ltcarizona

I post this question for discussion for those beginners in photography regarding upgrading cameras. This is based on other questions I have seen posted on this site. I understand everyone has the opinions and there are those who have to have the best. But I always look at this question based on your level of photography expertise. I have gone thru the process and I am glad I had a professional to work with. I had the opportunity in my time to learn from photography instructors, professional photographers, and Playboy. It really does make a difference!

For example a person has a Nikon D7200 and is thinking about upgrading to the Nikon D850. Money is not a problem. So what do we tell him that is realistic and best for him?

Since this person has said money is no problem why not just tell him to buy it since he can grow into it even if he does not have the experience, skills, or needs the abilities the new camera offers him for what he wants to do with it. Heck why not just tell him to buy a Leica or the medium format cameras. But?

The one thing every photographer knows is that an amateur or beginner has to start somewhere. While camera are so smart they basically become a high price fix lens rangefinder camera with the professional look. Therefore until the amateur or beginner has the following I do not recommend going into the high priced cameras: 1. Developed level of photography basics through some on hands training with another experienced photographer. 2. The photography he is going to be undertaking or specialize in needs an advanced pro level camera. 3. And he is willing to spend the money on the level of glass or lenses that support that camera to its fullest.

After all why spend money on a 44 Magnum when the 9mm can shoot more rounds more accurately and be just a deadly. Maybe because you want to be the big boy on the block. But in real life shooting cases the 9 mm for rounds on target accuracy would win out. Don't forget the other guy will be shooting at you.

So much the same with photography in a way. Right now I own a Nikon D810 after owning since 1973 a variety of Nikon and Canon film, FX and DX cameras; from the very expensive to least. I know that the camera doesn't truly make the photographer but his skills as such. A entry level DSLR can win photography contests just like the professional cameras, and that is a fact.

So I ask myself should I upgrade to the D850? My answer is NO. Why you ask? Because I am a landscape photographer mostly, do not take astrophotography, but still could with the D810, do not really need the extra MP, don't need the little faster motor drive, etc. So for me I will wait for something else to come along. Here I am looking a my needs as a photographer ever though I could buy the most expensive camera in the world; though it would not make me a better photographer. I could go on with other points that I think others to this forum could make.

SO, What does everyone else think?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

"Money is not a problem." That mean a lot. Better equipment offers advantages over lesser gear. If someone is leaning toward a purchase and can afford it, I see no reason to talk him out of it.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

More money buys more features and abilities, however is it a waste of money to buy such a camera but not use the features and controls it offers? I guess that would depend on the person and the value he or she places on their money. I, for one, would not spend that amount of money unless I had a very special need for it. Otherwise, the camera i have works well for me. I’d spend money on better, or at least different, glass to suit a need. In the end, it’s up to the person whether they should drop a lot of cash on a “better” or “bigger” camera. I’d be wasting my money big time by purchasing, say, a D810 because I don’t need a D810. Just my opinion, anyway.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

There is also the time factor. Unless it is an incremental improvement on a familiar camera, there is the learning curve that takes up time that could be used in shooting.

Bison Bud

I have to say that a camera is just a tool, but ask any journeyman or professional and having good tools is a real factor in their success. If money isn't a problem (which I find to be a strong statement), then buy what you like and learn as you go. However, most of us care about every dollar spent and need good value for our hard earned money. This is the real trick balancing features and performance with our purchase decisions and the source of much discussion on this site. For a true beginner, I would recommend first buying a used dlsr similar to the Canon Rebel series, which go pretty cheap online these days. Though not a top of the line or even professional level tool, one can learn a lot before investing major bucks and really get some awesome results while learning to be a better photographer. One can always upgrade later and there will also be a new, hot, model come out in the meantime. Good luck and good shooting to all.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Do we really need gun analogies for this discussion? Can you even get bump stocks for cameras? Most people that have their photo taken don't die, unless you're Princess Diana of course. Or possibly Kim Kardashian who merely thinks that she has.

IBM

If some one is thinking of getting a D850 as a upgrade to the D7200 , I'm all for it , the only thing you can do is presume he knows
How a d7200 works and all of its inner workings work , now wants to get a full frame ,for get about all the nonsence questions
You have in your head , and pretend it's you who is doing the asking , should I get a d810 or stick with my d7200 , there is only one
Answer for that , do what ever you feel you should , either way you can't go wrong ,

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

My 80D shoots in full auto! So did my D7100!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For me, it was wanting to achieve more with images that my current camera was capable of. i started digitally in 2003 with a Canon Powershot G3, from a friend's recommendation. Turned out to be compact, but a crummy camera. I moved up to a Nikon D60 with kit lens, because there was a refurb on sale and got started taking better and better images. I wanted to explore real HDR with bracketing, which the D60 could not do, but the D7100 could. Several years later on a workshop, I saw the difference a full frame body could make with landscape, astrophotography and in camera timelapses, which justified moving to a D810.

Now with the D850, there are several built in functions that I know I could use to exponentially improve my creative output, such as focus stacking, the tilt screen and 8k timelapses.

It comes down to what you want to achieve, how much you want to grow as a photographer. My vision is to constantly learn and expand what I do, and for that, you need the best tools for the job.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Absolutely. Like I said above, if there is a definitive need, then an upgrade is money well spent.

repleo Loc: Boston

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Better IQ on the 850 (regardless of your photography experience.) If money is not a factor, set it on AUTO and take highest quality photos available in a DSLR.

(And you dont need someone else to help you learn. Youtube videos, websites and pbotography blogs can take you a long way if you are dedicated. A course or a tutor will get you there faster for sure but it is not the only way.)

tdekany Loc: Oregon

First of all, I’m all for the best, but when I see IQ mentioned as a reason, well if you take snapshots, your pictures will still be snapshots. How many people do prints and print big? All one needs to do is search the web to see what can be done with something like the D3100 in the hands of a talented photographer. There is too much emphasis on gear, not enough on improving our skills. M2c

BebuLamar

Good idea Peter! May be I should be marketing "Bump Stock for Camera"

twiceeagles

There is a place for the anti-gun political garbage on UHH. If you hit the all section and go to the Chit-Chat area, there is a place for non camera discussion. There is at least one of us who doesn't like to hear a bunch of liberal crapola.