As a photographer you might be wondering if your images would improve if you changed your camera, to find out you could just go shopping and be dazzled by lists of awesome features and impressive technology that convince you of the need to upgrade, but it isn’t clear cut that you will get the results you are looking for.
It could be that the quality of your images is more about the camera settings you are choosing, the way you frame the shot, composition, lens choice, focal length, positioning, focus points….and so on. It might also be your approach to the art of photography, your mindset, motivation and lifestyle, whatever the cause of your photography frustrations, and its clear there are hundreds of things that determine how close an image comes to your vision, the capability of the camera is just one of them.
So while all the features a camera has to offer can be important, it doesn’t mean when you upgrade and get more stuff that you are off the hook as a photographer, as you will quickly discover. On the other hand understanding settings and composition doesn’t guarantee a good photograph either, its complicated!
The bigger picture
Advances in camera technology are certainly helping the photographer create better and far more detailed images and that’s why many people look for the best camera they can afford, even if not fully understanding all it can do and how best to use it. This is especially true if you are new to digital photography.
When you review your images it is important to consider everything you did to get the photograph, if it’s not the image you expected consider what caused the problem, figure it out and be sure to correct it for your next shot. Take steps to improve your photography - learning more, getting out more, trying different subjects and taking more pictures - by figuring out how, what, when, where and why you take photographs is all part of the photographers journey, your personal decisions that make your photography rewarding, enjoyable and unique.
I have found that the best path to creating images- that you are consistently pleased with - is to understand the basics of controlling the camera, directing your shots and reviewing your outcomes, it is also about finding new places to shoot and exploring new subjects, these and your editing skill are more factors for improving your photography than just upgrading lens or camera.
I have seen people leap to a decision on a new camera they don’t necessarily need to make, which is why it is important to consider what you could do differently with your existing camera before buying new.