ISO50

Interesting article, haven’t had the time to read all of it, but in many ways he’s touched on something that has always kind of bothered me. People, especially enthusiasts, place huge amounts of emphasis on gear. The “gains” from good to really-good camera equipment never seemed that obvious to me.

You can still shoot unsharp, overexposed junk with your pro camera. I think once you start getting into the decent range of cameras, as you go up the price bracket it’s very much a case of diminishing returns.

I’ve seen they case where I’ve taken shots with a Canon 350D Rebel that looks better than photos taken by some other photographer using his über camera in sharpness and creatively (not saying that I think I’m particularly awesome).

I guess, at the end of the day, I think there’s a line that you meet where technology becomes irrelevant and creativity is king. Not having the best tools, but what you can do with them.

I’m always really annoyed at photo stores trying to make me spend £100s on photo kit – I’ve gone back to 35mm for my shots and mt 10 yr old Canon Mju II shoots better pictures (http://flickr.com/photos/llefenni) than any digital camera i’ve come accross within my budget. Imho, it cost me $10 from ebay, and other than the occasional light leak it does the job.

With the advancement of technology and the accessibility of cameras – on phones, digital hand held, etc – it only proves the point that a good photographer already possesses an “eye” for a good shot and the equipment he uses is just a means to an end.

That being said, there’s always going to be a new product that will make it easier to achieve a desired result, but that ultimately is in the favor of the consumer.

amazing

I would be a little sketch about attaching my $1000 lens to a disposable with what seems like only rubber bands, so I don’t think I will try this ol’ rig out. Interesting information and beautiful imagery nonetheless.

Clint-
Where are you getting this 35mm nonsense from? He specifically states in his article that he’s using a point and shoot digital camera, not a 35mm camera. And 35mm is still on the level of digital. You are correct, the usability is not as good as a DSLR but you can create just as good photos on either system. In the end, it is indeed about the photographer, not the camera.

Hey Scott,
This is anji (aka saikiishiki from flickr)
Thanks for choosing those photos as examples in the article. I agree you can take a good shot no matter what camera you have~ especially if you’re photographing weimaraners! Still, I would love to try out an expensive camera some day.

Thanks again!

I’m by no means a photographer, but I really dislike where new camera technology, is taking us. I think this could apply to all design, new tech gives too much freedom, too much choice. Part of the charm of working with screenprinting, film, letterpress etc. Is working within the barriers, while working on a mac, digital camera, these new tools. They work invisible, not enough honesty in the final product, to overbaked and digital. Get back to your roots and ignore the hype.