Do you really need to upgrade your camera and gadgets all the time?
I mean when there's a new one you just easily change it. Is is really necessary? "may" life span "ba ang camera kung hindi mo naman gaanong ginagamit"? I saw the camera of Bobby Wong, it's Canon D60 with Carl Seiz lens!, again it's the old D60 and it's functioning well in the hand and eye of a good photographer like Bobby. They said artists photographers are purists and don't just conforme to advertising gimmicks that "this new camera model arriving is better with megapixels, big sensors etc".
With fast changing models and gadgets, camera suppliers can't coup up with the backlog of repairs and services, my Canon 580 EX flash is gaining dust (i think) in canon service repair in Pasong Tamo for 3 months already, and i need to follow up all the time for them to know that "i'm still interested" in that brand. This country is really going nowhere because even in service repairs of the unit you bought with your hard earned money needs politicking in order for them to move! "paano na lang yung mga maliliit na tao na katulad ko"? "kailangan ba ng kakilala sa canon or sa nikon" in order for them to give the good service we all deserved?... i missed my pentax k2 which i bought in 1977 and used it for 20 long years (and it is still with me ha). Mind you the next models of camera and gadgets is nothing but a piece of junk, it's getting cheaper and cheaper, time will come the cost of repair is equivalent to buying a new one...and you reaaaaallly need patience to wait for the repair...not unless you are somebody and you know someone inside. Moral lesson of the story. Stop buying the next camera and gadgets and enjoy photography. Join the nearest "photography club" not the "camera club" (who always talks about camera hehe).:Sick: :)

If money was no object, we still shouldnt upgrade to every new model that comes out..when a company spends millions and millions of dollars in marketing, they make it seem that these new models would make our pictures/compositions better..lets not fall on their trap...our current equipment can do good aswell...

for a hobbyist point of view(IMHO)..the easier or the more convenient these new cameras get, the lesser it feels like a hobby already...that is why i recently picked up a manual film camera just to keep me frustrated :D and i love it.. :D

Good morning everyone! Have a good day..

Ari

That's the thing I love about photography. Despite the advances of dslr technologies in the megapixel race, your camera combined with a very good glass won't be taking bad images tomorrow. Well unless you take good maintenance out of the equation. Several reasons I might have for an upgrade in the future is when there's a significant (night and day) improvement in the sensor's image quality, better control perhaps, and if I need to constantly print some very large images especially with a full frame sensor. Somehow it takes the fun out of shooting when we have to constantly upgrade our gadgets, cause when we change bodies, we buy higher capacity memory cards, purchase faster computing power, and so on. Its the law of diminishing returns.

If you are going to compete with other photographers in terms of megapixels and lens capability, I think you should upgrade your equipment.

It also depends on the camera and gadget requirement of the shoot, e.g., wedding photography, underwater photography, etc.

Otherwise, you can still use your film camera (or pinhole, in this matter).

Personally, I will upgrade my camera and gadgets to make me feel more comfortable during shoots. Definitely, the new models are faster and better (at least those which I will choose).

I'd rather upgrade my lens than the camera body; a variety of lenses can definitely do more than a variety of bodies.

I guess some people (esp. pros?) really have to upgrade since their customers sometimes have a tendency to judge them first on their gear as well? Just my opinion though, not sure if this is exactly the case?

i think when one settles on a camera and believes he can create great photos with it, one wouldn't need to upgrade his equipment. but other factors outside creating a great photo would probably be a deciding factor like as mentioned, the clientel, need for more versatility & technology advancements like longer battery life and customizability. especially when your competition ups the par on marketability with numbers. :D

I've upgrade so many times. Having the latest is the LEAST reason for doing so. Upgrading immediately upon the release and availability is also not part of my upgrade "equation". Most of my upgrades are done during the mid-life period of the product, only IF i need to do so. If not, I do not. I NEVER buy cheap lens. I save and wait. I hate the idea of having to buy something just to "scratch an itch", then resell and take a loss. I rather wait and buy the best L lens (brand new or pre owned), basta GOOD copy. Upgrade in my equation is also defined an buying OLD GOOD lenses. If I can afford it and I need it, then I will wait and hunt for good buys of old sharp glass.

