Camera chat, photography industry? lenses? sensor sizes? whats pro?

[@Traditiononamission]

The only real photography channel on KZbin.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!’

[@Cotictimmy]

Hi Martin. The reason your channel is one of my favourites is because you talk about whether images are actually appealing to look at & why (regardless of camera age & price), & you are NOT pushing viewers to dump their gear and buy expensive new hi-tech stuff. It's the 'NOT being motivated by making videos in order to make KZbin creation a career' that is one of the factors that decides me about whether I like a particular channel. So far you have NOT given off those tell-tale 'I'm desperate - PLEASE follow me!' vibes. Best Wishes to you. 😀

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much! Well I would like to make it a career but in a different way to others

[@chrishomer]

Very well said.

[@seanb480]

100% agree. The art and philosophy of photography as the cornerstone.

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

I just subscribed, and this channel is quickly becoming one of my favourites for all of the above. Well said. Best wishes to all.

[@stevenorrisphoto]

Hi Chris. I taught photography for over 20 years and I always told my students that the camera (size, sensor, pixels etc.) doesn't matter. My wife and I had a camera and photo printing store for 27 years and I've looked at THOUSANDS if not millions of photos. The point I made to my students is that with all that experience, show me a photo and I could not tell you what camera was used (with the exception of Polaroid), so it really doesn't matter. (Bad salesman actually because my business was selling cameras!). In one workshop we had a full range of cameras being used but at the final show and tell, the best images by far where from an older lady (85yo!) with a Kodak digital point and shoot, literally with no user input except hitting the shutter button). That confirmed my message but also demonstrated to me that the technology can get in the way of the image. The other students where so involved with working out their camera settings rather than the image itself. Your channel is a breath of fresh air! I wish you all the success with it,

[@jerryscoby7379]

I like the common sense approach. I took my 1st photo in 1953, I was 11 years old, and I carry a copy in my wallet. I learned the real reason to take a photo 2 years later when he died. Keep up the good work.

[@crawford323]

Young man, I would love to meet you which is I,possible but to chat with someone as yourself who spent your life with photography and I have survived the change of time which photography has evolved. I met Adam's once. I met Minor White also. You I believe would be as interesting as well.

[@photom3]

So good, I agree. You’re a breath of fresh air in photography and online in general.

[@gaoldias]

Great points, Martin. As an Olympus M4/3 shooter, you can well imagine the stick I get pretty frequently both online and in person for choosing and using a small sensor system. But I chose Olympus for my own reasons. Once I started really digging in to what my cameras could do, I realized that I could certainly get the results I wanted to get. I've worked as a photographer both professionally and now just as a hobbyist. I can safely say, having come up in the 70's and 80's with film, that today's cameras are orders of magnitude more capable than film cameras were/are regardless of sensor size. The other factor that often gets overlooked is budget. Most people don't have infinite financial resources and so crop sensor cameras may have more appeal for those on the lower end of the budget scale. If you are interested in seeing what M4/3 can do in a landscape context, check out Canadian landscape photographer Peter Baumgarten. Great content...please keep it up.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Andrew i will take a look at Peters work!

[@scarletandrei5]

I find myself in what u say So much sense

[@SniperPhotography]

Martin.I have been behind the camera since 1973.Yes,I have seen many,many changes. I am a full time commercial photographer and shooting landscapes for relaxation. On the camera reviews I don’t watch them because I don’t have to. These so called KZbin influences are given new cameras to sample.I don’t think they would ever tell one and all that the camera is no good,they would never say that. These influences have had the camera in their hands for 25 seconds.How can that be an honest review. Thank you for your informative video. Cheers

[@UNSCPILOT]

It's quite funny when people brag about a super sharp, then permanently stick a Pro-Mist filter on it, when you can get 90% of the effect for 10% the cost. Meanwhile I can have heaps of fun with a Canon Rebel T6, a handful of thrift store lenses and a Sony FD-75 Mavica with a heap of 3.25" floppies. Use what you enjoy, specs don't make the shots, you do. Heck, the camera I value most is a old grey Polaroid Impulse AF, an instant camera with ultrasound auto focus. I got it as a kid because it looked cool and didn't have access to fresh cartridges for over a decade, now when conditions are really great I can unwrap a brand new cartridge and have a ball picking 8 things I want to have a picture of, helps that it has a wonderful viewfinder for an instant camera too Next goal is finding a Sony FD-95 Mavica in good shape, not some multi-thousand dollar monster because that's where I see the fun

[@fineartviewfotografie3742]

Amen, you nailed it! In principle every lens design is a trade off. KZbin is full of crap lens reviews with MTF charts, thats why I never look at them. From a trade off perspective a ultra sharp modern lens is flat, clinical, no micro contrast but is ultra sharp. A proper old school lens has far less or none correctional elements, maybe less sharp, therefore better micro contrast, dimensionality. Especially for black and white photography those old school lenses are giving far better contrast and dimensionality. For my non commercial portrait and artnude work I only use my old school Zeiss and Voigtlanders. The models are saying that my photographs of them are looking soo different from what they are used to. And most of my models are coming back for that. Off course also for the way they are treated by me. At the end, do the things you want and don’t care about others opinion, is my motto!

[@MarcoBordo3333]

Martin, you have the best photo Chanel on KZbin, be proud colleague!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Marc!

[@keithbuck8252]

so glad i found this channel loving it Martin

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!

