thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Not only the basics of photography but examine the photos you are unhappy with to determine if you could have improved on the settings on your camera -for example the focus spot or spots, film speed, composition for best lighting many factors can be involved that you and your present camera can improve.

Eagle Eye Loc: Huntington, NY

Fantastic youtube post of Daido Moriyama!
Thank you for the introduction!!

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

The just announced RX10mkIII which has a zoom range of 24-600 may be right up your alley. About anything you might want at that sensor size, lots of capability and great to learn photography on without feeling constrained.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Pretty normal behavior IMO. I think it is human nature to want to believe that a better, camera, lens, flash, etc. will produce better images, and to a degree it is true. I think the natural behavior of a photographer to want to go beyond current boundaries, so in that respect your question is more a desire than whining.
I think bottom line is this. If you feel you have taken your current set up to its limits and choose to grow beyond what you are doing, than the wish for longer, wider, higher ISO, faster AF is natural BUT you are the only one who can determine that. No one can decide for you.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

:thumbup: :thumbup:

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Yes — and No.

You can take GREAT pictures with any camera, within its normal limits and the limits of your knowledge, experience, personal vision, training, and inspiration. The admonition to learn photography with that simple beast is wise... to a point.

At some point, you may want to photograph subjects that are OUTSIDE the normal limits of coverage of your RX100 M2. That's when you know it's time to start shopping.

I would encourage you to explore ALL your options. We have never had so many good camera formats:

Full Frame dSLRs
APS-C and DX dSLRs
APS-C mirrorless
Micro Four/Thirds mirrorless (m43 or MFT)
1" Sensor cameras

And more... including smaller and larger formats!

The capabilities of ALL of these formats are way beyond what we had just 7-8 years ago. The industry has changed rapidly in the last decade, and the pace of change and improvements continues to accelerate. As soon as you buy something, someone else releases an improvement that makes you drool.

Don't be a gear hound! Study your options carefully and buy what you NEED to do the job you intend to do. It is very easy to over-buy, and get something too heavy or complex for your lifestyle.

Silvermeteor Loc: South Carolina, USA

I would ask yourself if you have explored and mastered all this camera has to offer. If you know the how and why of aperture, shutter, f stop, ISO, etc. or at least as much of that as you can learn with the existing camera then move up. If you do not understand the basic mechanics of photography then you will soon find yourself in over your head with a new, bigger and better camera. Not only that you may not have the skills to make a rational decision regarding which camera to choose.

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

Learn to use the full potential of the camera you have. Look at each photo with the eye of a critic. What can I improve, what should have been left out. The photographer makes the pic, not the camera. You must learn to control depth of field and camera shake with the right f stop and shutter speed. Sometimes a tripod is necessary. Compare your work with some of the greats and see where you may fall short. Bottom line is you know what you want and if it meets your requirements---success.

BebuLamar

Which features do you want and don't have?

missinglinq

While more advanced cameras typically require a much longer learning curve, to master (because of the increased number of features they provide) they also frequently make learning the basics easier...at least in my experience.

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

I also agree with many on this topic.

First, learn to master the equipment you already have. Yes, it does have it's limits, but learn to work around those limits.

The reference to the Ansel Adams quote is appropriate.

I've used many different kinds and brands of cameras over the years. From the most basic point and shoot film cameras to my current DSLR. From range finder focusing to fully automatic focusing.

But, until I was able to develop an eye for composition, all I was taking were poor quality snapshots. Out of focus, too far away, poles sticking up out of heads, you get the picture. Pun intended.

I've taken numerous workshops, and college credit photography courses. Often the shooting assignments were tough to complete, because of a lack of assigned subject matter near where I lived out in the suburbs. I often had to be very creative to find and shoot the assigned subject matter. The point of view changes, when you change where you stand, sit, or lay to shoot your subject from. I often walk around the subject for a different perspective. I've learned a lot from those seminars and courses and my instructors, but I still have a lot more to learn.

Trial and error out in the field is often the best learning experience.

Now, I find myself driving down the road, looking at the passing scenery, trying to compose shots in my mind.

Or, when I'm walking in the woods, where others see a pile of downed trees and branches, I often see an abstract shot, by focusing in on just a small section of the pile, or the stump of a downed tree.

Be creative, and look all around you. When you walk to your car, look down, and find interesting subjects right at your feet. Get up close and personal with them, but change the perspective from a birds eye view of your subject, to an ants or worms eye view of that same subject.

Develop an eye for composition, improve your ISO, shutter speed and f-stop setting combinations, ensure your focal length or depth of field is appropriate for what you are shooting.

Then you'll be well on your way towards deciding if you are then ready to upgrade your equipment. If you don't already own a tripod and a remote shutter release, consider these as your first upgrade.

The tripod shouldn't be an inexpensive light weight one that won't hold up to the weight of your equipment, but it should be sturdy enough to withstand a stiff breeze without showing motion in your shots.

Next, as others have stated, decide what your preference for the kinds or types of shots that you prefer to take.

Then do your homework to find out what equipment falls onto your short list, and will help you capture the kinds of shots you want to focus on, and try to experiment with the target equipment.

Yes, experiment at several outlets, or attend a photography show, meeting or convention, where equipment is on display and or for sale so that you can pick it up, try it out for weight, ease of use, and how it feels in your hands.

Do not buy the first one that you find, you should try several different makes and models, before you make your final decision.

But, first you should work with your existing equipment and improve your skills.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Second, third and Forth this post!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

VERY true... and sage advice. :thumbup:

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

YOU... are not quite paying attention are you? Or maybe you just don't care, and look on this as an opportunity to talk down to someone. MORAL: Treat others as you would have them treat you. :roll:

^^^SEE how it feels to have someone give you advice in a negative tone? I'll bet you got all defensive and IGNORED the message I was trying to get across didn't ya?

The OP completely understands his shortcomings... including his lack of gear. He asked for opinions about gear, though I'm sure all the people telling him to brush up on his skills was not lost or fallen on deaf ears.

He knows that he needs to work on his fundamentals... but he ALSO wanted advice on gear that will HELP him get his photography to the next level. That message is plain for those who take the time to actually READ his posts before passing judgement........