When Should You Update Your Camera Gear?
Photographers and filmmakers rely on camera gear to complete their artistic projects, but no equipment lasts forever. Discover when to replace your camera gear.
Camera equipment is expensive—there’s no way around it. If you’re working on establishing yourself as a photographer or filmmaker, it’s imperative that you spend your resources wisely. Here are a few common situations where you should update your camera gear.
It Doesn’t Function Properly
If your camera gear stops working the way it should, that’s a sign it’s time to replace it. You don’t want your creative vision limited by what your gear is able to do, so do some research and figure out what you need to add to your kit.
You Start a New Project
Sometimes starting a new project helps us realize that we’re missing certain functionalities in our current kit. As the first point argues, gear is supposed to help you achieve your creative vision, not hamper your art. If you decide that a new professional lens is the key to your next project’s success, then don’t feel bad using resources to get it.
You Want Better Quality
There are some things you can only learn by honing your craft, and equipment quality is one of them. Only you can really know how your equipment is performing for the projects you want to work on, and the first equipment you bought when you got started might not cut it. Professional-grade equipment is always a good investment if you’re trying to start a business or get recognized in professional spaces.
It’s Showing Wear
It’s a shame that appearances often dictate what people think of us, but it’s the way things are. If your equipment looks torn, broken, or dirty, it may be good to replace it even if it functions normally. Unfortunately, having worn equipment might cause possible clients and business partners to think you’re not very experienced.
It No Longer Has Support
When you spend money on essential equipment, you’re making a long-term investment not only into the gear itself but also the company that makes it. If they stop providing technical support for your equipment, then you’re on your own to troubleshoot problems. Losing technical support is a sign you should update your camera gear.Never update your gear just because a company releases a new model or because everyone else is racing to buy a certain piece of equipment. If you do your research and prioritize your artistic needs, you’ll be much happier in the long run.