Ultimate Gear Versus Weight and Size

What is most important to you: Ultimate performance or weight and size considerations?

  • I will always opt for the ultimate gear possible

    Votes: 35 50.0%
  • I prefer lighter, smaller gear with great performance

    Votes: 20 28.6%
  • I choose the lightest, smallest gear due to health issues

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Depends on whether I'm shooting professionally or not

    Votes: 10 14.3%
  • I will carry smaller, less expensive kit in unsafe areas

    Votes: 5 7.1%

  • Total voters
    70
privatebydesign said:
Don Haines said:
IgotGASbadDude said:
You shoot a concert with your iPhone and I'll use my 1DX. We'll compare shots afterwards then you can tell me that part of the equation ISN'T the gear. ???

We are both at the concert..... I whip out my iPhone, you whip out your 1DX, security escorts you out, I get the better pictures :)

Sometimes there are other factors at play other than how good your gear is..... although ironically, in this example, it really was all about the gear.....
If I'm not shooting the concert in an official capacity I am not interested in taking photos. 1DS MkIII and 300 f2.8 or nothing for me.
Agreed.... shooting in an official capacity, it's gotta be a fast lens!
 
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Don Haines said:
IgotGASbadDude said:
You shoot a concert with your iPhone and I'll use my 1DX. We'll compare shots afterwards then you can tell me that part of the equation ISN'T the gear. ???

We are both at the concert..... I whip out my iPhone, you whip out your 1DX, security escorts you out, I get the better pictures :)

Sometimes there are other factors at play other than how good your gear is..... although ironically, in this example, it really was all about the gear.....

A) I laughed at your comment when I read it. 8)

B) That scenario would never have happened because I wouldn't have brought the DSLR if I didn't have permission to use it. At a HUGE majority of shows I go to there is either a pat down or metal wands. No way I'm sneaking that monster camera/lens into the show. So under your scenario we would both be competing using the same equipment.

C) Since I HAD permission to shoot the show, we're back to the gear separating us. (I'm assuming you can hold a phone steady and I that know my camera). ;D
 
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privatebydesign said:
If I'm not shooting the concert in an official capacity I am not interested in taking photos. 1DS MkIII and 300 f2.8 or nothing for me.

I'm with you on this one. My last two shows I didn't have permission but used my phone anyway--these photos won't be seen even by me. Shooting shows with a DSLR is the only way.

At the Motley Crue show I was at 12/22 in Anaheim I saw something I'd never seen at a concert--photographers NOT in the pit at all. 2 1/2 songs shooting with zooms/long primes from the sound board. :o
 
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IgotGASbadDude said:
Don Haines said:
IgotGASbadDude said:
You shoot a concert with your iPhone and I'll use my 1DX. We'll compare shots afterwards then you can tell me that part of the equation ISN'T the gear. ???

We are both at the concert..... I whip out my iPhone, you whip out your 1DX, security escorts you out, I get the better pictures :)

Sometimes there are other factors at play other than how good your gear is..... although ironically, in this example, it really was all about the gear.....

A) I laughed at your comment when I read it. 8)

B) That scenario would never have happened because I wouldn't have brought the DSLR if I didn't have permission to use it. At a HUGE majority of shows I go to there is either a pat down or metal wands. No way I'm sneaking that monster camera/lens into the show. So under your scenario we would both be competing using the same equipment.

C) Since I HAD permission to shoot the show, we're back to the gear separating us. (I'm assuming you can hold a phone steady and I that know my camera). ;D
Always happy to bring a smile to the forum.....

Having shot shows (with permission) I've got to say that there is no substitute for a fast lens and a FF camera with good low light capability.... But the iPad was very useful..... Not for taking pictures, but to control the three cameras that we set up before the show....great for getting shots from a point of view that is not normally accessible during the show.

Personally, rather than bring a phone to record a show, I'd just sit back and enjoy it.... The iCameras are a good tool for the right conditions, but a dimly lit show with lots of movement is not the right conditions.....
 
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IgotGASbadDude said:
privatebydesign said:
If I'm not shooting the concert in an official capacity I am not interested in taking photos. 1DS MkIII and 300 f2.8 or nothing for me.

I'm with you on this one. My last two shows I didn't have permission but used my phone anyway--these photos won't be seen even by me. Shooting shows with a DSLR is the only way.

