Being a self-confessed gear-head I used to read dpreview avidly. I still glance at it occasionally but the signal-to-noise ratio seems to be on an exponential curve downwards and as I slide inexorably further into the darkside of analogue I now find it of limited relevance.
Before I start on why, let me say that I have gained a great deal from these fora and respect many of the posters’ knowledge and commitment in sharing their knowledge. However, there is (at least) one thing that drives me absolutely mental about the dpreview forums and makes me more and more reluctant to return. There is a certain type of question that crops up over and over again.
The following example of the question is, and has been, particularly rife because of Photokina recently, the major two-yearly international photo fair where rumours abound and new products are announced. For context, technological advance and a grab for market share mean that new bodies and lenses are introduced fairly regularly by the big manufacturers (eg Canon & Nikon), Photokina just focuses the madness:
“I am a [Canon/Nikon] user and I think I should change my system to [Nikon/Canon] now the new model is out/coming out. What do you think?” (note the reversal of manufacturers here, I’m not necessarily talking about people upgrading to the same manufacturer’s latest model, although the fundamental argument below applies here too)
Well, since you asked…
Personally I think you are a fuckwit (a) to be asking such a dumb question in a public forum and (b) revealing so much about your insecure shallow attention-seeking fuckwittery in a simple subject line. Do you have to ask? No, really, do you?
The big two camera-makers piggy-back their new models so at any time of the year one or the other has some more or less advanced features on their models than the other. Fairly obvious, yes? And they have been doing this forever, so we are not likely to be taken by surprise by new models, which in order to maintain market share have additional features. Also fairly obvious I think.
The professional photographer will make decisions based on economics – if new features will make money, go for it. I make decisions like this in my line of work, no problem. So my assumption is that the people asking a question such as this are amateurs, which in my mind calls into question exactly why they absolutely have to have the latest and greatest at all costs. Lets face it, do we actually need all of the features on the latest model. I’d argue not (unless perhaps there is a step-change in the development), but I am a user of 50-70 year old kit as well as modern gear. I’d also argue that you will not necessarily take better photos just because the camera is becoming progressively ‘easier’ to use with each iteration or new model (ie the camera continues to do more and more of the creative ‘thinking’ for you), so that is not a justification (except for a professional). Au contraire, in fact. Get down and dirty, learn to use the thing.
I personally have an investment both in time and cost (note the order of those two) with Nikon gear and it is mainly with the glass, ie the lenses I have collected over the years. The investment in the body is relatively trivial in comparison. However, over the years I have become knowledgeable about the lenses, their strengths and shortcomings. In short, I know roughly when to use whatever lens to get the best out of the situation, whether the body is a rangefinder, an SLR or a DSLR. That knowledge has been gained over time and has a value far outweighing the cost of the investment. It makes me a more competent photographer because I know the lenses. The body just collects the light and does stuff with it (although obviously requires competence, knowledge and familiarity at this end of the equation too, but a camera is a camera right?)
And isn’t that just it? Competence, knowledge and familiarity? If I changed my main body to Canon I’d have to replace the glass too. By dumping my Nikon system and replacing it with (for example) Canon I would lose those three touchstones and it would take some time to catch-up, particularly with the very different ergonomics and design quirks of different manufacturers. If I had done this because of some perceived inadequacy comparing my current camera body with the latest from a rival manufacturer (eg a few megapixels difference, live view, video, better high ISO performance) it would probably take me six months to get back up to speed… by which time, yes, my original manufacturer has not only caught up but exceeded my replacement, therefore, in my (ie the questioner’s) sick and twisted mind, making the replacement system a dog (comparatively) because it isn’t the latest. Which then leads me to ask again in six months “I am a [Canon/Nikon] user and I think I should change my system to [Nikon/Canon]. What do you think?…” As Charlie Brooker would say, ‘what a cock!’
A second, more common type of question that elicits the same response from me, and a related one I think, is:
“Have I made a mistake purchasing xyz lens/body/whatever?”
Well, FFS! Have you gone and taken photos with it? Really, ONLY YOU CAN TELL. Why use a public forum to ask? Really, why? Charlie Brooker rules apply again.
I don’t have to read these posts (and I don’t) but the mere existence and visibility of the endless similar subject lines really is an offense and an affront to people who actually do know how to think for themselves.
And last, but not least, in my pecuniary brain, is the money. It costs a small fortune to grasshopper around these camera systems, so another assumption is that these people are affluent fuckwits that know the value of nothing and the cost of everything. I don’t know if it is a cultural thing or not, but most of these posters appear to come from North America and seem to be male. And I would guess that they are middle aged, though age is hard to tell on the net. Not sure of the relevance of that one but it is an observation. I’ve got a feeling they may spend a couple of thousand dollars on audio leads too in order to enhance their audiophile experience, but hey, I’m making assumptions. My bad.
Sorry to labour this point, but I for one feel better now.
For an utterly refreshing antedote with intelligent and informed discussion I would whole-heartedly recommend theonlinephotographer.com, Mike Johnson’s blog/forum/news site. It really is quite unusual for a photography forum because it is primarily about photography. Gear gets included because it is needed, but it is photography that is to the forefront. I jest not.
by skinnyvoice
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