The last five years have been a real whirlwind for the photo industry. What have been some of the biggest changes? This great video takes a look.
Coming to you from Leigh & Raymond Photography, this interesting video examines five ways photography has changed in the last five years. One of the standout trends discussed is the mirrorless camera revolution. While DSLRs haven’t disappeared, the focus has clearly shifted towards mirrorless technology. This shift is not just about the reduced size and weight of these cameras; it's about the technological advancements they bring. These cameras have brought revolutionary features like electronic viewfinders, which provide real-time image previews – a massive advantage for photographers aiming to nail their shots in-camera. The adaptability of mirrorless cameras is another notable aspect, allowing for a broad range of lens compatibility, from cutting-edge mirrorless lenses to classic DSLR and even vintage lenses. This versatility opens up creative possibilities and is a testament to the inclusive direction the photography industry is heading.
The video also touches on the resurgence of interest in film photography. Despite the convenience and advancements of digital technology, many photographers are revisiting film, driven by a desire for a more tactile, intentional photographic process. Leigh discusses acquiring film cameras like the Nikon F6 and FM3A, highlighting the distinct aesthetic and experiential qualities film photography offers. This trend suggests a nostalgia and appreciation for the craft’s roots, providing a counterbalance to the fast-paced, technology-driven modern photography landscape. We've also seen that in many of the retro-inspired mirrorless camera designs of late.
Certainly, it's been a wild few years. Check out the video above for more interesting insights.
What's changed for me in the last five years? Other than I'm a lot closer to 70 than 60, nothing with my photography is any different at all. Same camera, lenses, editing software, website, client prospect list, and old fashioned sales and marketing strategy. Namely... it all starts with a phone call. And a good picture is the same yesterday, today, or tomorrow. Change is overrated.
I would have to disagree to a point and say there have been quite significant changes over the last 10 years especially for those wishing to embrace them. Ten tears ago I was using a Canon 5D mk2 today it's a Sony A7R Mk5. Pretty much night and day as far as cameras go. The changes in what cameras can now do has altered the way shots in certain situations are now taken especially in areas like wildlife. The leaps in autofocus and tracking along with low light performance have changed the game completely. Shots that were almost impossible 10 years ago are now achievable. Add to the mix the impact on post processing due to improvements in the software and the differences are pretty huge. That is unless one chooses to keep on keeping on doing things in the same way, which is no bad thing. The changes are only there if you wish to embrace them. I know a couple of photographers who are locked in to using cameras and techniques from the 50s/60s which is fine. They have found their analogue film based niche and continue to produce very valid images. Change is only relevant to you if you see a need for it while many of the 'changes' put out by the manufacturers are little more than hype many are pretty significant if you want them.
Yes Mirrorless is a main thing to change, but the lenses change ability too. Yes the now old point and shoot cameras of the 2000 years that still capture great images, but how? In the 2010 era came mirrored cameras with changing lenses like the old SLR film cameras. But as with film the need to process so the programs on a computer came. Those programs at first were very limited. Today it is not AI so much as getting a clean capture of what was seen. I started with digital with yes a point and shoot like the waterproof Fujifilm of the 2000's. My first DSLR was Canon T2i kit with 2 lenses and had to use Canon's software but removed my camera from site to get me to buy a newer. But that is when Sony was born with mirrorless, Not the first, but came with Capture One Software for a mere $30 when PS and Lr were $800 each and each full update. A lot like Lr but you could enhance different areas like Lr today but it was 2014 almost 10 years ago. Then HDR was used due to low camera dynamic range and with the $60 Photomatix again PS and Lr were out done as well as other low cost HDR programs like the once free Nik collection (google bought then abandoned but Dxo picked up and saved [yes many once free]).
Yes software has gotten Sooo! much better for the RAW photographer. But we again look at cameras and for the everyday hobbyist we have Jpeg, the inside the camera edited image! Nothing new for the Point and Shoot one lens telephotos did it. Again Sony back 10 years ago had/has on Mod 1 and 2 models have on camera apps that let you do things that you would need several external devices to do those things. There is multi subject image, star trails, toy looking and digital filter. Ah! the Digital Filter. Where three sections of an image can be adjusted with any and all camera settings!!! There are so many Astro Photographers that travel to the ends of the earth for dark skies but with Digital Filter app you can capture the Milky Way in and around a lit city if you like and not the rattlesnake west. Yes also get a Jpeg or RAW image to play with along with editing horizon before sending to the SD card. Ah! But no longer available as of Sept. 30 to buy but if you ever did buy you can download to a mod 1 or 2 till next year, how many A7SM2 are out there and owners never knew of the apps and now never will have.
Lastly knowing what settings affect just the Jpeg's the camera can edit and give some great images. Also who says or can tell the difference of an image shot in auto mode, you can also get a RAW image to play with, there is no auto info on a print front or back - So What if you use Auto mode - the camera captures both ways AND you pay for both!!!
The camera and software never ending but getting better and to AI or not AI well wake up any and all programs are changing what was captured just think back to the darkroom days!!!!
1. Used ON1 Photo Raw 2 see how the moon wobbles. Used Bracketing handheld with new A7RM2 with new IBIS a big surprise with the new FE 12-24mm F4 Camera and Lens magic 3. Used Digital Filter in camera app 4. a 2005 Canon Point and Shoot can you see the faces in the oil.
Cameras learn to use new or old with new SW all tools will give great images!
It amuses me how CaNikon users "discovered" mirrorless technology only in the past 5 years. Fuji X shooters have been mirrorless for over a decade. Micro Four Thirds is now 15 years old. I'm so glad Canon and Nikon finally "invented" mirrorless systems so we can acknowledge they exist now.