Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS)
Derek Smith • 17 May 2021
I, in common with many other photographers are often affected by Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS), looking at, and researching, the latest cameras or lenses.
To counter pressing the “buy” button needlessly, and impoverishing ourselves in the process, I would ask the reader to consider these three little words, “like”, “want”, and “need”, you may like a new camera, but does it fulfil a need? As an example; a photographer has a good camera with a respectable kit lens, but wants to take photos of birds, and wildlife, he therefore has a “need” for a telephoto lens to be able to take those type of photos.
My own path in GAS is an abject lesson in point. Migrating from a simple “point and shoot” camera to an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera the Olympus PEN E-PL1 was a good choice, but I sold it after only a year because I was moving to Spain, and bought a Nikon Coolpix camera as a travel camera, fair enough. When I left Spain though I bought a Sony NEX 3, then a Sony A5100, replacing that with a Panasonic GX7, and all the various Panasonic lenses, macro, wide angle, and telephoto. Following on I bought an Olympus OM-D E-M10 ii, with which I took some impressive photos on holiday in Australia. Feeling that the 16 megapixel sensor was limiting my photography I sold the Olympus, and bought the Sony A6000, which was quickly replaced with the Sony A6300, and supplemented with a full frame Sony A7 ii. The reviews of the Sony A7 ii gave this camera very high praise, but the ergonomics of both Sony cameras did not suit me, and the lenses for full frame cameras are much more expensive, and heavier than the APS-C, or micro four thirds lenses.
Selling all of my Sony gear I now have the Olympus OM-D E-M5 iii, with the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens, and the 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens. The Olympus camera is weatherproof, as are the lenses, with full IBIS (In Body Image Stabilisation) and I feel like I’ve now “come home”, my camera equipment is light, and takes excellent photos. I believe that my images have improved, and this is not because this camera is the “best”, but more because this camera, and the lenses are the “best” for me.
My final point is that “image quality” may depend on the camera, and associated lenses, however “photographic quality” is a product of the photographer, and use of the camera equipment, as I think the recent competition using smart phones, and compact cameras decidedly prove. The “megapixel wars” do not necessarily make for great photos, there is no discernible difference between the 16 megapixel sensor on my Olympus PEN E-PL7, and the 20 megapixel sensor on my Olympus OM-D E-M5 iii, as a user though the hybrid autofocus on the larger sensor is faster, and more accurate, which is the reason I bought into the E-M5 iii once the sensor was updated.
Photo of sand racing on Skegness beach taken with the Sony A7ii, and 75 -300mm f/4.5 – f/5.6 lens. Detail: 198mm, ISO 200, f/6.3, 1/800.
Louth Photographic Society
Chris Birchmore gave an informative, and interesting talk and demonstration of his medium format film cameras. at the beginning of the evening Chris gave a potted history of the origins of the MPP cameras he was showing us. The cameras take a 5 x 4" film stock, and looking at the cameras it seems incredible that photographers in the recent past could take excellent photographs with these. The MPP cameras were often used by the British Armed Forcies during the Second World War, and throughout the 1950s, and 60s, and some of these medium format were still being manufactured in the 1970s. The prints that Chris showed taken with these cameras were of excellent quality, with an amazing depth of field. Many thanks Chris for a fascinating evening.
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held a committee meeting, which was very productive, we made the final arrangements for the exhibition, charity night, and studio evening as well as other items on the agenda. We are holding an Exhibition opening night at Louth Museum on Friday 17th April celebrating 70 years of Louth Photographic Society. There will be a small buffet and cold drinks available, if any member would like to donate a bottle of wine to the occasion please hand it to Harry at one of our club nights. This week, Wednesday 25th March, member Chris Birchmore will be giving us a presentation. The following week is a local competition, with the categoriess of "Local Nature" (up to 25 miles radius from St James church) and "Open" (unlimited mileage) please send your entries to Harry before midnight, Sunday 29th March. Members Steve Chapman will judge the Nature category, and Dave Turner the Open category. Regards Graham
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly PDI competition judged by Martyn Wrigg, the standard of entries was very high and well done to Tony Gaskins for a first in the Architectural Detail and Derek Smith for his first place in the Open. All the results are on our website under competitions. This week, Wednesday 18th March we will be holding a Committee meeting, just committee members for this one. The following week Chris Birchmore is the speaker for the night. Harry is now accepting entries for the PDI local competition, with the categories of "Local Nature" and "Open". We judge this competition in house so if you would like to judge one of the subjects please let me know. Regards Graham
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
A PDI (Projected Digital Image) competition was held last night with the categories of "Architectural Detail", and "Open". Martyn Wrigg was our judge for the evening, and he competently judged the submitted images, although he diid surprise with some of his choices of placing, but that's a judges perogative. Martyn complemented members on the quality of the images presented, which had made some of his decisions difficult. First placed was "It's a Fixer Upper" in the Architectural Detail section, and "Dervish Musician" in the Open section. Congratulations to Robin Begley, who as one of our newest members submitted some impressive images, achieving a 3rd place in "Architectural Details", and 2nd in the "Open" category. All the results are now posted to our website Competition page.
Good Morning All Last week at the club member Steve Chapman gave us an insight into his life and especially his time at Ilam Park in Derbyshire photographing for the National Trust. Steve showed us many photographs he had taken of the people involved with the trust and the Peak District. The second half was dedicated to Steve's own work, some superb aircraft photography as well as many other subjects. There is a report on the evening on our blog page. This week, Wednesday 11th March we are holding a PDI competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail " and "Open" to be judged by Martyn Wrigg of Barton. The following week is a committee meeting for the committee members only on that evening. For newer members we have two committee meetings a year. Regards Graham
Last night Steve Chapman presented a selection of images from his archives. Steve had previously been a volunteer photographer for the National Trust, and he showed many photos from the Ilam Park Estate, Dovedale, it was interesting to see some of the "behind the scenes" photos. The Jacobite reenactment battle scenes were amazing, the uniforms showed great attention to detail, and there were some real characters among the reenactors. After the break Steve showed some of his general photography, he has a great photographic eye, as some of his photos showed with different colours, shapes, and leading lines. Steve has taken many photos of agricultural machinery, and risked life and limb to create some close up aircraft photos. For atmosphere, just look at these horseriders at the top of the hill on a cool early morning. For heartstopping imagery look at these children on the side of a building, the children are photos on the side of the building, however, Steve wasted no time in capturing this stunning image. Many thanks to Steve for a fascinating evening.
Good Morning All Last week at the club I gave you a PDI (Projected Digital Image) presentation showing photographs I had taken on my travels last year, following up with some past and present photographs of Binbrook. I hope you all enjoyed the evening and maybe saw parts of England you hadn't seen before. This week, Wednesday 4th March, our member Steve Chapman will be showing us photographs he has taken. This is Steve's first time showing the club his work so will be a very good night. Harry is now accepting your PDI's for the next competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail" and "Open". The closing date is Friday 6th March. Regards Graham
The N&EMPF Exhibition will be on display in Cleethorpes from 3rd March.
It was "President's Night" with Graham Harrison showing some of his images from short breaks, and holidays around the UK. Graham rented a holiday cottage in Newbiggin, Northumberland, and showed many of his photos from that area, including a visit to Lindisfarne, where the castle on the rocky outcrop made for an impressive photo. In Suffolk, Graham visited Pakefield, and photographed the colourful beach huts at the top of the shingle beach, he also showed several photos from the Lake District. One of my favourite photos from last night was St. Mary's Lighthouse, Whitley Bay, with the groins in juxtaposition. Thank you Graham for a very interesting evening.
