How Soon We Forget!

[Steve Todd]

With all the chatter today about needing more MP or DR, let's not forget where we were just 10-years ago. For those of you under 30-years-old, 10-years ago seems like a lifetime. For those of us over 60-years-old, 10-years ago seems like yesterday!

Here's a look back to 2004:

Canon EOS-10D, 6.3 MP 1.6x crop sensor, 3 FPS, $1,499

Nikon D100, 6.1 MP 1.5x crop sensor, 3 FPS, $1,499

Canon EOS-1D II, 8.2 MP 1.3x crop sensor, 8.5 FPS, $4,495

Nikon D2H, 4.1 MP 1.5x crop sensor, 8 FPS, $3,199

Nikon D1X, 5.3 MP 1.5x crop sensor, 3 FPS, $3,899

Canon EOS-1DS, 11.1 MP full frame sensor, 3 FPS, $7,999

Kodak DCS-14N, 13.8 MP full frame sensor, 8 FPS, $9,000+

So, what's my point! Just this, what we thought was fantastic back then, is "not so much" today. However, there are millions of great images from back then! And in 10-years from now, we'll probably still be arguing about needing more MP and DR, yet we'll still have tons of great images from right now! Life is short my friends, get out and enjoy what you have right now! The future will be here starting tomorrow, and with it, undoubtably more of everything you could ever wish for or imagine!

 

[Sabaki]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

 

[sanj]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

Like you? Come on! I visit this forum and take pictures. It is possible to be a photographer and also read up on technology/techniques.

 

[Marsu42]

With all the chatter today about needing more MP or DR, let's not forget where we were just 10-years ago. For those of you under 30-years-old, 10-years ago seems like a lifetime. For those of us over 60-years-old, 10-years ago seems like yesterday!

I'm in between, but I skipped the first generations of dslr cameras because the evolution was so fast and the (precious) money seemed wasted to me. I only re-entered with the "good enough" 60d and 18mp sensor, so my memories only include the film area:

* EOS 620 (1/4000s shutter, 1/250 x-sync) and Canon technical date back ... great camera. You could simply exchange the grip for a bigger one for bigger hands, nowadays you have to buy a semi-pro camera for that ... http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/eoscamera/620/

* EOS RT: nearly zero shutter lag and you can see the moment the picture is taken which all other dslrs don't manage because of the mirror blackout. Loved it ... http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/eoscamera/EOS-RT/

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography. For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

I don't see this distinction at all, you can very well like chatting about THE next great lens or body that will rule them all, and still be able to have a serious, quality and matter-of-fact photog side. But for me, the strangest user category bordering on schizophrenic are those posting in an internet forum that people should get a life and participating is a waste of time :->

 

[ChristopherMarkPerez]

Add one thing to what you say and I'd agree completely: Camera equipment can be used as status symbols to impress strangers.

So there's this "swagger factor" that can be applied, too. But only if you own the "right" stuff.

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

 

[Marsu42]

So there's this "swagger factor" that can be applied, too. But only if you own the "right" stuff.

Having a big white lens really helps. I vividly imagine the crowd in the local zoo parting in recognition of "here come's the pro" even with my mediocre 60d . So my ego has to thank Canon for painting the 70-300L white, as there's absolutely no technical reason to do so - there are no fluorite elements, and the lens isn't really large.

 

[Hillsilly]

I appreciate the premise of this topic. For what its worth, my 1Ds Mkii is ten years old and I'm yet to be convinced that newer cameras have noticeably better image quality. So the good news is I don't need to worry about gear - I can just get out there and shoot. So why do I feel the urge to buy a new camera or lens every few months?

 

[ecka]

Well, after playing with some A7S 12mp RAW files, I've concluded that it's lacking resolution, just a bit. For today's highres displays (like 4K) 16mp would have been much better .

 

[Bennymiata]

Not only did I get my first Canon SLR ( an FT- QL) in 1968, but I remember my first digital camera, around the early 90s, that cost over $3500 and didn't even have ONE megapixel resolution, and the noise was more prominent than the picture!

 

[Aichbus]

... I remember my first digital camera, around the early 90s, that cost over $3500 and didn't even have ONE megapixel resolution, and the noise was more prominent than the picture!

Could you post a sample image from this camera to complement this thread's history lesson?

 

[dash2k8]

I crossed over from film to digital fairly early, going from the 1V to the (yikes) 10D. It was quite a change of era. The original post brought back lots of memories, both good and bad and hilarious. ;D

 

[Besisika]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

Like you? Come on! I visit this forum and take pictures. It is possible to be a photographer and also read up on technology/techniques.

I think both of you are right. For me, it is about getting a balance between the two.
Let me explain;
The student asked the master: "Master, I have been practicing for years, and yet I haven't achieved anything much". And the master replied: "The idiots learn from their mistakes, the wisemen learn from someone else's".

Some people believe too much in what they have experienced and take that as the sole proof of truth.
It is crucial for me to take pictures. It helps me learning from my own mistakes, it keeps me enthusiastic about it, it helps keeping my self estime up. Practices make masters, right?
On the other hand, It is nice sometimes to listen to others; their experience, their theory and even their "idiotism" for lack of a better word. It, not only, helps in getting new techniques but some inspiration as well, it helps in understanding the need of others, it helps explaining some of my failures, but most of all, it helps in understanding the trend.
I agree, that we can take already great pictures with what we have and it would be wastefull not to take advantage of it, however haven't you ever wonder what if ..
What if we have the technology of after year today?

