Reality check...'needing' new DSLRs?

[grazuncle]

Hi all

I have used all my past kit (film and digital) professionally. However, I have noticed a trend that I have to curb now and then. Perhaps others here can identify with it.

We're all familiar with the phrase. 'the grass is always greener' well it it not always the case. I'm not against progress but I am honest enough to state that I will not always use the latest functions/facilities available on the latest model cameras (seemingly every 6 months). Before I get flamed... If someone has a real need for a feature. go and get it by all means.. I applaud you.

BUT.... I know I can get carried away with measurable but insignificant improvements in quality that (I'm being honest again) I or my clients will never see or appreciate. This 'need' to improve my kit can be insatiiable and when it is not met or resolved quick enough, I'll start looking at other models of DSLR that are available ( I looked at the Pentax *ist.. totally impractical for my needs, new glass etc.. what was I thinking?.. Did I say thinking?) and try to rationalise that if I had that one 'all would be rosy in the garden' again.

I try to do the reality check when attacked by the very persuasive marketing media. Or even on these forums.. when someone is glowing about this or that 'new' function. I can be hard to pull the reins in but have learned over the years that changing kit unecessarily has been expensive, not trouble free and sometimes frustratingly dissastisfying.

I mention all of this (reluctantly) because I see myself in some of the threads here.. typically

1. When wil the S3 be here (frustration)
2. I'm thinkiing of getting ? (another brand/model)
3. I have handled x (but not used ) and I think it's great!
4. etc etc etc

Again, I will state that what others do is their own business.. but I do a reality check now and then to curb this 'need' to upgrade, and only say this because I recognise this in myself.

I applaud those (esp in this forum) who say they are happy with what they have and feel they can state it without feeling like a lepor. I am not saying that I will never change a piece of kit, but it will have to prove itself rather than appeal to my lack of self control.

Session over.. thanks for viewing.. Now, must put it into practice.
--
regards to all

Sooty

 

[see ya']

The fact of the matter is that the S2 is an incredible sensor, stuffed in a mediocre body. I think you'll be hard pressed to get noticeably better difference in image quality compared to the newer models from Nikon and Canon. For some, the N80 body is all they need, either because their needs are simple, or they have learned the shortcomings and workarounds of the camera. OTOH, there are some who are tired of fighting the S2's slow autofocus, small buffer, and average metering system. It is those people who have legitimate thoughts of an upgrade. Of course, there is always a tradeoff in an upgrade. I still think that the S2 has the best high ISO performance of anything out there, and it has the best bang for the buck as far as resolution. I ended up buying a D2h, but I'm not ready to let my S2 go just yet.

Hi all

I have used all my past kit (film and digital) professionally.
However, I have noticed a trend that I have to curb now and then.
Perhaps others here can identify with it.

We're all familiar with the phrase. 'the grass is always greener'
well it it not always the case. I'm not against progress but I am
honest enough to state that I will not always use the latest
functions/facilities available on the latest model cameras
(seemingly every 6 months). Before I get flamed... If someone has a
real need for a feature. go and get it by all means.. I applaud you.

BUT.... I know I can get carried away with measurable but
insignificant improvements in quality that (I'm being honest again)
I or my clients will never see or appreciate. This 'need' to
improve my kit can be insatiiable and when it is not met or
resolved quick enough, I'll start looking at other models of DSLR
that are available ( I looked at the Pentax *ist.. totally
impractical for my needs, new glass etc.. what was I thinking?..
Did I say thinking?) and try to rationalise that if I had that one
'all would be rosy in the garden' again.

I try to do the reality check when attacked by the very persuasive
marketing media. Or even on these forums.. when someone is glowing
about this or that 'new' function. I can be hard to pull the reins
in but have learned over the years that changing kit unecessarily
has been expensive, not trouble free and sometimes frustratingly
dissastisfying.

I mention all of this (reluctantly) because I see myself in some of
the threads here.. typically

1. When wil the S3 be here (frustration)
2. I'm thinkiing of getting ? (another brand/model)
3. I have handled x (but not used ) and I think it's great!
4. etc etc etc

Again, I will state that what others do is their own business.. but
I do a reality check now and then to curb this 'need' to upgrade,
and only say this because I recognise this in myself.

