Fit for the bin
why oh why do camera makers continually turn out new models with minor updates to unnecessary parts and additions. usually just a new model is a mark 2 or above. then in a very short time the first of the line 'is no longer supported' and cannot be upgaded. Film cameras could be used for decades and still are and still as good as new. Prob not explained as concisely as I would have liked.
Well its good for those of us looking for cheap mint second hand bargains 
I have 4 Pannys, many models old. They all still work perfectly and are compatible with my raw version of E14, Can't fault the Lumix lenses either. I've no desire these days to buy newer gear, and skip the reviews for everything except lenses. When things go wrong I'll think again, but I'm very happy with what I've got.
My guess is that manufacturer A upgrades because Manufacturer B has just done so and Manufacturer C will shortly. The public are likely to be persuaded to buy the most up-to-date model. However, you do not have to update your camera. I am on my third DSLR (and now probably my last) since 2005 (so make them last just over 6 years). I have only upgraded when specific new or improved facilities were available which I wanted. My first DSLR was 8 MP and DR of 9-10 stops (inadequate). My second has 21 MP and DR of 11 stops; resolution fine but DR inadequate. My latest has 30 MP and 14 stops DR; resolution probably more than I need but DR range much better. The most recent camera also has GPS and WiFi both of which I use. The problem is it is too heavy so I am hoping a lightweight mirrorless will have a similar performance at some stage in the future.
Dave
Dave
They make them because we buy them, usually at a premium price. Do you need it? Will you make use of any new improved features? Do you just want it because it's new? The frequent release of new models is more to do with marketing than meeting customer needs.
ivor
ivor
its all very good buying 2nd hand but nothing can be fixed/upgraded if the item is no longer supported. The Canon 5D uses compact flash cards altho there is a sd card adaptor but on my 5d neither now work
Quote:My three Panasonics are about four years old now and they were excellent when I purchased them and remain so.
My new camera I just picked up must be a good four years old, shop around and there are plenty of boxed shiny, cheap, lightly used second hand camera bargains out there.
Part fault of the eager punter for ever chasing the latest and greatest.
I have several digital cameras over 10 years old that still work OK.
I don't think there's anything new about new models with minor upgrades coming out every year. Kodak were doing that 120 years ago.
I don't think there's anything new about new models with minor upgrades coming out every year. Kodak were doing that 120 years ago.
It's my understanding the camera companies have adopted the electronics industry business model. Devise a product, and release its full potential in incremental steps as the initial demand wanes. They used to say Sony was the master at that although never sure Betamax reached it's full potential (mine's a door stop).
I use Fujifilm cameras and lenses. Fuji, like other camera companies I suppose, have a policy of continuous improvement, and as far as possible make those improvements available to owners of earlier versions of their products through free firmware upgrades.
Fuji's boss has said in an interview he doesn't believe his customers should have to buy a new camera just to get a few small improvements.
In the years I've had my X-Pro 2 it's had a series of free upgrades, including among other things a higher maximum shutter speed and a completely overhauled autofocus system. It was good when I bought it, but then it kept on getting better at no cost to me.
I don't really know how that compares to firmware upgrades from other manufacturers, but I'm certainly not complaining.
Fuji's boss has said in an interview he doesn't believe his customers should have to buy a new camera just to get a few small improvements.
In the years I've had my X-Pro 2 it's had a series of free upgrades, including among other things a higher maximum shutter speed and a completely overhauled autofocus system. It was good when I bought it, but then it kept on getting better at no cost to me.
I don't really know how that compares to firmware upgrades from other manufacturers, but I'm certainly not complaining.
I do believe that manufacturers obviously want to keep continuous sales up...so if they can introduce new “improvements - features” they’ll hype it up..
Now maybe these “improvements’ are just what you need at last, so obviously go for it...
I “upgraded” to a Nikon D300, bought when introduced, the best thing ever at the time...but in a short while, it’s considered “old hat - behind the times” etc.. strangely enough the camera hasn’t recognised this failure...and still takes the great photos it did from day 1.
My latest venture is using a Sony A6000 - great machine - but only for size/weight reduction...I still consider my D300 and lenses the “better” option..!
Now maybe these “improvements’ are just what you need at last, so obviously go for it...
I “upgraded” to a Nikon D300, bought when introduced, the best thing ever at the time...but in a short while, it’s considered “old hat - behind the times” etc.. strangely enough the camera hasn’t recognised this failure...and still takes the great photos it did from day 1.
My latest venture is using a Sony A6000 - great machine - but only for size/weight reduction...I still consider my D300 and lenses the “better” option..!
