Hi Matti, its not a bad idea, it's your idea and you need to do whatever you're comfortable with. You are always honest with your reviews, and you always say it's just my opinion. And someone else might have a different opinion. There is no need for viewers to be Hostile, we all love photography, and just because someone doesn't like what you said, there is no need to be nasty. The photo walks are always fun and when you have guests like Aleksi and Peter, they are also fun and useful videos. You take care Matti and do what you think is right. Cheers 😊📸
Right! It’s not the gear as much as it is the person behind the camera. I look forward to learning more about your philosophy, preferences, and style. Thank you for your dedication to the art.
Matti, I don’t think I’ve missed one of your videos since discovering you on UA-cam. I have appreciated most of your gear reviews but for me it was always the photo walks. You mentioned “tips” brought out during these sessions and those are great. However, for me, you delivered an “intangible good” - MOTIVATION! Seeing you discover great shots in everyday (and of course, sometimes unique) locations has really gotten me out to develop what I think of as a photographic sense. Thanks for the video and I look forward to many more.
I really enjoy seeing you and Peter together, out and about, taking pictures of the city scapes. I’m in the United States, so I appreciate seeing the architecture, statues, streets, strange objects, and people in and around your beautiful country. I would like to see more wide angle views, too. You can discuss the photo challenges you face and how you were able to overcome them with your experience and knowledge of lighting, and artistic perception. City, landscape, seashore, woods, gardens, cars, buses and trains are all “objects” for consideration; your visualization can change the ordinary into something extraordinary. Looking forward to it. Edit: I almost forgot about the snow!
Having reached gear overload, gear videos are a waste of time. I now spend my viewing time as a learner, primarily learning how to improve composition. A well composed photo sometimes outweighs image quality and then truly, the best camera is the one that you have with you. All the best!
I think it is the future of photography. On the technology side, every new development is just more AI. What will really matter for photographers is the personal story.
Great news about the channel! I am not a street photographer, but I watch you every week because I am interested in your creative process -in all artists’ creative processes. What draws your attention? How do you use the camera to capture your vision? What’s your aesthetic philosophy and approach? What do particular photos mean to you? What nurtures your enthusiasm? I very much appreciate your personal perspective. Thank you.
Hello Matti, that is definitely the right way, from my point of view, I personally can no longer stand gear reviews and this constant suggestion that you have to have the best equipment, we have to break away from this consumer mentality and be more creative.
People just have to pay more attention to what they really need and test their gear considering their needs. Personally, I don't see whether my image is shot by a Tamron lens or a GM because I don't zoom in to 400%, so I can save a lot of money without having to make big compromises.
Thank you Matti for your video. Integrity is crucial to photography and you should follow your own vision. The test for a true artist (photographer, writer, creative)is: will being true to their vision be accepted by others so that they can make a living. It is always a dichotomy. I applaud your integrity. Kudos. Make the photos YOU love and share them with us.
Hello Matti - less gear reviews is so right! The main reason to the toxicity is that most people are very attached to their brands. It is very deep and genuine. Simon d’Entremont is a wonderful and very clever example of non gear related photo channel. He is growing like a rocket. Your concept is different but seems super appealing. I have subscribed to your channel to follow your development. Go for it with a clear sense of purpose!
Hello M.Matti,a walk around is always welcome, makes us discover a new place.I suggest that you add where you are shooting and what equipment you used just for reference. Thanks ,Martin from Montreal
Your plan is a great idea. I've been enjoying your channel for a while now, and I always prefer your "photo walk" videos to the gear videos. Your insights and advice will be the most inspiring to your viewers when your heart is really in it. Looking forward to the coming months.
Cool idea, go for it Matti! More photo walks on your channel sounds great. I would be very interested seeing in photo walks from different towns/regions of your beautiful country. I've also enjoyed your winter season travels, especially when you meet up with Robin.
Great idea! I watch videos for the photography and avoid gear reviews unless it’s a particular item I’m actively looking for. Sadly most photo channels are paid infomercials. I look forward to your new work!
My favorite presentations you have done are photo walks by youself and talking about capturing a great photo/or not. I enjoy it when do you a photo safari with other photographers. I am intrigued about how two or more people in the same area having such different ways of seeing what they do. I also enjoy other UA-cam photography channels that have the photographer going back to a place they've been to before. I do photo safaris with my two granddaughters, 7 and 4. I've set them up with cameras, batteries, SD cards etc. When we return home I upload all of their photos to my laptop and we talk about them.
I look forward to seeing your new content. There is no doubt I will gain more from you as an instructor than as a reviewer. I am a retiree/hobbyist who came late in life to serious photography and need all the help I can find.
Sounds good to me. I’ve been purging channels that have become gear-centric from my subscription list. If I want reviews I can search them out, but the how and why of actual photographs interests me.
I love this idea. I really enjoy your "photos with friends" type videos, but also I wish there was more content about exploring new genres, finding ways to find subjects in everyday boring places. We're overwhelmed by gear channels or "check out my trip to Iceland/the Antarctic", which are places I'll never be able to afford or justify visiting. Your work tends to be more for the everyman, and for that I appreciate you.
It is interesting how sharing online affects our creativity/ motivation. I think the best approach it to take a stoic approach possibly ! We cannot control how the content will be received but we can control what we create ! Also, I think it is important to have fun creating both the photos and the videos!
Showing courage and strength, my friend, in picking a new direction. My greatest respect and admiration indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yourself.
I think this will prove to be a welcome change, Matti. I’m 24 and I like to think I’m a decent photographer, but I’m no master of the craft like you are and I’d much rather learn from you and your extensive experience than be sold a lens I really can’t even afford at this point in my life. Even if it means simply walking us through some of your best compositions and explaining your thought process at the time, I would be most eager to click!
Enjoyed the B&W…somewhat aligned (even if not intended) with the more serious tone. Worked well! Your content moving forward sounds well balanced and of value at least to me. Key is you enjoy it too!
Hi Matti I have enjoyed both types of videos that you do as I am a beginner. The gear reviews are important as we grow as photographers and learn what lens suit us better for our particular choice of photography. It is at the end of the day your channel and you must do what gives you enjoyment and this will in turn create great videos because of your passion and enjoyment. I will certainly keep watching as I really enjoy your photo walks with tips on how you are setting up your camera and compositions. I commented on one of your more recent videos about "Nikon picture control editor" where you can download picture controls for Nikon cameras. (like Fuji film simulations) and still waiting for a reply.😀
Matti, I enjoy your channel for you more than the particulars of any post’s content. Any reasonable mix is acceptable. Whether you are interacting with someone else or not, you are still well engaged with your viewers. It’s always pleasant to spend some time with you.
