davidf_logan Loc: Logan, Utah

Dennis & Bob,

I totally agree. Almost any photograph of any scene on the planet can be found online (obviously people, weddings, etc. excepted). The fun is in doing it oneself. To me it's the difference between watching a film about, say hiking the Colorado Trail or a Safari in Africa and doing it oneself. Now, both can be fun but the idea of buying a nice camera and then having AI take over is not my idea of photography. It's the difference between seeing a really nice image and having made it oneself, even if one's own image is not as good. The difference between eating in a great restaurant or cooking something at home. Both have their place but the AI idea is (perhaps) like inviting somebody over for dinner but having ordered the food in and passing it off as one's own. I would think that a better alternative, should you want to go that route, is the new Google smartphone (or similar). That is, if you simply want nice images as a record then why bother with a nice camera? My sister routinely makes excellent images on her smartphone and wonders why I bother with a camera -- but to her, it's all about recording a moment (and I have 100% sympathy with that idea -- nothing wrong with that at all).

As they say in Spain, "hay gente pa' to' " or, "whatever floats one's boat." So, this is just my opinion, not a value judgment on other people.

And, of course, it could be quite a useful learning tool. I would push that angle (and maybe Arsenal does, I haven't looked.)

For even more fun learning, my suggestion is to buy an old film camera.

And they did get soundly beaten by Southampton!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have absolutely no problem in anybody using whatever method they deem necessary to take better photos. I think it is great. But using Arsenal system is just not for me. I prefer to take my own photos, good and bad. I commented only because I think it is terrible that people accuse Bob of being rude in his comment. He isn't rude at all but simply stating he doesn't like that system. America seems to have gotten to a very bad place when saying you don't like something triggers a negative response from others. We, all of us, have a right to like or not like something whether it be a photograph, method of taking a photograph, political figure, anything at all, with very few limitations such as violent acts toward others, without being chastised for our choice.

As for cameras I have DSLR's, Nikon D800, Leica M10 and for film cameras, an old Kodak Medalist, a German Diax 2, a Nikon FM and a Leica M6. I also have two 4X5 view cameras that I have never used. I think I am pretty well set for digital or film.

Thanks for the comments,

Dennis

davidf_logan Loc: Logan, Utah

Dennis,

Agreed 100%! I also have a menagerie of cameras old and new, film and digital.

Thanks for the reply,

David

leftj Loc: Texas

Anytime something sounds to good to be true you can be assured it's to good to be true.

davidf_logan Loc: Logan, Utah

Well, while that's true I would suggest that it doesn't so good (at least not to some of us here) even if it were to live up to the claims. AI is amazing and has its uses, even in photography. But it might take the fun out of it for many of us.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I have used it for years. Arsenal helps relieve my back pain. Available at major drugstores, Walmart, and marijuana dispensaries.

leftj Loc: Texas

My aunt died from it. Oh wait, that was arsenic.

rdarlington43 Loc: Charlotte, NC

I bought one but really have not used it. I tried it once when I was taking pictures where I was moving quickly from picture to picture. That is not a good situation to be trying out a new product. I concluded that it was possibly a good product where you were using a tripod. In all honesty I can't give you a very good thumbs up or down but my impression is that it is not a quick and easy plug and play. After the holidays I will get it out of the box and try it again in a more static environment.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

It's a kick starter for funding and not in full production. https://www.dpreview.com/news/3040549170/ai-guided-camera-assistant-arsenal-blows-past-kickstarter-funding-goals

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

I thought they made a darn good 35mm rangefinder named the Kiev which replicates the Contax. It ought to be fine since the USSR not only stripped the German plant the also took most of the German workforce and every one of the camera parts. Here's one I bought on eBay recently and for all I can tell it's like new. It's impressed me enough to find and purchase another lens, a 35mm wide angle for my street photography addiction.

(Download)

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Forget it. Use your menus and buttons on your camera to control your camera not a program.

bobwright422

I hadn't heard of this previously.
I have just taken a look online at the manufacturers site.
It appears to me that if the gizmo can make the camera do these things then so can the photographer.
It may shorten the process, or simplify it, but personally I would suggest get to know your camera and what it can do.
You will get much greater satisfaction from creating the image yourself, and it will improve your craft in the longer term.
Plus its one less thing to go wrong in the field.
I know, i know. Consumer electronics in the field - what could possibly go wrong.........

dfrodin Loc: Colorado Springs, CO

Even Wacom was very late on delivering their latest Cintiq Pro monitors. It's not a unique problem with a new product launch. Give them a break..

whlsdn Loc: Colorado

It is interesting to see that some view this device as another creative tool to have in the bag, while others see it potentially as a replacement for their own skill-set. Or at least that seems to be a common thread here. Others saw it as something that might be worth trying, bought it, and found it not to their liking for one reason or another - and that sounds like something I have done in the past in more things than photography. Yep, live and wish you could learn.

Bobnewnan

As stated earlier, I have one but not used it other than to shoot a few frames and put it on the shelf. There is a Facebook page for users and there seem to be some serious problems with various cameras and their auto focus after an interface with the unit. In short, they don't work anymore. I think mine will stay on the shelf for a few more software updates. Apparently the auto focus feature stays engaged full time and the motors don't work properly or don't work at all. (over heated or burned out?) Read it for yourself and do your own evaluation.