How much does equipment count?

[britonk]

I know this question has been asked before and thrashed out a million times in this and other forums but I am interested to know that if I had the skill of a pro photographer (and that's a big if) would I be able to take truly great shots with a modest camera (Nikon D50) and more importantly (as I think it makes more of a difference) the standard 18-55 kit lens?

SO, does anyone have any great pics taken with a D50 and the standard kit lens? I just wanna see what it might be capable of.

Cheers,

Brian

 

[The_Traveler]

if I had the skill of a pro photographer (and that's a big if) would I be able to take truly great shots with a modest camera (Nikon D50) and more importantly (as I think it makes more of a difference) the standard 18-55 kit lens?

Brian

Wouldn't Kobe Bryant be a superb basketball player on a patched asphalt court wearing $20 sneakers? Equipment imposes some limitations but talent conquers all.

EDIT:

Sorry, just realized you were from the UK.
David Beckham, bumpy field, crappy shoes ... well, you get the idea.

 

[mysteryscribe]

Start here http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66853 you can try to catch up

 

[britonk]

Sorry, just realized you were from the UK.
David Beckham, bumpy field, crappy shoes ... well, you get the idea.

Don't worry I got the idea the first time round

Your right and I agree but more the point of this post is I want to see what the Nikon D50 kit is capable of in the hands of a pro.

Some of those shots by Tom Dempsey are inspiring though, especially if he did shoot them with a compact.

 

[Big Mike]

would I be able to take truly great shots with a modest camera (Nikon D50) and more importantly (as I think it makes more of a difference) the standard 18-55 kit lens?

Absolutely. The camera is just a tool...it takes a craftsman and a tool to create something great.

In the big scheme of things, the D50 is near the top, as far as cameras in general go. It's a great tool. The lens, while not not of the line...is certainly capable as well.

Part of being a 'good' or 'knowledgeable' photographer (or anything) is knowing the limitations of your tools and working within them. Another part is knowing when to use the right tool for the job.

 

[fmw]

I'll give equipment about 10% of the mix overall. Examples would be having a flash when one is necessary or a wide angle lens when nothing else would do. Then I give the other 90% to the photographer.

By the way, the D50 is certainly not a toy. It is an extremely sophisticated instrument capable of making images with the best of them. Good shooting.

 

[gizmo2071]

Not huge advancments from D50 to D70.

Be in awe of Gilad.

 

[Big Mike]

Here is a little essay by Michael Reichmann on the topic...for what it's worth.

I don't agree or disagree with him...Personally, I think he's a little out there...but a pretty good photographer.