Just curious
Is there a real need to rush to the newest camera?
How much improvement in your Photography do you get from a new camera?
It depends if one buys with one's eyes open and takes a calculated risk of being a guineapig. If the new camera is 1. (Big One) affordable and 2. Possibly relevant to needs, then I usually wait several months.
Big leap from from film to D60, and less to D7200, but I found the Df a game changer in one key aspect, thanks to its excellent D4 sensor. Shooting at ISO6400 and even higher was an eye opener and this ability continues to impress me with the current generation cameras with 20-24mp (main reason I bought a D780 for its Z6 sensor). Having used a F90x for many years, I have found the Df Autofocus delivered - even a killer even on flying and running subjects.
The D500 and D850 are the big enablers being so well rounded. Where and when it is called for, I am equally emphatic - when required - that the silent-shooting abilities are as crucial a game changer (with a Z MILC, or at a push a D780 / D850 in L'view using Hoodman on the LCD).
I must also underscore the excellent advantages of lighter telephotos with decent speed and reach in the pair of PF Nikkors. Prior to their release, admittedly we did have the choice of lighter 70-200 and 70-300 zooms but these were/are restricted by f4 and f5.6 respectively to reach to 500mm and more. Previously I had enjoyed the flexibility embodied in a compact light 400 f5.6AIS IFED, which went most places and delivered sans-support. The phase-fresnel AFC telephotos, 3 decades later, have clinched the loop and their AF have superseded the 1.2kg MF 400 f5.6AIS , weird as this may strike some of you!
Overall, looking back, I believe the AF revolution has been a game changer to grab the proverbial fleeting moment. Obviously the digital revolution has enabled all manner of advantages. Today, the advances are primarily in refinements in AF particularly as sensor technology is levelled off and 20mp/24mp is ideal in DX and FX respectively - albeit with the well understood advantages of 'Croppability' and future proofing in 45mp FX sensors.
I think we will see greater emphasis in refining the Haptics of cameras ie controls and menu options. Nikon does this pretty well already, but too often they leave glaring gaps. And/or too often Nikon reverses on features that work well in a camera!
Do you have attachment to your camera or is it just a tool?
Well, I have kept my Nikon F3 primarily because it was my workhorse and bought with an inheritance. Like a fine rifle or shotgun, one does grow to appreciate deeply a well designed camera that works well and reliably in adverse conditions. ditto a finely designed lens. Ultimately, my current cameras will be traded in or donated to a school photography club (which is a most deserving cause in Africa, particularly integral in conservation education).
I invest far more seriously into lenses, and still use a 55 f2.8AIS Micro-Nikkor that's been working since 1988.
Not sure if it just me I love watching the new cameras come out & reading reviews but happy with what I have or is that just living in the past.
I was very slow moving to digital from film as I didn't want to give up my camera that I had used for over 15 years.
Reading forums I feel ones like me a very rare
Partly because of the prices of a D1, D2 etc I only moved across from film finally in 2008, but I'd relied on a Coolpix for research over the previous decade.
It is the particular new lenses that match - if not exceed - any camera hyperbole
Unlike a camera, the first tests and images are usually reliable indicators if a new lens is a keeper or not. Straightforward. The main reason to wait is for new prices to drop and/or a decent Used copy to appear (dumped by a frustrated gearhead!) Actually, this is how I bought my low-count D500 in London at almost half launch RRP. Same tactic with the Df.
Albeit looking back at 2018, the launch of the Z System ranks as relatively unique. The release of an entirely novel imaging system is a rare event, especially one with the potential of the universal Z Mount - and again its value is grounded centrally in the optics - existing and potential. So I got the first Z7 kit in S Africa (apparently) primarily for trials. This time I'm waiting to read the reviews, which will also wash out the more pernicious lurgies. As posted elsewhere, I'm waiting for firstly the E-manuals to check on Custom options (key AF controls being vital), and equally a trustworthy review or two. However, I'm quietly confident these Z II will be excellent - including for most demands in wildlife photography. So will probably buy a Z7 II next year.