[@PadPoet]

I have an A9 and a A7RIII with enough Sony native primes but I’m more existed to receive a used 5D Mark II I bought along with a 70-200 USM II Canon lens. I stumbled upon your channel after researching how well a 5D Mark II holds up in 2022 and now I am hunting for a 5D Classic. Awesome photography advice and thoughts, keep up the good work!

[@PixPete]

Same boat!! I've spent thousands on new Fuji gear but a few weeks ago picked up a 5D Mark II that I came by for £150. Thought why not? I've stuck an old Zenit 50mm f1.7 on it (1970's Russian lens) and can honestly say I'm having more fun shooting with this set up than anything else I've bought. The quality of the pictures and colours are amazing. It's actually what led me to discover Martin's channel as was searching KZbin to see if anyone else was crazy enough to still be using a 5D Mark II in 2022 haha!

[@PadPoet]

@@PixPete Haha, I can relate. I binge-watched like 10 videos of Martin late last night on 5D Classic, 6D and other related topics and stayed up until 4am. Photography is not about gear but about the output you get. I used to have a 10D back in the day and to be honest I had more fun shooting with that ancient beast rather than my new Sony gear. Canon colours and grip are still top in my book. Now I am after a used 5D classic or a 6D because of that "creamy" look, haha!

[@MartinCastein]

awww guys, look at you all getting on and talking about camera gear. hahaha thanks both of you im glad you are able to relate to what im saying and you are coming to similar conclusions!

[@PadPoet]

@@MartinCastein Please keep going with this unique and honest approach with your channel. Literally feels like a breath of fresh air in the YT space. Off now to watch the rest of your channel 😂 Thanks Martin, you’re doing God’s work buddy! 🙏

[@PixPete]

@@MartinCastein haha the photography community is the best of any hobby I’ve ever had. Everyone just loves talking to each other and sharing ideas without any ego! Although actually, I very rarely subscribe to many KZbin photography channels because they’re all full of BS, like much of what you described in this vid! Please keep making content, you’re a great teacher!

[@janedagger]

Martin ! You are talking vintage lenses !!! :) :) :).. Now I gotta go look at that ISO video. I'm stuck with vintage cos of costs and have been learning on them... slowly. And my respect for your 'mind' has me listening cos no matter what... I will loin somptin, I know it. I can't wait to find shots you did with the old ones. My Hexanons have been glorious even with this ground level amateur and sometimes kind purty. Anyway, back to the video.

[@Deminimis2]

Spot on. I subscribed. I remember people saying you got to shoot full frame. For digital I started out MFT then went to APS-C then on to full frame which was admittedly nice but I still wasn’t happy so I am now back with APS-C. I don’t listen to people who talk about full frame any more. I think and see in APS-C. I have found my niche. My focus now is trying to expand my vision on how I want my photos to look like. I can take a 100 photos then maybe accept 4 that I kind of like but still think that something is missing. When I think of photos that I have really liked I can only think of 2. One was when I was testing a new lens and the other a black and white photo at an event in a dark environment. So I am still on my journey to find myself. Something that will make me say to myself this is what I have been looking for.

[@ashsphotolounge]

I'm a semi retired pro - and KZbinr - and I think it's so important to do as you are doing (and I hope I am too) and tell folks there are more ways to do things than just what is peddled as wisdom by people who want to sell you new gear. When I converted to digital as a pro in 2002 I did pro work with 6.3 megapixel crop sensor cameras like the Nikon D100 - clients were delighted -so everything is relative. It really doesn't matter if you use a 36 megapixel sensor or a 5x7 plate camera (I use both) it's the ingenuity and creativity you bring to the picture taking process that really counts. Whatever gear a pro uses is pro gear. You have a new subscriber in me 🙂

[@jay-by1se]

I'm new to your channel but it's immediately my favorite photography channel. I love your realistic approach and not getting caught in camera spec madness. I have an Olympus mirrorless and it is amazing for sure, but my old d700 is still also amazing.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks so much glad you are enjoying my channel !

[@jcfausto]

Real talk. Loved it.

[@seanb480]

Great commentary of photography and using the tools you have to create your art. In most ways the more challenges I face in shooting (older gear, less choices, etc), the better my art/photography becomes!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks glad you liked it Sean!

[@borderlands6606]

The best thing about mirrorless cameras, is the way they have liberated classic lenses from obscurity. I have a fair collection of rangefinder and SLR lenses, and they all offer a different look to modern glass. Sensor size also offers alternative angles of view, and older cameras are one of the cheapest aspects of a system to change, while keeping the same set of lenses.

[@lxhk3595]

I have one modern 50mm and 10+ vintage fifties, which are so much fun to discover for their strengths. If their conditions then apply, the results are stellar in their own sense.

[@michaeldigby8349]

Great stuff Martin. Too many people try to push high grade gear in order to improve. Loved the bit about your micro 4/3 sensor for depth of field in landscape photography.

[@johndwilliams]

Refreshing ideas on photography. I think you were right about things are changing soon with the recent changes in KZbin algorithms.

[@HeuerAndy]

You are a good person. That's not just about what I hear, it speaks from your soul.