I applaud those (esp in this forum) who say they are happy with
what they have and feel they can state it without feeling like a
lepor. I am not saying that I will never change a piece of kit, but
it will have to prove itself rather than appeal to my lack of self
control.

Session over.. thanks for viewing.. Now, must put it into practice.
--
regards to all

Sooty

 

[EKHatch]

I find this posting both good natured and useful! I never got much in the way of advice from my father, but one of his favorites when I was a young teenager (before the glaciers left) was, "wait two weeks and see if you still want it."

In the case of broader exposure latitude and the ability to make REALLY BIG prints, I do still want it. My studio is committed to digital workflow, and our budget is limited -- so that leaves me tossing between an hypothetical S3 and a real-time-but-has-glitches Kodak ProSLR/n.

I'm doing pretty well the my S2, quirks and all, but yes, I've waited two weeks, and yes, I do still want it.

Hi all

I have used all my past kit (film and digital) professionally.
However, I have noticed a trend that I have to curb now and then.
Perhaps others here can identify with it.

We're all familiar with the phrase. 'the grass is always greener'
well it it not always the case. I'm not against progress but I am
honest enough to state that I will not always use the latest
functions/facilities available on the latest model cameras
(seemingly every 6 months). Before I get flamed... If someone has a
real need for a feature. go and get it by all means.. I applaud you.

BUT.... I know I can get carried away with measurable but
insignificant improvements in quality that (I'm being honest again)
I or my clients will never see or appreciate. This 'need' to
improve my kit can be insatiiable and when it is not met or
resolved quick enough, I'll start looking at other models of DSLR
that are available ( I looked at the Pentax *ist.. totally
impractical for my needs, new glass etc.. what was I thinking?..
Did I say thinking?) and try to rationalise that if I had that one
'all would be rosy in the garden' again.

I try to do the reality check when attacked by the very persuasive
marketing media. Or even on these forums.. when someone is glowing
about this or that 'new' function. I can be hard to pull the reins
in but have learned over the years that changing kit unecessarily
has been expensive, not trouble free and sometimes frustratingly
dissastisfying.

I mention all of this (reluctantly) because I see myself in some of
the threads here.. typically

1. When wil the S3 be here (frustration)
2. I'm thinkiing of getting ? (another brand/model)
3. I have handled x (but not used ) and I think it's great!
4. etc etc etc

Again, I will state that what others do is their own business.. but
I do a reality check now and then to curb this 'need' to upgrade,
and only say this because I recognise this in myself.

I applaud those (esp in this forum) who say they are happy with
what they have and feel they can state it without feeling like a
lepor. I am not saying that I will never change a piece of kit, but
it will have to prove itself rather than appeal to my lack of self
control.

Session over.. thanks for viewing.. Now, must put it into practice.
--
regards to all

Sooty

--
Share the beauty in the commonplace

 

[Joe_Farrugia]

I find this posting both good natured and useful! I never got much
in the way of advice from my father, but one of his favorites when
I was a young teenager (before the glaciers left) was, "wait two
weeks and see if you still want it."

--
Joe Farrugia

 

[grazuncle]

Thanks Eric.. I was hoping to find a symathetic ear and your comment from your father was good advice.

However, In my case I need a month!

I appreciate the comment, too about the latitude of the S3 (we will have to wait to see that) ... most Pros will have other needs too.

More balanced comments like this, please.

In the case of broader exposure latitude and the ability to make
REALLY BIG prints, I do still want it. My studio is committed to
digital workflow, and our budget is limited -- so that leaves me
tossing between an hypothetical S3 and a real-time-but-has-glitches
Kodak ProSLR/n.

I'm doing pretty well the my S2, quirks and all, but yes, I've
waited two weeks, and yes, I do still want it.

Hi all

I have used all my past kit (film and digital) professionally.
However, I have noticed a trend that I have to curb now and then.
Perhaps others here can identify with it.

