This isn't the Fuji S602/6900 Forum - We need to act that way

Jay S.

Senior Member
Messages
2,920
Reaction score
1
Location
US
To all,

I'm going to go out on a limb here. I am newer (last 3 months) to this forum, but have contributed both in thought and in photos, I think that much is accepted. I currently have a 6900, and a S602 coming from Dell that I will test. I am fortunate to have that luxury. There are some disturbing trends I see that I think we all need to stop, think about, and try to correct. I am only generalizng, I won't point to specific threads or names, nor will I debate what I am putting out here. I only ask that everyone think about some of these and see if we ALL can't do a little better job.

1. We are monopolizing the space here with S602 debates, and we are not paying attention to other Fuji owners. I want to see and hear about what folks are doing with all the other Fuji cameras out there. There are a lot of other users I'm sure would love to get feedback, but don't post based on all the S602 discussion. There are some, but no where near enough. I am not blind to the fact that the S602 is new, but there are a lot more owners of other Fujis (also new), than there are S602 owners. Let's encourage them to get back in.

2. These debates are getting far too personal. I am going to say (again as a general observation) that both sides are at fault. Clearly, some of those that are not thrilled with the S602 output are entitled to their belief. That doesn't give license, no matter how obvious someone feels something is, to become beligerant (sp?) with someone who owns a S602. If you are going to offer some criticism, keep it constructive, not destructive, which is hard sometimes, based on my next point. Regardless though, someone has to be mature enough to stop, rather than feel they must drill every last little point to the nth degree. If you see someone is not agreeing with you, agree to disagree and move on.

3. To the S602 owners (again, I may soon be one). There are some absolutely great photos out there AND there are some absolute garbage photos out there. If someone's photos need help, we should be honest (no matter what camera it is), and tell them the photo needs work, try to understand why, and help them see if they can correct. In my opinion, some of the S602 owners are too protective and defensive, and don't seem as willing to accept criticism right now (perhaps based on the above point). Just like any other camera, the S602 has warts. Again I understand the sense of having something new, and not wanting to hear things that are negative, but there have been "atta boys" and "great shots" on pictures that were clearly terrible (my opinion) to the most casual observer. That is an incredibly frustrating feeling, and does not do justice to the poster. To the critics, that does not give license to nit-pik though, or say "See I told you there was a bizzilion noise dots there".

4. People do not have to own a Fuji camera to be able to make comments about what they see. Somewhere, it appears that some folks have adopted that rule. I personally welcome the thoughts of owners of other brands. We should be open enough and willing to realize that NO camera is perfect, including the A101, 6800, 4900, S602, the 6900, the Canon 5700, DiMage 7, etc., etc. Today's darling piece of equipment is yesterday's old hat, and in this industry if you are not ready for that, then start getting used to it. Technology leapfrogging is a way of life these days. I welcome looking at other people's photos from other cameras. To those people, I would ask that you not use your other brand camera as a lever though. Just offer your photos, thoughts, and let others judge.

We need to get back to what this forum is about, which is a place for people to help each other, look at each other's work, try to improve our techniques, etc.

To all, we need to face the facts. The S602 is here, people are going to buy it and shoot photos with it, everyone needs to accept that. To the S602 owners, there are going to be folks who just don't accept the camera, get used to that as well. This isn't nor should it be a battleground.

To those facing a buying decision, read everything you can get your hands on. Look at ALL the photos, not only of Fujis, but other brands as well. Read the reviews. Don't discount a review because it was bad, and you thought you really wanted the camera, but by the same token, don't take one review as the absolute gospel to support your decision, just because it was good. After all, reviewers are people too.

I'm not looking a non-spirited place for us to discuss things. Discussion is helpful, but we need to get back to some basic thoughts about HOW we discuss things.

My 2 cents worth, sorry for the long post. Again, not looking to start any debates, nor will I get into any ;-) And hopefully people will still review my photos and thoughts after this, because I do appreciate your feedback. It makes me a better photographer and person.

Jay S.
 
All of the forums here have heavy concentrations on either the most recent models, or the more widly owned models. The Oly forum for example is heavy on the C2100UZ side because, altho not new, it is a widly owned Oly cam amoungst the regulars.

