We Need Cameras For Photography!
We Need Cameras For Photography!
Because, not everyone is a hybrid shooter!
I know I know, so many exclamation points, but sheesh!
As someone who uses her camera for photography only, I’m quite over these hybrid cameras. When I shop for a new camera, my only concern is that it does photography well, and I could care less about the video specs. If I want to shoot a video, I’ll pick up my iPhone and capture that moment. Or, if I’m really serious about video, I’ll buy a dedicated camera for that medium.
But video is king these days and many photographers feel they have to jump on that boat or find themselves irrelevant in today’s social media centric world. It’s irritating! (last one, I promise)
I just find myself asking why? Why is it that the two mediums (video & stills) have to be merged into one camera? Why can’t we go back to the days of having a camera that takes photos as well as having a video camera? Why do those of us who shoot stills photography have to a pay a premium simply because the cameras available to us also house all these great video features that they will never use? Seriously, why?
And camera reviewers have pivoted to this trend as well. It’s quite difficult to go to YouTube and find a camera review that focuses on the photography side of things. They may briefly touch on it, but mostly they are there to show you the camera’s video capabilities. Seriously, go to YouTube and search Fuji X-T4 vs Sony a7III Photography, and see how many videos actually talk about photography when comparing the two cameras. Not many.
So what are photographers to do? Revert back to film? The rising cost of DSLR type mirrorless cameras is in large part due to the video technology that cameras makers are now feeling obliged to insert into every camera they make. Even Hasselblad does it for Pete’s sake! (ok ok, it wasn’t my last one) I’d truly love it if Canon, Sony, Nikon, (insert camera manufacture here) would consider the photographer and create a camera for us. But of course they won’t, because that wouldn’t be advantageous for their bottom line, because once again, video is King. Sigh…
Are you a hybrid shooter, or would you rather your camera focus on photography and not so much on video? Have you watched reviews for cameras lately? Have you shopped for a camera lately? What was your experience? What do you look for? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, be loving, be kind, and be better! (ok, for sure the last one)
I agree. This is where I feel a little more justified with my X-Pro3. Yes it does have video capability, but in order to get to it, it's a bit of a pain. The same with how the flip screen is set up, it's all deliberate. But the option is there if you really want it, because there are people who do really want that option.
I for one have not even attempted to figure the video features of it nor do I care to. I've heard similar complaints on podcasts (it seems to come up once in a while on the Fujicast). Can camera companies turned video companies make a compromise and make a dedicated photography camera without video capability? Sure. Is it in their best interests? Probably not.
As for Youtube, it would be nice to see more videos that focus on the photography aspect of things and there are a few, but they. don't seem to be as prolific as the video creators. Because Youtube is for video and what better video to make than to make one for a camera that can shoot video.
My X100V also serves me well as my YouTube studio camera. I bought a little screen for it to mount on the tripod so I don't need a flippy screen. I don't do a lot of video and I don't do a lot of photography, so it is quite perfect. I do prefer a "picture" camera to also be decent for video. But that's just me. Because I just don't care that much anymore to carry a bunch of equipment around with me.