How often do you go through a body? Why do you upgrade?

[branden]

I got the 300D in 2004, and had it until I realized point-and-shoots were outperforming it. Then in 2010 I got the 5D MkII, and in June I got a T3 as a second body, because I was shooting events and needed a second body better than the 300D.

 

[Eagle Eye]

A-1: from 1997-January, 2005
EOS 20d: January, 2005-January, 2009 (though I still have it and use it)
EOS 5d Mark II: January, 2009 to present.

Honestly, I upgraded because I wanted full-frame. I thought I might occasionally use the higher ISO and video so I went with the Mark II instead of the original. I'm hoping to keep the 5d as my primary camera for the next 7 years, though the 20d could get replaced in a year or two with a little Rebel. I friggin' love those things.

 

[Kernuak]

My first camera in the early 80's was a Zenith 11, built like a tank, and it felt like you were carrying a tank at times. Although it's alot smaller than my 7D, it's almost as heavy. After concentrating on my career, my interest in photography was put on the backburner and I didn't enter the digital age until October 2007, with a 400D. At the time, I had a feel of the Nikon D90 and the 40D and preferred the feel of both, but both were significantly more expensive (especially the 40D), As I still had my old M42 screwmount lenses, I went with Canon and the rest is history. I soon found the old lenses weren't as sharp as the kit and the Tamron and I soon got a 100-400, as I photographed more wildlife. This started to show the limits of the 400D, pushing me into a refurb 40D the following August, which I bought for £482, after the winner of the bid on Canon's eBay site pulled out, as he had won the bid on two. My dad still has the 400D. I then started to do low light stuff and licence through Alamy, who required around 16MP at the time, so was looking for something with cleaner images and more resolution. I looked at the 50D when it came out, but wasn't impressed by the test images I found or a little later by some images taken at the same time as my 40D. The noise levels seemed alot higher and there was very little gain in resolution. Then I started looking at the 5D MkII, but I knew that at times, I needed the faster frame rate for wildlife, even though it would be ideal for landscapes. So I was patiently waiting for the 60D, but the 7D came out instead, so I pre-ordered against my better judgement after looking at a large number of preview test images (I knew I would be paying over the odds at first) and immediately got some shots where the 40D would have struggled. I kept the 40D as a backup, having missed an otter on the Isle of Skye through having the wrong lens on. I soon realised the 7D wasn't ideal for landscapes though, so I again looked at the 5D MkII and came across a refurb about a year later, slightly cheaper than new, but still with a full 12 month warranty from Canon. I then sold the 40D for £440, so £42 rental for about two years! I probably now use the 5D MkII slightly more than the 7D, bu they each have their uses. The 7D is the workhorse whenever I'm shooting wildlife, but when the light gets lower or I find some macro subjects, the 5D comes out and if an otter ever appears behind me again while taking landscapes, the 7D is ready to grab, with lens attached.

 

[elflord]

How about everyone else, how often do you go through a body? What makes you upgrade? When do you feel you're happy with what you've got?

Bought a film camera in '97. Upgraded to digital a few years later (Powershot A40). Upgraded (A60 I think) that when the first one got stolen, then upgraded (Nikon Coolpix L11) around 2008 when the powershot died. Discovered that the L11 was unusable in low light (2010) and picked up an entry level SLR (Canon Rebel XS). Caught the gear acquisition syndrome bug, and picked up a 5D Mark II and Panasonic GF2 in 2011. Will sell either the GF2 or the rebel XS. Would sell the L11 if anyone would buy it.

 

[UrbanImages]

September 1999- Rebel G SLR Film
March 2005- 300D
September 2008- 40D
May 2011- 60D
October 2011- 5D Mk II

I still have the Rebel G and use it. I had 6 good years with the 300D and gave it to my best friend when I bought my 60D in May because he wanted to learn DSLR. I still have my 40D along with the 60D and my newly purchased 5D Mk II.
I do a lot of fire photography in addition to my other photo interests so I'm usually shooting with 2 cameras with a short and long lenses. My go to camera is now the 5D, but the 60 is right there as well. I keep the 40D as a backup, with 3 EF-S lenses and a 430 EX flash in a separate bag.

