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Sorry for the long title but I couldn't paraphrase.
I have just read a thread on another forum where the correspondent is lamenting the picture quality from his newly acquired, Canon 1D-II..."the images are all out of focus" he cries. He is referring to the 'soft' images produced by all dSLRs that have an AA filter present in front of the sensor.
This chap has just laid out over 3000 on a state of the art piece of equipment when he clearly has little or no understanding of digital cameras, digital imaging generally and specifically the post procesing required to produce images comparable to that you would expect straight from a film based camera.
It makes me wonder why some people buy expensive equipment before they understand the fundementals. This appies to any medium and I have just picked this as an example that prompted my thoughts.
What do other people think? Are cameras just jewellry for many people with picture taking a secondary concern?
Barrie 
Oh dear, another can of worms...
!! Quite agree though Barry but wish I had 3000 to spend on a camera, boy would I be finding out how to use it to its full ability.
Yes, for some people Cameras are "black Medallions"- ie like a gold medallion- suggesting wealth and style (?) but also suggesting technical skill or ability.
Very often technophiles will buy the best available, not what they need (I have bought 3 second hand laptops at different stages, all owned by people who used them for at most word, e-mail and browsing, and the machines were way over specced for what they used them for, and they sold them to buy newer More expensive ones - "cos you have to have the latest")
Magazines are partly to blame - headlines declaring "Miktax launch fastest/biggest/ somethingest camera wil spur people to buy it, some cos they nedd it some cos they think they need it and some cos they think it will impress others or make them jealous.
Why do people buy expensive fast cars which are way beyond their needs and, often, their driving abilities too!?
When a Nissan Micra would do the job just as well - in fact maybe better because they would be more at ease with the equipment.
Principle is much the same. A bit of "if you've got it flaunt it" plus "it's more expensive so the results will be better".
Barrie The Canon 1DII is one of the most desirable cameras regardless of ability. Why do people by 4x4s and take the kids to school when the majority score poorly on safety? I read one popular model was recalled because the shift into 4 wheel drive didnt do anything. 99% of customers hadnt even noticed . . . So if you have the money you buy it. Or sometimes you dont have the money but buy it for its status. Fortunately in this world, the camera really doesnt lie. And your example shows us all what a fool they are. Sometimes its not a bad thing though. But then I may be guilty of buying beyond my ability I do however spend a looong time researching and might not know how to use a function but at least I know why I dont know oh dear sounding like Donald Rumsfeld! So as some one who is guilty, Ill try and explain from the other side. Last September I bought a 10D. I had previously owned a 300 and wanted to go digital. I started with a digital compact but wanted more especial with regards to lenses. The 300d was a rumour and I couldnt wait. The 10d had won loads of awards, getting glowing reports and was just affordable didnt know about the whole lens thing at the time . . . Did I understand all its functions? Was I good enough to own such an item . . . probably no. I have learnt a huge amount by owning one. It wasnt a status symbol for me though. I didnt even tell anyone I owned one. I just wanted to be the best I could be and be judged by the results not the tool. One thing I can never do is blame my tools. Same thing happened all over again with the 100-400L but I can blame you for that!
Edward
Oh dear might be a controversial thread, and I promised myself not to get involved in those creeps back to the gallery.
Funny the things you remember (pulls out pipe and slippers).
I met a friend of a friend about 17 year ago, round his neck was a (at the time just launched) Canon T70 (whiz bang). Before anyone pipes up, yes....it was a great camera!
He proceed to called it the "Ulimate Canon" and went on at length why it was better than everything else (including my camera, also with me at the time).
I aked him if I could have a look and he was happy to let me take the camera.
Then I asked.............."mind if I take a shot"
"It's ok" he said................"There isn't any film in it"!!!!!!!
Mine was loaded.....enough said.
Barrie
Be fair he could be one of the greatest film photographer that has decided to move across to the Digital side. (Sounds a bit sinister does it not). But I guess by the way they have reacted they have not studied what it is they are getting into and so they are probably not. The amount of people I meet who have phones PCs etc way beyond their ability to use is amazing.
Diverging a bit. When I worked in a garage I remember one old lad who complained endlessly about his new fiesta having terrible economy and labouring all the time. I went out with him and he was sticking it in 5th at 35mph and driving at 40. When I pointed out he should be doing more than 50mph before changing into 5th he replied that he always used top above 35mph, did not do more than 45mph, and had been driving for more years than I had been breathing. (factually correct on the last few points) He neither wanted to take the 4 speed version of the car (I can afford the better one Ill have it) or change his driving habits.
There is plenty of snobbery at work, look at the thread where some people said they would not buy the 300D because it was silver not black. Not image quality, handling or features but colour.
Having said all that, there must be some advantages in buying a camera that has more features than you know how to use if youre starting out.
As they say in Yorkshire There is nowt as queer as folk.
.
Thanks John - always wondered what I was doing wrong . . .
And as they say outside Yorkshire "You can always tell a Yorkshireman - but not a lot".
"Having said all that, there must be some advantages in buying a camera that has more features than you know how to use if youre starting out. " (by strawman)
As I always say, " better looking at it than for it!"
to rincewind, Hi, I remember being with you that day as well, super lighting and scenery and only 15 miles from the nearest shop for film!!
well, slightly off topic - i'm about to buy an old manual camera - om-1. don't know how to use it, but i plan to learn.
i suppose there's always the possibility he's just too lazy to read up and finds it easier to moan on a forum where other's can explain it to him. i don't think there's anything wrong with buying the latest and greatest if you can truly afford it. a mercedes, for example, is an expensive car, and noted for it's safety. i don't plan on having any accidents but if i had the cash i'd certainly buy one. same as the 1D-II. if it's the best there is (in your opinion) and you can afford it, why not. so long as you're not a lazy git like in barrie's first post!!!
I was in Photoptix the other day and there was a very posh women buying the Canon Pro1. She asked the shop bloke where the zoom switch was and he showed her the manual zoom control and said how good it was.
'A manual zoom' she said 'Oh, how quaint and old fashioned'
I bit my tongue and walked out trying not to look at the assisstant who was almost in tears with laughter.
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