Possible Powershot POTN rules change?

[Diminished29]

What do you guys think about passing a rule to have no extra lenses or lense add-ons (polarizers) used during these contests? Of course we'd be unable to really tell who was using what, but it would be based on an honor code more or less.

With the addition of extra lenses and polarizers one is able to get just that much closer to an SLR, which some may feel defeats the whole purpose of a "P&S contest"

My line of thinking is this with the S2 cameras having a large showing in the Powershot community some may feel at a disadvantage when comparing their A-series x4 lense to the massive x12 IS lense of the S2. In regards many A-series users may feel "handicapped" in some contests, where having the advantage of a nice zoom lense soon becomes apparent, must less when people start adding on 1.4x tele converters and things of that nature.

The next area I want to discuss is polarizers. Using a circular or ND polarizer can add wonderous colors to any landscape or water/waterfall scene and those not shooting with one get noticed quickly. Here are a few examples of what polarizers are cabable of producing: http://www.geocities.com/cokinfiltersystem/polarizer.htm

Really, I'm just trying to make this contest more fair for each and everyone one of us. It really doesn't bother me either way, I look at it more as a challenge, but rather than have a whole separate contest with just the "S2's" and then a separate contest with the "A-series", I'd really just like to keep them altogether. So, this really needs some dicussion and I hope you'll vote in the poll as well please.

Cheers,
Chad

[G M Fude]

Only having an S80, I don't feel disadvantaged photographically against other cameras with bigger zoom ratios, or the ability to add filters (my real disadvantage is being a poor photographer!).

Long zooms are nice for compression of perspective; or maybe getting a shot when it's simply impossible to move any closer. ND and polarisers can certainly enhance a shot. But if we're going to place restrictions I'd rather allow those physical aids but limit post processing.


EDIT: I can't believe I typed 'zoom rations'.

[BullittMan]

In my opinion, this contest should be all about creativity under limitations. Stock point and shoot cameras don't have the amazing telephoto and wide angle capabilities that most SLR owners have. So I think that we should make this focus on what we can think up and do with the given cameras that we have.

But hey that's just me.

[snowrdr]

I would personally like to see add-on lenses acceptable.
I look at these challenges to have fun and maybe learn something at the same time. It's interesting for me to see how everyone has their own personal way of getting 'the shot'. I would also like to see stated with your entry, the aperture and shutter speed, and what additional lense if any was used.

[nwyman]

part of the fun in these contests (for me, anyway) is learning what others do to achieve the results they get. I don't have a strong photography background, and I need all the tips I can get, so I'd rather know what people are doing. Seems to me that if we limit the shots to the use of the basic camera we would all have to have the same camera in the first place.
I've already picked up that I tend to use the TC too much. And I'm slowly learning about which size image looks best on the screen. If anything, I'd like to see a little more discussion at the end of a contest, to see how the winners did what they did with their equipment, regardless of which camera they used.

Nancy (probably a bit incoherent in the early hours)

[Stefan A]

I do not think this rule needs to be added. Just like people who own slr's can add on to their camera, we can too. There are different slr's that will produce different results as well. And ones that can or cannot accept certain add-ons. If the photographer wants to purchase extra supplies, then fine.

I also don't think you ought to feel like you should change the rules on the count of that other thread. I don't know what your motivation was for coming up with this "amendment", but please don't let that other guy bother you.

Stefan

[Stefan A]

I do have a question regarding polarizers though. I checked out that link and compared the pictures. Does a polarizer alter the actual colors? Or does it make the scene look how it should. I wouldn't want to change the reality of a shot. If I go on a vacation and see a nice scene, I would want to remember it for what it was. If the trees really were not that green, or the sky really not that blue, I wouldn't want a picture saying it was.

Stefan

[Diminished29]

Honestly, I do not own a polarizer, but from what I've gathered they appear to help reduce too much light from entering the sensor on say a very sunny day, thus elimiated what would normally cause horrible blown out pictures and/or histogram fluctuations.

I'm not worried about the converstion that took place the other day pertaining to the contest rules, this idea just sprung to mind.

Personally, I'd just like to have everyone use whatever they'd like or feel they need to take their picture. Its accessories like these that add character to the photographer, and as Nancy pointed out I too enjoy seeing all the new creative ideas come forth.

So, if that person used a polarizer to take that beautiful sunset then I want to know which one they used so I can reference back to it later incase I decide I'd like to try out something simliar then in which I know what approch to take in order to get simliar results. Again as Nancy pointed out not only do we take these contests as learning experiences but as a way to add more creative fun to our photography or as a way to try something new, and when rules get too strict I feel that it in turn takes away from that "experience".

[teekay]

What do you guys think about passing a rule to have no extra lenses or lense add-ons (polarizers) used during these contests?
Chad

Keep it simple. The less rules the better. It is the photographer that makes the most difference, not the camera or add-on lenses etc. except in certain situations which call for special equipment.

[RossW]

Filters and converters don't create an advantage... in fact, they are another thing to learn to use correctly, so they might actually be a dis-advantage. I'd be more concerned about use/abuse of software to fix mistakes or throw in effects that really don't represent the skill of the photographer.

[_SBradley_]

I don't have too much to add over what's already been said, but just to say that I voted for the "I don't have a problem with lenses and polarizers" option.

[BullittMan]

hmm.. somehow i voted twice.. not that choice B is going to win anyway haha. I think though that some of you have raised a good point about gross post processing, and I think I would take issue most with that, over added on lenses, and no problem with filters really.

[keitaro]

i think its not about what equipment you have or how much more expensive your equipment is compared to someone else, but it all goes down to how skilled you are and how well you can youse your camera....

my two cents..

[SBellew]

I see no specific disadvantage in using one. Especially since photoshop editing is allowed anyways and that lets you pretty much take the picture that you took and turn it into a completely different one. But, I do think that photos entered should be taken during the contest and disallow previous photos to be entered.

I would love to see a 2nd contest where only resizing is allowed and you have to take the picture in M2/Fine setting (any mode of course). Maybe this is just because my PS skills are nil or that I am just used to film cameras where you get the picture that you take.

[SBellew]

I do have a question regarding polarizers though. I checked out that link and compared the pictures. Does a polarizer alter the actual colors? Or does it make the scene look how it should. I wouldn't want to change the reality of a shot. If I go on a vacation and see a nice scene, I would want to remember it for what it was. If the trees really were not that green, or the sky really not that blue, I wouldn't want a picture saying it was.

Stefan
Well, its sorta like wearing polarized sunglasses. You will see different colors if you are walking across the docks admiring sailboats with your shades on than if you are out in the lake skiing with no glasses and looking at those same boats. Its just which view you prefer.