The allure of new photo gear can be strong, but will it benefit your photography?

We all like buying new cameras, lenses and accessories. When you first start out in photography, this might simply be because you like the thought of using more advanced equipment. As you become more experienced, the focus shifts onto the novel image opportunities a new camera or accessory opens up. Either way, upgrading and replacing the contents of our kitbag is often an exciting prospect.

Working photographers, however, or advanced enthusiasts who occasionally undertake a commission, have to look at gear as the tools of their trade, and any decision to upgrade needs to be motivated by a wider spectrum of factors. As well as the benefits that new equipment brings, there are potential drawbacks, complications, and significant (and sometimes unexpected) costs.

Upgrading within the same brand’s range is often easier and more familiar, but since many manufacturers’ lineups have now diverged into two distinct strands – DSLR and mirrorless – you still need to make the most informed choices based on a system’s overall compatibility.

Here, we will explore five important questions you need to ask yourself before splashing the cash on new equipment.

Hidden costs Changes in camera models or manufacturers often come with hidden investment requirements

© Chelsey Horne

1 Will it benefit my images, and how?

The most important thing to consider before heading to the camera store is whether a new camera or peripheral will increase the quality and success rate of your images, and how. If you find yourself looking at a new model and pondering if you can work the improved specs into your usual photographic process – essentially considering using the new features to broaden your portfolio – pause for a moment.