Luminous Landscape Forum
Site & Board Matters => About This Site => Topic started by: Kevin Raber on May 16, 2018, 08:22:24 am
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I thought I would take a few minutes and address why there seems to be a lot of Sony talk and content on the site right now. One reason is I am back from a Sony Kando event and I did a lot of videos with some very interesting people. In addition, there are a lot of Sony cameras to talk about right now. In any case, check out the article and video HERE (https://luminous-landscape.com/why-so-much-sony-talk/)
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Kevin, I know you are responding to comments, but I see no problem spending a few articles discussing these new Sony cameras. They are excellent. At Michael's suggestion some years ago I too went mirrorless, the first model being the Sony Nex-5, and have been up grading in this Sony line ever since, now using an a6300. Equipped with a Zeiss lens, it's really an excellent camera (other than for the sensor cleaning business which remains an irritation) and the one I use most of the time. My Canon 1DsMkIII and Phase D40+ are gathering dust. I like the combination of image quality, feature set and extreme portability I get with this camera, which with three lenses, four batteries, a Nissan flash, vertical grip and a LoewePro Messenger bag to carry it all weigh-in at about 5 pounds. It's remarkable.
All that said, the new Nikon D850 is gaining widespread professional acclaim and some output and experience reports I've seen of it would appear to justify an in-depth review. Of course it would be a totally different experience, but it's also making waves.
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Good point on the 850. Could be fun. Illl see about doing one. Thanks Mark
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One has to admire/respect Sony's marketing efforts - they are aggressively courting the internet talking heads (just search for "I've switched to Sony from..." on youtube). It is a bit tiresome but also easily skippable so I don't mind it on Lula.
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Possibly this article would be equally at home in the Rantorials category ?
I am getting vibes that you are frustrated somewhat with the lack of activity at Nikon / Canon and would like to offer some balance here on LL with some features / articles on their products as well.
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I thought I would take a few minutes and address why there seems to be a lot of Sony talk and content on the site right now. One reason is I am back from a Sony Kando event and I did a lot of videos with some very interesting people. In addition, there are a lot of Sony cameras to talk about right now. In any case, check out the article and video HERE (https://luminous-landscape.com/why-so-much-sony-talk/)
Kevin, no excuses necessary. Sony is killing it with great cameras, (and some great optics too), and pushing the envelope with tech. Like you I've been shooting for decades and have used almost every brand in all formats. I also get really excited about tech and am an early adopter. I find among my piers there are two types of professional photographers, those that are very tech savvy and enjoy change, and those that are insecure about changing what works. The reality is that Nikon and Canon are not doing much in innovation these days. There cameras and lenses are excellent, but certainly not as exciting as what Sony, m4/3, and Fuji are doing. Yes the Nikon 850 is probably the ultimate DSLR, but after using Sony for the past few years, there is no going back for me. Do I think less of people using Canon or Nikon, of course not. Getting excited about new camera technology that doesn't compromise quality is what you do best. That is what I come here to read about. Keep it up!
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I thought I would take a few minutes and address why there seems to be a lot of Sony talk and content on the site right now. One reason is I am back from a Sony Kando event and I did a lot of videos with some very interesting people. In addition, there are a lot of Sony cameras to talk about right now. In any case, check out the article and video HERE (https://luminous-landscape.com/why-so-much-sony-talk/)
I have no issue with a lot of Sony info. It is clear to me that you more than like the mirrorless cameras and it is clear why. I'm still failing to see the big revolution here. The weight reduction argument is mainly false since the lenses for a given sensor size and f/stop determines the size and weight of the lens. For a full package it makes a fairly small difference in the total weight if the camera body is a few hundred grams lighter. I have looked into many different viewfinders of mirrorless cameras as some of my workshop participants come with mirrorless cameras. I don't like the look of my landscapes in the viewfinder. The shooting style is not different really and I also use auto ISO when I shoot many different things than landscapes.
Probably one day when I will also have a mirrorless camera, but so far I don't see the advantage for me. If I should go mirrorless today and really reduce weight on the system level I would go Olympus as this would be seriously less weight than a full frame system (mirrorless or not). I still only see about 10% of my workshop participants come with a mirrorless camera on average. The rest are Canon and Nikon and mostly full frame. I have been waiting for this to change over the years.
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With mirrorless, it's not just the weight of the camera, it's the size and form factor. The big difference in weight comes with the lenses that are needed for an APS-C sensor versus those for a 24*36mm sensor. It so happens that Sony has a great line-up of APS-C models in the mirrorless category, and the sensor quality is superb, so married with good lenses made for that sensor size and most people wouldn't need FF with its added lens weight unless they needed many more MP for making very large prints without resizing.
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2007 Apple introduced the iPhone. The leader in phone sales at the time was Nokia. Nokia didn't see the need/urgency to update their phones to being "smart". It only took 5 years of introducing new tech from Apple and a reluctant to change attitude by Nokia for the tide to turn. Microsoft eventually bought Nokia's phone division and today Nokia only licenses its patents for phones.
I praise Sony for actually making a difference and as mainly a Canon owner, I feel Canon is making the same mistakes Nokia did with phones.
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. Yes the Nikon 850 is probably the ultimate DSLR...
Depends very much for what.
For a sport and photojournalist it is very very far from being the ultimate device where the 1D and D5 rule but more and more sport reporters are switching Sony.
Many people oriented are switching Fuji and Panasonic also did a great job, attracting more people to
Micro 43.
Canon, Nikon and Pentax are sleeping big time. I see Canon reverting the situation,
But it's more likely that Nikon and Pentax are going to have difficult times unless they react
Right now and bring something really big.
