gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Lots of questions about upgrading the camera, which one to get, so many choices, so little time. Part of the desire seems to be driven by a fetish for the technology, as if more features would lead to better photos. This works to some extent but the primary focus (pun intended) should be on knowledge that combines the technology with artistic vision and photographic technique to produce great photos that other people will recognize as great photos. Technology alone will not get you there.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I don't think anyone would disagree with you and yet... :)

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

I agree completely. It's not about the camera, but how it is used. I've encountered so many people that thing buying the latest hot camera will make them a great photographer. It will not.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

I don't think anyone could argue with that.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

In UHH's main discussion forum, evidence suggests that a large number of UHH members enjoy giving advice about gear. Some of those folks even take photos But, you may notice that often those topics are created by brand-new users who are one and done. Infer from that what you will.

As for the active users, there are more rants, criticisms and joke photos posted here than there are topics about composition, light or how to go from snapshot to story-telling. We have met the enemy and he is us.

BB4A

I believe (just my perspective, I’m often wrong!) it’s a Venn Diagram of three interlocking circles; Art, Science, and Communication.

Science has definitely helped us record more faithful images; what we see through our viewfinders is more accurately reproduced from those same photons hitting a sensor somewhat more sensitive than our eyes.

However, Art is still an essential element that separates a great photograph from a basic (boring) record of a moment in time. This Art can be applied in multiple ways, from displaying a Real Life Concept (telling a story with a single image), to radically post-processing or re-processing a captured image to an abstract or alternative interpretation of the original. Science helps us here, but Art is required to render something appealing... or hideously overworked.

Lastly, Communication is everything to me. I like to see the Artist use his Science knowledge of his equipment wisely, to communicate that interesting story with just a single image. I’m personally “hooked” more by a realistic interpretation of the subject, displayed in a minimalist way (cropping the image to remove elements that detract from the subject, rather than “painting them out”; that rarely works well). My guess is the fundamental reason we are attracted to a great photograph is because it Communicates to us, in some way.

BB4A

I should qualify this statement. I am blessed to own state of the art equipment. However, when I go out to Execute a Shoot Concept, I rarely carry more than 2 bodies (identical where possible, the 2nd is a backup) and 3 lenses. It’s also rare for me to use more than 2 of those lenses; 90% of my most successful shoots have been achieved with a single lens. I use the Science as effectively as I can (I plan and practice), but a big part of my Artistic interpretation is knowing how, when, and where to use that Science to Communicate the story within the image. I leave it to my Clients to tell me if I achieved the Communication of my Art, with that Technology?

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That's about right on so many levels!

wetreed

I have been taking pictures for over 50 years. There is nothing wrong with being interested in new technologies. You can combine knowledge with new technology. Keeping up with the latest photography equipment is fun. I don’t go out and buy something the minute it comes out, I cannot afford to. I am becoming a little disappointed with the old time snobs that look down on those of us that live in current time. I’m very happy for the old timers still use pinhole cameras. Having said all of this, I bought my first new camera in over 10 years 15 months ago and it has opened up a whole new world to me. I am thinking about upgrading my camera so I can expand my photographic horizons even more.

Glenn Harve

Millions of great photos have been taken in the past, by cameras that many "techies" would scoff at today. But many photographers look at those cameras and instead admire the skills and results of using them. Those "old" cameras can actually include digital cameras now.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I still believe the only setting a camera needs is manual.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Of course technology is useless without knowledge. But part of that knowledge is what technology will help with specific situations. If you do a lot of low light photography, a camera with great high ISO performance, and fast lenses, can get you better shots. If you want to shoot fast action, the best focusing system can get you better shots. If you want to do high quality large prints, a large full frame sensor can get you better shots. The time to upgrade is when your current camera doesn't have good enough technology to do what you want to do.

repleo Loc: Boston

[quote=gvarner].....the primary focus (pun intended) should be on knowledge that combines the technology with artistic vision and photographic technique ...../quote]

All very true, but it is much easier to feel good by throwing money at technology or boning up on technique than to develop an artistic vision.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Although the more experienced photographers prefer the P - Professional mode

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

While I agree with your basic premise, it needs a caveat. We cannot assume that because a post asks about upgrading that the author lacks the "artistic vision and photographic technique to produce great photos".