Hybrid Hoopla and Camera Bubbles

How many (related) technologies should be packed into a single device? I haven't a clue. I truly love the multi-functionality of my iPhone. But when it comes to photography, the trend to produce more versatile and multi-functional dSLRs has me, uhhh.... yawning.

It's not that I'm not impressed with some of these technological marvels. I am. Take Canon's 5DmkII. Even sans the HD video capability it's a very sophisticated camera capable of producing incredible images. And the price is right. I can buy one for less than what I spent on my 5D not all that long ago, significantly less in fact. (That, of course, annoys me to some degree.)

When I purchased my 5D, there was one driving force that motivated me: The full-frame sensor. Prior to the intro of the 5D, my only full-frame-sensor Canon option was their 1D line. But, frankly, I didn't want to plunk down the bucks for a 1D. Why? Practicality and frugality. Having a 1D wasn't going to net me any more work. My clients seemed pretty satisfied with the images I was already producing with my Canon 20D. (It ain't all about the camera when it comes to making good pictures.)

Unfortunately for my wallet, I wanted full-frame goodness. I wanted my glass to behave like it was supposed to behave. If I was shooting at a focal length of 85mm, I wanted that focal-length reflected in the imagery reaching the sensor. If I wanted to crop, I'd be the cropper, not the camera's reduced-frame sensor technology.

Now, we're seeing these hybrids that have popped up in the marketplace. Sure, there's other good reasons to upgrade to, for instance, a 5DmkII--other than its video capability--but I can't shake the feeling I'm still paying for functionality that I'm simply not too interested in having on board a still camera. In fact, hybrid technologies seem more apropos for point-n-shoots, IMO, of course. Call me old-school. Call me whatever you'd like. I don't really care what you call me. I yam what I yam. (Courtesy, Popeye, TSM.)

I also make some of my living as a videographer. I have a video camera, a fairly decent one: A Sony HDR-Z1U. When I'm shooting video, I'll shoot video with my Sony Z-cam, thank you very much. Are there times when it would be handy and convenient to have HD video capture on board a dSLR? I'm sure there are and I'm sure there will be. Are those times so frequent that I need to spend on a hybrid dSLR? Probably not. At least, not at this time.

I'm not going to delve into the technical and functional pros-and-cons of shooting video with these new-breed dSLRs versus a dedicated vidcam. There's plenty of places on the web where that discussion is taking place. I'm simply interested in using the best tool for the job (that I can afford) and, at this point, shooting video with a dSLR is not the most all-around effective tool for my needs.

Hybrid cameras are innovative, at least from the perspective of multi-functionality, but are they truly innovative from a still photography POV? I suppose that answer varies depending on who is answering it. What would I like to see in still dSLR camera innovation? How about a medium-format sensor on board a dSLR and at an affordable price?

As for bubbles, I certainly ain't an economist. But I've blown enough bubble-gum bubbles to understand the dynamics of bubbles: They expand until they burst! And that's what I think is happening with digital photography, e.g., digital cameras. I'm not talking about the price and profit aspects that the term "bubble" most often refers to, but the availability of so many new cameras in the marketplace. Yeah, *that* camera bubble.

It seems like every week another camera manufacturer is announcing a new version of their old cameras with, supposedly, marked increases in performance and quality and capability. I'm reflecting on dSLRs as well as point-n-shoots. And you can certainly apply the bubble analogy to other photo gear, stuff like lighting and such. (Think the new breed of "digital" monolights.) At what point is the market so saturated with these repeated and new offerings that consumers simply decide not to buy? (i.e., not to upgrade from what they just bought last year/month/week.) Perhaps we've already reached this point? If so, camera and other photo-gear manufacturers are going to have less money available for R&D and other things. But then, how much more dR&D do we really need?

When I look at the work of the masters, I can't help but wonder if their work would have been improved if they had the tools available that we have today? I'm guessing not. A camera might be your third eye but, when it comes to photography, the eye that truly matters is the one in your head: Your mind's eye. That's where your artistic vision comes from. Not from a computer chip.

The pretty girl at the top is Alexa from a shoot last year, captured full-frame with my Canon 5D and an 85mm prime.