We're all familiar with the phrase. 'the grass is always greener'
well it it not always the case. I'm not against progress but I am
honest enough to state that I will not always use the latest
functions/facilities available on the latest model cameras
(seemingly every 6 months). Before I get flamed... If someone has a
real need for a feature. go and get it by all means.. I applaud you.

BUT.... I know I can get carried away with measurable but
insignificant improvements in quality that (I'm being honest again)
I or my clients will never see or appreciate. This 'need' to
improve my kit can be insatiiable and when it is not met or
resolved quick enough, I'll start looking at other models of DSLR
that are available ( I looked at the Pentax *ist.. totally
impractical for my needs, new glass etc.. what was I thinking?..
Did I say thinking?) and try to rationalise that if I had that one
'all would be rosy in the garden' again.

I try to do the reality check when attacked by the very persuasive
marketing media. Or even on these forums.. when someone is glowing
about this or that 'new' function. I can be hard to pull the reins
in but have learned over the years that changing kit unecessarily
has been expensive, not trouble free and sometimes frustratingly
dissastisfying.

I mention all of this (reluctantly) because I see myself in some of
the threads here.. typically

1. When wil the S3 be here (frustration)
2. I'm thinkiing of getting ? (another brand/model)
3. I have handled x (but not used ) and I think it's great!
4. etc etc etc

Again, I will state that what others do is their own business.. but
I do a reality check now and then to curb this 'need' to upgrade,
and only say this because I recognise this in myself.

I applaud those (esp in this forum) who say they are happy with
what they have and feel they can state it without feeling like a
lepor. I am not saying that I will never change a piece of kit, but
it will have to prove itself rather than appeal to my lack of self
control.

Session over.. thanks for viewing.. Now, must put it into practice.
--
regards to all

Sooty

--
Share the beauty in the commonplace

--
regards to all

Sooty

 

[David Grabowski]

I find this posting both good natured and useful! I never got much
in the way of advice from my father, but one of his favorites when
I was a young teenager (before the glaciers left) was, "wait two
weeks and see if you still want it."

In the case of broader exposure latitude and the ability to make
REALLY BIG prints, I do still want it. My studio is committed to
digital workflow, and our budget is limited -- so that leaves me
tossing between an hypothetical S3 and a real-time-but-has-glitches
Kodak ProSLR/n.

I'm doing pretty well the my S2, quirks and all, but yes, I've
waited two weeks, and yes, I do still want it.

Sounds like you need to try one out ! Still, I waited most of the winter and sprung for the Oly E1 , even after trying one out first and bringing files home, I ended up returning it. So tread carefully, and buy from a place with a good return policy !!!
David

 

[Steve Bingham]

Bought the kodak SLR/n. Returned it. Bought another S2 as it turned out, the grass was greener - in the center and purpler on the outside. Mistake. Lesson learned to the tune of $500.

Relax. Love the S2 for what it does best: Best detail at ISO 800 in the entire field! Equal to any at ISO 400. Better than most at ISO 200. Great natural color. Great jpgs. Extremely low noise (best in the group). Light weight. Robust (yes, I have drop tested mine - accidently). Fun to use.

Work around the net-picks.

Steve Bingham
http://www.dustylens.com

 

[GodSpeaks]

Well, I too bit. I got the SLRn after Fuji anounced the S3. I wanted/needed more megapixels and a full frame CCD.

Unlike Steve, I still have mine. No purple hot spots or color shifts. Very minimal CA around the edges (easily correctable in PS8 - AND version 5 firmware due out very soon will solve even that - at least that is what Kodak tell's us).

Basically I am very happy with my SLRn. Now I can use my wide angle lenses as God and Nikon intended.

I still have my S2, which I will keep for a while anyway, as a backup camera.

But the technolust sure is strong at times. Doen't help when you reside on sites like dpreview, where info on the latest and greatest is always just a click away.

The advice to wait 2 weeks (or a month) is probably the best advice you can heed. In that time frame, often another must have item will have come along and your technolust will have refocused, the old object of affection, forgotten.

