When to upgrade? My policy is to do it when your artistic ability exceeds your camera's capability. Your thoughts. I’m not there yet so my D7000 is just fine. I’m still an inveterate...

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

My policy is to do it when your artistic ability exceeds your camera's capability. Your thoughts. I’m not there yet so my D7000 is just fine. I’m still an inveterate snap shooter and I can still get the "perfect snap shot. Perfect for me anyway.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I think you are on the right track!
Even then, is what you want to do worth the cost of updating?
Pat

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

gvarner wrote:

My policy is to do it when your artistic ability exceeds your camera's capability. Your thoughts. I’m not there yet so my D7000 is just fine. I’m still an inveterate snap shooter and I can still get the "perfect snap shot. Perfect for me anyway.

With any tool you can find a way to have it show your artistic ability. I don't get caught up in the marketing hype.

BebuLamar

My policy is when the camera I currently have doesn't work any more or it becomes expensive or difficult to keep using it. For example I would still be using my film camera bought in 1977 if both of the following things didn't happen.
1. Someone stole it from me.
2. I bought the replacement but film and processing became expensive and inconvenient because all the local places don't process film any more.

Otherwise my policy is never.
So I would buy a new camera if my current digital camera quit working or they don't sell replacement batteries or memory cards any more (or they want too much money for those) or the file format that my camera used become so obsolete that software won't open it any more.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

If you're a hobbyist photographer, upgrade when you can afford it and want to, or don't. You don't have to have fancy equipment to get good photos for your own enjoyment. I look back at photos I took when I was 12 or so, and see that even then I had a photographic eye. I have no illusions of competing with the best, but treat each photo as a contest with myself to get something interesting and well-shot and processed to the best of my ability.

I have GAS but can't afford to give into it, so my self-competition goals are to get better and better with what I do have and occasionally dabble in new techniques shown by the talented people here.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

When my current camera dies or no longer meets my requirements.
Most likely the first.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

I was using a Canon 5D MkII and a 60D crop for several years and I saw the writing on the wall regarding the tax issue for online retailers, which can be significant on large purchases. So about 8 months ago I finally succumbed to GAS and upgraded to a 5D Mk IV and an 80D crop from B&H and Adorama. The features on these upgrades just blows me away and being 72 years old they will be the last bodies that I will purchase. Lenses....maybe not. I have absolutely no interest in mirrorless or any other advances that may come. I'm set till I'm pushing up daises. If you have a desire for an upgrade, go for it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Jakebrake wrote:

I was using a Canon 5D MkII and a 60D crop for sev... (show quote)

BB4A

Easiest answers:

1. For those not engaged on any specific business contract to provide photographic work, whenever you feel that the leading edge of technology is / could help you realize the Concepts you enjoy working on! If GAS is your thing, feed the beast within! 😈 If you don’t need the marketing hype and latest gizmo, you can continue to enjoy your older equipment, and the art you produce with it. 😇

2. For those who are on a specific business contract to provide photographic work, you really don’t have a choice; you should be running your business with an upgrade & replacement policy geared to your financial depreciation model for those assets (I suggest a 2-5 year replacement cycle for all CapEx items). Otherwise, you are not conforming to Business GAAP (Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles), and should be fearing the dreaded Tax Audit... 😱

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

BB4A wrote:

Easiest answers: br br 1. For those not engaged o... (show quote)

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

In my case, I have upgraded when there were features in newer or higher models that would make it easier for me to get the shot. I started with an EOS XT, went to a T2i, and now an 80D.

Bill_de Loc: US

If photography is just for fun, it makes sense to upgrade when something comes along that looks like it will have a fun factor. Of course this assumes you are not depriving someone near and dear to you.

People buy pictures, paintings, jewelry, new cars, and all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons. They don't necessarily all make sense or need justification.

Why should cameras be any different.

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saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee, WA

I was broke for a good portion of my life and now, thankfully, that is no longer the case. These days and hopefully in the days to come, I plan to spend a lot of time with my cameras and collection of lenses. I see no reason to deprive myself of camera gear that I can afford and may help me improve my late life hobby. I was recently looking over my collection of photos from 2011. I was unimpressed. Most of them were taken with a Nikon D300 and the kit lenses that came with it. In 2018 I used a Nikon D500 and D810 with some nice primes and some f2/8 zooms. 2018 was a good year. Much better than 2011. While I like to think my technique and post-processing skills have improved, there is no question the better equipment played a significant role.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

gvarner wrote:

My policy is to do it when your artistic ability exceeds your camera's capability. Your thoughts. I’m not there yet so my D7000 is just fine. I’m still an inveterate snap shooter and I can still get the "perfect snap shot. Perfect for me anyway.

If you are happy with what you have and your getting results that please you there is no reason to upgrade.
I upgraded to the D500 because I was not getting accurate focused photo's of birds in flight. The D500 has a separate focusing engine to assure accurate focusing. AND, the D500 had GROUP AUTO FOCUS, neither of these were in my D7200, so I upgraded and my keeper rate went from about 75% to 98% using the same hand holding techniques. That is the only reason I upgraded.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

gvarner wrote:

My policy is to do it when your artistic ability exceeds your camera's capability. Your thoughts. I’m not there yet so my D7000 is just fine. I’m still an inveterate snap shooter and I can still get the "perfect snap shot. Perfect for me anyway.

Very few people can have the ability to exceed their camera artistically.
I look at an upgrade when there is a feature set on the camera that will allow for doing something I can't with the current camera. (This is why I still have the 7D).
Or there are times after several generations that the miniscule performance iterations of cameras totals enough of an improvement to tempt one to move up.
So until the camera fails or you feel it is somehow holding you back I personally see no need to rush out and buy the small incremental and sequential cameras just to brag about having the latest version. My newest car is 10 years old and my house is 124 years old and both still serve me well.