How often do you buy or upgrade to a new digital camera?

[BayGBM]

How often do you buy or upgrade to a new digital camera?  It seems like new camera models come out every few months—even from the same manufacturer!  I participate in an amateur photographer forum (like getbig) and it seems like everyone there buys a new camera every three to six months.  I guess I am turning into an old fuddy-duddy; I’m still using an old compact Olympus point and shoot I bought several years ago--and when I bought it, it was already a discontinued model.  It still takes great photos (see samples).  Am I really missing out by not getting the latest SLR, DSLR, or full-featured ultra zoom camera?  Virtually all the photos I take are used digitally (sent via email, posted online, screen saver slide show, etc.).  I never develop them into physical prints.

I pose this question here because everyone on the photo forum is biased in favor of buying a new camera every three months.  I am a fan of the latest technology (especially when it comes to cars & computers) but as an average joe photographer will I really benefit from upgrading to newer cameras more frequently. 

[Princess L]

If you're happy with the results, then why change?  Is there some feature you're missing that you want?  It's pretty hard to mess up outdoor still pictures.  How does it do with indoor flash and on people?

I've had mine for about 4 years.  It does what I want although it would be nice if it were a little smaller. 

[powerpack]

I just bought a new one.
I needed one to be small, take good photos but not look expesive.
I bought the FUJIFILM FINEPIX J20 with 2G mem stick and a nice cover.

[tonymctones]

I think the main difference is going to be options bay if you see a camera come out with options you would like then I would say go for it. Picture quality is going to be minimal for the most part unless your camera is a number of years old and if its mainly for computer viewing then the majority of cameras quality wont come through b/c the monitors for comps arent good enough.

[BayGBM]

I think the main difference is going to be options bay if you see a camera come out with options you would like then I would say go for it. Picture quality is going to be minimal for the most part unless your camera is a number of years old and if its mainly for computer viewing then the majority of cameras quality wont come through b/c the monitors for comps arent good enough.

I'm bidding on a couple cameras on ebay right now... I don't really need a new cam, but this bidding is fun and addictive. 

I like the idea of leaving my current camera in the trunk of my car for spontaneous use and keeping the new one (I might get) at home for more deliberate photo projects.

[tonymctones]

I'm bidding on a couple cameras on ebay right now... I don't really need a new cam, but this bidding is fun and addictive. 

I like the idea of leaving my current camera in the trunk of my car for spontaneous use and keeping the new one (I might get) at home for more deliberate photo projects.

thats not a bad idea I like having a camera around but ill be damned if im gonna lug one around with me.

[BayGBM]

thats not a bad idea I like having a camera around but ill be damned if im gonna lug one around with me.

Yeah, I like the ability to take spontaneous pix... so leaving it in the trunk of my car is the way to go.  If the car gets stolen or broken into at least it is the puny old camera that gets lost.  This old camera has features I don't even use, but it has a good lens and takes great pix!

[Migs]

I have a point and shoot camera that I have had for about 4 years, freat cam and still use it for most of my pic taking.  I also have a 10mp Olympus SLR, that is a great camera.  I think if it ain't broke don't fix it. 

[RxBandit]

I changed from a canon eos 450d to a small olympus 1010, because of the size. I would not buy a new camera just because there is a new model of it...