Question of the week: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new camera?

[globeShooter]

I guess you are asking me if I do any shooting. I do, that's why I posted my five. Can you post yours?

 

[thebestusername]

• What’s the updated lead time on my backordered X100VI?
• Can I get an estimated restock date for my backordered Fuji X100VI?
• Is my order still on backorder, or has it moved to processing?
• When do I expect to receive my backordered X100VI?
• Can I get confirmation about my current backorder status and ETA?

By the way, I'm still waiting.

 

[musicshootr]

My goodness. That's infuriating. Surely the camera has been out long enough now that the backorder should be resolved, and yet...

 

[Mr Bolton]

Are the issues I'm having with current camera (that make me want a new camera) related to the camera or the user??

Will I have the same problems with a new camera?

Will I look back on photos taken with current camera and suffer buyer's remorse?

Is the new camera and lens going to be too heavy and unwieldy for travel?

Can I get a decent amount of money for the camera I will be selling?

Wait.. you're supposed to sell them?? :-D

 

[GeoffRG]

Are the issues I'm having with current camera (that make me want a new camera) related to the camera or the user??

Will I have the same problems with a new camera?

Will I look back on photos taken with current camera and suffer buyer's remorse?

Is the new camera and lens going to be too heavy and unwieldy for travel?

Can I get a decent amount of money for the camera I will be selling?

Wait.. you're supposed to sell them?? :-D

Only if you want to

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

Fuji rep here (no, not really).

• What’s the updated lead time on my backordered X100VI?

How much time do you have left on Earth?

• Can I get an estimated restock date for my backordered Fuji X100VI?

Sometime between now and never.

• Is my order still on backorder, or has it moved to processing?

Hasn't moved. The end goal is to make sloths look fast.

• When do I expect to receive my backordered X100VI?

Maybe sometime this century? We produce five units a month. We have a private drawing to determine which backordered recipients are the lucky winner.

• Can I get confirmation about my current backorder status and ETA?

Can confirm it's backordered.

By the way, I'm still waiting.

You're doing an excellent job at waiting, keep it up!

Sorry, just had to have some fun here, but yeah, you shouldn't have to wait this long.

 

[MJ_Photo38]

I was initially reluctant to use the FTZ adapter with F-mount lens on Nikon Z-bodies but eventually gave in and it has worked out pretty well. Nikon's Z system doesn't have the lens ecosystem as F-mount, so the FTZ has saved me from having to re-buy lenses. Also, there are instances where there is no Z-mount equivalent as well.

BINGO... thankyouverymuch... ;-)

If Nikon comes out with a newer (reduced in size and weight) version of the FTZ adapter... I might give it a shot... we'll see... ;-)

This will not happen... because of something called physics.

The FTZ is already plastic and about as light as it can be. And in terms of size, it can't be made any smaller because it needs to compensate for the difference in flange distance between the Z mount and the F mount.

By the way, my Z6 + FTZ + F mount lens was always smaller and lighter than any of my F mount DSLRs using the same lens...

 

[Franck Mee]

That is an impressive list of repairs, although one cannot help wondering how you have been so unlucky or you use your equipment professionally in tough environments.

I guess it's a bit of both.

Motherboard dying on my A7RIV: hopefully bad luck. I searched everywhere for a similar case and only found one (on a A7III).

Pentax K-5: the lens release knob was teared off by a loose cable inside my bag when I pulled the camera out. A bit of bad luck (how did this cable take the exact shape that would not let go?) and rushed work (I need this camera NOW!).

Sony lens damaged: dropped during lens change (I need this lens NOW!!!)

Tamron lens damaged: pure dumbness, plus some idiocy and a touch of stupidity on my part (forgot to close the bag…)

Sigma lens: old age (K-mount needs a spring to close down the diaphragm, this spring broke after many years of heavy work in dusty and moist environments)

Google phone: that one's on them. It was supposed to be IP68 and water broke in after like 30 secs under 20 cm of water.

I also dropped a Nikon kit (and finally found a use for their pretty bad 18-55mm: it crashed and saved the camera).

Basically my gear lives a hard life. I do wildlife, airshows and car rallies, plus sometimes astrophotography, so many hour-long moist and/or dusty shootings with no way to protect cameras and lenses. The worst was a Monte-Carlo Historique rally in which I was stuck for 5 hours in 2°C (about 35°F) heavy snow, which melted slowly on top of my K10D to make sure every seal was thoroughly tested. The first half-hour, I tried to keeps the snow off the camera, then my fingers started to turn white and numb, so I went "hey, I need my fingers more than I need my camera". The camera actually didn't seem to care as long as I had warm batteries, and came out of it cleaner than it ever had been.

I also tend to switch gear very quickly when conditions and/or subjects change, so being careful when I get a lens out of the bag is not a priority. I buy slingshot bags to save time, I'm not willing to loose it again by taking extra precautions and checking everything else is stable before I get my gear out.

Bottom line: I buy rather high-end gear in order to not take care of it. Pretty sure I'd kill an entry-level camera in a few months.

 

[Mr Bolton]

That is an impressive list of repairs, although one cannot help wondering how you have been so unlucky or you use your equipment professionally in tough environments.

