As Ansel Asams said long ago, "There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept." I think that just about sums it up. Great video.

Such an amazing quote by James “Image quality can be bought but quality images not” 09:56

I love how we as a small group of photographers can go to the exact same place, only have an hour and get completely different photos! And yes! Image quality does definitely not equal quality images! :D

"Image quality can be bought. Quality images cannot." Wise words indeed!

Absolutely one of your best videos. Your analogy worked fine, and saying "you can buy image quality but you can't buy quality images" is spot on. And of course, your sense of humour.

Going by the record of James videos so far, I‘m pretty confident to say that the next video will be titled „Why I absolutely needed a 200MP Phase One camera“ 😂

Great distinction. “image quality can be bought, quality images cannot” (Serene sp.)

"Image quality can be bought." But quality images can only be shot. excellent video!

We are always attracted to what we can buy rather than make. I had a very expensive tennis racket, beautiful set of golf clubs and walking boots that could get you up Everest. As long as I didn't need to demonstrate my prowess with any of them I was Ok! Quality images are the most elusive, my favourite image I have on my wall was taken with my phone!

Excellent point and I agree 100%. I have been a photographer my whole adult life and for 30 years was a professor of photography at Northeastern University in Boston. I taught photography to literally thousands of students and would preach this same lesson: be less about your gear and more about the pictures you make.

Yes yes yes and then some. Appreciate the visual bribes as well. :)

James, I enjoy your videos. I am a big fan. You describe what I have been experiencing over the last several years. Image quality does not equal quality image. The science behind the technology determines image quality, while quality image is the expression of the art of photography. While both are needed to create an impactful image, for most forms of photography, art trumps science. To sell cameras, manufacturers market improvements in image quality. They want us to become enamored with the technology. Unfortunately, the advances in image quality have reached the asymptotic part of the performance curve. This is why many photographers are falling back to using older cameras.

The resurgence of film photography and more analog mediums proves that humans crave imperfection rather than "picture perfect" things. If film didn't have a recent price hike and I had the time to process (which I've done before - it's quite fun!) or local businesses near me, I'd probably shoot film often. I'm also a die hard audio enthusiast who enjoys vinyls and cassettes. Maybe I'm just an old soul...🤔

My first camera was a Nikon D60. I still love my images taken with it. You have some stunning photos from your travels. It’s a joy to be able to see them. Thank you!

Image Quality Vs Quality Images - Spot on, never heard anyone sum it up this way before

What an excellent video. I love you talking about this topic. Makes me feel good. That is a very good thing. Thanks.

Well said. Where are the photos from that little Pentax?

Like your approach to quality. More about seeing,😊 than the gear we use!

I’m sure I won’t be alone in the comments, echoing your sentiments, absolutely. Excellent video, James.

Good morning from Denmark James!! 🙋‍♀🙋‍♀Stay safe !!

I've found myself enjoying images from old CCD sensors more so than anything else these past few years. I guess it's the feeling and look of the images, They take me to a certain place no other images really do...

As a Bird photographer that absolutely sucks at landscape photography, I Love the way you incorporate birds into your landscape images!

The best photos can often be made if or because you are at the right place at the right time. Either because of dedication (e. g. standing up very early for the sunrise) or sometimes just pure luck.

Honestly there should be way more videos about storytelling and the creative aspect of shooting/ composition/ vision rather than new gear. There will always be new gear. But the story you have to tell now someone needs/ would benefit them greatly

Content Is King

Spot on! Imagine obsessing over what kind of canvases, brushes or acrylics the master uses to create his masterpieces!!

Looking back at my favorite photos I've taken, camera and gear has never been important. It's the story or feeling the image creates that made it a favourite.

A great subject matter, which I think we all agree on.

I agree with you 100%! ❤

Great video James I always look forward to your take! Cheers 🎉

My local pub has a 1200mm x 800mm print of one of my photos that was taken on a Canon M5, someone who was a "Expert" once commented that the image was obviously taken on a medium format camera because the quality is so good 🤣 there is a lot of BS when it comes to sensor resolution, I have recently massively upgraded my camera from a 30mp to a 24mp. A good image does not have to be pin sharp when you zoom in to 1000% it just needs to look good at the appropriate distance (As James has mentioned before)

That comment about being over-equipped really nails it. (I marvel at the fancy cameras people use to make KZfaq videos that will be viewed at the size of a softcover book, if that). Having more pixels is nice, but having _enough_ pixels is more important. Some of my favorite photos were taken with a "bridge" camera that is ten years old. I have many fancy cameras, but when I travel I want a compact, versatile camera.

