Useless Camera Features - Mike Browne
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 9. 05. 2019
- Cameras have many features. Most of them are confusing, useless and make the few controls a photographer needs, harder to find. There are only 3 controls we need and six that we wouldn't want to be without. Is there a place for a more streamlined, simpler to use camera?
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Mike Browne
#camerafeatures
Dump the obsession with video as a marker of quality in a stills camera!!
I believe Leica use âless is moreâ as a selling point and ironically charge you more for it!
Exactly.... Less costs more haha
There are a few who do that @Andrew... MIKE :-/
Less in price?
Andrew Taylor Yes, and why is that? If you want thousands of settings, in that case, shouldnât the camera be free of charge?
Why not, Porsche do it. Aston Martin have done it. Maybe only premium brands can get away with it?
I've never used video in any of my cameras if i wanted video I'd buy a camcorder
Yes. Never a truer word spoken.
I totally agree and I did
100% true!
Dp review uses mirorless to shoot their videos
That's not how it works,you buy a photo camera thinking about video,you buy a phone thinking about photos,you are not made for this generation, neither am I đ
Mr Browne, I was inspired by your videos to get my first camera-- a 35mm film camera. Iâm impressed with all the features and technology in such a precision instrument from 40 years ago. I'm trying to create dramatic, cinematic looking scenes, not just blah snapshots. It's still a mystery to me why they sometimes come out like the former but most of the time like the latter. But when composition, subject, lighting, exposure and decisive moment all come together in glorious harmony, its got to be one of the best feelings of accomplishment. Thank you.
I agree I have a semi pro camera and really only ever use the basics its frustrating to have to wade through multiple menus of features I never use nor need just to change a basic setting like ISO.
Maybe you should just use the ISO button for that instead.
@@denisbeck1116 The ISO button was just an example!
Its like microwaves. All I want is to heat up my rice for 2 minutes.
Lol! True!
So basically you want a microwave that only has a 2 minute timer? đ
Yes, you've given me a brilliant idea, a camera with a microwave function. Wow I can't believe Mike wants fewer features, what an idiot.
âThe single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!â
â Ansel Adams
Says it all really...
Do you really think if Ansel Adams were alive today he would be using a large-format camera with glass plates? He'd be using the latest medium format camera with panorama and tons of post processing. This whole "if it was good enough for Adams, and Lang, etc it's good enough for me" is bullshit.
My point wasn't about it being good enough for Adam's but to do with this trend towards features, gadgets and gimmicky crap than the actual art of photography. I do see that there is a need and a use for some but the feature laden cameras can be overwhelming especially for beginners.
@@Tiger1200xrx On that we agree, beginners need to focus on the exposure triangle before they start menu diving. But to say this stuff is all "gimmicky" or "useless" is absurd. I remember a time when many thought autofocus was a "gimmick", and video because who "needs" that in a camera, or eye-detect. Want to give any of that up? My problem with the post is that Mike didn't differentiate, he just said anything beyond the 3 features you "need" and the 5 you probably "want" they're all useless. That's just crazy. I think part of his motivation to post this video was that his "product" isn't technology it's how to use the technology in a creative way. As cameras get more and more features people, right or wrong, find they can take fairly good images without moving past the Auto settings. For people like Mike that's a threat. The fact his tone here was more anger and frustration vs. eye opening or insightful would suggest this might have been a motivation for this post.
@@tomscott4438 says the guy thats never taken a decent photo in his life....
It drives me MAD when people go on about how someone is not a "real" photographer until they "upgrade" to the camera they think is necessary. While I have used higher-end Nikon cameras for types of technical photography at work, my home camera was a D3100 for years. It did everything I wanted for years, and still is only missing one or two more advanced features which I might use on special occasions. I recently added a D7200 at home, but I am still not "real" because I don't have Full-Frame, or mirrorless, or whatever else someone thinks is required.
Well said!
Matthew Keisling
Youâre not alone in having that feeling.
Amen to that!
Yep, if Pentax made a digital K-1000, with a histogram and modifiable ISO, I'd buy it today. I could focus my old one in a snap, so I wouldn't even miss autofocus.
whafrog yeah where is the Olympus OM2 digital- good how I miss taking pictures with a real camera
I agree! Manually of focusing a modern dSLR is a painful experience!
I had a K1000 back in the day!
I use a Nikon D500. It doesn't have Auto mode or any creative modes....only P, A, S, and M modes. Lots of buttons on the body for quick control but so much better than having to poke through endless menus to adjust settings that need to be made quickly. I wouldn't want to give up the versatility of my current feature set. For quick and simple shooting my Galaxy S8+ is fantastic!
