What Camera Makers Don’t Want You To Hear
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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Nowadays I realise how equipment, gear and the pursuit for the highest image quality serves only to distract me from creating good images. It's a lot easier to get a new, better lens or camera and examine images on a pixel level than to use what you have and create magic with it
If you buy a camera and lens and you are very satisfied with the image quality it gives you, in five years time (despite newer technology offering even more on the spec sheet), that camera will still be giving you the same image quality you got when you first bought it.
“You take great pictures! You must have a good camera!”
🤣🤣🤣.
Your anecdote about Man Ray actually involved the fabulous photographer, Lee Miller. She and Ray were working in the darkroom when something ran over her foot. She instinctively snapped on the light and Ray immediately snapped it off again and threw the not fully developed negatives into a fixer in a desperate attempt to save them. The result was the solarized image, which became a hallmark of each of their work in the future.
You could do far, far worse choose to study Miller for a subject, as a photographer and a New Woman. She was both an outstanding talent and beauty, and a tragic figure.
agreed. Lee miller is a figure of cardinal importance in modern art, both as a muse and as an artist. it could be interesting to hear your point of view on her.
Thanks for the clarification Trevor. Don’t know where I got the Bernice Abbott story from..
Thanks for making that point I completely agree.
The best thing a beginner should invest in to this hobby is time.
Watching videos like this ...
Reading books ...
Get out and practice !
Practice makes perfect(ish). I have taken some of the best wildlife photos with the Lumix Fz200. That camera was a pain. However, it taught me how to shoot!
I've got no interest in buying a traditional camera, I only use my iPhone (recently updated to 14 PM), and I believe I get decent photos, and in fact print and hang them. Watching videos like this, encourages me to get better - for me, and me only. Photography is the most personal art, and I find it relaxing and fulfilling. Thank you for another nice video, Alex.
As former Army photographer. I would say yes to everything you said, but first learn the technical aspects of photography. Digital is great and I have a good quality digital SLR. I would say start out with a good basic full manual 35 mm film camera with a basic 50 mm lens using B&W film 125 speed and 400 speed asa film.
Also if you can learn to develop your own film because half of photography is in the darkroom. With digital it’s photoshop. You may have an okay picture but working it with burn and dodge plus other techniques can mak it a great photo.
I took wedding photos with an 8MP Canon 1DN. I made photo books, canvases and prints. It would be easy now to think that level of equipment is not professional. The inconvenient truth is that any entry level equipment in 2022 is MORE than enough to do pretty much anything you want.
A couple of things came to mind during this very informative video:
1. Gear matters in that newer cameras or lenses with technological advances will make it easier to produce better images, but they won't necessarily do all the basic things you need to consider when making a photograph (ex. composition). For that you still need a good foundational knowledge of photography.
2. I was recently feeling in a creative rut with my photography so I started researching creative briefs to spark my imagination. Music came up as one of those, specifically the idea of translating a song title or lyric into a photograph. Regrettably I have not started this project yet, but I love music and want to try this with some of my favorite bands.
3. I love the idea that photographs are not good or bad. It sounds like such an easy concept, but I feel like I'm stuck trying to see if I'm improving by asking others about the quality of my photographs. The dark room story is a great illustration of this point. Although technically the solarized photographs were not "good" or "correct" by traditional thinking they were different.
I agree but more Mpix is good to have for cropping and details
It's interesting that Joel Meyerowitz quote about having a lens that matches your personality because when I moved to mirrorless, I ended up with a native manual prime lens, in a focal length I'd never used before and I find it really has become the focal length I'm most comfortable with. Another welcome side effect from this lens is I have found myself trying new things out with it directly because of the focal length.
Pick up a camera and learn it’s all you need. Seen a number of videos where pros took budget gear and made great work
I’m a printmaker, not a photographer, but I’ve been watching your videos for the last couple of months for inspiration in my own craft. This video validates my heretofore furtive investigations, and so I subscribed. Thanks!
I love the challenge of getting the shots I want out of my phone. I feel it pushes my to work things out
learning T stops (cinematography is equally difficult) willingness to learn. the 4 part British photography challenge series on Bbc 4 earlier in yr was v engaging. Informative video.
Every photographer should watch this. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
My first personal camera was a Konica auto reflex T. It came with a 52mm lens. Konica offered about 40 lenses.... that I couldn't afford. But I had great fun with my Konica. I still enjoy the camera and many of those first years of my photography. I just take pictures of of whatever catches my eye because I am just a hobby photographer.
