ISO and Sharpness are overrated

[@ccoppola82]

We’ve sacrificed pictorial beauty in the pursuit of optical perfection. Well done sir. Explains why I like shooting vintage glass. Takes the edge off.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Chris, yes vintage glass helps remove some of the clinical look we often get with the latest glass.

[@kiwipics4003]

This vid should be essential viewing for EVERY photographer at the start of each year! Having learnt recently that Da Vinci deliberately added ZERO sharp edges to his Mona Lisa painting and realizing the stratospheric reach of that work, I'd like to suggest it's the ultimate example of what you challenged us with here. Cheers Martin. -Greg

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Greg! I might put it as a link in my description a few people have said this.

[@josephpeppard561]

Hi Martin, I couldn't agree more. I just don't get this obsession with megapixels and clinical sharpness with current mirrorless camera and lens designs. Having shot film for many years I appreciate the the imperfections, softness and more evocative feel of film vs. digital capture. Love your analysis and content.

[@thomasphillips5850]

Martin, your videos just keep getting better. This video is a Mythbusters. I couldn't agree more with you. There has to be some passion exhibited. I used to shoot weddings , my whole focus was to be at ease with the whole family. They used to put me at the head table with the family. That's what you have to project, the emotional poses and shots just came naturally after that. Thanks again, wonderful video.

[@dudiyamin3311]

So true. You are brilliant with very unique perspective. Thanks

[@jeffreysmith8633]

Brilliant message. Yours is the (rare) psyche I’m always looking for in photography tutorials. The way you approach the art resonates strongly with me and (to me) is the whole draw to photography in the first place. Just found your channel the other day. Subscribed and plan on going through all of your videos as I get the time. Thank you.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Jeffrey!

[@albertos.r.4455]

Completely agree.

[@Mariajasminefitness]

Completely agree. Much needed video! Really like your content, which I came across after spending days trying to find a new "professional" camera. I'm coming back to photography after about 6 years and moving on from my Canon MK ii which I sadly sold, and I was surprised to discover mirrorless is taking over and everyone is all about the spec! Your videos saved me from too much overwhelm. Bring real photography as an art form back!

[@MartinCastein]

this is what matters, photography is photography, the new mirrorless stuff certainly helps those making their main living from photography but it doesnt change what photography is. Looking forward to taking my 5d classic out again soon.

[@actorjay]

This video is gold, Sir. Your historical perspective on the beauty of imperfection is brilliant. Thank you.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m

[@andrewcroft2570]

Great video Martin, I just have one quote from Don McCullin “Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”

[@MartinCastein]

Oh that’s perfect

[@andrewcroft2570]

@@MartinCastein Thank you, I just love to study the old master and other worthy photographers. Every day is a school day there is so much to learn.

[@Home4520]

Wow, you were speaking truth 2 years ago. I wish your words fell on my ears sooner. Very refreshing to hear, Thank you!

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks Martin. I hear a few other photographers expressing the same thoughts on ISO and noise and it rings true for me. Thank you for explaining it the best way that I have heard. It is very clear from the examples of the photographs you used for this that what you say is true to me. I respect other peoples views if they do not agree with me but I agree with you. You are a treasure to the photography community and I hope more people discover you and subscribe to you to address the false information about photography, cameras and camera gear.

[@thomashofmann8418]

What a great video. I agree 100%! Keep going Martin. That’s a wonderful contribution to the photography community!!!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!

[@mariocristobalcolladoavile448]

Amazing video. I really love to listen to you. This is like a mini lesson. Greetings from Nicaragua.

[@Twobarpsi]

Your viewpoints are a refreshing breath of fresh air! I'm learning from your channel that the latest and best gear is not needed.

[@MartinCastein]

I appreciate that!

[@dzambolea]

I honestly love your photography philosophy! You're absolutely right about importance of creating an atmosphere and making people feel something when they look at your photograph instead of constantly obsessing about sharpness and ISO! Subscribed!