So the answer to Ross's thread is YES, at my own pace. Do not allow external marketing forces, inggit, yabang to dictate your pace. I take this position as a hobbyist. CAVEAT: Having the latest in the commercial and professional world, could mean a world of difference, and only those being paid for it can determine that equation viz-a-vis their pipeline projects.

I agree with you completely Derick. That is why, up to this time, I am still happy with my D70. Whatever this upcoming Nikon camera will be, I will have to buy my line up of 2.8 lenses first before I will upgrade my camera. I have taken the "lens route" in this hobby of mine. The only problem is oftentimes, it is more expensive than the body itself, but at least I am sure they will stay with me for a long time.

Nap

Thanks Nap. And may i add, as a serious hobbyist (and am sure you will also agree), one does not have to justify an "upgrade path". I view this as an analogy to cars. I need not be a "'professional race car driver" to afford a race car.:D

HELL YEAH. upgrade if you can. but still, it's not the camera, its the photographer.

As a professional photographer, I do sometimes feel the pressure from clients that I don't have the latest model or the top-of-the-line camera. Partly, I blame the photographers who use their high-tech cam as a selling point.

Sometimes, it's not really upgrading but digital cameras now have shorter life than film cameras. I am giving only 2 years life for today's digicam. After that, it worth buying a new one.

For hobbyist, 3-5 years might be applicable.

Likewise, I upgrade the body every 2years. Wedding photography does beat up a camera:D However, if I were a hobbyist, it would make no sense in upgrading my body and not investing in lenses. (even as a pro actually) So stick to your body first, get the best lenses you can get your hands on..then upgrade your camera..then buy another lens, then buy a new flash, then buy the lightest most high tech tripod, then get more lenses then buy another super computer.....whoooohooo the shopping spree never ends!! Photography is a crazy world!!! :Scared:

For hobbyists, an upgrade is rarely a need, it's usually just a want. :Grin:

your right about that rosalie it's a want.. i just really want =) haha

seriously though ross has a point especially now that everything can be tweaked with PS big time.. you dont even need good glass.. better ps skills (with taste) is better than new cam gear i think =)

your right about that rosalie it's a want.. i just really want =) haha

seriously though ross has a point especially now that everything can be tweaked with PS big time.. you dont even need good glass.. better ps skills (with taste) is better than new cam gear i think =)


With photoshop, the principle of garbage in, garbage out still applies and will always apply. You can never salvage a crappy image with photoshop. There is only so much photoshop can do especially if you plan to print. Nothing beats good glass..otherwise why would so many people plop down hard earned cash for it? It really boils down to your necessities. The capture of my 70-200 IS 2.8 and the 70-300 5.6 (my first telephoto 7 years ago) are worlds apart. (prices are worlds apart as well:D ) But to me, it's a necessity. Once you try a fast lens/superior glass you will see the BIG difference:)

your right about that rosalie it's a want.. i just really want =) haha

seriously though ross has a point especially now that everything can be tweaked with PS big time.. you dont even need good glass.. better ps skills (with taste) is better than new cam gear i think =)

not everything can be tweaked in photoshop. even with top notch skills, nothing beats a good set of tools (camera and lenses) to begin with. good glass equates to better contrast, color, bigger apertures and IS/VR. such features cannot be tweaked or compensated by photoshop.

good gear and good ps skills is essential for any photographer. i once saw the photos of a photoshop master. not even with his skills can save the photo. it was already bad to begin with.

I humbly concede =)

Honestly, I plan to invest in L lenses too..

Thanks Nap. And may i add, as a serious hobbyist (and am sure you will also agree), one does not have to justify an "upgrade path". I view this as an analogy to cars. I need not be a "'professional race car driver" to afford a race car.:D

Amen to that!!!

