gear heads
I used to think audiophiles were gear heads, and they (we) are. But I must say; after researching the camera market recently (I got a nice DSLR. I’m very happy), I’ve discovered that photography hobbyists, camera enthusiasts, prosumer shutterbugs are the biggest gear heads around. They make audio junkies look like sane people. When audiophiles talk about gear at least they include the music the gear makes. I mean, that’s always the point. But photo hobbyists may talk for an hour and never once reference a photograph. They quote stats with as much religious fervor as hardcore audiophiles do, however, they are also downright zealots when it comes to brands. Audio people will mix and match, try different combos of amps, preamps, turntables; different brands, etc. But camera gear heads are married to their brands. Admittedly, they have to be because so many things are proprietary. That said, Canonites can’t stand Nikonians and nobody likes the Pentaxians. I think a Canonite mother would disown her son if he brought home a Olympian girlfriend. I hear there’s trouble brewing between the Sigmarians and the Leicans. And did I mention nobody likes Pentaxians? It’s because they’re jealous of us. 
yeah, where is the cross the aisle handshaking in the camera world… let’s not forget the film vs digital camp OR the CMOSians vs CCDites. hell what about the BayerHeads and FOVEONs.
Uh oh, how about the Ricohans? They didn’t even merit a mention. I’m pretty serious about getting the R8 very soon.