[@paulstevenson200]

Nailed it. Whilst I will never be much of a photographer I realised a few years ago that megapixels don't matter, sharpness doesn't matter and neither does ISO and why - because most of my favourite pictures have been shot on older cameras that have less than 10 megapixels using kit lenses. Kit really is not important.

[@VanijaMi]

I noticed the older photos have a 3d pop to them, very pleasing

[@jadajama]

Awesome. Sharpness is a gateway to GAS and this vid totally changed my thinking. What a relief.

[@CymruRJW]

Oh Martin, how I enjoyed that. I have been as guilty as most photographers chasing megapixels, sharpness, low light performance. In my old age I now only do Landscapes, and living in Wales have plenty of opportunity. Going back 40 years when I did weddings with the best of the day HASSELBLADS, with their super sharp lenses, BUT to create atmosphere and add a romatic feel to the photographs our best accessories were SOFTAR 1, SOFTAR 2 and SOFTAR 3. These were highly sought after "Soft Focus" magical tools, that sold photographs. IF I were doing portraiture and weddings today, I would pay a king's ransom for a 77mm SOFTAR. All you guys outhere with 500CMs know what I am talking about. Love the channel both informative and entertaining.

[@MartinCastein]

glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the Hasselblad details!

[@toine1915]

Amen, Martin. Great message, my friend. Antoine.

[@grandpascuba]

I’m an old fart. I grew up looking at those “old” pictures you were showing. I get (quietly) annoyed by photographers who just don’t get it, that a photo can be a great photo even if it’s a little fuzzy, or perhaps the shadow detail is lacking, or any number of technical details are not up to snuff. BTW Richard Avedon is my favorite. The photo you showed, with the woman and the elephants, is a masterpiece. It changed people’s thinking about fashion photography.

[@TechnikMeister2]

You are 100% correct. This comment applies to fashion photography and models. Marlon Brando was one of the most photographed celebrities in history. But this is what did he say. "When I come on scene or on stage, I want everybody to stop chewing their popcorn." To me, that sums up good portraiture. Impact and it grabs your attention and does something to you. And with fashion its 80% about the garment and only 20% about the model. But of course it helps if the model is gorgeous, but not so much that its distracting.

[@scionevotc]

This was an awesome watch! Most photographers now a days are more worried about how many megapixels they have in their camera. That their photo has to be sharp. Definitely an awesome video! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@paulc9139]

I've Noticed of late I wonder have you noticed Martin, both Canon & Nikon are now chasing Frames per second Nikon 125 frames per second, Canon's R3 software upgrade 195 frames per second, one question "Why!!!!!" where I am Canon 50d, and I like the old manual M42 thread lenses with a Canon adapter, I just love it, and mainly Black & White, love your straight approach and thoughts.

[@MartinCastein]

Thats some intense spray and pray at that speed!

[@MJohnson-qp9he]

I’m sorry I can’t provide some money. Thanks so much for visiting, you seem like a really nice guy and give good, honest information. That helps me a lot.

[@MartinCastein]

dont be silly, you dont have to give money, im just glad it was useful for you!

[@thomasphillips5850]

By the way, your portrait work is superb. Thank you.

[@MegaSoundscapes]

Hi Martin, totally agree on that topic. Stepping out of that constantly having to buy better stuff circle is a reliev. When I bought my Canon F-1 Filmcamera I knew that there were more advanced follow-up models but there was not another all mechanical model like that one. You buy a piece of history which will always have that status and that gives you kind of peace in mind. I am not selling my EF lenses neither. When I look at photos taken with the new RF lenses and compare them to photos taken with EF lenses, I prefer the look and vibe of the EF lenses. I am into audio as well and there are definately parellels. When Digital audio arrived, everybody was so blown away by the clarity. After a few years, everyone missed the warmth of the old analog gear and the prices of analog studio equipment started to rise again, especially tube gear. I can see the same happening in the photo department. I love the shots you took with that Canon 5D classic. Thankx for reminding us that we don't have to follow every latest trend in order to produce meaningful expressive photos !

[@bobbowring1702]

I totally agree with you Martin I was brought up using film as my dad taught me he used to develop his own photos and I was always in the darkroom with him.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Bob, thanks for sharing that!

