Why do you buy a new camera?

LFLee · 03-18-2015, 12:59 PM

hm.... part of the fun in photography is trying out different cameras.

I would like to shoot with different cameras, try them out, see why people likes them, etc. In this case I mostly refer to film cameras - I still have a list of cameras that I wish to own and try them out.

For new digital cameras.... I think it is more of sensor size, I didn't 'upgrade' to K3 as I think it is not much a upgrade, as I already set my next camera purchase will be full-frame.

It's OK, if some people like to get on the newest and latest no matter, I think that is part of the fun too!

Na Horuk · 03-18-2015, 01:30 PM

This poll is a pretty good case for planned obsolescence..

**monochrome** · 03-18-2015, 01:38 PM

As a general rule I don't buy new cameras or upgrade existing cameras..

Other than crazy things such as the Q close-out deals (I bought 7 of those) I buy old cameras. I run about 10:1 in number of cameras I own versus the cost of a new camera. I bought the K10D on end-of-life close-out and the K-01 on pre-order - the only camera I've actually bought as a new camera. I got a K-3 as a gift December, 2013 so count that however you want. I have about 15 cameras, all-in.

Don't ask about lenses. At one time I had 65.

6BQ5 · 03-18-2015, 01:39 PM

I guess we try to buy ourselves out of limitations. When we start out in photography the biggest limitation in our images is ourselves. We lack the art and craft at first but develop it over time. Our gear should follow our abilities.

I upgraded from a K-30 to a K-3 because I wanted to extract more detail from my subjects in the images. The K-30 has a weak AA filter whereas the K-3 has none at all. Combining the lack of a AA filter and the higher resolution sensor in the K-3 gives what I feel are crisper images. When I load the images from my K-3 onto my computer I see a picture on my screen that resembles what I saw in my mind's eye. If the picture is "off" then I feel like the more advanced sensor in the K-3 creates data that is easier to massage into what I need it to be.

redrockcoulee · 03-18-2015, 02:02 PM

My wife replaced her K10D for a K5 in order to have better low light focusing and more importantly after dropping it in Havana the autofocus did not work at all. The K10D was her first dlsr. I had used Nikons but did not own them. I got a K-r as the choice was that or a K5 and did not want to spend the money on a Pentax not knowing at the time how much I would use my Pentax film cameras at the same time. This December I got the K5iis so that I would have a better camera than my wife does

In reality I bought it because the price was so low (ended up the K5iis and the K-r cost me less than a K5 did at the time) I wanted the dual control wheels and the advantaage of our two cameras using the same batteries and having the same controls because often only one of us has a camera and the other wants to do take a couple of shots or I might be needing to use two cameras for an event. If she had not dropped her K10D we might both still have our original dlsr. I have two major photo holidays planned this year and next hence it was a timely purchase as well.

As long as the K5/K5iis keep working I do not see us replacing them. By the time to replace we will be entering 70 years old and might be more interested in a smaller camera. So far my wife skipped the K20D, K7 and now the K5ii and K3 as far as upgrading whenever a new model comes out.

The only reason we now have to buy a new camera is for one that is different from what we have now. I cannot think of a single feature that has come out in a camera since the K5 series that I need or perhaps even want nor do I currently concieve of a feature that could be added that I need.

lesmore49 · 03-18-2015, 02:43 PM

Currently, as far as Pentax DSLR's are concerned I have three. A K10D, A Km and a K-5. I only see myself getting another....if one of these bodies breaks down.

Both during my film and digital days, I've usually always had either two or three camera bodies when I go to an photo event or out on a photo shoot for the day.
That's the way I roll !

Although, I might eventually get a Pentax full frame, particularly since Pentax indicated that my Pentax ASP-C lenses will work on this body.

Imp · 03-18-2015, 03:23 PM

I guess it would be features... I have a K-30, and If I upgrade it would probably be for better AF, mic port, flippy screen, more control.

But I chose none of the above because I've only owned the K-30, and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon

Zephos · 03-18-2015, 03:26 PM

Because I can! .... once I get that nice job after college haha

RonHendriks1966 · 03-18-2015, 04:32 PM

I don't think I will upgrade this year or in 2016. I have plenty of camera's all running on the stunning 16 megapixelsensor that can deliver good images for years to come.

Outis · 03-18-2015, 05:22 PM

My last camera was a point-and-shoot and I wanted a DSLR. Before that, my previous camera died.

wolfworx · 03-18-2015, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by Pentax1000

Interesting answer. Doesn't actual photographs look enough hi-res for you?

My vote goes for "my camera is limited or broke".