Would definitely enjoy photo walk discussions, talking about light, colour, composition and good techniques to get the shot. Gear stuff is fine but as they say, nobody asks what brushes Van Gogh used.
Just found your channel. Finding a balance between gear content and videos about actually using your cameras makes sense. I watch James Popsys for that very reason.
Looking forward to the channel's new direction Matti. Gear is only somewhat important, as there are not many (if any!) bad cameras nowadays. I always enjoy seeing and being inspired your approach to taking photos. Here's to finding great light and satisfying compositions in 2025 ☕
Thank you Matti for all your gear related reviews in the past. It has helped me make purchases, especially when you expose the fact that a lens is much better than others are saying they are, and that sharpness in a lens is not everything. I have enjoyed your street photography posts lately and will continue to watch your posts. I agree with you about gear related videos and I prefer photography related videos.
Makes sense to me. I had a wise gentleman once tell me that subject matter, light, and opportunity (or timing) is what makes a successful photograph. Not gear. You won't make better photographs simply by changing brands.
Yes 🙌🏼 Go ahead with more videos about photography. Not about gear. Gear is boring on the long run. I would like to see more stuff about your vision and ideas 👍🏼
I have not seen a black and white video in a long time, and it feels like going back to the 1960s. I know your camera settings were off, but no worries! It looks cool!
Sounds like a good direction for the channel. Gear is fun and gets lots of views, but yes people can be surprisingly rude when they are anonymous and bizarre that they feel the need to harass if people say something bad about their gear or brand of choice. Photo walks and POV street videos sound good and look forward to seeing more of them in your channel
Hi Matti, great idea. I think it's more fun and gives me more to see more photo content, not gear reviews and I'm looking forward for your new content.
I agree that gear reviews are boring once you have decided over the cameras and lenses you want to use. But I can still find myself mostly getting inspired by photographers who use similar equipment as mine. Opening my eyes to new ideas is always exciting. Looking forward to the future when you share your photography style and images. Just now I’m into street photography, with people, or without, buildings, man made structures in nature, etc. I didn’t really try B&W and it will be fun to see what can be done specially now in winter.
Matti, I've always enjoyed your videos regardless of what the content was but I have to say that when you demonstrated the aspect of the craft rather than the tools I found that inspirational at times. As to the naysayers you encounter in this venue it is to be expected. We live in a very polarized world where some people are screaming to be heard. Pay no mind. Just keep doing what you are doing and thank you.
Hey Matti! Been following you for awhile and definitely happy to see this. My favorite era was your M43 stuff because you just simply slapped on a lens and went out and did some awesome photos. No bs, no anything. Just "Hey I dug out this lens from a drawer, and here's some photos. This was fun." kind of stuff. The UA-cam talking head trends like gear, Full Frame/M43 is dying, pixel peeping, comparing high end video codecs, prores raw, ARRI colors vs. whatever, etc. just really take away from channels that had artistic merit. You and your talents as a photographer, especially since you're one of the few actual published photographers on UA-cam with a history of working in various magazines, newspapers, print, businesses and agencies, have so much more to bring to the table rather than flavor of the month UA-cam trends.
I apply a simple rule for haters or aggressive or rude: I blacklist them permanently, for life and with no possibility of return. There are enough people interested in what we do on our channels, and interesting in their comments, to be burdened with people with hateful speech or simply rudeness, people who have problems in life, who are aggressive by nature or even who have psychological problems. Just use the "make invisible on the channel" function
Thanks. That's what I do every time. I also have a thick skin and I don't take them personally but they are still something I don't need😀 I subbed to your channel, by the way.
For what it is worth, when I first found your channel it was when you were doing the Lumix ambassador videos, although I was indeed using lumix gear, the actual tutorial content around stuff like use of flash were super useful (and still are, and of course the vdeos are still out there). I realise still life isn't really your bag, but still, if you can fit a bit of gear-agnostic tutorial stuff it wouldn't hurt (you were *really* good at that stuff).
I've only delved into photography social media and youtube in the last year or so, and I'm _still_ shocked by how rude and entitled people can act around their chosen brand or format. I don't blame you at all for shying away from that behaviour.
If the reviews hurt your soul, you have made the right decision. Being true to yourself is natural and much more enjoyable to watch. Those reviews in the field are more interesting because I can ignore the gear, but still enjoy the video.
Perfect. What ever you do, I'll watch it. I like your insights. Also, whenever I hear a "UA-camr" talk about their experience, I hear about the trolls. I don't understand all the hated, but it appears that a lot of people currently are of such poor quality, I guess it's inevitable. I don't think it's going to get any better where content is free. I do contribute on occasion, but not nearly often enough. Here's an idea... the more unworthy negative comment a troll makes, they more they will have to pay in fines --you shouldn't have to tolerate them.
I think gear is a little important because there are some features that do help you get the photo. For example I went to the boat race in Boston Massachusetts and I used my Olympus OMD E-M1ii and I used the electronic shutter for take a lot of photos. I have a few keepers I want in my portfolio. I took 5,000 images but I wanted keepers so as long as I can get ten for my portfolio I'm good. But that's the only time I think talking gear is fine is someone is asking about it and if there is information about helping someone else. Its kind of like Sony asking about a nice hockey photo and someone might ask what camera and someone says Sony a9iii and because of the global shutter there is no flickering. Sometimes when people ask its just a say to make small talk.
I'll watch anything you do -- I think I've even watched Sony/Canon reviews of yours for no particular reason. I like videos with other articsts and photographers joining, too. You should do some photography in Russia!
All that makes sense. I think that as far as tips go, there are a lot that are not often explored. For example, how to optimise your phone camera if you want to stretch its capabilities. Or, how to get cleaner shots with Olympus cameras. Topics that I like to think about: which is the best value Leica M body today? What are the most useful combinations of lenses for the M system? E.g. 21-35-75 vs 24-50-90, etc. Fun stuff, if not that useful. Anyway, I wish your channel all the best!
