Is There Any REAL Benefit to Retro Camera Design? | The PetaPixel Podcast

[@xx-ip7ej]

Anything that keeps people buying and using real cameras rather than their phones is a plus in my book.

[@856pm5]

I don't use any retro or retro-looking cameras. But I think for some reason people on the street are less intimidated by "retro" cameras than they are by something more contemporary-looking. It's not purely a matter of style but also a signifier of "artistic legitimacy" on the street to non-photogs (vs. a sign that you're being weird). Of course, whether a Zf or a 5D or a film camera, cameras are taking pictures either way!

[@POVwithRC]

Fair comment. My XE4 gets as many positive nods as my FX3 gets weird looks. The Fuji is just a silly little professor with tweed patches and a vinyl collection.

[@agcouper]

I'm in Asia now with my silver Fuji X100V and I've been asked by random people to take pictures of them. No money were demanded afterwards, so these episodes weren't scam attempts. Somehow, I doubt same thing would happen with Sony camera.

[@robertarmero6320]

With my XT5 I have had people and even business ask to take pictures. I get a lot of comments about it being a film camera so it’s a conversation starter as wells

[@okyeabuddyguy]

When I take out my film TLR medium format camera people ASK me to take their picture lol So yea you make a great point

[@japonskibrulionik7729]

That's exactly my thoughts. People react totally differently to small retro cameras, even if these cameras are more modern than DSLRs in practice. I think it is a real advantage of those cameras - photography is a social activity. And the most wonderful experience was taking photos with a 4x5 Tachihara - almost everybody passing by smiled sincerely from the heart.

[@glennsak]

DP Review is back making videos. But that's okay because Peta Pixel has really come into its own, including this wonderful podcast.

[@nathanvrvrt]

I think they lost allot of viewers by settings these guys aside... The podcast is also really cool because you get an inside into there video's and thoughts on more

[@c.augustin]

I had a look at the first video and was greatly underwhelmed (and unsubscribed). Chris and Jordan are just their former self. And this podcast was actually much more interesting than I thought, so I might keep on listening/watching.

[@kartoffeltree4065]

PP all the way!

[@gregpantelides1355]

I echo Jordan's sentiment: We all should make our art on the medium we prefer without trashing another person's choices. In addition, something being "better" isn't always the main factor in an artists's decision. I shoot black and white film and print in a darkroom. While their is no question that digital has many advantage it is just not for me. I get a great sense of accomplishment from loading and processing my film, choosing my developer, and learning the science of how to get the negatives to come out how I want them. And then printing is such a connecting process...you are literally directing or blocking the light in the formation of the final image. It's that sense of connection, being able to make something from start to finish....that's why I choose film to make my art. But just becaues this is what I like does not make other's choices invalid. We are all image makers. And let's face it, the dominant forces in society do not value art so the last thing we should be doing as artists is tearing each other down. We need to support each other and lift each other up. :-)

[@astrostl]

"Our job is to make aesthetically pleasing things." - fantastic point, Jordan!

[@randyk1919]

At 28:55 the point I was going to make.. is made. I often set or reset my Fuji X-T5 dials to taste before turning on the camera. I also find going "full manual" with the dials (prior to powering up) is a useful exercise to help pre-visualize the correct exposure settings even prior to metering the scene. Also, as an older photographer I'm already accustomed to dials on my film cameras and am becoming an even bigger fan of this approach on digital.

[@EggsOverSleazy]

The Nikon Zf could look like a Holga and i'd still be interested based off the specs. The fact that it's gorgeous means I've got my credit card on standby.

[@genderender]

for $2k it is a potent camera no matter what. z6iii is gonna be a killer if its the same price

[@dirkpehrke9909]

Many new to photography consider digital cams as having 1000+ different options you all have to consider, before even thinking of pressing the shutter, get frustrated and stay with Auto before the cam stays at home and is replaced with the smartphone. They don’t get what changing the metering mode does and think it has an impact on the pic. It makes sense to put the really important settings on dedicated dials that you can even control and see, if the camera is off. That’s not just hipster stuff or nostalgia. I love my Fuji.