[@kenmccoll348]

Totally agree with you. I shoot 35mm and medium format (up to 6x9) as well as digital and I still love the look from my 5D M1. Keep up your great work 👍

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Ken!

[@mikkirurk1]

Great video, sir. Thank you and greetings from Czech Republic.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mark-qs2gn]

So depressing when he said, You probably don't know the photographer, he's Richard Avadon.

[@weisserth]

Spot on. The same goes for megapixel count. That's another manufacturer marketing myth that's been pushed on us.

[@colingerard7863]

Hi Martin. A knowledge about the history of photographers is, for me, a contributing factor to peoples ability to use the right methods or styles needed to take good pictures. The influence of others makes a difference. The fact that you say a lot of people wouldn't know who, Richard Avedon, was is a tragic indictment of these times. I often suggest to people they get a copy of "The Fashion Book" published by Phaidon in 1998. It embodies all that you're saying about pictures over the decades and how they compare to each other because of the moods created within them (art directors are also a factor from, Alexey Brodovitch, to the excellent Fabien Baron). Louise Dahl-Wolfe's picture in the book from 1950 is a favourite of mine. As for the 1:1 lens you shot with on the video posted today 13/09/23. An affair with flare isn't a bad thing. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[@niceyesplease]

Even on my Fuji XT2 I sometimes put it to ISO 5000 during the day and it gave me some incredible grain/noise patterns that added emotion to the image.

[@MartinCastein]

and why not, its giving you better results, its not always about getting super clean is it. thanks for your comment!

[@camlong89]

Like you said, the camera companies need sales, so they'll naturally want to push photographers into pursuing tech, rather than art.

[@tonyb2760]

One of my favorite portraits is a "candid" shot of my sister on 200 speed Arista black and white film with an Olympus EM-10 with a 50mm 1.8. Whoa, the grain, but wow. Just cannot duplicate the look with digital. That's why I have film cameras as well as digital.

[@WolfQuantum]

I get a lot of compliments on a number of my photos. Some of them are taken with my 6D MKI or other DLSR, some with my little Sony a5000 with kit lenses, and some on my phone. When printed no one looks at them pixel-peeping or commenting on noise or such. What they see and comment favorably are the images themselves. The subject, the composition, the emotion, or the oh-wow response to what they are seeing. It's the images themselves that everyone reacts to. Great of you to address these things in this video. The technical is important only in as much as it assists us in creating an image. Technicals do not make the image. The image, even with imperfections is what communicates with the viewer.

[@davidpatient5089]

So true! Thank you for this video ❤

[@theconsultantscoach3845]

Bravo! Brilliant. I love your take on it all.

[@jayjaydev6525]

Hi Martin, your absolutely spot on. Well said.

[@z4ng3tsu1ch1g0]

Great video martin. Its important to understand that photography shouldnt be about noise or sharpness. Its way more deep than that. The moment I stopped giving a crap about those aspects is when my photography improved. This is why i still use my 5D classic today.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for the comment, you are spot on!

[@grahamcashmore6926]

You've raised a subject I'd like to ask all photographers out there , if a photo is perfectly sharp , does it make a perfect photo . If not, why are we obsessed with a photo being pin sharp?

[@MartinCastein]

exactly Graham, very good question!

[@dingo3718]

Thank god someone has said it , an image is an image only when it draws the person to it, not how sharp or how good it looks it's the meaning of the image , just picked up a d700 on your recommendation and I have to say thankyou your videos inspire me thanks for that.

[@jonathanchadwick7958]

You are so right. Photography is about emotion and ability, not the latest, greatest tech.

[@MartinCastein]

its great seeing other photographers that agree!

[@1972myc]

The most awesome & famous Photos in history were taken with cameras worse than today's!

[@photom3]

Thankful to hear someone saying these things. I started the digital journey with a flip phone. Chased the rabbit and realized that it was the imperfections that added to the image. If there is nothing interesting in the frame it really doesn’t matter.

