Camera Upgrade Phenomena

Wonder if anyone else has experienced this: Every time I upgrade to a newer body, the previous body that always performed well for me...seems to decline in its output if/when I use it for a second body.

I say that half serious and half tongue and cheek.

Had 2 30D's which I loved and then upgraded to a 50D.

Then when I got my first 7D, images from my 50D just never compared. Got a second 7D.

I've been a Big fan of the 7D (Shoot lots of sports)

Finally bit the bullet and purchased a used 1D4 this summer...and my 7D images don't come close in comparison.

Just my imagination? Maybe...

I've had this too. My ye olde 400D used to take great photos until I went 5DII, now I can hardly shoot the darn thing.

It could just be that you adjust to the new technology and find the old stuff inadequate, it's human nature more than anything, I think.

Here's the Leica that Henry Cartier Bresson originally shot with:

I think in the beginning of our hobby we look for a body that just "works" so to speak. Then as our shooting style evolves our equipment we use must also evolve to minimalize our work arounds and time we use in getting the shots we want.

My needs for a body currently are it must be good for portraits/weddings/eng​agements/senior and street photography. Sure the 5D is very, very good image wise for what I do, but the 1DS MIII makes it easier with the features it offers in a body. Would I still use the 5D for those types of shooting? Of course, but it now becomes relegated to being my second choice when I grab one of the bodies.

I am not sure that the images from a 50D vs a 7D are going to realy be that different (unless it's a focus thing).

For me it's the glass, not the body so much.

I can still take good photos with fully manual camera:lens combos. My equipment is not top tier, and it doesn't need to be. I just bought a 60d about 2 weeks ago, I pulled out my 10 month old T3i, and still love that lil bugger. There is something about that t3i thy I just like. I tend to appreciate all my equipment and don't really get the"youngest child" syndrome. What I do is decide to alternate between cameras so all get their use. It's a nice way to actually use all your equipment.

I took some great pics with my first p&s... Then my g2' 40d... But now I can't see myself going back. But part of my wants to pickup a smaller camera so I can shove it in my pocket on travels.

hotsecretary wrote in post #16278349
I took some great pics with my first p&s... Then my g2' 40d... But now I can't see myself going back. But part of my wants to pickup a smaller camera so I can shove it in my pocket on travels.

x100 or x100s. sooooo fun

I went from a 350D to a 1D2, photos went from being mediocre to good, then once I got the hang of the 1D2 they went to brilliant (in my eyes). Just bought a 60D however it's at my parents so I'm just waiting to go get it, but with a newer sensor, more MP I suspect that images will only get better.

Quite excited, next stop... FF

Mackeral wrote in post #16278358
x100 or x100s. sooooo fun

Looks nice, just not cheap

yeah, definitely not but oh so beautiful.

Works for cars, too. The old car that faithfully moved me around for years becomes undesirable after the new one arrives.

iowajim wrote in post #16278540
Works for cars, too. The old car that faithfully moved me around for years becomes undesirable after the new one arrives.

I still like my 70 beetle too.

I don't suffer from this phenomena. I have 2 cameras - both old and out of date. I can take great pictures with either of them and I can also take crappy pictures with either of them.

I don't think I've fully mastered either of them to the point where I 'need' to upgrade.

Having said that, I don't go to camera stores to try out the latest models when they are released. If I did I'd probably have 'upgrade envy' just like others do.

My cameras both have capabilities that satisfy my requirements so I'm good with that. My money will be spent on lenses, ND filters, travel to great places etc.

Kolor-Pikker wrote in post #16278093
I've had this too. My ye olde 400D used to take great photos until I went 5DII, now I can hardly shoot the darn thing.

It could just be that you adjust to the new technology and find the old stuff inadequate, it's human nature more than anything, I think.

Here's the Leica that Henry Cartier Bresson originally shot with:

It didn't stop him from taking iconic photographs, but I personally can't comprehend how that thing could even be used for taking photos at all.

The only reason Henri's photos are iconic is that he didn't publish then here in POTN.

Had he done so, he would've got enough advice about how grainy, useless, OOF cr@p his photos were and anything not using the Summicron instead of the Elmar is a waste of time, and... and... and... that he'd become a stockbroker instead...

JK... but you get my drift...