[@harryburnett7086]

I like retro , its just like smell , taste or sound , feel takes me back to a time when it was fun being a photographer , it was like a new experience and was like wow i like this medium

[@tuqe]

The best part of the new Nikon design is the mode selector being a switch with defined positions. An infinitely rotating knob requires you to look at it every single time you make any change, or even if you havent looked at it in a while (because who knows it might have got knocked in your bag!)

[@xmeda]

Oh sad.. I see the mode in LCD.

[@HesselFolkertsma]

I agree! It’s a very tactile way to switch modes. I wish they would have made it a custom mode position though instead of AUTOscene.

[@-grey]

I would have said YES to retro design reflexively if I hadn't seen the GFX100II last week, now I want that. Neo Retro or whatever. Also, to be fair the curvy PSAM auto focusing SLR look from the 90s is also retro. 😂

[@neeravnaik]

Great design makes you feel good! One of attractions of film photography are the amazing looking cameras. In between the DSLR era became very functional but now we are back to a lot of variety

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

Yes, it’s called sales.

[@TransConBrilliance]

To me retro design choice is such a simple question to answer. Yes. 1000x yes it matters for the same reason why we buy clothing in different styles and color. If you love your camera you're going to use it more than If you think it looks ugly. Simple as that regardless of ergonomics. We are a generation so hung up on specs even if perception wise the spec difference means nothing to the point we forget about mood and style. My younger photo friends are so desperately hung up on megapixels and getting sharp, shaper and even more most sharpist shot they can't even conceive as to why you would ever want to shoot a shot with grain. I took them to the nearest photo museum to show them why.

[@BrownieX001]

You guys keep pumping out content. I'm really happy your workflow is going well.

[@houseofintent]

I agree about the bare minimum film crew: AD, Sound, MUA, and DP/Cam-Op. I usually like having control of the camera when I direct but when I have an DP or cam-op, it really frees up directing the talent and you notice more of the minutia of the scene and their delivery

[@dkirk335]

The best part of the ZF is you don't have to look through menus or even bring up a quick menu, settings are just there. I attempted to jump to Canon after 40 years on Nikons and it did not go well. Glad they got great AF in a reasonably priced body.

[@nh-ss5pw]

My biggest bugbear with this podcast is that I have to wait a whole week for the next one. J and C have finally found their home with Jaron and PP. 🎉

[@AlexLancashirePersonalView]

The retro design with settings on the outside with dials is great. Like the old Landrover Discovery / Defender shapes, it appeals to the older eye. (79 years) Usually they are better to hold also.

[@enossifiedossified3145]

I have to disagree a bit with Jordan about film camera ergonomics. A lot of older film cameras did have ergonomic issues (like removing the camera back to load film!), but by the dawn of the 1970s some companies began to address the problem. When I got an OM-1 in 1975, it was all about the ergonomics for me. It was small, light, the top panel had two controls…ASA and the on-off switch. The shutter speed dial encircled the lens mount and except for zooms, all the Zuiko lenses had the focusing ring to the rear and the aperture dial forward. By separating the shutter and aperture controls, it was harder to adjust the wrong one. Since I use my left hand to cradle the lens anyway, might as well have everything I need to access right there, without taking the camera away from my eye. My Canonet G3 rangefinder was similar, all controls accessible with my left hand. By comparison, the Olympus m43 cameras I use today have way too many buttons and most of them are clumsy to access without taking the camera from my eye. As he noted, I have no idea how anything is set until I power it on and carefully review the Super Control Panel. Just today, it balked at focusing until I realized I had turned on the autofocus limiter earlier in the day when shooting BIF. It’s only accessible in the menus, no way to assign it to a button.

[@mikebartow9415]

Outstanding! It’s not a good Wednesday until a Petal Pixel podcast.

[@BrownieX001]

The physical buttons with muscle memory is great. But I can't think of anything else. Would be nice to have option to turn on/off some lighting shine through the buttons and dials so it's easier to see in the dark.

[@Jordi_RG]

For those wandering how Chris looks carrying the sigma 300-800 around the camera store video is named "Fuji HS20 Vs. DSLR Shootout". 😎😎

[@MrBenjy2006]

I appreciate Chris in every one of these episodes being the shining beacon of decency and hope to Jaron’s “devil’s advocate” opinions, which is really just trying to hide his negativity.

[@JoeMustang99]

The 150-400 Pro has been my favorite lens ever, and I've had it since the first shipment, and used it with an E-M1X before receiving an OM-1 in the first shipment. I have friends in high places. I'm glad OMDS is a sponsor!