What I need to upgrade are my photography skills, not my camera. :)

Seriously, how long does it take to really master your equipment? Camera manufacturers come up with new models faster than people can master their cameras. So why upgrade when you haven't utilized the camera to its fullest extent? I mean, as a hobbyist, does 10.2 megapixels really make a difference to the kind of pictures you take? Would it really make you take better pictures than a 6 megapixel DSLR? I think not.

But if you've got money to burn, then why even bother to think? Just get a Hasselblad H2D and a complete set of H system lenses and get it over with.

not everything can be tweaked in photoshop. even with top notch skills, nothing beats a good set of tools (camera and lenses) to begin with. good glass equates to better contrast, color, bigger apertures and IS/VR. such features cannot be tweaked or compensated by photoshop.

I think you seriously underestimate it.

I was the same way when I seriously started this hobby and now I'm a believer.

So now I put the same value on all my L glass as well as my iMac Core Duo running all my post processing software. Don't knock it till you know it. Personally.. my 'style' is to PP an image just to a point until I can already notice it was PP'ed. If you can't tell then I did my job right.

Post Processed;

http://static.flickr.com/62/197173460_5f0c75b5d5.jpg

What I need to upgrade are my photography skills, not my camera. :) Seriously, how long does it take to really master your equipment? Camera manufacturers come up with new models faster than people can master their cameras. So why upgrade when you haven't utilized the camera to its fullest extent? I mean, as a hobbyist, does 10.2 megapixels really make a difference to the kind of pictures you take? Would it really make you take better pictures than a 6 megapixel DSLR? I think not.

But if you've got money to burn, then why even think? Just get a Hasselblad H2D and a complete set of H system lenses and get it over with.

Paul, just like (again) a race car driver, you need a nice formula 1 car for circuit racing, and a nice rally car for that type of race, to optimize one's skills and performance. Tools given will complement the skills, and the skills that need continous practise and training. I am sure all professionals here will have to up their skills and talent daily. They can't be complacent, as one day, someone will be born. Just like what Pilar and Joey said, skills in PS alone ain't just going to get it, so with the Hassey. Like life, striking a good balance is important.:)

With all due respect Derick, an F1 racer doesn't start racing with an F1. Most if not all of them started with lower class cars before they got an F1 license. Same with motorcycle racing. You don't start racing on a GP bike. You hone your skills first in the lower classes before you start riding the big guns.

What I'm pointing out is that why would you get a more sophisticated (and more expensive) camera if your skills are not up to it yet? Hone your skills then upgrade when your skills have surpassed your equipment. Of course, the situation of pro photographers are different from that of hobbyists. Some of them have to rely on upgrading their equipment to attract clients. But for hobbyists who upgrade every time a new model comes out, it just shows how little they know of their camera. The Hassy comment was for them :).

With all due respect Derick, an F1 racer doesn't start racing with an F1. Most if not all of them started with lower class cars before they got an F1 license. Same with motorcycle racing. You don't start racing on a GP bike. You hone your skills first in the lower classes before you start riding the big guns.

What I'm pointing out is that why would you get a more sophisticated (and more expensive) camera if your skills are not up to it yet? Hone your skills then upgrade when your skills have surpassed your equipment. Of course, the situation of pro photographers are different from that of hobbyists. Some of them have to rely on upgrading their equipment to attract clients. But for hobbyists who upgrade every time a new model comes out, it just shows how little they know of their camera. The Hassy comment was for them :).

Goes to show that you did not understand what i was saying....but that is another issue. "Of course", is the only thing I can say.....because i know what you are trying to say, but that's not where i was coming from. But i believe we are saying the same thing, only a difference in the time frame.:)

The position is different between pros and hobbyists, "must earn" as to "can buy" disposition. Pros are paid for their photos and work, and have to justify the economies of scale. Hobbyist do not have to. I would caution you not to make a sweeping statements on hobbyists who know little about their camera, many will disagree. While it may be true that many who have "top-end gear" may not shoot as well as Pros, it does not mean they know less. Hobbyists choose to "create" affordability elsewhere.