Really I was satisfied with the 60D, but I felt I was missing something not having the FF sensors. I do A LOT of all around photography so I decided to take the plunge, well worth it! That being said, I don't think I will ever part with the 40D as it is still a sentimental favorite. It's all about preference and how you use the cameras. If you do a lot of photography which entails a possibility of needing to change lenses, then 2 works. I won't buy another body now for a long time, possibly until one burns out.

 

[willrobb]

I kept the 40D as a backup, having missed an otter on the Isle of Skye through having the wrong lens on. I soon realised the 7D wasn't ideal for landscapes though, so I again looked at the 5D MkII and came across a refurb about a year later, slightly cheaper than new, but still with a full 12 month warranty from Canon. I then sold the 40D for £440, so £42 rental for about two years! I probably now use the 5D MkII slightly more than the 7D, bu they each have their uses. The 7D is the workhorse whenever I'm shooting wildlife, but when the light gets lower or I find some macro subjects, the 5D comes out and if an otter ever appears behind me again while taking landscapes, the 7D is ready to grab, with lens attached.

Way off topic, sorry...but I love the Isle of Skye, such a brilliant wee Island and so accessible. Haven't been for a while, moving back to Scotland next year so really want to get back there for a visit.

 

[knkedlaya]

2009 Jan -XSi

Now menu and display buttons broken, but I am still continue to use XSi. Since I shoot macros more, high FPS, ISO, AF performance doesnt matter to me. If these controls were not broken I would still continue to use XSi. It has everything what I need.

I do not want to spend extra amount on fixing XSi instead thinking of 60D or 7D now, not sure when I will press "buy" button!!!

Naveena

 

[pakosouthpark]

My first camera was a film SLR 500n and that was around 2006 - as a student it was all i could afford..
After a few months working in 2008 I bought a 350d and still own it today, I was trying to upgrade to a 550d when it came out but unfortunate events made me give it up. Now I'm waiting and saving for the 5D mkiii (I'm getting into video professionally, atm using my boss camera) and can't wait to know the full specs of it!! It will be a massive difference from my humble 350d that does the job (even with a broken light meter)..

 

[pj1974]

Here is my input to this interesting thread.... including the reason why I changed / upgraded.
I am glad that my 'new gear acquisition syndrome' isn't as severe as some others ;D

Camera bodies
1979 - 1995 Yashica film camera - when my parents let me use theirs
1995 - 1999 Olympus film camera - (I gave it away in about 2004 after not using it since 1999)
1999 - 2000 Kodak digital P&S (an early digital camera - used at work, occasionally took home)
2000 - 2001 Fuji F40i P&S (I gave it to friends who wanted a compact digital P&S, I wanted something with optical zoom)
2001 - 2003 Fuji 6800 P&S (zoom mechanism failed - but many photos in the meantime)
2003 - 2005 Fuji F60z P&S (a child broke it - but many photos in the meantime)
2005 - present Canon 350D (works flawlessly. About 100k photos. Weaknesses: AF, low light, poor handling)
2009 - present Canon 7D (a great handling camera producing high quality images).

DSLR lenses & major accessories
2005 - present Canon 18-55mm (kit) (basic, but still useful as a very light travel kit)
2005 - 2011 Canon 28-135mm USM IS (have just sold this. Good lens, but superceded by 15-85mm)
2005 - present Canon 50mm f1.8 (can produce great images, but buggy AF so annoying @ f1.8 )
2005 - 2009 - Lowepro 150 AW (given to friends who were going overseas on mission work)
2006 - present Canon 100-300mm USM (decent build quality, image quality decent stopped down @ 300mm. Will sell it)
2007 - present Sigma 10-20mm EX HSM (great quality ultra wide zoom!)
2008 - present Lowepro Slingshot 300 (useful for taking lots of gear on walks)
2009 - present Lowepro 170 AW (my 'daily travel' bag - can hold my 7D & any 2 of my lenses)
2009 - present Canon 100mm f2.8 USM macro (fantastic macro & also useful for portrait)
2009 - present Hahnl remote shutter / interval meter (fantastic for remote release & time lapse photos)
2010 - present Canon 15-85mm USM IS (my most used 'go to lens'. Very sharp, contrasty, super useful focal length & IS)
2010 - present Manfrotto Tripod & head (really a must for macro photography and benefits many landscapes)
2010 - present Canon 70-300mm L USM IS (my highest quality lens. Super sharp, contrasty - even wide open @ any focal length. Still a travel comfortably size / weight!)
2011 - present Nissin Di866MkII flash (to enhance my exploration of the world of flash photography)