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

Is that a coffee machine or a microscope over there?

[@lionheart4424]

You should TOTALLY make a shirt with Chris with a camera and reel coming out of it with a fish saying "We are just catching fish!" sell the crap out of it.

[@badbunnyTUBE]

a tool that you enjoy will most likely be used more and enjoyed more. This appliest to aesthetics as well. Using something visually and palpatively pleasing will probably end in a better user experience, which in turn will effect the results positively :) however, what everyone finds beautiful and pleasing is subjective

[@generalben]

Jarren going hard on nostalgia while wearing a teeshirt covered in retro playstation characters

[@rpgroome]

For the person who wanted the selfie screen for his kids I would try a Ulanzi Urig r031. It’ a mirror that you can mount in your hotshoe that will show the rear screen to people in front of the camera while letting someone behind watch the flip out screen. It may not be perfect but it’s lightweight and costs about $20.

[@T2uyu]

the thumbnail and shirt match just so perfect😭

[@patrickjclarke]

The Zf body design (much like an M Leica) is purposeful, which in this modern age, has gone the way of the Dodo. Small, unobtrusive, and tactile controls and to be used with small lenses to take pictures where the user feels more in command. This does mean, in most cases, that you can reduce the need for grips, customizable function buttons all over the place, because it has a purpose. Too much anymore (and the Zf does suffer this) camera designers need to design something that does everything AND stills and video. The Zf could have gotten away with a nonarticulating back screen and no movie mode and tweaked the sensor even more for stills performance in my opinion, and I think that's where people start complaining about "retro design". That's where I think Leica still has it: if you want a rangefinder (prefocus before you turn on) that's small, discrete and you use it to document events and do candid work, it's hard to beat. Can you do that with the Z8? Sure, but you can also do wildlife with a RF...just not the designed purpose.

[@skakdosmer]

18:19 "Well, we remember that generation where everyone who was into film owned a Rebel T2i for a little while - people just a little younger than us". THANK YOU, Jordan! I didn't realise I was younger than you! I was born in 1960. But I still own a Rebel T2i (although we call it a 550D over here). It's no longer my main camera, of course, but since it has a fully operating Magic Lantern "firmware", I'm not going to sell it; neither my 70D nor my 90D has a focus trap.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

my take about the Zf and Z6III situation is that Nikon wants the Z6III to be more than what the Zf is. Rumours have been all over the internet about how the Z6III would have a more than 24MP sensor, and maybe Nikon is trying to make a sensor design that would match the A7IV''s 33MP sensor, but maybe it's taking longer than anticipated. The Zf was a way to tackle 3 problems at once : - most obvious was the Zfc users crying for a full frame version, that's exactly that on the outside. - Z6II owners really starting to feel the age of that camera looking at the competition and the lack of a new AF system - launch of a new platform with a way to see how the Expeed 7 would go with a slower sensor than the one we had in the Z9/8, and at a reduced cost : besides the engineering for the new compact body, most of the components (screen, EVF, sensor, processor) are coponents that Nikon already had on hand To me it's a stop gap measure to keep Nikon shooters happy while they wait for the Z6III to be ready. I don't think that the Z6III would have the exact same sensor as the Zf or Z6II.

[@marcp.1752]

No time to see the whole video, but so much for that - yes, it is ! I do always prefer dials, knobs & switches for direct access of features, -functions, instead of a deep menu dive to level 12, and the 8. sublevel for feature xy...that's insane. And i'd have loved, *if* Nikon would have had released the new Nikon Zf without a LCD display. Why? - because it does break the body design language! Think Leica M model 60, think Leica M10-D...and other Leicas, you'd get the point. Much cuter that way. Chimping on location is silly... 🙂

[@peconicgp]

Great point on the bamboo rod. Another like for the fly fishing reference! You guys are doing a great job on the show.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

The content is great (as always), but you guys just knock it out of the park on presentation. Thank you for making the visuals not suck.

[@johnc_]

A retro camera design I appreciate is the GR III, simple pocket camera design, nothing fancy, very functional

[@darenaubiephotography8570]

Its not retro

[@AnthonyJGianotti]

I just love being able to change my settings while my cameras off as a second camera on a shoot or as a primary for personal use.

