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We’re sad to report that Imaging Resource, one of our most longstanding (and very friendly) competitors is set to close at the end of 2019, after more than 20 years. In a lengthy message to friends in the industry, founder Dave Etchells confirmed that while the site will remain available through at least spring next year, content production will most likely cease in the coming months.
Imaging Resource and DPReview grew up together in the early days of consumer digital imaging, and although many of our respective readers might imagine that we’ve had a competitive relationship, the truth could not be more different. The photo industry is, by and large, a friendly and close-knit community. A community of nerds, sure. And not a few misfits, but bonded together over a common interest in photography and technology. As king of the nerds (and I know he would have no problem with me saying that) Dave has been a central, and literally towering figure for 20 years.
Although many of our respective readers might imagine that we’ve had a competitive relationship, the truth could not be more different.
We have worked closely with Dave and his team of writers since our respective sites were in their infancy. Just personally, I’ve had the pleasure of accompanying Dave on several factory tours, including some where we were the only two journalists present. Along the way we’ve shared notes, resources (you’ll find our images in Dave’s recent Sigma factory tour article, and a lot of Dave’s insights in ours!) and of course a lot of hangovers.
I hope that there are still a few shared hangovers ahead of us, because the chances of Dave and his team leaving the photo industry entirely seem extremely thin (it’s kind of like the mafia, in that respect). And on that note, we’ve been in communication with Dave about I.R.’s pending closure for some time, and I’m hopeful that we can play a part in continuing its legacy going forward into the future.
For now, I hope you’ll join me, and everyone at DPReview in wishing Dave and his team well, and we invite you to leave thoughts, best wishes and memories in the comments.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)