[@aroberts7000]

Excellent video, just taking a break from editing an engagement shoot, stressing because we were in woodland and the images are grainy. This has made me feel better about them, hopefully the couple will be happy with them.

[@MartinCastein]

Just embrace it, dont fight it, nothing to be stressed about, is there emotion in the pictures, thats ALL you need to worry about. Dont fight what youve got other than that.

[@aroberts7000]

@@MartinCastein Thank you for speedy reply, I needed to hear that, yes I think there is enough emotion. It is forever a learning curve.

[@MartinCastein]

thats all that matters, people will love pictures of them together. Dont worry about grain just leave it there.

[@aroberts7000]

@@MartinCastein Thank you, appreciate that.

[@recreationalplutonium]

I like noise/grain. That's also why I don't have any issues with my secondary cam which is micro four thirds. I despise clinically clean images. They're just so boring and have no character.

[@SniperPhotography]

The only way camera manufacturers can survive from here on in is to introduce new models with settings and new functions that really are useless.The way they do this is by marketing.To put it simply.Camera manufacturers are marketing companies,simple as that. Thanks for this one Martin. Cherrs

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for this! this comment got held for review for some reason so ive only just seen it so sorry for late reply! A lot of the new features just arent adding anything I think you have to wait 2 or 3 generations for any difference and even then its debatable if it makes any difference.

[@SniperPhotography]

@@MartinCastein no problem Martin.We think alike i feel. Cheers Sniper Photography Australia

[@love2cycle2]

Many decades ago I was taught in photography school the an image that has impact and makes the viewer stop and spend time looking at it far outweighs technical perfection. Capture the moment and the mood always wins over everything else. Thanks for this video and passing along this message Martin.

[@albertos.r.4455]

Well done! Very intelligent opinion.

[@mart872uk]

Enjoying your talks

[@johncolquhoun6416]

Very true. Excellent

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for watching!

[@KeithValler]

I couldn't agree more, sir! I bought a brand new "toy" lens for £33 (no I haven't missed any 0's) and stuck it on my Fuji XE3. It's not sharp in the middle, the corners are soggy as hell and with heavy vignetting. The images produced are full of character and get the most response from people I show my photos to. I own 3 very nice Fuji lenses.

[@thomashofmann8418]

I still own a 6D Mark 1 and have a pretty emotional relationship with it. Despite that I always missed a joystick and had issues with back- and frontfocus. Also like my RP and just bought a R6 II (for a 1799€ after cashback). I Instantly love the camera for it’s functionality - tough it feels plasticy.. a shame for that price! Anyway it’s good to have all the choice. Greeting from Munich, Germany

[@Aleksilausti]

A good reminder for us all. Thank you Martin for keeping the flame alive for what matters in photography.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Aleksi!!!!!!

[@hurleygreen927]

EXCELLENT INFO as you take us back to basics with ISO and sharpness connections! Thank you

[@Analogbrain]

Very well said and shown! What's interesting about a perfect image of a test chart? What we would benefit from though, is low ISO. Then we can both shoot wide open in bright light, and get long exposures without ND filters.

[@MartinCastein]

Yes if we could get to ISO 25 or something like that would be great

[@photom3]

For photographers this, for me, is a well spent 10 minutes. I will point out that the magazine examples are from the UK version of Harper’s. Based on the cover.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@jimmason8502]

Camera companies keep making sharper glass and higher res sensors and faster AF and and and...Yet none of these things contribute that much (or anything) to the beauty of an image or to composition or to lighting or to how a photo makes you feel. I wish camera companies just made nice simple cameras that don't cost too much yet are fun to use (oh, yeah, Fuji does).

[@ianhand5006]

How very true. If you use Rodinal developer, your negatives will appear to be grainy but they are certainly very sharp. I often use my 5D mk1 at iso 1600 and the results are grainy, but they are SHARP!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Ian, appreciate your comment!

[@neoaksa]

Totally agree. 🎉

[@tombain5665]

Found my "soul mate" photography channel!! Great stuff and reassuringly inspiring!

[@MartinCastein]

Awwww man, thank you!

