Daich

Anybody here use the Arsenal device? Whether you have it or not any thoughts on it? Any other devices similar to it that you would recommend or not recommend to have?

I have a Canon T7i and use Corel Paintshop Pro 2018 for editing. I am new to the DSLR world but have had a Canon superzoom for many years and recently upgraded.

Thank you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We've had a lot of questions about this, but few favorable comments. I don't see the need for it.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=arsenal&sectnum=0&username=&srto=true

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I have looked at this expensive ‘AI’ device several times. Each time I concluded that it is cheaper and more cost effective to study every bit of material you can find regarding YOUR camera, experiment with different settings and, above all, practice, practice, practice. There is no magic wand or holy grail you can buy to get good photographs. Arsenal is a waste of precious money.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I am not a fan of AI as a path to exceptional photographs. However, in one thread ( https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-576443-1.html ), a user (gessman) makes a good argument for some of the non-AI capabilities of Arsenal such as control over photo stacking. Still $185 is a bit pricey.

gessman Loc: Colorado

There are several posters who've made negative comments about Arsenal without benefit of looking very far into it. Most of those comments are "knee-jerk reactions" about something they know little or nothing about but perceive that it's going to rip control of their camera from their bleeding hands and some seem to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown over just the thought of the word "automatic" being in any way associated with their cameras.

The ones who are definitely against it without a formal introduction are mostly users who have been doing what they do with a camera and have been for years and see no merit in using something like Arsenal and have no intentions of changing anything they do. They also won't hesitate to let you know that they have total mastery over their camera and "don't need no stinkin' Arsenal." Some of that group will tell you that it won't work with their camera but don't bother to tell you that their camera is sixty years old and uses sheet film.

Arsenal is a viable and handy camera aid that, like a favorite of many, which is known as "Magic Lantern," adds utility and features to your camera in almost all cases but more so in older cameras and lets you do things that you and your camera cannot do otherwise, regardless of how skilled the user is. It can be used in auto mode or manually to control your camera. It is still partly in the developmental stage and not fully complete but they are updating the firmware to add in the more recently developed and refined features as they go. One such feature is that at present they only work with Apple and Android phones as the controlling device but when completed we will be able to use tablets to control our cameras.

The complaints about late arriving orders, that's the nature of the Kickstarter program. You order well in advance at a reduced price and it may leave months or even more than a year before they get a working version to ship to fill those pre-orders. It's a trade-off. You order early, pay in advance, and get a product when it's ready to ship. It's a gamble. I've caught it in the ear by some people who never produced what I ordered early but that's the chance you take.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I wouldn't touch it with a 10' barge pole.

In all reality, it already semi-exists in most Nikon DSLR cameras.
--Bob

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

I have a genetic vision problem which makes it difficult to see the information in the viewfinder, I have ordered it to see if it will make my shooting easier. When I get it, I will comment.

mharvey

Gessman has it!
I got Arsenal a couple of months ago and, while I don't use it all that often, just the ability to use my iPhone Plus instead of the camera's EVF (in certain situations) has really been a welcome feature.
Don't be a Luddite! 😇
If you aren't interested - fine. No one is going to force you. Others may (and do) have a completely different opinion.
And it's REALLY not fair (or helpful) at all, to trash something you may never have tried!

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Agreed! I have one ... it’s a waste.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Aww, such a pity. You must've not understood all you heard and read about it prior to buying it.

It'd please me to help you get some of your wasted money back. I'd be happy to buy it from you for $50.00. Do you use Paypal?

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

I paid for it 18 months ago, when they were trying to raise money. Thanks for your concern but I wouldn’t want you to waste any of your precious money.

Bill P

When this first came up, I looked it up o their website, and it looked like the perfect way to make you photos look like everyone elses.

Another attempt to over-complicate life.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Well, ok, if you're gonna out "good samaritan" me I guess there's not much I can do for you.
I's just trying to be helpful thinking that since it's so, er uh, useless I'd give you a chance to cough that sucker up 'cause it sure seems to be stuck in your craw. You could at least get enough out of it for a six pack and a sack of pretzels there in SF. If you change your mind just send me PM and nobody'll ever know that Arsenal bit you twice.

gessman Loc: Colorado

If being able to see better on a larger device, you are in for pleasant surprise. As of right now, you will only be able to use a smart phone but soon you'll be able to use a tablet which will vastly improve your ability to see. I seriously doubt you'll ever regret your decision to get Arsenal.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Nonsense! User has total control just as with their camera in their hands and has a choice of auto or manual. Creativity is only enhanced for some when using Arsenal in manual control, more especially for anyone with vision or motor dexterity control issues.