It will alwyas be thus. Last year the complaint here was "this is not a 6900 forum". The Oly people complain about the heavy messaging re: the Uzi (C2100UZ).

All in all I dont see posters with other models seeking advice being ignored, but they certainly wont get as much responce as will postings about the latest, greatest, or most popular.

Its just the nature of these.. and any froum(s).. about any thing.

Max

--
Oly 2100UZ, Fuji 6900Z, Nikon 880, Sony FD-5
Equal opportunity rules!
The early bird gets the worm...
but the second mouse gets the cheese!
http://www.pbase.com/maxxxam
 
Take a gander at the Olympus talk forum. The same thing happened with the C2100 (UZi). The UZi threads dominated the forum and posts about other cameras got pushed off the front page. It seems that a lot of 2100 owners were very prolific and posted more than owners of other cameras. A grouping of mainly 2100 owners appeared to own the majority of the posts. Most were trying to be extremely helpful and welcoming to everyone, others were very defensive about the 2100 and would accept no "bashing" ( in their opinion) of their chosen toy. A lot of the posts started being a 2100 against the masses type of arguement and in my opinion, the value of the forum quickly disappeared. I lost interest in the forum and stopped posting. Many others did the same. I have recognized many familiar handles in the Fuji forum as 2100 owners (including myself) are looking at the 602 as their next camera. Some of the threads here have sounded like a reflection of what happened in the Oly forum, but thankfully, only a few.

This forum has provided me with a lot of information and points of view to consider in the selection of my next camera. I just hope it doesn't degenerate into an us against them type of forum.

--
Pat
http://community.webshots.com/user/pfr_01
http://community.webshots.com/user/skate_adventures
 
Pat,
I hope not either. Lots of valuable information to be had and shared.

Jay S.
Take a gander at the Olympus talk forum. The same thing happened
with the C2100 (UZi). The UZi threads dominated the forum and posts
about other cameras got pushed off the front page. It seems that a
lot of 2100 owners were very prolific and posted more than owners
of other cameras. A grouping of mainly 2100 owners appeared to own
the majority of the posts. Most were trying to be extremely helpful
and welcoming to everyone, others were very defensive about the
2100 and would accept no "bashing" ( in their opinion) of their
chosen toy. A lot of the posts started being a 2100 against the
masses type of arguement and in my opinion, the value of the forum
quickly disappeared. I lost interest in the forum and stopped
posting. Many others did the same. I have recognized many familiar
handles in the Fuji forum as 2100 owners (including myself) are
looking at the 602 as their next camera. Some of the threads here
have sounded like a reflection of what happened in the Oly forum,
but thankfully, only a few.

This forum has provided me with a lot of information and points of
view to consider in the selection of my next camera. I just hope it
doesn't degenerate into an us against them type of forum.

--
Pat
http://community.webshots.com/user/pfr_01
http://community.webshots.com/user/skate_adventures
 
Max,

Thanks for your thoughts. It was some of the nastiness that prompted me to write. Trying to think of a new first time user with a shiny new 2mp camera seeing all the discussions. Might be enough to say, "I don't want to be here". Thanks again.

Jay S.
All of the forums here have heavy concentrations on either the most
recent models, or the more widly owned models. The Oly forum for
example is heavy on the C2100UZ side because, altho not new, it is
a widly owned Oly cam amoungst the regulars.

It will alwyas be thus. Last year the complaint here was "this is
not a 6900 forum". The Oly people complain about the heavy
messaging re: the Uzi (C2100UZ).

All in all I dont see posters with other models seeking advice
being ignored, but they certainly wont get as much responce as will
postings about the latest, greatest, or most popular.

Its just the nature of these.. and any froum(s).. about any thing.

Max

--
Oly 2100UZ, Fuji 6900Z, Nikon 880, Sony FD-5
Equal opportunity rules!
The early bird gets the worm...
but the second mouse gets the cheese!
http://www.pbase.com/maxxxam
 
Yes right
Ive got a F601 and I wish the 602 owners would have thier own forum.
They are swamping it.
 
The point here jay is that every body has an opinion an is entitled to express it without being fobbed off.

