a new camera, and I feel so much better .

Note: no disrespect intended to those of you who've decided to upgrade. It's a very personal decision. I'm just trying to fight the urge to keep up with the Jonses. I hope this helps folks of similar mind.

[cyclohexane]

Very nice pictorial! =)

I was buying a D3 until this year's UC budget worksheet came in... that sobered me up real fast. I do have enough spare funds floating around for a D300 (reasons for why I'd buy a D300 over a D3, but not a D200 over a D2H, is for another thread), and with the grip I won't even have to buy new batteries, and the release date coincides with when I plan to send the D2HS in to get looked-over. While I don't wish for Nikon's supply issues to continue, if they do I might have just save myself a good amount money come November. =)

[Max@Home]

Originally Posted by Uncle Frank

Note: no disrespect intended to those of you who've decided to upgrade. It's a very personal decision. I'm just trying to fight the urge to keep up with the Jonses. I hope this helps folks of similar mind.

Dear Uncle Frank,

Although I generally and wholeheartedly underwrite your open and hidden suggestion, that a better lens/new lens/flash/trip to a nice place/hire a model/get educated could for many -not excluding me- be money better spent than on a new camerabody, you are IMHO forgetting the 'bussines' aspect.

The 'baby MarkIII' 40D I have on order for me comes at exactly the right moment, my 3 year old 20D starts to show wear on the shutterleaves , which can be expected with a camera with 48.000plus shots on the counter and that I carry with me everywhere on a daily basis and use semi? professionally on an approximated average 3 occasions a week.

My 20D has earned itself back several times, both in 'fame and fortune' , and I need to get an 'upgrade' to a 'Pro-specification' for upcoming events, but to go spent the 3-fold on a MkIII...

...I just hope that the 'weather sealing' of the 40D+BG-E2n+580exII is adequate enough to withstand the occasional unavoidable autumn rainshowers... time will tell...

...€0.02...

With my kindest regards and deepest respects,

Max@Home

[JDArt]

I'll say one thing about camera bodies: depreciation.

[Brooks]

Uncle Frank,

It's always easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission......you're welcome!

[oldugly]

Uncle Frank, I know what Brooks said but, just remember Rule #1. NEVER piss off the Clean Underwear Fairy.

[phototakeouter]

Originally Posted by oldugly

NEVER piss off the Clean Underwear Fairy.

[expensive_hobby]

Originally Posted by oldugly

Uncle Frank, I know what Brooks said but, just remember Rule #1. NEVER piss off the Clean Underwear Fairy.

I'll second that!

[expensive_hobby]

Originally Posted by JDArt

I'll say one thing about camera bodies: depreciation.

You know I have to agree. Personally, I don't think I could ever justify forking over that kind of money. If I could, I also know it's just a matter of time before the newer and better one comes out making my "newer" purchase dirt cheap the following day.

My neighbor just bought my camera not too long ago. It came with the standard lens, remote, fairly decent tripod for the average shooter, AND the 105mm or whatever lens. Did I mention it was STILL considerably cheaper than what dh paid for mine?

Yep, it's just like driving a car off the lot.

[R. House]

I'm not envious, in fact I'm still jazzed about getting a D80 just a few months back. I think its great that many are pre-ordering the newest releases. Some don't need to, but can afford it. Some need to, such as Max@Home stated. Some can't justify the outlay right now. Some upgrade what they already have... like you did. I think we all for the most part go through at least some of these stages. I'm in the upgrade mode right now! So, congratulations to all those getting a new camera... I'm glad for you. By the way Uncle Frank...thats a sweet setup you've got!