fetzler Loc: North West PA

If you need a piece of equipment for a job then you will most likely buy it. Having the right tools for the job is almost always essential. The important task is to determine what you need for the job. For some things a cell phone camera might be fine. For other things an 8 X 10 view camera may be appropriate or perhaps a high end Nikon with a super long telephoto.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

And my wife and I want a hot-rodded (350 CID) 1965 Corvette and Mustang G/T, but we can't afford that. But we do own two homes (one outright).

glblanchard

I would do it in a heartbeat if it was a Hasselblad with a Phase One IQ3 100MP back.

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

I've bought a few over $5000 cameras, and a few over $5000 lenses. I blink a lot more than twice when making such a purchase, but its no different than buying a very high end musical instrument, a fine wristwatch or drinking expensive wine. If doing so either helps in your work or play or just makes you happy, and you can afford it, then go ahead, you only live once.

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

It seems like a lot of money, but as some hobbies are much more expensive, it may be worth it. Boating and flying your own plane are much more expensive. Car collecting and Art collecting also are much more expensive. Even stamp collecting and Traveling cost more. The best pro FF cameras are within reach of affordability by many of us. The real question is will such a camera make us better photographers? We might be better served by spending more money on photography classes and practice shooting than spending money on new equipment.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

If I were not retired, my criteria would be: Is there a high probability that the $5,000 investment will return my investment and a profit during the next twelve months.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Only if I were a pro.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

If I spent five grand on a camera, my wife would make sure I no longer blinked. All kidding aside, I would not spend that much as a non pro

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

Whether it is worth it again depends on what you want from it. Will the top-of-the-line model be worth it over the base model? It depends entirely on what you want.

Using Canon full frame as an example, the top-of-the-line newest 1Dxwhatever is certainly better at many (most) things than the legacy 6D, but is it better for you? If you shoot sports or birds, then it probably is. You travel a lot, the 6D is likely better and on account of its light weight and excellent low-light capabilities is perhaps the best Canon DSLR of all for travel.

The Nikon Df is inferior in every specification, not to mention more expensive than the D810, but that doesn't stop many photographers from really enjoying its retro control layout and dials that can be preset with the camera shut off (I love mine and converted its focusing screen to an old-style split image). Even the newest D850 would still be "less fun" for me to use than the Df, despite its many advantages.

Leica is probably the best example of an over $5000 camera. Nobody really "needs" a Leica rangefinder, and while the image quality is outstanding, Leica's sensors are no better than Sony's or Canon's (no worse either in image quality, though deficient if comparing spec sheets). Leica's lenses are all outstanding, and outstandingly expensive, but as one example Canon's newish 35mm f/1.4 L II is every bit as good as Leica's 35mm f/1.4 Summilux at roughly 1/3 the price (and twice the weight and three times the bulk). Of course, Nikon, Sony, Canon and the like don't offer a proper rangefinder, and until they do photographers who like rangefinders will keep buying Leicas.

jmvaugh Loc: Albuquerque

Doc T

Interesting discussion but I am reminded of a sign hanging over the men's urinal
at a restaurant in Jenson Beach, FL. "HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS, WINS!

Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling

You really think that? There are lots who make purchases and then suffer buyer's remorse.

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

"Would you plonk down five grand for a camera, without blinking twice?..."

As other Hoggers have said: DOTS, Depends On the Situation! As a photographic tool, a camera for such an amount could be a great buy! If you get in medium format, $5K is peanuts for a decent camera and digital back. Odds are at this price point you would be able to get a 30+ MB used back now. Five years ago, I did get a refurbished Mamiya 645AFDII body and a low mileage excellent condition Leaf 54S digital back (22 MB) for $6995. Having been retired from my studio and custom lab business since 2008, I didn't really need it. Basically a toy but before buying anything I always ask myself: "Do I need it? Do I deserve it? Can I afford it?" I always get at least 2 out of 3 yes which does it for me. Photography as a hobby now is just one of my many interests and I have indulged myself in many other ways.

For example, to complete my high end US Morgan silver dollar collection, I bought a 1893-s AU coin (holy grail of numismatics!) for way over $7K. I have bought early US classical stamps for over $3K each and small collections overs $5K! Everyone has their favorite activity and would spend such an amount for their heart's desire. People buy watches, books, antiques, art, houses, cars, comic books, etc and might not blink at such a "low" figure. As a native living in NYC, I have never needed a car, preferring public transportation so a rare or classic car does not stir any emotion in me regardless of price.

It's all relative! Best wishes and keep shooting. Ed

asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

There are also many who make purchases and then really enjoy what they bought.

I've had my Leica M-D for almost a year now and had my previous M-E for almost four years. No remorse with either, just a lot of great images and real enjoyment making them.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

I'm just an amateur photographer and view the entire package of photographic gizmos as hobby toys, so I would not have to think twice; the answer is and will be NO! If on the other hand, we were discussing some needed sails, and the $5,000 was available, the honest answer would probably be a strong "YES" !