The other negative is that all comments regarding the 6900z when it was new was not all backslapping, many posts were helpful to people who had a camera and not all comments by owners where positive , we had owners who could not tolerate the camera and its shortcomings and moved on to something better. These people were not torn apart by others.

have a look at some of the posts in the Sony forum when people ask the question should I buy a 707 or whatever, they are honest about the shortcomings of the camera and many refer people on to other camera brands that might be more suited to their needs, its not a matter of saying the camera that i own is the greatest and it has no faults and everything else out there is junk. Its a matter of being honest and letting people know what they are in for when they by a camera, and I like you have to agree that on an average compared to other posts the S602 is showing some very ordinary photo results even from experienced owners, so it may be that people should go back and have a look at the quality of the photos they are posting and post the best to give people some indication of what the camera or the photographer is capable of producing.

If they can't do that then we can only make judgements on what is posted by owners.
All of the forums here have heavy concentrations on either the most
recent models, or the more widly owned models. The Oly forum for
example is heavy on the C2100UZ side because, altho not new, it is
a widly owned Oly cam amoungst the regulars.

It will alwyas be thus. Last year the complaint here was "this is
not a 6900 forum". The Oly people complain about the heavy
messaging re: the Uzi (C2100UZ).

All in all I dont see posters with other models seeking advice
being ignored, but they certainly wont get as much responce as will
postings about the latest, greatest, or most popular.

Its just the nature of these.. and any froum(s).. about any thing.

Max

--
Oly 2100UZ, Fuji 6900Z, Nikon 880, Sony FD-5
Equal opportunity rules!
The early bird gets the worm...
but the second mouse gets the cheese!
http://www.pbase.com/maxxxam
--
http://www.fototime.com/inv/757AE7C15569148
You only live once ,and always suck the lemon.

have a nice day and don't loose your head, it will show your lack of maturity and your age.
 
Well said Jay.

I think it's great to be challenged to keep to high standards. It's easy to get carried away and then become judgemental or opinionated. I'm sure I've been guilty of that sometimes.

More power to you. It isn't comfortable to put yourself in no man's land, especially with an illuminated sign over your head saying 'aim here'.
Ian
 
Eric,

I think there is room on all sides to make things better. That was the purpose of my post. We ALL just need to say it, hear it, listen to it, with a little better ear and attitude in my opinion. I am not going to take sides on this one, just asking everyone on to try to get things back to a more even keel as far as approach. Thanks for posting! I appreciate it!

Jay S.
All of the forums here have heavy concentrations on either the most
recent models, or the more widly owned models. The Oly forum for
example is heavy on the C2100UZ side because, altho not new, it is
a widly owned Oly cam amoungst the regulars.

It will alwyas be thus. Last year the complaint here was "this is
not a 6900 forum". The Oly people complain about the heavy
messaging re: the Uzi (C2100UZ).

All in all I dont see posters with other models seeking advice
being ignored, but they certainly wont get as much responce as will
postings about the latest, greatest, or most popular.

Its just the nature of these.. and any froum(s).. about any thing.

Max

--
Oly 2100UZ, Fuji 6900Z, Nikon 880, Sony FD-5
Equal opportunity rules!
The early bird gets the worm...
but the second mouse gets the cheese!
http://www.pbase.com/maxxxam
--
http://www.fototime.com/inv/757AE7C15569148
You only live once ,and always suck the lemon.
have a nice day and don't loose your head, it will show your lack
of maturity and your age.
 
Carlo,

Well I hope not ;-) Just think we need to hear from all the owners. So, do you have any photos from your 601 we can see?

Jay S.
Yes right
Ive got a F601 and I wish the 602 owners would have thier own forum.
They are swamping it.
 
Ian,

I can always count on you to sum it up with some great humour attached!! Thanks for your thoughts ;-)

Jay S.
Well said Jay.
I think it's great to be challenged to keep to high standards. It's
easy to get carried away and then become judgemental or
opinionated. I'm sure I've been guilty of that sometimes.
More power to you. It isn't comfortable to put yourself in no man's
land, especially with an illuminated sign over your head saying
'aim here'.
Ian
 
Agreed whole heartedly. I have deliberately dropped reference to s602 in the subject header when I post pics unless I have something specific to ask or comment on the s602.