I guess it's a bit of both.

Motherboard dying on my A7RIV: hopefully bad luck. I searched everywhere for a similar case and only found one (on a A7III).

Pentax K-5: the lens release knob was teared off by a loose cable inside my bag when I pulled the camera out. A bit of bad luck (how did this cable take the exact shape that would not let go?) and rushed work (I need this camera NOW!).

Sony lens damaged: dropped during lens change (I need this lens NOW!!!)

Tamron lens damaged: pure dumbness, plus some idiocy and a touch of stupidity on my part (forgot to close the bag…)

Sigma lens: old age (K-mount needs a spring to close down the diaphragm, this spring broke after many years of heavy work in dusty and moist environments)

Google phone: that one's on them. It was supposed to be IP68 and water broke in after like 30 secs under 20 cm of water.

I also dropped a Nikon kit (and finally found a use for their pretty bad 18-55mm: it crashed and saved the camera).

Basically my gear lives a hard life. I do wildlife, airshows and car rallies, plus sometimes astrophotography, so many hour-long moist and/or dusty shootings with no way to protect cameras and lenses. The worst was a Monte-Carlo Historique rally in which I was stuck for 5 hours in 2°C (about 35°F) heavy snow, which melted slowly on top of my K10D to make sure every seal was thoroughly tested. The first half-hour, I tried to keeps the snow off the camera, then my fingers started to turn white and numb, so I went "hey, I need my fingers more than I need my camera". The camera actually didn't seem to care as long as I had warm batteries, and came out of it cleaner than it ever had been.

I also tend to switch gear very quickly when conditions and/or subjects change, so being careful when I get a lens out of the bag is not a priority. I buy slingshot bags to save time, I'm not willing to loose it again by taking extra precautions and checking everything else is stable before I get my gear out.

Bottom line: I buy rather high-end gear in order to not take care of it. Pretty sure I'd kill an entry-level camera in a few months.

That's a valid point, too. Spending your money in the right place, in the first place. That might mean spending more up front for durable, WR gear, which would save money in the long run by not failing nearly as often. I live in the rainy PNW and take my camera with me on cycling trips and hikes, etc... so it's gonna get rained on. Sometimes, a lot.

I buy nicer cameras than maybe I really need, because they are more rain and moisture resistant than lower end models.

 

[Your Fav Storyteller]

Being a professional photographer, I would like to suggest you follow these things should remember while purchasing a camera :

* You need to understand what type of photography you are into or passionate about.

For example, if you are into portrait photography, your best choice would be Nikon or Canon. If you are into wildlife photography, your best choice would be Sony
If you are into cinematography, Sony would be your best choice

* You need to understand different types of lenses and their uses for different purposes.
For Portraits and close-up shots, 85mm and 135mm with a shallow depth of field would be a great pick. For Wildlife shots, consider using 400mm or 600mm lenses.

* Depth of field or aperture of the lenses for different works:

Suppose you are a Canon user and a portrait lover

Likewise, an 85mm lens has more than 4 versions of DOF for Canon

85 with an aperture of f2.0
85 with an aperture of f1.8
85 with an aperture of f1.4
85 with an aperture of f1.2

* Go for your Favorite Brand, keeping in mind the other points.
* Look out for your Budget.

 

[Hans Z]

That is an impressive list of repairs, although one cannot help wondering how you have been so unlucky or you use your equipment professionally in tough environments.

I guess it's a bit of both.

Motherboard dying on my A7RIV: hopefully bad luck. I searched everywhere for a similar case and only found one (on a A7III).

Pentax K-5: the lens release knob was teared off by a loose cable inside my bag when I pulled the camera out. A bit of bad luck (how did this cable take the exact shape that would not let go?) and rushed work (I need this camera NOW!).

Sony lens damaged: dropped during lens change (I need this lens NOW!!!)

Tamron lens damaged: pure dumbness, plus some idiocy and a touch of stupidity on my part (forgot to close the bag…)

Sigma lens: old age (K-mount needs a spring to close down the diaphragm, this spring broke after many years of heavy work in dusty and moist environments)

Google phone: that one's on them. It was supposed to be IP68 and water broke in after like 30 secs under 20 cm of water.

I also dropped a Nikon kit (and finally found a use for their pretty bad 18-55mm: it crashed and saved the camera).

Basically my gear lives a hard life. I do wildlife, airshows and car rallies, plus sometimes astrophotography, so many hour-long moist and/or dusty shootings with no way to protect cameras and lenses. The worst was a Monte-Carlo Historique rally in which I was stuck for 5 hours in 2°C (about 35°F) heavy snow, which melted slowly on top of my K10D to make sure every seal was thoroughly tested. The first half-hour, I tried to keeps the snow off the camera, then my fingers started to turn white and numb, so I went "hey, I need my fingers more than I need my camera". The camera actually didn't seem to care as long as I had warm batteries, and came out of it cleaner than it ever had been.

I also tend to switch gear very quickly when conditions and/or subjects change, so being careful when I get a lens out of the bag is not a priority. I buy slingshot bags to save time, I'm not willing to loose it again by taking extra precautions and checking everything else is stable before I get my gear out.