At the Motley Crue show I was at 12/22 in Anaheim I saw something I'd never seen at a concert--photographers NOT in the pit at all. 2 1/2 songs shooting with zooms/long primes from the sound board. :o

400 f2.8's and 600 f4's are very common at music shows and events now. I was shooting music festivals with the 300 f2.8 on the APS-H sensor 10 years ago.
 
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Don Haines said:
Personally, rather than bring a phone to record a show, I'd just sit back and enjoy it.... The iCameras are a good tool for the right conditions, but a dimly lit show with lots of movement is not the right conditions.....

Used properly, an iPhone can be the perfect tool at a concert. ;)

iphone_ziplit_480w.jpg
 
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IgotGASbadDude said:
martti said:
This is totally beside the point.
An iPhone takes pretty darn good pictures if you really compose the scene, keept the camera stable and brush your photo up in one of the PP apps casually. A consumeer-quality DSLR takes horrible pictures if you do not know how to compose, focus or expose the picture. Let alone if you cannot hold it in situations where it blinks because the exposure is too long for hand held.

Ultimate Gear helps you very little unless you have the knowledge to use it.
"You might not believe it but there actually is a raccoon behind that rock...no, that's a cow...THAT rock"..."There was a beautiful sunset but when I got my camera out it blinked "No SD Card in the Camera" so I missed it. But it was amazing"...My neighbor cracked up when I showed him how the birds react to my new Tamron lens...I got a couple of shots of tail feathers. Not my neighbor's tail feathers, the bird's!

But I a gettin there. The camouflage coat on my 5D3 seems to be confusing them a bit. I already ordered a camo cover for the lens as well. Then I'll get a combat hat and camo gloves and shoes...the ultimate invisibility gear!

This thread and poll are not about "I am a better photographer than you because I have heavier and more expensive gear than you". Sounds like someone has "gear envy"?

You shoot a concert with your iPhone and I'll use my 1DX. We'll compare shots afterwards then you can tell me that part of the equation ISN'T the gear. ???

As I said, I am posting for literate (=those who can read) people.
You can count yourself out if you happen to have a calculator at hand.
 
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privatebydesign said:
400 f2.8's and 600 f4's are very common at music shows and events now. I was shooting music festivals with the 300 f2.8 on the APS-H sensor 10 years ago.

I got into the concert shooting hobby less than two years ago (although I started photography 30+ years ago) and all the dozen or so shows I've shot have been smaller venues and lesser known acts. That Motley concert was the first major show I've been to since I started shooting shows and I found myself spending more time watching the photographers than the Motley or Alice Cooper . . . :o

Hmmm, private, maybe you've got a connection to help get me shooting larger venues/shows? PM me if you do. 8)
 
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martti said:
.......An iPhone takes pretty darn good pictures if you really compose the scene, keep the camera stable and brush your photo up in one of the PP apps casually. A consumer-quality DSLR takes horrible pictures if you do not know how to compose, focus or expose the picture. Let alone if you cannot hold it in situations where it blinks because the exposure is too long for hand held.

Stop it, just stop already.
Your comparisons defy rationality.
You propose that a crap camera in the hands of a skilled photographer can take better photos than a fine camera in the hands of a photo rube. That's no way to make a valid comparison.
Better is camera A vs camera B, both in the same skilled hands.
Phone cam looses, every time and by a huge margin.

Two 100% crops below of the Moon. Both shot handheld, same operator.
1st was taken with a Samsung Galaxy 4S, a phone with better specs than an iPhone 6S, 31mm equivalent focal length, underexposed max possible as allowed by the phone, f/2.2, 1/15, ISO 100.
2nd taken with Canon 6D, 40mm pancake, f/6.3, 1/100, ISO 100.

index.php

S4

index.php

6D

One looks like a blob of light, one looks like the Moon.
Difference is the camera.

Phone cams are for Facebook.
Looky!
Some meals, some drunks, some cats, a squirrel!

You going to shoot a wedding with an iPhone?

---
martti said:
I make my postings with literate people in mind.
Since you've degenerated to ad hominem insults I'll point out that there's often a large gap between literacy and intelligence.
A brief review of your posts in this thread demonstrates a lack of the latter.
 
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neuroanatomist said:
Don Haines said:
Personally, rather than bring a phone to record a show, I'd just sit back and enjoy it.... The iCameras are a good tool for the right conditions, but a dimly lit show with lots of movement is not the right conditions.....

Used properly, an iPhone can be the perfect tool at a concert. ;)

iphone_ziplit_480w.jpg
Best comment in the entire thread!
 