Being new to digital photography, I too would appreciate feedback (positive or negative) as I would like to improve and be a better photographer.
To all,
I'm going to go out on a limb here. I am newer (last 3 months) to
this forum, but have contributed both in thought and in photos, I
think that much is accepted. I currently have a 6900, and a S602
coming from Dell that I will test. I am fortunate to have that
luxury. There are some disturbing trends I see that I think we all
need to stop, think about, and try to correct. I am only
generalizng, I won't point to specific threads or names, nor will I
debate what I am putting out here. I only ask that everyone think
about some of these and see if we ALL can't do a little better job.

1. We are monopolizing the space here with S602 debates, and we
are not paying attention to other Fuji owners. I want to see and
hear about what folks are doing with all the other Fuji cameras out
there. There are a lot of other users I'm sure would love to get
feedback, but don't post based on all the S602 discussion. There
are some, but no where near enough. I am not blind to the fact
that the S602 is new, but there are a lot more owners of other
Fujis (also new), than there are S602 owners. Let's encourage them
to get back in.

2. These debates are getting far too personal. I am going to say
(again as a general observation) that both sides are at fault.
Clearly, some of those that are not thrilled with the S602 output
are entitled to their belief. That doesn't give license, no matter
how obvious someone feels something is, to become beligerant (sp?)
with someone who owns a S602. If you are going to offer some
criticism, keep it constructive, not destructive, which is hard
sometimes, based on my next point. Regardless though, someone has
to be mature enough to stop, rather than feel they must drill every
last little point to the nth degree. If you see someone is not
agreeing with you, agree to disagree and move on.

3. To the S602 owners (again, I may soon be one). There are some
absolutely great photos out there AND there are some absolute
garbage photos out there. If someone's photos need help, we should
be honest (no matter what camera it is), and tell them the photo
needs work, try to understand why, and help them see if they can
correct. In my opinion, some of the S602 owners are too protective
and defensive, and don't seem as willing to accept criticism right
now (perhaps based on the above point). Just like any other
camera, the S602 has warts. Again I understand the sense of having
something new, and not wanting to hear things that are negative,
but there have been "atta boys" and "great shots" on pictures that
were clearly terrible (my opinion) to the most casual observer.
That is an incredibly frustrating feeling, and does not do justice
to the poster. To the critics, that does not give license to
nit-pik though, or say "See I told you there was a bizzilion noise
dots there".

4. People do not have to own a Fuji camera to be able to make
comments about what they see. Somewhere, it appears that some
folks have adopted that rule. I personally welcome the thoughts of
owners of other brands. We should be open enough and willing to
realize that NO camera is perfect, including the A101, 6800, 4900,
S602, the 6900, the Canon 5700, DiMage 7, etc., etc. Today's
darling piece of equipment is yesterday's old hat, and in this
industry if you are not ready for that, then start getting used to
it. Technology leapfrogging is a way of life these days. I
welcome looking at other people's photos from other cameras. To
those people, I would ask that you not use your other brand camera
as a lever though. Just offer your photos, thoughts, and let
others judge.

We need to get back to what this forum is about, which is a place
for people to help each other, look at each other's work, try to
improve our techniques, etc.

To all, we need to face the facts. The S602 is here, people are
going to buy it and shoot photos with it, everyone needs to accept
that. To the S602 owners, there are going to be folks who just
don't accept the camera, get used to that as well. This isn't nor
should it be a battleground.

To those facing a buying decision, read everything you can get your
hands on. Look at ALL the photos, not only of Fujis, but other
brands as well. Read the reviews. Don't discount a review because
it was bad, and you thought you really wanted the camera, but by
the same token, don't take one review as the absolute gospel to
support your decision, just because it was good. After all,
reviewers are people too.

I'm not looking a non-spirited place for us to discuss things.
Discussion is helpful, but we need to get back to some basic
thoughts about HOW we discuss things.

My 2 cents worth, sorry for the long post. Again, not looking to
start any debates, nor will I get into any ;-) And hopefully
people will still review my photos and thoughts after this, because
I do appreciate your feedback. It makes me a better photographer
and person.

