Upgrading Your Camera

October 1, 2016

So, you think it's time to upgrade your camera. No problem... or is it? A new camera body can be a serious investment and like all investments there are a number of factors to consider.  Before I decided to upgrade, I asked myself a series of questions that you may also want to ask yourself.

Have you exhausted the capabilities of your camera?

Are you at a point where your ability to create is hindered or limited by the tools you use?

Is your camera in need of repair?

What are your goals? What do you want to do in the near future? Where do you want to be in the distant future? And, will your current tools allow you to  get there?

What's your budget? Really.

Once you have made the decision to upgrade, think about what camera will stand the test of time, that you will still be using a few years from now. Try not to get caught up in the latest camera ordeal just for the sake of having  the latest and greatest. Cameras do not hold their value as well as pro series lenses, so if you try to sell it later, you will experience a loss, if you can sell it at all.

Consider what you love shooting as well as your physical capacity and find the camera that fits those needs. I know of people who love traveling, but cannot slug around a full frame pro camera body. Maybe a mirrorless camera with smaller lenses would be ideal for that situation. 

If you want to photograph birds, you have to get a camera that has tracking focus capabilities in order to track the movement.  If you find yourself shooting in low light situations where you are not able to add light, then that needs to be a consideration. The possibilities are endless and different tools may be needed for each. So, your task will be to consider what features are most important for you to achieve your desired goal.

We can't have this conversation without considering your budget. As I have said in other posts, if the tools you need to achieve your goal and your budget are not in alignment, then it might be worth maximizing the tools you already have and waiting until you have the money to make that purchase versus buying what you can afford today. 

The cost of the camera may not be the only budget item on the table. Does the camera of your dreams use the same memory card format? Will you be able to use the batteries you already have? What about lenses or other items such as transmitters or flash? If the camera you are considering does not permit you to use the accessories you already have, then these also need to be factored in to your budget.

These are the major considerations I look at when considering a camera upgrade or change. If you have any others, feel free to respond and share them here.

 
 

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