[@elijahmodnar1]

retro looks can help you bring it to venues/events that normally would say no to a big mirrorless cam ;) can say its film-camera if its retro enough...

[@qwiklok]

If the canera nakes you feel good, are proud of the retro looks, that lovely warm and fuzzy gooey feeling that comes over you, your emotions are triigered to the point where your creativity is enhanced and you WANT to make outstanding pictures, you are already way ahead. Never was a Nikon fan ever, but i instantly fell in love with this canera. Go figure. Now if Contax did the sane.... love it. They will sell a ton of those abalogue looking cameras.

[@sanderforpresident]

at @17:24 such a good take, it will be the gateway into grading for many people. Especially with the blackmagic camera app. Let's hope Sony goes the same path and starts offering external recording, log and all that, to give the android users the same opportunity.

[@AllieBishopphoto]

For me, the retro design actually makes me want to carry my camera more and use it more all the time. I love my canons for professional work but they feel like using a computer more than a camera. I would love if Canon made a retro design similar to the Nikon zf. Olympus’ camera styling is actually what originally got me into photography

[@xhenriquefps]

I watched the iPhone 15 review on my LG OLED C2, and man, that video was soooo beautiful. The colors were AMAZING. I was shocked at the image quality of the iPhone video in ProRes after grading

[@scottboettcher1344]

Microscope exercise for your family, Chris: turn off the bottom illumination, then look at table salt, kosher salt, Diamond Crystal salt, and sugar. Also interesting is "diatomaceous earth", but you'll probably have to order that (skeletons of single-cell sea creatures/plankton).

[@billgraves2259]

I was up late watching last night, I remember thinking before I went to bed. "All these guys complaining the ZF came before the Z6-III really got what they wanted - it just came in a retro pkg" So I agree with Jordon.

[@horizonoftheeast]

Hi! Nice podcast about retro design! I feel good design fulfills a part of customers who are also amused at the devices they use on top of taking photos. However, I got a question for you: What do you think of the decline of in-person camera stores in especially the United States? Camera stores are of course impacted by online platforms in the past years, but I think the US is seeing this in a more severe situation where we will only have one store in every metro...

[@ABRouleauville]

Jordan & Chris - Want to get away from any smoke for your next camera test road trip? Come out to the East Kootenay's. Kimberley's only a 4hr drive from the south end of Calgary, Cowboy trail best scenic drive, it'll be peak Larch season in October, AND clear skies for the past few weeks.

[@ondrejbobek.]

For taking pictures of the kids - the best solution for me was a phone mounted on a hotshoe with the front camera on. It only costs a few euros and works just fine.

[@armaniusmaximus]

Eye of the beholder. Retro cameras actually inspire me to use the camera more often. I still enjoy using my Fuji XT2 over the Sony A7c even though the Sony is better technically in almost every way.

[@ScottJWaldron]

37:00 I'd say this camera shape with its lack of a substantial grip is historically mean to be connected to a strap. If I could get one then that's probably how I'd often use it. Kinda how we look at a SNES controller (or N64 with it's single analog stick) compared to a PS5 one. They all can be nice depending on the game you play with it, but the PS5 controller is certainly more versatile and has been iterated on for a long time at this point. That said, I'd definitely prefer a SNES controller to a PS5 one for some games. Part of the reason the Df didn't appeal to me was they tried to fit digital era SLR technology into a retro package when it physically wasn't able. At least now they managed to take the idea and could leverage the short flange distance of Z.

[@poniatowski3547]

I love this Zf. The old camera aesthetic makes me want to shoot it. using small lenses use it old school, want to use bigger lenses add the grip it easy. Just watch how many pro photogs by one for their personal work. Leica exists for a reason, Fuji success with x bodies is for a reason. This camera will sell well and its all BS about people dismissing it because its retro. You get retro dials and the command dials use it both ways how good is that. It abodes so well for a Z7III & Z6III. I see The Zf and a Z7III in my future.

[@charliewaterman816]

Looks, handling, feel..manual controls.. they mean a ton to me! I'm an artist, and I want to enjoy my tools and the whole experience. Not everyone cares, but a bunch of people do. I shot Sony for a while... great tech, but it just felt sterile. Love nikon is trying, looks good, but other than look and feel, I want stabilization and resolution. Wish it was the new 60mp senor in that baby!

