Is the 'Retro' look the new fashion now for cameras?

[v3cron]

I think it comes off as gimmicky and condescending. I pointed this out in the big Fuji thread and got my head bitten off, but it seems pretty obvious to me that these companies are putting lipstick on a pig.

 

[David_Manning]

Maybe because of the convergence of p&s cameras and cellphones, some photographers just want a camera that operates like a camera.

Then again, maybe people are just missing "photography" with their computers-with-lenses.

 

[c.poulton]

I think it comes off as gimmicky and condescending. I pointed this out in the big Fuji thread and got my head bitten off, but it seems pretty obvious to me that these companies are putting lipstick on a pig.

Hmmm, I tend to agree with this statement. Underneath that fake exterior we just have a run-of-the-mill digital P+S. OK the Fuji has, or will, introduce some new technology, however the exterior looks like a Leica rip-off to me. (There now, I've said it!)

 

[Paul T.]

Hmmm, I tend to agree with this statement. Underneath that fake exterior we just have a run-of-the-mill digital P+S. OK the Fuji has, or will, introduce some new technology, however the exterior looks like a Leica rip-off to me. (There now, I've said it!)

Couldn't disagree more.

What large-sensor compact cameras, with an optical viewfinder, are there out there?

As far as the styling, your argument is fair enough. But some might argue that at $9k, or whatever, for a rig that will do an essentially similar job, it's Leica who are ripping people off.

 

[ianho]

I've seen it listed for $154!

Retro must be cool - LMFAO, a Grammy-nominated electro hop group from Los Angeles apparently love the new camera! :bang:

If I see it at the local store for $154, I'd grab it in a heartbeat. It sure looks nice n it'll be good for keeping in the car glove box.

 

[NickTrop]

Firstly, I think that this is more "classic" styling than retro. Neat clean lines - etc. Also, as opposed to cars perhaps, there ain't a helluva lot of ways you can "do" a camera. They're rectangular boxes with a cylindrical object in the center. They have a hump to house a mirror assembly if they're D/SLRS. The're minus the hump on cameras w/o. Call it "retro" if you will - whatever, it's an appealing, clean design.

 

[bwcolor]

Put an optical viewfinder, lens and the very functional controls on a camera and short of using a different fabrication material, the form is a given.

Remove the lens, optical viewfinder, or the functional controls and you have a modern point and shoot.

 

[NickTrop]

Put an optical viewfinder, lens and the very functional controls on a camera and short of using a different fabrication material, the form is a given.

Remove the lens, optical viewfinder, or the functional controls and you have a modern point and shoot.

+1 Yep. Exactly. What's all this retro talk?

 

[aizan]

Firstly, I think that this is more "classic" styling than retro. Neat clean lines - etc. Also, as opposed to cars perhaps, there ain't a helluva lot of ways you can "do" a camera. They're rectangular boxes with a cylindrical object in the center. They have a hump to house a mirror assembly if they're D/SLRS. The're minus the hump on cameras w/o. Call it "retro" if you will - whatever, it's an appealing, clean design.

i couldn't disagree more! neat, clean, and classic are not how i'd describe this camera. there are many odd and extraneous raised surfaces, clashing lines and contours, and unrefined details. it's a rough draft at best. the amateurish, slapdash design is obvious to me and the few designers i've told about this camera. a second or third year student could do far, far better.

 

[Paul T.]

the amateurish, slapdash design is obvious to me and the few designers i've told about this camera. a second or third year student could do far, far better.

Ah yes, the fact they've agreed, once you've told them about this camera, is conclusive proof of your case. Quod erat demonstrandum.

The internet is a wonderful thing, all these experts on tap who can tell established companies exactly where they've gone wrong.


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