Does Gear Matter? I hear your comments! The results will surprise you!

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  • čas přidán 12. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 34

  • @hughwolfe1176
    @hughwolfe1176 Před rokem +2

    Ben I really like this new series of videos with all of the comments, much more engaging than just listening to the presenters thoughts…
    The other day I went for a walk, trying to lose a few extra pounds, and as usual I had my iPhone with me. It’s interesting how much you can see when you’re walking as opposed to traveling in a vehicle. Sure I’ve taken my D700 out on this very same walk and I’ve been pleased with the shots as they’re much better than what my iPhone is capable of, it’s the convenience factor of having a camera in your pocket rather than hanging about your neck. And honestly there’s not a lot on this particular walk amongst the desert scrub that warrants hauling heavy camera equipment along. If I do spot something really nice I can make a special trip out with the real camera as it’s not that far away from home.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Thank you so much Hugh, and thank you for taking time to comment, it's really appreciated. Yeah that's my thoughts too, I have recently upgraded to the iPhone 14 and although the images are very good (exceptional really) they do have a digital look to them, which my DSLR doesn't have, but I'll go into further on the next video. Thanks again Hugh and all the best.

    • @kilimeruimages3967
      @kilimeruimages3967 Před rokem +2

      I agree with Hugh - you have engaged more people by submitting their opinions and feedback on your vlogs - wont work every time, but for sure, it does on this series you have put together

  • @hughwolfe1176
    @hughwolfe1176 Před rokem +2

    DSLR vs: mirrorless vs: phone camera…
    I’ve had my D700 since 2010, bought the three lenses your “supposed” to have and set about learning. I recently added a D850 as a companion body, yes I’m back to school. I also added a few more lenses, but I’ve not jumped ship for mirrorless, I don’t see the need with my style of photography. My equipment is paid for, I’d rather add another lens than have to buy a mirrorless body and then start collecting lens all over again. My lenses are like my children, I know there quirks and bad habits…
    I’m a “slow shooter” preferring to scout out an area rather than rapid fire only to go home with hundreds of shots to wade thru…
    Phone cameras are a photographers best friend and worst enemy. They’re convenient as they’re always right there in your pocket, but they do have their limitations. You can’t enlarge the resulting images to far without looking like a bad photocopy. But as an aid to my aging memory there the bomb 😊

  • @billingalls1940
    @billingalls1940 Před rokem +3

    Old fogey here: I just cannot get used to using my phone for photography. I'll use it, for example, to send a photo of some product home when I happen to be out on a shopping errand to confirm it's what is expected, but that is pretty much it for me. My wife, however, is really proficient with her phone, especially for church events. When I got into digital photography in the early 2000's, I bought a Sony Cyber-shot, figuring that since other manufacturers were using their sensors, that going with Sony made sense. 5 megapixels and JPEGs, but decent pictures for my needs, then. But the ridiculous memory sticks! That was the highest quality mirrorless that I've owned. At least it also had a veiwfinder in addition to the LCD. The other "mirrorless" cameras I've owned have been point-and-shoot types (like the phone) that when I held them out at arms length so my old eyes could be in focus, the image was too small to do me much good. So I'll stick with my DSLRs and wear my "readers" when I use Live View. (If I remember to bring them along.)

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Haha, thanks Bill, that last comment did make me laugh, hope you didn't mind me reading it out? I think a lot of people feel the same about Phones, certainly ones who enjoy a traditional viewfinder. But some great points raised there mate, I'll certainly highlight them on my next video. Thanks again mate, all the best.

  • @kilimeruimages3967
    @kilimeruimages3967 Před rokem +1

    Another interesting vlog and I enjoyed watching this. For your next review, in my opinion Mirrorless gives you so much more - no vibration from the mirror, live view, faster speeds for wildlife, more information available to view in camera, view photos through viewfinder, lighter, smaller, improved technology, sensors, eye tracking etc - some phone camera are great, but for me they are just for 'snaps' - keep the channel growing.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Thank you so much for your comment, absolutely agree with you on those points, I'll certainly raise them on the next video. And thank you so much for your kind words, it's really enjoyable making the videos and in return seeing people join me along the way, they're all very welcome! 👍

  • @craig.yates_photography4907

    Hi Ben, The leap from DSLR to mirrorless would require a large pile of cash. I would want to replace all my lenses to get the best from a mirrorless system. My Nikon D850 gives me all the image quality I need so I don't see any reason to move into the mirrorless world. Someone asked me what my next camera would be and I replied another Nikon D850 would be fine. As for mobile phones the image quality has taken quite a leap. When Helen is out with me she takes some very credible images, sometimes very similar compositions to mine but with much more limited processing power. I would class a mobile as a good auto image snapper and a great tool to learn and practice some aspects of photography.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thanks Craig, I’m on the same thinking really, I don’t see any other option to upgrade my D850 either. Yeah have certainly upgraded and do an amazing job and with so many apps available too to increase other options they have come into their own world. Thanks again mate, I’ll be raising these points on the next video. 👍

  • @haroldjohnson1451
    @haroldjohnson1451 Před rokem

    What ever makes you comfortable and works for you, the more you feel good the more you'll get out there and take pictures. That doesn't mean you shouldn't push your limits and learn more, but if you're not comfortable you won't go out there and take photos. Just my thinking 🤔

  • @thestudio1274
    @thestudio1274 Před rokem +2

    Such great points raised by everyone and makes such a good debate. I only shoot with my mobile phone, my dad use to use an old camera, film camera and it was so complicated. But I love my iPhone 13 to take pictures and post them on facebook and insta, they not award winning but I like them and that's what matters to me, plus I always have it on me, a bit like your book, which I'm going to order from Amazon. Thanks again Ben, love your videos!