Thank you for your insights, it was enlightening:)

just keep posting those smileys guys =)

seriously, i agree with the previous post about striking a balance with gear and PS skills. if you add photography skills in that equation then you got yourself a pretty neat package =)

there are real reasons to upgrade though. personally i hated the fact that the 350d'd lcd was located at the back. it was just annoying to bring the cam up each time I wanted to check and change my settings. having it on top on the 30d was more natural. the better feel of the controls of the 30D was a plus =)...wow that seemed pretty shallow =)

just keep posting those smileys guys =)

seriously, i agree with the previous post about striking a balance with gear and PS skills. if you add photography skills in that equation then you got yourself a pretty neat package =)

there are real reasons to upgrade though. personally i hated the fact that the 350d'd lcd was located at the back. it was just annoying to bring the cam up each time I wanted to check and change my settings. having it on top on the 30d was more natural. the better feel of the controls of the 30D was a plus =)...wow that seemed pretty shallow =)

Hahaha!!! Sometimes it is as simple as the design of a camera that can spur the want to upgrade. :Grin:

if buying the best and most expensive gear would boost your confidence to the point that you'll work (discipline and work ethics) like a pro then GO and UPGRADE!:)

...just make sure you can afford it!:Grin:

if buying the best and most expensive gear would boost your confidence to the point that you'll work (discipline and work ethics) like a pro then GO and UPGRADE!:)

...just make sure you can afford it!:Grin:


Talking about "afford" Levi, I read a thread somewhere about insurance, how 'bout offering "gives" to photographers who want to upgrade? will that business take off here? any rich people here who might be thinking of this business opportunity?:Grin:

Talking about "afford" Levi, I read a thread somewhere about insurance, how 'bout offering "gives" to photographers who want to upgrade? will that business take off here? any rich people here who might be thinking of this business opportunity?:Grin:

I can get a group to finance short term loans. But they will need volume. Issues such as security and risks need to be addressed. If only a governing body that would guarantee the credibility of each borrower can be organized, it would be easier to draft a working model. OT: Let's keep this going........If periodic rentals will be offered on "top-end" lenses, would there be a market for this?:Evil: :Evil:

Talking about "afford" Levi, I read a thread somewhere about insurance, how 'bout offering "gives" to photographers who want to upgrade? will that business take off here? any rich people here who might be thinking of this business opportunity?:Grin:

I believe some people do this via credit card. Problem is you have to pay a premium since you'll be limited to buying from stores that do accept credit cards. :)

Everything said, I still think its in the eye of the photoghrapher at the end of the day and not the equipment. Upgrade (specially for us hobbyist) is more of a want rather than a need. I have an old 70-210 f4-5.6 lense that my friends were saying was slow and useless, but I saw a review on the net that said it was actually faster then most new lenses of the same range under $500.

It is really subjective sometimes. So upgrade the skill not the equipment. If you do that maybe it warrants an upgrade in equipment. :D


Sorry medyo huli na post ko.

Everything said, I still think its in the eye of the photoghrapher at the end of the day and not the equipment. Upgrade (specially for us hobbyist) is more of a want rather than a need. I have an old 70-210 f4-5.6 lense that my friends were saying was slow and useless, but I saw a review on the net that said it was actually faster then most new lenses of the same range under $500.

It is really subjective sometimes. So upgrade the skill not the equipment. If you do that maybe it warrants an upgrade in equipment. :D


Sorry medyo huli na post ko.


hindi pa naman huli post mo Yabski, except that can you tell us your full name pls?:)

I can get a group to finance short term loans. But they will need volume. Issues such as security and risks need to be addressed. If only a governing body that would guarantee the credibility of each borrower can be organized, it would be easier to draft a working model. OT: Let's keep this going........If periodic rentals will be offered on "top-end" lenses, would there be a market for this?:Evil: :Evil:


i think "merong" market Derick, it will save us the anxiety of protecting our glass from fungus attack plus the huge cost of building up L lenses. If i would seal a certain photo project, i will just add that "rented lense" to the cost estimate...good to explore this service:)

i think "merong" market Derick, it will save us the anxiety of protecting our glass from fungus attack plus the huge cost of building up L lenses. If i would seal a certain photo project, i will just add that "rented lense" to the cost estimate...good to explore this service:)


Wow, I hope someone will take this idea, I for one will be a regular client. I don't have the money to buy the Ls, "parang hindi ko din magagamit all the time".

