p.1 #1 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
This is tongue in cheek. I just bought a brand new 3 year old cam two months ago and love it to death. I won't be doing a thing until ISO 12000 is clean as a whistle.
p.1 #3 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
I'd love a 50D....but that's not in the budget, so my 30D is just fine, and it takes the same great photos today as it did yesterday. Doesn't bother me, as long as the upgrades don't become crap.
p.1 #5 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
Should I upgrade? Hmmmm.....
If the shortcomings of your current equipment are holding you back and you know exactly why then upgrade. If your current equipment is better than your skill set then all you are going to gain is bragging rights.
p.1 #7 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
I am ready to buy a 2nd 1D Mark 3 as I do like the ability to swap easily between identical bodies... though somehow I have a feeling a replacement will be released shortly so I am biding my time, then I will sell my 1D3 and buy a pair of the replacement.
p.1 #8 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
I think people need to space out there camera purchases. I did the 20D in Fall of 04 and the 5D in the Fall of 06. Sold my 20D this July and most likely will get a 50D this Fall. I do have a XTi, but that is more for when I just want a light camera with me.
p.1 #10 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
The 50D announcement hasn't lowered my opinion of my 20D, 5D, or 1D Mark II in the least. All three still take great pictures if the idiot behind the camera (me) is paying attention.
The churn in prosumer DSLR bodies is a bit disturbing though, it's getting to be almost as bad as computers. What's next, day-old 40Ds for half price?
p.1 #11 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
Up until recently my main camera was a 10D and I have been able to make beautiful 12x18 and the occasional 16x20 images with it. I recently purchased a 5D, another 'old' camera...I assume I'll be happy with it for the next several years. I don't think there's a shot that I'll miss for not having the latest/greatest. Unless I were to suddenly become a full-time proffesional, I think the 5D is plenty of camera for me right now. Where I have seen a HUGE improvement in IQ is with BETTER glass, Every time I upgraded one of my old 'cheapy' lenses, I saw a dramatic improvement in IQ.
Also...As a side note, I don't think that a camera should not be treated as a financial investment, it's something that you use either for business or for pleasure but the point is that it gets used and depreciates terribly. People how are worried about the 'investment' value of thier cameras should really stop buying photo equipment!
p.1 #12 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
I would be quite happy with a 12 month cycle. Several features that I really, really appreciate are relatively new ones (sensor cleaner, Live View) and being interested in low light work I am always keen to get the most up to date sensor technology I can afford. Wouldn't it be depressing if we only got new features every 3 years or so, look how out of date the 5D is compared with the new stuff. It takes great pictures, but no Live View for astro photography - no thanks.
If new kit keeps coming out we aren't obliged to buy it, but its nice to feel things are getting better/easier all the time. After all the next model may have that killer feature you've always wanted!
I will be keeping my 40D, won't get the 50D because I really want the 5D Mk2.
p.1 #13 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
The good about a 12 month upgrade cycle is that patient photogs who hold off the upgrading/adopting early bandwagon will be rewarded.
As much as I'd like to see a new 5D I'll never forget the charade 1Dmk3 users had to endure for months before problems were even acknowledged. I think I'll be a generation or 2 behind for a while!
p.1 #14 · Would a 12 month life cycle hurt your head?
It's a great idea. As others have said, your existing camera is still as good as when it was released. The only difference with newer bodies coming out is that you have the CHOICE to upgrade to something better if you want to or can afford to.
I bought 10D, skipped 20D, bought 30D, skipped 40D, so I am now ready to buy a 50D unless the 5DII becomes a reality and can match the 50D on focusing speed.
I don't think there's a shot that I'll miss for not having the latest/greatest. Unless I were to suddenly become a full-time proffesional, I think the 5D is plenty of camera for me right now. Where I have seen a HUGE improvement in IQ is with BETTER glass, Every time I upgraded one of my old 'cheapy' lenses, I saw a dramatic improvement in IQ.