How many cameras is too many & is it time to upgrade?

I've been using an old Rebel 300 D for about 8 years. I've got the variety of lenses that I need for recreational shooting. I bought a G10 about 4 years ago to carry on camping and motorcycle trips. I love the ergonomics and feel of the G10 but I haven't been happy with the limited zoom range. We bought my wife a SX230 about 6 months ago and she got hooked on photography. Last week we bought her a SX40 and we both love it. The features and picture quality is great. Now I would rather use it than either of my cameras. I had planned on stepping up to something like the 60d or 7d when I retire in 3 years but now I'm thinking on getting a t3i now. I like the flexibility of my dslr and it's lenses but the SX40 is sure easy to use and produces great pictures.

I don't seem to have a question here other than has anyone else faced this dilemma or do you have any comments?

Thanks,

mark

I'd say go with what you like to shoot - sounds like you really dig the SX40, so why bother with something else?

That said, the t3i is going to give you darn-near the same IQ as the 7D (or try the t4i) in a smaller package, so unless you really need the features of the 7D, save the cash and get the Rebel.

You might also consider trying out an M43 body - those and a couple of M43 primes make great little camera packages.

The best way to upgrade is to upsize format like APS C to FF DSLR.
Dont be concerned with small tech improvements.
Camera manufactures laff all the way to bank on upgrades.

I think you would appreciate the T3i and that would be my choice. CLP program to save some extra cash.

BrickR wrote in post #14674827
I think you would appreciate the T3i and that would be my choice. CLP program to save some extra cash.

yes, or save even more with the T2i thru the CLP program

Much like cats, it is impossible to have too many cameras. I have a P&S 35mm film camera. 2 Yashica FX-2s, 2 Yashica FX-3 Super 2000s, T1i, 60D, Elan 7Ne, A1100IS, SX260HS, 2 cell phones with cameras. That is 11 cameras, which coincidentally is the same number of house-cats I have, along with 30 or 40 barn cats. Oh, I am considering purchasing a 5D2(3?), and a G1X, too. I'll let you know when I am getting close to 'too many' camera.

sambarino wrote in post #14675960
Much like cats, it is impossible to have too many cameras.

Double like

5.7 and yes, always.

Thanks for the comments. I figured out that I'm going to go ahead and buy the T3i now. I ran a shooting test with my Rebel and my wife's SX40 yesterday. I shot several subjects from the same tripod with all settings identical and then compare the images side by side in PS Elements. I used my best lens a Canon 60mm macro and I couldn't see a bit of difference in the images at 1:1 magnification. I didn't tell my wife which image came from which camera and she saw no difference either. So I'll get a new body and use my old camera for a darn good backup. I'll still use the G10 for quick on the go stuff and we have Amy's two cameras. It's a terrible situation to be in. Two people with 5 good cameras.

Thanks for the input once again.

Mark

There was an in-depth study carried out some time back by a much respected university into exactly the question you posed. i.e. what is the optimum number of cameras to own. After considerable research they produced a mathematical expression which explains it very clearly. This complex formula shown in full below, where n=the number of cameras already owned gives the ideal number of cameras for you.

n+1

Lincolnshire Poacher wrote in post #14678448
n+1

In one of those massive coincidences that arises throughout the universe, the same formula applies to lenses, i.e. n+1L, where n is the number owned and L is - well we all know what L means don't we?

What's really amazing is that this formula applies to my wife and her shoe / pocketbook purchases as well.

2009flhtc wrote in post #14678716
What's really amazing is that this formula applies to my wife and her shoe / pocketbook purchases as well.

LOL at that one.......

I have several cameras, and buy other when I see a new one with much better features than my current models.
I think how many cameras depends of each person.

xti /2 40d/ 2 50d 1d2n/ 1d3 coming/s95
i regurally shoot all [or did til i broke my arm and use them for different things ymmv