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thank you so much, that's great to hear, I'll certainly raise the points on the next video, good to know, all the best.

  • @badger67
    @badger67 Před rokem +2

    I use to use the mobile for pics, but not now. It doesn't feel right. I'm not one for smart phones, but that's just me. I cart my D300s all over the place 😁Really enjoying this format too.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Thanks Mate, Good practice in carrying the camera around with you, for me it's not that easy. Thanks again, I'll certainly raise your points on the next vid. All the best mate and thank you for taking the time to comment, always appreciated.

  • @paulcookphotography
    @paulcookphotography Před rokem +1

    Sorry for the 2nd comment. For the topic for next week...while there is no denying that phone cameras are getting better with each release and are super handy, they absolutely cannot compete with DSLR/mirrorless cameras. As you know I am primarily a seascape photographer and often take my images well before sunrise. There is no comparison between the long exposures taken with my Sony vs this new long expo technology that camera phones are using now. And it goes without mentioning the print quality between the two. But camera phones certainly have come a long way and can produce super images for display on social media and small print. But for serious photography, I'll stick with my Sony every time. Not much of a debate in my mind.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Oh don’t apologise buddy, always welcome. Yeah I can imagine getting close to some of the images you produce on a mobile would be a challenge. I’ve recently started using apps for long exposure on mine and it struggles at best. Yeah I get it, I’ll be sticking with the D850 too. Thanks again mate and all the best. 👍

  • @johnsparkes8963
    @johnsparkes8963 Před rokem +1

    Nice to hear about your early years Ben. My first DSLR was a nikon D90 then D 7000 onto D300 D300S two D700 and d7200 then D810. Still got these bodies except D90. I now use Nikon Z711 which i love. Still struggle with alot of the features in it.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thank you so much John, yeah it was an interesting time. Oh, I've heard so many good things about the Z711, It might even be an option for a future project I've got. I have heard the features on it are massive, I guess they need to be, to appeal to a wider audience. Thanks again John, really appreciated.

  • @craigpiferphotography
    @craigpiferphotography Před rokem +2

    Thanks for another thought provoking video. It's great hearing a bit more of your background.
    Regarding phones vs. DSLR/mirrorless, there is a lot to say, and I won't say it all.
    The cameras on phones are getting better all the time, there is no doubt about it. There are still severe limitations, at least with the phones that I've had, but they are generally good for a quick post on social media, provide decent video quality, and can be printed fine in a pinch. I was surprised last year when someone contacted me wanting to license one of my photos. Turns out that is was a photo that I had taken back in 2017 with my LG G4 and done a quick edit on using Snapseed. I had posted it on a Google review and this person found it on there an liked it. It's not a photo that I would have been actively trying to get out there for a sale, but it was still good enough for a few dollars.
    Will I be getting rid of my other gear and using just my phone because this happened? Of course not. I love the flexibility that I have with using different lenses, the variety of settings, and just the quality coming from a larger sensor. There is no way that my phone (maybe my next phone when this one dies) can truly compete with my mirrorless camera.
    Occasionally I'll shoot in RAW on my phone, but usually just .jpg for convenience. These RAW files simply don't have the capability of the ones from my main camera. I find that I can only do so much with them. Honestly I think my old LG from 2017 did a better job in that department, and I always shot RAW with it, but the processing capability of the phones have improved so that the .jpgs really do look great and don't need much help.
    If I have a choice of taking my bulky, heavy camera gear or just taking my phone, it won't be the phone. With that said, I can't fault those that exclusively use their phone for photography. I've seen some amazing images, and many that you would never even know where "just" from a phone.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thank you so much Craig, without these comments these video's would be pointless, so they are very much appreciated. Again some very good points made there, and agree with a lot of them. I'll certainly go into a lot more detail on the next video from my side. But I'm finding RAW images on the iphone (14) to still be a processed, not fully raw, maybe it's just me. Thanks again mate.

  • @catherineslater5952
    @catherineslater5952 Před rokem

    great vlog Ben

  • @csayban
    @csayban Před rokem +1

    Great topic. I use my IPhone for photographs quite often. But realistically it has limitations. If you try to shoot wildlife with a phone, you are going to be very disappointed. There is the right tool for every job. Sometimes, size really does matter.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thank you so much for your comment Chad, and yes a good point there, Wildlife certainly needs the right gear to get the good images. Thanks again and all the best.

