Amadeus Loc: New York

I’ve only been here 4 years. Taking pictures over 50 years. I’ve learned more about light, and composition and post processing and a host of other nuances to become a better photographer here. Good people who know more than I do put in a lot of time and effort to help people like me. So in a nutshell, no complaints about UHH.

Bruce T Loc: Michigan

Agree. My first Canon was an FTB.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Agreed, good source for learning.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

As a licensed amateur radio operator (W5LEP), I can verify that this also extends to railfans (many of whom still do not recognize the BNSF as a legitimate railroad almost 30 years on or the legitimacy of any model made of plastic)) and many other special-interest hobbyests. I believe that the truth is that many practitioners in these special-interest groups grew up as lonely misfits and quite honestly, have never gained the skills or sense of identity that allow them to be part of a group, even a group of people much like themselves.

I have written separately that many years ago, I walked into my local camera shop with money in my pocket to buy (I'm pretty sure) a Canon EOS 20D to replace my Fuji S3Pro. I'd done a lot of reading and thinking and deciding and besides, most of the folks who visited the arboretum where I was a volunteer tram driver carried Canon cameras. The sales associate asked, "Have you considered the Nikon D200?" My reply was that I had not, that the 20D seemed to match what I needed pretty closely. He insisted that I should at least look at the D200 before turning loose of my money, because there was something he thought I should consider. And it turned out that yes, there was a big difference in the location of the Main Control Dial. And that difference was one that would make a big difference to me over time. There were some other differences, also. 2 more MP, for one. (And unlike today, that was when 2 MP was a big deal. The Nikon was weather-sealed, including the buttons. Not true of the Canon.) That's how I ended up with Nikon equipment, and there has never been any legitimate reason to change.

Just so you know, with one exception, every one of my friends at the school where I now spend my days now has and shoots Canon equipment. (The school has entry-level Nikon DSLRs.) These folks have become close friends over the past 7 years. I hope to stay in contact with them as long as I'm alive. Our cameras unite us; they do not divide us. One of them does lust after my D500. I will likely either give her one of mine or buy her a used one someday pretty soon. Another, who now works at a museum, will inherit all of my remaining photographic equipment when something happens to me.

So my personal conclusion is that many here are lonely, sad, and bitter. They treat the very people who are standing ready to break their loneliness with the same disdain and carelessness that has caused it. I call on them to stop being that way, and I call on the rest of us to keep trying to be good neighbors.

By the way...you should check out the OP's signature line and his biography under his profile. I believe he is offering his question as a serious inquiry, or at least offering it with some ironic sarcasm intended to promote serious thought. My post here presumes that assumption and seeks to respond accordingly.

jcboy3

Great images of cameras on the shelf?

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

If the first camera loaned to me was a Nikon F1, I would probably using Nikon. My first camera was a Canon AE-1.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

And additionally neither did anyone ever create a great image while admiring the camera they were holding in their hand.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I agree with you about there being lonely people on this site. For all of us who have somewhat full lives and for whom this forum is a sidelight, there are others who derive a connection from being on UHH. There are some that make it difficult to feel a sense of camaraderie with such as that old guy from Wisconsin who went to war with everyone over his beloved Sigma cameras, or that fellow from a suburb of Denver who posts all those memes. I know it must be frustrating to post a sincere question and to be almost immediately labeled as "troll". I have said before that if you want to know if someone is a good photographer ask to see their photographs and not their camera. Thank you.

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Your comment reminds me of a few times someone has commented on my photos with, "Wow! You must have a really good camera."

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

You're right about folks on this forum often being "crosswise" with each other. However this seems to be the case all across the social spectrum. People used to argue about politics very much like they held forth for their favorite sports team. There was energetic advocacy, but at the end of day the Yankee fan was friendly with his Dodger neighbor and the Republican and the Democrat after all their disagreements were also friends on a personal level. It seems rather trivial to be squabbling over cameras when there are so many images out there waiting for someone with a good eye (and heart) to capture them and bring them home. I am not sure how we got to the present state we are in, but will say that anyone who replies ready to assign blame to one side or the other is part of the problem. Thanks./

anotherview Loc: California

Ditto: "if you want to know if someone is a good photographer ask to see their photographs and not their camera."

In my experience, examples of good photography often fall short of effective composition, relying instead on reputation and contrivance to promote photographic work.

Worse, writers will tout these subpar examples as signifying a higher understanding of the purpose of photography. This approach must fail in every instance because photography functions as a wordless medium of human expression. Photographers and their work cannot escape this realm of visual artwork.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Followers think and talk about problems. Leaders think and talk about camera brands.

Crowtography Loc: Upstate NY

Same .. Only my first real camera was Canon AV-1 and I loved it! All my cameras since have been Canon

brentrh Loc: Deltona, FL

Have a row of them now I my gallery/office. I am in the business of taking beautiful photographs so they are old tools no longer needed