Maggie's Farm

Agree w Jephnol, although I re-read that Ken Rockwell rant every time I am tempted by the latest fancy lens...And superstitiiously check his opinion on things I am considering buying...

To KR's comments I would add that:

Amateurs who do not have professional photographers' natural talents and practiced technique can be helped considerably by good cameras and lenses. In particular, things that do automatically what a pro can do by instinct after years of practice. Makes it possible for an amateur to get a non-blurry snap of a once in a lifetime pic. Convenience and ease are good. Photography should not be a guild craft that only people with years to spend on it can hope to be any good at.

People on meds or with health conditions or length of days that make their hands shake can be helped a great deal by vibration reduction technology on camera bodies or lenses

Women with small hands and people unused to lugging phallic mega zoom lenses can be helped by vibration reduction technology on said lenses, and by shoddy plastic construction that make a camera and lenses manageable to carry and aim for long periods of time.

There are many places where a tripod is not allowed or would be a pain to lug.

In many ways, choosing camera equipment is like birth control: what works is what you are willing to use

A pro and a camera snob may sneer at newbies and enthusiasts, but my view is that the placebo effect can be great for inspiring confidence in new photographers. For years I never took pictures beyond baby snaps because photography snobs would tell me I was doing it wrong, etc. A high end point and shoot gave me confidence to try and I got some amazing pics with it. Only then did I venture into the DSLR terrain.

It's fun to buy a few toys for a new hobby. So why sneer at people who like buying cool cameras and lenses? It employs people, it improves the confidence of the new photographer.

Millions of people with cool cameras spell an end to professional photographers' monopoly of "the best" pictures. It is democratic. I hate posed portraits by pros, and stock photos. I like spontaneous pictures taken by people I know with heart and personal connection to the things they photograph.

Here are some fabulous bird photos taken by a guy named Arthur Morris, Birds as Art, that were NOT taken with an Instamatic....Not a friend or relative, just found surfing the net...

http://www.birdsasart.org/#mi=1&pt=0&pi=1&s=0&p=-1&a=0&at=0