hyperbole
[hīˈpərbəlē]
NOUN
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
"he vowed revenge with oaths and hyperboles" · [more]
synonyms:
exaggeration · overstatement · magnification · amplification · embroidery · embellishment · overplaying · excess · overkill · purple prose · puffery
HYPERBOLE is fun, I like to use it from time to time to make a point or when being sarcastic, however, when it comes to photography and equipment, I try to avoid it.
So YES, you can make a photograph, perhaps an interesting one, with a pinhole camera and using a candle for lighting. I suppose, somewhere in the world, someone produced an earth-shattering image with a Brownie Hawkeye or some other Bakolite antique. And...there is still an elderly gentleman still covering current news events with a Speed Graphic and an old Ascorlight- and his work is great. BUT, from a practical and common-sense standpoint, if you are an active serious amateur or professional photograher you need decent up-to-date reliable equipment that meets the requirements of the work you are doing.
Brands alone have never carried any prestige for me. All this "this brand vs. that brand" borders on childishness to me*. I've been at this for a very long time and when I select a camera or a system I look for ergonomics- how the cameras fit into my oversized hands- the layout of the controls. the grip, etc.. I need a system that can overlap into all or most the kinds of work I need to do- versatility! I need a decent selection of good lenses. The gear must be sturdy and can stand up to continuous use. I want a system that won't become obsolete in a ridiculously short time as to the availability of parts and repair, firmware, etc. Those are my*criteria and I don't care which logo is emblazoned on the nameplate. Budget is important too- even professionals don't have unlimited funds- the equipment has to eventually pay for itself.
Overly Concerning yourself with what gear famous and successful photographers use is not the best criteria for selecting YOUR equipment. It is far better to concern yourself with their technique, their work ethic, methodologies, way of seeing, their modus operandi, their philosophy.
I have seen well-known photographers endorsing a certain brand or specific pieces of equipment. Sometimes I realize that I (or he or she) could do just as well with another make or model, and sometimes, frankly, I find that this piece of gear or system is just what I need- the work it is intended for can't be done as well or efficiently with something else. I once attended a 5-day seminar with a great portrait photograher. He had a manufacturer bring in the same lighting system he had in his studio. After the seminar, I purchased the entire system right off the classroom floor. It wasn't an IMPULSE BUY- that was 35 years ago and I still have most of that stuff in service.
My* (personal) rule of thumb is never to define a photographer by his or her equipment. I've seen some amazing work come out of very modest equipment in talented and skilled hands. I have also seen some pretty rough stuff, really poorly crafted work, and was surprised to find that it was made with extremely costly top-of-the-line equipment. Nowadays there may be telltale evidence in the EXIF data!
* I keep writing "my" because theses are my personal opinions and I don't mean to foist them on anyone else or cause more protracted arguments. Everyone has the right to enjoy their photography and purchase their gear as they see fit. I just don't like to see folks spending their hard-earned money on new or more gear because they feel it will improve their work- it may very well do that. I just like to warn newcomers or the uninititiated to examine their technique first and not fall for too much "razzle dazzel" or HYPErbole.