rob_ww wrote:
I think "sharpness" is pursued far too much. Maybe it is the result of 15-20 years of wanting digital photography to be "good enough" -- a target passed more than a decade ago, but the momentum continues. We all want technically perfect photos rather than pictures that please us and move us.
I see endless lens tests scrutinising sharpness to levels no ordinary mortal will ever see, but not enough consideration of the overall visual quality of images. Maybe it is time for a "return to vinyl" retro movement which connects us to the great pictures taken in the past?
I think you mean the "return to film" movement; an aesthetic that was never fully abandoned.
Not sure about the retro part; film is still very popular (as are albums).
The tremendous popularity of old lenses and newly manufactured models designed to produce "classical" renderings is testament to that.
Same with "filmic" filters; Glimmerglass, BPMs, etc.
Dozens of presets, plug-ins, LUTS, and profiles are employed to help round off digital's sharp edges.
etc; etc.
In many cases being overly concerned with sharpness is a beginners mistake.