The jump from 14 to 16 megapixels was minor, the real difference to me was dynamic range ...
The K7 images often have a "harsh" feel to them (for lack of a better word) , K5 images feels "richer". Not scientific I know

**Tony Belding** · 03-18-2015, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by LFLee

hm.... part of the fun in photography is trying out different cameras.

This.

However, new cameras have gotten so complicated that, even if cost isn't an issue, I have to devote a fair bit of time and effort to familiarization before I can use them effectively. I ran into this problem with my K-5 II recently. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with the interface, but I became frustrated when it kept doing things I didn't expect. I just haven't spent enough time with it.

On the other hand, my roughly 30+ year old Sears KS-2 (AKA Ricoh XR7) is working great with a brand new Samyang 35mm lens and a supply of Kodak Ektar 100. I find it very pleasing to shoot with.

mtux · 03-18-2015, 08:04 PM

I've upgraded from K-30 to K-3
because of more drive modes (like mirror lock-up)
because of having manual control over the on-board flash
because of having two SD slots
because of having an LCD to show stuff and having more battery power.
and the most important was that shutter count was reaching 30K and I thought it will be harder to sell it if it goes much further.

JRMax · 03-18-2015, 08:06 PM - **1 Like**

I always seem to be able to justify getting a new camera because of some new and better feature that it might have. This is despite the fact that my existing camera was good enough for my skill level at the time. Since May 2009 I have purchased a Pentax Km (since sold), K-7 and a K-5 IIs. In addition I have a Fujifilm water proof camera, three Panasonic LUMIX's and a Sony RX100 III. If the K3 had a tilting LCD I would have one of those by now.

I voted "because I want to upgrade" but in reality I just love buying new gear!

**lmd91343** · 03-18-2015, 08:16 PM - **1 Like**

For DSLRs:

K10D I was getting tired of film (too much work) and wanted to try digital.

K20D I wanted the higher resolution and to use my K10D for IR.

K5 I wanted the increased DR.

K3 I wanted the increased resolution. I have noticed the decrease in DR, but the increase in resolution helps to offset some of that dissapointment. I need to stop carrying my K5 and K3 at the same time.

View Poll Results: Why do you upgrade your camera?
My actual camera is limited OR my camera broke	66	56.41%
Future's technology will offer something that I need today	34	29.06%
I like to follow the fashion and tendences	4	3.42%
I collect cameras	15	12.82%
None of the above (please explain)	17	14.53%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 117. You may not vote on this poll

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03-18-2015, 12:59 PM	#16
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	hm.... part of the fun in photography is trying out different cameras. I would like to shoot with different cameras, try them out, see why people likes them, etc. In this case I mostly refer to film cameras - I still have a list of cameras that I wish to own and try them out. For new digital cameras.... I think it is more of sensor size, I didn't 'upgrade' to K3 as I think it is not much a upgrade, as I already set my next camera purchase will be full-frame. It's OK, if some people like to get on the newest and latest no matter, I think that is part of the fun too!

03-18-2015, 01:30 PM	#17
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	This poll is a pretty good case for planned obsolescence..

03-18-2015, 01:38 PM	#18
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	As a general rule I don't buy new cameras or upgrade existing cameras.. Other than crazy things such as the Q close-out deals (I bought 7 of those) I buy old cameras. I run about 10:1 in number of cameras I own versus the cost of a new camera. I bought the K10D on end-of-life close-out and the K-01 on pre-order - the only camera I've actually bought as a new camera. I got a K-3 as a gift December, 2013 so count that however you want. I have about 15 cameras, all-in. Don't ask about lenses. At one time I had 65.

03-18-2015, 01:39 PM	#19
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I guess we try to buy ourselves out of limitations. When we start out in photography the biggest limitation in our images is ourselves. We lack the art and craft at first but develop it over time. Our gear should follow our abilities. I upgraded from a K-30 to a K-3 because I wanted to extract more detail from my subjects in the images. The K-30 has a weak AA filter whereas the K-3 has none at all. Combining the lack of a AA filter and the higher resolution sensor in the K-3 gives what I feel are crisper images. When I load the images from my K-3 onto my computer I see a picture on my screen that resembles what I saw in my mind's eye. If the picture is "off" then I feel like the more advanced sensor in the K-3 creates data that is easier to massage into what I need it to be.