Hi Alex, finding my own personality in photography is an everlasting story. I go out with my camera and try and capture those moments that are special to me. Yet, I feel that they are often not my style but perhaps another work that I have admired. I find myself unwittingly reproducing another's style. It's my photograph, but not my style. It is a dilemma that I don't know if there is an answer. I have been photographing landscapes almost all my life and still looking for that image that is uniquely mine. I love my photography and at 69 and going to retire soon hope I will have that freedom to explore. The human mind is very subtle and forever learning. Perhaps I am trying too hard and maybe I need to let my mind decide an image that is uniquely mine. Thank you Alex.
Thank you
Very well said Alex. The sell of mirrorless at the moment is a prime example . . . . . . . . .
I do like the sentence "use the gear you have to its full extent". I think that is something that seasoned photographers do almost intuitively, no matter what gear happens to fall into their hands. Once you have the gear you need, or maybe just the somewhat more limited compromise you can afford, that is the end of the gear topic. Period!.
There is absolutely no point in spending any more thought on gear. Instead, get down to recognizing good motives and making - depending on your taste - beautiful or impressive pictures.
Whether the lens you used came from Zeiss and weighed more than your cat or the lens you used was more comparable to the bottom of a beer-bottle is of no avail. It's the picture that counts.
Here is my 10 cents.
1) Gear for beginners is often sold as a way of avoiding or cutting down the photography learning curve. Like everything else there is no avoiding the frustration/grind plus years of effort.
2) Are you buying the kit to use it or be seen with it? There are some very expensive brands clearly aimed at the latter.
3)If you have an SLR or Mirrorless and can manually focus then there is a whole world of inexpensive lenses to explore. Want to try a fisheye? get a manual lens first and see if its something you would use after the novelty has worn out.
“The best camera is the one that’s with you.”
- Chase Jarvis
Wow, that one really cracked me up unexpectedly. Thank you for "The Dark Arts of Lumberjackery"... LMAO.
You crazy man and your crazy common sense approach to photography is simply such a breath of fresh air to the crazy world of gimmicky CZcams content
Awesome to hear, thank you
Simply the best,consistent advice! Thank you .
I was fortunate enough to start my photography journey at the same time as I was studying for mechanical engineering, it wasn’t long before I realised that technically photography is box governed by a very basic formula, so basic that for any practical situations it was completely irrelevant, so basic that even the cheapest couldn’t screw it up, film stock and lenses were more significant, though still a small percentage of the components of an image.
A good eye is really important imho . Composition is key and sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time to get a great pic ! I’ve had GAS as a pro musician and now as a photographer … I’ve come full circle … keep it simple .
Thanks Alex, Great video ! I'm always willing to learn frustration because through frustration, you ask yourself why and that begins the process of resolving.. I applied this technic throughout my life in what ever field I've worked in.
This video should be one that every new photographer should listen to. Thanks, and keep the content coming!!
As the story goes, when Ansel Adams was asked what the best camera was, he replied, "The one you have with you."
I've been shooting for a while, but I'm now making this journey with video. I started with a GoPro. After a while, I realized I needed better sound, so I got a little shotgun mic. Eventually I moved to a lav mic wireless system. Later I wanted a better look in my videos, and I needed a backup camera anyway. So I got an R6. And I've been teaching myself video editing and story telling along the way.
I didn't start out with high-end video gear and a pro editing suite. Only when my skill and knowledge allowed me to actually profit from a change did I do so. The gear I already have is always good enough, until it isn't.
The "breakthrough" New, Improved was true in the 90s with digital cameras. They came from nothing to where we are now. Over a decade, (mid 90s to mid 00s) they did improve in leaps and bounds. By the end of the 2010 digital cameras had surpassed 35mm film cameras and were starting to match (now surpassed) medium format film cameras. Since 2015 it could be argued that it is the law of diminishing returns on technical improvements. As a friend often says to me; remember EVERY photo you have ever seen was made before this latest breakthrough..... 90% of camera owners never push their cameras anywhere near the envelope of their current kit.
It also depends on what photography you do. On lenses, I went to a well known pro camera place and looked at a [Nikon] lens. They were not enthusiastic about it until I pointed out what I wanted it for. At which point they said, "it is perfect" (for the use I have). Over the last year the decision has been proved right.
Finally, much as I would like to sell the children and buy a Nikon Z10 (or Z11 if you are reading this in 2025 🙂) as the same friend said to me: has your current camera stopped working? Has the specification degraded? Are you pushing the limits of it more often than not? Unless yes to all three, do you really need it? The answer is invariably no. (but sell the children anyway 🙂)
Paintings creeping into your videos 🙏
Not having money has been great for not buying gear. I got two lenses from Goodwill online but I don't think they're very good. My brother got me a longer zoom, 18-110 or something. I've got an old junky tripod and carry my camera in a padded lunch bag. Lol I'd like a prime lens and a tripod. And an ND filter and a polarizer. Maybe upgrade to a full frame.
