I remember some years ago participating in a forum devoted to Canon cameras, where I had some lengthy discussions on certain technical matters.
One characteristic of some of these Canon devotees, which quite surprised me, was their total fascination with their own equipment. I recall one thread, which continued for several pages, where members would post images of their cameras and lenses, page after page.
Not only that, they would even post images of the boxes their equipment came in. For such people, I guess cameras not only have character, they are like lovable pieces of jewelry.
I was surprised because I've always viewed cameras as rather inadequate tools with less character than a lump of black coal. I buy a new one only when it offers an innovative and useful feature and/or better technical performance at an affordable price and convenient weight.
In the days of film, the major, innovative features which inspired me to buy a new camera were (1) the introduction of through-the-lens metering as in the Pentax Spotmatic. (2) the introduction of autofocussing, as in the Minolta Maxxum 7000, and (3) the introduction of lens image stabilization, as in the Canon 100-400 IS.
In the digital age, the major innovative features that have inspired me to buy a new camera have been the substantial increases in sensor resolution, tonal range, dynamic range and high-ISO performance, coupled with the bonus benefits of LiveView, AF fine tuning, fast frame rates, auto-exposure bracketing and video capability etc.
I look forward to the next major development which might be a change in the Bayer type CFA. I've always been a bit concerned about the concept of having color filters in front of the sensor which, on average, discard about half the total amount of light impinging upon the sensor. It doesn't seem a particularly efficient method or organizing things, considering that photography is all about light.