What Would You Like to See?
Paul Malley • 3 July 2020
What would you like to see...?
Over the last 35 or so years in which I have greatly enjoyed my photography, there have been many advances as a consequence of technology. In the 'good old days' (so called), of film, before software programs were needed, these advances were mainly in the field of lenses and camera bodies/internal functions. The advent of Digital has produced some remarkable leaps forward in what can be attained, so much so that a basic 'entry level' camera, kit lens and free software can produce excellent outputs.
I have pondered what the future may bring, especially when we consider that certain things which we previously thought impossible, may, in the future be potentially achievable. With this in mind, here is my 'Wish List' for what is my first choice for new functionality in each of the following: Camera internal, Lens and finally Software:
1. Camera Internal - Sensor Development for ISO : It goes without saying that not too long ago, anything with an ISO above 400 was to be avoided, especially with film, unless you wanted grain the size of golf balls! Sensor development in Digital Cameras is astounding today, to the extent that an ISO of 12800 is eminently useable and, although I have never used it in anger, H+ at 104,000 ISO can easily identify details in standard photography. Personally, I do not consider flash requirement until I get to 6400 ISO, as I know the sensor is good and then software can assist further post capture. However, there is a difference in the ISO capability between full-frame and the variance of Crop. This is where I would like to see development further. We are aware of current limitations of the number of sites which can be placed on a sensor, their position on the array, their light gathering capacity, and even filtering (where used), to counter effect Moiré. Come the day that a crop Sensor comes very, very close to the capability of a full frame then I may look at changing bodies. The apparent extra reach in terms of the crop at the top end of a zoom, coupled to its general weight and fast shooting rate would be good for the wildlife genre I enjoy, but I don't wish to lose the full frame benefit of post production cropping without image detriment. This is a continual area for technological advancement, - since there must come a point where the physical limit of the Sensor is reached and then science can turn to the voltage variance across the sensor to assist the ISO.
2. Lens - Range and Weight : As I've mentioned above, I enjoy my wildlife photography. Because medical science cannot yet reverse the effects of aging, lugging a full frame kit round for the day can be tiresome. I use a 100-400mm zoom with a 1.4 extender (effective range becomes 100-560mm), which covers most options. My latest firmware update allows the camera to operate with f value at f8 or below for autofocus, plus values above. The alternative to this is the mighty 500mm f4 fixed prime. Zooms are great, but the images from a prime are generally accepted to be better (MTF charts as evidence). Optics nowadays cover 150-600mm with ease; my wish would be a 10-600mm f4, yes, that's correct 10mm-600mm. I would suggest f2.8, but I think the laws of optics may discount this, and the lens cap would be the size of a dustbin lid for the light gathering capability. I'd also have to hire Arnold Schwarzenegger, or a team of Nepalese Sherpas to carry the kit. The length of this beautiful optic must be less than 10" to keep the unit balanced. Improbable, maybe, but hey, it took just 10 years from nothing to get a man on the moon, so who knows...
3. Software - A return to single purchase programs (not monthly), which can be customised : There's two very good reasons why I do not use the current monthly payment for LR and PS; firstly, as a Yorkshireman I think its overpriced, and secondly its full of extra bits that I'd be paying for, which I would never use in a million years (I'm back to that medical ageing thing again). I know that the Adobe package is regularly updated and it's all done for you, but 3yrs+ at £10/month is £360.00+. I think there are better programs available. I currently use PS Elements13, (it's so old that some of the functions are written in Latin), however, it was a one-off purchase for £40 and it generally meets my needs. I say generally, because there are a few extras from other mixed programs which I would like and would use, therefore my reasoning for a 'customised package tailored to meet customer specification.' I would like to order a version of PS, or even the cut down version of PSElements which have the following embedded, and not as a bolt on: Fully backwards compatible RAW interface to open files in: Individual colour channel sliders for use in Black and White: A Curves adjustment rather than limited sliders, a quality Panoramic Stitch and a 75 image Stacking function. The closest I have seen to this, to date is Serif Affinity. I would go on-line, order my customised program and then receive the CD in the post - aaah, the good old days again.
So, there we go; that's my vision and aspirations to the Photographic Industry.
I'd like to hear your thoughts, hopes and wishes for where we could go in the years ahead.
Louth Photographic Society
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A PDI (Projected Digital Image) competition was held last night with the categories of "Architectural Detail", and "Open". Martyn Wrigg was our judge for the evening, and he competently judged the submitted images, although he diid surprise with some of his choices of placing, but that's a judges perogative. Martyn complemented members on the quality of the images presented, which had made some of his decisions difficult. First placed was "It's a Fixer Upper" in the Architectural Detail section, and "Dervish Musician" in the Open section. Congratulations to Robin Begley, who as one of our newest members submitted some impressive images, achieving a 3rd place in "Architectural Details", and 2nd in the "Open" category. All the results are now posted to our website Competition page.
Good Morning All Last week at the club member Steve Chapman gave us an insight into his life and especially his time at Ilam Park in Derbyshire photographing for the National Trust. Steve showed us many photographs he had taken of the people involved with the trust and the Peak District. The second half was dedicated to Steve's own work, some superb aircraft photography as well as many other subjects. There is a report on the evening on our blog page. This week, Wednesday 11th March we are holding a PDI competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail " and "Open" to be judged by Martyn Wrigg of Barton. The following week is a committee meeting for the committee members only on that evening. For newer members we have two committee meetings a year. Regards Graham
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