For the last decade I’ve been sticking to my guns, shooting on a Canon 5D Mark II with a small selection of lenses. This camera has been the love of my life for so long even my family and friends get jealous. But what if you get the opportunity to dive into the dark depths of the deep end and shoot with a camera you’ve never dreamed of having the opportunity to shoot with before?A while back the Canon 5D Mark IV was announced, and the crowd went wild. A camera that stayed true to form in terms of the 5D line, while at the same time introducing new features to ease the workflow of the professional photographer. This camera immediately grabbed my attention when it was released and I needed to try it out for myself.

Being so used to the mechanical workhorse that is my 5D mark II, I felt the need to try out something different. Specializing in both Photography and Videography, I felt this camera had the perfect mix of both worlds. The Canon 5D Mark II established my love for both mediums, even though it had its limitations. The Mark IV takes it a step further in terms of what can be accomplished.

This is not a review on the 5D Mark IV, I’m sure if you Google or browse around on Fstoppers, you’d find a ton of reviews on the Mark IV. For this article, it’s merely an example of what you can do when being challenged to learn something new and the inspiration that comes with it when mastering a new system.

Because of the new camera, I saw photography in a whole new light. I felt the need to experiment again, just as I did when I bought my 5D Mark II all those years ago. I wanted to try the features it had to offer and see how it performed in post-production. Most importantly it got me to go out and shoot again. Even if it was in my garden, during midday sun. After shooting with the new camera for a whole day, I felt inspired and the need to shoot some new projects again. The love for photography rediscovered.

Now, I’m not saying when you’re stuck in a rut to go buy a new camera and you’ll be successful. But try experiment with new mediums and apply that to the gear you own. It gives you a fresh mind full of ideas and challenges. In the same light (no pun intended), I’ve had the opportunity to play around with Sony’s A7s low light video capabilities as well. I was met with newfound inspiration and excitement to start shooting on my Canon 5D Mark II again.

Gear is expensive, and while not all of us have the budget to upgrade our cameras every few years, it’s important to stay fresh and up to date with new technology. While the old saying goes, “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer behind it.” I still believe it does play a vital role in the way it makes you feel about every photo you take. Even dusting off the old film camera once in a while could give you the inspiration you’re looking for.

The point is to just mix it up every once in a while if you feel bored with your gear. Go to your local rental house and play around with a new camera or lens and you’ll be surprised at what you find going on in your mind.

Have you found yourself reinvigorated and inspired after using a different camera body or lens?