I have been a photographer for many, many years. My trusty old Nikon SLR 8088s film camera served me for nearly twenty years, and it still works perfectly today.
But when professional quality film started becoming more and more scarce, I finally went digital in 2006. I chose a Nikon D80 SLR because all of my lenses and filters still function beautifully on the standard D-Mount, and the photos are excellent.
But digital technology evolves at a staggering rate, and my four year old camera is already ancient. And although it still operates as intended, advancements in digital photography have almost made the once state-of-the-art device almost obsolete.
And so it becomes necessary to replace a device that is still functioning and fully operational. Like a computer, the lifespan of a digital camera is short. And with both cameras and computers, 3-4 years seems like the maximum useful life expectancy.
And so I’ll start shopping for a new camera this month with the next four years of picture-taking in mind.
God-willing, I’ll need to buy another one in 2014!
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Richard, I have not even used my camera to a third of its ability, because of my lack of ability. I am not ready to buy a new one, although I would love a few more lenses. I bought a Pentax K200 a year and a half ago. Love it.... I consider it to be just a step up above entry level I guess.
Have fun, sounds like you will be busy checking, rechecking, reading, comparing, googling, etc. for the next few whatever!
Hi Richard:
I'm shopping for the same...
I'll be interested in which Nikon you end up going with.
Which one are you leaning towards??
Until recently the camera bug hadn't bitten me--snaphots were just fine. But, after seeing so many top-notch photos here on Active Rain, I find I'd like to learn more and take better quality photos. Maybe some day I'll jump into the game.
Richard, We actually have the same camera as you, aNikon D80 SLR but Andrea mentioned have yet to use a fraction of the cameras abilities! And of course don't take near the quality photos as you! I am sure it's difficult considering the rapid progress of technology but again, you already take great pictures;-D
Richard,
Seems like a legitimate business expense to me. There are now two camers out that are in the 50 megapixel range. Of course, they're also in the $15K price range too.
Rich
Best camera combo you can get right now is the Nikon D700 and the 14mm-24mm f/2.8. That said, if you check out http://photographyforrealestate.com/ they have all the prices for bodies and lens as well as great info to take real estate photographs.
Richard.....if it's not the camera, you knowit will be the laptop that requires replacement.....I just bought a new toshiba at home....now I will do the same for the office.
A new camera is on my list too. Nikon or Minolta? That remains to be seen :) Just make sure to price shop diligently.
It is amazing how quickly things are out dated. it no longer matters if the product still works, it just can't do what the new products can do...best of luck figuring out your next purchase, of course as soon as you get it out of the box the next best, latest and greatest will come out...
I am so hopeful that my D90 will be the one that I use for a long time. I don't do all that it will do. I bought the books but get busyand don't read them :(
Have fun shopping for it and when you decide, it will be fun taking photos with the new camera.
Please let us know what you end up with
it's time to replace mine also and I can't decide what to buy
I love a good picture and quality but the choices are endless
enjoy the day
I've been using my iPhone camera for months on BPOs and my listings. The results have been fantastic!
Richard, I have been using a Cannon for the last 3 years and it has served me well enough for real estate, but not that great for a long range zoom or distant landscape. I'm afraid it's time for an upgrade here too.
Richard:
I was hoping from your title that you would have advised which camera to buy. I am in the market and need some advice. When you do choose a new one, I hope you will share that information with us. I would value your opinion.
Hi Richard, our last Nikon was a F90 (film) which was the best you could buy around the $1000 mark.
We have been using a Panasonic digital point and shoot as it has the widest wide angle. It has been doing a good job.
We have been looking to upgrade for the last couple of months and the Nikon D90 seems to be the best, still around the $880 cdn (body only).
The more we look, rumour is the D90 is soon to be replaced. The Canon counterpart does movies in HD and will probably be the improvement to the new replacement of the D90.
Sounds like an AR contest... Who can guess the launch date of the new D90???
If you must make the purchase, buy another Nikon with a D mount. Nikon's served you well for over 20 years and your lenses will still fit.
Sell the old one on Ebay!
Richard...I won't even tell you what I am using. I need desperately to upgrade. I have some great photo's of the fish I will catch this year and I would like them to be great.
I am thinking that if the lifespan of these tools I now have is only about 4 years old i Have just been in the pre-historic ages for some time now. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts this morning my friend.
You are way out of my league. I have a Fuji 8 megapixel. $100 bucks as I recall.
I put off upgrading forever, and then chose a Sony with wide-angle capabililty. I've used Sony for years and really thought well of the quality of their photos.
Boy, was I wrong. I purchase a Sony DSC-W290. It taks HORRIBLE still photos. Video is great and clear, but the stills are VERY BAD.
Research shows that the still camera is using "anti-noise" software that really messes up the photos. Too bad.
Have a great Thursday!
Richard - do you still like the pictures that you are taking? Are you having problems? Is there something that you need to do (as opposed to want to do) that you can't with the camera that you have. My wife's Nikon Coolpix is at least 7 years old and still works extremely well for her. Granted, she does not do the same stuff that you do. My a300 is 2 years old and I expect that I will have it for quite some time yet.
Great thoughts... I have been wanting to-or thinking I need to upgrade. thanks!
Richard,
We were all hoping to read what you bought...so maybe at a future date we will get to see your new camera...and some lovely new pictures.
Richard: It does seem a shame to retire a perfectly good digital camera. But you're right. Technology moves forward at an incredible pace. Items like this become outdated before they've stopped working.
Hi Richard,
You have us all left wondering what you will recommend! Don't you just love technology!!
Well I know you will get what you like the best and you should my friend as you do some fantastic work and it's not the camera.
Richard - In the early 1980s, I bought a Nikon SLR F3 (film camera). That camera and its lenses served me well for almost 20 years. However, I really do love the digital world of photography! My most recent camera is a Nikon D90 SLR. I'm love it. I also have a smaller Canon SX200IS 12.1 MP with 12X zoom, which will easily fit into my purse. I love it too!
Hi Richard!
How could your photos be any more beautiful than they are now? I think you could create art out of a rock!
It's unfortunate when we have to retire things that work perfectly well. I'll be interested in your new purchase.
Hello Richard, I have to mirror the thoughts above that you should strongly consider staying with the D mount of Nikon. There are some great deals out there and I am guessing ( hehehe )you will be using a lot more than our opinions to make a decision. D 3 sounds like it might be just what you are looking for. And it looks hot!
I grew up on Agfa 35mm and then my first digital was an Agfa as well. They I went into point and shoot Canon and loved it. And upgraded it to a 7mp Cannon with some more features and honestly, I have had some really great pictures with that camera...I think it's partly the person behind the camera as well.
I was thinking of staying with Canon but Nikon is catching my eye as well.
Hi Richard - I'm still using an Olympus C700 that must be about 8-10 years old. As much as I'd love to see what's new, that's much more of a luxury than a necessity today. At your level, I think it's much more the skill of the photographer rather than the equipment. :)
Richard .. I have always thought you have gorgeous photo's. Let us know when you buy a new one and what kind you get ... ok? thanks!
Richard, I have been going through the same dilemma. I have been eye-balling a Nikon D200 and a D3. Decisions, decisions...
Helping you help others live their American dream...
Hi Richard:
Did you buy that new camera yet?
Just wondering which model you're leaning towards...