Gear Acquisition Syndrome- GAS- plagues photographers: the compulsive urge to buy new cameras, lenses, and gadgets believing they’ll unlock creativity.
Coined in enthusiast circles, it distracts from shooting, fueling debt and dissatisfaction. As 2026 brings AI cameras and computational leaps, GAS debates rage louder than ever.
Eric Kim calls it insecurity-driven: new gear promises to fix “photographer’s block,” but hedonic adaptation dooms excitement to fade in weeks.
Problems multiply- weight, management, guilt. Kim’s 30 tips include purging extras, shooting smartphones monthly, buying books not bodies, and embracing constraints.
Avoidance strategies: inventory unused gear, set upgrade cycles, focus on goals over tools, rent before buying.
Digital Photography Mentor stresses cold-turkey browsing bans and field practice. Fstoppers suggests workshops and new subjects to redirect energy.
Controversy: gear lovers see it as passion; minimalists as addiction. Reality: skill trumps specs. Conquering GAS liberates- more photos, less stress.
