2012 saw many major camera announcements. There were major shifts in the camera landscape with the release of small sensor cameras like the Nikon J1 and V1. For more information see the Nikon website. There was also a startling development with the release of the Nikon D800/800E. The big surprise with the release of these cameras was the considerable increase in resolution to 36 megapixels. As with any technology one can expect improvements as time progresses and occasionally technology gets released that can leapfrog previous technology.

What is interesting about the D800 technology is the hysteria in the camera forums. There is a lot postulating about the sensor, camera performance and the the perceived need for the increased resolution. The camps are firmly divided between the two. Is the camera snobbery at its worst or a healthy discussion. Well let's roll the clock back a few years. 10 years ago the Nikon D1x with 5.2 megapixels was released and four years later the Nikon D2X with 12.4 megapixels was released. These cameras ushered in the transition to digital in the professional arena. These cameras were used to produce commercial advertising, fashion and sports photography images. If these cameras at the those resolutions (5.2 + 12.4) were good enough back then we must ask ourselves whether we need the big jump to 36 megapixels. 

The main thing to consider about these cameras is that they are just tools for a photographer and a business expense for many. There is no surprise that Nikon only releases pro camera bodies every four years. This is strongly related to the accounting write-off cycles by professional photographers. The decision to upgrade is a personal one or one that is dictated by business reasons. The decision to upgrade should be reviewed from a logical basis and not by the gee whiz kid in a candy store approach. 

In today's business climate it can often make sense to turn to the used camera market to obtain pro gear. These cameras are workhouses with an intended long life span. Sometimes we just don't need to put the old horse out to pasture. Maybe we just a return to common sense.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.