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Why do you have to know what camera was used?
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Nov 12, 2011 09:20:23   #
photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN
 
I have often been asked that. Do people actually think that the camera makes a difference. When I tell people that I used Kodak digitals, the comment usually is, "Really?"
I have posted photos on here and I am the current "Senior Reserve Champion" at one of the county fairs here in Minnesota.
When people ask, "What do you shoot with?"
Go back in history to about 1520 or so. Leonardo De Vinci is on his back painting the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Do you think people yelled up to him and said. "Nice work, what kind of paintbrush are you using?"

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Nov 12, 2011 09:25:01   #
Bob66 Loc: Dallas Tx.
 
Your right it's not the camera it's the person behind it!!

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Nov 12, 2011 09:26:56   #
pfdragstrem
 
I agree somewhat with you. I am always amazed at when people look at my photos they always say you must have a great camera. I usually reply to them no just a great lens then I pause and say my eye. Equipment in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing can make wonderful images, however, if you do not have the eye the best equipment won't help.

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Nov 12, 2011 09:30:46   #
snowbear
 
When I critiquing photos or answering questions like "what's wrong with this?", it helps to know if the photographer has the ability to control exposure, focus, and other camera settings. It does no good to suggest bracketing or larger apertures, for example, when someone has a camera without these capabilities.

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Nov 12, 2011 09:32:05   #
photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN
 
Locally there is an ad on Craigslist that states, "I have a professional camera and want to get into taking your photos. I can do weddings and portraits."
I am going to the hardware store today and buy a very good hammer so I can build a house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Nov 12, 2011 22:58:40   #
AK Dreamer Loc: Alaska & Nevada
 
I agree with the previous comments but I believe it is curiousity more than "if I had that set-up I could do that" mentality. Sure some folks do have that attitude but for the most part I don't believe that is the case. When I visit galleries and shows I like to know if the "artist" used digital or film, if the photo was enhanced or not, if the photo was large format, medium format, or other. I don't believe their response to my questions will entice me to dump the equipment I have in attempt to achieve the artistry they display.

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Nov 12, 2011 23:28:29   #
sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
 
if leanardo divinchi was on his back painting the sistene chapel, michaelangelo must have been hacked off, and went to da vinchis studio to paint the mona lisa!!!!!(lol)

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Nov 12, 2011 23:29:54   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
sinatraman wrote:
if leanardo divinchi was on his back painting the sistene chapel, michaelangelo must have been hacked off, and went to da vinchis studio to paint the mona lisa!!!!!(lol)

What he said!

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Nov 12, 2011 23:36:14   #
PalePictures Loc: Traveling
 
The more I shoot -- the luckier I get!

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Nov 13, 2011 07:42:18   #
arphot Loc: Massachusetts
 
photosbyhenry wrote:
I have often been asked that. Do people actually think that the camera makes a difference.


I would think they'd want to know only because there are certain features that some cameras have that others don't. If an exposure is produced with a camera that the I am not familiar with, I actually go and research it so I can (attempt) to be helpful. There's no surprise that a lot of people don't research their own equipment/software. You can tell by the multitude of questions that are asked and the responses are from a Google search. Not saying that some aren't from genuine knowledge ;)

So, if someone asked what are you using for a camera, it may be because they are looking for a way to help the poster. So, for instance, the responder can rule out other questions that are impertinent; if you find out that they used a Canon Powershot or Sony Cybershot, then you can rule out questions about lenses or certain modes not found on DSLR's, etc...

Just a thought.

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Nov 13, 2011 07:46:56   #
JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
 
sinatraman wrote:
if leanardo divinchi was on his back painting the sistene chapel, michaelangelo must have been hacked off, and went to da vinchis studio to paint the mona lisa!!!!!(lol)
No, actually he's correct. Leonardo did the roof - Michaelangelo did the ceiling. Picasso did the tablecloths. Jackson Pollack did the mens' room. Andy Warhol did the kitchen (well, at least the soup cans..)

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Nov 13, 2011 09:06:06   #
SpeedyWilson Loc: Upstate South Carolina
 
Don't you know that the people who drive BMW's are better drivers than those who drive Honda's? And if you are seen in a Smart Car, just stay off the road.

Obviously, none of that is true, nor is it true that a particular camera makes you a better photographer.

I'm partially paralyzed on one side, so I use a Canon PowerShot that fits into my pants pocket. It fits my hand just right, and my crippled fingers can operate all the controls that I need; which isn't very many. Having a fancier camera, larger or smaller, isn't going to do me any good. My photos will just have to speak for themselves. Hopefully I'll get a few good shots because of my previous training, and a whole lot of luck.

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Nov 13, 2011 09:12:02   #
Emmett Loc: Onalaska, Texas
 
Hey, we've seen your work. Luck had nothing to do with it. You're toying with us, Pale.

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Nov 13, 2011 09:12:43   #
MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
 
I know when I'm giving C&C I sometimes will ask what camera a poster is using, only because I know not everyone is using a DSLR and I don't want to give advice on how to shot something if the OP isn't using equipment that can do what I think will give them the result they are after. There is nothing more frustrating when starting out in photography and someone saying "stop down your f/stop to f/5.6 and you'll get an amazing result" and they can't do it.

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Nov 13, 2011 09:32:02   #
arphot Loc: Massachusetts
 
MWAC wrote:
I know when I'm giving C&C I sometimes will ask what camera a poster is using, only because I know not everyone is using a DSLR and I don't want to give advice on how to shot something if the OP isn't using equipment that can do what I think will give them the result they are after. There is nothing more frustrating when starting out in photography and someone saying "stop down your f/stop to f/5.6 and you'll get an amazing result" and they can't do it.


Exactly.

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