When do you know it is time to upgrade?

I have a 350D since March '05. This is my first DSLR and I feel I am getting better and better with it. I am considering upgrading to a 5D or a 40D when they come out.

I want to make sure that I am upgrading for the right reasons instead out of lust and want.

How did you know it was the right time and reasons to upgrade?

for me, its every 2-3 years.

I've planned to upgrade every 2 years, but I've managed to hang on to my 10D for three now If they come out with a 40D (with all the features of the Rebel 400D), then I might be convinced to move up

When is it time to upgrade? For me it's

1. If something is busted and needs to be replaced,
2. If it will give me some new capability that can't be achieved with the current gear,
3. If it will generate more income or reduce cost for my business (all equipment has to earn it's lunch; can't afford to collect just for the sake of collecting like some) and,
4. Only if it can be afforded without putting me in hock.

My last "upgrade" was from MF film to dSLR, although I miss all my Zeiss glass. The problem is the pro labs are making it cost prohibitive to process and and custom print good old fashion negs...... so I had to upgrade to a completely new medium......

jmckell wrote in post #2044390
I want to make sure that I am upgrading for the right reasons instead out of lust and want?

Huh... Lust and want usually works for me...

I've had the 350D for a year now, and it's time for me to upgrade.

How do I know? It's because I've reached the limits of the AF on the XT. It was fine when I shot at f/5.6-f/8 in P mode, but now that I have some fast glass with USM and have experience in AI Servo shooting at F/2-F/4, I find I can really use the AF precision and focus point layout of the 30D. That's really the driving force for an upgrade and I have to decide if the 30D will be enough, or if I won't be satisfied until I have 1D AF.

If nothings holding you back with the XT, it's still an EXCELLENT camera.

Well, if you can afford it, then I guess you can lust and upgrade anytime you feel like it.

But if you really have to look really hard for a reason to do it.... then it's more of a "want" than a need. I can't afford that kind of "want."

jmckell wrote in post #2044390
......I want to make sure that I am upgrading for the right reasons instead out of lust and want.....

For me it was because the camera wasn't doing what I wanted, or at least well. When the camera holds you back, it's time to consider an upgrade. It's a tool and if the tool doesn't get the job done...

When you do weddings and portraits all the time, FF is a must and low noise high iso is exactly what I wanted.

You listed all the reasons I got the 5D for my wedding work . It does almost everything my old MF film used to do.

Michaelmjc wrote in post #2044587
When you do weddings and portraits all the time, FF is a must and low noise high iso is exactly what I wanted.

when something new will improve what i take now .
Rob.

When EVERYBODY on the forum is saying the new camera is the muts nuts. Then buy the previous model at a bargain price.

Or when your average 'excellent' photos is such that you are frustrated that the camera is responsible for the ones that got away.

Or the camera is why you are not taking great photos.

Or you got a pay rise.

Or you deserve a treat.

Or...

Graham

If your signature is getting dusty, it's time for new gear!

blue_max wrote in post #2044897
When EVERYBODY on the forum is saying the new camera is the muts nuts. Then buy the previous model at a bargain price.

Or when your average 'excellent' photos is such that you are frustrated that the camera is responsible for the ones that got away.

Or the camera is why you are not taking great photos.

Or you got a pay rise.

Or you deserve a treat.

Or...

Graham

... or your wife in having $5,000 worth of hardwood floors put in which she's wanted forever and you've been driving her old college car for five hot florida summers because the A/C stopped working and she got your new SUV with leather seats but by rolling down the windows and wearing deoderant you've saved having to make another car payment or shelling out more than the car is worth fixing the air conditioning.

Hmmmm.... I DESERVE IT, DAMMIT!

In the wedding business, it's when guests start bringing in the same camera you are using.