Bottom line: I buy rather high-end gear in order to not take care of it. Pretty sure I'd kill an entry-level camera in a few months.

Thanks Franck for taking the time to indulge my curiosity. I see that your equipment needs to withstand your demanding work environment.

 

[OldSchoolNewSchool]

1. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

2. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

3. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

4. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

5. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

--
My state of confusion has turned into a circle of confusion.

 

[LeicaEye]

1. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

2. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

3. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

4. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

5. Will the wife make me sleep on the couch?

Very probably if you bought the new Hasselblad and lens

--
Yes, It's me..

 

[Mackiesback]

Holy cow. No post limit? Please continue….

 

[DJB Photography]

Lots of very practical answers here. It seems a lot of responders are really concerned with portability and weight. Most seem to think that duplicating a focal length is completely unnecessary and perhaps superfluous. Image quality is mentioned surprisingly seldom for a photographers forum.

It would seem that the obvious solution would be to use one's existing smart phone, thereby solving the portability, cost and focal length issues.

But we're photographers. What about the passion?

We buy camera gear to create the best images we can. We buy different lenses to photograph something new, or the same thing better. We duplicate what we have in order to get more amazing photos with the good lens, and the 'beater' lens, goes with us to the pub. I KNOW all of you have more gear than you need, and that is a good thing. It means you're still trying, still discovering, still growing.

Damn the expense.

So my five questions:

1. Am I hard enough?
2. Am I rough enough?
3. Am I rich enough?
4. Im not too blind to see...
5. That if I don't buy that new lens this year, I'll just be one year older when I do.

 

[Maoby]

What's the point of asking questions if you can't answer them?

 

[Jacques Cornell]

As a pro event shooter, I have three more questions.

1. Will this make my work easier?

I bought a 35-150/2.0-2.8 for less lens swapping in decent light. Also replaced one 35/1.4 with a smaller/lighter one to better fit in my overstuffed rolling case and reduced on-shoulder weight during 14-hour days.

2. Will this enhance my service to my clients?

A 14/2.8 better captures really large venues, although I'd gotten by just fine with an 18/2.8 previously.

3. Will this enable me to do things I otherwise can't?

A 300/2.8 would be great for long shots from a ballroom balcony, but I don't need this often enough to justify the substantial cost and can get by with a 50-300 if I also set up off-camera flashes.

--
Event professional for 20+ years, travel & landscape enthusiast for 30+, stills-only.
http://jacquescornell.photography
http://happening.photos

 

[Mr Bolton]

Lots of very practical answers here. It seems a lot of responders are really concerned with portability and weight. Most seem to think that duplicating a focal length is completely unnecessary and perhaps superfluous. Image quality is mentioned surprisingly seldom for a photographers forum.
It would seem that the obvious solution would be to use one's existing smart phone, thereby solving the portability, cost and focal length issues.

But we're photographers. What about the passion?

We buy camera gear to create the best images we can. We buy different lenses to photograph something new, or the same thing better. We duplicate what we have in order to get more amazing photos with the good lens, and the 'beater' lens, goes with us to the pub. I KNOW all of you have more gear than you need, and that is a good thing. It means you're still trying, still discovering, still growing.

Damn the expense.

So my five questions:

1. Am I hard enough?
2. Am I rough enough?
3. Am I rich enough?
4. Im not too blind to see...
5. That if I don't buy that new lens this year, I'll just be one year older when I do.

All I want, is you to buy that lens for me..

 

[Mackiesback]

What's the point of asking questions if you can't answer them?

Rhetorical questions: Do we need them?

 

[Batdude]

Lots of very practical answers here. It seems a lot of responders are really concerned with portability and weight. Most seem to think that duplicating a focal length is completely unnecessary and perhaps superfluous. Image quality is mentioned surprisingly seldom for a photographers forum.

That’s probably because there isn’t much to complain in the IQ department anymore. I have shot with Nikon, Fujifilm, Pentax K1, and now with Canon. I started digital photography with a Nikon D200 and took off from there. There (was) a big difference back then among different brands regarding IQ, AF, and ISO performance. As of today in the year 2025 IMHO, everyone is almost on par with IQ and any modern sensor, so IQ is not something we worry too much about anymore. I think those days are gone.

It would seem that the obvious solution would be to use one's existing smart phone, thereby solving the portability, cost and focal length issues.

But we're photographers. What about the passion?

We buy camera gear to create the best images we can. We buy different lenses to photograph something new, or the same thing better. We duplicate what we have in order to get more amazing photos with the good lens, and the 'beater' lens, goes with us to the pub. I KNOW all of you have more gear than you need, and that is a good thing. It means you're still trying, still discovering, still growing.

Yes, growing and learning how to get better or trying different things like better framing composition or flash techniques is probably one of the best things we can do instead of buying and buying and buying the newest camera.

Damn the expense.

So my five questions:

1. Am I hard enough?
2. Am I rough enough?
3. Am I rich enough?
4. Im not too blind to see...
5. That if I don't buy that new lens this year, I'll just be one year older when I do.