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Ultimate gear / weight size? It's going to vary with every single project. But even if you're booked for a big project where you'll have three assistants and a rented truck, you still need to be mindful of weight. For a hike or travel, the little GH4 and a couple of tiny primes may be perfect, just as a Zippo powered iPhone may be ideal for concerts! ;D

-pw
 
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tolusina said:
martti said:
.......An iPhone takes pretty darn good pictures if you really compose the scene, keep the camera stable and brush your photo up in one of the PP apps casually. A consumer-quality DSLR takes horrible pictures if you do not know how to compose, focus or expose the picture. Let alone if you cannot hold it in situations where it blinks because the exposure is too long for hand held.

Stop it, just stop already.
Your comparisons defy rationality.
You propose that a crap camera in the hands of a skilled photographer can take better photos than a fine camera in the hands of a photo rube. That's no way to make a valid comparison.
Better is camera A vs camera B, both in the same skilled hands.
Phone cam looses, every time and by a huge margin.

Two 100% crops below of the Moon. Both shot handheld, same operator.
1st was taken with a Samsung Galaxy 4S, a phone with better specs than an iPhone 6S, 31mm equivalent focal length, underexposed max possible as allowed by the phone, f/2.2, 1/15, ISO 100.
2nd taken with Canon 6D, 40mm pancake, f/6.3, 1/100, ISO 100.

index.php

S4

index.php

6D

One looks like a blob of light, one looks like the Moon.
Difference is the camera.

Phone cams are for Facebook.
Looky!
Some meals, some drunks, some cats, a squirrel!

You going to shoot a wedding with an iPhone?

---
martti said:
I make my postings with literate people in mind.
Since you've degenerated to ad hominem insults I'll point out that there's often a large gap between literacy and intelligence.
A brief review of your posts in this thread demonstrates a lack of the latter.

Of course...unless you really know what you are doing. The Bentley ad is shot with iPhones.

http://www.learnastronomyhq.com/articles/iphone-moon-imaging-without-telescope.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQmzuT0C8T4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyYhM0XIIwU

Some neat tips on how to get the best out of your iPhone. Learning new things is good fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9l29eZcymI

This guy knows his stuff as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4eP7VwbnSg

And here's how he did it:
https://www.photigy.com/iphone-vs-hasselblad-still-thinking-buying-new-camera/

Pretty much proves my point, doesn't he?
The problem is people argue against what they think that was said, not against what actually was said.
And, I have taken an intelligence test. It was negative.
 
Upvote 0
martti said:
Of course...unless you really know what you are doing. The Bentley ad is shot with iPhones.

http://www.learnastronomyhq.com/articles/iphone-moon-imaging-without-telescope.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQmzuT0C8T4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyYhM0XIIwU

Some neat tips on how to get the best out of your iPhone. Learning new things is good fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9l29eZcymI

This guy knows his stuff as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4eP7VwbnSg

And here's how he did it:
https://www.photigy.com/iphone-vs-hasselblad-still-thinking-buying-new-camera/

Pretty much proves my point, doesn't he?
The problem is people argue against what they think that was said, not against what actually was said.
And, I have taken an intelligence test. It was negative.


As you might just have missed part of my post above..
tolusina said:
... underexposed max possible as allowed by the phone....


- - -
No thanks for the time wasted on redundant links.
- - -
Yup, I'm convinced, Alex Koloskov has undoubtedly trashed his Hassy gear, now shoots exclusively with iPhone.
Not.


He totally controlled the environment, subject and lighting, was unable to use the phone as a , gasp, phone, as it was all fixtured up during the shoot.
The point of a phone, to me at least, is to have a device that unobtrusively slips into a pocket and is instantly available for a variety of uses. As a camera, a phone is great for quick and dirty documentation.
None of the examples you've provided still allow for instant availability of the phone for any of the other multitudes of uses.


I'm offended by the Bentley ad, lens flare always disgusts me, especially when someone of J.J. Abrams's caliber and accomplishment intentionally applies flare as some sort of hipster, arty statement.
To me, lens flare always screams "Cheap Gear" and an operator that refuses to avoid those circumstances that produce it. Or hipsterism.
The Bentley ad also demonstrates washed out and over exposed highlights in the background, camera's and operator's shortcomings masked by monochrome conversion.

Modern phone photography does little better than what was achievable with the disposable film cameras of yesteryear.
Phone photography is for Facebook, Flickr, Instagram. None of those are part of my demographic.


Show four or five figure weddings contracted for and shot exclusively on phones and I'll be impressed.
 

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