to follow up on my last post regarding ethics in photography, it’s no doubt a can of worms. the photographers i spoke with about it are conflicted on each side. regardless of the specific issues the argument boils down to “i’d never touch that kind of dirty money” or “i’d take every red cent and do something with it”.

i firmly believe that no matter the work there’s always someone who will take it. with that in mind by passing on such an offer you’re serving it up to someone who may or may not have your scruples. they may not be as ethically aware as you are and the money would go entirely in their own pocket. if it’s an issue i felt strongly enough about i would personally take the job, bid it up even, and then dump all of the funds into a cause that more accurately reflects my beliefs.

photographer and photoshop guru dave marx put it best when he wrote me, “vote with your wallet because money trumps morals when it comes to [insert cause here]“. in my book that’s right on the money.

and speaking of dave, he’s the brains behind the blog computers for photographers i’ve mentioned before. great place for all the latest tech news pertaining to computers within our realm including the latest on CS4. dave has details covering his take on four big changes the newest version will provide photography – three dimensional imagery, 360 degree stitching (more on this soon), seam carving and motion. but perhaps the best part of the update is his take on the future of where our field is going – what is a photograph? how will motion play into things?

and with these dimensions rapidly expanding in every direction canon has upped the ante again with today’s announcement of the 5D MkII. It’s all over dpreview and wired but in a nutshell they’ve kept the beloved size of the 5D and packed that body with a kick ass 21mp CMOS sensor, an expanded ISO range and full 30fps HD movie capibility. due out in november, there’s no looking back now.

for more on the new 5D canon has a press release out here. slient mode, varible RAW sizes, live view … sounds like kit from knight rider reborn. and aside from all the attention swirling around that the new G10 squeeked out as well. not as big of a jump as the 5D from what i’ve seen but both substanial additions to the market. talking with my tech guy gary today at calumet and he’s got me on the list for a new one so we’ll see soon enough.