Don't laugh but that's actually why I went "retro" and got myself an SLR. At some point I realized that part of what was holding me back as a photographer wasn't just the limitations of my Fuji but my own mindset that in order to learn properly I just "had" to have a DSLR.
Now I'm not saying I don't covet one. Sure I do, but I have two years to go at least until I can get one. For now, I just think that I can learn more using the older equipment and film and that it really shouldn't matter really that it's not a DSLR. If I am any kind of good photographer then the SLR's should do me for now.
Having a DSLR that will be a matter of convenience. Yes, I will enjoy it, but if I can't go out with my SLR and do a decent job then I maybe I shouldn't be shooting with a DSLR in the long run. What's the sense of saving up for $2000 worth of brand new up to date digital equipment if I probably don't know how to use it and likely never will? It's like someone who can barely drive a golf cart trying to drive a Ferrari!
There's a lot I have to learn first. In the meantime I'm really trying to restrain myself when it comes to "gear envy" and DSLR's. Fixating on everyone else's expensive equipment and constantly feeling the constant pressure to update that's just been really counter productive to my being a good photographer in my book. I should be more happy with what I've got. It's decent gear. It's just not digital for the most part, that's all.
I do joke about it, being envious sometimes, and yeah, sometimes I really am, but I also feel maybe it's good for me not to be able to afford anything I want, whenever I want. Using the old equipment may not be as chic, but who knows my photography skills may benefit from it. When I do finally get that DSLR at least I will know what to do with it and I won't just be using auto mode 90% of the time like I did with my Fuji for far too long.
Originally posted by Eigengrau I agree wholeheartedly with your rant here. There are people out there shooting with iPhones that are doing more impressive things than most DSLR owners. Unfortunately, people judge your photographic ability largely on the size of your equipment (not unlike other activities
) rather than looking at what you produce with it. It is an unfortunate trend that many of us spend more time reading about gear than we do using what we've got.