For a lot of people, they would upgrade to the latest camera bodies as soon as they are available. I am guilty of this in the past to some degree, but I have now slowed down the upgrade intervals. There are a couple of reasons for this.
In just a bit longer than a decade, the sensor in the consumer digital camera has matured with frightening speed. It's unimaginable just a decade ago that today's sensor is capable of such high resolution and low noise. But, the last couple of years, advances in image quality has been incremental. The resolution of around 16MP is more than high enough for most uses, and ISO 6400 is surprisingly usable. Cameras now can last two to three years and are still very usable compared to the new cameras. So, where do you spend the money allocated for photography? I would suggest lenses.
In film days, we would say that cameras are just a light tight box. It's the lenses that make the images. It's still true today. Camera bodies retire at a much faster rate than lenses. How many 10-year-old digital cameras do you see people use? Hardly any. Lenses are entirely different. I see lenses as an investment, though not entirely in financial sense. I have gone through many Canon bodies, but my Canon lens collection has hardly changed; some of the lenses are more than 20 years old.
True, many people buy cameras not based on image quality, but other factors, such as size, weight, and other features. Manufacturers know this, and will never make a "perfect" camera. there are always features that you want, but lacking in the latest camera, and one of these features will be in the next iteration.
So you are not upgrading to Nex 5R or Nex 6?
ReplyDeleteMy son wants my 5N, so I am still undecided between 5D II, OM-D EM-5, or the NEX-6.
Deletei have a nex 5, is it worth upgrading to a nex 5n ($370 new body) or should i jump for the nex 5r. I definitely need the touch screen so nex 6 is ruled out. let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteI upgraded from NEX-5 to NEX-5N and never regretted it. The image quality alone deserves the upgrade. Oddly, I have touch screen disabled on my NEX-5N.
Deletewithout touch screen how do you magnify focus? Do you always rely on the view finder even if subject is not in center?
DeletePressing the center button on the wheel will magnify. It's much faster and works with gloves :)
DeleteSorry. I read your question wrong. I thought to magnify picture taken. To magnify focus, just press the button below the wheel. I would prefer the button on top, but unfortunately this can not be re-assigned. Sorry for the wrong reply.
Deletegood tip - do you have this center button magnify on nex 5 as well?
ReplyDeleteYes. I am so used to it now that using touch screen is kind of awkward!
DeleteI had a NEX 3 and upgraded to a NEX5n, and like Yu Lin said, it was a good upgrade. However, I think the NEX5r has some excellent upgrades (interface and AF speed), but there is no change in image quality from a 5n. The NEX 6 adds the excellent view finder, and it is my pick of the NEX range. However, if you don't have a lot of E mount lenses, the new Fujifilm XE-1 really looks the goods. I'd love to see a review between these two cameras.
ReplyDelete