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The 2 Million dollar camera

1DxSome of us will remember a television series back in the 1970’s called the six million dollar man.  He was the first “bionic” human capable of doing incredible feats thanks to the pricey high tech improvements doctors had made.  6 million dollars was a FANTASTIC sum of money, (what it supposedly cost to rebuild him after his accident).  My 2 million dollar camera is a different sort of story.  No, I did not sink 2 million dollars into repairs or improvements.  Did it cost 2 million dollars?  It was expensive, happily not that much.  This story is a testament to build quality and performance. Back in 2005 Canon released their flagship- top of the line- digital camera the Canon 1Ds mark2.  At the time it was recognized as a breakthrough in technology and performance. There was nothing else like it on the market.  A game changer in the demise of the film era.  I was already on my 3rd professional digital camera when this new camera was released. Most all the work I was doing was digital by then.  The exception was high end magazine work in which I still used large format studio cameras. The image quality and build quality of this new camera were of such that it could even match those cameras. Without hesitation I purchased one.  With the required new lens it was easily $10,000.  Was it worth it?  The image quality propelled my work to a higher level instantly. Virtually every aspect of my profession was impacted by that camera.  The performance in the field and the resulting images made my work a delight.  Soon I bought a 2nd one for backup purposes.  That one camera delivered flawless images consistently for over 10 years (only twice did it spend a day or two in the Canon service center for minor repairs)  Over the years Canon continued to upgrade their flagship models but I found no compelling reason to replace what I was using- until recently.  Feeling the urge to once again be on the cutting edge of technology I purchased Canon’s current premier offering, the Canon 1Dx.  This is the camera you will see at the Super bowl, the Olympics or anywhere in the world top professionals need superior build quality, performance and images. It is hands down the best field camera available-at any price.  Was it 2 million?  No happily they have come down in price.  This new camera is really a fantastic addition to my tool chest(camera bag).  Already it has proved itself superior while handling in the field and in image quality.  I don’t know how they managed it, but Canon delivered the goods with improved color, clarity and vibrancy.  My images have almost taken on a 3 dimensional quality.  I’m elated at what I can now offer my clients.  I know I am delivering the absolute best with this new camera. Now its always been my view that the camera is not as important as the person behind it.  Give me a box with a lens on it and I assure you I can capture the image I desire.  My work demands more than just technology.  The craft of portraiture involves psychology, artistry, humor, sensitivity and common sense strategy working with various environmental challenges.  Having a dependable camera frees me to concentrate on the more important aspects of my work-the people I’m photographing.  So where does the $2,000,000 figure come in?  Well,  over the past 10 years I calculated that one faithful camera generated no less than $2,000,000 in revenue for our studio.  A nice return on a $10,000 investment.   Moreover, as I retire the old cameras for the new, it is noteworthy that they still produce stunning images and work perfectly.  In a sense, it is sad they are falling out of use.  One of my hobbies is playing and collecting guitars.  I’m embarrassed to say I’m losing track of how many guitars I own.  My wife is certain that whatever the number it is too many.  The point is you can only play one at a time.  So it is with cameras and lenses.  Great artists tend to use the same instrument to deliver over and over consistent quality.  My belief is that my newest acquisition will hit the same level as it’s predecessor.  Below is an example of the stunning color rendition of the newest camera. A family portrait captured in Laguna Beach California.

Anu 010b

 

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