As a strictly personal sensation, I would not be surprised to see both
Nikon and Pentax being out of business in the next years.
But to comment on the OP, I find the thread quite strange.
Kevin has been talking a lot about Fuji too, not just Sony.
The reality is that where R&D is happening today, where the buzz is and the biggest evolution took place
Has been done by 3 brands: Sony, Panasonic and Fuji.
It seems logical to me that Kevin reflects this reality.
If the others end to wake-up, I'm sure it's going to be reflected then also in LuLa.
Unfortunatly it's not the case.
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A similar commentary was recently offered at DPReview: https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5446051925/brands-and-breakthroughs-here-s-why-you-ve-heard-so-much-about-sony-recently and I accept them both.
I also expect a big swing back to more coverage of Canon and Nikon at least in September: recently, Sony has been pushing out lots of new products, technology introductions, and related press releases, while Canon and Nikon seem to be working quietly towards some big announcements about EVF camera systems ("mirrorless"), which I expect by September for Photokina.
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Kevin, your preference for Sony gear, and interest in technology is not the point. But as a spokesperson for photographers, I believe you have a duty to look behind the curtain. As a Sony user myself, I know very well Sony has been less innovative and more pitchman. You know Sony has not been heeding photographers wishes and needs.
We all know Sony has some of the best engineers in the world and yet they can’t implement a lossless compressed .ARW format? Really? And in fact it took years of complaints to finally drag Sony kicking and screaming into at least offering a non-compressed .ARW format. It may be that the rather negative article on the subject by DPreview embarrassed Sony into finally offering the full .ARW format.
Sony cameras have a ridiculous operational lag. On my a6500, changing aperture settings means waiting for the change to show in the viewfinder. I also have a Panasonic GM5, a tiny camera with much less processing power than the Sony, yet changes in that camera’s settings are displayed instantly. The GM5 also starts, and wakes from power save mode quicker than the Sony. And again, according to DPreview, the new A7III has operational lags. Innovation? Really?
And then there is the lens issue for the E APS-C cameras.
Building a mirrorless body around a 135 sized sensor is not innovation by itself. Yes, Sony has introduced new features that facilitate some kinds of photography, but has also been lacksidasical at best in understanding what Canon and Nikon know about cameras: A camera should respond immediately to a photographers needs, not be a gadget that requires a user to wait on it.*
*As Sony only makes small cameras, not medium or large formats.
If you test the Nikon D850, try this comparative test with your A7RIII: With each camera turned off, and while pressing the shutter button down all the way, turn the camera on. How long does it take for each camera to start exposing? Between my Sony a6500 and the much older Nikon D90, there is a considerable difference with the Sony taking much longer to start. Sure, this is only one part of a camera design, but the Sony disregard of these details is why you should start pulling the curtain back.
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2007 Apple introduced the iPhone. The leader in phone sales at the time was Nokia. Nokia didn't see the need/urgency to update their phones to being "smart". It only took 5 years of introducing new tech from Apple and a reluctant to change attitude by Nokia for the tide to turn. Microsoft eventually bought Nokia's phone division and today Nokia only licenses its patents for phones.
I praise Sony for actually making a difference and as mainly a Canon owner, I feel Canon is making the same mistakes Nokia did with phones.
Well, that's the thing: Mirrorless cannot at all be compared with the samrtphone vs. dumb phone. Digital vs. film was a similar revolution which made Kodak suffer (despite they had all the IP they could wish for). Now electric cars, trucks and busses vs. fossil vehicles can be compared to the samrtphone revolution (and probably more than that). I see the removal of the mirrorbox as an incremental movement that is not really groundbreaking. I think Canon and Nikon will launch such cameras but they have a real problem as they need to provide an entirely line of lenses to benefit from the mirrorless camera.
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... Mirrorless cannot at all be compared with the smartphone vs. dumb phone ... I think Canon and Nikon will launch such cameras but they have a real problem as they need to provide an entirely line of lenses to benefit from the mirrorless camera.
Actually, the large inventory of Canon and Nikon SLR lenses — both the individual lenses in the hands of photographers and their large array of SLR lens models — is a big part of why things will not flip so quickly or dramatically away from Canon and Nikon. It is very different from the phone scenario, where nothing about owning a "dumb phone" tied you to the same brand or same type of technology when it came time for a new phone. So long as a lot of photographers want to keep using those SLR lenses, Canon and Nikon will have a good market for bodies that use them well, in some mix of SLRs and of "EVF cameras" that support those lenses as well as possible via adaptors, AF and AE system integration, and so on. I do see Canon and Nikon maintaining an advantage in how well adaptor mounted lenses perform compared to the "Canon on Sony" and "Nikon on Sony" alternatives.
The crunch will come once a large enough proportion of customers prefer to start with a clean slate an empty camera bag, buying both EVF camera bodies and lenses designed specifically to work with them. Will Canon and Nikon expand their new lens systems fast enough to compete well against the three established systems when that time comes?
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I fully expect this post to be "moderated" out - but hopefully I may be wrong and alternative views, even if diametrically opposed to the owner of the site, are still allowed on this site which normally I enjoy and value. I am much more in sorrow than in anger. I have visited Luminous Landscape almost daily for many years for it's approach and depth. I was one of those who immediately subscribed to support the site because I understand that it is not an inexpensive undertaking to provide such a service.
