I read pretty much everything on the magazine market – everything about photography, to be precise. I especially like to read test reports. Preferably the ones with a list of the best. Thumbs up to the editor who invented the test reports. What would hobby photographers do without test reports? Never ever would they be sure to have bought the right, “the best” camera or the best lens. And this uncertainty can rob you of sleep. Everyone knows that, don’t they?

Why I love test reports

Without test reports, whether in magazines or on the Internet, I would miss any orientation. Every month new cameras and lenses come onto the market. And of course the manufacturers claim that the new model is much better than the previous model. Anyone can say that, but is it true? I am skeptical by nature. And that’s where the test reports come into play. Even before the new camera is in the shop, someone has already tested it. Very useful. That’s no way to buy a pig in a poke. After all, you always want to use the latest model from your trusted manufacturer. You can sell the old one on ebay. If anyone still wants it. But I digress.

In any case, the test report answers the question whether the new model is really better. Of course the answer is always: Yes!

That makes sense, doesn’t it? After all, the new camera has more pixels, a faster autofocus, the new Mark II motif bell and, finally, finally, an integrated coffee maker. This is exactly what I always missed on my old cucumber. So a new purchase is definitely justified. Whew, lucky you. I can’t imagine if the test report hadn’t been so positive. The money might have stayed on the account and that is not desirable from a macroeconomic point of view.

Oh yes, the new one has different batteries too. All right, the old ones can go to the hazardous waste disposal.

Test reports are always balanced and neutral

Malicious tongues claim that one should always look at which companies are running the bold ads in the magazines. The ones on the second, third or fourth cover page. The ones that cost real money. Then you would see the test reports with completely different eyes.

I think that’s slander!

What do the magazines get out of it? And the new models do better than the old ones in all the magazines. There you go.

However…

What if the new Olypanakon performs worse than the new Casonyflex? When I have a whole bag full of Olypanakon lenses. Not to mention flash units and other accessories. Oh, oh…

Maybe I should consider a change of system. After all, I don’t want to work with the second best camera.

Yours truly

Louise von Tharau

P.S.: Of course you are welcome to make comments, but my opinion is the only correct one!

Disclaimer: The articles in the section “Louise’s World” do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editors