I agree with your comments about a simple camera Mike. I have been "playing" with cameras since I was a boy, my father was the Regimental Photographer for the Parachute Regiment. My first proper camera was a Practica film camera in the early 1970's. It was totally manual, no fancy buttons or features, just a shutter speed knob, aperture setting on the lens and an in-built light meter. It was so simple. I used a Canon EOS something or other film camera in the 1990's for my C&G training. Today I have a second hand Nikon D7100 with so many features and so many options, but I rarely use them. Like you say, all we really need is the basic controls and a good eye for a decent photo! Thank you for all your brilliant free programs on CZcams. You are an inspiration!
Thanks Mike... MIKE đđ
@@MikeBrowne this is weird... I'm just watching you on CZcams, a video from 2015 about disassociation to get the shot!
Always happy to see a new Mike Browne video!!
Yes indeed and spot on... That's why I picked up the wonderful x100F Fuji for a walk around, but found it absolutely capable for so much more. What you say, parallels what we see in new cars today. I'd take a new '68 Road Runner with radio delete, and rubber floor mats, over a 2019 Z-28 with the potential to complete a moon mission... and really don't need the Italian leather lined glove box... The analog controls on the Fugi are what I like the best.
Well what features would you like to remove? AF? If you want to keep AF, then how should it work? Eye AF, wide area, center spot, single shot, continuous, tracking, flexible spot, face detection or something else? And what about less necessary features like time lapse? Do you want to buy separate trigger to do time lapses or would it be nicer to have that functionality in camera, if you ever need it? What about video? Do you want to select frame rate, bit rate, codec, resolution and file format or do you want the camera to decide all of those for you? What about MF assist features or exposure warnings like zebras? And then we have everything that has to do with auto exposure (or semi auto). Do you want to remove auto-, A- or S-mode or auto ISO and all the additional settings that come with those like exposure compensation and different metering modes?
In addition to the features mentioned above, there really are not that much more in any camera. Just some wifi and file handling stuff and some things for JPEG shooters.
The way I see it is that, if you add something that sounds simple at first (like AF) you either end up with lots of options or lots of disappointed customers that are not happy about the way the feature works because they don't get to decide how it works. Also, you don't have to use the features that you don't need. Basically any ILC camera can be set up so that the buttons and dials do what you want them to do and you don't have to worry about it after the initial setup.
There are a dozen "art modes" in my camera, that are not customizable. I can write a macro in a few minutes that can be tweeked at every photo, if necessary, and does the same trick in two clicks. The best part, I would have the original photo and the "artsy" (kitschy) copy. If I set my camera to record in "art mode", and don't save the raw format, I am struck with that eery blue-skinned thing that supposed to be a creative portrait:-)
One feature I would remove is video, I buy a stills camera to take still photos. Another is the any mode that isn't program auto, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual & bulb. I do use things like exposure & focus bracketing, interval timer and a few more menu features but there are a lot I don't use and doubt I ever will.
A good feature for video would be a good quality wireless microphone.
Was that the new Rode wireless Go.... hope not!
Agree, that's why I use my Sony Ilce-7 the same way as I used my old Olympus OM2. Aperture mode, mostly 100 ISO (I used Fujicolor 100 postive slide film in my OM2 most of the time) and I still use my old Zuiko lenses via an adapter on the Ilce-7. And I like it that way, everything is slow, comfortable and enjoyable. And I like what I shoot. Keep spreading the idea Mike, greetings from Rotterdam.
A great and interesting vlog Mike, I have to go along with your own thoughts and those you interviewed, Iâve found on quite a few of the photography/wildlife photographic fb pages I occasionally go on that the photography snobs have a field day totally confusing the majority with tech crap to boost their own egos, I also in my photography do not and will not get into the post production tech that goes on? too much tech for my liking, I have one decent camera one very good lens and me, thatâs it! cheers for this video Mike, excellent as are the rest you put out đđ· Terry
Anybody else note all the features needed in the photo montage towards the end.
The travel photography requiring weatherproofing, size, and battery life features.
The studio photography requiring strobe actuation features.
The sport and wildlife photography requiring IBIS, high resolution and interchangeable lenses.
The instagram photos requiring remote shutter release and self timer features.
The night photography requiring high iso features.
The high level shots requiring flight control characteristics.