A superb decision, Matti! Wholeheartedly supported. We have become a handicapped civilization. Many of us just acquire gear for the sake of it, for possessing it, and we rarely come to real usage, or proper usage, or don't even realize what's the purpose of it. I think Jimmy Cheng (RED35) may do the same. Good luck, it sounds promising!
👍 I just bought a used, in excellent condition and price, Olly EM1 MII, as I cannot justify spending $2-$3K on just a camera body. It will go great with my few MFT lenses I have. New gear, don’t care, as too many are caught up in that. Yet, to have people be crass and/or snarky on your gear reviews, just shows how humanity can be trash. Especially, hiding behind the internet, as the word “bully” comes to mind. The best camera and gear, are the one, in your hand, as you are out and about taking photos, or videos. Ansel Adams, took great photos, with basically a box. On another note, back in my early days, another photographer companion, took amazing photos with a completely manual Pentax camera, and two lens setup. See you again, through my lens.
Matti; welcome home, your photo-walks have always been more informative than enjoyable. Great decision, others can read the list of facts about new cameras and lenses.
Industries rely on people like yourself for free advertising. If it‘s a review for something special, then OK. Personally I‘m much happier with your photo walks, with or without your mates. They’re fun! So many content makers are feeling like you do re reviews, and stopping, and their channels are much better as a result. You‘re a photographer, just get out and create photos. Forget the reviews and selfish people’s bad remarks. I would prefer just to see how and what you create from the scenery around you, and some good tips!
Hi Matti, you make very good reviews of gear, you can in the future just review the gear you buy or maybe want to buy or gear you borrow to try out. I think in the latest years Canon, Fuji. Nikon, Leica and some Ricoh fanboys often go over the line and get rude. Photography have to be fun ond joyfull, if you fell happy when you are out with your camera, that is the most important, sometimes I can go out with the camera and come home without any photos, but I am still happy, do not expect to get top photos every time you go out, just be happy an enjoy your photo walks 😃I think more and more about changes in time and story telling in my photos, that I think is important, both for me and mayby for other people. What is right now can very fast be history. Very nice with the Black & white studio video, you can let it be your brand 😉To many "youtubers" makes too much fuss about their studio setup ! It is about content, not about studio or colors in the studio.
Great idea and right direction to go👍 just friendly feedback: please don't exaggerate in your focus in only street photography. Not all of us are street photographers. You have done other kinds of photography in the past, why don't you share your knowledge from those areas? It could be fun to learn something very different from you on this channel.
Sometimes unique gear are actually a good video topic. For example, novelty lenses. The smallest anamorphic lens, the smallest macro lens, the cheapest telephoto lens, etc those types of very “problem-solving” gear that benefit the user. Making a video, for example, on comparing different cameras or different lenses against each other may not be that much more helpful, in my opinion.
Good for you !!! Enough with gear reviews( not so much )😅 . I think you should do what right for you!!! I don't care about what lens or cameras your tips are way more important to me
Morjens ! Tulipa tässä mieleen kun uusia ideoita sisällöntuottoon kysäisit. Mitäpä jos ottaisit mukaan photowalk-kierrokselle jonkun kanavasi seuraajan, ihan tavallisen harrastajan joka kuvia tykkää ottaa. Nämä eivät olisi mitään opetussessioita jossa sinä annat vinkkejä ja ohjeita, yhdessä otatte valokuvia, vähän puhutte valokuvaamisesta, katsotte näytöltä ottamianne, miksi ne on otettu, saiko halutunlaisen lopputuloksen, vähän tätä rataa. Perusidea on että pitkän linjan ammattilainen ja perustason harrastaja yhdessä saman asian kimpussa, ehkä siinä molemmat saavat jotain uutta näkökulmaa, koska me ihmiset yleensä jumitutaan siihen mikä sopii omaan tapaan toimia (mukavuusalueella olemista). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello! This is what came to mind when you asked for new ideas for content production. What if you took a follower of your channel, an ordinary hobbyist who likes to take pictures, on the photowalk tour. These wouldn't be any teaching sessions where you give tips and instructions, take photos together, talk a little about photography, look at what you've taken on the screen, why they were taken, did you get the desired result, a bit like this. The basic idea is that a long-term professional and a basic hobbyist work together on the same thing, maybe both get a new perspective, because we people usually get stuck in what suits our own way of working (being in the comfort zone).
Joo, siis tuo on ajatuksena ihan hyvä, mutta ei niin helppo toteuttaa, koska yleisöni on eri puolilla maailmaa. Kyseeseen tulisi oikeastaan vain suomalaiset katsojat, joita on kanavallani murto-osan murto-osa, ja heistäkin käytännössä vain pk-seudulla olevat. Lisäksi pitäisi olla sellaisia vieraita, jotka ovat jollain tasolla sanavalmiita englannin kielellä, mitä ei oikein voi tietää etukäteen. Olen itsekin miettinyt tuollaista ideaa, mutta en ole ihan varma miten sen järkevästi toteuttaa.
@@mattisulanto Yes in actual fact this comment was meant for another channel I had open on another tab - I have watched your video and it is very informative as usual, I love your style - sorry about confusion I will change the original comment - have a good one - keep on shooting
Good thing is happening that all gear related channels are going through the crisis which was caused by the sponsoring of the vendors. Very few are actually honest review by people who bought the gear by their own money...
Well, you probably are more critical after spending your own hard earned cash. However, dishonest means the same as lying and I think only very few do that, if any. If the video is sponsored (the creator actually got payed) then he/she should disclose that. If we had to buy every piece of gear we review there would be very few reviews.
Hehheh! Yeah, I don't think I'll get a free Hasselblad anytime soon no matter what I do. I'm happy for those who got though. They have done something right😀
I love gear reviews of gear you love. tools that grows into craftsmanship. Its the ugly side auf UA-cam, that creative persons are turned into product presenters.
Matti, you are too good and have to much to say to limit your channel to another "boring" gear channel. Make gear reviews if you think that´s a good idea from time to time, but much more interesting is what you habe to say as a photographer. Unfortunatly you could lost some viewers, viewers who want see video about the gear they want to buy or want to hear that the gear they already owned is the best gear. So do many channels for clicks, I understand this, it´s for your living. But I have this hobby, and I can´t afford always the newest and best gear. I buy this things with a clear mind and there are good enough for me. So I have a big interest on you as a photographer.