Declan

--
One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
I can feel an angel sliding up to me

 

[R. C. Johnson]

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

 

[see ya']

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?

Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?

If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.

 

[Fred Phillips]

Flame me if you like but I can't stand it any more. It's not "loose" it's "lose". My coment is unimportant, trivial, off topic, a waste of pixels, etc etc but I will sleep better just to know that I will not see "loose" again. Now to get after the those who spell "lens" as "lense".

Fred

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?
Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need
to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?
If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the
loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.

 

[Flick]

Now to get after the those who
spell "lens" as "lense".

Or indeed those who say the those ;-)

 

[see ya']

If your going to flame someone for a typo, at least spell the words in your own post correctly....And who the hell are "the those"?

idiot!

Fred

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?
Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need
to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?
If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the
loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.

 

[GoncaloProenca]

I think that the S2 is a great great camera and it should make happy a really bunch of photographers.

Of course, there are specific type of photographers that cant live up with the S2 : PJ's, sport's people and so on.

But for all the rest, the S2 is more than up to the task.

Do I need another DSLR ? Well.. I would like to see the AF improved, the viewfinder brighter and LARGER and faster AF.

rugged body ? better build ? F5 stylish ? 80 fps ? humongus buffer ?

Dont need those but would happy if they come for free ;-)

So I would like to see a S2 improved but wouldnt pay premium for it.

I'm currently watching very very closely the evolution of the SLR/n. It shows itself as a big camera : it has a better viewfinder, AF seems better ( not so many background OOF's ) and the body is sexy ( yeah yeah kill me but I love the 14n/SLRn body ) . 8mp plus ( 6+8 = 14 ) seems as a nice thing too. And it does have a rugged and better build, as well as a larger buffer.

But do I need it ? no. Or at least I'm convincing myself of that. Maybe I should go with Eric's father advice. But a lot of two weeks have gone by ... eheheh

--
Goncalo Proenca - Lisbon,Portugal, Europe
=========================================
Fuji S2 Pro / Nikkor 35-70 AFD f2,8/ Tamron 90mm SPII/Nikon SB26
=========================================
My gallery : http://galerias.escritacomluz.com/_v3sa_/

 

[Gabriele Sartori]

Hi all

I have used all my past kit (film and digital) professionally.
However, I have noticed a trend that I have to curb now and then.
Perhaps others here can identify with it.

I have the S2 and the D100. Very few times I feel the need for a better camera. I need resolution and/or velvia colors I go for the S2. I need monster battery life and (in my opinion) much more natural colors and camera settings? I go for the D100. Buffer, speed, AF they are fine to me in both of them. The RAW on the D100 is a real dream but PS CS is helping the S2 too. Who needs more?

--
Regards
Gabriele Sartori
Bay Area, CA
--------------------
Equipment list in profile

 

[Fred Phillips]

Bob the builder (I think that's a children's toy isn't it??)

"coment" was a typo and I wouldn't say a word of criiiticism about typos but "loose" is an incorrect spelling that I've seen here many times before in these forums (or is it fora?) and it is just incorrect; it was not a typo. (I already explained that my complaint is trivial, off topic and unimportant. Nevertheless it is valid. Take it or leave it.) To point out a continuous use of incorrect spelling is just constructive criticism. Sorry you're so thin skinned about that but that's your problem. It's still a wrong spelling---and so is "lense". As for "the those", another typo of mine. I apologize. I admit I'm a lousy typist--but a good speller. And calling me an "idiot"--really Bob the Builder, tsk tsk such language! Feel better now?

Fred

idiot!

Fred

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?
Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need
to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?
If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the
loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.

 

[Flick]

Obviously not a Brit? Bob the Builder is a cartoon character "Bob the Builder, he can fix it" .