However I confess that I was extremely disappointed by the video about Sony. Not because they are not good cameras - they are ... I own and use regularly two A7rII's and a A7II (as well as another brand). What I found to be in direct opposition to the style and traditions of this site - which are what have built it's reputation over the years as a serious and trustworthy resource for serious photographers - was the blatantly partisan pitch. This was not quiet considered analysis and explanation this was salesmanship more suitable perhaps for a car dealership. There were I think two specific mentions of Michael Reichman in the video. He might well have had similar opinions to those that Kevin expresses in the video but they would have put in more measured terms which would not have imperilled the reputation of the site for balanced and careful consideration. I am afraid that to me Kevin did indeed come across as an unrepentant and impetuous "fanboy" rather than a thoughtful commentator with a depth of knowledge and wise understanding of a complex industry.
Just as Kevin hopes in the video that his "rant" may encourage Canon and Nikon to do better so also do I hope that this "rant" (if that is what it is dismissed as) may encourage a more carefully considered balance and approach.
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Mirrorless or not, what the heck! It's about the image. If you decide that "mirrorless" is an important argument to use a camera Kevin, fine. I like my D850, mirrorless or not, it's a great camera that creates great files that I can use. Mirrorless is not an issue for me, sony-boy!
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Perhaps an overlooked advantage of mirrorless technology is that there is no mirror-slap to worry about in respect of image sharpness. I'm not sure whether the anti-shake technology looks after this in the mirror system cameras.
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Perhaps an overlooked advantage of mirrorless technology is that there is no mirror-slap to worry about in respect of image sharpness. I'm not sure whether the anti-shake technology looks after this in the mirror system cameras.
That has been solved very well in the D850
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Perhaps an overlooked advantage of mirrorless technology is that there is no mirror-slap to worry about in respect of image sharpness. I'm not sure whether the anti-shake technology looks after this in the mirror system cameras.
On the G9 it's now 6.5 stops. And they are not a marketing claim but effective.
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On the G9 it's now 6.5 stops. And they are not a marketing claim but effective.
Very, very hard to believe. These stops are shutter speed of course in this context. So let's say you were starting with 1/50th second (call it "50"), meaning that as we increment to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4800 makes 6.5 stops on top of 1/50th; so with that camera if I expose at 1.50th I'm getting the equivalent in apparent steadiness as if I were shooting at 1/4800th? Is this believable?
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Perhaps an overlooked advantage of mirrorless technology is that there is no mirror-slap to worry about in respect of image sharpness. I'm not sure whether the anti-shake technology looks after this in the mirror system cameras.
I don't think this is overlooked, but perhaps but some. The shutter shock were overlooked by several including Sony. I really like the fully electronic shutter in the D850 for long focal lengths where this is critical.
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Very, very hard to believe. These stops are shutter speed of course in this context. So let's say you were starting with 1/50th second (call it "50"), meaning that as we increment to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4800 makes 6.5 stops on top of 1/50th; so with that camera if I expose at 1.50th I'm getting the equivalent in apparent steadiness as if I were shooting at 1/4800th? Is this believable?
Only with the lenses listed by Pana that can support their dual technology. On movie it's as steady as a gimball and therefore avoids the need for it. It is really really impressive, a game changer for the hybrid user, but won't work with any lens. I think that with a non certified lens you get about max 5 but more likely a little less however I haven't tried with an Oly glass for ex.
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A few weeks ago it was all about Leica now its all about Sony. LuLa makes no secret of its enthusiasms and its prejudices. Personally I read what I am interested in which sometimes is about equipment but much more about techniques and ideas and, on these subjects, there are lots of good interesting articles on this site. Gone are the days, in Michaels time, when we could use LuLa as our equipment test site and that is not a problem for me as there are many other sources for that kind of information.
The web is a noisy place now and LuLa is a quiet and thoughtful location to chill out and read some good stuff.
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I fully expect this post to be "moderated" out - but hopefully I may be wrong and alternative views, even if diametrically opposed to the owner of the site, are still allowed on this site which normally I enjoy and value. I am much more in sorrow than in anger. I have visited Luminous Landscape almost daily for many years for it's approach and depth. I was one of those who immediately subscribed to support the site because I understand that it is not an inexpensive undertaking to provide such a service.
However I confess that I was extremely disappointed by the video about Sony. Not because they are not good cameras - they are ... I own and use regularly two A7rII's and a A7II (as well as another brand). What I found to be in direct opposition to the style and traditions of this site - which are what have built it's reputation over the years as a serious and trustworthy resource for serious photographers - was the blatantly partisan pitch. This was not quiet considered analysis and explanation this was salesmanship more suitable perhaps for a car dealership. There were I think two specific mentions of Michael Reichman in the video. He might well have had similar opinions to those that Kevin expresses in the video but they would have put in more measured terms which would not have imperilled the reputation of the site for balanced and careful consideration. I am afraid that to me Kevin did indeed come across as an unrepentant and impetuous "fanboy" rather than a thoughtful commentator with a depth of knowledge and wise understanding of a complex industry.
Just as Kevin hopes in the video that his "rant" may encourage Canon and Nikon to do better so also do I hope that this "rant" (if that is what it is dismissed as) may encourage a more carefully considered balance and approach.
I finally saw a part of the video but had to stop. This is so far from Michael Reichmanns approach as can be. I'm sorry Kevin but you sound like a broken record playing sales talk. Try to be a bit objective that would be a lot better. You are no longer with a camera company :)
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It's about innovation. I've been eager to upgrade my camera because of what I am seeing from the likes of Sony and others. The direction of the industry's future will come from the camera makers who are pro-active in getting the tech out to consumers and raise their brands value. Nikon would have been done if it wasn't for releasing the excellent 850, even though having a mirror in your camera is obsolete. And simply, smartphones today account for more photos being taken than any other tool.
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I think there is sometimes quite a bit of misunderstanding on how work relationships at a certain level.
There are some implicit protocols otherwise one passes for a freak at best.
This is not a coffee corner affair, or a forum where everybody opinate nor a politician journalist interview. Things don't work like that.