IMHO, The cost of acquiring equipment prices is high in the Philippines because there are no viable avenues to trade in equipment(there are some sites, yes - but with limited audience).

One has to purchase it new and then if it doesn't work out, it's hard to try and sell it to buy something else. Now, if there is a healthy used market, you can trade in equipment with very little loss(depending on the condition of course).

Say for example, you have been lusting at that expensive telephoto lens for a while. You've read the reviews and saw the images it can produce on the web. You go out and buy it after saving for it for almost a year. Yipee!!!

Then buyers remorse kicks in and now you wished you have bought that wide angle zoom instead (you didn't quite relealize that that the telephoto was that heavy or you don't wan't people staring at you when you aim that bazooka at them or it just too big that it's impractical to carry it all the time)

If there was a venue to sell it like the Fred Miranda forums in the States, it wouldn't be a problem as you would just post it there and it will sell(provided you've priced it at market value). Now you go buy the other lens you want, err need. Rinse and repeat.

I bought my 10d within the first few months after it was officially launched. I stuck with it even after the 20d was launched. But I did buy a 30d recently.

The 10d is still in my bag. In fact, I recently used it to shoot five spreads for a coffe table book project. I don't think that I will be letting go of my 10d soon.

I like how the 30d can clear its buffer of RAW files faster than the 10d can. But the 10d still sees regular use and I am loath to give it up.

Besides, gear is expensive and I work hard for my money. I want to get full use out of whatever I purchase for my craft and business.

Cheers!

Jo Avila

If one has fully maximized the potential of his/her gear; and if it is a requirement or a necessity... and of course if one can afford the upgrade... DIVE! :)

It has been said of photographer: 'We start by loving the toy. We end by loving the art''

How true this is. Almost all of us start photography because of a fascination with the camera and all the possibilities it offers. It is the perfect toy ! We cuddle it. Peer through the view finder. Fiddle with the metering system. Click some dials and focus on a subject. Then we press a button. And click - instant art!

What's more ,no matter how expensive our toy is we can always spend more. So we study all the ads to see who's selling what and how much. We gaze into the camera store. or we browse the web looking for the latest gear at the lowest prices. And we always look with curiosity at what cameras and lenses other photographer are using.

Yet the serious photographer eventually moves on to higher plane- to a fascination with the art of photography. The photograph itself becomes the main interest of the photographer now. The initial fascination of the camera recedes a bit, and the photographer concern becomes the subtlety of the image, the meaning , the composition, and the tiny changes that separate the good from the great. This is the higher ground, more difficult to master...... and infinitely more rewarding.

Of course, none of us ever totally lose our love for the remarkable gadgetry that is an intrinsic part of photography. But we know that the gadgetry is only a means to our objective. The photograph is the thing !


( Taken from welcome letter of Chuck Delenny of NYI)

It has been said of photographer: 'We start by loving the toy. We end by loving the art''

How true this is. Almost all of us start photography because of a fascination with the camera and all the possibilities it offers. It is the perfect toy ! We cuddle it. Peer through the view finder. Fiddle with the metering system. Click some dials and focus on a subject. Then we press a button. And click - instant art!

What's more ,no matter how expensive our toy is we can always spend more. So we study all the ads to see who's selling what and how much. We gaze into the camera store. or we browse the web looking for the latest gear at the lowest prices. And we always look with curiosity at what cameras and lenses other photographer are using.

Yet the serious photographer eventually moves on to higher plane- to a fascination with the art of photography. The photograph itself becomes the main interest of the photographer now. The initial fascination of the camera recedes a bit, and the photographer concern becomes the subtlety of the image, the meaning , the composition, and the tiny changes that separate the good from the great. This is the higher ground, more difficult to master...... and infinitely more rewarding.