[@studiorosenforsintl.3434]

Hej Martin, just discovered your channel, great stuff;-) Been a pro photo- and cinematographer since 1981, and I wholeheartedly agree with your point about what is 'professional' and why it doesn't matter. However, there is a point I'd like to make; you are talking from _our_ point of view, as professional photographers, where only the result matters, not the way you get there in terms of equipment, technique or how you hold the camera. But..there is also the perception of the client to take into account. It is sometimes even said "perception is key" ;-) I assume the general perception is that shooting with your camera at arm's length is amateurish, and if I were a wedding photographer I would take that in account. (We could sometimes use a small mirrorless for our video work, but still use a 'big' video rig for the same reason;-)

[@frontstandard1488]

I went from year with Fujinon GW680 medium format camera to a Linux S1R with EVF. I'm getting into it well. I used loads of film slrs with optical viewfinder's but the mirror less shows the exposure and that's good for me as eyes age. The lenses are important for digital imo, I use voigtlander, Zeiss otus and the best sigma hsm classics. Saved a load of cash this way. The rendering is its own thing and I now embrace it and don't want to make it look like film because it's not. I like the bigger sensor for cropping in camera and for the detail which is a hangover from big film negatives. I think the S1R is a stupendous value system for its quality and function for photography.

[@WarrenRoddy]

The closer you get to feeds and speeds the further you get from your craft.

[@atrbear]

Love your no nonsense practical and useful information with out the click bait agendas, Keep it up!, Ted.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Spot on all the way through. I’ve gone almost full circle since starting in 2009 with low resolution Minolta and Nikon apsc then moving on to high res Nikon d800 and then Sony. Now I’m back to using micro 4/3 as a daily driver and my Canon 6d and some vintage lens simply because I’ve come to realise that the end result is all that matters and how you get there is a personal thing. Great video, Martin🖖

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you David, this is so great that im finding so many photographers with the same mindset! Thanks for your comment!

[@Twobarpsi]

I really like your opinion on modern technology's fascination with technical specs. Not many photographers think this way. They always want the newest, most expensive gear.

[@MartinCastein]

I have to balance this view out all the time in my mind because I also own the latest gear for work too, but then again if i didnt have that in some instances I wouldnt get paid now. So its a balance I think.

[@MartinCastein]

Im referring to the need for video to be clear. Photo wise I can use anything nearly.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@MartinCastein my friend is still working with the 5D Mark 4 for photos and he uses a Blackmagic for video which has an ef-mount.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@MartinCastein I forgot to add that he's thinking of switching to the Sony fx3 for video work now! He's a paid professional that does a lot of corporate video work. Will still do photography but mainly had to switch to video now.

[@MartinCastein]

This is how it is, same for me really and video is the future for professional work now really!

[@tombain5665]

Honestly for me the most authentic informative and entertaining channel out there. And I have "opened" most of them, and rapidly switched off. Great stuff. Thanks Martin

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much Tom, means a lot!!!!!

[@yozhiworks]

Thanks for your videos, I really appreciate them and the information you share. I bought my Canon 6D because of your videos in part, and do not regret it AT ALL! Subscribed, looking forward to more videos.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Nice thinking and I totally agree. I’m not a professional, but I’m a serious photo enthusiast. When I started shooting again, in 2013, I started with a Canon 600D, now I also have a Canon 6Dmk2, but I still enjoy shooting with the 600D and a fixed EF-S 24mm lens (38mm on crop sensor) getting excellent results. I realized that it is not the technology that is needed, but our sensitivity and our commitment to improve. Thanks for share Martin.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Riccardo!

[@GeertKuster]

Hi Martin. Great vid. Insightful and relativizing in a way that’s unusual for KZbin. It’s either extremely rubbish or the best thing in the universe in a lot of other videos. I really can’t see any hysterical KZbin video. That’s why I stick around with your channel. Came across because someone in the analog society mentioned the 5D Classic (get it before prices hike up) and that’s when I stumbled upon your vids (guess what… have it now and paired it with the 40mm/2.8 and will be using it with Nikkor vintage mainly). Anyhow. Best wishes. All the best in 2023 and I hope your channel keeps on growing as you honestly mention and hope yourself as well. Enjoying this stuff 🤙🏻

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you found me Geert, the 40mm 2.8 is excellent, happy new year!

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

Martin, my friend, you are going to piss off some of the biggest names in KZbin photography! Be careful, you might start seeing an increase in subscribers! You’re one of the very few channels for which I have alerts set, and you are the greatest “influencer” I’ve spent time watching. I got into your content when I was learning what a full frame camera sensor meant by watching the 5D Classic videos and now I stick around to see if I can glean some of your techniques. But what sets you apart from the other talking heads doing the newest gear reviews is your personable demeanor. Don’t lose that. I 100% know you’ll read this comment and I also know you’ll likely comment. That type of approachability makes you different, you’re real and you give back to us viewers not just with your content but also with your interaction. If you were in the US, I’d travel just to meet you and shake your hand. If I had 30 minutes to pick your brain, well, I wouldn’t know whether to shit or go blind. Keep up the good work buddy. I appreciate you and I know many others do as well. My journey has been so much more enjoyable with your help, even if you haven’t personally been involved with my education. Thank you. 1000 times over. You’re a definite asset to the community and much more beneficial than a tattoo covered spaz, or Afro sporting ass clown on KZbin! (Okay, I got a little carried away at the end but those guys really do ruin this craft)

[@MartinCastein]

Hey buddy!!!! Im definitely coming to the US eventually. I have no idea when but one day I have a few subscribers to meet up with so we can do that too. Im so glad you find all this useful Here was me wondering for years before starting this channel if anyone would ever want to listen to all this, i really did wonder that and held back for ages because I dont want to be a regular channel. I do like the new gear and I like the old gear too and I dont really see anyone doing that. Anyway I hope you are well I should drop you an email soon I think, id like to hear how you are getting on too.