Yes my friend. In my days, I used to shoot film with Nikon, Minolta and Konica. 100-200-400 ASA (ISO). There is TOO MUCH in today's cameras. I can appreciate a few things (modes) that the camera for an amateur can help. But I am SURE, that most of us with some experience, do not use most of the stuff provided nowadays. I am not a pro. I use Pentax mostly. Lately, understanding what I want and my travels, minimizing my gear, I walk the streets with a Ricoh GRii and a Leica C-Luxa. I am happy with the results and it covers all my needs. The only alternatives I use are either color or B&W. Exposure compensation is useful. I shoot mostly aperture priority. Thank you very much for your excellent videos!
Mike! I just wanted to say thank you!!! Thank for your videos. You taught me almost everything I know about photography when I was 12-13. Iâm now a senior in 12th grade about to go to community college. Iâm near Washington D.C and would love if you came to the states. But I just wanted to thank you for all of your videos on photography basics. I remember watching your motion blur video with the blue car and being amazed and my photos. You have truly impacted my life as a young photographer (now 18 years old) keep up the great videos sending love from USA.!!!
Great video,I'm forever gonna call new technology "shiny shiny stuff" đđ
:-)
Last night, my partner made a comment about shiny shiny things as we passed a few businesses.
Mike isnât just an excellent photographer, facilitator, and mentor, heâs a cultural icon, quoted around the world.
One of your best videos yet, Mike. I've had a Nikon D7000 (2010 technology) since 2012. As a moderately skilled amateur enthusiast I've found that it meets all my needs. No . . . it more than meets my needs. It has bells and whistles that I haven't looked at since the first month I had it.
So I get where you're coming from. And I loved your 'raise your hands a bit higher' point. The portfolio of shots was fabulous and you're looking leaner and meaner than ever {:-) Cheers from DownUnder.
Thank you Mike. A professional photographer once told me that all these features are on a camera to capture PHOTOGRAPHERS! Very true. It would be nice to not have the program modes so that people such as myself are encouraged to use aperture speed and ISO manually.
One thing: the latest mobile phones now have 3 lenses which encourage users to use lenses the right way; to get the right depth of field etc. and not for filling the frame. Steve
As Back2lay as mentioned, Leica has held to their roots as much as they can. Provided you have $20k for a basic kit, they're a joy to use. Also, I have to compliment you on your eye contact while interviewing. It is difficult to find anyone who can maintain eye contact while speaking face to face. Not certain if it's a result of so many dealing more with their devices than people. Bravo!
Hi Mike. I have my Canon 60D with a Tamron 16-300 and a Canon 70D with my Sigma 150-600 . I have had some say to me why don't you get something more up to date, and just said they are up to date for me, he then walk off.
Love all of your videos. Very informative.
Well, after watching this vlog.Do I need a full frame DSLR.
I am seriously thinking of going back to film,and learning to use medium format for my journey into landscape photography.
Film is greatly satisfying. The hole process. From loading film to making prints.
Hi Mike, how nice to have another channel with someone who tells it how it is, good work, I am shooting with a couple of Fujifilm cameras, two bodies so that I don't get caught with the 'wrong' lens so often. I have got both cameras with very similar settings which I really don't change very often, and both have a whole raft of functions which I almost never use, video in particular. I have noticed that a lot of review channels insist that all cameras 'need' IBIS when it only works effectively on video, in fact it appears that the physical characteristics of a video camera are fundamentally different to what we need for still, in terms of shutter speeds, exposure and stabilisation, why even try to do both with the same box of tricks?.
On the understanding that all photographers want to shoot in their own special ways and the range of versatility has to be built-in in order to reach a large enough demographic to make any real profits, at the same time, because of that, the tendency is for manufacturers to sink to a lower common denominator, there is no such thing as the perfect camera!.
For this reason we are dependent on skilled photographers, such as you, to show us how to use this complicated gear to get the results we want, if and when we can work out what that is!.
There also seems to be a serious problem for us in that we cannot easily or cheaply switch to a different system due to the enormous cost of good compatible glass and the inordinate difficulty in learning a completely different operating system and controls, all of which distracts us from the real business of getting out there shooting, as you say the shooter takes the picture, not the camera. Cheers, Richard.
Totally agree. !!! Add a bunch of features to crank up the price. đ€ I've only used the basics . It should be about the basics and excellent quality!
Great video once again Mike, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
May I ask what the music was you used in the slideshow of your photos please.
Thanks again.
Definitely a place in the market for it - in fact, I think that is why a lot of photographers shoot film cameras today - yes, it is part the fact we like film, but also because the cameras were just about composition, and creativity. You focused the shot; you determined F-Stop, Shutter speed etc., and then manipulated things in the darkroom. Good stuff, Mike!