Of course, none of us ever totally lose our love for the remarkable gadgetry that is an intrinsic part of photography. But we know that the gadgetry is only a means to our objective. The photograph is the thing !


( Taken from welcome letter of Chuck Delenny of NYI)

:) Wow... This is good stuff... An interesting read...

Everything said, I still think its in the eye of the photoghrapher at the end of the day and not the equipment. Upgrade (specially for us hobbyist) is more of a want rather than a need. I have an old 70-210 f4-5.6 lense that my friends were saying was slow and useless, but I saw a review on the net that said it was actually faster then most new lenses of the same range under $500.

It is really subjective sometimes. So upgrade the skill not the equipment. If you do that maybe it warrants an upgrade in equipment. :D


Sorry medyo huli na post ko.

the old 70-210 f4-5.6 lens??? meron ka pala nyan sir...matagal na ako nag hahanap nyan. parang naka AF-S yung focusing nyan =)

IMHO , if your gonna upgrade from one entry-level gadget to the next new entry level gadget is like being a kid wanting a new toy without knowing the difference.
The "skill" as a photographer should be the basis of upgrading.
This is what separates Men from Boys.

im saving for a 1-series body. to stop upgrading...hehehehe.

I like this thread :Grin: Parang debate on whether to upgrade or not without the unecesarry hostilities associated with it :Dum:

I currently have a D70s and I got that as a replacement for a Sony Mavica (the one with a floppy disk as storage medium). The sony took pics at 800x600 max resolution and it served me well for almost 4 years, mostly on low end product shots, flyers/layouts and even some ads. Now that I have the D70s (which is lightyears ahead in terms of technology, image quality and etc) I find that I still do mostly the same things but they look much, much better artsy-wise and I can actually do an event/wedding or two... (the mavica took forever to write to the disk/memory stick)

My situation was a drastic upgrade so I suppose it was acceptable, even expected. Now though, I was bitten by the upgrade bug once again when I held and played around with the D200... I don't need it. It's heavy, it's expensive, and you can't jsut hand it to a waiter and have him take a pic of your group. But DAMN! I want it... :Mad:

-sigh- I won't though coz for me, it's more on practicality over gadget-lust. I'd love to have it but while the D70s serves me well, I see no reason (other than the aforementioned lust) to get one...

My situation was a drastic upgrade so I suppose it was acceptable, even expected. Now though, I was bitten by the upgrade bug once again when I held and played around with the D200... I don't need it. It's heavy, it's expensive, and you can't jsut hand it to a waiter and have him take a pic of your group. But DAMN! I want it... :Mad:

-sigh- I won't though coz for me, it's more on practicality over gadget-lust. I'd love to have it but while the D70s serves me well, I see no reason (other than the aforementioned lust) to get one...

:) Randy, everyone gets bitten by this "Lust-bugs"... The only seemingly hard part is how you boost your immunity, considering that there is really no known cure... :D

need. hehe! i love my olympus cams (E-1 & E-500) but needed a good high iso performer (read: less noise)... sold the E-500 and got a 30D. need satisfied.

want. hehe -- L lenses. :Grin:

No need to upgrade, i'm satisfied with my D70s and my high-end Hasselblad H2D-39 for my client intended for this gear.

i think hobbyists are the type who get suckered in to upgrade more than the pros. because that's the nature of the beast. hey, if you can't shoot, might as well have good gear. hahaha!!! i'm a hobbyist, btw.

after a year of shooting, i'm at a happy stage already with my quiver of lenses. when you're quite comfortable with what you have, you start to enjoy photography more. so buy the best already with the available budget that you have so that you won't be thinking about "upgrading" all the time ; )

Someone posted this before as a tip.
1. Select your system (Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc...)
2. Invest in Lenses (save for this)
3. Bodies? Buy, use, and sell before the next iteration is released. (that way, you're still updated).

