Does the camera matter?
Oct 25, 2011 12:02:37 #
You've read it a hundred times in the past few weeks on this forum alone,
"The camera doesn't make the photo, it's the photographer who makes a great picture."
If this statement is true why doesn't everyone just use a nice point and shoot camera?
Modern P&S cameras come with lots of nice features and make great pictures. Ken Rockwell says it takes no more than a 2 MP photo to make full size poster blow up. Panasonic has lots of models all with Leica lenses and great zoom range. So why don't we make it easy and just shoot pictures with our phones?
"The camera doesn't make the photo, it's the photographer who makes a great picture."
If this statement is true why doesn't everyone just use a nice point and shoot camera?
Modern P&S cameras come with lots of nice features and make great pictures. Ken Rockwell says it takes no more than a 2 MP photo to make full size poster blow up. Panasonic has lots of models all with Leica lenses and great zoom range. So why don't we make it easy and just shoot pictures with our phones?
Oct 25, 2011 12:09:02 #
I think what it boils down to is that a good photographer can make a great picture almost regardless of the camera used. And SOMETIMES, a really good camera can help a mediocre shooter. But a crappy shooter will shoot crap with a P&S or a 5D. So I would state the corollary as "A Good Photographer is good regardless of the camera used."
Oct 25, 2011 12:38:57 #
JimH wrote:
I think what it boils down to is that a good photographer can make a great picture almost regardless of the camera used. And SOMETIMES, a really good camera can help a mediocre shooter. But a crappy shooter will shoot crap with a P&S or a 5D. So I would state the corollary as "A Good Photographer is good regardless of the camera used."
By that reasoning Bob should just throw away that Nikon and all the lenses and use only the Leica, what would the difference be?
Oct 25, 2011 12:41:06 #
ShakyShutter wrote:
Probably not much, because I think Bob M is a good shooter.By that reasoning Bob should just throw away that Nikon and all the lenses and use only the Leica, what would the difference be?
Oct 25, 2011 12:50:57 #
.. but your average photographer needs all the help he/she can get? We are only as good as our tools!!
Oct 25, 2011 15:12:26 #
I can take beautiful photos with a P&S camera. I've grown to want more out of my camera than a point & shoot can provide. The sensor size of a P&S is too small for low light sensitivity. I want the advantage of adding filters to my lenses. I want 39-51 focal points in my viewfinder to control exact sharpness for control of depth of field and composition. I want automatic bracketing with control over the number of frames shot in a sequence and the programmable difference between frames. I want specialized Micr/macro lenses that allow 1:1 or closer magnification. I want wireless shutter releases for long tripod exposures.
To do all this I need a DSLR with a full set of features. I've outgrown the capabilities of a P&S in my creative work. :)
To do all this I need a DSLR with a full set of features. I've outgrown the capabilities of a P&S in my creative work. :)
Oct 25, 2011 15:14:51 #
ShakyShutter wrote:
You've read it a hundred times in the past few wee... (show quote)
Because the more you can control, the better your odds of being able to get the capture you want. With a P&S, you have all sorts of options, but not as much control.
I would compare it to being a carpenter. An expensive tool is not going to make someone into a skilled carpenter. Owning expensive tools is not going to allow that person to build their own house. However, a skilled carpenter can build a house with regular tools, but he can do a better job (and faster) if he has the better tools.
Oct 25, 2011 15:20:52 #
bobmielke wrote:
To do all this I need a DSLR with a full set of features. I've outgrown the capabilities of a P&S in my creative work. :)
I agree completely....but I still have my wife carry around a P&S when I don't want to carry my other stuff, Just for those times when "God I wish I had a Camera" times happen :-D
Oct 25, 2011 15:25:06 #
to an extent it doesn't. ansel adams with an instamatic should produce a better shot than joe schmucatella with a d-3 and all top end nikor lenses. However, a dslr adds things that a p+s can't. to me it is alot easier to change shutterspeeds or iso with a command dial then having to hunt and peck through menus. In addition I have bear paws for hands and actually need a bigger camera just to feel comfortable. dslr's also allow you to use filters, and can be used to thunk muggers on the head rendering them unconcious to rifle their pockets for money, after all a nice set of prime lenses is expensive. a drug habitt may be expensive but thats child play next to N.E.S (nikon equipment syndrome)
Oct 25, 2011 15:30:27 #
renomike wrote:
I agree completely....but I still have my wife carry around a P&S when I don't want to carry my other stuff, Just for those times when "God I wish I had a Camera" times happen :-D
bobmielke wrote:
To do all this I need a DSLR with a full set of features. I've outgrown the capabilities of a P&S in my creative work. :)
I agree completely....but I still have my wife carry around a P&S when I don't want to carry my other stuff, Just for those times when "God I wish I had a Camera" times happen :-D
Oh, I carry my Leica V-LUX 20 for occasions when I don't want to lug gear or do special projects. It's a great backup.
Oct 25, 2011 15:41:10 #
sinatraman wrote:
to an extent it doesn't. ansel adams with an insta... (show quote)
I agree with this point of view. But I've used a pocket camera to shoot people where a DSLR would be too obtrusive, inconvenient or just cumbersome. A carpenter uses a 2 foot jointer plane and a tiny mortise plane dependent on what he needs done. But the tools should be as good as you can afford. So, does the camera matter? Yes. And No. It's possible to take a great photo with a point&shoot.
Oct 25, 2011 15:52:31 #
A lot depends on how the camera is used. A good point and shoot camera is small, can be carried almost all the time and for most common uses, will do the job. The speed, ability to change lenses and make finite adjustments is better suited to someone committed to producing the best photo possible without having to resort to postwork to bring out its best qualities. It's the difference between going on vacation and taking pictures to recall the visit and going on the vacation to take the pictures.
Oct 25, 2011 15:53:46 #
D2hundred wrote:
quote=sinatraman to an extent it doesn't. ansel a... (show quote)
Can you take a good photo in candle light with a P&S? You can with the right DSLR. Can you shoot off camera flash with a P&S? Can you use multiple strobes(flashes) and control the exposure though the lens of a P&S?
Oct 25, 2011 16:07:12 #
Oct 25, 2011 16:43:33 #
Getting back to the original question, "Does the camera matter"? Yes. Some people who like to argue have 52 posts without even posting one thread, Hmmmmm? Seems that goes along with being, "In Hiding".
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