I would love to see a digital version of a Pentax Spotmatic. Everything a basic 35mm SLR was but taking digital images instead of on film.
Totally totally agree. We get sucked into technology for technology sake. How did the guys manage with out IBIS before the 90s.....
The answer is "poorly".
With decent technique? I have heard people say you have to shoot high res cameras like my d 850 at high shutter speeds, but that's only if you can't hand hold properly! Sure, I have vr on my lenses, but ibis? Not necessary for me!
My thoughts exactly.
I started a degree in 2016 and I loved the shiny shiny !!! It wasn't until I started watching Mike last year that i realised I was spending too much energy on the tech and less on my creative processes.
Agree wholeheartedly Mike. I teach a "Getting to know your DSLR/mirrorless camera' course so I get all sorts of cameras and it has become almost impossible to find some of the key 'features' buried in menus. I don't mind more features but make them easy to find! Better yet, have a customisable menu that the user can create with the feature they want quick access to - at least one manufacturer has this now - not sure why every one doesn't.
I went back to the canon 5D, (only ÂŁ300) it is really liberating, takes a good picture, the menu's are minimal and the batteries last forever, but I do miss live view.
Same comment đ
dozerblade
My partner and I just purchased two Canon 6Ds for astrophotography. Excellent camera for our purposes with some modification (such as taking out the IR/UV filter).
Being an impecunious newcomer I bought an EOS 300D and the images I get are great - I only print up to A4 size - very limited by some standards, I agree, but it suits me fine.
Excellent samples and presentation. It's the kind of info than more people should know.
As always Mike this was another awesome video. Thanks for sharing it.
I'll be heading to the UK very soon and settling there in Southampton, would be an honour to meet you in person. I've been following your channel from the very start. You've taught me a lot of things about photography. I've bought your DPE course and also your 7 building blocks of photography. I'll make sure I attend each and every one of your workshops starting with your UK based one first, it would be a life changing experience to me. I don't get hung up on gear, I've had a Canon 70D since 2014 with three lenses and I don't intend on buying new gear anytime soon.
Great video. Enjoy'd it very much. Thank you.
Features helped me, a beginner in the area, to understand what you can manually do yourself with the basic tools. The question may be more like do you need features which as you say, are manners to stand out from the competition.
I was afraid though that the video was about quality and performance - so glad to hear that it was about the gadgets! Your speech as always was amazing and the pictures filled my eyes and made me realize how far one can go in the art and particularly, how much further I have to go :)
Thanks
Time, practice and enthusiasm - some of the key ingredients you seem to have!
Great video Mike, good points there- nice interview technique too! thanks
Hi Mike a really interesting video, I totally agree with what you are saying, for me the simpler the process is the better. I mainly only ever use 4 or 5 of the "features" on the cameras that I use, for years I still used film and so when I eventually converted to Digital I carried on with the same practices using Manual Exposure and Focusing and very little else, as I find for me the less I am messing about with the camera the more I am concentrating on the picture I am taking. I would definitely think that there would be a market for a more basic (if that is the right word, or perhaps a more user friendly) camera I would certainly be happy with one, regards Ian
Very interesting concept, andI hope it is something which someone will end up implementing. Some great shots in there as well, thanks Mike.
Presenting such a complex art form with eloquence and yet finding a way to be encouraging, stimulating and inviting that is the Mike Browne way. Thank you so very much.
Thank you Colin... MIKE
A long time ago I read something about a digital back for analogue camera's - that would give you the 'undressed version' of a digital camera ...
Anybody know if these digital addon backfeatures a still around and for what brand of camera?
Cheers!
Great channel BTW! :-)
Leica made a 10Mp digital back for their R8 and R9 SLRs. It still goes for $2,500 or mroe second-hand!
I had a look at a new lumix gx9 yesterday for an hour or so and it drove me nuts hunting through endless menus and sub menus ... I gave up , went home and wet nursed my old Fuji X E1 and 23 mm f2 and forgave it for not having Bluetooth or not even WiFi. It's as good as I will ever need and the user experience fantastic.. no need for shiny shiny, more ability yes ;)
Great observation. My wife and I both have fairly complex menu systems on our mirrorless cameras (Olympus and Sony) but 99% of the time we just use focus, shutter and aperture. We do adjust ISO and at times exposure compensation when lighting is difficult. I wonder how much the complexity built in compounds the price.
Mike some great points covered i agree with all of the questions you have put forward and a lot of them are gimmicks and are no needed for at least 95% of the time. your photographs that you show in this video are just brilliant.