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

@@MartinCastein yes I’d like to hear from you. I have been taking fewer pictures lately and spending more time ironing out how to use Lightroom more effectively. I know it’s probably boring content but I’d be interested to see some of your workflow on that one day. I recently started taking jpgs alongside raw files to have something to judge my final products against. Quite honestly, I found the jpgs from the EOSR to be quite acceptable. Maybe you’ll have some thoughts on that down the road. Talk to you soon!

[@DI-cm5xc]

Spot on, Martin. Great points. For years I’ve used a couple of D700s, 3 newer G lenses and a bag full of old Ai/Ais lenses. Happy camper all around. Then, quite by coincidence, I acquired a minty D300s. Now I carry a D700 and the D300s on trips and your observations on crop sensors are so true. Almost doubles the number of focal lengths at my disposal and the crop sensor is much better for certain shots. The only DX lens I have is a 10-20 that came with the camera. The D700 and D300s images are pretty much a wash, especially when printed. Thanks for the insights.

[@MartinCastein]

You carry a D700, thats excellent and why not its such a superb camera. Glad to hear your viewpoints here. thank you

[@interestedbystander196]

I like the way you call it. Subscribed. I am trying to get into/back into photography and I have an idea - watch this space. 😊 The most important bit of photography gear, as I see it, is the eye and brain behind the viewfinder.

[@yoki9743]

Martin, see... you've just confirmed my previous comment on your last video, inspiring, NO BS, no frills, exciting, excellent work ethic... and now... gaining traction as an inspirational speaker... absolutely superb. Could I be so bold as to suggest that you make one of this "type/style" of video each month, just so we can all be inspired to get out there and do something with our gear... I've said it before and will say it again "you are the man"... thank you... and again I doff my cap sir... bravo...Yoki..

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks again so much Yoki, I didnt think of myself as an inspirational speaker hahaha. But yes once a month I could do something like this as long as it doesnt repeat too much, thats a good idea I suppose. Well if it makes you want to get out and shoot more thats great, i didnt really expect that result i must say.

[@mart872uk]

I made a journey? Petri , Olympus , medium format in film . Lots of slow fun . Scanning etc Then digital , amazing . Bit thin to start but got better . Real resolution and so on . I see your point about 5D and what followed . Did Pentax Mf . Did Contax film ( inc the lenses) I see your YT as relevant and amazing . I’m mart 872uk . Did family and fashion ! And have loved photography . I’m still on a model site ! But have sold travel images and really enjoy my cameras . 72 and still going . 😎

[@jayse1195]

Another great vid, love the no punches pulled way of talking, straight up. Cheers for all these, you're doing us all a big favour.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Jay!

[@TheStorytellingDad]

I think this message was long overdue, cheers Martin.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@jeffaldrich9267]

Really, really enjoyed this video. I’m just getting back into photography, use to be a wedding photographer, started in film. This video is dead on.

[@MrDunk66]

Martin, love your insights into the craft and the way you communicate. Be an artist not a technician - no doubt been said a million times. Who cares what brushes J.M.W Turner used to paint with !

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@craigparks7228]

In the voice of Jack Nicholson (1997 As Good as it Gets) You make me want to be a better photographer.... Thanks Martin!

[@MartinCastein]

hahahah excellent well i guess thats job done!

[@LeandroBighetti]

Love your channel ! Bing watching it ! Left my xt1 in London tube 😢 and your channel has helped me get a old dslr and continue to carry on with my photography ! Thank you ❤

[@martinlawrence8427]

Interesting chat Martin. Always enjoy hearing your thoughts. Good luck with your journey on KZbin, your content merits a wider audience! 👊

[@MartinCastein]

Much appreciated!

[@Riccardo_Mori]

Yet another video where you had me nodding all the way through, Martin! My neck hurts now, LOL. I was recently given a Nikon D2Hs by the family of a journalist friend who sadly passed away 2 years ago at a too young age. I've been shooting with it for the past 2 weeks and it was truly an experience. The resulting photos - especially those where I nailed exposure - have such character that it's very easy to forget you're shooting with a 4.1 megapixel DSLR from 2005. I never particularly cared about megapixels, anyway, but your message resonated a lot because I was thinking about my experience with this Nikon in particular (not to mention the dozens of digicams from the 2000s I keep shooting with for pure fun). Cheers! //Rick

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Riccardo, ive seen a few people picking up the D2Hs recently, please keep shooting for fun Rick, hope you are well.

[@CircuitBurger]

Greetings buddy, as usual, to the point, informed, engaging and totally relevant. I can certainly see and feel this channel growing immensely. Your subject content really does hit the spot. I've been trying for ages to get myself off the ground with KZbin, but my confidence leaps out of the window as soon as I sit in front of the camera 😆 My Grandson is building his channel, and I'm giving him great advice with the production and boy is he getting to grips with it, and he's only 11yrs old. With regards to the sensor size, I too have jumped through the marketing hoops and fell for the advertising, and after alot of money has changed hands I can now say I no longer focus on the sensor size any more, but like you described, there are occasions and shoots, that can dictate a certain look and appeal. To be honest my daily shooter is an Olympus M4/3, and the way it works and the output, is just sensational. I'm going to use it next year, on the first wedding I've got along side my Nikons, to see how that output and usage translates. One of the cool aspects with it, is that you can purchase cheap adapters, so I can attach my old Nikkor primes to it, which give great looking results and it's fun too. Take care pal and keep up the quality content 👍 I

[@MartinCastein]

Mate you can do youtube, just commit to a video a week and it doesnt matter how bad they are because you learn by doing, you will get there if you just keep going with it. One thing I would say with youtube is there is SO much to learn that you have to just go through the process. Im not producing the kind of content I want to yet, it will still take me some time to get there, every journey is different but if you do want to do it, imagine where you could be in 3 years time, dont focus on what video 1-100 look like think about what video 500 will be like.Will be very interested to hear how you get on with the Oly at a wedding let me know how that goes please.

