PT360: Episode 15 – Canon Reaches an Incredible Milestone, Why You Need to Tackle Film Photography, the Next Top-Shelf Nikon, and Fun Smartphone Lenses Make the Headlines This Week
The big news from the photography world this week is Canon’s amazing achievement. Let’s just say you will never guess how many EOS cameras they’ve made over the years! We also take a look at why film still isn’t dead as well as explore the argument against the cliché that cameras don’t matter when it comes to getting a good photo. We also investigate rumored specs on the new Nikon D5, highlight a fun new set of lenses for Samsung and Apple smartphones, and take a look at some must-see photography as well.
In the News
You Won’t Believe How Many Canon EOS Cameras Have Been Produced Worldwide
Earlier this month, Canon celebrated quite a significant milestone in the life of its EOS line of film and digital cameras. In a press release, Canon reported that as of November 10th, the 80 millionth EOS camera was manufactured.
Even though the EOS line dates back to 1987, the fact that 80 million of these things have been made is an astonishing accomplishment.
Unsurprisingly, the EOS system is among the most popular in the world. It maintained the number one share of interchangeable camera lens systems from 2003 until 2014. The success of the line is attributed in part to Canon’s EF interchangeable lenses, which have been even more popular over the years. In fact, the 110 millionth lens was produced in June of this year.
Opinion: Don’t Believe People That Say the Camera Doesn’t Matter
In a recent column for The Phoblographer, Nicholas Goodden challenges the oft-heard statement that the camera doesn’t matter, that it’s your composition and photographer’s eye that make the most difference in the quality of the images you take.
While one’s talent and ability to compose a shot are certainly enormous factors, Goodden maintains that after learning one’s craft on an entry-level camera, a higher-end system is warranted. Although a good photographer can take a good picture with a bad camera, why would they want to?
When photographers are just starting out, Goodden has no problem with them utilizing their mobile phone or a point and shoot. But as his own experience tells us, one day, those devices will not be able to do all the tasks a photographer needs them to do. In essence, the knowledge and skill-level will outstrip the capabilities of those entry-level camera systems.
That said, Goodden doesn’t purport that you need to upgrade your equipment all the time. Rather, simply upgrade as your camera, lens, and other gear starts to be inadequate for achieving your photography goals. Just like any other profession, photographers should strive to have the best tools at their disposal as their abilities increase. It makes sense for chefs, auto mechanics, and graphic designers, and makes sense for photographers as well.
Get the full story at The Phoblographer.
Have used camera gear you want to sell or trade in? Get a free quote HERE.
Why All Photographers Should Give Film a Chance
Film photography has made a bit of a comeback in recent years as people try to harken back to the good old days. But film is much more than a fun walk down memory lane – there are real benefits of using it.
A recent story at PetaPixel outlines a number of reasons why photographers need to shoot with film. Primary among those reasons is that it slows you down and forces you to eschew the smartphone-crazed world of snapping dozens of images and immediately posting them to Instagram. But with only a dozen or two frames, film requires you to be purposeful about what you shoot, to think about what you’re photographing, and why.
Another benefit of shooting with film is that it gets photographers back to the basics. There are no in-camera edits to be made. No LCD to sneak a peek at your images. You simply go out and shoot and wait to edit when you return to your own darkroom or get prints or digital files back from the photo store. Quite simply, it helps you focus on the task at hand rather than being distracted by the abundance of instant information available on modern DSLRs.
These are but two of the reasons why film is such a great experience. Get the complete list and check out some incredible film photos on PetaPixel.
Industry Events
Revealed: One of the Best Nature and Landscape Photo Tours in the World
Photo tours are a great way to learn more about photography while getting to experience a little travel and camaraderie with other photographers at the same time.
Yet, not all photo tours are built alike. Some leave participants wanting for more and wondering why they just spent so much money. But others stand head and shoulders above the rest.
The Argentine Vision & Vine Tour is one such tour. Guided by world-renowned photographer, teacher, and filmmaker Ossian Lindholm, the tour takes place in northwest Argentina, an area of incredible beauty and biodiversity. Lindholm is a native Argentine, so he is intimately familiar with the area and the terrain.