"coment" was a typo and I wouldn't say a word of criiiticism about
typos but "loose" is an incorrect spelling that I've seen here many
times before in these forums (or is it fora?) and it is just
incorrect; it was not a typo. (I already explained that my
complaint is trivial, off topic and unimportant. Nevertheless it
is valid. Take it or leave it.) To point out a continuous use of
incorrect spelling is just constructive criticism. Sorry you're so
thin skinned about that but that's your problem. It's still a wrong
spelling---and so is "lense". As for "the those", another typo of
mine. I apologize. I admit I'm a lousy typist--but a good
speller. And calling me an "idiot"--really Bob the Builder, tsk tsk
such language! Feel better now?

Fred

If your going to flame someone for a typo, at least spell the words
in your own post correctly....And who the hell are "the those"?

 

[Flick]

My needs:

• auto focus that works; my camera has been back to Fuji once already, came back improved improved but is failing again
• a decent, bright viewfinder
• More solid body - which might stop the awful camera shake (I've been a photographer for over 30 years, four pro and before that involved in graphics and illustration, and haven't had a problem with hand held camera shake before the S2)
• A full frame CCD, please, please, please. I hate the crop, it's rendered my favourite lenses less than ideal

Yes, I daydream of these things, but I'm grateful for superb natural colour with RAW files, especially flesh tones, and I like the low noise at high ISO with the S2.

Flick.

 

[see ya']

So omitting a character is a typo, but accidentally doubling a character automatically makes it a spelling error, didn't know you could read minds...

So I guess you must think criticism really is spelled with "criiiticism"

Sorry for the "idiot" crack... I should have used the word moroon...well, you get the picture.

"coment" was a typo and I wouldn't say a word of criiiticism about
typos but "loose" is an incorrect spelling that I've seen here many
times before in these forums (or is it fora?) and it is just
incorrect; it was not a typo. (I already explained that my
complaint is trivial, off topic and unimportant. Nevertheless it
is valid. Take it or leave it.) To point out a continuous use of
incorrect spelling is just constructive criticism. Sorry you're so
thin skinned about that but that's your problem. It's still a wrong
spelling---and so is "lense". As for "the those", another typo of
mine. I apologize. I admit I'm a lousy typist--but a good
speller. And calling me an "idiot"--really Bob the Builder, tsk tsk
such language! Feel better now?

Fred

idiot!

Fred

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?
Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need
to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?
If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the
loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.

 

[Fred Phillips]

Sorry Bob the Builder

Not gonna go head to head on this any longer. If you say yours was a typo so be it. Others make the same "typo" around here often enough that I 'm sure it's bad spelling. But no biggee. If you say typo then it's typo.

But as you said "I get the picture" and I'm sure "you get the picture".

Not surpised that you use words like "moron" and "idiot" though. Goes with your monicker, B the B. i.e. childish.

:

So omitting a character is a typo, but accidentally doubling a
character automatically makes it a spelling error, didn't know you
could read minds...

So I guess you must think criticism really is spelled with
"criiiticism"

Sorry for the "idiot" crack... I should have used the word
moroon...well, you get the picture.

"coment" was a typo and I wouldn't say a word of criiiticism about
typos but "loose" is an incorrect spelling that I've seen here many
times before in these forums (or is it fora?) and it is just
incorrect; it was not a typo. (I already explained that my
complaint is trivial, off topic and unimportant. Nevertheless it
is valid. Take it or leave it.) To point out a continuous use of
incorrect spelling is just constructive criticism. Sorry you're so
thin skinned about that but that's your problem. It's still a wrong
spelling---and so is "lense". As for "the those", another typo of
mine. I apologize. I admit I'm a lousy typist--but a good
speller. And calling me an "idiot"--really Bob the Builder, tsk tsk
such language! Feel better now?

Fred

idiot!

Fred

so I don't know squat about economics, but if we start buying only
what we need, won't the entire global economy collapse?

--
R. C. Johnson

What is needed is quite subjective:
Do I need a car, or do I need to move closer to my work?
Do I need to use fuel to heat my home in the winter, or do I need
to migrate closer to the tropics?
Do I need that new DSLR, or do I need to stop living in the past?
Do I need another piece of pie, or do I need to loose weight?
If I do loose weight, will I need a new coat to compensate for the
loss of body fat?
Oh heck, I better eat the pie...

Anyway, supply and demand will always balance out in the long run.