I am amazed at the camera gear hardcore

I have noticed this trend on a few pc sites I am on as well...

The urge to have the latest and great despite the marginal increase in fill in the blank. I think some people get way too caught up and forget about just shooting. I see people dumping these awesome bodies and lenses for the next release and would hate to be in that expensive rat race lol

You don't have to be if you don't want to be, but if people want to be, good luck to them as well.

It's a hobby for a lot of people, I don't think it matters how anyone enjoys their hobby.

If people work hard, have the funds and want to own the latest it's not hurting anyone and it's making the used market fantastic for those who don't have as much of a disposable income.

Well said Jim.

fotoworx wrote in post #14223290
it's making the used market fantastic for those who don't have as much of a disposable income.

lol good point

for some people chasing the technology is what it's all about, nothing wrong with that - it's just another slice of life.

Some people are into photography, some people are into cameras.

fotoworx wrote in post #14223290
If people work hard, have the funds and want to own the latest it's not hurting anyone and it's making the used market fantastic for those who don't have as much of a disposable income.

Very true. Just picked up another 5D Mark II on craigslist for $1,500 with only 20K clicks.

Also, I picked up 2 of my lenses and the Viv 283's on craigslist from people who picked up photography and didn't know what gear they needed. My 3 Vivitar 283's (with the vari power adaptors) were a total steal from a gentleman that tried the strobist thing and decided he wanted to go CLS and sold the lot for $50!

Some people buy gear to meet certain needs. When something comes along that meets those needs better they get it. Especially if their current gear is not adequately meeting those needs.

Others who do not have that need don't see the point and make threads like this. They are not entirely wrong, as I am sure many people buy the new gear just to buy it. I have done that once or twice myself (e.g. I really didn't need to go from the Sigma 70-200 OS to Canon 70-200 IS II since I had a primo sample of the Sigma). However, many people do have a real need, one they sometimes can't even articulate, that is a valid reason for getting the latest and greatest.

For instance my most recent purchase was the 5d3 even though I have a 5d2 and 7d. Many see no point to such a purchase. I do see a point though because it meets my personal photography needs much better. Needs that involve a fast-moving 3-year-old, an inadequately lit home, and frequent situations where I don't have time go grab a flash. To me a thousand dollars more is totally worth it to get those photos. Others lack this need and it isn't worth it to them.

It works out good for those of us who get quality second hand gear (which is still expensive). To each his own. I say, whatever makes you happy.

Im both a photographer and love the gear I use. So what if I want to have the latest and greatest? The way I see photos speak for themselves. A good photo is a good photo regardless if the body is the latest or the best. The fact that I enjoy using new technology when I take pictures is just a plus to me!

It's basically summed up, but I think more people are dumping the 5D2 for the 5D3 because of the AF than would normally upgrade. Seems like normal upgrades would be done by people who aren't just one generation behind unless something big comes out (like the 50D to 60D having the articulating screen and video)

mclldavidson wrote in post #14223261
I have noticed this trend on a few pc sites I am on as well...

The urge to have the latest and great despite the marginal increase in fill in the blank. I think some people get way too caught up and forget about just shooting. I see people dumping these awesome bodies and lenses for the next release and would hate to be in that expensive rat race lol

You assume that to move to the next generation, one has to start from scratch. Up until recently moving from one body to the next was not as expensive as one would think. When I went from the 40D to the 50D my out of pocket was about $200 or so when I factor in the sale of the 40D and various web enticements. With lenses the difference can be even smaller.

Highly qualified race drivers are driving the latest and greatest in every race....because they can.

It did seem like the pre-order rush/hype was huge this go around. I've been ordering/pre-ordering gear since my Eos film days.

The critical nitpicking also seems really large this time, and not just for Canon - it seems like all the cameras that came out this spring have been harped on a lot.

Honestly, I love my 5D3 - as I have all my cameras before it...

This is an excellent point and one i think of often. Most folks out there who up grade are playing the exact game companies are hoping you to play. I would bet that 90% or more are not even getting close to what their camera could even begin to do when they upgrade to the next model. They do this hoping that their photos will look better with less work on their part. This is the exact reason why i have not bought into the 5d3 yet. I just dont think that body will allow me to do anything the mark2 wouldnt.

Great point and one i have been thinking about a lot lately..