The Best Camera is the One That’s With You

Just because a specific camera is used more than others, doesn’t make the photography any good. We should be trying to raise the standards of professional photography and promoting the intelligent services of PS rather than giving publicity to a naff collaboration of clicks by amateurs. I haven’t seen the contents of the book, so will reserve final judgment till then, but this industry, be it stock, advertising or editorial is struggling enough. Lets have some blog posts about the outstanding contributions from PS members who have battled with political, armored, or technical adversity rather than just the process of downloading an APP.

@anon, While I agree that popularity doesn’t make the photography good, I think that getting more people interested in photography means more opportunities for professional photographers by deliving into areas like seminars/workshops, photobooks, etc. I certainly don’t view Chase’s project as a “professional” tool, but it certainly wasn’t intended that way. But bringing together people through the love of photography is a good thing.

There is a saying, “a master has no bad brushes.” A camera, whether popular or not, technically sophisticated or simple, “quality” or “crap,” does not make photographs good or bad – the person using it does. High resolution does not make a dull image interesting. Someone like Cartier Bresson with an iPhone would blow away most “professional” photographers today with their DSLR’s or 50million megapixel digital backs on 645 cameras or whatever. The best camera is the one that’s with you, and the one that gets out of your way and lets you make good images. I will take a Holga without hesitation if going out in NYC at night – the Nikon D3 would go to sporting event. The RZ lives in the studio. The Leica CL goes on vacation. If I had an iPhone, I’m sure I’d be glad to have it in my pocket at most times. It’s worthwhile to show people what can be done with whatever is at hand, and to remind folks that creating captivating images is what matters, not expensive gear.