What Bob was tip-toeing around is the intangibles of purchases. Not
everything is strictly an ROI decision. Take my love affair with the OM
system as an example. It isn't just a practical situation. I use what I
want to use because it opens up certain creative juices that don't happen
with other equipment. Purchasing new cameras or lenses is a way to see
differently because the new equipment might either open up new
opportunities or you've seen some new style emerge which the new equipment
is particularily good at.
Back in the day, I used to shoot bicycle racing. Specifically mountain bike
racing. There was a distinct point of time where the styles changed and I
fell behind and was no longer able to compete. It all came about because of
the F5, new fill flash capabilities and extreme wide angles. It turns out
that I still could have matched wits with the rest of them, but I didn't
know how. I do now, but 15 years ago I didn't. It was a situation where I
saw technology as the answer. In reality, it was. At that time I didn't
know how to do it without the new shiny. The new shiny would have been a
legitimate way to open up these new opportunities.
In 15 years, will I look back at this time and see missed opportunities
because I didn't embrace the intangible benefits by ignoring the ROI?
Likely. But at the same time, it is important to keep the AMEX card in
check. I understand risk/reward, but also understand responsibility.
I have five years of keeping to the current plan, if possible. Beyond that
point, I would like to be full-time doing some form of photography. When
that time comes, I will have to have whatever equipment is necessary to be
competitive with whatever market I'm competing in. Meanwhile, I have a
terrific job and I'm able to influence a major industry. To choose
equipment now for what I might want to do in five years is kinda foolish.
Besides, retro might be back in vogue and my old OM equipment will be the
perfect kit. Wouldn't hurt my feelings any.
So, basically, I'm encourage Bob to sell his D3 today and get the D4
ordered. It will most certainly be enough of an improvement for the print
sizes he is selling and it will have some new nifty feature which will help
break the current plateau of artistic expression. Seriously, I wouldn't
hesitate. Just do it!
AG
--
Ken Norton
ken@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.zone-10.com
--
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