News on VSCO, Sony, Canon, and Nikon And Why GNDs are DEAD

Written By Matt Payne

We’re bringing the conversation to the website in long-form because it keeps the episode searchable, skimmable, and emotionally engaging for readers who want the key arguments without missing the personality behind them.Welcome back to The Tripod Podcast, the show where we cover the latest news from the photography world, mix in a few hot takes, and let the debates unfold in real time.In this episode, Matt, Talor, and DT kick things off with a recap of listener feedback from the first episode before jumping into a lively roundtable on industry news, gear decisions, and a few deeply opinionated photography hot takes. Along the way, the hosts share stories from the field, compare workflows, and invite listeners to join the conversation with their own rebuttals and counterarguments.

Episode Highlights

  • A hilarious listener comment about a tripod “accessory” involving a bowling ball

  • Matt’s backpacking and landscape photography adventures in Colorado

  • A discussion about whether photographers should submit work for billboard exposure without clear compensation

  • Canon’s development of a fluorine-free lens coating and what that means for sustainability

  • Nikon’s firmware updates for aging DSLRs and the case for extending the life of older gear

  • A debate about whether graduated neutral density filters still make sense in modern photography

  • The great tripod debate: rubber feet vs. spikes

  • A hot take on whether photographs need titles at all

  • Listener feedback on camera straps and when they actually make sense

Intro: Listener Feedback and a Tripod Bowling Ball

The episode opens with the hosts reacting to feedback from episode one, including one especially memorable comment about a tripod setup that involved a bowling ball hanging from a cloth polisher. The group leans into the absurdity of it, joking about the lengths photographers go to for stability and inventive rigging.It’s a light, funny start that sets the tone for the episode: this is a show that takes photography seriously, but not itself too seriously.

News Story 1: Visco’s Billboard Photography Campaign

The first news item covers Visco’s call for photographers to submit work for a nationwide billboard campaign called “The 50.”

The idea is to select one photographer from each state and feature their work on a large billboard in their home state.The hosts break down:

  • the free submission process

  • the requirement to post three to five images in the app

  • the use of hashtags

  • the deadline

  • and, most importantly, the vague wording around compensation

The main discussion point is whether photographers should submit when the term “compensated” is used but no payment structure is disclosed. The hosts debate whether exposure and billboard placement are worthwhile or whether the lack of clarity is a red flag.The conversation lands on a nuanced but firm takeaway: photographers need to understand the terms they are agreeing to and make informed decisions about the value of their work.

News Story 2: Canon’s Fluorine-Free Lens Coating

Next, Taylor brings in a story about Canon developing a fluorine-free optical coating with the same water-repelling benefits as current fluorine coatings, but without the same PFAS concerns.The discussion turns into a broader conversation about:

  • PFAS and their environmental persistence

  • how camera gear can be part of the larger sustainability conversation

  • the role of manufacturers in designing greener products

  • whether consumers should expect more transparency about what’s inside the gear they use

Matt adds a pragmatic business angle, pointing out that regulation and supply chain pressure may be driving the change as much as environmental responsibility. Even so, the group agrees that if the result is a safer, more sustainable product, that’s a win.They also talk about other possible green improvements in photography gear, including:

  • better packaging

  • repair programs

  • reuse and resale

  • and reducing unnecessary replacement of functional equipment

News Story 3: Nikon’s Firmware Updates for DSLRs

DT’s story focuses on Nikon releasing firmware updates for its D6 and D780 DSLRs years after their original release.The conversation covers:

  • bug fixes in exposure behavior

  • improved functionality for burst shooting

  • the surprising fact that Nikon is still supporting older DSLR bodies

  • and what that says about the long tail of legacy gear

This leads into a larger conversation about firmware as a missed opportunity. Matt argues that camera brands could do much more through software updates, especially when the hardware is already capable of more than the current firmware allows.The hosts debate whether photographers would pay for meaningful feature upgrades through firmware, such as:

  • more shutter speed options

  • better in-camera functionality

  • improved focus stacking

  • or niche tools like built-in interval changes or multiple exposure options

The group doesn’t fully agree on subscription-style features, but they do agree that firmware can extend the life and usefulness of older gear.

Hot Take 1: Graduated Neutral Density Filters Are Overrated

Matt’s first major hot take is that graduated ND filters are mostly unnecessary now.

His argument:

  • modern cameras have enough dynamic range to handle many contrasty scenes

  • bracketing and blending are more flexible

  • physical grad filters can create ugly horizon lines and color casts

  • once you use one, the effect is baked into the RAW file

The debate gets lively as the group considers real-world situations where grads still help, especially in difficult waterfall or foliage scenes where motion makes blending harder. Still, the consensus leans toward Matt’s position: modern editing workflows often make grads more trouble than they’re worth.

Hot Take 2: Rubber Feet vs. Spikes on Tripods

DT brings the next debate: rubber feet or spikes?

The group mostly lands on rubber feet as the default option, with spikes reserved for specific environments like:

  • ice

  • deep snow

  • bogs

  • and some shoreline or sandy conditions

The real issue isn’t just convenience — it’s also respect for the environment. The hosts talk about how spikes can scratch sandstone and damage delicate terrain over time.So while spikes still have a place, the discussion makes it clear: they’re a specialized tool, not a universal solution.

Hot Take 3: Photos Don’t Need Titles

Talor’s hot take is the one most likely to divide listeners: not every photo needs a title.

She argues that too many image titles feel overly poetic, distracting, or forced. The group debates whether titles are:

  • an unnecessary layer of pretension

  • an essential part of creative expression

  • useful for SEO and website discovery

  • or just something photographers do because they think they’re supposed to

Matt and DT defend titles as part of the creative process, especially for exhibitions, portfolios, and websites. They point out that titles can help guide interpretation and create a stronger connection between photographer and viewer.The discussion ends with a friendly disagreement: titles may not be necessary for everyone, but for some photographers they are an important part of how the work is presented and understood.

Concession Confession: Camera Straps Revisited

The episode closes with a follow-up on a previous hot take: camera straps suck.

Listener feedback points out that straps are useful for:

  • fast-moving, run-and-gun shooting

  • people with physical limitations

  • and photographers who need a camera immediately accessible

Matt acknowledges those points while still standing by his preference to work without straps most of the time. DT shares a funny moment from using an infrared camera body with no strap, which made even simple handling feel awkward.The conclusion is characteristically open-minded: straps are valid, just not for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 is a strong mix of:

  • photography industry commentary

  • gear and workflow debates

  • environmental awareness

  • and personal stories from the field

It’s also a great example of what makes the podcast work: the hosts don’t just report on photography — they challenge assumptions, share practical experience, and invite listeners to think critically about the tools and norms in the industry.If you have thoughts on any of the hot takes, the hosts want to hear them.

Join the Conversation

Have a rebuttal, counterargument, or hot take of your own? Share it on social media or send us a note.

Episode 2 takeaways:

  • Photographer value should be clearly defined and respected.

  • Sustainability in gear design matters more than most users realize.

  • Legacy gear can still benefit from smarter firmware support.

  • Some “classic” photography tools are more useful than others in today’s workflows.

  • Strong opinions make for better photography conversations.

Matt Payne
Next

Sony Eyes Tamron, Drone Laws Get Tested, and Why Camera Straps Might Be Dead Weight