Having super high quality super sharp photos and still adding noise in post 😄😄 good video for reflection

"Image quality and Quality image are not the same" what a fantastic gnomic you gave us there for the entire world of photography WOW 🎉

This video is making me appreciate my Fujifilm X10 so much. I bought it in 2012 before a trip to Italy, only used it on Auto EXR mode then eventually I started using my phone to take pictures. Last year I started trying to learn to use my X10 in manual mode and generally learning about photography in general (that lasted about a month but I’m giving it a go again!). Anyway, I shoot at 6 MP (it’s a Fuji X10 dynamic range quirk) and I still get great social media worthy shots. Now if only Fuji made a weather sealed of the X10.

What a location. Great images. Totally agree about chasing improvements buy upgrading, but boys like their toys :)

Great video! As with most professions, there's a spectrum on which the process lies - with "science" being at one end and "art" being at the other. One can have a 100% understanding of how the settings, DoF, ISO, etc., work... yet produce boring (yet technically perfect) photos. On the other hand, one can have the best artistic eye and completely miss a shot because they don't understand how the technical aspects work to produce an image.

"Image quality can be bought; quality images cannot." Preach! 😊

If I saw the lamppost image at 3.35 anywhere in time I’d say “that’s James that is”…. Classic 😊

Image quality ≠ quality images, agreed. That being said, gear that creates particularly high quality makes creating quality images miles easier, and this is exacerbated by mundane environments. Image quality doesnt have to be the highest to get quality images in a beautiful nordic island, but for many the real world is their home town or region, and in a lot of those cases it is miles and miles more beneficial to have more photogrphic tools at your disposal. Enjoyed the video!

the best video ever...the reference of land overs on the smoothest roads👊💥

Makes sense to me. Well done James.

Totally agree that quality images are what we are all seeking. Some of my best images (in my opinion) were taken with a Minolta 101 on Ektachrome 200. Take care.

Absolutely YES. when I learned decades ago, it was on a Contax and Kodachromes at $1 each. I quickly learned the art of quality by necessity. Today, people believe that expensive gear is the secret. deception. Quality images are hard to come by. Good gear helps of course, but talent is honed by commitment and training. The results speak for themselves.

This so resonates with me. You inspired me when I was on the Antartica trip in 2022 when I was introduced to your style. I now find myself drawn to man made elements in my images. I was really bored with traditional landscapes. Also currently searching for a smaller more travel friendly all in one camera that is weather sealed, maybe a Leica. Tired of dragging lots of gear on long trips. Thanks for your inspiration!

Interesting. You make a valid point.

I love the images that I get out of my older DSLR bodies - D50, D300, and D700 - versus my newer mirrorless bodies - X100F, Z 5, and Z fc. Great video, James, and awesome pics from your adventure!

Right on.

I keep this quote in mind anytime I am tempted to focus on gear "Practically all lenses made within the past decade or two are excellent--often more precise than even the most exacting practical photographer requires. They are, in fact, usually better in their capacity for preserving fine detail than our standard contemporary films and papers can record." - The Camera, Ansel Adams, 1980. Keeping in mind Adams himself used an uncoated convertible triplet lens for a large portion of his most famous works. In the section where he discusses filters he talks about using uncoated gels. The camera gear we have today is light years better than what was used back then. Truthfully the thing I think about most when looking at The Tetons and the Snake River or Moon and Half Dome isn't what gear was used or the image quality, it is how amazing the pictures are. When I was a new photographer I focused a lot on gear now my only considerations with gear is size, weight, price, ergonomics, and compatibility. Image quality isn't even considered because all modern lenses and cameras are adequate. Luckily I came to this realization before I spent too much time chasing gear and all of my current gear individually has not cost me more than $200 (excluding one lens and my cellphone), including my camera's which are 2 identical 35mm film SLRs. Total system cost is well below the cost of most modern professional body's and I spend more time shooting with the intent to make every frame as perfect as I can get it than drooling over new gear.