Being old as well - don't believe my profile picture! - there is little that I can be taught about the technicalities of photography. However, I appreciate and enjoy your videos with their relaxed style and genuine feeling for the art of photography. Your gear reviews are informative and always fair. It is quite possible that whatever video you choose to put out, I will watch and enjoy it. Carry on with what you enjoy and show us more of what you regard as good photographs. If you ever fancy a different experience, come out to Corfu for a trip and I'll invite myself on a photo walk with you around the Old Town. 🙃
Sounds good to me. I must admit that over the last 10 or so months, anytime I've seen a gear review come up on one of the UA-camr's channels I follow, I haven't watched that episode. If I've checked their channel and it's all mostly gear reviews these days, I've unsubscribed. Life's too short for non stop advertisements. I don't have any interest in new lenses or cameras these days. I do however, enjoy watching people take old cameras, digital or film, out for POV photo walks and street shooting. If I want to buy something for a specific purpose I will do a little research first to make sure it's what I want before I buy it, but otherwise I don't need to watch reviews. They're a bit like art haul videos, seen one, seen them all. I like watching the plein air painters working and people's tutorials not them opening bags and bags of markers or paint tubes they bought.
Gear reviews are toxic, no people are getting in this World more and more toxic, no education, no open mind, no respect and it's getting clearly worse, look at the so said World leaders today... So be you and we respect whatever you'll do 🙏👌
what a bummer about toxic comments. people are much more impolite on the internet than they would dare be in person. don't worry about that and pivot to doing whatever content you like doing. i also wouldn't worry if you repeat some of the tips you shared years ago, just with new examples, because some people watching now would never go back and watch five year old videos etc.
Hey Matti, I just wanted to share some feedback with you. I noticed in the beginning of your video that you had the Sony A7 IV with the words "I have to get rid of this," which seemed a bit contradictory to the content and title "Something New in 2025." It gave the impression that you might be selling your Sony gear and switching to another brand, which was a bit confusing. Just thought I wanted to let you know!
I really don't care about gear that much. Yes I use to think about gear all the time but I'm over it. Once in a blue moon I might start thinking about full frame after watching someone on UA-cam reviewing a camera. But last time that happened I think was a year ago. Best thing stay off of Ebay. I'm a M43 shoot and I have one Fuji X-E1 and I was always think man I need full frame. But truth is I really don't need full frame. None of my brides or grooms care. Even if I just use the basic Lightroom noise reductions clients are still happy. I'll shoot ISO 3,200 and Luminance at 30. So what its a little softer no one cares. Also why kill myself as a wedding photographer with gear that is going to break my back.
Please change your mind. Convert this channel into a "Temu" camera review channel. The cheapest of the cheap, for the best (terrible) results!😂 Ok, that was just a joke. Please take us on a photo walk and share your thoughts as the photos get taken. Gear reviews are fine, but actual photography and the thought process behind the shot are more interesting.
I love looking at images from photo walks. But I just can’t stand the walking. Bloody action camera bobbing up and down, never shot with the same focal length as the stills camera.
I also wish there was a better way, but that's how it is and there is no other way to do it for a solo team. The ultra wide angle shows what is happening outside of the final photo which is good, in my opinion.
Good. Do what makes sense to you. There will always be external pressures. Your mission, Mr. Phelps, is to do your best to avoid distractions and follow your internal compass. As usual, should you be caught or captured, we will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
Dear Matti, for me you remain the ambassador of micro four thirds photography, who has suddenly become unfaithful to the system and its enthusiasts. Going down the path of ever larger sensors with ever higher megapixel values means neglecting the wonderful, future-oriented mft sensor format. Size and weight of the photo gear do matter, Matti, and your mft photography was great. Sad to have to say that.
I recently said in another video that if you follow the gear instead of the photos it is bad for your photography. I wish people were passionate about photos and less passionate about gear. I do appreciate that you sill watch my videos though.
Unfaithful, really? They're products made by giant electronics companies. If you're married to electronics I think you need to take a look in the mirror and check if you're not being ridiculous.
Bring it on Matti. Always a pleasure watching and listening to you. Best luck with your new direction.
Thanks!
Hi Matti, its not a bad idea, it's your idea and you need to do whatever you're comfortable with. You are always honest with your reviews, and you always say it's just my opinion. And someone else might have a different opinion. There is no need for viewers to be Hostile, we all love photography, and just because someone doesn't like what you said, there is no need to be nasty. The photo walks are always fun and when you have guests like Aleksi and Peter, they are also fun and useful videos. You take care Matti and do what you think is right. Cheers 😊📸
Thanks so much for your support once again😀
@@mattisulanto Your always welcome, thankyou 😊
Right! It’s not the gear as much as it is the person behind the camera. I look forward to learning more about your philosophy, preferences, and style. Thank you for your dedication to the art.
Matti, I don’t think I’ve missed one of your videos since discovering you on UA-cam. I have appreciated most of your gear reviews but for me it was always the photo walks. You mentioned “tips” brought out during these sessions and those are great. However, for me, you delivered an “intangible good” - MOTIVATION! Seeing you discover great shots in everyday (and of course, sometimes unique) locations has really gotten me out to develop what I think of as a photographic sense. Thanks for the video and I look forward to many more.
I really enjoy seeing you and Peter together, out and about, taking pictures of the city scapes. I’m in the United States, so I appreciate seeing the architecture, statues, streets, strange objects, and people in and around your beautiful country. I would like to see more wide angle views, too. You can discuss the photo challenges you face and how you were able to overcome them with your experience and knowledge of lighting, and artistic perception. City, landscape, seashore, woods, gardens, cars, buses and trains are all “objects” for consideration; your visualization can change the ordinary into something extraordinary. Looking forward to it. Edit: I almost forgot about the snow!
I wish you the best for your projects. I always preferred your photo walks, videos with friends to the hardware reviews...
Thanks. Those are the most fun to make as well.
Having reached gear overload, gear videos are a waste of time. I now spend my viewing time as a learner, primarily learning how to improve composition. A well composed photo sometimes outweighs image quality and then truly, the best camera is the one that you have with you. All the best!
I think it is the future of photography. On the technology side, every new development is just more AI. What will really matter for photographers is the personal story.