[@PaulKretz]

I'm all for sharpness. But! I do not really care that much of vignette, CA, distortion, flares or even camera body. So I adore the old lenses like EF 135mm f/2.8 (with soft focus). Many people don't even know they exist. Sharp enough for most applications, low-cost and the rest you can correct or use to your advantage. At the same time useful all the way from film cameras since 1987, through the first 1D(s) to R3... And yeah, I love DPAF and stuff, but 5D Classic still delivers the best colours I've ever seen from camera.

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Paul, yes I agree with all that. Its all good gear and whats not to like. The 5d classic is still king of the castle though for sure!

[@kultyurgeym]

I just came across to your channel, but everything that you've said make sense more.

[@RomeSnowShower]

100% agree with you, Martin. I subscribe each single word you said. I feel so lucky to have found you on KZbin Ciao from Rome, Italy -Luca

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much Luca. Im really glad to have you as a subscriber and you live in one of my favourite cities in the world in what I think is probably the most beautiful country in the world. Hope you are well Luca.

[@RomeSnowShower]

@@MartinCastein Thanks Martin, also Great Britain is so fascinating place! Best regards&Take care. Ciao!

[@Leon04025]

Thank you for the immense experience you can share with all of us, I'm really grateful and this is the content about photography I always look for. Not commercial, not about pushing you to get tons of new tech, not about getting views, just pure real experience sharing. Thank you a lot!

[@MartinCastein]

My pleasure!

[@nicktheobald1694]

Great views Martin. Definitely agree with the more mega-pixels one (of course that might be my declining eyesight, which is the reason I use the viewfinder - I need a magnifying glass for live-view!). I've seen several reviews on the new mirrorless glass where there is lots of cooing over the sharpness, but I look at pictures taken 10-20 years ago and can see nothing wrong with what I'm looking at. I guess it depends what you view them on - I've got a 1080p monitor, so 4k or higher doesn't give me any benefit. As for prints, who looks at those with a magnifying glass? Its about the picture, not the corners...

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for this comment Nick! I agree there is nothing wrong with old pictures so what is all the fuss about, its not like photographers work ever improves when they get a new camera. Their work looks exactly the same as it did before.

[@chrissmith7069]

Thx Martin! You one of the best out there!! You don't need to sell bullshit because you are great at photography and understand what the 3 main elements are. I've learn so much since subscribing to your channel. So Thankyou my friend. Keep up the great work and I hope this becomes the success it deserves to be! 👍👍👊🙂

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Chris, hope you are well!

[@skamillion1018]

Thanks, Martin! Appreciate all you do as well as your philosophy on what proper photography is about. Keep it up!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks, will do!

[@taff1538]

Wise words indeed. Always enjoy your videos Martin, don't change and keep up the good work. Thank you

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Taff!

[@CGadney]

Awesome Thanks Martin, I think I might go back to my D810 after listening to you. You are so right on so many levels and some of your life’s values about being yourself can so easily be transferred into other avenues of life. I think your key message is don’t be sheep and make photos of what you think is good. There are some great photographers out there and you only have to pick up or download the “on landscape” magazine to see that photography extends beyond what we are told on you tube or instagram. Thank you for your down to Earth honest opinions

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Chris!

[@Alihamadenahar]

thank you for this great Video

[@6amfilms-videostoriesforsm619]

Great points mate. Loved the 6D video as well. Going to get one as a result.

[@MartinCastein]

Good, it’s a fantastic camera hope you enjoy it

[@lindabrill5816]

Wonderful video! I am delighted I came across your channel on KZbin. I became a subscriber after the first video I watched where you shared your thoughts on the Canon 5d and 6d . Your calm demeanor and relevant material is truly refreshing and sets you apart from the rest. I was fortunate to be able to purchase the Canon 6d about six years ago which was an upgrade from the 600D. I fell in love with it immediately. Shooting with it simply makes me happy. Thank you for your efforts and wish you continued success on KZbin. You deserve it.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Linda! That’s great to read!

[@kbarrett1844]

Thoroughly enjoy your content. Keep up the great work!!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Kevin!

[@causer1985]

Very interesting Martin and I feel you're right in regards to the sharpening.. I used to use a sigma 17-50 because I liked the render and color from it over the sharper prime I had. It's not the only characteristic that makes the picture great ❤ I've taken great pictures with kit lenses which many 'pro' photographers wouldn't use and poor images with pro gear. There are so many other variables, composition and lighting more important imo. Thank for the video 👍

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Great advice as usual… 🙏🏿

[@MartinCastein]

you are welcome!