Great talk. Totally agree but still have to keep in mind what your minimum "image quality" is in accordance to what, where or when you want to shoot. And beyond that, it also includes your camera's user experience. Cheers. ;)

Yes you hit the nail on the head 100 % ! Also your images are quality 👍

Anybody starting out in photography would do well to watch this video. James is bang on right. Technology can only get you so far. The rest is up to you. Having 100 megapixel camera is useless if the images you take are not interesting. On this note, James is a quality photographer - I really admire his work. It may not be to everyone's taste, but I love it.

Bravo.

Very enjoyable and useful!

Well said Mr Popsys, well said.

Thank you James! The one and only regret I have for the gear I own is the lack of weather sealing. Being an amateur, little did I know the endless hassle this would cause; being interested mainly in outdoor photography. The long term goal is improving the quality of my work with what I have. It's the process, the adventure, the little moments of satisfaction I think I share with other photographers; like yourself, that is what we strive for.. What you share makes me a better, more intentional photographer. Thank you.

Hi James, quote to remember “image quality can be bought, quality images cannot”

Thanks for your wise words 😊. It’s encouraging to someone who can’t afford endless gear. Love your photo style by the way 👍🏻

To me the joy of the technical side of photography is about mastering the gear I own in a way that preeliminates (is that even a word?) its limitations and flaws. This is a time consuming, sometimes frustrating process. But it leads to a deeper understanding and more intuitive use of the gear, that's available. It also allowes me to take the images suitable for easy post processing, because I know, what will need to be worked on. Now, I'm no pro of course. But I feel, that the camera is probably the least factor in quality images, whereas lenses can make a big difference.

So true man!

I totally agree with you ,the story rather than image quality is more important.

I love to learn(or beeing reminded) from you in so many ways. ❤️

I agree with the premise of this piece. Initially I found your channel because of your use of Micro 4/3. Since you changed platforms, I have stuck with watching you because you concentrate more on technique and inspiration instead of gear. Another popular KZfaqr in Europe now appears to be leaning more that way instead of the "lens of the week". I find I click on his videos a little more often since this change.

good topic.

It’s so refreshing hearing a photographer say this. Thank you Sir.

Excellent point James. Always an education.

amazing video! i need more content like this

Strong "Death Stranding" vibes on this island. Love it

Thank you.

So well stated. Kudos

James...Wonderful! More videos about how to make quality images would be ever so helpful! Thank-you.

Great message!!!! Could not agree more. Why do we refer to Ansel Adams as one of the greats, yet he had inferior gear as compared to today. It was because he captured a story and emotion that can only come from the human spirit.

👍🏻 strongly agreed.

I've just watched this after an hour scrolling the net for a Sony A7RIII. It's made me ask myself many questions! I've been watching your videos for many years and I'd say this is one of my favourites. No nonsense (well, a little 😂) straight honest talking. Good work.

I only shoot film and ive never actually owned a digital camera but I love your videos so much 😩 make it make sense

What a wonderful analogy.

Still rocking my G9 + Oly 12-40 F2.8. Amazing piece of kit.

Great subject James. I am constantly looking through my books from photographers that were producing amazing images 20,30, 40… years ago, you get the picture. While I do that, I am sitting here with my latest version of a camera that I thought was the thing that was going to motivate me and produce award winning images. It has not. I also agree with you, that quality images are what you should strive for, not the latest gear. I am so sure of this, that I am looking at purchasing camera gear from 10 years back to reconnect with those feeling of creating quality images. Thanks! Oh, and I could never get sick of your face, ok, I easily could but still.

Totally agree, I was curious about Fuji cameras but as a Nikon user I didn’t want to sell all my gear and be disappointed. MPB had an X-M1 for sale, body only £150. No viewfinder so flip out screen only but why not try it? Bought a 35mm Fuji XC F2 prime, £159 to go with it, and boy was I blown away! 16 megapixels and sublime images and dare I say they are better than my Nikon! They really don’t need any post processing and I love it, now if it had a viewfinder …………..!

Love the Tudor!! I just bought one and it came in today!

