Why I Still Like Simple Cameras

Not every person who writes about photography walks around with the brand-new latest gear. For one thing, chasing the newest is a race you seldom win. There's always some industry insider who has the brand-new latest six months before you see it!  

But also many technology writers understand that just because something is new does not mean you automatically improve your photography.

Not long ago I gave a keynote speech to a group of Wisconsin 4-H photography teachers and students. I also led several weekend workshops. Many teachers and students came equipped with a backpack full of lenses and at least one digital SLR camera. 

I preferred traveling light, with the idea of driving over to the off-season Wisconsin Dells attractions and photographing more in the Andy Warhol casual style (which some may call “snapshots”) with my little fixed focus Kodak while students and instructors concentrated on technique and acted more like the famous Ansell Adams. Both approaches are valid.

There are times when I am not in the mood to haul a lot of equipment. I also want my photographs to be spontaneous  and with a minimum of decision-making regarding what focal length zoom to set, etc. when possible, I also greatly prefer the camera with an optical or enclosed electronic viewfinder versus trying to compose on screen on the back of the camera in broad daylight.

Until something better comes along (and that may be never) I really enjoyed using cigarette pack sized five megapixel fixed focus non-zoom point and shoot cameras from Kodak. In fact  I have managed to acquire three for the princely sum of about $20...and I'm talking about $20 total for all three!

I'd love to see the same camera with 12 or 14 megapixels. Let me know if you find one.