[@drhoodster]

Hi Martin - Very timely video for me because you discuss things that I also think about, and experience. For example, up until about a week ago, I decided to fill a gap in my lens Canon RP lens line up, which was a 70-210mm f/4, 150mm f/2.8 macro, and a 14mm f/2.8. I decided that I wanted a mid-focal length lens. For months, I considered zooms (16-35mm, 14-40mm, 24-70mm, and 24-105mm) or a prime (45mm). Eventually, I decided on a prime, even though many photographers recommend the zooms, because I found a very sharp 45mm f/1.8, weather sealed, with auto focus and image stabilization lens (used) for

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Alan, well im glad its made you re-think how you think about lenses.Thanks for your comment, always interesting to read other peoples journeys

[@hoverboverer]

There's a Konica 40mm 1.8 that you'll be able to adapt for circa £50 (incl adapter!). Old lenses are great if you just want to try out a focal length.

[@drhoodster]

@@hoverboverer Thanks for the recommendation. I admit that I do like manual primes. 🙂

[@rbento123489]

Spot on, once more! Love and share your POV on Photography and what it's become. Thank you!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Rodrigo!

[@Newlyretired]

Always like your chats sir, refreshing to hear real advice. Long may your channel grow

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Steve! hope you are well

[@johnjon1823]

I concur entirely. Especially with the lens, camera, and final product things you mentioned. A pro is someone who delivers the expected (or better than expected) results to the client on time and on budget as painlessly as possible for the client. They have to be able to deal with what comes along. Personally, I like m43 for landscapes sometimes, aps-c other times and the 5DSR when I feel the need to suffer for my art and make my disk drive suffer too, misery likes company. Excellent, cogent, video, good work! I have been looking into adapters and old lenses for much the same reasons you indicated. The new lenses are all clinical, and if they were not, they would still charge obscene prices for the now newly discovered "character". Plus, as you mentioned elsewhere, Canon's attack on 3rd party producers, which I kind of understand, is I think nuts. Years and years ago, the widest available selection of 3rd party lenses were for Canon and Nikon mounts, Pentax was a more distant 3rd place for lens selection. I shot Pentax, I felt at a real disadvantage. The thing is, lenses are part of the mix for choices you want to make, mirrorless has made this easier to do. Now you can use all kinds of lenses which is amazing. Whatever you do don't get a van, leave that annoying feature to Mr. Heaton. Best wishes!

[@MartinCastein]

Hi John, hope you are well mate! Yes I really like the how easy the vintage lenses are to use on mirrorless to and you can have a whole range of different types of lenses now. So I might be finding my answer with a mix of new and vintage lenses. Its interesting you have come to the same conclusion too so I expect many are thinking the same. Im not getting a van for landscape photography its one of the worst things you can do because you end up being a van man as much or more than a photographer. i have some new and different content coming in the new year. ive got a tent and camping gear. ive been camping in the wild since i was 15 and just upgraded my gear. ill be camping out in the wild soon for my landscapes. I think if i had a van id feel tied to it.

[@julianrobertson3303]

Well said as always , wishing you a merry Christmas & a happy new year .

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Julian, same to you have a great Christmas and new year!

[@TheYuhasz01]

Thank you for focusing upon commercial photography AND artistic photography. Commonsense, flexible view point all oriented around YOUR purpose. Sometimes film, sometimes digital....6x6 medium format or 35mm format works best. I have referred your channel and perspective to some friends recently as an humanistic, intelligent view of image creating. Thank you for sharing your stimulating thoughts and observations,

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you very much thats very kind of you!

[@gman-ds9ur]

Excellent, love it!

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you like it!

[@michelcolaci8348]

Awesome video, Martin! I absolutely love shooting with vintage lenses and older, more basic cameras like the D700. I do have modern full frame and mft mirrorless cameras for commercial work and video, but what I do to retain character in the images/footage is to use vintage lenses on them. They have a soul that modern, clinical lenses don't have - and you have to get to know them and how they render at different apertures etc. I find it hard though to keep away from the noise about high mega pixel cameras and the latest and sharpest lenses. It tens to make me doubt that shooting with a D700 for example is "good enough" in terms of resolution, even if I absolute know that the output is beautiful - I hope that makes sense. Your message helps to affirm my belief though, so thank you! Now, must look into that Canon 6D "creaminess" you talked about, I'm intrigued...

[@bohater13]

Hi Martin. Very interesting topics! I'm a just photo enthusiast (shooting photos in my free time). I'm glad I can get a good cameras so cheap these days. Lately, a bought used C6D in the price of my old smartphone:) I was never able to afford FF cameras until now. I'm also experimenting with vintage lenses. It's so much fun with photography these days for people that are just hobbyists and don't need the newest top notch cameras.

[@MartinCastein]

It is fun isnt it. Its just great to have all these options now! Thank you for commenting and hope to see you on the channel again!

[@ymmichael1]

Thank you - your videos are always such a good gut-check on what the important things to focus on are! I try to keep upgrades to when current gear was holding me back... And I laugh, because my first upgrade in nearly a decade (Canon 7D➔5DS) was not driven by the stupid-high megapixel count, but by some usability features it had over the otherwise perfect-for-me 5D3.

[@davidsaylors]

Good talk, literally everything is spot on. I completely agree here. Especially the 50mm idea, I basically did that back in the day, but didnt know what i was doing to be honest... Thanks.

[@MartinCastein]

I think you just did it instinctively, I think this stuff should be obvious but the industry is trying to turn our heads back to their products all the time.

[@ericortiz3284]

Martin, thank you for the videos that you do on here. They are great and very helpful. Please keep up the good work!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Eric, I recognise you from insta. Hope you are well!

[@ericortiz3284]

@@MartinCastein I am doing very well. I took out the X-Pro1 out yesterday.

[@JR-ro5kv]

Well said

[@markdurham3434]

The realisation that I have taken all my best photos on a cheap Canon entry level DSLR and a kit lens is sobering.

