p.2 #1 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
The Leica M3 remains one of my favorite cameras, so I purchased a second. Step by step made it to the M6 and M6TTL, but recently took a weeks road trip with the M3. The A7Rvi is on order, but it won’t replace the M3.
p.2 #2 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
I like my lenses as modern as possible, but rendering and utility is the deciding factor not cost or technology. Interestingly modern Sony lenses have weight as one of the main design considerations and this does matter to me. So a modern light lens trumps an older heavy one, everything else being equal.
On the other hand, I don't shoot sport, I don't shoot video, I'm happy with a slightly lower tech body. Catch is that bodies are still improving, I'm not sure they've plateaued yet, but pretty close.
p.2 #3 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
snegron7 wrote:
So, I'll put you down in the "Latest/Greatest" preference group as a Sony shooter. Got it. Thanks!
Some of the equipment I shoot with is sony's latest and greatest.
Some of the equipment I shoot with is 20+ yrs old- like my nikon 400mm f2.8 or my 10yr old nikon d800.
Each tool has its strengths.
Newer equipment tends to make things easier. As I get in my mid 70's, the newer equipment tends to be lighter which is a plus.
It is not about the camera.
gary
p.2 #4 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
It seems to me there are several aspects to gear acquisition behavior.
I'm a retired electrical engineer that spent the first part of my career designing leading-edge aerospace tech equipment. My success depended on my ability to incorporate the very latest-and-greatest tech. That habit has never died and bleeds into my personal life. I find myself acquiring all the latest Sony gear, phones, computers, etc.
The second aspect relates to available monetary resources. I no longer waste money on expensive European sports cars, boats, etc, so my current budget allows me to comfortably waste money on the newest photography equipment. To keep my conscience clear, I also donate a lot to charity.
p.2 #7 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
I'm in the longevity camp, especially since around 2020.
I do factor in the longevity of the brand being a contender as well. I chose Canon originally because I felt like it was the best overall system with a lot of options that was going to be around for a long time and I could keep the lens system and upgrade bodies as needed.
I'm now doing essentially the same thing with the Sony system, which I believe is the current mirrorless equivalent to DSLR days Canon (in my opinion.)
p.2 #8 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
After five years in the Sony system and still very much a hobbyist, I have come to believe that the N minus one approach makes the most sense for most people who are not shooting professionally. The days when lenses held their value are over. Prices fall quickly the moment a new generation is announced. You can already see it with the A7RV dropping to around 2300 dollars and the Sony 35 GM (which is not even last gen) selling for roughly 900 dollars.
The newer generation of lenses also feels increasingly clinical. They are technically perfect, but the character is fading, and without pixel peeping it becomes difficult to tell them apart. For me, that takes away some of the charm.
p.2 #10 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
After five years in the Sony system and still very much a hobbyist, I have come to believe that the N minus one approach makes the most sense for most people who are not shooting professionally. The days when lenses held their value are over. Prices fall quickly the moment a new generation is announced. You can already see it with the A7RV dropping to around 2300 dollars and the Sony 35 GM (which is not even last gen) selling for roughly 900 dollars.
The newer generation of lenses also feels increasingly clinical. They are technically perfect, but the character is fading, and without pixel peeping it becomes difficult to tell them apart. For me, that takes away some of the charm....Show more →
I think traditionally the pros were slower to upgrade then the well-to-do amateurs.
p.2 #11 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
johnvanr wrote:
I think traditionally the pros were slower to upgrade then the well-to-do amateurs.
Makes sense. It is a very difficult business to be in, and I can understand why professionals have been more cautious about spending on the latest and greatest. Smartphones and AI have replaced a lot of work that once required a traditional photographer, and that pressure forces pros to think carefully about every dollar. At the same time, YouTube influencers make it seem as if every new camera brings a massive leap forward, even though most of us know the improvements are usually small and the returns keep shrinking.
Of course, some people have more than enough money to buy the newest generation without worrying about value. Many members of this forum are older and place a higher premium on their time and convenience than on saving a few hundred dollars. For them, buying the latest model simply makes sense.
p.2 #13 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
Makes sense. It is a very difficult business to be in, and I can understand why professionals have been more cautious about spending on the latest and greatest. Smartphones and AI have replaced a lot of work that once required a traditional photographer, and that pressure forces pros to think carefully about every dollar. At the same time, YouTube influencers make it seem as if every new camera brings a massive leap forward, even though most of us know the improvements are usually small and the returns keep shrinking.
Of course, some people have more than enough money to buy the newest generation without worrying about value. Many members of this forum are older and place a higher premium on their time and convenience than on saving a few hundred dollars. For them, buying the latest model simply makes sense....Show more →
Very interesting perspective!
In my personal opinion, "Influencers" (even the subtle ones that are hidden among members of forums) should come with a similar warning that AI images come with, or at the very least be obligated to disclose that they are receiving compensation either directly from the manufacturer or from a 3rd party marketing firm. I truly believe that these "influencers" are behind most of the push to upgrade by labeling anything but the newest gear as obsolete. They get paid to push the marketing hype.