I still love using my Canon 60d, my first serious digital camera. I have more expensive gear but sometimes I just feel like keeping it simple! Great video
Matching your personality Is good advise. I am so worried about getting the wrong gear
The best tutorial CZcams channel on photography. One question: which videosystem/camera/microphone do you use to produce your videos here?
all the specs are in the description above. Click on show more 😀
Great video Alex,I personally get inspiration from listening to music songs from the 70s especially are very descriptive in describing a picture or a mood.
Thanks so much
I'm a filmmaker and a photographer. To me, there aren't any big improvements to digital photo quality in past few years. The only thing I actually notice improving is video quality. And the jumps aren't even that big! I'm still waiting for a camera that will seem like a noticeable improvement from my X-T3
I have a friend who is a true gear head -- he has the latest and greatest cameras and lenses, but he makes his decisions based not on need, but on the idea that a $6,000.00 camera body will make his photos better. Sadly, his photos never improve.
He likes to shoot birds in flight. I remember him telling me once that he needed that $6,000.00 body because it wasn't possible to shoot birds in flight with anything less. So I took my little $2500.00 camera, and shot some birds in flight. He was flabbergasted that I was able to do it, and do it well.
He bought the $6,000.00 camera anyway. Not surprisingly, he "sprays & prays" those birds at a bazillion frames per second, then complains about having to go through thousands of images, looking for one that will justify his expenditures. And when he doesn't find enough such images, he buys more gear.
His motto seems to be, "The gear will set me free." But he's not free at all. He's a slave to the gear. The newest, fanciest gear. And he doesn't grow. He doesn't get better. He just spends more money.
I like your "Lens personality" point. I thought about the fact I seem to always gravitate to one lens in my large collection as if it's a friend or photography partner. Your video had me picking the lens up and looking closely at it to ponder. I seem to even wish to thank the lens for helping me express myself. Anyway, great video said by a new subscriber.
Awesome, thank you
That’s awesome thank you
Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada here!
In my opinion, it’s best to still have a proper camera than a phone, not only it instantly improves the image quality, it gives you a unconscious mindset of you’re taking photographs, not just open your phone and take a whatever shot, and possibly being distracted by it. Furthermore, get a camera you feel good with, a camera that gets you to go out and take photos. I always prefer something light, and I’m comfortable using it for long hours.
I get the biggest satisfaction when i come with a plan and everything falls into place rather buying new gear and shoot aimlessly
appreciate monty python reference 😅
I wanted to know where the picture at 7:43 was taken, found it was at 11322 Los Alamitos Blvd, and the dry cleaners is still there. Before my time but those big Ts were iconic. There's still one in San Diego, sign only, by the Foster's Freeze in Spring Valley, on Jamacha.
You can buy all the tools in the world, but you cannot buy talent and creativity. Lesser tools can help you to let oppressed, unknown creativity come out. But if you just have no talent, no creativity and nothing to say, then tools won't save you. Grow as a person, then your art will grow too and will become interesting. Dutch Cobra painter Mr. Karel Appel said: "When I am not painting I am also painting".
After I moved into the 5D IV with L series lens, I really can't see the need to require any new gear, maybe ever. .. At the age of 69 keeping the body working is more important than 'new' gear. I'm considering a 24-70 f/2.8 to replace the 24-104 f/4, otherwise no new stuff except lens filters. My external mic and flash perform just fine.
Amen!
"if you can be good with bad tools, then you'll be amazing with good tools. If you can only be good with good tools then you're still not good enough
I think if you look back at any of the "masters" of photography from say prior to 1980 (the pre-digital age) and even back farther from the early 1900's where people were still using large format (view) cameras and not your pocket sized cameras like your 35mm SLR and range finders like you'd find come the 1950's or so, you'll see that many of those photos were more about the person and their vision than the gear. To think that people like Ansel Adams used gear that was no where near advanced as the cameras we have today with auto focus, aut oexposure, in body image stabilization, etc. And yet he was able to produce some of the most well known photographs of landscapes. It certainly wasn't the gear but rather his vision, passion, and his skill that lead to those photographs. The cameras were just the tools.
Superb video, as always. Thanks Alex
My eyes are glued to that cable near the wall…
What about more Pixel? I use what I have but I prefer VR lenses an MF cameras. I currently Use D700 and D800E and have only prime lenses. I will upgrade to D850 and 400mm F2.8 G VR, 24-70mmF2.8 E VR, 70-200mmF2.78 E VR during the coming years and next year a Zeiss Milvus 50mmF2.0
Solid advice Alex. That I am taking. 😊
Thank you for the inspiring video, as always. Just a short remark: At 5:23 it should be "Ellen von Unwerth" not "Ellen Von Unworth".
