Do you care about others?

Don't know what forum this should go in, but here looks okay.

Was at an "event" recently, and I was "setup" about 10 min before this other guy come sover to satnd by where I was going to shoot from. I said hi and the usual pleasantries.

After the event started, I noticed several times that he was looking at my camera. Then, he says "Is that a D60?". I said "Yes, why?". he said "I didn't know anybody still used them anymore."

So I noticed that he was using something newer and pricier. I said "Doesn't mean I won't get good shots".

He shoots for a "local agency", and one of his shots was in the paper. Two days after the event, I had 7 orders for a $40 image.

Who won, or who cares? Do you "size up" who is shooting what, or do you tend to lean my way of "who cares what you have"???

Basically, who cares. I'll look at someone elses gear and make chit chat if the situation allows, but that's about the extent of it.

I'm in the who cares category.... it's not what gear you have, it's the quality of photographs you produce...

Happens all the time. As childish as it is, the need to be perceived as having the Best Equipment is very strong. And it even happens here. Search the forums for the term "Nikon" as you will see that 50% of the references are derisive.

Rad

i like meeting other photographers shooting where i am, ive "only" got a 350D, so i can often ask them their real-world experiance of the lens they have, and in return, recomend a local spot to shoot.

derisive

/dirisiv/
• adjective expressing contempt or ridicule.

Right on, learned a new word today.

I can't say I don't always look to see what the other guy is using...I've got the best I can afford, so no reason to put down anyone else or feel bad if they make comments about mine. As to the comment the guy made...I don't think he meant to be rude or anything...if not for this forum, I couldn't say I know anyone that still shoots with a D60 either. In fact, I can't think of any (other than the OP, obviously).

Now I feel bad. I feel cheap. Old, used and abused.

Actually, it is okay being the only one left in the world. The D60 still has better colors than the 10D and 20D

Know your equipment and have the right lens on to suit the task in hand.

Actually, I have a 20d and grip which I use along with my 135L and get really fed up with people making comments about it (non photographers usually). I would much rather be the underdog in the equipment stakes and get a better shot.

Graham

Well, in a photo club situation, say a weekend workshop or safari, I would be a bit defensive if someone made remarks like that. But then you point at the club points score for YTD and ask why the people with new gear aren't leading the competition.

In a wedding or event situation I'm too busy to worry.

I defintely look. Its generalizing, generally the higher end equipment is being used by guys who are experienced(of course its not always true).

But I tend to look most at their credentials. I love talking to the PJ's. Met a guy from the LA Times recently and Riverside Press newspaper.

Anyone that says they don't check out the other guys gear is not being totally honest. Do we care, sure most of us do. Do we seriously care, probably not. I know that several times I have checked out someones gear and approached them for an opinion on what they think of it. The reverse has happened to me as well. It's human nature for us to poke our nose in others people's space.

What really matters at the end of the day is are you happy with your results. Do they give you a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishement. In this case, you ask who won, him because he was publish or you because you sold 280.00 worth of prints. Perhaps you both did in your way but should it really matter if you won. I guess it does but again that is human nature. Even subconscientiously we want to come out ahead of our colleagues, neighbors, even our closest friends.

I think it is human nature to look, how you go from there is the telling part. If you are really bothered by what someone else is using, maybe it is time for a change of venue. The real bottom line is what is coming out of those cameras....I've seen some great shots from some not so great cameras and some terrible shots from great cameras. Gear doesn't make the picture, the photographer does. When we go home at the end of the day and find that we have nailed that one special shot...nothing else much matters....regardless of the gear!

Small man syndrome. It's not the size of your lens, it's what you do with it.. :P

I suppose most people look and make a 1st judgement based on that.
Look at the EOS forum.
People are interested in the equipment as a potential of good use and also some sign of success. If someone has a 1dMkII then probably he evolved from a lesser equipment, had success and invested on better equipment... That's the kind of assumption that most people do.
They can be wrong in their judgement, but the odds lean towards them being right.