Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Because it is difficult for any discussion because no one but a few rich people here can afford all cameras and lenses.
Thus the discussion would be quick and pointless.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

It is hard to get a bad camera of any of the major brands today. Just some are better for the money or for certain uses while with others it is how it feels in "your" hand and the layout of controls. And of course the most important thing is what you are used to and like.

My first dslr was a Sigma SD10* then an SD14 then I switched to Canon because I felt the Sigma line was too restricted in choices that "I" liked and I have been with Canon since Dec 21st of 2012. I have seen other cameras that were tempting but I am into Canon and lenses + accessories made for Canon so I am a "Canonista". But if you area "Nikonista" or a "Lord of Leica" it doesn't hurt me, Enjoy!!!

*I still have it with a couple of lenses, a flash and a few accessories and get it out to do a few shots on rare occasions about once a year.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

My wife got a Nikon around 1970. My Exakta was getting old so that was our camera until I went digital in 1999. P&S to start but DSLR in 2005. Since I had Nikon lenses I stuck with Nikon bodies. I would have considered Canon but for the lenses. Other brands had attractive features but I had a lens collection by then so I stick with Nikon. No complaints.

The longer you shoot with a given brand the harder it is to switch.

The lens makes the image, the body records it and the photographer makes the picture from it. But let’s not get into the process of making the picture.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

Yep, and checker games by the pickle and cracker barrels while wreaths of aromatic pipe tobacco smoke hovers above the heads of the players.

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....... rather than the usual looooooong and pointless ?

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12/21/12 ... interesting date.
Easy to remember :-)

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Easy to remember the first picture also. I opened the package, put in a battery, memory card and attached the 24-105L f/4 that came as the kit lens with my new 6D and looked across the room to see our daughter who was home for Christmas from UCLA bent over making a paper ornament at a table it would have taken Indiana Jones to tell you what the top looked like. So I took a picture of her.

therwol Loc: USA

Agree. First Nikon 1969. Many lenses. 6 bodies. I stopped at the D850 because of having too many "screwdriver" autofocus lenses and having no interest in starting a new system with new lenses of any brand. I can think of better things to spend money on in retirement.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Everyon has the right to enjoy their photographic activities as they wish bastheir there area of interest. Some folks are obsessed with gear- specifications, features, which products are selling or not- whateOthers areho are more interested in the artistic aspects. Many seem to lean toward computer and software applications. Most successful photographers create ceate a balance or a mix including the tools, techniques and really, I make it a policy NEVER to opine on gear that I have never used or thoroughly investigated. Some folks just tend to regurgitate data that is contained in reviews they have read or noticed online. I am a professional photograher but my choices and inventory of equipment would probably bore or at least, not impress some of the gear aficionados I observe posing here. Since I am not an equipment retailer, wholesaler, or member of the photographic press or online review sites there is no possible way I could access all the various makes and models. nor do I have the time even if I had such access.

In professional circles, especially in the "olden days", the "grapevine" was the best source of reviews. Good stuff got accolades and the proliferation of lousy things did not last very long.

Folks will post things like "what camera shod I buy"? or "brand-x vs. brand z" etc but oftentimes will not specify what they are shooting, their level of knowledge, and experience, and other pieces of information that would bring on more specific and personalized recommendations rather that folks just arguing about their favourite brand- kida like sports fans or political party preferences.

Another issue I have is the overemphasis on equipment before technique. Just the other day someone posted a question about their gettg into off-camer flash and there were many well-meant answers as to brands, triggering methods, and automatic exposure controls but the OP and the others never mentioned the reason for employing off-camera flash as to the dynamics of lighting, modelling, rendition of texture, control of, the inverse square law, lighing ratio and lots more. Very little if the technique has to do with how you trigger the off-camer lights- hard wire, radio, inferred, photoelectric cell, whatever!

Don't feel bad! This negativity and over-opinionating takes place in everything you can imagine, especially online- cars, fishing tackle, audio gear, firearms, stamp-collecting and lots more. Seems that negativity sells! Just tune in and watch the news. Ever get hooked on a soap opera?

Then again, some folks are just grouchy and enjoy saying writing negative comments.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

IMHO, mostly ego.

With alpha ego is the need to be above everyone else and sadly some are real trolls who would bait and prey on unsuspecting individuals. Some of these alpha egos enjoy making others miserable.
Their common mentality is "it's my way or the highway" specially those that are very passionate at what they do. The same mentality directly extends to "i'm always right and you're always wrong" which leads to giving strong opinions even when they have limited or no knowledge, just to lift or protect their pedestal.


A beta ego just want to belong or appear to belong to the "latest" flavor and usually parrots what they happen to come across, mostly other posts, advertisements or reviews. They would readily draw blood to support their pack or alphas they follow.

Even only as a reader, ego stands on strong preconceived opinion and would already be blazing away retarded retorts in their heads with the few words they came across with, so they glaze over and misunderstand what is being read.

While a few may actually have experience with the product even though they do not own (or no longer own) them and are sharing real world results or (more commonly) personal preference, ego can make their post combative in nature because they have strong evidence to back it up.

Whichever group it may be, because ego leans to confirmation bias, the comments/retort specially those not supporting their views will have negative tones.

Then there are those who have chips on their shoulders.

In the end, we can't really change things as they are.
If God be true or karma be, they will get their share in time.

Just be good on your own way and don't be bothered with stuff you can't change.
As Bruce Lee says, absorb what is useful (and ignore the rest).

Take care and may you always have bright lights and good weather!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Bill 45

How can one write about a camera without taking it out and use a roll of film in it? Other wise the person is writing trash.

therwol Loc: USA

Depends on what they say and how it is said. You can report what others have said if you give them credit. This might get a response from people who have actually used the camera.