I have had this ‘issue’ for years/decades even!! Going back to the 1990’s I had a spreadsheet on my Psion organiser of different cameras I was interested in buying. Film cameras that is! But I could never make up my mind, as new models came out so they got added to the spreadsheet that got updated on a regular basis. I did eventually buy a new Canon EOS30.
Roll forward to 2023 and I am back doing it again with digital cameras but using Excel!
But I have four DSLR cameras why do I need a fifth? I really doubt if my images would be that different.
I did a test recently with all four cameras and my iPhone, on a computer screen it was virtually impossible to tell the difference!!
What frustrates me is the emphasis put on video performance by reviewers, I don’t take videos!! But that is a topic for another day!!
Hey Steve, thanks for your input here. I think a lot of people relate to this and even testing these cameras and seeing that there is no difference somehow doesn't make us want to buy less cameras haha. I think the camera and the photography are almost separate hobbies in this way. Maybe a good topics for another issue. Like you and Ali say there are #nobadcameras so it's all good! Thanks for reading Steve :)
In total contrary to what I said in this issue I do think that new/secondhand gear can really help to spark peoples creativity or motivate them to get out and shoot. My partner always feels inspired when we get a new camera haha it's just an expensive way to get inspired I guess! Thanks for reading lovely and sharing your thoughts!
Like too many photographers I'm gear obsessed, regularly scrolling ebay, gumtree and FB marketplace looking for and then buying the next/best camera that is going to take my images to some amazing new level.
I've realised that the best images I make are with a couple of cameras that I use all the time ... I think that when you know a camera well, it just becomes a tool and an extension of your process rather than 'gear'. To some extent it gets out of the way and lets you just get on with the job.
Hey Nick, Yes I totally agree. We own so many cameras and only a few get regular use and I grab for the ones that I am familiar with and know are reliable. I like the gear to be out of the way so I can focus on shooting and the end result. My partner loves to get the gear involved though, and that's fine we are all so different and that is what makes it fun! Thanks for reading :)
It starts to get clear that we are obsessed with gear when you realise that certain type of camera, that you had no previous interest on, starts to catch your eye... 😂
Cameras are more fun than actually taking photos
Of course you would say this babe! Stop trolling me haha :)
I have had this ‘issue’ for years/decades even!! Going back to the 1990’s I had a spreadsheet on my Psion organiser of different cameras I was interested in buying. Film cameras that is! But I could never make up my mind, as new models came out so they got added to the spreadsheet that got updated on a regular basis. I did eventually buy a new Canon EOS30.
Roll forward to 2023 and I am back doing it again with digital cameras but using Excel!
But I have four DSLR cameras why do I need a fifth? I really doubt if my images would be that different.
I did a test recently with all four cameras and my iPhone, on a computer screen it was virtually impossible to tell the difference!!
What frustrates me is the emphasis put on video performance by reviewers, I don’t take videos!! But that is a topic for another day!!
Steve in France
Hey Steve, thanks for your input here. I think a lot of people relate to this and even testing these cameras and seeing that there is no difference somehow doesn't make us want to buy less cameras haha. I think the camera and the photography are almost separate hobbies in this way. Maybe a good topics for another issue. Like you and Ali say there are #nobadcameras so it's all good! Thanks for reading Steve :)
Buying vintage gear (on the cheap) boasts my creativity more than “new” gear
In total contrary to what I said in this issue I do think that new/secondhand gear can really help to spark peoples creativity or motivate them to get out and shoot. My partner always feels inspired when we get a new camera haha it's just an expensive way to get inspired I guess! Thanks for reading lovely and sharing your thoughts!
Lucy,
Like too many photographers I'm gear obsessed, regularly scrolling ebay, gumtree and FB marketplace looking for and then buying the next/best camera that is going to take my images to some amazing new level.
I've realised that the best images I make are with a couple of cameras that I use all the time ... I think that when you know a camera well, it just becomes a tool and an extension of your process rather than 'gear'. To some extent it gets out of the way and lets you just get on with the job.
Hey Nick, Yes I totally agree. We own so many cameras and only a few get regular use and I grab for the ones that I am familiar with and know are reliable. I like the gear to be out of the way so I can focus on shooting and the end result. My partner loves to get the gear involved though, and that's fine we are all so different and that is what makes it fun! Thanks for reading :)
It’s an easy trap to fall into. If what is in the frame isn’t interesting...
It starts to get clear that we are obsessed with gear when you realise that certain type of camera, that you had no previous interest on, starts to catch your eye... 😂
Haha yes I know this feeling! #obsessed