Bob Crum

It was a dark sunny night as I traipsed with trepidation around the Day of the Dead celebration. Tough assignment because my camera doesn't have a “Night” white balance setting. Upside, photo ops aplenty.

A friend approached and asked, “Why are you still lugging around that big ole camera? Get a cell phone, dude!” I smiled, and winced. Such questions are like weeds – persistent and irksome. Yet could the answer serve to motivate fence-sitters to buy a camera? Let's see.

First, let's consider microwaves and ovens. Many don't, but I like Brussel sprouts. I used to steam them in the microwave. The micro made quick work of the mini cabbages. But I prefer tasty crispy sprouts! Steamed, they just cannot match the sprouts baked crispy in the oven! Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put trimmed Brussels sprouts, olive oil, a dash of kosher salt & pepper in a large plastic bag and shake to coat. Pour onto a baking sheet and place on oven center rack. Roast for approx. 30 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes for even browning. That's how to do scrumptious!

For steaming the veggies, the microwave (cell phones) works well. For crispy sprouts, must roast in an oven (dedicated camera). The point: Two different tools for two different results. One is not necessarily better, just different. Same with photography? A cell phone (steamed photos) is OK for snapshots to quickly send off on the Internet. But, for the ultimate control and creativity, a camera (baked photo) is obviously superior. Two different tools for different purposes. Important: don't fry photos!

I've also have a few photographic friends who think that digital photography, with dedicated cameras, is dead. They're eating too many steamed Brussel sprouts. I ask them how come camera manufacturers continue to produce state-of-the-art cameras. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic to name a few, continue to produce new generation cameras with ever better technology. Sure, camera sales may not be as robust as they used to be, but thousands are still made and bought every year. Like ants at a picnic, phonetographers are everywhere including in my way! But there still are hundreds of thousands of photographers who use cameras and upgrade to newer cameras as needed.

Which reminds me of another frequent question: I have a model X camera and wondering if I should get the latest model? I answer with a question: What might the new camera do that your present camera doesn't? If not much, take the savings and treat me to lunch. If, on the other hand, a new model incorporates features that would enable you to accomplish your vision easier or better, buy the new model and enjoy.

I still have my first Canon 7D. At seven years old, it's ancient in technology years but still an excellent camera. When the sensor needed cleaning, I let the pros at Canon clean it and make sure all is perfect. But, the newer 7D Mark II incorporates technology and options not available on the older 7D which makes the 7D MKII a better tool for the work I do.

If I go out to shoot landscapes or mermaids at the beach, the 7D works just fine. However, the 7DMKII provides many more important focus points and superior AI servo technology, both of which are a huge advantage when shooting fast moving objects, like leaping grasshoppers or sprinting hippos.

Here's the link to review the Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead celebration. https://youtu.be/_2N6OgLukkw

Send questions, comments or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net