[@MartinCastein]

I wouldnt worry about that Mark, its the photos that count!

[@mrnorpmec]

Great insights Martin. I am a 5d classic user. Portraits and Weddings

[@MartinCastein]

excellent, still doing weddings with the 5d classic is great going well done.

[@mrnorpmec]

@@MartinCastein i also have the 1d mark iv for the action/candid shots.

[@petrvokurek2286]

This is funny- I just bought an EF 50mm f1,2 L lens and intend to use it instead of the RF version on my R system. The reason being I like the results much more. They are certainly not better technically- the RF 50mm f1,2 L is technically absolutely perfect, whereas the EF version is kinda soft. But the rendering of the RF just does nothing special - here is a perfectly sharp image on a blury bacground, it lacks something. Btw, for those who grew up in the digital era, have you ever seen a silver gelatin print from film? Omg, the depth and beauty!

[@camedia7291]

Hi Martin another great video as per usual, I definitely agree with what your saying in regards to finding your style and technic, me personally I’ve been shooting as a hobbyist since 2016 and only now I’m starting to find my style and colour grading, also I’m a big fan of shooting 35mm film any plans for some videos on film? Keep up the good work.👍🍻

[@MartinCastein]

Hi! Ive never shot on film before, at the moment im moving more into video, im not saying I wouldnt as i am interested to do it as well but I doubt it will be any time soon realistically.

[@crawford323]

Have you ever shot the twin lens Yashica Mat 124? It too had a soft sharpness. It was magical.

[@jacquesgiard6943]

Thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@PinkPulpito]

I see a lot of people want everything in the photo to be extremely sharp and will raise shadows and have washed out green trees on mountains. I have a cheap leans that distorts the image so my horizon never really lines up perfectly on the sides unless i lens correct in lightroom. I think it looks fine though.

[@nigelcliff7390]

My newest lens is 10 years old and the majority both AF and MF are between 30 and 50 years old and I am happy with what they give me,I have no desire to buy an ultra sharp modern lens

[@longrider9551]

All good information. Martin, I too think camera specs are not as important as people make them out to be especially on KZbin. In order to make a video interesting KZbinrs have to draw down distinctions between camera models which are not really relevant in the field as you say

[@baxtermarrison5361]

When you look at image quality from digital sensors, over the past 10 years, ISO performance has only really improved by about one stop. The mirrorless revolution has really only benefitted wide glass as a result of the shorter flange distance. I think the sharpness of the new mirrorless glass is coming fron software rather than glass or coatings etc. Given you cannot stick this glass onto a film body to check as the electronic wizardry cannot be switched off when using a digital body. A new mount, be that EF to RF, or F to Z, is as much of the manufacturers selling you the same thing twice! Technology just makes it easier to take bad pictures, certainly for stills. I can see that video has, and continues to improve, but as a stills photographer I could not care less about video. As a portrait photographer, enthusiastic amateur, I use Hasselblad for the 16bit, optical compression, and pixels. My DSLRs cover the weakness in the medium format capabilities, and I have mirrorless for what limited video work I do. For fun, I shoot medium and large format film! Until the next step-change in sensor tech CMOS is as good as it gets, and is going to get, with modern BSI sensors, be that mirrorless or DSLR.

[@MartinCastein]

Actually you are right there has been hardly any improvement in ISO in the last 10 years, good observation. You shoot large format film as well! that is so cool, do you ever put anything online from that?

[@baxtermarrison5361]

@@MartinCastein I just mix my film stuff in with my other stuff on Instagram, nothing earth shattering.

[@hoverboverer]

I learned on film, so had a bunch of film era lenses that would not adapt to DSLRs so they didn't interest me for a long while. When mirrorless came out I was suddenly able to use them all on digital. I get funny looks but I don't care. I also think mirrorless + 'vintage' is a good choice for beginners. For one thing, after spending their hard-earned, they might discover they don't like their new hobby after all (or are happier with their smartphone). Why spend so much to just to try something out?

[@marekward6202]

I have this machine. It feels great to use but my 6d gets out more due to the vastly increased usable ISO range. There's no chance of me selling it though.

[@KimHojbergJensen]

For me it is difficult to imagine that gear can be improved usefully for normal people. We will get better space telescopes of course. But regarding software it has probably just started. When you see what software can do to tiny lenses and sensors on phones, and transfer that to photos taken with great lenses and sensors..... For most people the best improvement would come from taking more photos 😊

[@MartinCastein]

Yes thats an interesting point, the software will probably develop more and that could be interesting but i dont want to get to a point where im not having any input. I do think the companies need to keep photography fun. Id love to see some companies come out with something totally different.

[@edc5338]

I like sensible videos like this, Martin. The emphasis has been on gear, gear, gear rather than light and composition. Sure, get the best camera you can afford, but then train yourself to get great pics. I have used Nikon cameras for many years and have just invested in a Fuji Xt-5. I wanted less weight and a smaller body to carry. The craziness over megapixels has also gotten out of control. Sure I get great shots with my 45mp D850, but I also love my 12mp D700. At what point is enough, enough?

[@MartinCastein]

Everyone seems to love the d850 too but i doubt its because of its megapixels but rather its just a good camera, the d700 is a legend so whats not to like and you can like both. I think its weird when people have the mindset that if you were to buy the d850 then the d700 must get sold, you can own both as you do.

[@edc5338]

@@MartinCastein Love your videos. I have 2 D700s. Won't sell either of them.

