Modern cameras are absolutely ridiculous machines, capable of performing tasks and producing images that would not have been imaginable even a decade ago. And let's be honest: most cameras are far more capable than necessary, meaning if our images are not what we want them to be, the problem is probably with us. This important video essay discusses the issue.
Coming to you from Mitchell Kanashkevich, this insightful video essay discusses the idea that modern cameras have surpassed the needs of the majority of photographers. This sort of message should not be discouraging; rather, it is a great reminder that we do not have to spend money every time we want to improve as photographers, and really, considering how expensive a new camera or lens can be, that is a really important thing to keep near the front of our minds. And besides wasting money on gear we do not need, that sort of approach can lead to a vicious cycle, and that sort of back and forth rarely leads to much satisfaction, at least not in the long-term. Often, a bit of education or creative exploration is a much better solution. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kanashkevich.
The one feature I do not want on my digital cameras, is video. I know this is popular and widely-used, but not by me. If only camera makers (Nikon in my case) would offer video-free versions.
Totally agree. I am a canon user and would just love to see the R&D for video rolled into photography.
I agree in part, but then, what would a no video camera cost? Considering the market, I'm guessing that it would be a low volume seller and I'm sure the price would reflect that. I'm pretty sure that the camera companies have considered it, but found the result less than appealing.
May be, may be not. You have to consider that dslrs are still selling. If you could quantify how many have not switched yet to ML, it might show how much most people don't care about video at all. There is a filling of abandon when technology you will never use is forced on you and the equipment now overheats or error messages keep coming.
R5...no error messages or overheating here for a bit over a year and a half of use. Of course, I don't use the video function. You have to believe that at some point, the camera manufacturers have had to think about the option of a video free camera. If we think about it, surely the people that make a living at it have had to. My guess, again, it was dismissed as a poor investment in time and money.
I have been convinced for awhile that the video heat damages the cameras. In fact pretty much since the day people started mentioning heat issues Even with other brands, no overheat can be good long term even once.
The R5c is proof that they could have gone much lighter on the video with the R5 or even skip the video. In other words, both can be done and the extra cost of the R5c would have probably brought more profit from day one if they introduced the two in 2020.
I don't think that many people actually use the video features on their cameras. They will be curious and play once and never again most likely. Even with phones, most people don't record frequently compared to the number of time they shoot stills. If you search for statistics, you will find that almost all the time, stats are about watching videos on their phones and rarely stats on people recording videos on their phones. It's not as popular as believed.
All digital cameras are video cameras. Your "stills" are simply very, very slow frame rate videos. It would require more effort and likely more expense to hobble a camera by disabling "video" features. If you don't want to use a feature, don't. I'll bet there are tons of other features in your camera you never use either.
You know that they make dedicated video cameras for video right? So what's the big deal with dedicated still cameras. You don't have the $ for a dedicated video camera, here is your option, don't shoot video. It's super simple. I'm pretty sure you can extract stills from those video cameras.
You totally missed the point still photographers are making. First, hybrids were not a problem for 14 years but now video affects still photography with things like overheating. If you don't know that these new cameras affect negatively still photography and internally cook parts permanently, then you may not be up to speed with technology. What you wrote was valid 14 years ago, but this is 2023. And please do tell me what functions I do not use with a digital camera apart for the video feature. This deserves explanations for sure.
Mitchell makes a very valid point! And probably one the camera manufacturers won't like! But camera technology has got to the point where they are more capable than almost all photographers! Sensor resolution is more than most photographers will ever need, especially considering moat photographers no print their images!
Sure, each camera update tweaks things like discussing and processing speed, but how many photograothers are actually using those features to their maximum?
The increase in megapixels has leveled out, due to people not really needing more and possibly the cost of increasing it bit justifying the r&d. While it might be nice to have a full frame 100mp sensor, how many people actually need one? Also, the more expensive the camera the smaller the market!
Most people don't use even half the features their camera hars, but the marketing and other photographers well still tell you that toy can't take a great image unless you have the latest and greatest! Never mind that a few years ago your camera was probably just that!
Total overkill simply to say "we did it".
Ideally there should be 3 sub models for each camera model. One that’s about frame rate, one with more pixel count and one that’s more video oriented. That top model way of selling cameras has no longer any value.
The issue I have with videos like this one is that the author consider his own needs as the rule, totally missing the fact that photography has so many genres with different needs. Click baits are often more important to authors than real world research.
Three sub-models means three manufacturing lines and three SKUs for retailers to manage. The cost almost certainly outweighs the benefit.
I do agree with your second point; YouTube is rife with clickbait videos like this.
To that point, I just want to point at R5 and R5c. Also there have been a few 5D generations with 2 versions some with obviously small expected sales volume. Currently or Canon 1DxM2 and M3 are available. Obviously if it sales and those two 1DX models are certainly not anything close to volume in sales today then $ dictates. As usual rules are made to be broken which they often do with Canon.
Get a camera that is adequate for your work, and learn how to use it. It's all you'll ever need.
The very first Sony camera came out in 2013 and the Mark 2 2014. The A7M2 is still selling new but no longer making (stockpile). One thing the Mark 1's and 2's have that no future models have are on camera apps (if you buy and install) https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/ the most useful is the "Digital Filter" no need to carry filters and holders around in the field even great for astro Milky Way capture over a lit town or city, do not be afraid of the light. An app that lets you do multiple capture also the time lapse all processed in camera. My point is a 10 and 12 year old camera selling used still near $1K like the A7SII sold out many times for its 8 year period, mainly for low light video though! I got the A7s for the bracketing of 5 at +/- 3EV, it was HDR days, I was using the promote control device with my Canon T2i before. Bracketing at 5 at +/- 2EV is great for sunrise/set when sun is above the horizon for you get a small sun and dark side of driftwood bright. On that note stacking suggested for low noise if you do 3 at +/- 1 EV it will rid hot and dead pixels and reduce some noise, NR turns off when bracketing. Also they have in camera panoramas selection.
Photographers are many and with many genres that is why so many options that many do not know about. The A7sii has no book on its use but has been #1 seller, for video mainly, and why all cameras after I feel have video.
The one thing when it comes to the selling of high MP cameras is that software is what makes them great. If you had used a camera the late 13 years you would know that in the beginning SW was very bad and even PS and Lr were $800+ each as well as each full update, too costly for the hobbyist. Today there are so many SW editors most have 3 to 5, and like Topaz the top Denoise that all are trying to copy. Even the fact you can take a 12MP and make a 100MP out of it, So does the cost of a 61MP or 100MP need to be in your hands.
Another is the requirement by most to use Manual mode when you pay for Auto mode and it is the brain of all functions anyway. Just because you list the setting does not mean you dialed them in. Most used by pros and all alike is R mode and that too is the camera brain.
I say all this for the new photographer who may find a great camera/lenses at an estate sale, I have been GIVEN many film cameras as well as older digital at them and donated to a school for someone to find a skill for after, better than playing games on the whole.
Lastly test SW on a point and shoot of the '00 days and any older cameras and you will find SW is really the king. My A7s is so good it will capture with AWB the high gas colors above while doing summer Milky Ways, a camera not only bright at night but captures the colors the eye does not see.
Have fun with whatever and learn as you go.
"And let's be honest: most cameras are far more capable than necessary, meaning if our images are not what we want them to be, the problem is probably with us."
I prefer the problem to be with me; as that gives me something to learn and overcome.