The challenge of digital
I really like my GW-M5610U and I think that it may be the best square G-Shock having attained a balance between modern functionality and remaining true to the original 80's design.
But it's a PITA to get it right on a photo.
The problem is due to the nature of LCD. The digits are displayed by polarizing the light reflected through the liquid crystals and even the best displays never manage to achieve a perfect black on white contrast ratio because light can't be blocked with a 100% efficiency. This results in a slightly washed out black that is more of dark grey for the active segments.
It also results in ghosting of the inactive segments, because the same principle applies and light can't be transmitted through the liquid crystals with a 100% efficiency. It's not very visible, but even when looking at the display straight on there is a faint greyish tint to the dial and a trace of the inactive segments.
The same light that is reflected from the display is also polarized and digital cameras have a really hard time dealing with it, which means I have to select my shooting angles carefully because a slight deviation will make the display appears washed out or blank in a photo.
Obviously there are tricks to deal with it, such as using a polarizing filter like I do with my old Canon, but even then there are only so much that it can do and I also have to consider the reflections from the glass. Digital photography of digital gadgets is an act of juggling parameters and I'm not good enough as a photographer to get it right every time, or even most of the time.
However, my lack of success with photography doesn't impact the sense of satisfaction that I feel when I strap on the 5610. It's a great watch out of the box and once fitted with the combi-bracelet it evolved into an unbeatable combination.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Couldn’t agree more!
Soft light and indirect angles help. But only slightly.
Soft light and indirect angles help. But only slightly.
The problem is that I shoot my photos outside.