Bodies Are Nice, But...

Canon has just announced a new DSLR body (the 60D), and once again, I get asked whether or not one should get this over a [insert another DSLR body here].

Photo by Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

This is for those photography enthusiasts out there: stop obsessing over DSLR bodies; purchase the least expensive DSLR body that'll satisfy your photographic needs (unless money is not an issue). If you want to take your photography to the next level, look into getting some nice lenses instead. Here are a few reasons to convince you:

1. It's easier to get a great photo with a nice lens on an older body than on a new body with a crappy (ie. kit) lens.
2. Most people shoot under less-than-ideal lighting situations; a nice lens will usually help in that scenario much more than a newer DSLR body.
3. Camera bodies depreciate quickly over time, whereas lenses hold onto their value for much longer – it's a much better investment.

I tallied a victory recently when I convinced my dad to look into a lens upgrade instead of getting a new DSLR body. He has a older Canon Rebel body (maybe 300D or 350D, I can't remember) with the kit lens. Although he doesn't shoot for money, he loves photography but is getting frustrated with the results. Instead of blowing his modest budget on a newer DSLR body with a kit lens, I recommended a nicer lens instead. In the end, we went with a 50mm f/1.4 USM, and he's thrilled with the results. Bonus: the lens only cost about half of what he was planning to spend, so there's room for a flash in his near future.

The funny part is that although I listed all the above reasons to consider lenses instead of bodies, it was this line that did him in: "With a new DSLR and kit lens, you'll look like a newbie. With a fast 50mm prime, even on an older body, you'll look much more pro."

Blurring the Lines

I don't know who was the first to put video recording capabilities on digital still cameras, but I believe she/he/they should get a pat on the back for starting the trend. Because look at how far video has come, especially on the newest wave of DSLRs. I mean, check out Gizmodo's latest hands-on with the new Canon 7D. I know, I know... when it comes down to control, DSLRs aren't quite there yet. But if this progress keeps up, it won't be long until they become a serious alternative for videographers!