Great news about the channel! I am not a street photographer, but I watch you every week because I am interested in your creative process -in all artists’ creative processes. What draws your attention? How do you use the camera to capture your vision? What’s your aesthetic philosophy and approach? What do particular photos mean to you? What nurtures your enthusiasm? I very much appreciate your personal perspective. Thank you.
Thanks so much. I hope I can meet your expectations also in the future😀
Hello Matti, that is definitely the right way, from my point of view, I personally can no longer stand gear reviews and this constant suggestion that you have to have the best equipment, we have to break away from this consumer mentality and be more creative.
People just have to pay more attention to what they really need and test their gear considering their needs.
Personally, I don't see whether my image is shot by a Tamron lens or a GM because I don't zoom in to 400%, so I can save a lot of money without having to make big compromises.
Thank you Matti for your video. Integrity is crucial to photography and you should follow your own vision. The test for a true artist (photographer, writer, creative)is: will being true to their vision be accepted by others so that they can make a living. It is always a dichotomy. I applaud your integrity. Kudos. Make the photos YOU love and share them with us.
I’m looking forward to viewing your new content Matti.
Hello Matti - less gear reviews is so right! The main reason to the toxicity is that most people are very attached to their brands. It is very deep and genuine. Simon d’Entremont is a wonderful and very clever example of non gear related photo channel. He is growing like a rocket. Your concept is different but seems super appealing. I have subscribed to your channel to follow your development. Go for it with a clear sense of purpose!
Thanks so much for the support.
Hello M.Matti,a walk around is always welcome, makes us discover a new place.I suggest that you add where you are shooting and what equipment you used just for reference. Thanks ,Martin from Montreal
Your plan is a great idea. I've been enjoying your channel for a while now, and I always prefer your "photo walk" videos to the gear videos. Your insights and advice will be the most inspiring to your viewers when your heart is really in it. Looking forward to the coming months.
Cool idea, go for it Matti!
More photo walks on your channel sounds great. I would be very interested seeing in photo walks from different towns/regions of your beautiful country. I've also enjoyed your winter season travels, especially when you meet up with Robin.
Thanks. I have planned to go to different parts of my town but I can't promise other regions yet😀
Great idea! I watch videos for the photography and avoid gear reviews unless it’s a particular item I’m actively looking for. Sadly most photo channels are paid infomercials. I look forward to your new work!
My favorite presentations you have done are photo walks by youself and talking about capturing a great photo/or not. I enjoy it when do you a photo safari with other photographers. I am intrigued about how two or more people in the same area having such different ways of seeing what they do. I also enjoy other UA-cam photography channels that have the photographer going back to a place they've been to before. I do photo safaris with my two granddaughters, 7 and 4. I've set them up with cameras, batteries, SD cards etc. When we return home I upload all of their photos to my laptop and we talk about them.
Do what you feel is right for you and your photography.
I look forward to seeing your new content. There is no doubt I will gain more from you as an instructor than as a reviewer. I am a retiree/hobbyist who came late in life to serious photography and need all the help I can find.
Sounds good to me. I’ve been purging channels that have become gear-centric from my subscription list. If I want reviews I can search them out, but the how and why of actual photographs interests me.
I love this idea. I really enjoy your "photos with friends" type videos, but also I wish there was more content about exploring new genres, finding ways to find subjects in everyday boring places.
We're overwhelmed by gear channels or "check out my trip to Iceland/the Antarctic", which are places I'll never be able to afford or justify visiting. Your work tends to be more for the everyman, and for that I appreciate you.
Thanks. Let's see what we can come up with once we get the "new channel" rolling😀
It is interesting how sharing online affects our creativity/ motivation. I think the best approach it to take a stoic approach possibly ! We cannot control how the content will be received but we can control what we create ! Also, I think it is important to have fun creating both the photos and the videos!
I love gear related videos, but I realize they don’t help me take better photos. I look forward to watching your channel for the next year.
Showing courage and strength, my friend, in picking a new direction. My greatest respect and admiration indeed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yourself.
I think this will prove to be a welcome change, Matti. I’m 24 and I like to think I’m a decent photographer, but I’m no master of the craft like you are and I’d much rather learn from you and your extensive experience than be sold a lens I really can’t even afford at this point in my life. Even if it means simply walking us through some of your best compositions and explaining your thought process at the time, I would be most eager to click!
Enjoyed the B&W…somewhat aligned (even if not intended) with the more serious tone. Worked well! Your content moving forward sounds well balanced and of value at least to me. Key is you enjoy it too!
Thanks. The B&W looks really nice but it was kind of an accident😀
I look forward to the new you Matti. Life is too short to keep doing stuff you don't want to do.
Hi Matti I have enjoyed both types of videos that you do as I am a beginner. The gear reviews are important as we grow as photographers and learn what lens suit us better for our particular choice of photography. It is at the end of the day your channel and you must do what gives you enjoyment and this will in turn create great videos because of your passion and enjoyment. I will certainly keep watching as I really enjoy your photo walks with tips on how you are setting up your camera and compositions. I commented on one of your more recent videos about "Nikon picture control editor" where you can download picture controls for Nikon cameras. (like Fuji film simulations) and still waiting for a reply.😀
Matti, I would be very interested in seeing more about your photo editing workflow, tricks, mindset, etc!
Matti, I enjoy your channel for you more than the particulars of any post’s content. Any reasonable mix is acceptable. Whether you are interacting with someone else or not, you are still well engaged with your viewers. It’s always pleasant to spend some time with you.
Thanks so much for the support.
Would definitely enjoy photo walk discussions, talking about light, colour, composition and good techniques to get the shot. Gear stuff is fine but as they say, nobody asks what brushes Van Gogh used.
Yes, love your photo walks!
Thanks.
Just found your channel. Finding a balance between gear content and videos about actually using your cameras makes sense. I watch James Popsys for that very reason.
Looking forward to the channel's new direction Matti. Gear is only somewhat important, as there are not many (if any!) bad cameras nowadays. I always enjoy seeing and being inspired your approach to taking photos. Here's to finding great light and satisfying compositions in 2025 ☕
Thanks so much.
You always explain things so well and I am looking forward to seeing your photographs.
Thank you Matti for all your gear related reviews in the past. It has helped me make purchases, especially when you expose the fact that a lens is much better than others are saying they are, and that sharpness in a lens is not everything. I have enjoyed your street photography posts lately and will continue to watch your posts. I agree with you about gear related videos and I prefer photography related videos.