[@crawford323]

This statement will be misunderstood and controversial. Depth of field depends on the size of the image as it appears on the sensor. We all know there are three things which control DOF: Distance,Aperture and focal length. Focal length and distance are tied closely. A 100 mm lens projects the same size image but with a smaller sensor, the photographer is forced to change the distance or the focal length in order to compose properly. In doing so the DOF will increase.

[@DaveMuller]

Eight months ago bought the Laowa 100mm for macro which I keep strapped to the 6D with two extension tubes for about 2.5X magnification. Even though I love detail, the 6D seems to produce better images than the 5DsR for flowers and anything that is "nice" to look at. I can only conclude that in general parlance, detail isn't pixels but how the colours and contrasts play with each other. I can't even justify it either, because if I hook up the cameras side by side with the same lens the images seem to be "about the same" (or the 5DsR seems on top) and yet most real shoots the 6D comes out better. The only time the 5DsR seems to be better is for super detailed things like lady beetles or bees etc when I want very fine resolution of the hairs etc For me the biggest downside to the high res 5DsR is the motion blur on non-stabilised lenses, which is nearly all of the ones I have. The low res sensors seem to not have any blur in comparison for the same scaled down res to the lower size; resize the 5DsR image to the 6D size and the 6D image has less blur! What makes it worse is I shoot macro with flash at 1/60s - flash gets the snap of the foreground image and the slow shutter lets in background light, but on high res nearly always has blur if not really careful. The Laowa is a super apo and is the cleanest lens I have ever seen. I love the photos but it's taken a while to get used to how to use it since they come out so clinical. I look back on some I took on my old 650D and Tamron 60mm macro and I wouldn't go back but they definitely have a recognisable look to them. When I converted to full frame my photo quality went down, which was not what I was expecting since there was always this mystique around the professional gear that it would be so good. It took a while to learn to use the lower DoF, which I now love. Long winded thanks to all your previous videos about what you really need since it helped me think better about my own setup.

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Dave, this is pretty similar to what my setup was. I had the 5DS for commercial work where it was really useful and i had the 6d mark 1 for everything else. I preferred the output from the 6d it just looked nicer and for the same reasons you state its how the colours and contrasts play together. It just has a very nice sensor in it. Im glad my videos have helped you think in a more practical way about your own setup. I think you can have different cameras and lenses for different purposes. Im seriously looking at an R5 at the moment or maybe r6 ii because i need the video but i will still keep my other gear and use that too. You just find what works for you ultimately for whatever you need to do.

[@mart872uk]

Interesting comparisons Take say the 6 D mk 1 Decent lens Then current latest with decent lens . Yerr what are the differences. Just saying

[@0ecka]

There's a huge misconception about crop sensors having more depth of field. It is all just a marketing hoax. We can have exactly the same depth of field on both m4/3 and medium format by simply using equivalent settings, equivalent apertures. Smaller sensors have no real advantages. With m4/3 we get strong diffraction effect at F8 and the same thing we get at F16 on Full Frame. No free lunch there. The GFX cameras do the same at F20. And the depth of field at these equivalent apertures is exactly the same. Plus, if we use the same shutter speeds and equivalent ISOs, the images will have similar noise levels as well. Except that we don't have to use the same shutter speeds. We can use lower shutter speed to exploit the cleaner ISOs of the larger sensor cameras, while having the same depth of field. So, a Full Frame camera can reproduce any m4/3 images, but not vice versa. m4/3 cameras don't have ISO 25, which is equivalent to ISO 100 on FF. They do not have equivalently fast optics. FF F1.4 is like F0.7 on m4/3. And it's more difficult to make such lenses for m4/3. They don't make F1.4 zooms to compete with the equivalent FF F2.8 zooms. Because it is easier to fool people by saying "look, it's the same F2.8, only smaller and cheaper" - which is a lie. It's not the same, it's like FF F5.6, which is just as small and even cheaper. Larger format cameras can cover a wider range of possibilities. But if you don't need all of it, then a smaller sensor can do just fine. And there's no need for marketing fairytales in our lives. Have a nice light!

[@andrewoliver2389]

So I currently own the m50 mark2 I’m getting fantastic results with my camera. But I’ve grown out of the camera. I’ve been thinking of making the move to full frame something like the RP however the frame rate is incredibly slow. I shoot children portraits and landscapes mostly. And starting to move into regular portrait work. I’m looking for a general all around workhorse. I’m not afraid of a crop sensor camera. Do you think the R7 would be better then RP?

[@MartinCastein]

I think the r7 would be good really can’t see any reason why not

[@pwood5733]

Its about what you take the photograph of not with

[@daysofgrace2934]

TBH it just experimentation and going with the flow, different exposure values will create different looks. I went to Central St. Martins and that was a core fundamental experiment, are not creative but you are a conduit for creativity, like the water pipes and water. Experiment, go with the flow and see what comes out. It's the opposite of 'this is what I want' frame-of-mind, it about being receptive, be playful...

[@daich]

awesome

[@jamesherkes2094]

Hi Martin l have a old olympus 8 million pixels can l get good landscape photos

[@MartinCastein]

Yes of course why not

[@blocknovice]

Just said, I can listen to this guy for hours, checked the length of the vid saw 20mins and said noo 😅, quick one - how can you measure over exposure, cause i sometimes look at the sky, if I'm not outside how can ypu measure it ?

[@MartinCastein]

hahaha you just watch it all the way through and pay attention too🤣