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What makes expensive cameras worth the money being asked?


4 years 10 months ago #648790 by Tim Giertz
Last year, a friend gave me his old Nikon D7000 camera with a 50mm lens.  I have never owned a camera before, but won't say no to free stuff.  I have used the camera a little and about 5 weeks ago, the camera stopped turning on.  

I started looking at getting a new camera, and now seeing that these things cost.  I don't mean to ask such a greenhorn question, but what makes a pricey camera worth the $$ that is asked for these things?  I'm trying to understand the value metrics so I can make a educated decision on which camera will be the one I get.  

Thank you 
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4 years 10 months ago - 4 years 10 months ago #648793 by Nikon Shooter

Tim Giertz wrote: what makes a pricey camera worth the $$ that is asked for 


The more a camera behaves like a Point and Shoot should
(keeping you in control of everything), the more it will cost.

In wildlife photography, things may happen without notice
and one must be ready for anything, anytime, and anywhere.
My D850 comboed to the 600mm ƒ4 does just that.

The high-tech refinements are multiple and/but necessary.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 10 months ago #648820 by garyrhook
50,000 parts in a  modern DSLR, a computer, and lots of software. And then there's the glass, where each lens takes work to design and manufacture. Recovery of R&D expenses. Return to shareholders. Wages. Equipment to build the parts that make the device.

Cameras are no different from any other complex mechanical device (e.g. automobiles).

SLRs were a lot simpler. Not so anymore.
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4 years 10 months ago #648824 by Shadowfixer1
A good film camera wasn't cheap back in the day. I paid $1300 for a Nikon F-100 back in the nineties. That would be right up there with a D-500 or A7III in todays money.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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4 years 10 months ago #648846 by Tim Giertz

Shadowfixer1 wrote: A good film camera wasn't cheap back in the day. I paid $1300 for a Nikon F-100 back in the nineties. That would be right up there with a D-500 or A7III in todays money.


WOW, when you think what goes into a film camera you really need to scratch your head on that one! 
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4 years 10 months ago - 4 years 10 months ago #648868 by Nikon Shooter
I remember the $2400 tag that came with the F4E
at about the same period, awesome tool it was, I
still have it them… unused since years
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 10 months ago #648926 by Jared-Weaver
Sensor size and software are your big expenses. You're going to be able to capture higher resolution images and the software will help reduce noise and cache more images if you're shooting at a high speed (needed for sports and wildlife). Bodies will have better weather sealing which can mean the difference between minor water contamination and losing your entire rig in wet weather. As you move into high end cameras, you'll find that the frames will be made of lightweight alloys and the button arrangement will have a more user friendly layout with features you'd usually menu dive for. 
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4 years 10 months ago #648954 by fmw
None of the above.  The real gremlin is low sales volume which eliminates economies of scale.  If these cameras were sold by the 10's of millions, they would be a fraction of the price to consumers.
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4 years 10 months ago #648956 by Nikon Shooter

garyrhook wrote: 50,000 parts in a  modern DSLR,


Really? Where did you see that?
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 10 months ago #648996 by garyrhook

Nikon Shooter wrote:

garyrhook wrote: 50,000 parts in a  modern DSLR,


Really? Where did you see that?


I recall seeing a video go by some time ago, but upon reflection I think I used the wrong number. I can't find any sources at the moment.

I shouldn't have used a number without a source. Move along. Nothing to see here.
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4 years 10 months ago #649000 by Artview
I think low light photography and dynamic range makes the expensive camera more worth the money. Many beginner cameras are poor in low light and doesn't have that good dynamic range. This is the most important reason for me to buy a better camera. Then also more practical things like a swivel screen can be worth the money also. 
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4 years 10 months ago - 4 years 10 months ago #649008 by New but trying
As mentioned before, more expensive cameras may have larger sensors, better dynamic range, greater resolution, better build quality, more auto-focus points, etc... Honestly though, there are very capable options for not that much money. If you want to stick with the lens you already have, you could get a used Nikon DX body. You might also be able to sell your D7000 for parts.
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4 years 10 months ago - 4 years 10 months ago #649158 by shelland
The question you should be asking is whether you should be considering more expensive options. There are obviously price points at many levels, and all of them meet someone's needs. A Ferrari is a "better" car than a Sentra, but does that mean a Sentra can't meet the needs for many (one obvious one is the financial needs :) ). 

It doesn't sound like you used the old body a whole lot, so this might not be an easy question for you to answer. But were there things that your old body was not able to do that you are wanting from a new body? Example: Do you shoot a lot of low light and it was too noisy? Do you shoot a lot of action and want more shots per second? 

If you just do basic stuff - shots of the kid in the yard, flowers in the garden, then there might not be any reason to go with higher priced options. Just some education and maybe different glass could be all you need. 

What kinds of things do you shoot? What conditions? How were the results with the previous body? 
Scott

- Twin Cities, MN
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