I think the only people impressed by these promo videos using well known photographers to sing the praises of a new piece of equipment are the 'dentist' and rich amateur customers. Far more useful would be a set of short informative YouTube videos. Also do these guys really use the equipment they promote or are they getting paid to say they do. I've just got back from India and saw Steve McCurry working for the best part of a week and all he had hanging off his shoulder was a Nikon D3s........
Pete
I find nothing wrong with them selling to hobbyists, in fact if they sell a lot to this market it should help lower the cost to professionals.
I actually don't take exception to those promo videos because it's just another way for a photographer and a camera maker to advertise themselves.
What I think, and obviously this is just my opinion, is to sell me any expensive camera I need more assurances about the complete package.
Sure, before I write the final check I'll test it myself, in my own real life style and workflow, but before I waste any time on any of these systems anymore, I'd like to know a few basics that are never addressed in any of these videos.
1. Does the software start fast, either tethered or non tethered.
2. When tethering is the software stable, can you shoot more than 100 images to a folder without crashing?
3. When the cord disconnects (all cords eventually get stepped on or disconnect) how long does it take to restart the process, does it require a complete computer restart, or does it just connect when you plug it back in?
4. What is the total costs, not just a cost of a camera and lens, but the real costs. Does it require a huge tower and graphics card to work fast, how large are the raw files, are lenses (with the correct firmware) available for sale in every major market.
5. What's the deal with this two raw file format thing? If I shoot non tethered, for any reason, do I absolutely have to ingest the files in focus to make a fff file? Do I have to save the 3fr files for safety's sake, is there any instances of file corruption from the conversion of 3fr to fff and if so is there any software for recovery?
6. What about pattern moire, cause that's a deal killer in non aa filtered cameras. Some things can be fixed easily some can take a thousand dollars in retouching.
7. How completely stable is the whole process, working under pressure with a room full of demanding, tapping their toes clients?
8. What does the image on the lcd look like. Does it compare to a Canon, a Nikon can I see enough subtleties in light and tone to make decisions, or is it just a rough reference of the image? Does it work in bright sunlight?
And now my final question and I'm very serious about this.
If I decide to by an hd40 or whatever it's called, and sell off my 4 contax's and 2 phase backs, a p31+ and a p21+ WILL I SEE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FINAL FILE? Not a pixel peeping put a loupe on a 30" monitor difference but are the skin tones better, the color response prettier and not so Phase blotchy exact?
In other words will it make prettier, more reliable photos?
Any one of those 8 questions that come in as a negative can cost me six figures very quickly or make me put the camera in a bag and pick up the Canons. I'm not going that route anymore where $50,000 worth of cameras set on the shelf while I shoot with cameras costing 1/3 of that.
I know I can and might test it myself, but before I even go to the point of this I'd like those questions answered either in video on just in writing.
My day's of free beta testing are 100% over. I don't need a 30% off deal on a new camera, what I need/want/desire is a prettier photograph with less workflow not more.
Right now we're in the process of testing a RED. I think the 5d2 for video is a little mushy, a little soft and has a lot of workarounds, though for the price it's an amazing camera.
The thing is when testing the RED if I even think for one moment that their software crashes my computer, the camera is not stable or overheats, the workflow is still a work in progress I'll pass on it in a heartbeat.
No more beta testing is my rule as I have work to do. We all have work to do.
I respectfully ask these questions.
BC