[@southendsites]

I remember and used film and may go back to using film in My retirement...

[@ZenRus]

I don’t believe it at first. But if the camera looks good, there’s an add on incentive to bring out to shoot. Like Fujifilm selling like hotcakes. Although I will argue that film simulations is the bigger plus to retro design. If you gonna shoot really sharp and clean pictures, you can just stick with the canons and Sonys.

[@ZappaBlues]

Business is all about pleasing the companies' Overlords, the Stockholders and Board of Directors.

[@RusselHarris]

Shooting the BWL (AKA the MZuiko 150-400/4.5) should be a blast!

[@kwokmanchung]

Yeah, Adobe and Apple's project planning is how much higher they price the rebadged existing products in order to meet the next revenue/profit target.

[@wongjefx980]

Yes....if you grew up on older film cameras. I mess up my exposure sometimes because the push wheel dial on my camera is both aperture and exposure compensation ...and when trying to get the shot I can have it on the wrong setting. I'll take the separate mechanical controls I can memorize.

[@FAKEROONEY]

Not sure who asked this question but my Panasonic S5MIIX will show on both the EVF and the LCD screen at the same time if I have the display facing away from me. Hope whoever asked that question sees this.

[@jimstirling7223]

A lot of the retailers here in the UK are including a SmallRig Grip for those pre ordering the ZF

[@RidingBicycles]

Hi, QUESTION FOR THE PODCAST: I am a hobbyist that has recently enrolled on a Film and Television Masters degree to hopefully to my skills to another level, higher my thinking about film and hopefully it might lead to bigger things than just a hobby. When I got on the course I instantly bought a Sony ZV e10. A nice little camera but I think I might have been a bit too hasty. I hate going through menus to think about settings and the Nikon looks sexy and I can really relate to seeing the settings right in front of your eyes. I also love taking stills. Would you recommend the Nikon zf for someone in my position or would the Sony A7 iv be more suitable for the money. Being a Computer Science teacher I appreciate analogue even if it is pseudo analogue 😂 or can you recommend something better in that price range.

[@andrewgrillet5835]

Retro looks? Yes! ... A lot of us think that "changing the UI" should be punishable by public hangings and floggings (Google, we are looking at you!)

[@short_bar]

It’s because of my experience with light microscopy that I got into photography. To me the manual focusing is very much like focusing on the microscope. A fun item to inoculate from could be leaf pressing. I do have a question for everybody on the podcast. What is your EDC? What do you carry for casual/personal shoots now?

[@ericaceous1652]

Adobe wise, I specifically use other software solutions because I dislike their subscription model and high prices. DxO and Davinci Resolve 🤘

[@LukeChristo]

Glad to hear nobody mentioned the Nikon is 24mp is great as a new R3 owner.

[@CINENIMUS]

Good to see you back home guys! What camera is Chris using for his headshot?

[@PetaPixel]

A7R V

[@the_wiki9408]

That Nikon ZF might be great with the Viltrox primes. They look a little more classic and most of them have aperture rings.

[@matthieugraveleau]

Hello! There is something that has been bothering me for some time and maybe you have the solution. For the context I'm shooting a Nikon D750 so maybe another brand or more modern camera do it. Ok, to the point: often we are trying to expose to the right trying to not burn the highlights. However I haven't find a global metering mode (I guess you could use spot metering otherwise) that allows to do that. Am I crazy to wan't to have a metering mode that will select the brightest exposure while not burning the higlights even if it means having dark shadows? Thanks for your help!

[@seanho3095]

I think the "retro-style" cameras is a clear message to the manufacturers that the consumers do not like the current camera designs, at least to the appearance, (maybe lacking characters)!

[@POVwithRC]

People who were on board with Final Cut going subscription on mobile are about to learn why paying subscription for creative products are worse than being hooked on hard drugs. The dealer can raise his prices any time, and because you are hooked you will bend over and take it. Think Apple won't do what Adobe constantly does? Lol.

[@donwrrybouti]

what does jordan use in replacement of adobe programs?

[@PetaPixel]

Capture One and Final Cut Pro. - Jordan

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

hopefully for Chris Nikon Comes in the near future with a Zfc Mark two or ii with expeed 7 IBIS BSI 33MP sensor and please two SD cards !