Lindholm guides participants on a tour of five distinct biomes, from the sub-Andean sierras to the Altiplano to the canyons of the Andes range. The diversity of the landscape means participants have the chance to photograph deserts, mountains, salt flats, and other geological marvels. Spread out amongst this terrain are some of the best vineyards in the world as well.
The tour is intended for photographers of all skill levels. Each day begins with a 60-90 minute instructional session, and Lindholm offers step-by-step instructions as the group travels from location to location.
An added bonus of this tour is that accommodations are top-notch. Participants stay in boutique hotels, eat fine food, and enjoy some of the best high-altitude wines the area has to offer. All you need to do is show up and let the tour activities unfold before you! It’s for these reasons why the Argentine Vision and Vine Tour has been named the winner of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime Contest.
For further details about this incredible opportunity to learn more about photography in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, visit Argentine Vision and Vine Tour.
The Rumor Mill
Nikon D5 is in the Works, Nikon Fans Rejoice
By Elke Wetzig (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The D4 from Nikon (pictured above) has taken its place among the most-loved of Nikon’s cameras in recent years. And while it is a fantastic system, Nikon is finally ready for an upgrade. Enter the D5.
Not a lot is known yet about what the D5 will offer in terms of features. But Tech Times reports that what is certain is that the D5 will have a new wireless transmitter and Speedlight SB-5000 flash, both of which are considered top-shelf options for professional photographers. Other potential specs include upgraded continuous shooting capabilities, expanded autofocus adjustments, and a new sensor that very well may be a full-frame 20MP FX sensor.
It’s rumored that the D5 will make its first official appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, but even that isn’t for sure. Other specs, pricing, and a release date are also unknown at this time.
However, despite the lack of details, just having an official announcement from Nikon that the camera is in development is enough to give Nikon fans all kinds of warm fuzzies. Stay tuned for more D5 details in the coming months.
Must-See Photography
‘Everyman’ Portraits Highlight the Beauty of Everyday Life
Given the hustle and bustle of our daily lives with work, school, kids, and other obligations, it’s easy to forget the beauty in the mundane.
But UK-based photographer Dave Imms recognized that he didn’t have to go to some far-off, exotic place to take stunning pictures. Instead, he focused on demonstrating that there is an abundance of extraordinary subject matter in everyday life.
His portraits of people – butchers, dog-lovers, and mechanics among them – seek to explore the ways that people spend their time over the course of the day. His images of people at work are especially powerful, with simple compositions that communicate the feeling and emotion of each occupation. There is no attempt to glam people up either – Imms merely wanted to showcase people as they are, doing their normal day-to-day routine.
This simplicity is carried over to the captions – or lack thereof. Imms chooses to allow people to come to their own conclusions about the subject matter instead.
Read more about Imms’ work at the Independent and check out his photographs on his website.
Gear and Gizmos
Improve Your Mobile Photography With These Handy Lenses
Photojojo is known for making fun and functional devices that attach to mobile phones to make the mobile photography experience a little more like traditional photography. Among those gadgets is a new line of Iris lenses made specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6 and, of course, the iPhone 6/6Plus and 6S/6S Plus.
The Iris lenses include macro, fisheye, and wide-angle options. Each lens comes with a small plastic adapter that allows you to use them on phones with or without a protective case.
The lenses themselves are made of high-quality billeted aluminum, just like you’d find in many DSLR lenses. The multi-element optics are made from high-refraction glass that offers excellent clarity and sharpness. The lenses are stored on a stretchy cord that can be wrapped around the phone or wrapped around your wrist for easy access.
The three-lens set is on pre-sale at Photojojo for $109.
Photo of the Week
This week’s Photo of the Week selection is a perfect example of why autumn landscapes are so gorgeous. Taken by Photography Talk member Saknarong, this image is of Lake Ruataniwha on the south island of New Zealand. The fresh dusting of snow on the mountains in the background provided a reminder that winter was just around the corner when the photo was taken, while the bright yellow foliage on the trees in the foreground served as evidence that autumn was still hanging around. The clean, crisp colors, excellent depth of field, and compositional elements like the soft reflections in the foreground lake make this a true beauty!