how often do you (hobbiests especially) upgrade bodies?

350D in 2005.
6D in 2013.

Bought my 40D (first digital camera) in mid 2008, and got a 5DIII this past Christmas... so, about 4.5 years?

Every 2 to 4 years. I have been using the 7D for about 3 years now, and would love to move up to the 5D3. I would keep the 7D as a backup.

I have done a very small amount of work for pay, but primarily I am a hobbyist.

Hmm, I got into photography as a hobbyist with a 20D when it was launched (still have it) and moved up to a 40D (sold it) thereafter.

I then got a 7D as soon as it was released and then added a 6D to compliment it last week.

So often enough but not every model release.

I been in this hobby for 3 years and bought and sold 9 bodies thus far. For me buying, trying, and selling is another fun aspect of this hobby.

>>still trundling along with my 20D ... sighs if only I was rich then I could have a new great camera ..and still not be able to use it ...

so far.. until they break.

My first DSLR was a 5D, purchased in 2008, which I still use. Overall, I'm still very happy with the camera but two things make me want the 5DII: Better autofocus and a focus point selector joystick on the grip. I have a 2 year old kid so that sort of makes me an action photographer these days.

Xti in 2007 - T2i in 2010 - T3i in 2012 but only because I could get it for about $40 after selling the old camera and I really wanted the swivel screen for video.

Given that there was really no major improvements in IQ of Canon xxxD and xxD bodies in a long time, I am unlikely to upgrade any time soon. Side grade perhaps.

I got my 300D right when the 350D came out(I didn't like how the new smaller body felt in my hand and the wifey wouldn't let me get the 20D), I got the 30D just before the 40D came out, I got my 40D sometime after the 50D came out as it was all could budget after the purchase of the 40D/50D UW housing, I then decided I wanted to add FF and video but didn't get my 5DII until after the 5dIII came out because I planned on moving my UW duties over to FF with cost UW housings it would be a camera I'd keep for several years plus the 5DIII improved on everything I found lacking on the 5dII for a lot of my shooting styles so I did that upgrade a few months ago. Assuming the 7dII ends up to be at least a cropped 5dIII with slightly higher FPS I plan on getting one shortly after release for extra reach.

For the most part I've upgraded at some point I felt wanted more and I could afford it(times of not doing much shooting and/or work being slow may have set some the upgrades quite a bit). If I had bottomless pockets I would have likely upgraded every time something new came out, but as it is I haven't regretted any of my upgrades even though some of my best shots were from my 300D(that is more due to spend several weeks in exotic location taking pictures every day. I'd love to go back and see what I could do now with better skill/gear).

October 2006 350D

January 2013 1100D


John

I used my T1i for almost 2 years. My main reason for upgrading was that the T1i was too small in my hands and it was causing pain when used it with a heavy lens and flash. I was flip flopping in my decision between the 7d and 5D2 and almost just got a 50D to hold me over till I finally made up my mind. But then the 5D3 came out and I happened to suddenly have the cash so I went that route instead. As a hobbyist, I don't foresee myself upgrading from this body at all. I think I can use it 'till it dies. However, if I try to start shooting some serious paid stuff in the future, I might upgrade my T1i to a better backup camera.

I went from a Rebel XT that I got in 2006 or maybe 2005, to a 60D that I've had a couple of weeks. Frankly, I probably didn't have to upgrade, but it was a very big upgrade that added a lot of new technology. I suspect it will be quite a while before I upgrade again.

If/when I upgrade again, it will probably be to something like the 6D or 5D. I suspect that won't be for quite a while.

I'm more than a hobbyist. With DSLRs I replace when it dies or when there's a significant enough advance in technology (mainly ISO performance) that I feel like it will really make a difference for me. No real set time frame. Film cameras I tend to repair rather than replace because the ones I still have are old friends that I will probably never get rid of.

I started with a Xs. Now thinking of making my way to a T3i body. Purely cause I want video and the 3" screen.