[@tombain5665]

@@MartinCastein No well deserved Martin. Totally agree with your sentiment. Bought a D600 last week on your experience and recommendation. Adding to my D300 and D700. Just to let you know I was unable to open your link for workshop information? Cheers Tom

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Tom glad it’s working for you! Links are working again now I think but it’s www.martincastein.com/workshops or find the link on my website. Thanks again Tom

[@adrianaspinall1641]

Great video Martin.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Adrian!

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I do agree with you. But I do wonder what it would be like to capture a image and have a display that looked just like a mirror.

[@TheYuhasz01]

Good commentary here, thanks. We create images to impact the viewer. Many ways to do that.

[@sexysilversurfer]

I started on film so perhaps that’s a reason why I am not so much into all the marketing hype. The main incentive for me to upgrade is the eye AF as I do take a lot of people photos.

[@MartinWolfenden]

Bang on! Have learned to embraced digital noise. Especially when shooting live events. I find that the noise adds character and dynamism. No noise and ultra sharpness just makes everything look too shiny and it can be very boring.

[@MartinCastein]

Martin I agree completely

[@josgeusens4637]

I think taking good pictures is about the relationship between the photographer and the camera. If a camera makes you feel good (and you spend enough time to get to know its strong and weak points), then it's more likely that you will take beautiful photos with impact. I still have my Olympus E-5 with only two lenses (14-54 and 50-200) who gave me such pleasure although its high ISO performance is by no means great. It's only 12 megapixels also. But that's even enough to print 40x60 cm. Nobody on the net will ever know which camera I used unless I include the EXIF data. That said, I really like the character of the ISO 1600 images it produces, especially in black and white. This machine is like an old, loyal friend. One reason is it's sturdyness and another it's reliability. I have had a few times where I forgot to turn the camera off and it lay in the drawer for months. When I took it, the battery was still the same as when I left it. You know, after 4 hours it shuts down and that is a thing I would like my Nikons to do... But actually it comes down to how a camera makes me feel. The same thing is true for lenses. Using my (very) old Canon 5D with that even older Helios 58mm f2, is a joy. It has its restrictions and it's that kind of thing that stimulates creativity.

[@DI-cm5xc]

Thanks Martin, spot on. The bulk of my work is with a D700 with Ai-Ais lenses in order to achieve what to me is a more pleasing image than with a modern super clean high MP sensor. I spent many years with ISO 25 rated Kodachrome as my standard film with it's massive dynamic range of 7-8 stops. The upside was you either learned proper exposure or wasted a lot of film. I'm not opposed to the latest and greatest when it makes sense, such as my D850, which is used primarily for aerial work where it definitely shines.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks for that, love the d700 for sure!

[@gohumberto]

My Fuji X100V can be clinically sharp but I add grain in-camera (menu option) and let auto-iso run to 12800. It takes the digital edge off the image. Also my favourite image was taken on a 12mp Canon S120 "pocket camera". It's very soft and grainy but other people seem to like it also. Did anyone look at Cartier-Bresson's work and wish "If only this didn't have grain in the image" ??

[@MartinCastein]

very good point!!! yeah overly sharp images tend to just have this slightly sterile look, adding grain really helps

[@clickonmike]

This has changed my whole outlook on photography.

[@MartinCastein]

If that’s true then I’m glad I made it so you could see it, even if no one else does.

[@clickonmike]

@@MartinCastein I'm an enthusiat photographer.I find going out and taking pictures very therapeutic . I try to go out at least once month. I edit in Canon DPP,.The first thing I look for when editing is, is it sharp. If not I move on to the next one. You have shown me sharpness and clarity isn't the " be all and end all " of photography. Thanks for that.

[@MartinCastein]

You are welcome!

[@randallbourne2717]

So I guess Topaz AI won't be sponsoring your videos anytime soon? LOL!! Thanks for making yourself visible to the masses. We're straying away from what moved us in photography from the old days. Love the grainy photos. Thanks for explaining the difference between ISO and sharpness.

