- The Fanboys got Rick Roll'd this summer/fall
This fall both Nikon and Canon were rumored to launch new big boy DSLR cameras. Eons ago the Nikon D70/D100 and Canon 10/20D revolutionized the photo industry by sculpting the "prosumer" DSLR market out of silicone and rugged plastic. That once small niche of photographers has exploded with digital photography. Even $2,500+ cameras like the 5D Mark II and D700 have become very mainstream. I enjoy writing about the newest Olympus, Sony, and Panasonic cameras, but honestly I see more 5D Mark IIs out on the streets than $600 Olympus, Sony, and Panasonic cameras combined. So it is understandable why the prominent voices online are talking about the Canon and Nikon digital cameras that were expected to be released this fall. However, it is entirely possible that they won't be around until mid 2012, just in time to photograph the end of the world. So everybody wants to know, what was the cause of these highly anticipated cameras being held back? But the question I want to ask everyone is, “Who cares?”
Like it or not in today's world anyone can take a great picture if they have the proper knowledge, motivation, and creativity. The camera you have shouldn't be your priority. Some people argue that your camera mattered less in the film days because it was really the choice of film, lens, and lighting you used. While I can appreciate this and admit that it holds some water, I still feel like the actual camera you have matters very little. So wait, a camera store blog is telling you to not buy a camera? No, I am not trying to discourage anybody. Of course if you don't already own a DSLR, it’s a much better investment than buying a Gitzo Tripod and Profoto kit to use with your point and shoot! However, that being said any combination of lighting, lenses, and money spent on helpful workshops is bound to improve your photography much more than simply upgrading your camera body.
[caption id="attachment_4740" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="After you have a camera, don't buy another one until you have a bunch of these!"]
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It is no industry secret that yesterday's digital camera can still take amazing photos. But for some reason the unnerving anxiety of not having the latest camera really gets to some people, even in situations where said latest camera doesn’t exist yet! Honestly, your D700 or 5D Mark II really is good enough right now to make you plenty of money and equally important, powerful images. I know a lot of people were expecting a Nikon D4 and Canon 1Ds Mark IV this fall. But the D700 and 5D Mark II actually hold a much larger market share than their professional older brothers, so I am using them as examples instead. In most cases we need to reanalyze the person we are behind the camera and how we are using our equipment, not the equipment itself. A very small percentage of photographers actually push their gear to its technical limits. For this very reason I have turned away some of my earlier ideas to make this blog more rumor-centric. Additionally, there are already several websites/blogs out there that dedicate their entire lives to digging up camera rumors. Don't get me wrong, I frequent those blogs as well. I can openly admit that I am as much of a gear nerd as any other photographer out there, but I don't feel like I have anything to add to that conversation beyond some short analysis of what I think is going to happen.
The lust for the latest camera can be understood to some degree. For a long time, new cameras really did make a big difference. The 5D Mark II changed the industry with its robust megapixel count, high ISO image quality, and HD video capabilities all for a very friendly pound-for-pound price. You could also argue that the Nikon D3, D300, and D700 saved them from becoming the next company to simply rent their name out for lenses on point and shoot cameras. So since the ugly birth of digital photography, the next installment of cameras has always been much better than the last. For professionals who already own a bunch of lenses and lighting, the newest camera did give them the ability to make images that they couldn't in the past; especially in terms of high ISO image quality. I am slightly remorseful to say that those days are over.
[caption id="attachment_4748" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Canon's misleading advertising. Cameras won't help you pick up a date."]
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Right now there is no new technology that is going to cause a major breakthrough in image quality. Yes, I expect the 5D Mark III to have a more sophisticated AF system and some new video features. The Nikon D800 will have more megapixels and HD video recording. With all that being said, this is still nothing monumental. Those who REALLY need video in a DSLR have already bought a 5D, 7D, T1i, T2i, T3i, or 60D. Those who need superior ISO performance and better AF have already switched to Nikon! Anything that Canon or Nikon can offer right this minute would be a mere luxury as opposed to necessity, kind of like having an all leather interior in your car. It makes it more comfortable to use and probably gets you some more chicks (actually never mind, cameras will never do that, no matter how hard you guys try...), but really doesn't impact how the car drives and certainly doesn't make you a better driver.
The main obstacle preventing a person from buying a fantastic camera that is available right now is the fear of buyer's remorse. They are afraid once they pull the trigger on a purchase, a new camera will come to fruition the following week. Let's just say Canon announced and launched a 5D Mark III next week, but you just bought a 5D Mark II. Should you try returning it? Maybe if you're a jerk. Otherwise just get out there and make the best with what you have. If you need advice on what lenses, accessories, or lighting you may want to consider buying, I'm all ears. But please no more e-mails asking if I know anything about the 5D Mark III, I don't, so stop! To those who maintain the "being smart and waiting" policy, have fun taking no pictures or using an ancient artifact while you sit around waiting for a unicorn of a camera to come to you in your dreams.
[caption id="attachment_4746" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Stop blaming the Earthquake. The Japanese are hard at work and if you can stand up long enough to use a urinal, you'll be able to wait until next year for a camera."]
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Another segment of people claim that the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan must have slowed down progress and that is the reason why there are no new Nikon or Canon cameras expected this calendar year. I would argue that assessment is an insult to the great Japanese people. All of the Japanese workers were back to work quickly and it really wouldn't have a significant impact on R&D anyway. Even if entire factories we're totally leveled, both Canon and Nikon are large/diverse multi-national companies that could start pumping out professionals DSLRs in another country in a heartbeat. There was a short stint in supply/shipments from Japan, but we've already recovered from that. So I am really sick of hearing about how the disaster in Japan prevented Canon or Nikon from releasing new professional and semi-professional cameras. I just can't believe that for one second. Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony had no problems churning out new models recently and although Sony and Panasonic are monoliths of Japanese industry, Canon and Nikon are big enough to produce if they really wanted to.
[caption id="attachment_4743" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The D700 and 5D Mark II are still good enough for the King!"]
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What I'm hoping is that Canon and Nikon have realized that their cameras are pretty darn good, and that if they want people to buy the next models they better come up with something that is a true improvement. Nobody wants a mere luxury package that only gets fanboys excited to have the next incremental number painted on their camera . As we move forward in time, the more professional cameras will stay relevant for longer periods of time. I'm going to have no qualms about using my current Nikon D3 in a year from today, (at that point it will be a 5 year old camera) and I challenge you to give me a reason why I shouldn't as long as I keep it in good working order. Neither company is going to fire the first volley without being sure that the other doesn't have something else up its sleeve. In case you haven't noticed, most Nikon and Canon announcements usually happen within a matter days of each other. So all of this being said, it may very well be a long time before we see a new high-end DSLR from Canon or Nikon. Until then, take amazing photos with what you have and don't fret about buying a 5D Mark II or D700 today, tomorrow, next week, or even a month from now. I promise you it will take better pictures than a camera that doesn't exist yet.