You're invited by Sony, you got 2 important executives and the interview was just as it should have been in this particular context.
It's not the place nor the moment to lauch publicaly: "what about the stupid menu system then", which is bad as everybody knows.
Those things are said off line.
Then later on, if Kevin by himself does a personal evaluation on a product, then it's the moment to launch all the criticsms artillery he might find.
There was a reportage LuLa did at Leica home WITH Mr Reichmann that was exactly like that, despite we all knew Leica made bad decisions.
Leica invite, you are the Host. The company opens its door and you got a CEO talking to you in front of the camera.
Michael was enthousistic (despite he knew certain things weren't working) because it's the moment to be diplomatic and to enjoy the company and recognise the heritage. Remember: this is not politics. This will not put the working class into starvation.
This is entertainment. A bad decision from Leica or whatever other brand you like best will not change the face of the world.
Every time LuLa had been involved into some conversations with important executives (remember that we are not in the corner's bar with friends but with empowered people with a great deal of responsabilities and cultured) the tone was always not entering into polemics nor criticsms, specially when you are the host.
Then, later and ON HIS OWN, Michael opinated.
And that's the way it works and always did.
I don't see anything strange nor blind fanboyism in this interview at all.
Despite what I really think about Nikon is this: https://www.eoshd.com/2016/01/nikon-d5-versus-canon-1d-c-cinematic-4k-video-wins/
which is quite clear, (difficult to be clearer in fact)
if I had an interview with a Nikon executive, I'd introduced a subtle allusion in a phrase such as "when will you introduce THIS" or "do you plan to..."
That's it. Then on my own I may write this cristal clear article.
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Hans, you didn’t really know Michael and I did. I am not Michael. I speak my words and my enthusiasm as he would have wanted me. The camera company thing is far behind me. The passion of photography is what I am all about. I travel the world, and love to take pictures. We are about the only site on the internet that has had the opportunity to visit and talk with top camera company executives. You should listen to their words. Read in between the lines. I’m not their to chastise them. I am there to talk with them. I don’t call them interviews I call them conversations. I have more coming. I posted this rant as I thought you should know where I stand. I love what Sonoy has done with their cameras. So do a lot of other content providers. I don’t need to point out to executives or even most of this audience about issues and deficiencies of these cameras. Everyone is aware of them. And, based on the things we complained about a few years ago, we see improvements on in the newest models of cameras. Don’t mistake my enthusiasm for salesmanship.
Soon I will be shooting for a while with an 850 as I want to make sure that I see and experience that camera. I suggest in return that many of you who haven’t shot with a Sony go to your local camera store and try one out.
In the end though you need to be happy with your choice. I have publicly stated what I am using and happy with. For me it allows me to take the photos that I want and more than anything else have fun doing it.
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" I suggest in return that many of you who haven’t shot with a Sony go to your local camera store and try one out."
A7 III - not where I am, sold out, awaiting stock and may even still be clearing a backlog of pre-orders !
The same thing happened with the A99 II, about two months after release before I could get one but the wait was worthwhile as it is quite a good camera, even if though it does have a mirror ;)
On a more serious note, if you have one, do support your local camera store before everything " goes online " only with no stores to visit.
( perhaps that could be a topic for a future article )
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Well, that's the thing: Mirrorless cannot at all be compared with the samrtphone vs. dumb phone. Digital vs. film was a similar revolution which made Kodak suffer (despite they had all the IP they could wish for). Now electric cars, trucks and busses vs. fossil vehicles can be compared to the samrtphone revolution (and probably more than that). I see the removal of the mirrorbox as an incremental movement that is not really groundbreaking. I think Canon and Nikon will launch such cameras but they have a real problem as they need to provide an entirely line of lenses to benefit from the mirrorless camera.
I don’t see the change to mirrorless as an revolution, like it could be the introduction of smartphones at the end of last decade or the change from digital to film... I’m seeing it more as and evolution. I believe mirrorless is the future, after all i’m a user of it, but I think OVFs will be around for several years to come... after all, the first mirrorless with interchangeable lens was released like 10 years ago... I will expect a revolution being a bit faster...
Saying that, I agree with Kevin, Sony is doing a marvelous work, in terms of technology, in terms of number of lenses and cameras released, and also in terms of public relations...
http://dgpfotografia.com
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I see no problem with that. It happens in this moment in time that a company you use products from is being particularly prolific. It is only natural that the content reflects that.
What I miss is more content on lenses for the Sony system, particularly the ones I like:)
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Kevin, it is nice to have your views confirmed. I am also glad that you do mention Fuji and Olympus. I jumped to Fuji with the X-E1 for travel as I found my Canon set up to big and heavy to go in hand luggage ( I do not trust putting kit in hold luggage). I now have a X-T2 and various lenses and am very happy; I do not see myself changing for some time. I like the firmware updates and am having fun with focus bracketing. My only concern about Sony was, and still is, the pace at which new models come out. To continually update must be very expensive and I wonder how easy it is to sell a superseded model without losing too much money. I am speaking as a keen amateur, who also takes photos for our Parish Magazine (92 pages every month), the profits from which go to our church, hence I do not charge but just enjoy the activity. I could not justify frequent upgrades.
As a final comment, LULA is one of the most civilised photographic websites and forums that I have seen.
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Hans, you didn’t really know Michael and I did.
Bit of a strange thing to say - I don't think anyone was claiming to know Michael any better than anyone else, just observing that Michael did not produce the sort of rant seen in your video. Obviously you have the right to hold and express your views as you see fit, but ...
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Sony and Fuji cameras are the antithesis of what it is I need and want but that said they are changing the direction of the camera market.