[@okyeabuddyguy]

The benefit is if you like it more and find it enticing you will go out and shoot more photos.

[@thatcherfreeman]

I think there's legitimate benefit to being able to see what your camera settings are without having to look at the screen or EVF. Choosing on each dial whether you want it to be Auto or a specific f-stop, shutter speed, or ISO I think makes a lot of sense and is superior to the PASM modes from a design standpoint, now that ISO isn't fixed for batches of 36 shots. Not sure if these vintage-style cameras operate in this way, but I wish they did. That being said, the preference for old looking cameras based on how they look seems kinda misguided. Old cameras mostly just look older, to say they're aesthetically preferable is an argument from your own nostalgia and upbringing rather than a universal truth. As a zoomer, I could equally say that modern cameras look "more professional" and "less like a high school photography student who just found out about film", but that's just because I didn't grow up in the 80s. It's two sides of the same coin. At the end of the day, the only thing I couldn't fault someone for would be choosing the best tool for the job (whatever that means to you), while sticking to the limitation that the subject or client has to be able to take you seriously.

[@classic.cameras]

Not really a retro design but always hated that dedicated +/- exposure compensation dial on the older Sony cameras like the A7iii. Was so glad when they removed it for the A7iv and made it customizable. It certainly felt like a "vintage" feature coming from Canon.

[@mikeireland2428]

Been taking photos since 1962 and I find the overabundance of technology in digital sometimes requires taming. Starting with all automatic settings is not a copout but frees one to concentrate on vision before getting lost in all the possible manipulations of the equipment.

[@parasharkchari]

My point that I've always made is that calling them "retro" controls is a disservice to their value. Yes, the camera manufacturers are always tying these types of controls together with a body that harkens back to older film cameras, but that's because they're also doing it a disservice. The problem here is that once you label it "retro", you're evaluating that type of workflow on the basis of a comparison against the halcyon days of film and not examining it on its own merits. Now something that it brings to me personally may not be something that the likes of Chris or Jordan can appreciate because they are buried in their cameras every day hours per day as opposed to the typical owner who has it as a hobby and will break out their nice camera once in a while or on vacation or something. I previously had a micro-4/3 camera and while it was great and all, every time I brought it out, it would be weeks or months away from using it, so I'd keep forgetting how things were set up, how I'd customized things, where settings would be located in the menus, etc. It also means that I'll try adjusting something that I expect to work through the control dials and wonder why it isn't having the effect I was looking for and realize only later that I had to go in and change certain settings in the menus that sometimes aren't even available because "oh, wait, I can't adjust this setting in the menu pages because I'm in aperture priority mode." With manual controls and explicit dials for all the core exposure settings, I never have to worry about that. The one and only thing I have to worry about is the exposure triangle/bucket. And here's the important thing about that -- I'm having to think about something that is *universal* to photography. And while the exact effect might vary from camera to camera because of factors like sensor size or base ISO, the principle remains the same. I never have to worry about "Oh, I'm in custom mode C1... how did I set that up again?" or forgetting that I can't adjust this because I left it in shutter priority mode. The fact that I can adjust something just because I know the dial is "here" rather than having to keep an eye on the screen/viewfinder and looking off in the corners to make sure it reads what I expect is enormously powerful. As opposed to... "I didn't press the front control dial in the correct number of times, so I'm not controlling what I think I am." On top of that, I can hand it over to someone else and as long as they understand how the principle works, they can control it on first glance without ever having to know more about the camera or its menus or its display pages. The direct control interface also means that going manual doesn't feel like an out-of-place action. With a modal system, it is inherently structured to separate giving you more or less direct control from a default of just going full auto. With a direct control dial layout, it is inherently positioned to elicit the notion that direct user control is the primary approach by putting all the exposure controls right on hand. Granted, Fujifilm are the only ones who went "all-in" on this with the "A" setting on each dial and aperture ring on every lens, whereas Nikon went halfway by keeping the PASM dial on the Zf and Zfc, which has the unfortunate side effect that depending on the mode you're in, certain control dials will be nonfunctional. Presumably, this is because they didn't want to have to modify the menu system and displays to account for the fact that they didn't have a modal switch. It's better than nothing, but it's a corruption of what is otherwise an objectively superior control method. And I do not use "objectively" just for emphasis in that context. The reason I say so is because it is a control methodology built expressly around something that is an objective "fact" of photography -- i.e., the exposure bucket/triangle, rather than something that is intrinsically software. The entirety of the argument for a PASM dial is simply the fact that it is common. It is "universal" only in the sense that every manufacturer does it. It is not at all "universal" unto the realities of how light works or how it affects your photography/videography. Jordan alluded to how the user experience on old film cameras was deplorable. He's not wrong, but it leaves out that this is still true of modern cameras. Why do you think people will revert to their cell phones as a default? It's not because the iPhone or Galaxy or Pixel phones have gotten so great... this idea of the cell phone as the better option even when a "real" camera is otherwise on hand is not new nor is it confined to people who own flagship phones. It is simply a reflection of the fact that there is no "good" UI or UX in any "pro" or "prosumer" camera. What you might call a "good UX" is actually just one that is less egregiously horrible than others. Not one serious camera on this Earth exists that has a user experience that is "good" in an absolute sense. They are all awful, and some are merely more or less awful. The only time we ever had an adequately good UX in a high-end camera was Samsung with the NX series, and that died a gruesome death. The less I have to worry about menus or changing settings or manipulating customizations the better. Explicit control dials for everything exposure related means I will never have to worry about menus or reading displays or anything for 95% of changes or adjustments I will apply at any given moment.