[@MartinCastein]

No interest in Topaz AI unless they add something specifically of benefit to me but a lot of what they want to remove to me is like saying hey lets take the chocolate out of this chocolate cake, thats what you want right?

[@janedagger]

Let those who want their photos to be homogenous have it. That leaves the rest of us with art. Media is scared of art; scared of taking chances and its reflected by those who are in it ONLY for the money. ANd this applies to all art.... from music to construction of houses. There are those who play it safe and those who aren't even sure what they're doing, and those are the people whose 'output' interests me. Nice little essay, sir. thank you.

[@billnu]

Thank you for this. Great eye opener for me.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidkellymitchell4747]

Valuable information in these videos! I took time out to study those old photographers. Many like these fashion pics for demonstration were taken by guys like Richard Avedon with an old twin lens Rollei Rolleiflex. They said Richard used an assistant to keep three cameras loaded with film because he didn't want to stop a session to load film. The only automation on a Rollei Twin and I have a few was the photographer turning a knob. Still they managed to create masterpieces that still hold up today.

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

6:20 I disagree. Flaws do not make pictures better, but rather the information overload in flawless pictures makes them worse, because it is too taxing on our brains to process alongside of the story that the picture is meant to convey.

[@cerij4242]

The tools we use are only as good as the person using them, I have seen some stunning photographs which were taken by someone, who was a natural yet novice photographer with a really cheap basic pocket camera. The photos she took were just right if you know what I mean, no editing straight out of the camera but they seemed so much more.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Ceri, this is always the case its always the photographer.

[@cliffterpher]

This video should be compulsory viewing! Not sure if Sony and the major manufacturers would appreciate it though. Love your attitude. I got a 5D based upon your ideas and I will always appreciate your advice. Amazing.

[@MartinCastein]

Its ok if they dont like it! haha, thanks Cliff! Hope you enjoy your 5d!

[@akaimagez]

At last a down to earth approach to photography. Greetings from a colleague in The Netherlands.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Peter, * waves from UK *

[@martinstanek3632]

Spot on ..

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Martin!

[@goldenfrog6EsCoSes]

I completely agree. Creating impact and atmosphere in your photos must be the hardest skills to master.

[@julianrobertson3303]

Well said ,it's great that you are educating so many on the older type of photography & hidden magic , I have the D610 , but I love the D100 CCD sensor , it's like film , it just gives a warm image ,I also have the really cheap £20 Nikon 35-80mm 1:4-5.6D lens , together with the D100 works like magic , I think that it's just a matter of time before these vintage DSLR's move up in price as more people start to realise the magic these older cameras produce . I've spent huge amounts on the high end Nikon lens's , but with all the vignetting & the weight & size , I find myself using the much cheaper Nikon lenses for the artistic photography , The 6.1 mp ccd sensor is about as close to film as we can get , I've purchased X 1 D50 , X3 D70 X 3 D100 all with the battery grips , all the cameras have low shutter count's & are in mint condition , I also have the D 80 & D200 , I love this vintage collection , my other cameras are just for work , D 600 & 6 10 & x 2 ,7100's , I'm not a fan of the CMOS sensor , but it does have it's advantages . I've yet to see an image that can replicate the fashion & art photography of yesterday .

[@raymcgrath4116]

Great video Martin. Timely and appropriate. Telling it like it as, much appreciated.

[@jonwowhunter]

Brilliant as usual mate

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks again!

[@sujiitkundu9843]

Nicely explained.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you 🙂

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Brilliant. I was out yesterday shooting with my 6D MK1 and a vintage 135mm and got some absolute beauts. I have the Sony's with their ridiculous specs, but a vintage lens on the 6D is the kinda thing that speaks to me. Great video, have an awesome weekend 🖖

[@MartinCastein]

i love the 6d mark 1 its a great camera for sure, thanks for your comment David!

[@JrPfreedom]

You are right with this brain washing about sharpness, megapixel nonsens and sharpness. Even SLR analog shows with kit lenses beauty of photography which really remind me classic 5d which I sold over 3 years ago. I think most of Forum about photography still more focus about sharpness not overall looks so I glad you start talking about this. Anyway waiting now for delivery 5d mark II :) I think you are said every Digital camera is like diffrent analog film that is very good explanation for the most lost think from analog camera. Glad you are on you tube, thanks

[@bjdlh01]

Thank you!

