At 11:18 PM 2/1/2006, you wrote:
David Pouge's latest article on the future of digital imaging may interest some of you: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/02/technology/circuits/02pogue.html Roger
It is intriguing to note that digital photography has matured to the point that the monthly resolution break thru is now a thing of the past and all digital cameras are capable of producing excellent 8X12-inch images or better. Camera choice can now be based on features rather than resolution.
Film will soon be a hobbyist's specialized activity it is about time to forget all the 35 mm format jargon and move on. Does anyone refer to a crop or multiplier when comparing MF to LF image sources? This 35mm comparison was started because there is no standard digital format. For years camera makers other than Eastman Kodak were restricted to formats based on available film size but now digital camera makers can manufacture any format they think can make a profit.
The actual focal length is no longer useful in deciding how a lens will meet a digital photographers needs. It is not a requirement to even know what the focal length is on a given sensor size. Do most photographers know what the focal length for a WA lens on a MF camera as opposed to one on a LF camera? How about APS compared to 35MM? Does any one care? P&S zoom lenses are marked and sold as W to Xtel where X is the magnifier power. I've got three or four of the things and I don't know or care what the actual focal length is on any of them. W makes things smaller and shows more of them while Xtel makes things bigger and shows fewer of them. That works for me.
It seems logical that lenses be marketed for a given purpose when used on a specific digital sensor based on MP count and disregarding actual focal length or crop/multiplier. About six categories would cover the full spectrum from extreme wide angle to extreme telephoto.
It will be interesting (more even than usual) to see what the future holds. Dave East Englewood --------------------------- The proof is in the print
