Technology’s Impact on Photography (and Videography)

(Another old writing piece from January 2017 but again I figured it was worth the share.)



 Technology is important, it’s how the pictures and videos actually get recorded and preserved. And the old mantra “You get what you pay for” is no exception to the world of cameras. But I’d like to talk about the relationship between upgrading technology and improving photography (and videography). When I first started taking (digital) pictures I was using a Kodak point and shoot, I had fun but I was never really astounded by the quality but they still served to preserve memories, the chief function of amateur photography. As I got more interested in quality, and in video, I saved up and bought my first DSLR (I say as if I’ve owned more than 2), a Nikon D3100, this was a fantastic camera and though I loved taking pictures and video with it, it probably went scarcely unused. (I just never found the time or purposes to actually go out and use it, but that’s another issue) But I had no knowledge of how to actually take advantage of fact that it was a DSLR, beyond experimenting with long exposures I basically used it as a point and shoot camera (which is not the worst of things for an entry level DSLR). The increase in tech certainly helped but until I learned how to use a camera properly, it wouldn’t do any good to get a better camera. I went to college and learned a ton about cameras and got myself a Canon 60D. I’ve been extremely pleased with it ever since I got it. The expensive investment has always been worth it in the back of my mind. The adventures I’ve taken it on, pictures and videos I’ve created with it have more than justified the cost in my mind. But I’m always a stickler for quality. I always want the best and highest quality (reasonably achievable that is). My experiences with better, more expensive cameras have certainly left me desirable for an upgrade. (My teacher’s in Nicaragua having top of the line DSLRs and getting FANTASTIC video and picture quality as well as our schools recently acquired Black Magic cameras have left my 60D quality certainly lacking.) But I need to be wary that I don’t get caught up in tech creep. More interested in upgrading my gear for the sake of having new toys than for the sake of getting the highest quality picture. And more importantly to use that as an EXCUSE to not make anything or push the limits of my current tech. There is certainly a huge benefit in upgrading technology. As important as the photographer is, having a good camera sure as heck helps. One of the guiding memories in forming this opinion is when I let my young cousin once removed take a picture with my 60D of another cousin. It wasn’t amazing but it looked pretty good. Access to higher tech certainly helps create a higher quality product, but that should not be used as an excuse to ignore learning the skills and intuition of photography. Having the top of the line camera doesn’t help you unless you know how to take good pictures. I say this not out of personal knowledge, but as a way to convince/remind myself of this fact. As important as upgrading your gear is, there is always more you can learn about the craft which will do even more than getting a new camera. (But having a better camera certainly helps). It’s all about finding a balance, understanding the flaws of your current setup, looking how you can improve that in the future, but STILL making use of what you have and not waiting till a future time to go and do something. It’s alright to oggle and dream about having the latest and greatest, but don’t spend all your time doing that. Go out and use what you have and have a good time. Don’t focus on what you don’t have or can’t do, find new ways to use what you can do and can have.