The beginning of feature bloat may have started when film cameras began having built in light meters necessitating a link to aperture; then came auto focus lenses. These features may have made the making of pictures a little more convenient for photographers. Then came digital and the techy wonks went crazy . . . I use manual mode because I find it is simpler, easier, and any errors in exposure are mine (i.e. not paying attention to the light meter). It is nice not being tied to one ISO (or ASA as one respondent remembered. That's going back a bit). When I got my first digital camera I did wonder why it had to be so complicated. Love your videos; I suppose I'd better stump up and buy one of your courses now.
Super like for the video mike.
I still remember your line, camera doesn't take pics, photographer takes it.
So better we must focus on our skill development instead of stupid camera features. Simple camera also give high quality results if we follow some basics.
Dr.Nimish Lakhani thank you like this - Melissa pp Mike
Mike it would be hard to pick only one...but the girl dancing in the forest with the lLIGHT filtering through the trees...a masterpiece...thanks as always for sharing your knowledge..so appreciated...
Thank you @isabella... MIKE :-)
most excellent pictures Mr Browne. kudos to you sir. j.
Thank you @ djrbfm. More at the link below if you're interested... MIKE
bit.ly/MikeImages
Interesting video as always Mike totally agree keep it simple. Composition should be the major feature which is down to the person behind the camera of course.
Great vid for thought, I went to the cabinet and pulled out my old less featured camera, you know the one you put film in. It just has aperture, shutter speed and manual focus.
I then took a look at my latest camera with all the features. Did the old one take some great pics, yes!. Which one do I use and love, the new one because it has the features when and if I need them. Do I use the features all the time, no. But OMG they are great when you want or need them!. I am lucky enough to have a good camera body with customisable menus and buttons, when it's setup it is a dream to use and navigate. IMO no such thing as too many features just bad menu layouts. I did like the guy's idea of open source cameras, you could have a blank camera and add the features you need, not a bad idea.
Great video !!!!
THANK YOU!!!! I've been thinking about this for years. I finally came over from film a couple years ago. Love your videos, but this is the best!
Thank you @ RLBadKarma
. Please share it around and help me make more like it... MIKE :-)
I agree with you MIke.
But its not so much the features but their ease of use.
Eg we need less complicated menus and more buttons and knobs.
When I go out with my mid range entry level D5500 I always have to decide on a lot of settings, and I may miss the shot.
Great video Mike. Welcome food for thought. I guess the thing to ask yourself when eying up and additional features (or any equipment for that matter) is whether it will consistently improve your images. I guess something like Eye Auto Focus definitely will... but others... perhaps not so much.
On the subject of equipment... I'm hoping you'll be knocking that radio mic on the head in future videos!
Yes sorry about the sound. We can only use bluetooth mic when on a stabiliser and there was so much interference the sounds not great... MIKE
âThoughtfulâ is the theme that resonates from your compositions and your images make me feel thoughtful as the viewer and student.
Thank you @Debra Marvin. If I can convey thoughtfullness through my images that is good enough for me. ... MIKE :-)
Huuuge thumbs up from me Mike and I agree 100%. I own a Canon EOS 650D which I like but there is stuff on it that I neither understand, need or want. This extra baggage simply confuses me and gives me a headache! Aside from the bare necessities, the only massively useful feature mine has is that the screen swivels so it can be viewed from almost any angle which I really find useful and works for me. That aside the rest are of zero interest. Great video Mike and if I could find a camera which has only the essentials (plus a swivel screen) I'd sure be interested. Have to say, your shots later on blew my mind they are that good. No, they are truly great. Were they shot with your XT 2?
Thanks Jeff. Swivel screens should be compulsory. Yep all shot on the old XT2, mostly with 18-55mm lens... ... MBđđ
I would say that some features are 'time saving' features. Could I get the shot without them? In most cases, yes. For example: I'm a wildlife/pet portrait photographer, and I could go out with a 10 FPS camera and get a picture of a dog catching a ball (with just the right expression and body position) in an hour, with a 5 FPS camera it may take me 3 hours, with a camera on single shot it would take me the whole day. If you are working with a client, you need efficiency in your workflow, and that includes the shoot itself. The client (or dog) would not be happy if they spent all day throwing and catching balls on the beach for just one picture. What if you've promised them 20 pictures? Some pictures in my portfolio would NEVER have been possible without the increased frame rates and some other 'time saving' features. Great video Mike, very thought provoking.
Worst feature ever was the SmileShutter of some sony and samsung cameras. It was supposed to take a picture when a person in the frame smiles. It didn't work plus the fact that not everyone smiled at the same time.