03-18-2015, 02:02 PM	#20
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	My wife replaced her K10D for a K5 in order to have better low light focusing and more importantly after dropping it in Havana the autofocus did not work at all. The K10D was her first dlsr. I had used Nikons but did not own them. I got a K-r as the choice was that or a K5 and did not want to spend the money on a Pentax not knowing at the time how much I would use my Pentax film cameras at the same time. This December I got the K5iis so that I would have a better camera than my wife does In reality I bought it because the price was so low (ended up the K5iis and the K-r cost me less than a K5 did at the time) I wanted the dual control wheels and the advantaage of our two cameras using the same batteries and having the same controls because often only one of us has a camera and the other wants to do take a couple of shots or I might be needing to use two cameras for an event. If she had not dropped her K10D we might both still have our original dlsr. I have two major photo holidays planned this year and next hence it was a timely purchase as well. As long as the K5/K5iis keep working I do not see us replacing them. By the time to replace we will be entering 70 years old and might be more interested in a smaller camera. So far my wife skipped the K20D, K7 and now the K5ii and K3 as far as upgrading whenever a new model comes out. The only reason we now have to buy a new camera is for one that is different from what we have now. I cannot think of a single feature that has come out in a camera since the K5 series that I need or perhaps even want nor do I currently concieve of a feature that could be added that I need.

03-18-2015, 02:43 PM	#21
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,325	Currently, as far as Pentax DSLR's are concerned I have three. A K10D, A Km and a K-5. I only see myself getting another....if one of these bodies breaks down. Both during my film and digital days, I've usually always had either two or three camera bodies when I go to an photo event or out on a photo shoot for the day. That's the way I roll ! Although, I might eventually get a Pentax full frame, particularly since Pentax indicated that my Pentax ASP-C lenses will work on this body.

03-18-2015, 03:23 PM	#22
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	I guess it would be features... I have a K-30, and If I upgrade it would probably be for better AF, mic port, flippy screen, more control. But I chose none of the above because I've only owned the K-30, and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon

03-18-2015, 03:26 PM	#23
Zephos Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Photos: Albums Posts: 341	Because I can! .... once I get that nice job after college haha

03-18-2015, 04:32 PM	#24
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	I don't think I will upgrade this year or in 2016. I have plenty of camera's all running on the stunning 16 megapixelsensor that can deliver good images for years to come.

03-18-2015, 05:22 PM	#25
Outis Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 935	My last camera was a point-and-shoot and I wanted a DSLR. Before that, my previous camera died.

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03-18-2015, 07:48 PM	#26
wolfworx Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East London Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 61	Originally posted by Pentax1000 Interesting answer. Doesn't actual photographs look enough hi-res for you? My vote goes for "my camera is limited or broke". The jump from 14 to 16 megapixels was minor, the real difference to me was dynamic range ... The K7 images often have a "harsh" feel to them (for lack of a better word) , K5 images feels "richer". Not scientific I know

03-18-2015, 08:03 PM	#27
Tony Belding Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hamilton, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 777	Originally posted by LFLee hm.... part of the fun in photography is trying out different cameras. This. However, new cameras have gotten so complicated that, even if cost isn't an issue, I have to devote a fair bit of time and effort to familiarization before I can use them effectively. I ran into this problem with my K-5 II recently. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with the interface, but I became frustrated when it kept doing things I didn't expect. I just haven't spent enough time with it. On the other hand, my roughly 30+ year old Sears KS-2 (AKA Ricoh XR7) is working great with a brand new Samyang 35mm lens and a supply of Kodak Ektar 100. I find it very pleasing to shoot with.

03-18-2015, 08:04 PM	#28
mtux Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: the Netherlands Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,444	I've upgraded from K-30 to K-3 because of more drive modes (like mirror lock-up) because of having manual control over the on-board flash because of having two SD slots because of having an LCD to show stuff and having more battery power. and the most important was that shutter count was reaching 30K and I thought it will be harder to sell it if it goes much further.

03-18-2015, 08:06 PM - 1 Like	#29
JRMax Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 56	I always seem to be able to justify getting a new camera because of some new and better feature that it might have. This is despite the fact that my existing camera was good enough for my skill level at the time. Since May 2009 I have purchased a Pentax Km (since sold), K-7 and a K-5 IIs. In addition I have a Fujifilm water proof camera, three Panasonic LUMIX's and a Sony RX100 III. If the K3 had a tilting LCD I would have one of those by now. I voted "because I want to upgrade" but in reality I just love buying new gear!

03-18-2015, 08:16 PM - 1 Like	#30
lmd91343 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,027	For DSLRs: K10D I was getting tired of film (too much work) and wanted to try digital. K20D I wanted the higher resolution and to use my K10D for IR. K5 I wanted the increased DR. K3 I wanted the increased resolution. I have noticed the decrease in DR, but the increase in resolution helps to offset some of that dissapointment. I need to stop carrying my K5 and K3 at the same time.