The pursuit of better image quality often dominates discussions about photography but that might not be the answer you’re looking for.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this eye-opening video challenges the idea that the best image quality should be your top priority. Choucino starts by comparing various cameras, from his first Bronica ETRSi medium format film camera to the Canon 1DS Mark II, arguably the first digital camera to surpass 35mm film in quality. Despite this, professionals moved from medium format to digital, not because of superior image quality, but because of convenience. Today, cameras offer incredible image quality, but most still choose 35mm for its versatility, not because it’s the best.
Choucino emphasizes that your camera's image quality might not be as important as you think. The 35mm format, with its autofocus, high-ISO capabilities, and adequate resolution, is a practical tool for most situations. While medium format options offer superior image quality, they fall short in areas like autofocus and ISO sensitivity, making them less practical for everyday use. This highlights the real reason you’re likely choosing your camera—not for image quality, but for functionality. It’s about having a Swiss Army knife that covers you in any situation.
What really matters isn’t the sharpness or dynamic range your camera can capture, but the originality and relevance of your work. As an agent looking for new talent, Choucino doesn’t focus on the technical quality of the images or the gear used. Instead, he looks for originality, relevance, and a consistent style. These are the elements that make your work marketable and desirable. What’s important is the work yor produce.
Image quality, in the technical sense, is often overrated. What sets great photography apart isn’t the gear, but the creativity and thought behind each shot. Clients aren’t looking for perfection in pixels; they’re looking for originality that stands out in a crowded market. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