Jay S.
--
emas
 
Emas,
Thanks. If we all start, maybe we can start a trend ;-)

Jay S.
Agreed whole heartedly. I have deliberately dropped reference to
s602 in the subject header when I post pics unless I have something
specific to ask or comment on the s602.

Being new to digital photography, I too would appreciate feedback
(positive or negative) as I would like to improve and be a better
photographer.

--
emas
 
I recently got the 602 and have started a page that is sort of a daily diary of things I do with the camera. I'll be the first to admit that the photos are not great or even what they could be. I post only the "best" of the day and I just want people to see what they can do with the camera from the day they get it. A sort of a step by step review of things I notice (not necesarily written every day). Better to learn from someone elses mistakes (and I have made more than a few by now, missing some great shots).

People post res. tests and similar (as did I once) but now I see its worthless. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if soft setting is too soft for me it sure isn't to someone else.

Later I made an effort to post things people were asking for (action, sport, low light) and the responses were almost non existant.

I also posted a "request" for a 602 owners site but I didn't get a single response. This would be a great resource to anyone thinking of buying one as he would get all the charts, tips and tests in one place. I guess people enjoy trashing the forum with the same stuff every day.

No use trying to convert people from going on and on about their (our) new toy ;)

--
...and I have jackass tattooed on my forehead...

http://members.lycos.co.uk/insanityphotos/
http://www23.brinkster.com/insanityphotos/
 
Madness,

Well hopefully this will help. Actually I just jumped over to your gallery. I'm interested in how you did the mountain panorama. Can you describe? You can email me, or start a post.

Jay S.
I recently got the 602 and have started a page that is sort of a
daily diary of things I do with the camera. I'll be the first to
admit that the photos are not great or even what they could be. I
post only the "best" of the day and I just want people to see what
they can do with the camera from the day they get it. A sort of a
step by step review of things I notice (not necesarily written
every day). Better to learn from someone elses mistakes (and I have
made more than a few by now, missing some great shots).
People post res. tests and similar (as did I once) but now I see
its worthless. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if soft
setting is too soft for me it sure isn't to someone else.
Later I made an effort to post things people were asking for
(action, sport, low light) and the responses were almost non
existant.
I also posted a "request" for a 602 owners site but I didn't get a
single response. This would be a great resource to anyone thinking
of buying one as he would get all the charts, tips and tests in one
place. I guess people enjoy trashing the forum with the same stuff
every day.

No use trying to convert people from going on and on about their
(our) new toy ;)

--
...and I have jackass tattooed on my forehead...

http://members.lycos.co.uk/insanityphotos/
http://www23.brinkster.com/insanityphotos/
 
Hi, Jay.
.... nor will I debate what I am putting out here
I don't plan to debate you, but I don't agree with everything you said. :-)
1. We are monopolizing the space here with S602 debates
I agree, but I think that is pretty natural. The discussion will always be dominated by the camera that is both new and popular. At the moment, that's the 602. Each of the other camera forums here also has one or two cameras that dominate the discussion in any given month. It seems to me to be the natural order of things and I doubt that it will change too much.
2. These debates are getting far too personal
Perhaps I've missed some threads, but I really haven't seen this. It appears to me that most people here have gone out of their way to be respectful to others. Maybe not 100%, but close. But again, maybe I've missed some threads.

On the other hand, electronic fora can be difficult places to communicate. Sometimes people read too much into a turn of phrase or think that they've been insulted by someone who is simply making a statement. We're each from different parts of our countries and the world, and there are some very real cultural differences that will affect our communications.
3. To the S602 owners (again, I may soon be one). There are some
absolutely great photos out there AND there are some absolute
garbage photos out there. If someone's photos need help, we should
be honest...
Yes, I think so. But keep in mind that we each have different goals. Some of us are trying to create art, others are taking snapshots. There's room for both (and more) in this world. But at the same time, technical issues like lighting, depth of field, blur, focus, sharpening, and so on, will apply to all of our images. Composition may be a bit more subjective, though.
4. People do not have to own a Fuji camera to be able to make
comments about what they see
Makes sense to me.
We need to get back to what this forum is about, which is a place
for people to help each other, look at each other's work, try to
improve our techniques, etc.
That's only part of what it's about, and I don't really see that it's missing. But it's first and foremost a place where people can ask specific questions about specific Fuji cameras, whether they own one or are shopping for one.