I have a canon SL1 and it has some of the shooting modes you mentioned, but thanks to youtube and the great masters like you, I quickly learnt the basics and now I only use aperture p, shutter priority, manual m, exposure comp, RAW+jpeg, and Manual ISO. Those give me all the automation I want and all the control I need and then I edit. Now I look for better AF, better lenses, cleaner high-ISO, etc. So i'm waiting for the next iteration of the canon 80d or 77d for a well deserved upgrade and to keep learning.
Thanks again for the lessons and the truths. Greetings from Colombia.
As a long time fan of your good self Mike I found this subject very interesting. My opinion is that if you are out and about and want that "Quick shot" with your mobile, an "auto mode" is all you need. If you want more serious stuff with a dslr, like a landscape shot, (my fave) then its "Tripod, Camera, Focus, Aperture and shutter speed. I don't need much else.
You make it sound so simple.đ And thatâs what I love about you. You are an excellent educator.
Thank you Ed... MIKE
I too agree with you, I'm still learning but from the moment I picked up a DSLR stated shooting manual never used even exposure compensation.
This is spot on. I love my Fuji camera because the key basics are all readily available as knobs and dials. But I rarely use the duff hidden deep in the menus
I like features. Sure, I could make do with just speed, aperture, and ISO. However white balance, histogram, exposure compensation, TTL, commander mode for off-camera flash, live view and video are all very useful. âSave User Settingsâ and wifi are also handy. That said, I wouldnât mind losing useless âsceneâ and âeffectsâ modes, especially if it meant a big camera body discount.
Karl Freitag
That a camera has some features that are useful to amateur and professional alike isnât the problem: having seemingly endless features which arenât intuitive, are not likely to be used and very expensive at that is the problem. Your point about âsceneâ and âeffectsâ is quite pertinent.
Totally agree with your point. Cameras are like smartphone. Lots of features but 90% of us only uses it at a quarter of its potential. But is it a "potential" or just features made to compete on the market regardless of the true essence of photography?
My opinion is that as long as there are people who run aflter the latest "tech" implementation, there will be always a new feature to release on the market.
Maybe some shiny-shiny for audio, but overall, I agree.
I think the most fun and educational cameras I had were my old, what they sold at the time as student cameras, ASA, speed dial, aperture ring, and focus ring, and exposure meter, you had to use your brain no artificial intelligence included, no bells, no whistles, just learn from your mistakes, put it in your memory bank and continue to grow as a photographer and out grow being a picture taker.
Jim Myers and wait and spend money and wait and spend money and....those times are over. Same goes for vinyls, vhs, cd, dvd...Marketing is made for the masses not for professionals !
Your best video yet imho. Totally where I'm at. A small film SLR has recently helped me realise how few features I need and want. I think there's a pent up market for a digital fm2n. From any company.
thank you for the kind words and glad this video helped you - Melissa pp Mike
I'd rather that companies focus on improving the function of their cameras with respect to those necessary functions, rather than adding gimmicks that make no difference on the camera's performance or the quality of pictures. As for non-necessary features, I think a user-friendly menu and layout is critical (if I hand my camera to a layman and ask them to take a picture, it should not take them half an hour to figure out how to use the basic features of the camera), and I like the idea of wifi connectivity so that I can remotely sync images to my computer or phone (although at this point few camera manufacturers have been able to do that particularly well).
Absolutely gorgeous vid. Yes, too much features keep one away from what is really Important, letâs call it the photographic eye or as you named it: The decisive moment. All that fancy stuff can help when you need to have it in specific situations e.g. in sports photography you can adjust the AF case to the required needs. I think that all this build-in-features are just to meet a whole range of customers to keep market shares. It is the competition between the producers that has to evoke customerâs desires.
Just caught up with your blog and yes I agree with what's been said, all I need in a camera is what you said shutter, aperture,focus, and that's about it, I am on my 6th digital camera in 20 years (I have won 3) and I still have not shot a movie yet on any of them, every so often I spend a afternoon going through all the settings, most of them I don't use, when I go out in search of pictures it's one camera and one lens, it always has been most of my pictures are hand held, I have V.R. on my lens why carry a tripod,, I could go on and on about what I don't use. I have been to most of the photography shows at the NEC. but I have missed the last two one through illness and the last one a hospital appointment, did I miss anything no I did not! Thank you for asking the question, I hoped I answered it.....oh by the way I am retired from work forever, (O.A.P.) and work is now a dirty word.....best wishes....
Notwithstanding the sound quality an excellent vid.
I agree entirely with your thesis.
