Photography Article Time for a New Camera?|Photography Artist Statement

One of my most-read and most-mentioned posts for Digital Photography School turned into the one where I asked the query, "Do You Need to Upgrade to the Latest Camera?" (Spoiler alert, my solution was no.)

But there's a big difference between upgrading to the latest camera simply because it is the latest camera and upgrading to a new camera because it fits a "need" or a gap in your photography arsenal. Since I am in the market for a new camera myself right now, I thought it might be interesting to revisit the question from the opposite angle: when is it actually time for a new camera?

When NOT to Upgrade

But first, a few caveats. Upgrading to a higher camera does now not magically make you a better photographer. It's sad however genuine. New gear does no longer train you composition, flip a snapshot right into a memorable photograph, or assist you higher discover the "decisive moment." There are masses of horrible images obtainable shot on luxurious cameras.

Before you make a decision you "want" a new digital camera, spend a while thinking about the camera(s) which you already very own. How nicely do you recognize the way to use your modern digital camera? How often have you referred returned to the guide or investigated some of the bells and whistles that would already be handy?

In what situations does your camera perform well? In what situations does your camera seem limited? Are these situations the result of a weakness in your camera or a weakness in your knowledge or experience? (Self-promotion moment: my book,Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is specifically geared towards DSLR owners who want to get the most out of the camera they have.)

If you're a informal, fly-by using-the-seat-of-your-pants sort of shooter (and we all are, on some days), then perhaps what you want is a new commitment to pushing yourself and your modern digital camera to the boundaries of its abilties. Go out overdue at night time and shoot in low light. Crank the ISO up excessive and see how poorly (or no longer) your snap shots flip out.

Find a speedy domestic dog or cranky toddler and see how well your digicam offers with transferring topics or the need to shoot unexpectedly. Test the limits of your zoom, the boundaries of your handholding without shake, or the bounds of your burst mode. That should come up with a much more potent idea approximately whether or not you may honestly "want" a new digicam ... Or now not.

Once you have decided that your modern-day digicam does not meet your wishes, you then are virtually geared up to transport forward with discovering and shopping a brand new camera.

Signs It Might Actually Be Time for a New Camera

Think you are prepared for a new digital camera? Try out on hand-dandy flowchart to see for sure ...

Ready to choose? Check out the following put up on this series, that allows you to provide an explanation for the distinct options in detail, that will help you make the great preference for you: Finding the Perfect Camera Type for You.

Boost Your Photography: Learn Your DSLR is available from Amazon. Get the most from your digicam with sensible recommendation about the technical and innovative aspects of DSLR images in an effort to have you ever taking stunning pics right away.