[@noahpl]

Guys, what woudl your camera of choice for street photography from m3/4 lineup. I have om-1 (and love it) but its quite intimidating on street

[@HokKan]

Can you compare the 150-400 with the 300/4 Pro (with MC14 and MC20)? Lots of M43 users would love to know if it's worth paying 2-3 times, very important to know how sharpness compares between these setups.

[@aylwinwei5576]

Yes, in public area I'll feel embarrassed to carry a professional camera, but won't if it's a fun camera , like retro styled

[@DixonLu]

QQQ: I remember back in 2016 or so, Olympus explained why IBIS beyond 6.5 stops was not possible due to Earth's rotation interfering with the micro-gyroscope (at the equator, that'd be ~465m/s, or in 1/10s, it moved 46.5m). The Zf claims 8 stops. I would like to hear this explained again, i.e., what was the limitation back then, and how has IBIS mechanisms become more sensitive since? Thank you.

[@grandpascuba]

I like being able to change the basic camera settings without having to go to a menu on an LCD screen. Especially in bright sun, when the LCD screen is washed out by the light. Also you may have notice that your EVF goes dark or even black if you are wearing sunglasses. With my XPro3, I simply switch to the OVF, and problem solved.

[@JasonWendling]

Thanks for such a thorough answer to my question about colorspace.

[@PetaPixel]

Thanks for asking!

[@rodneytopor1846]

Re your video title, I switched from a Canon EOS 6D to a Fujifilm X-T2 in 2017 for the lighter weight, smaller size, and similar IQ of the camera and lenses. The retro design has the much noted advantage that you can see the main exposure settings without turning the camera on and you have separate dials for each setting. So far so good. But the retro design on the X-Mount system has a huge disadvantage that no-one ever comments on. It seriously limits the use of custom settings (accessed through the Q menu on the X-Mount system). In particular, you can't put shutter speed or drive mode (single shot or continuous shooting) in a custom setting. This makes fast switching between, say, bird-on-a-stick and bird-in-flight difficult. The (modern?) Canon EOS 6D (and presumably other non-retro cameras) is much better in this regard.

[@trym2121]

That's why they make x-h and x-s. X-T is for tickling the memberberry but Fuji development is moving toward the hybrid world, they don't care the old motivation why they created the xpro and x-t anymore. I'm saying this from looking the newer lens development. It get rids all the 'magic' and handling of the old lenses

[@rodneytopor1846]

@@trym2121 You're right, Fuji users have choices, but this video is about retro design, and my point remains: relying on physical dials limits the power of custom settings.

[@krishnakumarr9619]

I guess i could take a vintage looking camera to my friend's wedding, without having the pros working there get intimidated or something. ( it feels wrong when i think about bringing my big boy camera )

[@GlennUpgraded]

With Nikon leading the specs for Hybrid Cameras specially for video specs like internal raw and stuff. What’s your take on the idea that Nikon should put out a proper cinema camera ASAP? If they did so, what else should they bring on the table to make it even stand out for filmmakers?

