Digital BW, The Print

Duncan,

> I know Michael and can state without a doubt that he has no agenda
> and is not biased in any way by any of the equipment manufacturers or
> other outside factors.

My experience has been entirely different.  My opinion of what I've read of
his, is he is very biased (and specifically towards Canon, and they can do
no wrong).  He proclaims, every time that a new Canon Digicam comes out,
that it is far better than any film camera etc. etc....and the demise of
film is at hand...when it simply was not true.  Eventually, it will be
true...but he's been proclaiming the death of film, and trying to
rationalize and justify his simply erroneous claims, for years now.

The first reviews I read of his were his touting of the D-30, and it was
completely biased...I'd say no one but a paid PR person could have written
the review I read, as it was completely at odds with just about every other
review out there as to the realistic capabilities of the camera.  IMO, his
film/digital tests were flawed, as was his understanding of how the digital
process worked.  He also wrote a highly biased (almost sycophantic, IMO)
Hasselblad V-1 review...which, when challenged, pouted and took his marbles
and went home.  That's why he writes a one sided web site, instead of
allowing himself to be challenged in public.

> Granted you are reading his opinions, but his
> opinions are experienced and educated and he will not hesitate to say
> something is a piece of crap if it is.

I have not seen that in the reviews of his I've read.

> He will also correct himself
> if he catches an error or omission of his or anyone else's doing.

My experience is that is true only if he agrees with it...

> He will give you his honest opinions and back them up with field
> data...

Yes, and when shown his data *might* be wrong, especially if it challenges
his (IMO at times erroneous) "understanding", he simply ignores it.

> You have to decide yourself
> what emphasis to place on information coming from any publication...

Of course...

> but
> I place a high degree of respect in Michael's opinions...

I am not the only one who has publicly said that he needs to be taken with a
large grain of salt...it's been said many a time, by many very
respected/knowledgeable people.

Regards,

Austin