When I decided to blog on photographic equipment, I did not want to end up doing what is becoming typical in reviews, where products are evaluated as if they are an “Immortal” from “The Highlander” movie or series, “where there can only be one!” Frankly some of the language used by reviewers such as “category killers” or “brand/product slayers” is plain juvenile! The state of equipment reviews and previews, had a lot to do with my decision to move forward here. I also did not want to write lenghty pieces which combine lots of information, diagrams, and images available through the manufacturer, with impressions after using something on a limited basis, to come up with sweeping endorsements or pans. Far too much of what is in print and available on the internet already does this.
I think you can effectively take great images with just about any camera or using just about any brand of lighting. And frankly, control, layouts and ergonomics is a very personal thing: While some prefer how one brand works over the other, so many reviews are written with a sense of one company’s approach being definitively better than another! The fact is that there is a lot of variety out there, and consumers have tremendous choices.
The real key is learning how to use your imaging equipment, and learning what its’ strenghts and limits are. Often reviews talks about what the equipment can’t do, or what it should have done as opposed to what it can do. A 21 or 24 mp dslr is a very different animal than a 39 or 50 mp digital back, but there are lots of situations where the operating environment would make the dslr a more appropriate choice than the resolution king: a dslr with video capability is not a replacement for a dedicated high definition video recorder. There are very few all in one solutions in imaging! In fact the all-in-one printer where fax, phone and printer functions have been combined, is the exception rather than the rule.
So with tremendous excitement I am launching this blog, HDHD, which stands for High Definition-High Drama, to discuss aspects of imaging products that I find interesting and discussion worthy. Sometimes I will discuss products which are well known, and sometimes they will be less recognized, but all in all I am hoping to provide you with an informative read on a regular basis. The first product post will be up on Monday, January 26.
Regards,
Byron