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Thanks Guys. What is the Jack Russel do called? Please.

[@BrentODell]

We just got a microscope for our son this xmas, does anyone know where I can score a m 4/3 adapter for it?

[@DaneRThomas]

While I appreciate the functionality and performance of the latest iPhones and digital mirrorless cameras, I still enjoy using my eclectic collection of analog 35mm cameras as well (1954 Zeiss Ikon, 1964 Voigtländer, 1974 Pentax, Nikon FM, Olympus XA, Chinon CE-4). Each of them has some kind of interesting functionality, and at least some of them are stylish in the bargain. That being the case, after having had a chance to test ALL of the latest Canon cameras and big white lenses while shooting waterfowl last night, I have no remaining desire to ever attempt to use any of my analog cameras for wildlife photography.

[@martingreenberg870]

There are some benefits, for me, using retro camera design. I like RF style. In particular I like the EVF on the left side of the body. It is more comfortable for me. I also don’t have my nose hitting the touchscreen. I also appreciate aperture control on the lens vs. the body. I’m curious about two things. Why do mirrorless bodies still have a hump. Why do so many bodies have the EVF in the middle of the body? Maybe we should purchase shares in Adobe. If they are squeezing money out of us, and I don’t use any of their products, purchasing shares in the stock we can benefit from the squeeze. Interesting that OM sponsors the broadcast but you spent so much time at the end talking about sony(@ the request of a viewer.) PS: are you SURE these images are from the late 19th century and not the early 20th century? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@realniteart]

As a left eye dominant and right hand dominant person I am all for viewfinder on the right and grip on the left! I prefer to have camera in the left hand, so I can have my dominant hand free. It is a challenge with modern cameras. I don't know who thought it is a good idea to make cameras for right hand dominant people only :) Maybe this is why I like square format cameras; most of them are almost ambidextrous.

[@funnybeingme]

I like the retro design of the Nikon ZF, though I like Fuji's approach with the dials where each setting (iso, aperture and shutter speed) can be set manually or auto. And also the flip out screen on this Nikon doesn't make sense to me for a photocentric camera, especially for discreet waist level street shooting.

[@HesselFolkertsma]

It’s a shame Nikon didn’t make an aperture dial standard on its Nikkor Z lenses.

[@CollectionOfJunk]

The Panasonic S5II can have the external monitor and evf going at the same time when the monitor is facing your subject!

[@rooibaard832]

We definitely need an update on Abode progress

[@Markovratonjic]

As you get older your lens (in the eye) gets older, and sometimes it becomes yellow. Its the start of a cataract, however, there doesn't need to be visual accuty symptoms. That makes colors muted, so people gravitate towards vivid. I agree about the death penalty though...

[@dccoletrain]

My 4K TV didn’t recognize the iPhone video being shot in HDR…. And Chris said his favorite Fuji is the X-S10/20 which doesn’t have the retro dials so I’m not sure why he wanted Nikon to make one….

[@mykeljewell]

I am pretty sure Chris is using the new Sony mic as his podcast microphone 😮😮😮😮😮

[@jacktingle215]

Nostalgia, no. Says the man who uses a Minolta 135mm f/2.8 on an E-M10 Mark II. I need a collapsed monopod just to give me leverage to hold the thing up, and the Mark II actually has a vestigial handgrip.

[@Atlas-FM8]

I feel like the existence of the s5ii at $2000 and the A7siii at $3.5K is going to make it hard for Sony to make the a7v a minor improvement AND raise the price $200-$300.

[@absolutrumo]

Love the podcast! But (especially) Jordan's breathing is *really* noticeable when other people talk. Might there be a way to improve on this? It's so bad that it's really impacting the podcast. (It's often just as loud as Chris' audio when he is talking (or louder!). Might be an issue with the gain levels? Maybe Jordan is using a condenser mic and that's particularly good at picking up those frequencies? Most other big podcasts also turn down the volume of people who aren't currently speaking. This is more work in editing of course... Maybe Jordan can just switch to a different mic or move further away when not talking? It's just super grading over time. And I really love that you guys are doing a podcast! Would love to be able to... listen to it without hating my ears.)