When one becomes a "photographer," either amateur or pro, the tendency is to want to go crazy and buy up the latest, greatest, coolest and neatest gadgets. Picture-taking has by no means cornered the market on this (see also GOLF, FISHING, SKIING, COMPUTERS, CARS and myriad more). With technology in particular, though, it's easy to make that jump from "I love my camera" to "I must have NewAwesomeCamera."
Those of us on a budget, though, can more easily put that attitude to rest. A photographer takes the pictures, not the camera. Yes, equipment can matter in some situations. Expertise is a leveler, though. I do want nicer lenses, a better flash, a nicer tripod. But the stuff I have now? Lets me take great pictures! I can be patient! Yes! I can!
For those of you who are interested in digital photography, maybe a new digital SLR? I'd recommend either the Canon Rebel XTi (aka 400D), or its recently announced replacement, the Rebel XSi (aka 450D), available sometime this spring. I won't be buying the new camera (when I upgrade I'm going to go much much crazier than that).
What interest or hobby makes you want to spend the big bucks?
Cameras can do it, the motorcycle had me buying stuff for it, lately it's the band, buying monitor speakers and such.
Scrapbboking crap breaks my bank and I don't even scrapbook. I always say I'm going to start and without fail I never get around to it. My fiance is partial to all things car0related (he's a mechanic, go figure!) so we now have a collection of engines rotting in our storage unit. Do you know how friggin' HUGE engines are?!?!? Sheesh....
P.S. Know anybody who wants to buy an engine (or three) and some ribbon? ;)
I have always spent a lot on flowers/trees/shrubs for the yard. I spend quite a big on over priced jeans and clothes too. I know that isn't really a hobby and that is all likely a thing of the past anyway.
I was thinking of getting into photography a little more but that is way down the road. I just need a tiny upgrade, not a super upgrade.
Reading for me. Not very high tech, but a potential budget-buster anytime.
Now, the Kman - he likes his projects. Anything he can use his artistic talent on; making furniture, painting murals, landscaping. He is a hands-on, physical guy.
Trying to keep him with a current project has been known to make our credit card balance groan.
But, I love the benefits!
Oh yes, how I love and adore my Canon 5D. I'm looking forward to the replacement they will release for it someday too. Mmmm... Canon.