This will seem crazy to many but my first SLR was a second-hand Zenith, if a company produced one of those for digital I'd be on it like a shot. Modern cameras are full of features I never use and don't even want.
Let's have a camera with the "3 controls we need and six that we wouldn't want to be without."
I sold my canon camera from around 2010 a few months back to get a fujifilm upgrade - i wanted something less bulky. I got the XT3, I managed to get it cheaply by getting it from China but once I had it I was overwhelmed by the features. It's a fantastic looking camera but i just didn't have any peace about owning it. I'd happily been taking shots on my iPhone for years. I've ended up with the XT-30 which is lovely camera and I'm enjoying shooting with it but there is no doubt that even that is too feature heavy and after watching a few videos, i went through turning features off. It's so easy to get swept along with the next great thing and, irritatingly, I've fallen for it the last few months.
I'd love a simpler camera that I could just throw in my pocket (...that's got more control than an iPhone). I hope there will be a growing appetite for one and a company will run with it.
Another great video. đđŒđđŒđđŒ
Great point about too many features! Exactly why I have switched to Canon 5d mkii a much simpler camera that does the job well!
I feel the same way about videos that have titles saying, âIs such and such camera relevant today?â and they are talking about a camera less than 5 years old.
Too true...
What you donât think pet eye focus is essential?? Lol spot on mike.
If all you do is pet photography I guess it is lol. But it's easier to produce software tricks like that than a tangible upgrade. Sadly every big brand needs to release a new product each year, so end up with crap like that.
Shaun Hilton You don't use effects mode?đ
Than human eye focus is equal essential imo, you can focus on a human eye as easy as on a pet eye, maybe even easier. What is useful for one is not useful for someone else. In many camera you can make user menu for easy access to the feature you use most, so you don't have to go to all features to change something basic.
Totally agree, I have scene modes on my dial, a mid range Canon dslr, I never use them. Four things count for me, Light, mood, emotion, message in my photos, not how I capture them, the camera is a tool which allows me to do those 4 things. It's not about the tool it's how you use it. I prefer straight from the camera, with no post interference. Photography has become over complex, hence the popularity of mobile phone cameras. Let's get back to basics. Great video, subscribed.
Very interesting video as always, Mike! I have to say I agree - I've not been doing photography for very long, but I often find myself using my Olympus film camera over my Fuji XT20, as it's much more straightforward and there's not a billion unneeded features distracting me from taking the shot I want to take.
Looking forward to your next video :)
Lol, what's not "straightforward" about the Fuji? Aperture ring on lens, shutter wheel on top, automatic ISO and a shutter button. It doesn't get any more straightforward than that.
Mike, You are SO spot on !!! I shoot with Nikon D500 and the features are ridiculous and useless. Love You !
I have always said that a straightforward digital camera with the main controls (aperture, shutter, ISO etc.) and as you mentioned, white balance, histogram. The great thing about digital is we can see our result immediately and adjust if necessary. I use manual settings more than anything now unless a situation requires Shutter or Aperture auto settings such as sport action. I believe a camera with these criteria would sell; with good old chunky dials; But it would also be nice to have a button to show where the nearest pub is!
I currently use a Canon T6s. I don't have a lot of features but the ones that are on my camera that I don't use are the scene modes. I'm talking about the miniature, portrait, sport modes. I shoot mostly manual with an occasional aperture or shutter priority mode. What it really comes down to is that a camera is just a tool. You need the right tool for the job. I'm upgrading to a full frame this weekend. The features I'm looking for in a camera are buttons or knobs on the body that lets me make changes on the fly without having to go into the menu to change it. I want a built in intravelometer for time lapse or long exposure. Can I buy one that connects to the camera? Yes, but I'd rather have it on the camera. I think features like eye auto focus are one of the best things to come along. Even if it's not 100% accurate, even an amateur can nail the focus. I think camera manufacturers do put useless things into their cameras for sales or so they have another box to check on a list. But that's marketing. I have features on my tv that I'll never use but they came with the tv. Enjoyed the video.
I started off in about 1976 with a Zenith EM (I think it was known as), eventually moving up to a Nikon FM, and over the years have used a range of Nikon cameras. I'm not a professional photographer, but use a D90 (still) and a D5500 and a D7500, and for me they cover the type of photography I do. But I totally agree Mike, they are so filled with menus and lists, that by the time you decide what setting you want, you miss the shot, okay auto has its place when the action is fast. But I have recently found myself having to work backwards to re-learning the manual settings, even using a separate light meter. As you rightly point out, some of the most iconic pictures, were all taken manually. I would love to see a camera body, well made, that I can attach my existing lenses and at an affordable price on the market. Modern cameras are here to stay, but for the purist who loves to be in control then a back to basics would bring the fun back.