Well said sir! I was just recently rounds in FB groups about this same topic where I brought up questions about old and new digital IQ and how it is mostly irrelevant to a great photograph. Lots of brainwashed newbies were annoyingly set on the MP and AF argument as well as high end mirrorless lenses. I posted images from my 10 and 15 year old cameras and no one could guess what I used and those are the images that most people liked.

Spot on James - I think you're absolutely right - we forget far too easily about what makes a good image - and it definitely isn't the number of pixels.

The feedback phrase Practical Photography used to send me "Technically good but lacks impact". Moral of the story without impact it doesn't matter how technically good the photo is.

7:10 I quite like that analogy

Too true. Although, as with everything, there is a limit. I've taken some really nice photos on my old 8mp hybrid camcorder, and same goes for my phone. I do occasionally find myself wishing they had much more detail so I could blow them up and mount them on a wall.

Excellent point James you are spot on.

nailed it.

You know, as someone who's got a pretty strong correction in my glasses... I see "noise" all the time and it's largely just tuned out. It's part of the experience of being on this planet for me, and I don't know that I'm sold on all the AI/hyper-perfect styling people seem to think is needed these days. Capturing a moment in time, that elicits something within us that we don't give enough thought day to day, is something I'd like to see more of. Technical excellence in something eventually runs that thing out of soul.

At some point, most of us realise that the latest greatest gear only gives minimal improvements. So i stopped that game years ago. Still use a 7 year old Olympus 16MP EM10ii. See no point in upgrading.

I have an A4 framed photo of our daughter from years ago taken with a 2.1 mp camera. It looks great! I might get that camera out as I still have it - it’s a Canon Powershot A20!

Great message

I think that some people , those new to digital or just starting out as a hobby, tend to get bombarded with camera tech and the camera's abilities. Good money was spent on the latest gear but the tech becomes overwhelming because they try to take that perfect award winning photo with all of that tech & it doesn't pan out.

🙋‍♂️ Thanks for sharing your photos and your thoughts! 🙋‍♂️

Telling it like it is James, “toothpaste on my tee shirt”. Which is an improvement from the 🤮 of a few months ago. All part of the fun James. Stay safe 🇦🇺

One or the best, if not the best video I've ever seen talking about the photography. Thank you James, my offer for Sudtirol in Italy is still valid, whenever you want.

Work with the camera, not worry about limitations, I used a cybershot that has 7mp, used it on my cousin's wedding day in Wales 14 years ago and have alot of family favourites.

Great vid, well said!

Fascinating subject that doesn’t often seem to feature in KZfaq land. Nine months ago I sold my 47MP camera and exotic lenses, and bought a 12 year old 10MP camera and two inexpensive lenses. I’m having a ball and in my eye I’m taking the best pictures I’ve ever taken. As long as it doesn’t rain. Because then I’m f……

it's nowadays always that people need to have gear that are better and better and better but some of them can't even use them properly. And what I mean by that is, most of us can't take pictures that evokes feelings. I can see my self in that situation as a beginner photographer. The true is that it doesn't matter if it's 2mp camera, 40mp camera or higher, if the pictures evokes feelings and interest. Ofc different pictures might need different gear to take that exact picture what you really want, but we have to learn that we can take much more pictures of things if we're not that precise of gear. It's just so nice to go out with camera and shoot some pictures of random things and watch that picture and think what feeling that evokes. I have Canon EOS 7D Mark 1 and I think that's a beast. Only thing why I'm getting Sony A6600, because I can take videos with that and probably take pictures when it's dark outside without that much noise. And ofc how compact it is. I'm not going to get rid of that 7D because why would I. It's a wonderfull camera.

As someone who used slr cameras since 1978 and didn’t even get my first digital until my mid 30s I do still love how we use to spend time taking a photo and then if you were lucky had a darkroom to watch them come to life on paper. I remember taking a photo of a bird box when I was a kid and had a 30ft long cable/hose to release the shutter on my Olympus om-10 and some manual focus zoom lens. Now I have a Olympus em-5 iii and I can do pro capture which fills the buffer constantly with photos and I choose the one I want from the same distance but the lens is so good , it’s a 12-150mm equivalent of 24-300mm on a 35mm camera the image is no comparison to my old film photos. But just the process of using film was something I do miss because you had to work harder to get a good photo. But it was expensive and time consuming.