Camera holding you back from photographic glory?

5 years 2 months ago #625685 by Rob Cline
Man, I don't know what some people think.  Monday night is photography meet up group night.  All new people get up and introduce themselves.  Todays new guy, got up and in front of the group stated that he would be a better photographer if he had a newer camera, that he felt he out grew his current camera, which was a Nikon D700 and wanted to buy a new D5 or D850 next month. 
:huh:
Come on dude!  Really?  

Ahhhh

OK, don't feed the hungry bear.  


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5 years 2 months ago #625697 by Nikon Shooter
The simple fact the he claims the D5 or D850 (two very
different machines but very similar to the D700) would
make him a better photographer is revealing enough on
his assumption.

The D5 or D850 are extreme performers in their respec-
tive application fields but most owning them won't use
these extra features to their fullest but they surely had
the money… and that doesn't make them better toggers.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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5 years 2 months ago #625701 by fmw
Cameras have nothing - ZERO - to do with  photographic ability.  He wants a new camera and he thinks others will think more highly of him if he has a top of the line model.  Without this nonsensical  belief, the high end camera industry would be in trouble.  Nikon should send him a thank you letter.


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5 years 2 months ago #625723 by GaryA
Particular equipment notwithstanding ... depending on the skill level of the photographer ... better equipment will deliver better photographs, with greater consistency and with less effort. 

Typically, if your skill level is marginal, then better equipment will deliver minimal improvements to one's images. As your skill level increases, so too will increase the success level of one's images with better hardware.

Will better equipment make you a better photog ... no.  Will better equipment deliver better images with greater consistency and less effort, yes. How much improvement will there be with a move from crappy equipment to better equipment ... that all depends on the skill level of the photographer and the jump in equipment level.

There are photographs everywhere. It is the call of photographers to see and capture those images.
www: garyayala.com

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5 years 2 months ago #625738 by Nikon Shooter

GaryA wrote: … if your skill level is marginal…


Yes, better gear will greatly support your skills and ambitions
but they are not the solution to lacks of mastery.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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The following user(s) said Thank You: fmw
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5 years 2 months ago #625790 by fmw

GaryA wrote: Particular equipment notwithstanding ... depending on the skill level of the photographer ... better equipment will deliver better photographs, with greater consistency and with less effort. 

Typically, if your skill level is marginal, then better equipment will deliver minimal improvements to one's images. As your skill level increases, so too will increase the success level of one's images with better hardware.

Will better equipment make you a better photog ... no.  Will better equipment deliver better images with greater consistency and less effort, yes. How much improvement will there be with a move from crappy equipment to better equipment ... that all depends on the skill level of the photographer and the jump in equipment level.


Better equipment can provide more convenience and more productivity which is of interest to the professional who has the necessary photographic skills for the job.  It doesn't make people better photographers.  In fact I think simpler equipment may do a better job of helping an amateur improve skills.  The OP is talking about amateurs.  Automating processes ;makes things fast and easy.  It also tends to get in the way of learning.  Learn how to do good photography first and then worry about equipment.


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5 years 2 months ago #625807 by garyrhook
Did he define "better"? I'll bet he didn't.

The D700 is a fine camera, still, and holds its own quite well against those of later vintage. The fact that the owner doesn't understand that is revealing in and of itself.

People that focus on equipment need to be educated, but sometimes don't want to be educated. Not much to do about that.


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The following user(s) said Thank You: fmw
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5 years 2 months ago #625837 by Sharna Lee
Time is holding me back from "photographic glory" 

:rofl:


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The following user(s) said Thank You: GaryA
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5 years 2 months ago #625855 by Chris Briggs
D700 is an awesome camera!  You would have to be a pretty darn good photographer to outgrow that camera.  And any good photographer, wouldn't go saying bone headed statement like that.  


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5 years 2 months ago #625882 by Finn
They are out there.  Nothing we can do about them.  Chuckle and move on. 


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5 years 2 months ago #626028 by garyrhook


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5 years 2 months ago #626138 by KENT MELTON
What a misguided person.  I've seen people taking photos with their iPhones that would blow the doors off most images.  


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5 years 2 months ago - 5 years 2 months ago #626179 by Troponin
 I think we all get what the OP is saying, and I think most of us generally agree. 

 Where equipment will help you Is in areas like internal body stabilization, lens image stabilization, fast auto focus for birds in flight, motorsports, a solid tripod...

 Yes, some of these things will make or break some images.

I think this all goes without saying though  and I think most of us already knew this.


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5 years 2 months ago #626235 by ShadowWalker
:agree:    Well said.  


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5 years 2 months ago #626426 by Chuck Liley
Well I've heard plenty worst.  But you guys make some really good points.  Now we all can get out and find our next awesome shots.  


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