I still think those that upgrade bodies regularly are at an advantage. They only spend for about 20-40% of the real cost of the body (since that is the price cut that they will make upon selling it), and then another 20-40% of the cost of the new body. Overall, they only spend generally about 20-40% of the total cost of a new body - and they can easily get better jobs with those better cameras. Supposing that a camera will update every 1.5 years (ex. 300D-350D-400D), they can easily earn back those 20-40%, and earn some more.

Just my opinion though.
But lastly, for me naman, paaaaatieeeeeeeence is a virtue -- a money saving one at that.

Do you really need to upgrade your camera and gadgets all the time?
I mean when there's a new one you just easily change it. Is is really necessary? "may" life span "ba ang camera kung hindi mo naman gaanong ginagamit"? I saw the camera of Bobby Wong, it's Canon D60 with Carl Seiz lens!, again it's the old D60 and it's functioning well in the hand and eye of a good photographer like Bobby. They said artists photographers are purists and don't just conforme to advertising gimmicks that "this new camera model arriving is better with megapixels, big sensors etc".
With fast changing models and gadgets, camera suppliers can't coup up with the backlog of repairs and services, my Canon 580 EX flash is gaining dust (i think) in canon service repair in Pasong Tamo for 3 months already, and i need to follow up all the time for them to know that "i'm still interested" in that brand. This country is really going nowhere because even in service repairs of the unit you bought with your hard earned money needs politicking in order for them to move! "paano na lang yung mga maliliit na tao na katulad ko"? "kailangan ba ng kakilala sa canon or sa nikon" in order for them to give the good service we all deserved?... i missed my pentax k2 which i bought in 1977 and used it for 20 long years (and it is still with me ha). Mind you the next models of camera and gadgets is nothing but a piece of junk, it's getting cheaper and cheaper, time will come the cost of repair is equivalent to buying a new one...and you reaaaaallly need patience to wait for the repair...not unless you are somebody and you know someone inside. Moral lesson of the story. Stop buying the next camera and gadgets and enjoy photography. Join the nearest "photography club" not the "camera club" (who always talks about camera hehe).:Sick: :)
When I first bought my gear a few years back, I put together a list of system features that I'd like to have at my disposal. Things like a decent megapixel range for printing, good build, excellent image quality, low high ISO noise, decently quick handling and AF to cover fast-paced events, plenty of control over depth-of-field, good technical support, etc. I eventually decided on a 20D and a combination of Tamron and Sigma lenses. I've been very happy with the setup, and while I haven't felt the need to upgrade the body since it still met my requirements, I did feel the urge to upgrade my lenses several times since may instances na kinakapos ang range or gusto ko gumaan ang bag ko. (e.g. I could've used a wider lens for a paid indoor architecture shoot. I could combine the 17-35 and 28-75 into one 17-55 tapos may IS pa.:D)

Eventually, the rule I set for myself in upgrading was this: If I got enough work that warranted the lenses I wanted, then I can justify the upgrade. If not, I guess the only time I'd need to upgrade is when my gear finally dies on me. Hehehe :)

Digital cameras are like computers. By the time you get your dream camera, they'll be releasing a "better" camera with more features at a lower price.
The wisest thing for me was to buy a dslr without burning a hole in my pocket and invest in quality lenses that enables me to use in both film and digital cameras.

Another thing about the need to upgrade though:

Usually if you ask your wallet this question; it doesn't lie on the response... :D

I'd rather upgrade my lens than the camera body; a variety of lenses can definitely do more than a variety of bodies.

I guess some people (esp. pros?) really have to upgrade since their customers sometimes have a tendency to judge them first on their gear as well? Just my opinion though, not sure if this is exactly the case?

i agreee with u fidel...since im not a pro just a newbie il upgrade my lenses first, (for the mean time):Grin: until i can sharpen my skills or able to produce the money for a newer body:Grin:, anyways we are victims of very good marketing campaigns the need to have the latest gear instills in our subconcious :) isnt it that the technologies in the market today are already obsolete and they already developed far more complicated ones and its just set aside waiting for the right time to launch it, maximizing profits?? ( just like nokia phones) anyways my thoughts on the matter :Grin:

definitely lenses first. let your body last for at least 2 years and you get your money's worth. :)