Well said. Keep up with the great videos.
Thanks.
Makes sense to me. I had a wise gentleman once tell me that subject matter, light, and opportunity (or timing) is what makes a successful photograph. Not gear. You won't make better photographs simply by changing brands.
Nice movement, can't wait to see the new video format!
Yes 🙌🏼 Go ahead with more videos about photography. Not about gear. Gear is boring on the long run. I would like to see more stuff about your vision and ideas 👍🏼
I have not seen a black and white video in a long time, and it feels like going back to the 1960s. I know your camera settings were off, but no worries! It looks cool!
Looking forward to it!
Sounds like a good direction for the channel. Gear is fun and gets lots of views, but yes people can be surprisingly rude when they are anonymous and bizarre that they feel the need to harass if people say something bad about their gear or brand of choice. Photo walks and POV street videos sound good and look forward to seeing more of them in your channel
Hi Matti, great idea. I think it's more fun and gives me more to see more photo content, not gear reviews and I'm looking forward for your new content.
Thanks.
I agree that gear reviews are boring once you have decided over the cameras and lenses you want to use. But I can still find myself mostly getting inspired by photographers who use similar equipment as mine. Opening my eyes to new ideas is always exciting. Looking forward to the future when you share your photography style and images. Just now I’m into street photography, with people, or without, buildings, man made structures in nature, etc. I didn’t really try B&W and it will be fun to see what can be done specially now in winter.
Thanks for sharing. Winter is a super photogenic season but for me it's a struggle to get out and shoot😀
Matti, I've always enjoyed your videos regardless of what the content was but I have to say that when you demonstrated the aspect of the craft rather than the tools I found that inspirational at times. As to the naysayers you encounter in this venue it is to be expected. We live in a very polarized world where some people are screaming to be heard. Pay no mind. Just keep doing what you are doing and thank you.
Please keep up your excellent work. I really enjoy your reviews.
Hey Matti! Been following you for awhile and definitely happy to see this. My favorite era was your M43 stuff because you just simply slapped on a lens and went out and did some awesome photos. No bs, no anything. Just "Hey I dug out this lens from a drawer, and here's some photos. This was fun." kind of stuff.
The UA-cam talking head trends like gear, Full Frame/M43 is dying, pixel peeping, comparing high end video codecs, prores raw, ARRI colors vs. whatever, etc. just really take away from channels that had artistic merit. You and your talents as a photographer, especially since you're one of the few actual published photographers on UA-cam with a history of working in various magazines, newspapers, print, businesses and agencies, have so much more to bring to the table rather than flavor of the month UA-cam trends.
Thanks so much! I hope I can get back to those same vibes you mention.
Photography walks and photography tips are great, In am looking forwards to them!
I apply a simple rule for haters or aggressive or rude: I blacklist them permanently, for life and with no possibility of return. There are enough people interested in what we do on our channels, and interesting in their comments, to be burdened with people with hateful speech or simply rudeness, people who have problems in life, who are aggressive by nature or even who have psychological problems. Just use the "make invisible on the channel" function
I like your attitude! What is it about photography that makes people so bitter? I don't see this in cinematography forums.
Thanks. That's what I do every time. I also have a thick skin and I don't take them personally but they are still something I don't need😀 I subbed to your channel, by the way.
For what it is worth, when I first found your channel it was when you were doing the Lumix ambassador videos, although I was indeed using lumix gear, the actual tutorial content around stuff like use of flash were super useful (and still are, and of course the vdeos are still out there). I realise still life isn't really your bag, but still, if you can fit a bit of gear-agnostic tutorial stuff it wouldn't hurt (you were *really* good at that stuff).
Thanks. Let's see where this leads eventually😀
Looking forward to the 'new look' channel. Hope you get to take the kind of images that please you!
Thanks. I know I will take the photos I want and the photos that please me😀
I've only delved into photography social media and youtube in the last year or so, and I'm _still_ shocked by how rude and entitled people can act around their chosen brand or format. I don't blame you at all for shying away from that behaviour.
Thanks. I have a thick skin but I still don't need all that garbage😀
If the reviews hurt your soul, you have made the right decision. Being true to yourself is natural and much more enjoyable to watch.
Those reviews in the field are more interesting because I can ignore the gear, but still enjoy the video.
Thanks! Let's see what comes up with this down the line.
the colors of this video match the mood of the topic
I did not plan it like that. Tho lack of colors was an accident😀
Stay strong and wonderful Matti
Black and white video, like a true photographer! haha 😁
Perfect. What ever you do, I'll watch it. I like your insights.
Also, whenever I hear a "UA-camr" talk about their experience, I hear about the trolls. I don't understand all the hated, but it appears that a lot of people currently are of such poor quality, I guess it's inevitable. I don't think it's going to get any better where content is free. I do contribute on occasion, but not nearly often enough. Here's an idea... the more unworthy negative comment a troll makes, they more they will have to pay in fines --you shouldn't have to tolerate them.
Thanks for your support.
I think gear is a little important because there are some features that do help you get the photo. For example I went to the boat race in Boston Massachusetts and I used my Olympus OMD E-M1ii and I used the electronic shutter for take a lot of photos. I have a few keepers I want in my portfolio. I took 5,000 images but I wanted keepers so as long as I can get ten for my portfolio I'm good.
But that's the only time I think talking gear is fine is someone is asking about it and if there is information about helping someone else.
Its kind of like Sony asking about a nice hockey photo and someone might ask what camera and someone says Sony a9iii and because of the global shutter there is no flickering.
Sometimes when people ask its just a say to make small talk.
I'll watch anything you do -- I think I've even watched Sony/Canon reviews of yours for no particular reason. I like videos with other articsts and photographers joining, too.
You should do some photography in Russia!
Sounds fantastic!
Goed idea Matti
What ever you publish on your channel, I watch your videos . Any change is welcome.
Going right direction !
Petri! So good to see you here😀
All that makes sense. I think that as far as tips go, there are a lot that are not often explored. For example, how to optimise your phone camera if you want to stretch its capabilities. Or, how to get cleaner shots with Olympus cameras.
