Why chimping?

T

Topdog1

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Why is chimping called chimping? Why is that the term used for previewing digital photos on the camera's screen? Is it because you have to be stupid like a chimpanzee to do such a thing, or is it because doing it makes you stupid like a chimpanzee or for some other reason? :confused::confused::confused:

/Ira
 
I don't know for certain, but it was a term commonly used by a number of jerks at the photo.net leica forum to refer to users of digital cameras. I have always thought that the use if this term was based on jealousy, given that until recently leica snobs did not have a digital camera at their disposal, and had to wait a week or so to chimp at their printed negatives in the privacy of their homes.
 
Ever seen a photo of a group of chimpanzees staring together at an object?

Ever seen a group of people staring together at a digi LCD?
 
As Michael points out, I always heard it associated with the noises people would make upon seeing the images flash up on the screen. You can imagine the scene - everyone gathers around the camera screen after an important photo like a family gathering and 'ooh's and 'ah's over the photos. I've seen people pass the camera around and make various exclaimations over pictures.

While it does sound rather disparaging, I think the term is likely here to stay. Can you think of something better? 'Reviewing' just doesn't have the same ring! :)
 
popstar said:
...
While it does sound rather disparaging, I think the term is likely here to stay. Can you think of something better? 'Reviewing' just doesn't have the same ring! :)
Click to expand...

You're right. For some reason I like the verb. Maybe because I can pronounce it properly -- unlike bokeh. :)

Michael
 
Thank goodness the thoughtful designer(s) of the R-D1 made it possible for its users to suppress the urge to chimp.
 
mwooten said:
Ira,
Aparently it has to do with the noises that folks make while looking at the images in their camera via the lcd.

http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Chimping

I reckon I'm more of an anti-chimp. While review my shots I usually make negative sounds like, "oh crap" rather than "ooh" and "ah!"

Michael
Click to expand...

The two chimping videos at the bottom of the page are truly hysterical. And I agree with the commentator - chimping is the greatest advance in learning that a photographer could ever ask for. Everyone does it - everyone should!

/Ira
 
I doubt it has anything to do with sounds people make. I think it has to do with the pose people take when composing with their digicams. The legs are spread and bowed and the arms are bowed around to hold the camera. It looks like a chimp looking in a mirror.
 
I agree. And the back is curved and the head bowed down to get the face close, to to get a useful view of the little bitty LCD. Very ape-like, especially when you get a small group all trying to get a look at once.

Ed

Nick R. said:
I doubt it has anything to do with sounds people make. I think it has to do with the pose people take when composing with their digicams. The legs are spread and bowed and the arms are bowed around to hold the camera. It looks like a chimp looking in a mirror.
Click to expand...
 
Sure, "chimping" may be considered a disparaging term, but nothing's wrong with a little self-deprecating humor. I even refer to my DSLR as the "Chimpstamatic."
 
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