For the Love of Gear

[Izzy]

I have been snapping photos for the better part of 35 years. I remember stealing my mother’s Polaroid camera to take a picture of something. It was not until I was in my teens that I had a camera of my own. It was a gift from my father’s friend. It was the greatest thing; it had several lenses and a big professional bag to boot. For me it was the greatest camera I could possibly have. I had what I considered to be the “Pro Feel” when I was just a teenager.

From the beginning of this trek into photography it has always been about the art as a whole. I spent most of my childhood spending countless hours staring into a National Geographic wondering what was outside of those pictures. What more was there to see? They captivated me and forever sealed my desire to be a photographer.

I shot a point and shoot (Sony F828) for almost 8 years. I shot everything I could with it; weddings, senior portraits, family portraits, sports, rough stock arena, and just about anything you can dream of. I learned all of its limitations and attributes. This camera took me on several adventures and never failed to bring home the bread. I have been to the top of Mt Antero in Colorado as well as many of the other 14K’s as they are called with this camera. At one time I made a living from this camera. Meager as it was I was still making a living on it and was starting to dent the competition. My lack of business today was made possible by bad management not bad gear.

I think one must question themselves about why they are in this “hobby”. Some are in it for the collection of gear; others are in it because they love photography and what it can do. I for one am not pursuing the “Love of Gear”; rather the pursuit of a great photograph. Notice above I have no Idea what the camera from my teens was? It was fancy to say the least; I do know there were about 4 lenses – one of which was a 70-200 zoom. Other than that the gear simply did not matter. I would have been happy to shoot with Holga.

Fast forward to today….

I recently bought a new DSLR. I am a proud shooter of a Canon XS Rebel. Finally I own a Canon, the camera that makes dreams like National Geographic happen. Yes I read tons of the camera ads in National Geographic. Nonetheless it is my camera. I have it customized just the way I like with the vertical grip and so on. It is something that again feels professional and it is great to carry with me wherever I go.

In the purchasing of this camera I have also encountered an undertow of those who would tout them as “fake SLRs”. I think most of this dislike for the Rebel by higher end-users is buyer’s remorse and they take it out on everyone around them. Not sure why they just don’t love the gear they have; instead they are busy worrying about what other people are shooting as far as gear. They should be looking to what others are shooting as far as subject. As a proud shooter of a Canon Rebel SLR I say those who have a problem with it can kiss my back side; that is if they can catch up to me during a photo-walk.
Which do you love?

Keep Shooting

[sk66]

So what's your point?
Sounds like whining to me...

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by sk66

So what's your point?
Sounds like whining to me...

Whining? Whatever if you don't get the point then you should move on to easier topics.

[Jim Bryant]

The Rebel is a good camera and affordable to those who want to get a taste of digital photography without spending a ton of money. Yes, some pros look down upon the camera. It's like owning a Porsche and putting a Volkswagon engine in it. Why....because it's made of plastic and can't handle the day in and day out abuse of shooting sports and photojournalism.
The EOS 30D and above to the EOS1, MKII's are build to take the constant punishment that a camera owner expects and their shutters last longer. That's all, I have to add.

[Christian Michael]

I have to say the first thing that crossed my mind after reading the post was "and your point is?"

I scroll down and the first comment was.....

Originally Posted by sk66

So what's your point?

[mad editor]

I don't understand what any of that matters if you are happy with your camera!

[sk66]

I understand that your point was "the gear doesn't matter".....
My point is that no-one cares what gear you use. I own very expensive pro level gear and I often advise against it....Why? Because I could get 90+% of the shots using much cheaper gear.

I don't know of a single pro/advanced photographer who sneers at someones gear...I find it more annoying to see someone hack away with pro gear. If I see someone using a P&S I might wonder if they are getting a better shot than I am...(I also use a P&S when it's suitable)

Yes, the inexpensive gear gets mentioned as it is the chosen equipment for the "instant pro", but the knock isn't against the gear. It's about the attitude/approach of the owner. If that's not you it shouldn't bother you. Get over it.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Izzy

In the purchasing of this camera I have also encountered an undertow of those who would tout them as “fake SLRs”. I think most of this dislike for the Rebel by higher end-users is buyer’s remorse and they take it out on everyone around them.

The logic behind this intrigues me. Really. It scares me a little.

The reason many Pros see he entry-level bodies as, as you say, "Fake" SLRs is not the camera itself but the monkey holding it. There is a considerably higher percentage of "Rebel" users that are inexperienced pro wannabees than any other camera

As SK66 said: This sounds like whining.

[Izzy]

I am not following this thread anymore. If people can not simply ask themselves if they are in this for the love of gear or the love of photography then maybe they should give up the hobby as a whole. I for one am sick of those with disposable income to buy things like a 1Ds and have the nerve to claim themselves a photographer. The game is the same, they just have more money to do it with.

If people have issues with the gear (cheaper gear) then at least logically come up with reasons why that gear just does not do it.

If you have a problem with the photographer then make your argument about the photographer not the gear.

Speaking of which - SK66 Your opinion matters none to me.

If everyone started as "Pro's" then no one would make any money at this business. I am sure those with their nose in the air always took phenomenal photos ( I have seen their online folios, they suck like the rest of us do from time to time). Besides I don't see anyone here shooting for National Geographic or other syndicated medium.

When you scratch in the mud there is no room for trash talk.

[Sterling]

Your posting might make more sense if you were actually responding to someone who attacked you because of your camera. As it is, it just sounds like a made-up rant to give you a chance to attack those with more expensive equipment.