Yes, it does - as do all consumables. Perhaps the point to be considered is not so much monetary depreciation, as obsolescence. Thus far, even old cameras, while ~maybe~ not being worth as much as when new, are still able to function well and make good photographs. IOW, it's a mature technology.
Digital cameras are still experiencing growing pains. What's available now will soon be superseded by cameras able to capture more detail and information, printers are evolving, paper, I suppose, is evolving and going through changes, as are inks. So, while a digital camera may work well for a while, better quality products will evolve, and the current cameras and equipment will be found lacking even more than they are now. I can sell my Leicas and Leica lenses for what they cost me, or even more. Older Pentax bodies and lenses also command high-end prices, as do certain Nikons and other "obsolete" cameras. When a digital camera is "old", it's history. Let's look at printing for a moment. Old enlargers are just as good as new enlargers, assuming no damage. There are, essentially, no parts to wear out, although light sources may have to be changed or checked at times. OTOH, ink jet printers do wear out, and, like digital cameras, they, too, become obsolete. This is not to say that one can't continue using an older camera or an older printer, just as one can continue using an older computer, but at some point technology will advance far enough that, in order to remain creative or competitive, newer gear will almost be required. Meanwhile, it's almost impossible to tell the results from the latest wonder cameras from a 35yo SLR or rangefinder. While newer cameras may have more features, they do not take better pictures, and so the only reason to upgrade your old Spotmatic is because you want AF or a certain type of metering, etc. However, the quality of the photographs won't change appreciably. OTOH, upgrading to a new digital camera or printer seems like a good way to get better quality images, or make larger sized prints. Well, that's the "digital dunce's" morning comment. William Robb wrote: > Hmmm, doesn't a conventional camera depreciate as well? > William Robb -- Shel Belinkoff mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.earthlink.net/~belinkoff/pow/enter.html http://home.earthlink.net/~belinkoff/cameras/pentax_repair_shops.html - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
