Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images Last week, we kicked off a new series in the DPReview forums to spark conversation and get people thinking. The Question of the week series will ask a new question in the Open Talk forum most Wednesdays, covering a wide range of photography-related topics.
Our inaugural query asked what five questions you should ask yourself when buying a new camera. We were excited to see how many of you responded, providing lots of responses and things to think about when purchasing your next camera. In fact, we initially planned on highlighting five responses from the community, but decided to showcase 10 because of all the great responses.
There were some general trends, with most of you highlighting the importance of knowing your budget, what genre(s) you would like to photograph and what size you'd prefer. Here are some of the other questions that popped up.
Does it work with the lenses you need?
Many of you pointed out the importance of lens selection. Whether you're choosing a first camera or an upgrade, knowing what lenses you'll be able to use is important. For example, NiVoak said, "Should my new camera be compatible with my current lenses, or will I need to upgrade my lenses too?" Needing to upgrade lenses can add a significant cost, so that's a great reminder to folks.
Do you actually need a new camera?
Most of you also suggested asking yourself whether you truly need the new camera or if you are suffering from Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). For example, user danijel973 suggested, "Is something really wrong with my current camera, or am I just having gear acquisition syndrome?" In that same vein, many of you pointed out that it's essential to ask yourself if a new camera would address issues with your current one or offer anything new. Gato Amarillo asked, "What specific advantage(s) do I gain? Stress on 'specific' - list it or them. "
Is it for fun or for business?
Some of you differentiated between professionals and enthusiasts, which is a worthwhile consideration. For pros, Bobapingu suggested that there needs to be a "cost/benefit analysis (by numbers) to ensure the investment will benefit the business and pay for itself. " Others pointed out that enjoyment is also an important thing to consider. For example, hampshirejohn only had one question: "Will it increase my enjoyment of photography, either in the process of taking photos or in improved images, to an extent that justifies the cost?"
What else could you do with the money?
We also enjoyed that some of you considered what else the money could be spent on instead of that new camera. TXforester suggested asking yourself, "What could I do if I spent that money another way? Such as take a trip to photograph something on my bucket list. " If your current camera is largely meeting your needs, spending that money on a trip or a new lens may be the better move.
Less common questions
We also appreciated the less common responses. For example, motormatic had the unique suggestion to consider support after your purchase: "How well is the new camera supported by local dealers and repair shops?" Some of you also pointed out that there will likely be more than five questions to ask. Maoby listed five questions with instructions to answer without lying and followed up with this advice: "If you honestly answered these five questions, you are ready for the next five. "
Of course, there were some entertaining responses, too. Horshack asked, "Do I have any kidneys left to sell?" We all feel the high prices of cameras, so this one made us chuckle. There is also BobsYourUncle's single question: "Does this camera look almost the same as my 25 others so my wife won't notice?" Lastly, Myles Baker had a very important consideration: "Will I get torched in the DPR comments sections for buying the 'wrong' camera?"
The thread is still open if you haven't had a chance to share your questions yet but would still like to participate. Thank you to everyone who chimed in, and we can't wait to hear your responses to this week's question come Wednesday.
Click here to answer the Question of the week
. dpreview.com2025-8-19 20:54
