People who still dabble in film photography, that's who. And I do not criticize them one bit. In fact I admire them for several reasons. But this is beside the point: what defines success? If it is the latest and greatest equipment then those who pursue film photography will never, ever be successful. They are on a fool's errand. They might as well retire to the rocking chair because their pursuit of success is futile.

Agree. But how many photographers have a darkroom now? Some, of course, but not very many. Darkrooms are just more dinosaur stuff. They are now part of the antiquated, outdated equipment that litters the landscape of history. They do not, and never have, defined success, any more than a glass defines a good or bad wine.

Yes and that helps to prove my point. That "old and junky" model at one time was state of the art. If success was achieved with that model, then when a newer model (new and improved) came out, did that relegate those previous successes to a lesser status? I think everyone here would agree that Ansel Adams achieved success in his photography. And yet when we look at his equipment it was all dinosaur stuff compared to what we use today. Does that mean that he only achieved momentary success because newer and more modern equipment is available today and his work should no longer be considered successful?

Success is a relative term that means different things to different people at different times under different circumstances. I don't think success for me can be defined by you, nor vice versa. Neither do I think success is defined by how technologically advanced a camera might be.

You bet. World-class photographs, sublime happiness and a long life.

Throwing my 2¢ worth into the pot: The D7500 is a fine camera. If you decide to keep it I think you will be well pleased with it. It is very reliable and, frankly, you probably won't ever miss having the warranty.

Nikon manuals aside, Davie Busch has a very good book out specifically for the D7500. I would buy that before I got the Nikon manual. David Busch's book is available on Amazon, new and used.

Good luck.

Anyone who works with the public can tell you this has been going on for a long time. It is not a new phenomenon. I think it just gets more publicity now than it used to.

So every time a manufacturer comes out with something that is "new and improved" we need to redefine success?

Let's get the lead out while you lead us on.

The sewing machine might have had something to do with it. We'll have to follow that thread but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. We'll just have to stitch something together out of whole cloth and hope all is as it "seams."

I have always said and maintained that how people spend their own money is their own business. If they want to spend it on XYZ then who am I to criticize that? I have wasted enough of my own money that I have no place telling others that they are wasting theirs. So what's wrong with GAS? It keeps a lot of people employed and feeds a lot of kids so even if you consider it a waste of money, it's doing a lot of good somewhere. The fact that you can't see that firsthand is no reason for someone to not do it.

Self-satisfaction
Getting to try new things
Being able to advise others on the pros & cons
Having the right piece of equipment for a particular task

By that definition, anyone who who can control finger movements is a successful photographer.

Define successful.

Beauty is everywhere.