Thanks Alex, excellent video
Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎
Alex, we’re can I see more of your photography work? 🤗
thank you for your experience
its crazy what the older dslrs have depreciated to, like an 80d is now 500 bucks which i find mind boggling
Used digital cameras are a gold mine. I got a Lumix LX3 for a friend who wanted a non-phone camera. $110 on ebay. Fun thing is if you don't like you can flip it for the same price.
„Buy this new piano and your music will never be the same.“ Well, that might not the whole story. IMHO there is a minimal technical quality level you should reach to make photos you like. I feel like, don't buy too much gear, buy better gear. If you can invest x.000 Euro, don't buy a cheap camera with 3-4 lenses and a flash. Buy one good camera with one good prime lens. Don't fight for f1.2 if you can get a much better lens with f2.8. Don't fight for 47MP if you can get a better sensor with 24MP. Ask for quality not for features. A good tool makes a good work. A good tool in educated hands make great work, makes art. Bad tools kill the sprout …
Experimenting is a brave thing to do.
This one video seems like it was shot with new gear, it's more saturated and sharper?
Thanks mate
thank you
How do I get to that portfolio review as you’ve previously mentioned?…
Thanks for watching - here you go - tpe.teachable.com/p/image-review
@@ThePhotographicEye Thank you!
The best camera ever is the one you currently own.
With knowledge you can do photography; without knowledge you will only take pictures (like anyone).
Canon ae1= about 10€
50mm 1.8=25€
Roll of film=6€
My latest cheapest gear.
A little question: „howse house it“ is what i understand in the beginning. What does it mean?
"How'sit how'sit?" - how it is it all going? How are you?
Howzit howzit. It’s a slang South African term for ‘hello hello’
Thanks for watching
@@ThePhotographicEye Thank you … ;-)
I started saying it sometimes 😊
@@L.Spencer Me too - mostly muttered to myself : )😉
Still addict to GAS. Consumerist mentality has been crammed in our heads
You are so inspiring! Thank you for all those great videos!
Curiosity is the basic tool.
Not the camera, but the photographer composing the frame.
Are you Alex kilbee? Associating a photo with a random name doesn't mean much when you haven't actually told people that's your name. Just wanted to mention that.
Thanks. Yes I am Alex Kilbee
I bought a Leica that is from 1958 .... first single stroke year . I love it more than digital. I have to work carefully and more paying attention , still , I am happy.
New cameras are wonderful , and their value crashes after 5 years as they are rapidly out dated.
Invest in timeless equipment.
Let's dig in..
If you master one body, one lens, no tripod, no flash,and make great work, you can shoot more than your mouth. All this garbage about brands, formats, and media come back and forth every few months on CZcams,and it's the same stoopid, boring, delusional, infantile, and creepy fake conversations, over and over. By the end of this year, if Sony makes a new camera, there will be 157 videos comparing that camera to another brand's camera. What does that have to do with that Sony?NOTHING..By the end of the year, if one brand's camera overheats, there will be 50 videos comparing some overheating issue, even if it's fake, from another brand's camera. By the end of 2023, there will be more videos about how 4/3 is comparable to full frame, even though the high echelon of the professional industry is dominated by FF and medium format. So here you end up with some bozo who is resentful that his tiny little camera with his tiny little lenses, cannot convince the world that because it's smaller, lighter, and cheaper, we should run and use that instead. That is clearly insanity. That is like me telling someone with an Audi TT he is dumb because I can use my AMC Pacer , because they do the same thing.
Here's the deal. Learn what the basics are, master them, stop being misled by YT bootylicking videos, trying to sell you a room full of junk,and spend your time outside practicing instead.Sure I thought I wanted those newfangled cameras, yet someone helped me decide on my Pentax K1 MK2 and I am forever grateful. It's not 59 FPS, it's 4-5,so I made me slow down and compose...It's not small, light, nor pretty, and since it's huge, heavy, and has a face only a mother can love, it makes me NOT worship it, pamper it, and it rewards me with NO overheating, no recalls, and no matter what the weather is, it works. It keeps me grounded and let's me just bring one body, one lens,and nothing else. I use at least 4 brands of cameras and formats. I don't need 4 batteries, no flash, no tripod, most of the time. The point is, the less you care about this obsession with brands, gear, and formats, the better person,not just shooter, you might be. How much gear did Vivian M use??? ONE single camera, with all it's quirks.
In the Philippines we called videos like this as "Puro Talkies" meaning no sense.