Constant production model updates and changes, a question

Given for most numpty head users like me the changes between models are seldom earth shattering, do you that think it is to our, the consumer's, benefit or disadvantage for them to release new models with only a year or thereabouts between models?

Would you prefer that manufacturers stayed with models for a while, several years, and 'saved up' the improvements so that there was a 'vast' difference between the physical abilities of their camera's generations?

Of course I realise that whilst the "I must have the latest" is the driving force for many purchasers no manufacturer could afford to risk the above policy I would like to see if I am the only person who thinks like this

BTW I am not saying that Canon are the only manufacturer doing this, far from it. Olympus have released 2 DSLRs since the E500, the E330 and the E400, though I would regard the live LCD composition screen of the E330 as a major step but they reduced the sensor size compared to the E500 and I dont think the live view LCD was included in the E400

Ok I accept that by the time most electronic devices reach the market place they are out of date and that 'better' devices are already in the heads of R&D engineers if not already under test but I cant help but wonder if this is to our benefit to release cameras with only small improvements in hardware.

My Canon 350D, which is a year old and twice been in for repair for a info LCD fault, is now out of date because of 400D which makes me wonder how long type specific accessories and parts will be available.

How would I benefit as a 350D user if Canon did not release the 400D for another year or two? If I purchased the 350D to do a specific job, and it works for me, then it continues to work for me even if a new model is released. Nobody is forcing me to upgrade. On the other hand, users looking for perhaps their first DSLR or upgrading from a model, which is now a few years old, have the opportunity to get the latest innovations.

This is a fast moving environment and the competition between manufacturers is intense. I for one would rather have the opportunity to take advantage of improvements sooner rather than later.

Joe
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Nil Illegitimus Carbororundum

The benifit to you as a 350D user might be a prolonged easy access to backup, service, spares and model specific accessories.

However with "I for one would rather have the opportunity to take advantage of improvements sooner rather than later" it seems you look at things from the other view point, which is the other half of the debate and correctly so.