New Photo Gear Keeping up with the race
I like my photo gear. It’s one of the things about photography that appeals to me. I’ve always liked having the best equipment I can afford. My first foray into 35mm was back in the early 70’s with a Konica T (or maybe T2??) with a few lenses. Soon afterward, I purchased a used Leica M4 rangefinder camera and three lenses. I used the photo gear from both systems happily for years. In the case of the Leica, for almost thirty years. Also, in 1997, I switched my SLR (single lens reflex) brand preference to Canon. And then, in the early 2000’s I switched to Canon digital altogether and never looked back. In 2015, with the development and proliferation of digital mirrorless cameras. I purchased the newest Leica M rangefinder camera and 4 lenses (green, no less!!). At this point, I use that camera for most of my images, though I still like and use the Canon gear for specific subjects and situations. And my plan was to continue along that path. In fact, I was excited to learn that Canon was introducing a new DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera to “replace” my 5dMkiii. I also learlned they were also introducing a new, updated version of an extreme wide angle zoom lens (16mm-35mm) which is four generations or so beyond the original I purchased in the 90’s and still use. Here’s the bad news: I’m through with the race. And I think that means I am going to phase out of Canon…and maybe more. For starters, I had read that the new 16-35mm zoom would be coming out this fall and had decided it was time to update. I suggested to Judy that, for the first time, I was thinking about “pre-ordering.” But then I read the press releases about the new lens. Heavier and longer than my lens by far. Wait a second…that’s the wrong direction! Also, it’s supposedly sharper. So, I realized that in almost 20 years no one has ever commented on the lack of sharpness of my existing lens which I use quite a bit. How sharp do I need? With regard to the new Canon 5dMkiv, I read the specs carefully. Not much global improvement to the things that matter to me. That is, I have NO interest in video capability, so “4k capable” means nothing to me. I just want to take photos. Also, it has 30 megapixels. First of all, that creates too large of a file for my computer system to handle effectively and efficiently. Secondly, who really “needs” more megapixels? That’s so “2006.” That is, it WAS a selling point in the industry ten years ago, but it’s not any longer. I make prints 11×17 and they are plenty sharp. I’ve even made large prints from my first (and relatively primitive) digital camera and no one notices. If all ya got goin’ for ya is the sharpness of your photos from additional pixels, I think you’re in trouble, anyways. I’ve read on forums, “But wait! What if you one day have to make a very large print?” Raise your hand if that’s ever happened to you or if you’ve noticed it on someone else’s work. Besides (news flash!!), there is software available to improve your files to enable larger sized prints if you are ever confronted with that problem. So, where do I stand now? Probably not getting the new Canon camera or lens. Keeping my existing Canon gear for now (which I really like!!) until I get the time or inclination to see some of the newer and smaller options that allow for long lenses, extreme wide angle, and closeup capability….subjects that I currently photograph with my Canon gear. And I will probably keep shooting more with my Leica system and possibly adding to that as needs dictate. We really are living in the golden age of photography! The advent of digital technology, new cameras (too often and too frequently!!), cellphones (don’t forget to use that!), and computer programs give us all more access and control of our creativity from start to finish. Everyone is a photographer! (I read recently that 80% of people who take photos think they’re good photographers!!) One just has to find the photo gear that literally fits your needs and lifestyle. Canon (and likely Nikon) prosumer camera equipment seems to be moving the other direction for me.
Great analysis and comments. I call it a GAS attack. Gear Acquisition Syndome or must have the latest and greatest. You need to ask yourself will that new equipment help you create better images. For you I think the answer is NO, because you understand how to Pre-visualize the image in your mind and transfer that to the viewfinder and sensor.
Thanks, Stan!
Perhaps Leica will come out with some new goodie that I “need” at the upcoming Photokina show in Europe next month! I’m definitely not giving altogether up on GAS!!
And I was feeling good about myself because I recently figured out how to use my phone to take a picture and then text it.
Ain’t NOTHIN’ wrong with a phone camera. Great tool. I use mine frequently, though no selfies! At least, none I can recall. haha
GAS is good. You just have to redirect your attention. Lenses and bodies are now all good enough. But there is a whole world awaiting you in macro and micro photography, drones, underwater, time lapse, and the final frontier – video. ????
Yes, Clive! It’s overwhelming. Imagine the tools that are available for all of us today!
I’m still trying to figure out the camera part! haha And I agree that they’re all good enough. Though, frankly, I probably felt that many years ago, too. And then look what happened!
Cameras don’t make photographs, people do.
SO true, John.
But I still like to be current with the “toys.” New advancements and features…as long as we’re all interested in learning them!
I have been particularly interested in watching your flawless brand transition. I had my eye on the Fuji (because of you, in part!) when I got the digital Leica. Chose the Leica because of my 30 year history and comfort level with them.
Most analytical, but as you realized, not really needed. Why get the latest when your present
tools are all you seem to need? Hurray for rational thought!
I wish I could stay that disciplined with things besides cameras! haha
Let’s face it, the old cameras and lenses from WAY back took some outstanding photos. Wait…it was the photographers who took those photos!!