Equipment Does Matter

Toronto photographer Michael Reichman asserts on his Luminous Landscape web site that camera choice is important in good photography.

Mr. Reichman is responding to an article by Ken Rockwell suggesting cheap cameras make great photographs. Mr. Rockwell cites a number of anecdotal pieces of evidence suggesting skilled people achieve better results using cheap equipment than the less skilled using good equipment, although not all the examples are from photography. This is one of the frequent clichés expressed in online forums in response to comparing the merits of different cameras.

“The quality of a lens or camera has almost nothing do with the quality of images it can be used to produce,” according to Mr. Rockwell.

This is an oversimplification and neglects the real technical requirements of the many different types of photography. As a response to those who suggest cameras with brand XYZ are the only cameras capable of taking a good photograph; Mr. Rockwell’s argument goes too far the other way.

There are a variety types and brands of cameras on the market, and one of the largest segments is for DSLRs. They are popular because of their versatility. By choosing the right combination of equipment, they become suitable for a range of subjects. Most sports events feature a forest of telephoto lenses and monopods. Without the right equipment, all you end up with is a small figure lost in the expanse of the arena or track. Conversely, for landscape work tripods and wide-angle lenses abound. There is a need for an angle of view to include as much as possible of an expansive vista, so the lens choice is important.

Mr. Reichman acknowledges the importance of the photographer’s skill, but suggests it needs combining with appropriate equipment to achieve the best results. After all one of Mr. Reichman’s main activities is teaching photographic techniques via video tutorials, and workshops.