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Sony and Fuji cameras are the antithesis of what it is I need and want but that said they are changing the direction of the camera market.
I couldn't agree more except that I have just bought a Sony A7RM2 and a couple of lenses second hand on Ebay. I am going to Ukraine (actually Chernobyl) in July and I was not prepared to risk my MFD kit in such a location. Having got used to large bright viewfinders and well designed simple systems I was disappointed in the fiddly controls, confusing menus and tiny viewfinder. Having said that I will still take it with me (it is only a two day trip) and then sell it on Ebay when I return.
I really cannot see why people get so excited about these complicated "miniature" cameras.
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As a preface, let me say although I'm going to be critical, if I didn't care, I wouldn't be using up so much of my precious spare time writing this...
I've just watched the video and honestly it was hard going. It was quite frankly embarrassing. If it wasn't for the fact that I was on a train I'd probably have been shouting at the screen. The first thing I would have shouted is, Kevin, if all this wondermagickal techie stuff lets you shoot otherwise impossible photos, then SHOW US THESE PHOTOS and explain why only the fabulous new, improved Sony Roketblaster Digital ABC99xyz Mk 37 could have _possibly_ enabled you to take them. Because frankly, I don't see much in your galleries that requires all these "awesome features", and that is not intended to be in any way derogatory. Taking such an approach might, just might, make you come across less as a door to door salesman ("only $2000, ladies & gents"), and make you realise that its actually yet another new set of Emperor's clothes.
I'm going to go with those who say that Michael Reichmann would never have published anything so gushing. Sure, he liked his gear, but he kept it short and sweet. What made the old Lula for me (and I've been here since at least 1999) was the travelogue aspect. Through Michael Reichmann I discovered places like Costa Rica and Iceland, which I could then explore myself. I also got a view of North America, which I've never been able to see in person, but which was really enthralling. And tacked on to the end of these articles, and later, videos, were short, to the point gear reviews. Sometimes of exotic stuff that was as realistic to me as a Ferrari, sometimes of incredibly useful, reasonably priced stuff which I've used for years, such as Acratech ballheads. But the focus was on a love and fascination for photography, principally landscape photography, and how to get better at doing it.
Nowadays you seem too be veering more on more towards competing with the YouTube Heeeeeyyyy Guyyyss Gear vLoggers. The production style of the Sony is so much going that way, and is "On The Rocks", even if that is enjoyable. Kevin, we don't need another Steve Huff. The world has enough Steve Huffs. The content on the site is diverse - giving a platform to Andrew Molitor is very commendable, for example, and the Charles Cramer series was worth 10 times the price of entry - the quality is well above average, but honestly it's a bit scattergun. I don't seem much of a theme. It's almost like a aggregation channel.
I get it that you need to compete, but really, falling under the spell of Sony's awesome marketing machine is just making you end up looking like everybody else, and it will backfire. I also get that a very large proportion of your audience are only "photographers" in the sense that it gives them an excuse to buy and play with an endless stream of high end consumer tech, while making them feel "creative" at the same time. And I also get that the stream of new shiny to feed that audience with is drying up at at an alarming rate for sites that depend on it, like DPReview. So this is really not the time to go all gearhead and try to be like DPReview.
Kevin, you keep describing yourself as a photographer - I'm going to be really rude now and call you out on it. Most attendees at that Sony thing were bloggers, vloggers, self-described educators, whatever. A bunch of hot air. So, show us the money. Show us your photography. Get back to basics - enough with the gear, take us out on a shoot, take us on a road trip. Get back to the stuff that only Lula could do. Remember "back to the print" ? What happened to that ? Why do you need massive dynamic range, when you can't print even half of it ?
I've noticed a strong reverse correlation between interesting photography and gear talk - really interesting, talented photographers don't list their gear on their website, or in their books. They just show the photography. The gear is just that - gear. It just needs to work. Personally I don't care about Sony either way. Or Fuji, except I find that Fuji cameras have a weird way of attracting cult-like behaviour. Or Nikon, or Canon, Leica, or anybody. Like probably 99% of visitors to this site, I've got more gear than I'll ever need or use. What I come back to Lula for is to, hopefully, get some inspiration on using it.
Regards
David
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Bit of a strange thing to say - I don't think anyone was claiming to know Michael any better than anyone else, just observing that Michael did not produce the sort of rant seen in your video. Obviously you have the right to hold and express your views as you see fit, but ...
I was wondering about that statement too. But in retrospect I should not have posted in the first place, since I should have known what the response would be, so no more on that. I will give kudos to Kevin of keeping the site alive and some good articles and then I can ignore the rest.
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David, appreciate your feedback and comments. And, I agree with you on many things. First you can see my photos on this site in the galleries. I am always trying something new. I have several videos and articles started on getting back to the photographing aspect. Also have a number of interesting conversations coming up with other photographers. We also have a very good candidate for the new Masters Series and we are working on details of that now. I published recently an article on abstracts in the ice explaining how that was done. Have one in the works on shooting in Chicago plus a number more. I hate excuses but my biggest problem is being one person with a lot of things that need to be done.
This week has not a been productive one as I am dealing with my mother who is in hospice.
As far as YouTube things go, yes we are trying to catch up and be relevant on this platform. We have to be able to attract new readers and like it or not YouTube is the new Google. I am not afraid to try new things. And, I like to have fun doing these projects.
I do the best I can with this site and keeping it relevant, different, educational and touching on a lot of different aspects of photography both technical and asteically for the large and wide variety of readers and subscribers we have.
