When I read a new camera review I often find myself wishing for at least one new feature that I don't have on my current camera bodies. I've written detailed specs for my dream camera that continue to evolve as newer cameras push the envelope and I haven't been shy about sharing some of my frustrations with my current gear's limitations either.
But then I got to thinking, what if my cameras could make their own list of features they want in a photographer? I wonder what sort of frustrations my camera bodies might have with me. What would their photographer wish list look like?
A few possible items from the list:
1) Body Color: Not a critical consideration
2) Shake Reduction: Ability to hand hold 1/15 like a rock with shake reduction turned off
3) Dust Reduction: Keeps their gear spotless
4) View Finder: Knows how to find the interesting shot and nail it
5) Manual Zoom: Hello, could we get a model with actual working feet please? How many shots do you really need from the same spot?
6) Auto Priority Mode: Knows what really matters in life and keeps it all in perspective
7) ISO (Sensitivity): Connects with all subjects on a personal level - Even when shooting the obligatory cat, sunset and flower macros
8) Noise Reduction: Patiently waits for new releases and knows when to shut up and shoot already
9) Durability: Has the stamina to get to interesting places and keep shooting all day with energy to spare
10) Auto Firmware Update: Constantly learning and applying new information
11) Intuitive Help System: Teacher at heart with a history of freely sharing what they know
12) In camera processing: Knows how to get it right in the camera
13) Advanced Image Processing Engine: Knows how to post process to fully translate their vision into something stunning
14) Pop up Flash: Random flashes of brilliance constantly popping into their mind and the ability to translate those ideas into photographs
15) Advanced Lighting Control System: Knows how to find, create, place and manipulate all forms of light
16) Internal Controls: Keeps their emotions in check when they miss a shot because I didn't focus quickly enough for them (ouch - this camera's been spying on me)
17) Frame Rate: Takes at least one picture/day, every day.
18) Live View: Constantly framing pictures in their mind no matter what they are doing
and probably most importantly...
19) Pixel (peeping) Density: Less is more - Photographer's pixel peeping density is getting excessive already, what I really want is less noise... refer #8. Would definitely trade a lower pixel peeping density for a higher frame rate any day.
What would your camera put on its list if it had the chance to shop for a new photographer? We all ask a lot of our gear. What if we started focusing on giving a little something back to the tools that work so hard for us now and then? Maybe the best investment in a gear upgrade is an investment in your camera's photographer. Just imagine what that thing could do if it could only get it's hands on the right tool for the job.
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Kevin
ReplyDeleteJust found out about your blog. You've got a lot of interesting practical info here. I particularly like the fact that you pay some attention to the act of shooting and not just to post-processing. I know I still have a lot to learn (don't we all?) and your blog seems to be a good source for that!
I'm adding a link to Ice Imaging on my own little blog and I'll keep an eye on your posts!
Ha ha ha ha ha. Very funny, Kevin; I can imagine you felt somewhat inadequate after reading this e-mail, huh? :-)
ReplyDelete@ Frank - Thank you Frank. I've been using Photoshop since it was a DOS based program called Photostyler so I probably post process more than a lot of photographers prefer. A couple of years ago I decided to learn photography well enough that I wouldn't have to keep making up for my lack of camera skills in the digital darkroom. What I've discovered is that I am Photoshopping my images more than ever these days but it's for a new reason. I don't have to fix what I screwed up in the camera quite as often, but I'm getting so many more shots that I feel are deserving of the full treatment. I'm definitely still much stronger in Photoshop than I am behind a camera but the two skill sets are coming into a much better balance.
ReplyDeleteThat is brilliant. I forwarded your link to Brooks of Lenswork. Very clever and oh so true....!
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