After all, there are already forums here for using software to manipulate images, for getting the best results when printing, for lighting techniques, and for sharing our galleries with the general community (as opposed to the Fuji-specific community). So it seems to me that this one should be more focused on the camera than on general techniques in photography.

Anyway, I didn't intend a debate, just a bit of discussion.

I do think that DPReview has room for a couple more fora, though. One obvious one would be a general discussion of technical issues in photography, including composition and the other issues that I listed above. Another one that's always baffled me - why isn't there a forum for power sources? Phil has a storage and media forum, why not a battery forum? Every digicam owner has to deal with batteries and memory cards of some sort.
 
Hello Jay

Jusy got in from a very long day $.30am start to Munich for meeting then back tonight 11.00pm)and saw your post and decided to read it :-)

In general I agree. I was inevitable that the 602 would dominate this forum for a while as did the 6900, but as you say the time is right to get back to what it used to be.

I for one used to enjoy

1. seeing other peoles picture fot insipation, learning or just for fun. I have posted pictures here that are far from perfect, but are just fun, and I still do.

2. to get further knowledge and learning. To ask questions about technique, post processing etc.

3.To share common ideas and learning, learn from each other

4. to have fun. this has to be by far the most freindly and informal forum, and I have to say that has slipped of late, I can think of one post in particular. However it is improving, Liza is back for one, which has to be a good sign.

So therefore I agree with your sentiments, especially this bit..
We need to get back to what this forum is about, which is a place
for people to help each other, look at each other's work, try to
improve our techniques, etc.

To all, we need to face the facts. The S602 is here, people are
going to buy it and shoot photos with it, everyone needs to accept
that. To the S602 owners, there are going to be folks who just
don't accept the camera, get used to that as well. This isn't nor
should it be a battleground.
Exactly.

I too have become rather bored with all this 602 stuff, even though I have contributed a bit

To to summerise

WELL SAID THAT MAN (from Connecticut)

I applogise for any spelling mistokes, or out of turn comments, but just hit to old Jim B Black Label, fresh from Munich Airport Duty Free !!!!

--
Duncan
Birmingham, England
http://www.pbase.com/duncanburt
 
Duncan,

Thanks.. Your points are very well put. I'm glad you and Jim B. ;-) are home safe and sound! I'll look forward to more pictures from the backyard.

Jay S.
Jusy got in from a very long day $.30am start to Munich for meeting
then back tonight 11.00pm)and saw your post and decided to read it
:-)

In general I agree. I was inevitable that the 602 would dominate
this forum for a while as did the 6900, but as you say the time is
right to get back to what it used to be.

I for one used to enjoy

1. seeing other peoles picture fot insipation, learning or just for
fun. I have posted pictures here that are far from perfect, but are
just fun, and I still do.

2. to get further knowledge and learning. To ask questions about
technique, post processing etc.

3.To share common ideas and learning, learn from each other

4. to have fun. this has to be by far the most freindly and
informal forum, and I have to say that has slipped of late, I can
think of one post in particular. However it is improving, Liza is
back for one, which has to be a good sign.

So therefore I agree with your sentiments, especially this bit..
We need to get back to what this forum is about, which is a place
for people to help each other, look at each other's work, try to
improve our techniques, etc.

To all, we need to face the facts. The S602 is here, people are
going to buy it and shoot photos with it, everyone needs to accept
that. To the S602 owners, there are going to be folks who just
don't accept the camera, get used to that as well. This isn't nor
should it be a battleground.
Exactly.

I too have become rather bored with all this 602 stuff, even though
I have contributed a bit

To to summerise

WELL SAID THAT MAN (from Connecticut)

I applogise for any spelling mistokes, or out of turn comments, but
just hit to old Jim B Black Label, fresh from Munich Airport Duty
Free !!!!

--
Duncan
Birmingham, England
http://www.pbase.com/duncanburt
 

Keyboard shortcuts

Back
Top