I miss the wet darkroom, though I don’t miss the noxious chemicals, and the amazing ability of darkroom work to suck up even more time than Photoshop. I still haven’t managed to get digital printing right, and I haven’t managed to convince my wife that we need to spend a significant chunk of my bonus on a new pro printer. Just as well we have both sets of in-laws online these days ;-)

Moreover, I agree that the megapixel obsession is pointless. Megapixels are important, but there are many other components of a camera and qualities of a sensor that matter. Here’s a lighthearted comparison of two new mega-DLSRs that makes the point – http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/2007/12/nikon-vs-canon-introduction.html. There is a minimum bar, however in terms of overall camera quality, below which picture quality and control afforded the photographer will suffer.

What’s the solution? Its simple, of course. You need more than one camera. You definitely want a DSLR for the flexibility that it affords you in terms of available glass, features and general versatility, etc (such as being able to shoot 8fps in the event that Britney, or Amy Winehouse rolls through your neighborhood). You also need something that fits in a backpack, purse or comfortably hangs from your shoulder without being conspicuous. There are many choices one could make in terms of a second, more portable camera.

Personally, I chose the Leica M8, partly because of a temporary loss of sanity and partly because it is a shinning example of quality in every measure and is an absolute pleasure to use. There are some shortcomings, including the general limitations of a rangefinder (short focal length lens, takes a lot of practice to focus) as well as lame flash options from Leica, but there are also some great benefits, including fantastic lenses and superb support for low light/slow shutter shooting.

Finally, regarding digital printing, I do agree that we mostly shoot digital pics with the intention of posting them on a social networking or picture sharing site, however I have found that great satisfaction can be had from attempting to master the art of digital printing. Its not quite the same experience as soaking your bare hands in fixer over and over again, however with the availability of fine art papers and excellent low-cost inkjet printers, very good digital prints can be made. Of course, Adobe has done everything in their power to make color matching an impossible science, but with careful selection of the right settings and printer profile, and a moderate amount of trial and error, excellent color and b+w prints can be made…

The point about view media is central here. I think the real issue is about multipurposing. We are going to increasingly snap away with the intention of sharing on social networking sites rather than ever getting to physical print. But what about that once in a lifetime shot that you want blown up to poster size? Tough luck if you got it with something that has an imaging area smaller than your fingernail. I guess it’s that kind of contingency that drove me to seeking the specs outlined at the begining, but I’ve found that it collides pretty badly with day to day practicality.

Nic’s new toy:
http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/casio-exilim-ex-z1050.cfm

didn’t get anywhere near as much exercise this christmas as I was expecting, but I’d imagine she’ll thrash it on the wedding day.