Today only 5-10% of panning are keepers, still too less hit punches are printed, too many endangered species are not archived. Just to name a few.

Yes, we need the technology to advance and I am keen to know about the trend. I don't consider chating about that as a waste of time at all. Just don't do it too much.
Yes, I am proud when I capture one of those rare moments, and yet I cannot remain in the technology of yester year and just close my eyes in front of lost opportunities.
Simply, I cannot live only with today and not to care about what to come next. It just feels nice when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Eldar]

I think the OP has an interesting point. I remember Kodak released their 14MP monster and most of us said that resolution no longer is an issue. Now, for some, the world will come to an end if we don´t get +40MP.

CR is my first online forum and I really enjoy reading many of the threads. There are two things I have learned. First is that I have become a Lot more critical to my own equipment. Second is that I have become a Lot more critical to my images.

I don´t believe I would have bought the Zeiss lenses if I had not been on this forum and I probably would not have bought the 200-400 f4L IS 1.4x. I think I have to blame eml58 for that one.

But I also believe I have become a better photographer (note! I have been an enthusiast for +40 yrs.). Some of my images have been constructively criticized and I have seen and learned from some spectacular images from some of the others who post here.

I have no problem with any post, where the ambition is to pinpoint something we currently can´t get with Canon. After all, this is a technology forum and we should all be interested in anything that would push the envelope. But I do have a problem with those who jump in, with a rather patronizing language, to defend the status quo (and justify their procurement decisions??). I just don´t understand their motivation. These must not be mixed with those who, in a constructive and educational manner, explain how we can overcome a shortcoming by being smart in how we use what we have. I have learned a lot from some of you.

To me this is easy. If a new Canon camera with more pixels, improved DR and better high/low ISO performance came along tomorrow, I´d go after it. On the other hand, if all DSLR produces stopped developing new products today, I would continue to shoot with what I have until they carry me out, feet first.

 

[Sabaki]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

Like you? Come on! I visit this forum and take pictures. It is possible to be a photographer and also read up on technology/techniques.

Slow down and read what I said. For photographers it's important to take pics. We all read up on technique and so on and that's definitely not what I said.

I was relating to the OPs opening statement of "With all the chatter today about needing more MP or DR..." I do make the assumption that some are way more interested in chatting than shooting.

 

[sanj]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

Like you? Come on! I visit this forum and take pictures. It is possible to be a photographer and also read up on technology/techniques.

Slow down and read what I said. For photographers it's important to take pics. We all read up on technique and so on and that's definitely not what I said.

I was relating to the OPs opening statement of "With all the chatter today about needing more MP or DR..." I do make the assumption that some are way more interested in chatting than shooting.

Understood. Peace!

 

[chauncey]

I haven't forgotten...the Rebel, the 5D, the series of 1Ds's (including the obscene 8 grand for the last one).
I would do it all over again and, being a gear junkie, I still pine for the one just around the corner...
Because, with each one, I get all little better with this stupid hobby. :

 

[Besisika]

I have no problem with any post, where the ambition is to pinpoint something we currently can´t get with Canon. After all, this is a technology forum and we should all be interested in anything that would push the envelope. But I do have a problem with those who jump in, with a rather patronizing language, to defend the status quo (and justify their procurement decisions??). I just don´t understand their motivation. These must not be mixed with those who, in a constructive and educational manner, explain how we can overcome a shortcoming by being smart in how we use what we have. I have learned a lot from some of you.

+1
Well said!

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I know when we finally have something better in our hands, we want something else up. Today I hear people saying that ISO1600 clean is just insufficient. How these people were photographing at the time of film? :

Some people want to photograph a black cat inside the cave without using flash, then lift the shadows in PP... ??? Have we forgotten that photographing means "writing with light"? :-\ But they want to shoot with no light, and create a lighting using the computer. :-[

I could do any photography using film, since there was enough light. Today we can use several TTL wireless flash, enjoying the wonder of ISO1600 and keep complaining that you can not achieve a good result. :-X

 

[Sabaki]

I think there's photographers and there's people who talk photography.

For photographers, it's important to take pictures, for the others, it's all about chat-chat-chat!

Like you? Come on! I visit this forum and take pictures. It is possible to be a photographer and also read up on technology/techniques.

Slow down and read what I said. For photographers it's important to take pics. We all read up on technique and so on and that's definitely not what I said.

I was relating to the OPs opening statement of "With all the chatter today about needing more MP or DR..." I do make the assumption that some are way more interested in chatting than shooting.

Understood. Peace!

Thanks sanj, very much appreciated Peace ;D

 

[Old Sarge]

I know when we finally have something better in our hands, we want something else up. Today I hear people saying that ISO1600 clean is just insufficient. How these people were photographing at the time of film? :

I have always like available light photography. I remember the first time I used Agfa Isopan Record. If I remember correctly is was about ISO 1000 or 1200 (B&W of course). It was originally designed for a microfilm application I believe. And you could push it in the darkroom to about ISO 2000. And you could measure the grain with a ruler. But is was the fastest thing around so we used it.