Paul

 

[RobertG.]

Hi,
I started with a P&S in 2002 (Canon A200) and then got another, better P&S in 2006. I used them until the shutter botton was broken on both of them. I also got more and more frustated with the limitations of these cams. So I got my first DSLR in 2009 (450D) and consider now to buy a 5D Mark II. The 450D works works fine but it lacks a bit of resulotion and the major issue is the low iso performance. For macro shots I love it but I concentrade more and more on landscape and architecture, so full frame is the better option. I would like to use the full potential of my 35L and TS-E 24mm L II.

 

[BumpyMunky]

1988: Minolta SR T-101 w/ 50 1.7 and 135 2.8.
Why? Inherited. Better than my Kodak 110 ;D

2003: Minolta Dimage 7i (not SLR, but SLR-like)
Why? First digital for instant feedback. First kid.

2008: Canon 40D w/ 17-85 and 70-200 f4
Why? First DSLR for better DoF, faster focus, higher resolution. Second kid.

2012: ? ? ? ?
Why? better ISO and video. No more kids.

With each body/camera, I've probably taken 100x more pictures than the previous. Still not 100x better though, so I'm working on that.

Since the 40D though, I've acquired a 50 1.4, a 17-55 2.8, a 580ex2 and a bit of off-camera flash gear.

So much fun.

 

[cheeseheadsaint]

Dec. 12, 2009- Got my Rebel XSi, my 55-250mm IS and the kit 18-55
March 2011 - Added the nifty fifty f/1.8 because I wanted photos with better bokeh and to be able to take better pics in low light.

I'm still using my Rebel XSi, and probably will continue to use it until it breaks. xD

 

[mjbehnke]

I bought my Rebel XT in 2007, when I traded my Canon AE1 in. It was a very nice camera and I used it alot! Last year, I got an error code that would go away after I pulled the battery out and put it back in. Than it finally quit all together. I have the local camera shop send it in for repairs and it was going to cost more than it was worth. So, I purchased the 60D. I really like this camera alot. I'm not a pro, so I don't need anything fancy. I'll keep it until it dies and then I'll buy whatever is new at the time. Just an FYI, My Rebel did pass 240,000 clicks before it totally died. I really used it alot.

 

[Canon Rumors]

I used to be an upgrade freak. I own a lot of cameras because of Lens Rentals Canada.

However, personally. The 5D Mark II and Leica M9 will be it. I'd like another 2-3 years out of the 5D2. Though I'll probably go 5D3 whenever it hits.

The M9? It'd be good enough for another 5 at least.

I like beating the heck out of a camera for a long time. I'd honestly be happy still using a 40D, that was/is a fantastic camera.

 

[willrobb]

However, personally. The 5D Mark II and Leica M9 will be it. I'd like another 2-3 years out of the 5D2. Though I'll probably go 5D3 whenever it hits.

I feel the same way. I have a 2 1/2 year old 5DmkII body and a 2 week old 5DmkII body. I'm not sure how much longer the former will keep working well as it's been through a lot, but my new body I want 3 years work out of before it gets retired to back up position.

 

[michaelm]

I still have camera bodies from 10 years ago that I use. I don't really upgrade, I purchase tools and equipment based on ROI.

