Shutterbug

Most people, and most camera stores, buy Shutterbug as a reference book they use to determine the going price of new and used gear. Over the past year, though, I've seen these readers turning increasingly to E-Bay as the best source of used camera price information.


One of the best photography magazines around   February 22, 2003
 13 out of 15 found this review helpful

I've been a very satisfied subscriber of Shutterbug for years. Admittedly, this magazine was the photographic equivalent of The Computer Shopper, but gradually it has evolved into a valuable resource for advanced amateur and professional photographers interested in learning about the business of photography as well as the latest photographic equipment and techniques. It has benefited from the excellent editorial stewardship of Bob Shell - who still remains with the magazine - and now, George Schaub for nearly a decade; both are two of the best photographers and journalists devoted to reporting on and evaluating the latest trends in photography. Much to its credit, Shutterbug tries to be comprehensive, covering almost every facet of photography, including digital imaging. Those interested in looking beyond the likes of Popular Photography for something a bit more substantial with respect to photography will not be disappointed with this fine magazine.


One of the Best.   February 6, 2003
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

I have subscribed to Shutterbug for a couple of years and previously purchased it on the newsstand from time-to-time. It is my favorite photography magazine at this point. Shutterbug is a general photography magazine in that it will cover just about any subject relating to photography. I believe their intended readership is intermediate level to professional photographers. I like Shutterbug so much because it exhibits the most variety in it's coverage of photographic technique. For one thing, it has not become dominated by digital imaging like so many photo magazines have. That is not to say that Shutterbug's editors steer clear of digital -not at all. Shutterbug's March issue is dedicated to digital. There are frequent articles on scanning and Photoshop techniques. And David Brooks' monthly Digital Help column is the most useful question and answer forum on the digital darkroom that I have ever encountered. If you are having Photoshop/printer/scanner/pc problems, he is the person to ask. But Shutterbug also covers film extensively... and not just 35 mm film photography. There are articles on everything from subminiature to super-large format. Traditional wet darkroom how-to's are also featured. One of the things that separates Shutterbug from other popular photography magazines is that it does cover so many types of photography and equipment beyond 35 mm. And it always has articles on studio photography, with a particular emphasis on portraits. For the professional, there is a Business Trends monthly column dedicated to marketing and managing tips.

If you are looking for product reviews and tests, Popular Photography has the best lens tests, but is limited to 35 mm. Shutterbug has the most and the best reviews of scanners and printers. And it sometimes reviews large or medium format cameras and lenses.

For those who like black-and-white photography, Shutterbug dedicates their February issue to black-and-white. It features articles on large format fine arts photographers, digital and traditional output, and more. It's always my favorite issue of the year. And there is plenty of information on black-and-white films, papers and digital technique in other issues throughout the year.

All reasonably priced photography magazines have a lot of ads. Photography magazines that don't have ads cost $30-$40 per year for 6 issues. Those with ads cost $10-$20 per year for 10-12 issues. The ads pay for the editorial content. Shutterbug has a lot of ads. Most are in the back of the magazine and can easily be avoided. And Shutterbug's ads are unique in one respect: There are many ads for used, vintage, and collectible equipment. So if that's what you're looking for, Shutterbug is your magazine.

As of February 2003, Shutterbug is being published in standard 8"x11" format and with better quality paper. So saving your favorite issues is no longer a problem. Their previous "tabloid" format fit on no bookshelf and into no briefcase.


To much advertising   January 15, 2003
 4 out of 9 found this review helpful

My subscribtion to this magazine is over this month. I will not be renewing.. Most of this magazine is advertising and deals alot with digital cameras. I have a SLR Rebel 2000 and really have not learned much from this magazine to help with that. Thought it would be better but Would not recommend this.