Should we chase technology?

Read and re-read this posting by a friend of mine, Albert, in a photography forum, in response to some comments by a newbie. I hope he does not mind my sharing his gems of knowledge.

He said, "Please don't blame your camera if your pictures are not nice. The camera is just a tool and it's up to you to use your tool to get a job well done. Please remember it is the photographer who shoots a picture and not the camera. ...  Eye contact is also very important (this is in relation to portraiture) ..."
I cannot agree more, although I am still searching.

As an illustration, these two photographs were taken at about the same time, using different cameras. With the Nikon, I could not get the composition I want. The P&S, slightly better, but the two flowers in the distance could not be 'blurred'.

Nikon D300, 80-200mm F2.8/D lens

Lumix LX3

National Wushu Competition in KL

There was a change in format vis a vis the opening ceremony. No more cultural performances, and no long speeches. Good.

Bad. Was in for a surprise. Dark and nightmarish surprise. Performances (dancing, singing, martial arts, dragon dance) were held in semi-darkness.

As a result, managed to snap tons of blur and very very grainy photographs. Nevertheless, some turned up ok. Not extremely good, but ok.

I guess you guys would probably want to see an image of the singer. Did not find out the name of this pretty lass - taken with my Nikon D300

Which Camera Should I buy?

I was asked that question yesterday – what camera should I buy?

Well, easy question, but with the many different brands and models that one can find in the market, the answer will have to come from the questioner him/herself.

I am partial to Nikon, and had been using that brand for years. But should I encourage people to buy Nikon? Maybe not. Talking to photographers in Malaysia who share the same experience with me, customer service level in Nikon Malaysia is bad, some say atrocious. Well, I have digressed. Will touch on this subject later.

Back to the question on the camera to buy. I guess the buyer will need to be guided by what he wants to shoot. In the case of the person who asked yesterday, he said ‘Macro’ and ‘Scenery’.

Guess what – I recommended a Lumix LX3 (Point & Shoot). What do you think. Agree with my recommendation?



Sample photo taken with a Lumix, unedited. Quality's really good