With ROI in mind I make more careful decisions and focus on camera bodies that can be upgraded, or that are high-end enough to produce for years. My last new camera body was two years ago, I'm unlikely to buy a new one for another year. I'd be more inclined to add lights, grip (light stands, soft boxes , etc.), lenses, upgrade software, color management and spend on marketing on a regular basis. Camera bodies are upgraded every few years or if I add a new photographer.

Can I make money on this is my first question, followed by "how long before this new camera, printer, lens is turning a profit?"

If it still is earning its keep and returning income it continues to be used. When something wears out, or stops being financially productive then I sell it or donate it.

It does not matter if it's a printer, camera, light, computer or other tool, it's got to earn its keep.

 

[wickidwombat]

But how difficult it was to sell everything. Expect for 2 lenses, the rest was a PIA really. I ended up givin away the D60 almost as a gift LOL

really? When I sold all my Nikon gear it all sold in about a week and i got pretty reasonable prices for it all too

 

[funkboy]

Still on my 40D, which was an upgrade from the 10D that got me into DSLR photography in the first place.

Very tempted by the 7D, but I'm still really happy with the 40D & can't really justify the upgrade. It'll have to be something pretty revolutionary (& affordable) to get me to move. I get a new lens every year or two & leave it at that. New glass certainly gets me out shooting a lot more than a new body did.

Compact cameras, however, are a different story. Had a Pana LX3 for a year or two (loved it), traded it on the LX5 shortly after it came out (even better), and now a Fuji X10 is on the way (to be continued)...

 

[Jettatore]

A sad reality is that a lot of this stuff ends up as junk, polluting our wildlife. Or to put it another way, our habits are certainly not contributing to a healthy environment. It concerns me because I am very interested in nature, wildlife and insect photography and pollution and massive garbage piles and ruined oceans are not useful for my desired compositions. I'm already a bit ticked off, living on the East Coast of the US that light pollution seriously detracts from amateur astro-photography which I feel I would be quite interested/active in if I had access to clearer skies (Jealous of all my friends who live in NZ and Aus).

 

[dr croubie]

(Jealous of all my friends who live in NZ and Aus).

I shall be awaiting your telescope and camera bodies in the mail... ;D

I've had 4 bodies in my life:
- a Kodak point and shoot Instamatic X15F, nothing more than a plastic lens and 2-blade leaf shutter. It took 126 Cartridge film, anyone remember (or even heard of) that? I took a prize-winning photo on it when I was only 8 or so. I found it a few years ago, still had half a roll of undeveloped film in, from when I was in Thailand when I was 10. (Thankfully kodak still processed it, and the photos were only half-fogged).
- 35mm Nikon One-touch 100, just a wide angle lens point and shoot. Not bad for what it was, it went on a lot of holidays with me when I was a teenager.
- Olympus mju820, bought end of 2007 just before I went overseas backpacking for a year (which turned into 3). Bought it mostly because it was "weatherproof", and better lens/zoom than the properly submersible types. Turns out it was not dunk-in-beer proof, nor Czech-river-drunken-rafting-falling-in proof. Technically this should be counted as 2 bodies because the first died. Between the two bodies I kept about 12,000 photos.
- 7D, had it just over a year, about 16,000 shutter-shots.

Next?:
- I've got a lot of Pentacon Six and Kiev 88 glass, I do have a Pentacon Six body that was doa when i got it. One day i'll get a proper film body for all my glass, either a P6 or a Kiev 88CM / Hartblei 1006 (but then i'll be tempted to get a digital hassy back for it).
- Maybe maybe maybe i'll find a cheap Eos 3 or 1V for film and using my canon glass. I might even use IR film and/or find an IR-converted digital body, if it's cheap enough (i'm not destroying my 7D).
- FF Digital eventually. Maybe not 5D3. Maybe 5D2 if i get a good price on a 2nd-hand one once the 5D3 hits. Maybe 1D3/4 or 1Ds2/3 if they come low enough in a few years.
- But i'm not ditching my 7D until the shutter falls off from overuse (ie, maybe next week). I won't replace it for an aps-c high-fps body for at least 5-6 years, my next digital body will be FF for portraits and landscapes only...