Agree. I started with a Yashica TL electro.. then a yashica LSR with pentax screw thread fit. I currently still use a D90 with 2 nice lenses and agree with all that you are saying.
The amount of people who look at me and say.. ooohhh a D90. Thats a bit.. you NEED to.get a newer one. When i question why they struggle to form a sensible.opinion.
I have just bought a fully manual minolta medium format.. love it
Wonderful viewpoints , my wife is an artist and always tells me I have a good eye.
I really struggle with the technical side of photography and to hear peopleâs opinions regarding Kit and unnecessary functions really encourages me to plough my own furrow .
This doesnât mean Iâm a Luddite , I have affinity photo to process my photos but havenât a clue how to use it.
But I know I must improve my technical skills but not at the expense of getting excited when I see an image I need to capture .
Thanx for this video it really motivates me
Plenty more motivation here! www.photographycourses.biz/videos
I really wish to purchase your beginners course but am worried in this lockdown , I may not get all the value from the course.
I do love street photography but get in a pickle if rushed which isnât good .
I want to know what Iâm doing wrong and what Iâm doing right .
Shutter speed aperture iso depth of field also get me in a flap.
Itâs strange as Iâve had an exhibition of my street images , but I feel a fake as I couldnât explain how I captured the images.
I have a good natural eye but Iâm let down by my inability to master the technical side.
Whatâs your opinion?
you consistantly and uniquely come up with great video subjects. well done you and lucky us for it.
Thank you @ ArgyleNugatory... MIKE
Hi Mike, I have always believed less is more. I would love a more stream line camera for sure.Your videos are great, love your approach, and attitude.
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Thank you Mike for helping us to get rid of the noise in photography so that we can photograph the music.
Mike, wonderful refreshing video! More creativity less emphasis on technology.
Holy cow, didn't realise you were at the Photo Show this year, would have loved to listen in on your talk.
The Full Fat all day versions are on in Doncaster, Winchester and Carlisle if you'd like to come to one of those @Totally Exposed. Link below... MIKE
bit.ly/CdTp
thanks for ther video, i wish company x could come out with a completely manual digital camera
Mike, firstly didnât realise you were at the photography show. I was there for two days and would have loved to have seen/chatted to you. Secondly, I agree. Recently I came back from Silverstone with images from a ÂŁ1k EM1 mkii that were not really any different to a D90 that I took 3/4yrs ago. I donât shoot video and if Iâm being honest a lot of the capabilities of the camera are wasted for what I really need it for.
Simply brilliant!
Thank you! Cheers!... MIKEđđ
I totally agree. I am still using my KM 7D as everything I need is on the body, just like film SLRs.
Agree 100% I use an old D2x and a D700 usually with old M42 lenses. iso, shutter speed, white balance, aperture and built in light metering is all I use 99.9% of the time, I may move my focal point if I'm doing sport. I like that I can view my histogram after a shot additionally checking my battery level and using live view to zoom and focus is helpful. But these are just things I use because there there rather than are essentials. There are features that are helpful to some photographers, shutter priority mode for instance but going down the rabbit hole you find GPS tagging (in case you forget where you've been?) or 3D multipoint auto focus (The camera knows where I want to focus?) For a new photographer modern cameras must add a whole new layer of complexity that simply makes getting to grips with the hobby that little harder.
I love that camera interfaces are improving and aligning with other technologies. Touch screen menus and touch to focus just makes sense in todayâs world. I grow tired of the endless camera spec video influencers are contributing now. It is worse with the youtube trolls. How many more times do we need to hear IBIS and 4k? If they spent more time taking pictures they would understand lovely photos and videos are within their grasps.
Really a very interesting topic and one I wish was explored more and understood better by the average consumer. I gave this a down vote even though I really liked it because you didn't go far enough in your exploration of the topic. This has been a problem with software since the early days of computers, the technical term for it is "feature creep". The question I was interested in: how do companies differentiate their products and keep sales up without adding new features? Another interesting (to me) question: Fujifilm has created very competent cameras which, though not eliminating arcane features entirely, have an interface that emphasizes the 3 (or 4 or 5) main components of picture taking. How many simplicity-seekers own Fujifilm cameras? (if not, then why not)?
Completely agree Mike. 95% of my pictures are taken in manual with selection of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focus point choice. Occasionally Aperture priority. As a raw shooter for creative choices with coloured gelled flashes I may adjust white balance. That's about it. As always, thought provoking and well presented video. Many thanks.