I’ve been seeing several mentions of Canon’s new 5D Mark II. It would appear that the Canon community is very much excited about this new camera, a direct competitor and case of one-up-manship on the Nikon D700.
Unfortunately, I’m not immune to those Gear Acquisition Syndrome feelings, or as I call them, GAS cramps! I’ve been salivating over the D700, but have not succumbed to my lust. 
I’ve found a successful antidote: I use my equipment. Today, after reading about the Canon and seeing that people were pre-ordering 1, 2, 3, or even 4 of the cameras, much to my amazement, I had that feeling of ‘wanting’. When I left work, I made a very short stop by the apartment to change clothes and off I went to explore a state park that I’d never seen. There is, for me, a transformation as soon as I enter a peaceful park. I was completely happy with my equipment.
After watching the light, taking a few pictures, and just enjoying the ‘noises’ of the forest, I came back to the apartment community and walked around taking pictures of my surroundings, which I hadn’t done since arriving here. I had a great time even though I didn’t have a full frame camera, built in HD video, an ISO of 25,600, nor even an artificial horizon indicator! I just needed to appreciate what I had and that I did.
I even got to see a fire truck heading back in to the station. I walk past this station each morning and always wish that I had a picture of them in action. Now I do.
Related posts:
8 Responses to “Avoiding occasional G.A.S cramps”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Actually the D700 fell by 22% from the original price, and that was only two months ago! I still consider buying one in November, but not as a replacement for the D300, but as a second body that would give me 1 1/2 stops during the dark days of winter. A bonus would be, that my eight FX-capable lenses would behave differently, thus it’s more like a new body and eight new lenses. I may do it or not, I don’t know yet. Sane it is not. Definitely not
As far as megapixels go, well, what I have seen of the 5D is impressive. Incredible detail plus the D700′s high ISO, that’s all well and if I were a Canon shooter, I would desperately want for it. This way I’ll get the same, maybe half a year later, maybe a year.
On the other hand, when you look at my blog, do I really believe that many of my images would profit from 10 more megapixels? I use extremely shallow DOF so much in my work, I do so much in Photoshop, that it is almost stupid to raise input resolution. It would make lenses much more expensive, and for what? Bokeh does not really profit from resolution.
I don’t know. I guess if nothing else happens I’ll do it, but I would feel much better if I knew where Nikon is heading. I have no idea what I’d do if they introduced an equivalent to the Sony Alpha 900. That was what everybody expected for Photokina, not a mere 50/1.4, either as D3x or as D800.
Whatever, it will be no 5D killer, Canon is back in the lead for now. We may be able to choose between resolution and and high ISO soon, but probably we may not even that.
So what? For the time being I’ll do as you do, I use the best camera on earth, the one that I have
Well, here in the States, prices have held steady for the D700. I was introduced at $2,999 USD and has dropped a tiny bit to $2,899. I’m strictly talking about the price from reputable dealers like B&H and for a body with a US warranty.
As it has already moved in price, I would suspect that some rapid depreciation is coming as soon as Nikon introduces its next camera, whatever that is. I’ll probably be able to pick one up off of eBay for about $1500 pretty soon. In the mean time, my D300 will be more than sufficient! I’m pretty sure that Nikon will rejoin the megapixel wars very soon with it’s D3x and D800, or whatever the nomenclature.
Certainly Sony’s Alpha 900 looks impressive, but no matter where I’ve gone, I’ve never seen anyone shooting a Sony, unless they were point-and-shoots. However, someone must be buying them as Sony keeps producing them.
well, I guess I’m guilty of one of those posts
I’ve been waiting to buy a 5D replacement for several years, in my defense 
Probably won’t bother buying one until Spring next year. In no rush.
Hey folks, don’t tempt me! I have just decided for myself that I’ll go ”only” for the 50D, due to the lack of a decent full frame lense that could replace the 17-55/2.8 IS, which is my favorite lens. If you continue praising the 5D, I might reconsider – and to whom shall I sent that bill…?
PS.: From the samples that I’ve seen, the Nikons still lead the pack when it comes to high ISOs. And, to be frank, HD video? What’s the point?? I’m a photographer, not a video-filmer.
@Thomas: Who knows?! You might want to become a videographer. From the frame grabs that I’ve seen, they are pretty impressive. That means never having to miss an in-between shot because of a slow shutter speed. You’ll have everything! Of course, if you’re shooting HD video, you’ll max out at about 15 minutes from what I’ve read. That could lead to a whole lot of missed opportunities!
This is a cool shot Paul. The D700 is a nice camera – although I admit to not being able to use it much!
@Mark: You have a D700, too? I feel so old school with my D300!
As for the shot, thanks. It was a quick panning shot. Right place. Right time kind of thing.
I expect that using your current gear a lot only delays the inevitable… A very englightening posting!