I’ve been well aware of the conversations between enthusiasts and professionals alike about the new Canon 5d mkII and it’s high-definition video capabilities. The discussions that follow seems to be always about the death of photography or the medium becoming obsolete to technology. ProLost has a pretty good take on all the fuss that the new gear has been stirring up.
Bullshit.
Saying that photographers need to learn video because their cameras now feature video is like saying that you need to start a rock band because you bought an iMac that ships with Garage Band.
Photography has already been having a tough time in the 21st Century, and video does not make it’s position in the professional world any more secure. Awash with advancing portability, and affordability, cameras take many different forms today in our society of social media. Anyone can be a photographer, even with their cell phone or pocket-sized point-and-shoot.
What I don’t think will happen is a mass exodus of ex-photographers into the world of film, it’s more of a thing for tech geeks and film heads. I’m sticking with photography and embracing the technology, but I don’t expect these new ‘tools’ to enhance my ability to compose a photograph any better. If anything, the Internet and new medium of photography today has forced us all to reevaluate the still image, it’s value, and how we can create better images in the face of increased saturation, competition, and amateurism.
Sensor cleaning
After a year of handling my camera in random outdoor environments, I’ve only recently begun to notice the dust accumulation on my Canon 5D’s CMOS sensor. It took four swabs (at $4 a piece!) to get it as clean as you can see in the lower photograph; that grime must have been smeared and pretty deep into the outer layer of the sensor.