mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

It is nice that you are satisfied with both your gear and images. What is the basis for your belief that the quality of your photography is above average?

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

The D7200 is the type of camera that does not have to be replaced until it conks out itself. VR lenses nice though I won't buy any more Canon L zooms myself - I did buy a nice little 28/2.8 IS myself - I gave up zooms since I ceased being a PJ.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Narcissism

Wyantry Loc: SW Colorado

Like Lake Woebegon, only “All UHH photographers are above average.”

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's a given: The average UHH photographer is well above average ...

Wyantry Loc: SW Colorado

Somehow I do not see you telling someone like Ansel Adams that . . . .

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

He'd be telling me that 'inside baseball' truth ... Or, have you fooled by the fables that Ansel Adams hiked all the way into those mountains and took one perfect shot and hiked home to glory?

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Referencing Adams is the universally recognized badge of big ignorance.

gwilliams6

Use what works for you, use what you have already paid for and are familiar with, and be happy.

The needs of a professional photographer seeking any competitive advantage in a highly competitive field, and whom are making money from their work, can be very different than the needs of a hobbyist.

Need and want are two very different forces that drive some of us to acquire gear that is maybe more efficient, offers more creative options, and that takes over some of the manual tasks that we photographers used to labor over.

No one needs to go into any debt to buy the latest, greatest gear if it wont make you that money back and more.

If photography is your part-time passion or hobby and you have the funds, get what of the latest gear will work best for you, but try to buy it on sale or used if you can. And dont overlook all the incredible third-party gear on the market which can both save you money, and still satisfy you with modern technology. As a working pro, I use loads of excellent third-party gear along with my OEM pro-quality gear.

Fortunately for new photographers today, the major makers have seen the economic light and the shrinking worldwide camera market, and have very accomplished models available, priced for all budgets. The "entry" level cameras of today would blow away many of the pro cameras of the past, and that is great progress.

But "veteran" gear still is valid to make those memorable shots. Dont let anyone here in UHH tell you that you "must" have the latest to make fine images, you dont.

If you have gear with some of the latest tech, be happy and use it. If you have older gear, but with still very accomplished tech, use it and be happy.

Cheers

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

For 15 years I've used Panasonic M4/3 DSLRs. Always happy and moved with the times. Now changed to a Leica P&S (still M4/3) - fixed fast 24-75. Suits my photography. No more bags - I find I'm now walking with a camera more often. Change when you feel the need, for what ever reason - and enjoy.
There are lots of photographers and with different needs - and lots of choices - hurrah!

BobL625usa

I agree with you. I dumped my Canon film equipment and switched to digital. I had a nice kit of Canon FL lenses, but wanted to upgrade to auto focus. So I rebuilt my “kit” with a Canon 6Dii camera and over a period of five years, purchased a nice set of FF and Zoom EF type “L” lenses. I can take great photos with this equipment and I am not going to go thru another conversion to mirrorless and R lens mounts.
I agree, the big camera companies have switched over merely to stay in business, since the cameras in smart phones are “good enough” for most non pro photographers and aren’t purchasing stand alone camera systems.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

You don’t have to convert to R-mount lenses, since any EF-mount lens can be used with a “to R-mount” converter

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

It's not just about taking better pics - it's also about ease of use.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

and weight of equipment!!

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Im still using the EF lenses so really no weight saving. But just being rid of the SLR system is rewarding enough, especialy considering that its so low $ to update just the camera system. Waaaaaaay less $ than updating a phone !!!