  • @tuftyhill
    @tuftyhill Před rokem +1

    Hi Ben I have shot Nikon for most of my photographic life ☺ upgrading slowly over the years. I used to shoot film then had a break whilst the digital bodies became more affordable. I had the D70, D70, D90 and then went FF switching to the D600 but unfortunately that body was plagued with issues when oil spots were being sprayed onto the sensor. I had at the time bought my 1st mirrorless body the Fuji XT1 and was taking both bodies out to compare. I didn't do any pixel peeping but found I was using the Fuji more. I enjoyed using that system more and the images that I was getting easily stood up to the larger FF sensor. I've just sold my D500 and 200-500mm lens and gone 100% Fuji. For me the kit you enjoy using most is what is most important. I do use my mobile (Huawei P30 Pro) and get great photos to share on Facebook etc but I'd never switch to using just a mobile. I also love capturing the full moon (large in the frame against the landscape) so need a telephoto lens (150-600mm) for that and the wildlife images and there's no phone camera available that can zoom in that much and still retain the quality. I do know that the latest iPhone and Samsung phones can definitely produce images good enough for printing large it's just not for me

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Thanks Paul, I’ve heard a about a lot of people moving over to Fiji recently, are they that good? I’ve always stuck with what I know, but who knows it could be time for at least a look around. I’ve just purchased the latest iPhone and although it’s very good, there is almost a falseness to the images, almost a digital enhanced look, even on RAW ( which it now has without apps) thanks again mate, really appreciate you taking time to comment. 👍

    • @tuftyhill
      @tuftyhill Před rokem

      @@BenMcDonaldPhotography I just enjoy the 'WYSIWYG' What You See Is What You Get on the lcd screen and the electronic viewfinder. I'm aware all mirrorless bodies have that but it was new to me. To be able to adjust the exposure and see the effect was a game changer for me. The Fuji jpeg's straight out of camera are excellent and you can select a Film Simulation. I know a pro wedding photographer who only shoots jpeg's for his weddings. In my local camera club my 15'x10' prints easily stand up to prints from FF bodies. The kit is smaller and lighter and is a joy to use. Fuji also listen to their users and add features (where possible when suggested) There are now more 3rd party lenses becoming available from Tamron, Samyang (excellent Astro lenses) and many others. Have you been tempted to switch to a mirrorless Nikon like the Z7ii?

  • @TheMpdavies
    @TheMpdavies Před rokem +1

    I moved from a Nikon D7200 in 2017 with lenses to a Fuji Xt2 which I still have because of the weight and size I can travel much better just back from Paris

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Ah, I've had a few people comment about Fiji system over the past few months and how they're moving over to them and loving it. How lovely, I love Paris!

  • @paulcookphotography
    @paulcookphotography Před rokem +2

    Great to hear your history Ben! Your job as a freelance cameraman sounds amazing with great opportunity to travel the world. Funny enough, I started with the D3200, 18-55 and 70-300 as well. I used that for a few years and learned everything I know about photography using that camera. I got some amazing images with that camera. Great points here as always. I'm really enjoying this series.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem +1

      Thanks Paul, yeah it was pretty thrilling, the only issue was being that age, I didn’t really appreciate it. 😏 How funny, I think when we start out, a big zoom lens is the first purchase. Thanks again mate.

  • @markthorpe108
    @markthorpe108 Před rokem +1

    Hi Ben, with regard to your gear. Do you find the 14-24 2.8 problematic when it comes to filters? I want a wide angle for landscape but I am tending to lean more towards the 16-35 purely because it doesn’t have that massive bulbous element on the front. I like to protect my lenses with uv filters against scratches etc but obviously this is not possible with the 14-24. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. It would be interesting to know, if you looked at your landscape work if there is a lens focal length that you find you use regularly without you realising it. I have always admired your composition and perhaps your previous life as a cameraman subconsciously trained your eye from a young age.

    • @BenMcDonaldPhotography
      @BenMcDonaldPhotography  Před rokem

      Absolutely Mark, yes that bulbous front is a nightmare, you can get gear to fit it, but it's all new items. With the 24 to70 and the 70 to 200, they have the same lens thread, so I can interchange filters. I've not bothered with any filter for it though. Ideally I could do with a polariser but I can't justify the money on it at them moment (plus I'm having issues with it, it only catches focus 50% of the time, it needs repairing). Another issue I have is distortion with it, again I feel fairly limited with it when shooting any location with structures in, if it's not dead centre at 14MM I get huge distortion. Obviously this can also be used as a positive and give something more of a domineering look if positioned well, but generally it's an annoyance. I think my general go to length is 24MM, but I also love 50MM, with my prime, certainly hand held. Thank you so much too Mark, yeah that was a crazy time being a camera man. There is a lot I can't mention on youtube, certainly some of the locations I shot in, but but yes there was a lot of training involved, which really gave me a natural footing into photography, with a lot less pressure! Thanks again Mark, really appreciated.

    • @markthorpe108
      @markthorpe108 Před rokem

      @@BenMcDonaldPhotography thank you Ben for your informative reply. I think the 24-70 will be my next purchase. Having watched numerous landscape photography videos here on YT I do question how many times photographers venture below the 24mm focal length. Thanks again for the reply it is very much appreciated.