I also agree with your comment about older members with disposable income and their desire for convenience over savings. However, there are older members who value quality. For example, I absolutely love the feel of some of my old film cameras. Some old film cameras became legends and are still fully functional today (Nikon F, F5, Canon FT QL, etc). Other old cameras might have been expensive when new, but didn't survive the test of time. Yet other non-pro cameras (like the Canon FT QL) are still working like they did when they were first manufactured (I currently have 4 FT QL's that work flawlessly plus 1 FTb). When we older folks get our hands on what we perceive is/will be a solid classic, we hold on to it longer. That's probably why I still have my old Canon 7dmk2 and several old Nikon lenses despite not owning a Nikon full frame body! I think if I had purchased a Canon 5DMK4, I would've probably still owned it and not jumped into the Canon mirrorless system as soon as I did. Too late now! 😀
p.2 #14 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
For more than 20 years I chased new features, more megapixels, more frames per second.
I've now reached a spot with my line up that I can rest, no more chasing.
I have a Sony a7CR, a1, a9III, and an a75.
Now all I have to do is plan my day correctly and grab the camera and lens that will be the most useful that day.
The most used is probably the a75. Pre capture is now a must if I should ever look at a newer camera.
p.2 #15 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
My acquisition pattern is all over the place. Sometimes I want the latest model soon after release (A7ii), sometimes on Day 1 (TS-E 135L), sometimes N-1 style like @ramesesthe2nd (A1), and sometimes many decades later (1960 Elmar 50). Regardless of technology, vintage, or influencer hype, I gravitate toward an interesting aspect of the item. Utility is a fine motivator, but I don't need to produce images that pay the bills.
A7ii, Elmar 50/2.8 wide open, around 2016. Nowadays, I might use Z6 + Viltrox 50 Air, or perhaps A1 + Yashica 50/1.4 ML. So many choices.
p.2 #16 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
I keep whatever I get for a very long time. I typically buy the latest and greatest for what I do, and upgrade in 10 or so years when it's considered to be an an antique by most. I preordered the Canon 5DSR, then switched to a Sony A7R-V about 1.3 years ago. I'm not interested in looking or buying anything else. I'll see what's around in another 8-12 years if I'm still around.
p.2 #17 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
Interesting question....
I am squarely in both camps...
Maybe 50 years ago, my grandmother shared some advise, when shopping for ... (fill in the blank)
"buy the best you can afford."
I can now translate the advise to wanting the "latest and greatest" but I have discovered over the years, it also lasts as long as it serves the desired function, ergo: longevity.
My Nikon D90 lasted 17 years before it failed. Guess I kept it a bit too long. When I was forced to look for a new camera, I shopped the market and decided on an A7rV. I suspect it will probably be the last camera body I purchase (or maybe not), but it will last as long as it does what I want/need it to do.. or, it fails and I need to replace it. On the other hand, my lenses only got replaced when I switched brands as they usually served me well during the life of the body.
I can draw a parallel to my technology gear. I replace my hardware when it no longer can do what I want it to do. When my desktop is too slow or can not run the latest software I need, it gets upgraded or replaced based on cost benefit relationships. My iPhone usually lasts about 5 model years before the operating system becomes incompatible with the latest versions of my required applications.
I could go on and discuss cars, golf clubs, real estate but you get the idea...
p.2 #18 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
The fact I’m straying back into Pentax waters with cameras that are 10yrs+ behind says much I guess.
I don’t use hardly any of the features on my canon gear - most is either turned off or just ignored.
p.2 #19 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
jojib wrote:
I value both and right now I predominantly shoot with both A7V and R6MKII. Normally I am a buy and hold kinda guy so I still have my old EF lenses that I bought brand new. With today's modern software I decided to bring back the 5Ds into my rotation. Also, my EF 85/1.2 L II is like brand new after spending CAD~$ 1700 last year to fix it. Having said that the A7V is fantastic! I normally use ES with the exception of using flash. So I don't think it is 'diworsification' to shoot with two systems. I love using both and btw, I also have the magnificent Fuji X100VI which I normally use for travel along with the A6700. ...Show more →
love my new x100vi, black leather case arrived today and have a small rig lens protector on its way. ive been testing the 50mm and 70mm crop printing A4 prints against my a7iv and im very happy 10 meg is great.
p.2 #20 · Do You Prefer Groundbreaking Technology or Longevity?
Interesting question, took me back to when I was purchasing my first digital camera. I wanted it to be able to do what my Nikon FE could. I ended up with a CoolPix 995. I still have it but haven't used it in 2 decades at least, or so it seems. I kept it long enough that my wife finally started pestering me about upgrading it. That led to the D80 which led to....you get the idea.
My latest purchase was more a consolidation buy of tech and longevity. The A7V replaced an A7iii & A9. It's paired now with my A7Riii. I'm hoping with this combo the tech and longevity parts of the equation are answered for a long time to come.
