I'm doing the same thing and just invested in Canon EOS 1V's. I have been using the Canon EOS system for 12 years and used to drool over the EOS 1. So, my dream is coming true :)
You should get a varied response.I used to be a muscian (well, technically, I still am). When I taught guitar, my students used to ask me questions like what kind of guitar they should get. I used to say Pete Twonsend uses one kind, Jimmy Page another, Jimi Hendrix used a Strat, and many other great musicians use other brands too. It always depended on what you were trying to accomplish; and the sound you wanted, as well as what you can afford. My students also use to look at my guitar and say, "boy, if I could only have one like yours". So, I used to ask them if I could play theirs for a minute. They would always oblige, and I would play what they were unable to play on their own instrument; and it would sound like it did when I was playing it on my guitar. The point is, it ain't the equipment. And, as far as anyone telling you what to get, you'll get opinions until you are so confused you don't know what to do. The best advice I hear is to just shoot and let the art lead you. When you get to a point where your photos are not up to par with your ability, then maybe your equipment is lacking. So, you start looking for something new. Eventually though, I do believe, you will find that new equipment will not make your pictures any better. One really spectaular shot I took once was from a little plastic camera I bought in Mexico. I would show it here, but I'd have to scan it and it's framed and all and haging on our wall. I'd have to contend with my wife about why I'm taking the picture apart, and I'd rather not. In my search for why I wanted to upgrade my equipment I had to screen out all the noise. In something like what you are going through, there is a period of noise. That's where you learn about everything that is available to you. Then, you should have a period of quiet reflection, where you cut out the noise and deeply evaluate your needs. It is unnecessary to spend money if it will not make a difference for you. I agonized this way about Medium format equipment. But, once I cut the noise, I realized that I didn't need it. The reason is that I am not familiar with it, and right now is not the time to learn a new format. I need to perfect my current 35mm shooting. That's where I want to concentrate. My wife gave me a great idea, and that is to rent medium format equipment every once in a while just to get my feet wet and learn how to use it! Great idea. It saves me money and time. And I will get to use many different cameras (Hasselblad, Contax, Pentax, Mamyia) and decide which I like better; which feels better. Anyway, I hope I've helped a little. I do not think there is a straight forward answer to your question, but I do understand the torment.
November 23, 2003
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