How do you know when to buy a new Camera?

I have kinda gone over this in another fourm but I wanted more advise.
I have a XT (June 2005 ) and it has served me well. Really there is nothing at all wrong with it. I am one that likes new technoligy so for me to have this camera for so long is crazy for me.
If I buy a new Canon, My Budget is right around the $575 mark. I am about one notch above a Novice ,Still trying to learn the in and out of taking picture's on anything other the Auto mode. Anyway, When should I buy a new camera body? When something happens to this one? When I want something new to newer technology ..better performance..
I just have the basic 18-55 Non Stable and 55-200 Sigma lens. I have been told to spend my budget on a lens ,but I dont know what type of lens .
I would rather spend the money on a body but my disstions are not always the right one ,so.....

Thanks

If you have the $$$ I'd suggest buying a 40D and maybe a couple better lenses. I also have the XT but I decided I needed a bigger LCD because that little 1.8" screen was getting harder for me to use. I found my 40D on eBay and it only had 8,000 Actuation's on it. Works great. I got it for a steal too. Lots of great deals on eBay. Just make sure to ask how many actuation's the camera you're looking at has on it.

Good luck!

Go buy a 50mm 1.8 and try a 7d while you are there. The 50mm is like $80 to $100 and 1.8 will open up some new doors.

A new camera is nice but unless you can use all the stuff it has buying a new body is just money at this point.

I have a 350D(same as a XT) and recently upgraded to a 50D.

The 350D/XT is still a great camera and can takes some VERY good pictures but it was time to get a newer camera that had better ISO performance, higher MP and all around faster at taking pictures in adverse/low light conditions.

You should be able to find a 40D for around $600 used if you look and it would be a nice upgrade. Upgrading your lenses is always a good option but I would spend the money and upgrade the body. My 350D has takens tens of thousands of pictures for me and is rock solid reliable and is now my backup camera and still sees use since it's such a good performer but when I need to get "the shot" I will always use the 50D now. It will just get the job done easier.

So nothing new like a T3?

To answer the question (i.e. thread title) quite literally: Only you will know when it's time.

To expand that a bit, you say you are still trying to learn. What is it that you're after in trying to get a new camera? Do you think it will make you a better photographer? Doubtful. Is there something you can't do with your current camera that you think a new one will fix? If so, what would that be? Are you just getting ancy with old technology and want something new and shiney? Do you have reason to believe your current camera is going to break on you, leaving you with some important event/time you won't be able to capture?

There is a lot that goes into the decision to buy a camera, and you have only given us part of the story - you don't like old technology. If you just want new tech, get the camera. If you want to become a better photographer, try and tell us whats missing so we can help out with a better answer!

Thank You Bjyoder,
To answer.. Yes , I kinda hate old tech. Im not looking for a "magic" camera to make me a better photographer. I know that will take me learning to do that. No reason other then the fact its 6 years old. I really like the fact all of the newer camera's use SD cards and not CF cards. My iMac has a bult in SD reader so that would be handy along with my camcorder use's SD too. I am a Star Wars fan and I go to conventions. Last year I used the XT at a after con party and the room was very dimly lighted with candles and little wall mounted lights. My pictures just dint look right because the flash drown everyone out and the back ground was pitch black. I like the background in the picture to give it a since of detail.
Next Summer There is another Conn at the same place and I am sure I will run into the same things .I have a speedlight II flash that I dint have last time and a nice refuser for it.
I just cant make up my mind if I Need or want a new body or lens Or both.

echo-3 wrote in post #12814655
So nothing new like a T3?

Forgot all about that one. A T series should easily be had new for $600.

If you're happy with the Rebel form factor then perhaps think about selling your entire kit and replacing it with a 2 lens T2i kit. The 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS would be nice upgrades for lenses, and the T2i will kill the XT.

supergoat wrote in post #12814763
Forgot all about that one. A T series should easily be had new for $600.

Example?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ody&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

The T1 and T2 are both in the $600 range. You mentioned T3 but the other two are still a big step up from the XT.

Thank you all. I think that I am going to buy a 55mm f/1.8 lens and next summer maybe Ill buy a new body. Thank you all for your advise.

You need to when someone you know has a newer camera and their pictures are better than yours.

echo-3 wrote in post #12814655
So nothing new like a T3?

The T3 is a low end camera, with minimal features. Has very small RAW buffer and RAW fps. It's almost just like your XT though does RAW at like 1.5 fps for 4 frames or something and a low end video mode. Probably has the same focusing, metering, and OVF as your XT.

You'd be better off finding a T2i within your price range or a used 40D than buying a T3.