Michael built this site to be one that I loved. He and I became best friends. When I took this site over I promised Michael I would carry on with what he started. I am not Michael though and believe it or not knowing Michael as well as I did he would be doing many of the same things I am doing. Our industry is changing and more than a lot of other sites Luminous-Landscape has been changing with it. I offer my voice now. This site is my life and photography is too.
Don’t mistake enthusiasm which I have a lot of, for salesmanship. Using SONY products I am the first to realize what could be better and I have made sure that Sony knows my thoughts.
Your comments didn’t fall on deaf ears.
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Kevin I am curious if you would have still switched from Sony to Nikon if you had known about the D850. I chose to go with the D850 over a Sony. I tried an RX-1 a while back and couldn't bond with it.
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As a preface, let me say although I'm going to be critical, if I didn't care, I wouldn't be using up so much of my precious spare time writing this...
I've just watched the video and honestly it was hard going. It was quite frankly embarrassing. If it wasn't for the fact that I was on a train I'd probably have been shouting at the screen. The first thing I would have shouted is, Kevin, if all this wondermagickal techie stuff lets you shoot otherwise impossible photos, then SHOW US THESE PHOTOS and explain why only the fabulous new, improved Sony Roketblaster Digital ABC99xyz Mk 37 could have _possibly_ enabled you to take them. Because frankly, I don't see much in your galleries that requires all these "awesome features", and that is not intended to be in any way derogatory. Taking such an approach might, just might, make you come across less as a door to door salesman ("only $2000, ladies & gents"), and make you realise that its actually yet another new set of Emperor's clothes.
I'm going to go with those who say that Michael Reichmann would never have published anything so gushing. Sure, he liked his gear, but he kept it short and sweet. What made the old Lula for me (and I've been here since at least 1999) was the travelogue aspect. Through Michael Reichmann I discovered places like Costa Rica and Iceland, which I could then explore myself. I also got a view of North America, which I've never been able to see in person, but which was really enthralling. And tacked on to the end of these articles, and later, videos, were short, to the point gear reviews. Sometimes of exotic stuff that was as realistic to me as a Ferrari, sometimes of incredibly useful, reasonably priced stuff which I've used for years, such as Acratech ballheads. But the focus was on a love and fascination for photography, principally landscape photography, and how to get better at doing it.
Nowadays you seem too be veering more on more towards competing with the YouTube Heeeeeyyyy Guyyyss Gear vLoggers. The production style of the Sony is so much going that way, and is "On The Rocks", even if that is enjoyable. Kevin, we don't need another Steve Huff. The world has enough Steve Huffs. The content on the site is diverse - giving a platform to Andrew Molitor is very commendable, for example, and the Charles Cramer series was worth 10 times the price of entry - the quality is well above average, but honestly it's a bit scattergun. I don't seem much of a theme. It's almost like a aggregation channel.
I get it that you need to compete, but really, falling under the spell of Sony's awesome marketing machine is just making you end up looking like everybody else, and it will backfire. I also get that a very large proportion of your audience are only "photographers" in the sense that it gives them an excuse to buy and play with an endless stream of high end consumer tech, while making them feel "creative" at the same time. And I also get that the stream of new shiny to feed that audience with is drying up at at an alarming rate for sites that depend on it, like DPReview. So this is really not the time to go all gearhead and try to be like DPReview.
Kevin, you keep describing yourself as a photographer - I'm going to be really rude now and call you out on it. Most attendees at that Sony thing were bloggers, vloggers, self-described educators, whatever. A bunch of hot air. So, show us the money. Show us your photography. Get back to basics - enough with the gear, take us out on a shoot, take us on a road trip. Get back to the stuff that only Lula could do. Remember "back to the print" ? What happened to that ? Why do you need massive dynamic range, when you can't print even half of it ?
I've noticed a strong reverse correlation between interesting photography and gear talk - really interesting, talented photographers don't list their gear on their website, or in their books. They just show the photography. The gear is just that - gear. It just needs to work. Personally I don't care about Sony either way. Or Fuji, except I find that Fuji cameras have a weird way of attracting cult-like behaviour. Or Nikon, or Canon, Leica, or anybody. Like probably 99% of visitors to this site, I've got more gear than I'll ever need or use. What I come back to Lula for is to, hopefully, get some inspiration on using it.
Regards
David
Something I find a little strange in your post is that you talk Sony like a sort of blockbusting phenomenon based on "awesome marketing machine" and more suitable at best for the youtuber crowd and posers in opposition to real photographers...I know I know, you did not pronounced directly certain words here but the philosophy of your post seems to go in such direction. I copy-paste:
-the fabulous new, improved Sony Roketblaster Digital ABC99xyz Mk 37
-falling under the spell of Sony's awesome marketing machine is just making you end up looking like everybody else
-Nowadays you seem too be veering more on more towards competing with the YouTube Heeeeeyyyy Guyyyss Gear vLoggers. The production style of the Sony is so much going that way,
Soo...
Sony, with other brands, is shaping the image industry in both still and motion at all levels, included the very very and extremely demanding high-end. They don't build toys only for people who film their cake recipies in FB or for the next gear reviewer... but their cameras and lenses are being used daily by top photographers, videographers and cinematographers. Real photographers, yes.
Their mirrorless are gaining more and more adepts in the field of sport and photojournalism simply because they deliver high performance in smaller package very well priced, not because everybody is foolish and falls in the spell of marketing bureaux. they have an impressive line of high-end lenses/cameras for the motion industry way out the range of what most people in this forum are used to work with. My point is that if one think that Sony is just about clever marketing but the emperor has no clothes, then it is not the reality. Their tech is very reffined and serves the content creators.
