May15
Do Digital Cameras Make Photographers Better?
Nikon is running an interesting series of ads right now. Food for thought:
Do you agree with their statement?
It’s an interesting idea - made more so by the fundamental premise of the ad campaign. As an experiment and no doubt a terrific marketing plan, Nikon gave 200 D40 cameras to the people of Georgetown, South Carolina. It was an attempt, Nikon says, to prove just how easy the camera is, and presumably how easy it is for anyone to be a photographer.
You can see the gallery of pictures taken by the townsfolk here and although it’s clearly an advertising campaign, you’ve got to hand it to Nikon for creativity. Frankly, the ad campaign itself borders on the artistic, which is not something I generally say about ads!
But the question is, are the photographs any good?
Not really. No surprise there. The photographs for the most part lack the sophistication of more mature photographers who are armed with techniques that get the most out of the camera. BUT the photos are decent. And by decent I mean the kind of thing I might occasionally snap with a point-and-shoot to show my parents at Christmas.
But here’s the thing. I think this ad campaign touches on something many of us think about and even fear: the idea that digital technology in cameras has blurred the line between sophisticated and skilled photographers and…everyone else. I think all of us have wondered about that from time to time. And believe me, I’m a die-hard fan of digital technology (having learned and practiced for years, of course, with film and darkrooms).
So is it true? Can “anyone take a great picture,” as Nikon says, with a digital camera? I think the answer is yes. They can. But they won’t unless one of two things happen: a) they get very lucky, or b) they improve their skills.
My view is that digital cameras have helped everyone - the skilled and unskilled alike - become just a little bit better. There is no doubt that modern cameras meter more accurately, and the capabilities of software can allow pretty poor photos to become at least decent. But decent doesn’t make one a good photographer and I think the line between skilled and unskilled remains pretty much where it has always been.
So in the end, I am not one of those who fears the blurring of the line between serious photographers and snapshooters. I don’t think it’s blurred at all. If digital technology helps the average snapshooter who has no interest in being a serious photographer, I say more power to them. But their pictures will still not rise to the level of a true photographer’s. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a scenario where I think everyone wins.
Nikon’s ad in my view isn’t quite accurate. Sure, anyone can take a good digital photo. And the D40, like a lot of other dSLRs, can help make that happen. But photographers should not fear that their skill set has somehow been devalued by the advance of technology. It simply isn’t the case.
What do you think?
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photographyVoter.com May 15th 2007 at 09:01 am 1
Do Digital Cameras Make Photographers Better? | Photographer’s Journey.com…
A new Nikon ad and an interesting experiment in Georgetown, South Carolina poses an interesting question. What do you think?…
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John Roberts May 17th 2007 at 10:02 pm 4
One usually becomes a better photographer by shooting more and experimenting. Digital has allowed me to do that to an extent that I never could with film because of cost. I think that being able to see a result immediately after making the exposure helps too.
photogv7 May 17th 2007 at 10:07 pm 5
I agree, John. Digital cameras have made it a little easier for all of us. But when it comes down to it, I think the best photographers are still a league apart from casual shooters - whether they use film or digital.
Trish May 21st 2007 at 05:38 pm 6
I think the ad campaign is accurate. What makes a great picture is many things — the motivation, the right equipment, the freedom to experiment, an eye, mind, heart, soul to name a few. We all possess these — professional and non-professional alike. The technical qualities of digital cameras, and the freedom from the cost of film/developing are encouraging to keep trying. The instantaneous feedback permit faster progress on the learning curve for those with the will to learn.
Does the add guarantee you will become an artist or experienced photographer overnight? No. Anyone who appreciates the high art form an experienced photographer provides knows that. You bring you and all that part of your life you devoted to your art to your pictures. That does not come off an assembly line.
Take it from a snapshooter who loves the visual arts.
photogv7 May 22nd 2007 at 09:01 am 7
Trish you have some good points. I agree - digital cameras are amazing. I’m not sure about Nikon’s use of the word “great” though. Granted, it’s subjective, but to me “great” means great, not just really really good. And I think only the greatest of photographers produced great work consistently.
I don’t mean to play a semantics game, but as a writer I can’t help myself.
Poll Results: Do Digital Cameras Make Photographers Better? | Photographer's Journey.com May 22nd 2007 at 09:22 am 8
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Cooper Strange May 22nd 2007 at 11:56 pm 9
If the audience to whom Nikon is advertising feel they have taken “great pictures”, then there is no issue. I agree that the photos from the “Picturetown” townsfolk could be better in many ways, but if the townsfolk feel the D40 helped them take great pictures, then Nikon has just used some of the new tools available in the digital photography world to make more customers happy by enabling them to take the “great pictures” they have always wanted.
One guy mentions the D40’s speed, which a slower compact camera could never handle. A lady mentions the exposure is better than her compact cameras. Others mention the zoom. Basically, yes, the capabilities of the D40 are better than a compact, and can give you more tools with which to work.
Photoshop Insider » Wednesday News Brief Jul 12th 2007 at 12:48 pm 10
[…] digital cameras make better photographers? It’s an interesting article posted over at the Photographer’s Journey Blog, and the discussion was sparked by a new print ad from Nikon. Definitely worth a […]
I love cameras Jan 28th 2008 at 03:52 am 11
I don’t blame Nikon or most companies trying new marketing tactics nowadays, its pretty much what you have to do to even get peoples attention.
How does the amateur getting into photography choose which brand to go with? Probably usually the first person that tells him Canon is better than Nikon or visa versa.