Think Fixed Tech: Nikon D3X: Seriously?

I remember one time spending the day and a large chunk of my net worth at REI in Nashville.  A friend and I had just upgraded our rock climbing gear: new shoes, ropes, harnesses, etc.  And I remember saying, with no particular originality, that the best sports are the ones that have lots of gear to spend money on.  In fact, we were not professional climbers and could have climbed safely and aggressively for years on the old gear we had and were using.  Once buyers remorse set in and we still werent world class climbers, I felt the truth of the matter and wished I had beer money.

I feel the same way about the new Nikon D3X. 

 I am not a profesisonal photographer nor do I need a pro camera often (remember all those iPhone as camera posts?).  But seriously, tell me I am not mistaken when I say that there is really no practical reason to shell out $8,000 for what is an incremental improvement on the last $8,000 camera AND... AND in a year there will be a new one out that does it all at a slightly higher resolution for another eight grand. If you are considering buying this monstrosity, then I assume you already HAVE a camera, and it probably works just fine.

I have seen too many amazing photographers do their best work with cheap and broken cameras.  Steven Pippin has amazed me for years and would scoff at the need for such a camera.  Can anyone really tell me that they cant make a picture without the latest and greatest?  What happened to talent and style overcoming the inconvenience of a camera that doesnt make perfect pictures for you?  Oulipians would understand me.

Save your money for beer, or in this case a fantastic bottle of wine.

Geof Bowie
www.thinkfixed.com

Comments

[Geof Bowie]

I wish I had posted that Hitler movie. HAHAHAHA, that is exactly how I feel (although I no longer own anything Nikon). Thanks for the heads up.

[Stephen Alvarez]

even hitler agrees with you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnwf2RShNV0

[Stephen Alvarez]

Geof,
You have hit on an important point. A camera is only a tool a good photographer can make pictures with whichever tool they are given. Nikon D3X, Canon 5D mark II, Leica m3, Diana plastic camera, oatmeal box... We all get excited about new technology but in the end it is what you have to say -visually- that is important not what you say it with.

[Ian MacLellan]

Unless you are working on a gigapixel project, this is definitely the sort of thing that I believe is ridiculously superfluous for almost everyone. Thousands of H3D shooters would have to disagree with me and I do agree with them on some issues, like I would rather have a cheap film camera than a cheap digital because I like film grain more than noise. So I am happy to have a Pentax K10D, but will never rush to buy a K20D just cause its fancier.

[Lil' Pete]

You've combined two of my favourite things in this one post, climbing and polite bashing of Nikon cameras!

Of course in my personal case, I have to disagree about it being a waste to upgrade any camera. Simply because, were it a new Canon for that amount of money I'd put the money on the table in a second (assuming I ever had the money!). In the Nikon of case, "Err, yuck who'd buy that" is my usual response!