Topics that I like to think about: which is the best value Leica M body today? What are the most useful combinations of lenses for the M system? E.g. 21-35-75 vs 24-50-90, etc. Fun stuff, if not that useful.
Anyway, I wish your channel all the best!
Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.
A superb decision, Matti! Wholeheartedly supported. We have become a handicapped civilization. Many of us just acquire gear for the sake of it, for possessing it, and we rarely come to real usage, or proper usage, or don't even realize what's the purpose of it. I think Jimmy Cheng (RED35) may do the same. Good luck, it sounds promising!
👍 I just bought a used, in excellent condition and price, Olly EM1 MII, as I cannot justify spending $2-$3K on just a camera body. It will go great with my few MFT lenses I have. New gear, don’t care, as too many are caught up in that. Yet, to have people be crass and/or snarky on your gear reviews, just shows how humanity can be trash. Especially, hiding behind the internet, as the word “bully” comes to mind.
The best camera and gear, are the one, in your hand, as you are out and about taking photos, or videos. Ansel Adams, took great photos, with basically a box. On another note, back in my early days, another photographer companion, took amazing photos with a completely manual Pentax camera, and two lens setup.
See you again, through my lens.
Matti; welcome home, your photo-walks have always been more informative than enjoyable. Great decision, others can read the list of facts about new cameras and lenses.
I believe this is good direction, at least for me 😅. I like to watch photowalks whether its just you or others. Let photograph talk not gear.
Industries rely on people like yourself for free advertising. If it‘s a review for something special, then OK. Personally I‘m much happier with your photo walks, with or without your mates. They’re fun! So many content makers are feeling like you do re reviews, and stopping, and their channels are much better as a result. You‘re a photographer, just get out and create photos. Forget the reviews and selfish people’s bad remarks. I would prefer just to see how and what you create from the scenery around you, and some good tips!
Hi Matti, you make very good reviews of gear, you can in the future just review the gear you buy or maybe want to buy or gear you borrow to try out. I think in the latest years Canon, Fuji. Nikon, Leica and some Ricoh fanboys often go over the line and get rude. Photography have to be fun ond joyfull, if you fell happy when you are out with your camera, that is the most important, sometimes I can go out with the camera and come home without any photos, but I am still happy, do not expect to get top photos every time you go out, just be happy an enjoy your photo walks 😃I think more and more about changes in time and story telling in my photos, that I think is important, both for me and mayby for other people. What is right now can very fast be history. Very nice with the Black & white studio video, you can let it be your brand 😉To many "youtubers" makes too much fuss about their studio setup ! It is about content, not about studio or colors in the studio.
Thanks. There will be some reviews but not as many as before.
Great idea and right direction to go👍 just friendly feedback: please don't exaggerate in your focus in only street photography. Not all of us are street photographers. You have done other kinds of photography in the past, why don't you share your knowledge from those areas? It could be fun to learn something very different from you on this channel.
Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for the future.
I just posted a gear review video before watching this - I feel TERRIBLE now! 😢
You should😅 Only joking of course😀
Hi Matti, more MFT content what be great.
Sometimes unique gear are actually a good video topic. For example, novelty lenses. The smallest anamorphic lens, the smallest macro lens, the cheapest telephoto lens, etc those types of very “problem-solving” gear that benefit the user. Making a video, for example, on comparing different cameras or different lenses against each other may not be that much more helpful, in my opinion.
Good for you !!! Enough with gear reviews( not so much )😅 . I think you should do what right for you!!! I don't care about what lens or cameras your tips are way more important to me
Morjens !
Tulipa tässä mieleen kun uusia ideoita sisällöntuottoon kysäisit.
Mitäpä jos ottaisit mukaan photowalk-kierrokselle jonkun kanavasi seuraajan, ihan tavallisen harrastajan joka kuvia tykkää ottaa. Nämä eivät olisi mitään opetussessioita jossa sinä annat vinkkejä ja ohjeita, yhdessä otatte valokuvia, vähän puhutte valokuvaamisesta, katsotte näytöltä ottamianne, miksi ne on otettu, saiko halutunlaisen lopputuloksen, vähän tätä rataa.
Perusidea on että pitkän linjan ammattilainen ja perustason harrastaja yhdessä saman asian kimpussa, ehkä siinä molemmat saavat jotain uutta näkökulmaa, koska me ihmiset yleensä jumitutaan siihen mikä sopii omaan tapaan toimia (mukavuusalueella olemista).
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Hello!
This is what came to mind when you asked for new ideas for content production.
What if you took a follower of your channel, an ordinary hobbyist who likes to take pictures, on the photowalk tour. These wouldn't be any teaching sessions where you give tips and instructions, take photos together, talk a little about photography, look at what you've taken on the screen, why they were taken, did you get the desired result, a bit like this.
The basic idea is that a long-term professional and a basic hobbyist work together on the same thing, maybe both get a new perspective, because we people usually get stuck in what suits our own way of working (being in the comfort zone).
Joo, siis tuo on ajatuksena ihan hyvä, mutta ei niin helppo toteuttaa, koska yleisöni on eri puolilla maailmaa. Kyseeseen tulisi oikeastaan vain suomalaiset katsojat, joita on kanavallani murto-osan murto-osa, ja heistäkin käytännössä vain pk-seudulla olevat. Lisäksi pitäisi olla sellaisia vieraita, jotka ovat jollain tasolla sanavalmiita englannin kielellä, mitä ei oikein voi tietää etukäteen. Olen itsekin miettinyt tuollaista ideaa, mutta en ole ihan varma miten sen järkevästi toteuttaa.
Edited to clear up my own confused mind. Have a good one Matti - cheers to the future - keeping it fresh and alive
I do appreciate every comment, but maybe you'd like to watch the video before leaving a comment😀
@@mattisulanto Yes in actual fact this comment was meant for another channel I had open on another tab - I have watched your video and it is very informative as usual, I love your style - sorry about confusion I will change the original comment - have a good one - keep on shooting
@@nelsonclub7722 No worries. That can happen😀
Good thing is happening that all gear related channels are going through the crisis which was caused by the sponsoring of the vendors. Very few are actually honest review by people who bought the gear by their own money...
Well, you probably are more critical after spending your own hard earned cash. However, dishonest means the same as lying and I think only very few do that, if any. If the video is sponsored (the creator actually got payed) then he/she should disclose that. If we had to buy every piece of gear we review there would be very few reviews.
