jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

People occasionally ask me about whether or not they should buy something. I never give them a definite yes or no. If I own that item, I tell them about my experience with it. Otherwise, I will either do a search and tell them what I found, or I will tell them to try Google.

Personal opinions are just that - opinions. I hate to see people asking for advice only from members who actually have that particular item. I have lots of "items," and I like all of them. That doesn't mean they are the best possible choice for everyone. People make their living reviewing things on YouTube and in print. They will buy half a dozen items and compare them in detail. I would trust a review like that more than my neighbor saying, "Yeah, this is great." Of course, there's nothing wrong with asking owners their opinions of a certain product. Reviewers have a product for a few weeks, while owners have them for years, and that could make a difference.

Looking for comparisons is also a good way to find what's best for you. Not everyone is looking for the same features. I don't care about high frames-per-second, but for some people, that's essential. Seeing two items compared, as opposed to a straight review, is a good way to see the differences between them.

I don't believe that the majority of reviewers are paid by companies to give their products good reviews. That would be too obvious. If you read half a dozen reviews and comparisons, you will get an overall feel for a product. If five reviewers hate it, but one loves it, you can discount that one. If you make it a habit to read reviews by the same people, over time you will get to know how these people review. Some think every product they review is the best ever, while others find nothing but faults. It pays to know your source.

Good luck, and spend your money wisely.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There are no secrets to success in photography. You need the best equipment to create the best images.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I hope you have your waders on!

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

Not if you have a creative eye and good imagination. Though the equipment companies would love you to believe that

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Agreed, I never tell or suggest to people what to get.
I'll provide MY experience with what I have, but it's up to them to decide what they want to do.

Many times someone will get <item> only to find they really don't like it, then blame the suggester because it didn't work out for them.....
Nope, not getting in the middle of that.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Luck is the by-product having the best equipment.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

No, you don't!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

(He's making a joke.)

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Too many sponsored reviewers.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

And it's gettin old

tcthome Loc: NJ

And a 8' step ladder!

Capn_Dave

I detect a hint of sarcasm 😁

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"You need the best equipment to create the best images."

I have to disagree Paul. Nobody needs the best and the the most expensive gear to create beautiful images.

LCD

Our equipment is so much better than 50 or 75 years ago, yet we can't easily duplicate the work of the great photographers of those days. It is a cliche, but your most important piece of camera equipment is still the nut behind the lens.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

👍