I'm brand agnostic. I don't care who innovates, Sony, Zikonon... but if someone thing that Sony is all about marketing the "real photographer" does not need...well, in this forum and the bests actually, not the ones who talk DOX or specs all the time, no, the real photoraphers, the good ones; we'll find gazillion opinions on Sony and yes, the emperor has clothes.
Just like Fuji is doing great stuff, but I read some people here talking about Fuji lenses like this: "who the hell heard about fuji lenses 4 years ago?"... things are sometimes upside-down
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Hi,
I think that Kevin has a point. Mirrorless systems use the actual sensor output for viewing and focusing. It is the simplest and most accurate solution.
The shutter shock issue was a major one with the A7r, a camera that did not have an electronic first shutter curtain. But the A7r was something like five years ago. I never bought the A7r, mostly because I felt that the sensor was old, with no EFCS and no PDAF.
Shutter shock is in no way unique to the A7r, any mechanical shutter induces some amount of shutter shock. It was very prominent for say Mamiya 645 or Pentax 67.
On the other hand, I think that Sony lenses are overpriced and I actually think they are not reliably high performers. I can not really say about that, as I mostly use Canon or Sigma lenses with my A7rII. I have only two Sony lenses, the 90/2.8 macro and the 28-70 kit lens. I am pretty sure my 90/2.8 has a tilted focal plane.
The A7rII is pretty optimal for me. I can use it with Canon mount lenses. In my work I need good lenses but no fast lenses. So I feel the Canon/Sony combo works well me. But, I am considering to buy a Canon body for things like shooting birds in flight.
Best regards
Erik
I don't think this is overlooked, but perhaps but some. The shutter shock were overlooked by several including Sony. I really like the fully electronic shutter in the D850 for long focal lengths where this is critical.
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I've been enjoying Lula for many years. In my opinion it is the most well balanced site I have found and fits me well. I love tech and I love photography. Kevin is not Michael, the world doesn't work that way. I feel Kevin's respect for Michael, and I think he's doing a fabulous job in his videos, interviews etc. I think what people miss is Michael's lack of patience for technical shortcomings in new gear. He told is like it is and didn't hold back. Kevin is more diplomatic than that that is fine too. He gets great interviews with industry people that I really love hearing from. Sure some seem more like sales videos, but others are more well rounded. I really feel the excitement with Sony is justified at the moment, but I think there are many who don't like to hear it. I also loved his series on Leica. I also understand that he does need to attract a larger demographic and needs to present material that may bring a bigger audience.
Keep it up Kevin, I'm loving your videos, and look forward to more with fine art photographers and print making too. That should keep all of us happy!
Sorry to hear about your mom in hospice. Been there done that and it's never easy.
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Something I find a little strange in your post is that you talk Sony like a sort of blockbusting phenomenon based on "awesome marketing machine" and more suitable at best for the youtuber crowd and posers in opposition to real photographers...I know I know, you did not pronounced directly certain words here but the philosophy of your post seems to go in such direction. I copy-paste:
Well that's not really what I meant to say, but certainly I could have expressed it better. I'm not taking aim at Sony. I'm not interested in Sony. Note, I use (and pay for) Olympus digital cameras, but I'm not interested in Olympus either, beyond the fact that the company produces some stuff which more or less fits my needs. But you want find much about Olympus on my web site.
I don't have any problem with somebody who takes a different view, I certainly don't consider myself superior to people who are enthusiastic about cameras. I've been there - to some extent - and moved on. What my point was, which amazingly I think Kevin managed to find, despite my hiding it so well, is that there are a million gear sites, and only one Lula. I wouldn't want Lula to become the millionth-and-one gear site. And neither, it seems, does Kevin.
Actually I think I, and others, need to give Kevin time to find his way. He's not Michael, but Michael wasn't Kevin either. Kevin has introduced some changes here that probably would not have occurred to Michael, and that evolution is only just starting.
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Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing. I do agree that a lot of innovation is coming from Sony. The DSLR systems are sort of more mature, so there may be less innovation.
Best regards
Erik
I thought I would take a few minutes and address why there seems to be a lot of Sony talk and content on the site right now. One reason is I am back from a Sony Kando event and I did a lot of videos with some very interesting people. In addition, there are a lot of Sony cameras to talk about right now. In any case, check out the article and video HERE (https://luminous-landscape.com/why-so-much-sony-talk/)
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Hi,
I think that Kevin has a point. Mirrorless systems use the actual sensor output for viewing and focusing. It is the simplest and most accurate solution.
The shutter shock issue was a major one with the A7r, a camera that did not have an electronic first shutter curtain. But the A7r was something like five years ago. I never bought the A7r, mostly because I felt that the sensor was old, with no EFCS and no PDAF.
Shutter shock is in no way unique to the A7r, any mechanical shutter induces some amount of shutter shock. It was very prominent for say Mamiya 645 or Pentax 67.
On the other hand, I think that Sony lenses are overpriced and I actually think they are not reliably high performers. I can not really say about that, as I mostly use Canon or Sigma lenses with my A7rII. I have only two Sony lenses, the 90/2.8 macro and the 28-70 kit lens. I am pretty sure my 90/2.8 has a tilted focal plane.
The A7rII is pretty optimal for me. I can use it with Canon mount lenses. In my work I need good lenses but no fast lenses. So I feel the Canon/Sony combo works well me. But, I am considering to buy a Canon body for things like shooting birds in flight.