No Matti,
Not until Hasselblad sends you the X2D with that XCD 2,5/55v
To keep.
Then you can stop the gear reviews.
Hehheh! Yeah, I don't think I'll get a free Hasselblad anytime soon no matter what I do. I'm happy for those who got though. They have done something right😀
I love gear reviews of gear you love. tools that grows into craftsmanship.
Its the ugly side auf UA-cam, that creative persons are turned into product presenters.
Thanks. Yeah, not all gear reviews are bad.
Matti, you are too good and have to much to say to limit your channel to another "boring" gear channel. Make gear reviews if you think that´s a good idea from time to time, but much more interesting is what you habe to say as a photographer. Unfortunatly you could lost some viewers, viewers who want see video about the gear they want to buy or want to hear that the gear they already owned is the best gear. So do many channels for clicks, I understand this, it´s for your living. But I have this hobby, and I can´t afford always the newest and best gear. I buy this things with a clear mind and there are good enough for me. So I have a big interest on you as a photographer.
Being old as well - don't believe my profile picture! - there is little that I can be taught about the technicalities of photography. However, I appreciate and enjoy your videos with their relaxed style and genuine feeling for the art of photography. Your gear reviews are informative and always fair. It is quite possible that whatever video you choose to put out, I will watch and enjoy it. Carry on with what you enjoy and show us more of what you regard as good photographs. If you ever fancy a different experience, come out to Corfu for a trip and I'll invite myself on a photo walk with you around the Old Town. 🙃
Thanks. I'll keep your invitation in mind😀
Sounds good to me. I must admit that over the last 10 or so months, anytime I've seen a gear review come up on one of the UA-camr's channels I follow, I haven't watched that episode. If I've checked their channel and it's all mostly gear reviews these days, I've unsubscribed. Life's too short for non stop advertisements. I don't have any interest in new lenses or cameras these days. I do however, enjoy watching people take old cameras, digital or film, out for POV photo walks and street shooting. If I want to buy something for a specific purpose I will do a little research first to make sure it's what I want before I buy it, but otherwise I don't need to watch reviews. They're a bit like art haul videos, seen one, seen them all. I like watching the plein air painters working and people's tutorials not them opening bags and bags of markers or paint tubes they bought.
Hello! Follow Your star, do what You want to do! I will enjoy watching Your channel. 😊
Well that is a nice change, I had unsubscribe from maybe 7 or 8 review gear channels is not what I looking for as I am more old hahahha
Gear reviews are toxic, no people are getting in this World more and more toxic, no education, no open mind, no respect and it's getting clearly worse, look at the so said World leaders today... So be you and we respect whatever you'll do 🙏👌
what a bummer about toxic comments. people are much more impolite on the internet than they would dare be in person. don't worry about that and pivot to doing whatever content you like doing. i also wouldn't worry if you repeat some of the tips you shared years ago, just with new examples, because some people watching now would never go back and watch five year old videos etc.
Hi Matti Sulanto! I am tired of gear reviews.
Hey Matti, I just wanted to share some feedback with you. I noticed in the beginning of your video that you had the Sony A7 IV with the words "I have to get rid of this," which seemed a bit contradictory to the content and title "Something New in 2025." It gave the impression that you might be selling your Sony gear and switching to another brand, which was a bit confusing. Just thought I wanted to let you know!
I really don't care about gear that much. Yes I use to think about gear all the time but I'm over it. Once in a blue moon I might start thinking about full frame after watching someone on UA-cam reviewing a camera. But last time that happened I think was a year ago. Best thing stay off of Ebay.
I'm a M43 shoot and I have one Fuji X-E1 and I was always think man I need full frame. But truth is I really don't need full frame. None of my brides or grooms care.
Even if I just use the basic Lightroom noise reductions clients are still happy. I'll shoot ISO 3,200 and Luminance at 30. So what its a little softer no one cares.
Also why kill myself as a wedding photographer with gear that is going to break my back.
Please change your mind. Convert this channel into a "Temu" camera review channel. The cheapest of the cheap, for the best (terrible) results!😂
Ok, that was just a joke.
Please take us on a photo walk and share your thoughts as the photos get taken. Gear reviews are fine, but actual photography and the thought process behind the shot are more interesting.
You know what. Temu actually approached me some time ago and proposed sponsored videos😀 I politely declined.
Good! But worried the UA-cam algorithm, and general audience interest, pushes gear reviews, you might see a big drop in views?
I will see a drop in views but I don't care. The views will come back after some time, I just have to be patient.
Good luck and yeah, gear is a toxic topic.
you can also make more gimmicky stuff like fotowalk and high level pixelpeeping samsung s line vs older mft camera. it is not a gear review 🧐.
Thanks.
I love looking at images from photo walks. But I just can’t stand the walking. Bloody action camera bobbing up and down, never shot with the same focal length as the stills camera.
I also wish there was a better way, but that's how it is and there is no other way to do it for a solo team. The ultra wide angle shows what is happening outside of the final photo which is good, in my opinion.
@@mattisulanto what about putting the action camera on a shopping trolley or a pushchair 👍🏻 that would eliminate the bobbing. Or bicycle handlebars.
Good. Do what makes sense to you. There will always be external pressures. Your mission, Mr. Phelps, is to do your best to avoid distractions and follow your internal compass. As usual, should you be caught or captured, we will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
Lens reviews are indeed boring, and 90% of them do not apply to me. "Reviews of specialty gadgets are much more interesting..
Thanks. Absolutely, some reviews are interesting indeed.
Dear Matti, for me you remain the ambassador of micro four thirds photography, who has suddenly become unfaithful to the system and its enthusiasts. Going down the path of ever larger sensors with ever higher megapixel values means neglecting the wonderful, future-oriented mft sensor format. Size and weight of the photo gear do matter, Matti, and your mft photography was great. Sad to have to say that.
I recently said in another video that if you follow the gear instead of the photos it is bad for your photography. I wish people were passionate about photos and less passionate about gear. I do appreciate that you sill watch my videos though.
Unfaithful, really? They're products made by giant electronics companies. If you're married to electronics I think you need to take a look in the mirror and check if you're not being ridiculous.
Do you know this is in black and white????
Did you read the text at the start of the video????
Do you know that Young Frankenstein was in black and white? Sometimes there’s a reason. 😉