It seems that over the last fifteen years, the whole world has caught camera fever. In the past, it's true, most families had at least a point and shoot camera for recording important events. As video camera technology became more accessible and compact, these two began to be routine. Finally, when digital camera technology arrived around the turn of the century, camera ownership exploded. So that it seems like every individual on earth is now an amateur photographer. As social media sites become an unstoppable cultural force, it seems likely that the camera industry will continue to enjoy great success. Consumers are also in luck as prices continue to drop and the technology continues to improve. Whether you need a simple point and shoot, a multi-lens professional camera or video capabilities, there are now more options and accessories than you can shake a stick at. An interesting side effect of all this camera madness is the paradox of 'professional-photographer syndrome'. This is a very common affliction that causes people to buy more camera than they need or to get close to professional quality without going the extra mile. The fact is that there are many cameras that can produce high resolution, professional images for well under $1,000. Regardless, the vast majority of people who buy these cameras only use a fraction of the available features. Similarly, a person with an excellent camera will neglect to buy the lights, tripods or other equipment that will bump them up to the next level. The good news is that all of these problems can be remedied at an online camera store. In conjunction with lower camera prices, accessories have also dropped in price. It is now possible to construct a home studio or to buy all necessary equipment for outdoor shooting at very reasonable prices. Not only that, but internet resources make it easy to research the options and make educated purchases, even for the uninitiated. In terms of having too much camera, the trick is usually just a shift in perspective. In reality, it's a good thing to have more than you need. Any seasoned professional will tell you that over exposure is better than under exposure because at least the visual information is there to be recovered. The same is true for hobbyists who buy super fancy cameras. With just a little dedication and research, just about anyone can make the transition from amateur to semi-pro. Once you have the equipment, it only requires a little dedication and discipline. All the necessary information and advice is easily available online. The same is true for video cameras. Thanks to unbelievable technological advancements in both cameras and computer editing equipment, even young kids are routinely making impressive clips and uploading them online. Thanks to low prices and standard high-quality features, the only necessary investment is time and patience. So while it sometimes seems like a bit of an exaggeration that cameras are so ubiquitous these days, it is actually a very interesting phenomenon. We are members of the most well-documented generation ever to walk the earth and the visual information available is just overwhelming. Instead of recoiling, perhaps it is best to embrace this new visual culture. With just a little extra effort, each and every one of us can add our own unique perspective to the cultural dialogue and create truly stunning images and videos. For photographers of all levels, it is an interesting time to be alive.
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