Would you do without the 18-55 STM lens ?

WSteveP wrote:

Digital Shutterbug wrote:

guinness2 wrote:

Canon's STM lenses are designed to take full advantage of the Hybrid AF system found in the Rebel T4i, T5i and SL1.

Beyond that, all the STM lenses have been new designs that are proving to be optically superior to their predecessors. Like you, I don't shoot video, so quiet focusing is not such a big deal. But, image quality improvement is reason enough to buy the STM versions.

I agree with both of you regarding image quality improvements being a good reason.

But let me say that I was one of the naysayers who figured that video didn't belong on a DSLR and I would NEVER shoot video with my camera.

However that all changed recently when my newest granddaughter arrived a few months back. I haven't done many videos of her yet but what I have done has irritating focus noise in it and is to my mind useless. So if I had the opportunity to get an STM lens as part of a kit I certainly would not turn it down.

You just never know if or when you will change your mind about shooting video.

My two cents worth.

Steve

I find my own videos to be incredibly boring. I can only imagine how someone else would feel, trying to stay awake while viewing one. I think it takes a talent to be able to edit a video and turn that raw footage into something entertaining. Being a good, or even fabulous photographer, doesn't necessarily make one a decent videographer/editor. It's a talent not everyone has. I'm in that group. Secondly, I've never had the desire to try to learn that skill. I much prefer to spend that time trying to become a better photographer. I can't draw stick people. That makes me even more appreciative of the talents of a fine artist. The same applies to those that create quality videos.

Having said all of that, I have no desire to spend the additional money needed to invest in microphones and other hardware to produce quality videos, not to mention editing software. I'm glad that there are people that can take the same camera I own and produce something with it that I cannot do. But, I don't kid myself into believing it's something I can do just because I own the same camera.

I know you are right that having youngsters around generates a perfect reason to make videos. Having never had children, there will never be grandkids either. I'm only occasionally around other people's children (thankfully). So the whole family video thing doesn't exist for me. I know this makes me sound like the biggest curmudgeon in the world. I'm really not. I had the most wonderful parents anyone could ever be blessed with. I just realized at a fairly early age that I wasn't cut from the same mold.

I'm totally happy watching the videos of talented people that can make them. I don't lament the fact that I can't produce the same thing.