Best regards
Erik
You bring up an issue that Sony has to deal with. They have addressed many issues like shutter shock, battery life, fast AF etc. but the largest glaring issue in my opinion is their lens quality control. I am on my third Sony body, (A7R3), and still use all three. But am very slow to add lenses. Like you said, I'm very happy with many of my Canon lenses, and still have my 35mm Leica R, (will Sony or Zeiss ever make a 35 f2 AF?). I'd love to buy all Sony lenses, but their reputation is very mixed. That is a question I would have certainly brought up with the Sony reps. Maybe Kevin did off camera as I can see it being a very embarrassing question and would have turned a pleasant conversation into a confrontational one. If he did, I'd love to hear their response. It's a serious problem and I don't see anyone from Sony addressing or even acknowledging that issue. I'm talking here about the 35 1.4, and 70-200 2.8 which are work horse lenses for pros. Priced higher than their Canon counterparts, they should be stellar in quality and consistency. Although, if the quality was consistent and outstanding, I don't think they would be considered overpriced. I do have the 24-105, 55 1.8, 28 f2 and just ordered the 12-24G. They are excellent. As far as mirrorless, to me the advantages are outstanding for my needs. I also have to agree with Kevin that the A9 is in a class by itself right now and I can understand his enthusiasm for the A9 100-400 combo!
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Fair warning: I have no patience to read through the thread, so I do not know if someone has posted the same type of comment...
Mirrorless, SLR, view camera? These are just tools. I like one, you like the other. I do have SLRs and mirrorless. I do prefer SLR for its optical viewfinder and other aspects. Others prefer mirrorless for their compactness, but my experience is that that attribute washes away as larger lenses are added.
Re the article - "Why so much Sony Talk": If you have to post it and justify it...
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Well that's not really what I meant to say, but certainly I could have expressed it better. I'm not taking aim at Sony. I'm not interested in Sony. Note, I use (and pay for) Olympus digital cameras, but I'm not interested in Olympus either, beyond the fact that the company produces some stuff which more or less fits my needs. But you want find much about Olympus on my web site.
I don't have any problem with somebody who takes a different view, I certainly don't consider myself superior to people who are enthusiastic about cameras. I've been there - to some extent - and moved on. What my point was, which amazingly I think Kevin managed to find, despite my hiding it so well, is that there are a million gear sites, and only one Lula. I wouldn't want Lula to become the millionth-and-one gear site. And neither, it seems, does Kevin.
Actually I think I, and others, need to give Kevin time to find his way. He's not Michael, but Michael wasn't Kevin either. Kevin has introduced some changes here that probably would not have occurred to Michael, and that evolution is only just starting.
I love what both Olympus and Panasonic are doing with m43 those latest years. They are on the ones that are inovating
Olympus has a long tradition of lens quality. I had the opportunity to test the Pana G9 and was absolutly amazed
By the quality of the overall package as a photographic tool. The IS is truy a game changer for the hybrid shooter.
It allows to produce still/motion images in conditions that would be impossible otherwise, therefore is part of the creative process. I've heard that Olympus bodies are also very strong in IS but never tried their bodies.
M43 movement produces great reffined cameras and lenses for both the photographer and videographer.
If I had to put my money on a system, it would be between Sony, Fuji, m43 and if cash was not an issue, Leica.
But that's because all those fit my personal needs.
Now talking gear reviewers who do their bizz on networking, it's just like coaches or spiritual gurus who invaded the web with "the Secret", "a new earth", "awakening and enlightenment in 3 lessons", "a Curse in Miracles", the list is long.
A lot of internet "info" is theorical only and a way to make cash, and man needs cash. It's like that in every single area.
You'd be very surprized that even in what would/should be considered "serious", as I'm in touch with people of some "sensitive services" in Europe, even there!! internet brought a new crowd of experts and opinion makers of all kinds that are publishing regularly, let's put it that way: desinformation or lack of knowledge (which is the same).
But there are also and fortunatly very good content, creativity and real expertise.
It's just a mirror of mankind.
But remember, what makes a site alive are the members, not the owners. Regardless if Michael or Kevin. One's style or decisions can please more or less and that's just fine but the core of interactions occurs between members, and in this aspect, LuLa is probably the best site for photography.
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Very, very hard to believe. These stops are shutter speed of course in this context. So let's say you were starting with 1/50th second (call it "50"), meaning that as we increment to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4800 makes 6.5 stops on top of 1/50th; so with that camera if I expose at 1.50th I'm getting the equivalent in apparent steadiness as if I were shooting at 1/4800th? Is this believable?
It's not about "believing". That's what we do in church ;)
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Very, very hard to believe. These stops are shutter speed of course in this context. So let's say you were starting with 1/50th second (call it "50"), meaning that as we increment to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 4800 makes 6.5 stops on top of 1/50th; so with that camera if I expose at 1.50th I'm getting the equivalent in apparent steadiness as if I were shooting at 1/4800th? Is this believable?
Even harder to beleive when had the confirmation from Panasonic engineers that the 6.5 are body IS only. No dual as I thought. Which means whatever wide (max gained stops body IS are of course obtained in practice with wide angles) you put on it from any time-brand will benefit 6.5 stops. Ok, even saying 6...I thought it was a Dual IS performance only, but no.
It's not uncommon to shoot with it at 1/4 sec in low light / night scene and keep sharpness, so you can avoid to push isos on non moving objects, to use tripod or benefit from it accordingly to other circumstances.
The lowest speed limit to avoid motion blur remains the same as always. You'll need that speed regardless if IS or not. But in practice there are creative possibilities that could not be acheived otherwise.
Some people have reported to have shooted at 1 sec with no prob and videoreporters don't need gimballs. The field of action is large indeed.
The reason why micro43 rules IS is because of the sensor size. Bad for higher isos but best for IS as there is much more room for internal movement and mechanical reffinements. They have a much smaller sensor to be moved so they can unlock more performances.
If they rule IS, they will surely do well in pixel shifting technology also. In a way it compensates for their smaller sensor limitations.
Quite amazing times nowdays.