To keep up with technology, or keep your wallet happy...

[D-50]

I can understand upgrading from an entry level DSLR to a more advanced i.e. a D50/D40 to a D200/D300 but once you are in the more advanced bodies there is really no point in upgrading your body everytime a new one comes out with a couple new bells and whistles. I plan on sticking with my D200 for a last a couple more years after having got it about a year and a half ago. I find no real reason to upgrade unless my D200 dies or I run into a whole bunch of money. But honestly I do not know if I would even want a D3. Yeah its an unbelievable camera but its huge and I do not want to lug that thing around with me all the time. If I were pro I could justify it but for me the D200 it perfect.

Invest in glass that is where you will get the most noticable results.

 

[Hawaii Five-O]

If I had the XTi (or even the XT) I wouldn't be looking to upgrade to the XSi. However, if they introduced the next in line to the 40D, I would be thinking about it, hard.

Your a manufactures' best friend!:hug::


just messing with ya

 

[K8-90]

Your a manufactures' best friend!:hug::


just messing with ya

Meanie!

What would you suggest I do? In my position, what would you get?

By the way, I have been researching and thinking about taking the plunge for about three years now... But this summer should be the one! I am not made of cash, so any decision I make will be very well informed - that's why I am here.

I hate to admit it, but one of the reasons I am so tempted to go with the 40D is to escape the stigma of the Rebel series... However, even though I know it's the "consumer camera", and that anyone who weilds it is frowned upon by other "real" photographers - I honestly think it is what I need for now.

Oh. And by upgradinging "often", I would say within 5 years of purchase... So I'm not saying I'd be pulling out my wallet every time they unveil a new "upgrade"...

 

[K8-90]

Invest in glass that is where you will get the most noticable results.

Thanks, I think I'll go with this advise

 

[Dweller]

I run into this situation all the time. I like gadgets and gizmos and they are constantly being improved upon as time goes by.

I simply look at what features are available right now, and of those I determine what are most important to me. Once I find the right model that meets those needs I research the crap out of it (at least on high ticket items) to make sure I am fully aware of any issues, quirks etc and once I am sure it is the right one, I go for it.

"Once I am sure it is the right one" is the key here. Newer/better/shinier stuff WILL come along. That is inevitable. But I can always know that my choice (D70s in this case) was the right one for me. I can see the new bodies and know that if or when my beloved D70 ever gives up the ghost then I have something newer/better/shinier waiting for me, but for now the D70 does everything I wanted it to do, and it does it well.

Good luck in your choice!

 

[K8-90]

Mhmm. Thanks!
Life would be so much easier with a bottomless wallet...

 

[Chris of Arabia]

I'm happily still using my first DSLR (350D) some 3 years after I first got it. Whilst it might be interesting to look at the 450D, I've really got no incentive to go and buy one. I am however awaiting the 5D MkII with interest, as I'd like to move to a full frame sensor. I could look at the existing version now I suppose, but short of the 350D dying on me, I think I can afford to wait a while longer yet.

 

[penfold1]

Try this one. Think about it from an economic point of view.

Ask yourself these questions.
-Am I the type of person that HAS to have the newest gadgets?
-If I go entry DSLR, will I want to upgrade in a year?
-If I go advanced will I want to upgrade in a year?
-What kind of resale vales do the cameras your looking at have?

Remember, the true cost of the camera will be your purchase price minus it's sale price down the road (assuming you sell it.)

So it may in the long run end up being cheaper to buy the 40D.

 

[K8-90]

Once I take the plunge, I'm hoping the chosen camera will last me at least four years... I'll probably eye the new cameras, but not seriously.

Chris of Arabia - like you said, my stuff usually dies on me rather than me deciding I am moving on

Penfold1 - I haven't considered the resale option. That's an interesting idea - about the 40D costing less in the long run... Then again, as I said, I'll probably be looking to move on only when my camera dies on me...