Jennifer L | Blue Wave Studio

Let me explain. It’s because of computers…

I had gone through two computers by the time I graduated from high school. My first one didn’t have a hard drive and my second one did, but was accessorized with an external modem sometime later.

By the time I started college, I was on my third computer, a klunky yet then new laptop that cost $4000 that I paid with my own money that I had saved up from working a few jobs and some red envelope money. It had a wired Internet connection through a card I plugged in. $4000 was a lot of money, but to me I got a fast laptop with awesome features that would hopefully last me for a long time… hopefully through four years of college. (Plus, my friend made me feel better when he spent $5000 on his Apple laptop!)

Technology has been everywhere and so much a part of my work and daily life. I’ve spent my time providing support for computers and advising on what to buy. My tech friends and colleagues try to get ahead of the game with Moore’s law which says that your computer becomes obsolete… like yesterday. For the most part, we want to maximize what our money can buy.

I’m the same when it comes to cameras.

Mostly.

“A photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the front door, the host said ‘I love your pictures – they’re wonderful; you must have a fantastic camera.’ He said nothing until dinner was finished, then: “That was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove.” — Sam Haskins

I agree that “it’s not about the gear” and I know that getting a better camera will not suddenly make me a better photographer. One of my photographer instructors would say, “The best camera is the one you’ll use.” However, the tools do make it easier for me to use the techniques I do know. There are almost always workarounds, but the alternative may take more time or the situation may not allow me to use those workarounds.

In 2003, I bought my first digital SLR camera (Canon Rebel XT, an entry-level DSLR). 7 years later, I decided it was time to upgrade. So there I went, trying to chase Moore’s law and get ahead of the curve… waiting for the next release, or rather refresh of cameras. I was going to get the next prosumer camera (the next line up) and patiently waited for the rumors (of the 60D) to meet reality. And just a week before it actually did, I realized that what I wanted was a full frame camera — 5D Mark II, the professional line — for wider angles (i.e. no camera sensor crop factor) and better low light performance (i.e. less noisy higher ISO). The price tag of $2300 for the camera body alone made me mull over it for a long time.

Until last September. I bought the 5D Mark II and along with it came my very first “L” lens (shown above). The coveted L glass for luxury, aka splurge. Total cost = $3210… which I must point out was less than my first laptop!

I bought it and used it and the camera was great, except that I did notice some focus locking problems with it (which I think was eventually addressed by a firmware upgrade).

I did feel a little weird because some people had noticed the camera when I had it, especially people who seemed to know a bit about photography and based on the reactions, I felt like it unnecessarily marked me with an elevated status or skill level and I wasn’t a big fan of the attention. Also, it made me nervous to hand over the camera to someone because since it wasn’t insured, an accidental drop could send a few thousand dollars down the drain.

I no longer have it, though, and since then have tried the 60D and the Rebel T2i. And admittedly I’m feeling a little more comfortable with the reactions, or lack thereof.

I’ve come around back to the 5D Mark II professional line of cameras and have given myself permission to own it. It’s interesting to me because when I first bought my Rebel XT, I thought I would never buy the higher end cameras because they were also too heavy, but now their weight is acceptable. I feel like I’ve outgrown my Rebel XT and I know a new camera won’t make my photographs better, but I know I will enjoy it and the photographs I get to make with it. Never say never.

Since I previously purchased the 5D Mark II at a lower price though, I can’t seem to convince myself spending more to get something I had in my hands months ago, so I think I’ve pretty much decided to wait for the 5D Mark II successor (Mark III perhaps?) because it’s in my tech nature. And I keep hearing it’s around the corner, but I’m still waiting… on the edge of my seat. Who knows, maybe after the official announcement, I’ll just get the 5D Mark II when the usual price drop happens. We’ll see.

Oh and… 10+ years later, my first laptop still turns on and works. ;)

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