Slr camera help?

Why do people ungrade their Slr camera to pro models

Some may upgrade for mp count but most pros would not upgrade for this reason. Nikon have just produced the best 35mm DSLR ever made and it only has 12mp. Anything above 12mp can really start to compromise image quality. The only advantage of higher mp is the ablity to print larger but that is what they make medium and large format cameras for.

The reason that a pro would upgrade is that pro cameras are made to handle beatings (solid metal chasis), the ability to change settings alot quicker which allows them to shoot in more dynamic situations without missing crucial shots, and weather sealing to prevent dust and water getting into the camera. These cameras usually have the latest state of the art features as well which can help a pro get shots that would have previously been more challenging.

If you gave a pro a D3 and a D40 Nikon, they would acheive very similar results if asked to take a one off picture of say a tree in a park. Pros however shoot in all types of weather conditions and environments so they need a tool (or two) that they can rely on because often you don't get a second chance to take that money shot. Image quality is not the be all and end all with DSLR's It is a balance of portablity, speed, ISO, image quality, work flow, and cost. If it were just about image quality, then we'd all be shooting Hasselblad and Linhoff cameras.

Some think a more expensive camera will give them better results?

Some think a pro camera will produce pro images?

Some just want the latest gadgets.

Theres as many reasons as there are people.

Some do thinking that a better (more expensive) model will make them a better photographer.

There's usually more pixels available, but it's a lot more than that.

On most professional cameras you can change settings with a switch or button without the viewfinder leaving your eye or having to go into a menu, things such as metering mode, multi or single shot, ISO, even things like Jpeg or Raw etc.. Of course you need to know why you are changing the setting which is why they are aimed at the professional end of the market.

It certainly makes them quicker, but may be initially, more difficult to use.

Chris

Some people have more money than sense.

A big thing is the megapixel count. However, some things like RAW capability (digital negatives), manual focus/adjustable lenses, ISO changing, changable flash, high speed (5 fps) shooting, high quality CMOS sensors, and the fast shutter speeds are the reason most people get the SLR over a regular camera. Overall, SLRs inherently take good pictures, but are not bogged down by things such as limited zoom, and delayed preview screens.

And while they cost a lot, the fact that virtually EVERY professional uses them should say something to you. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

The line between the Pro and the Pro-Sumer cameras is getting thinner every day. I have only upgraded once. That was from my Canon D60 to my Canon 1Ds. There were HUGE reasons to do so. The 1Ds offered double the resolution, a full frame sensor, 45 focus points as opposed to 3, better exposure modes such as spot metering, higher ISO, faster frame rate, and a MUCH more robust magnesium body instead of the creaky plastic of the D60. That was a TRUE upgrade. I think the digital SLRs are reaching a point of diminishing returns. There is just not that much reason for the great majority of people to be replacing their cameras now.

I agree that most people are just taken in by all the manufacturer hype making them think they just have to have the "latest and greatest" to get "good photos"... oh, excuse me... IMAGES... Gawd.... I HATE that word.

If people would just learn to invest in their mind to learn to use what they have, they would not "need" a pro model.

I once was showing my 1Ds to a friend with a Rebel. He could not understand why there were no "scene" modes with goofy icons on a knob. "How do you know how to set the camera" he asked? I told him in so many words that is why it is a pro camera, because I DO know how to set it without some silly auto preset trying to do it for me.

steve

I updated mine since I wished to work in RAW. My first was a Nikon 3400 auto, then after looking at digital went to a Nikon dslr. Finally decided to get a Nikon D200 which I'm very happy with. A photographer colleague of mine who has rather more money than talent or skill went digital with a Nikon D70, then D200, DX2 now D300. I still sell considerably more work than him and get far more commissions. I chose Nikon since I was brought up on them, and still use my Nikon slr cameras and lens.Some people upgrade as they develop their skills, the majority do it to 'keep up or lead the gang'. I suppose its a bit like the penis extension theory; the photographer with the big expensive prime telephoto lens.
Hope this offers a suggestion.