Is the XXXXXXXXXX still a good camera/lens/whatever in 2022?
How many times have you come across this question...'Is the XXXXXXXXXX still a good camera/lens/whatever in 2022?'. I question the relevance of the question, if the equipment makes the image, it is relevant. I suspect yhat promotion of tribal/consumer culture rather than learning, is the motive.
To improve creating better images, need to hone composition skill, this includes shutter speeds, aperture, ISO. Equipment brand largely does not matter.
My question is till the relevance of such questions. What is whatever camera/lens/gadget, etc relevant to in 2022 or whenever? the post does not ask, what is it supposed to be relevant to? Is a film Box Brownie relevant to a digital format camera of today? I believe that it is only the picture is king, not th equipment used.
Yes, Sales hype has a big part in pulling suckers in and we have to be grateful for their wallets. I believe that many such questions come from folk who do not understand what is it they are asking, ie relevant to what? Bling factor, ease of use, build, etc, etc? As a user of equipment who replaces stuff when worn out, I too would love to know what is relevant or not in this day/age.
I guess the first question to be asked - of oneself - is: "Am I dissatisfied with my photographic output?"
If the answer is Yes, then the second question must surely be: "Is it the equipment or is it me?"
I suspect even the first question is rarely asked, let alone the second one!
If the answer is Yes, then the second question must surely be: "Is it the equipment or is it me?"
I suspect even the first question is rarely asked, let alone the second one!
Yes, "am I dissatisfied with my photo output because of equipment shortcomings?" if not, why upgrade ?
Perhaps one could add the question "is there something I really want to photograph (frequently) that I cannot do with my current kit ?"
I for one am not in the market for gear.
Perhaps one could add the question "is there something I really want to photograph (frequently) that I cannot do with my current kit ?"
I for one am not in the market for gear.
When I was a full-timer, I was very grateful that so many enthusiasts felt the compulsion to "upgrade" perfectly useful professional-grade kit whenever a newer model was released because I could then afford to have decent kit by buying their cast-offs!
Now I'm retired and even more impecunious, there's even less reason to "upgrade".
Now I'm retired and even more impecunious, there's even less reason to "upgrade".
Upgrading has nothing to do with my question. It is like me asking an open question 'Is Ansel Adams relevant in in 2022'. Most folk would see this as a stupid question as there is no reference point, eg as a photographer, as an artist, etc. With the light metering systems available, most have not herd of the 'zone' system or use 'Manual' mode as the cameras generally do a good job in 'Auto/semi Auto' modes. So the question remains, what is the object in question relevant to?
All cameras and lenses if still in good condition take pictures as good as when they were brand new.
If the pictures they take are good enough for a particular level of photographic quality - then they are still good.
I subscribe to the view that usually around 90% or sometimes more of the attributes of any high-quality image are down to the skill of the photographer rather than the equipment being used.
If the pictures they take are good enough for a particular level of photographic quality - then they are still good.
I subscribe to the view that usually around 90% or sometimes more of the attributes of any high-quality image are down to the skill of the photographer rather than the equipment being used.
DSLR cameras have improved immeasurably over the past couple of decades, especially in terms of pixel count and hi-ISO capability, but not all users would actually need those improvements.
I knew of one event photographer who equipped his team with first generation professional grade DSLR cameras because they were using flash lighting and delivered prints were either 5x7 or 8x6 inches. Smaller image files meant faster transfer. What they did need was the toughness of the professional-grade kit and the inter-personal skills of the photographer.
Wedding photographers often say that they need the million-plus ISO of the latest cameras but studio-based photographers don't. Photographers who need to make a double-page spread in a 20x16 album that will be viewed when in a customer's lap will need more pixels than folk who create wall portraits of the same size.
Sports photographers who don't have the fastest auto-focus won't capture the best shots and those without good wi-fi won't get it to the Picture Editor's desk before their competitor.
Doesn't it depend on what is needed?
I knew of one event photographer who equipped his team with first generation professional grade DSLR cameras because they were using flash lighting and delivered prints were either 5x7 or 8x6 inches. Smaller image files meant faster transfer. What they did need was the toughness of the professional-grade kit and the inter-personal skills of the photographer.
Wedding photographers often say that they need the million-plus ISO of the latest cameras but studio-based photographers don't. Photographers who need to make a double-page spread in a 20x16 album that will be viewed when in a customer's lap will need more pixels than folk who create wall portraits of the same size.
Sports photographers who don't have the fastest auto-focus won't capture the best shots and those without good wi-fi won't get it to the Picture Editor's desk before their competitor.
Doesn't it depend on what is needed?
And many pros only shoot JPEG because they need to get to photos to their employers or clients pronto.
An events pro I met a while back told me his camera was set to take 5Mp JPEGs because that had proved to be ideal for quick transfer over WiFi. His equipment however was bullet-proof upper range stuff that could withstand unkind treatment!
An events pro I met a while back told me his camera was set to take 5Mp JPEGs because that had proved to be ideal for quick transfer over WiFi. His equipment however was bullet-proof upper range stuff that could withstand unkind treatment!
Aye but the only reason that question ever gets asked is when someone needs to hear negative response, because he really wants a new toy.
Quote:Having new toys - too often - can work against you.
New controls, new menu systems etc can all conspire to make you fumble around while you should be getting the shot!
My approach to new equipment is somewhat different.
If potential new equipment has a feature I think will help my photography I try before I buy- to see what it can actually do.
If I decide to go ahead, I plan shoots specifically to try out the new feature to get familiar with getting good results using it.