[@Ralferator]

Great video! I completely agree! Imperfection is what's making things beautiful. We are human beings after all.

[@AWAMARRIAGES3-iu5ll]

thank you

[@MartinCastein]

You're welcome

[@mberggren9768]

Thank you for bringing this to peoples attention. I’ve been talking about it for some time, usually to no avail. Detail and sharpness isn’t what makes a picture. It can be good, but it doesn’t makes the picture so by itself. Sometimes it even makes it worse. There are cameras and lenses that produce less detail, but gives you better pictures. The early 5D’s and the 1Ds cameras do. Also lenses like the Canon 35/1.4 (first version) and the 135/2. I see on forums people recommending cameras like the R5 to amateurs (wanting to upgrade from their 80D, because they don’t get good pictures…), and I feel absolutely disgusted by it. Will they learn photography better by spending €3-4000 on a camera body? Wouldn’t it be better to buy a 6D (or 6D2 if they insist on buying new) with a 35 or 50mm instead? IMHO you will learn more about photography with a short to medium prime than you will do with a zoom. The whole thing about the effects of large aperture will rarely be understood by fiddling with a short focal length f/4-5,6 zoom.

[@MartinCastein]

i agree with you completely! Id have beginners on a 5d 1 or 2 and a 50mm 1.8 and get on with that for a year.

[@wcrofford]

One of the main reason I'm using one of my 2 Konica bodies and HP5+ and or my Olympic TLR/HP5+ in capturing old abandoned wooden elevators/Ukrainian Catholic/Orthodox churches/pre-rubber farm equipment. I'm hoping to reproduce photos that would look similar photos taken of these objects at their period. Thanks

[@gonzphotographymusicchanne2855]

Fantastic Martin, thank god someone is talking sense, we want more real world vids and this is it, loving your vids they are so inspiring, the gear vids that are out are total misleading the world of creative photography, thank you Martin.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you! love reading feedback like that!

[@john7005]

I agree... Keep on the good work!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks John!

[@stepitup5409]

totally agree

[@KurtisPape]

All I know is bird photography (a little bit of landscape as well) I started right out the gate using Topaz Denoise, it just smeers your image to complete noise free perfection, now I look back on those images 2 years later and they look horrible! But if I leave all the grain in my raw images, I feel it appears to look lower quality than the JPEG image, so I do like to clean my images up a bit and for that I have been using DXO pureraw. It is noise reduction but leaves a little bit of grain in and my images, they just look that much more realistic now. But I understand what you mean, the only thing that counts is the overall image. You think with social media pixel peeping would more present, but the images are viewed in such low resolution on facebook and instagram it really is the complete image. I used to select the sharpest images out of a burst, but now I aim to choose the best pose and composition overall over sharpness. But I still do aim for perfect sharpness and detail, I feel it's needed for birds and can give a more accurate representation of wildlife.

[@MartinCastein]

I think any type of wildlife photography is different. When I make videos its always from my perspective for what I shoot really rather than trying to say all photography must be like this. Ive been playing around with deep prime recently to try that out. I think if be the same if I did wildlife. thanks for your comment Kurtis!

[@baxtermarrison5361]

Just because it is new doesn't necessarily mean it's better. Whilst I shoot a lot on medium format, both film and digital, for 35mm format I find my self drawn time and time again to the Canon 5Dmk2 and the Nikon D800 for portrait work. Both have their strengths, both have their weaknesses. It is all about understanding your camera and which camera will best deliver your intent for the shoot. Whilst I have a mirrorless system I am not a fan of the EVF, particularly as the vast majority of my work is done with strobes. I agree with you, with truly modern cameras it is more about marketing hype than improved IQ. The fact that I still have my Hasselblad V System after all these years speaks volumes!

[@martinlawrence8427]

Such an important hurdle for modern photographers to leap!

[@rufffinoo]

Excellent.