In Appreciation for David Thorpe

Wise, insightful, modest, honest, sensible, informed, mature...those are some of the adjectives that spring to mind when describing David Thorpe. Micro 4/3 users will no doubt be familiar with some of his many camera and lens videos. If you don't know him already, sample a David Thorpe video or two to see how such things are done when they're done as they ought to be.

A short voice-only message posted a few days ago brings the unwelcome news that he has suffered an illness and is saying goodbye.

Never an arm-waver or shouter, he didn't glorify himself. What came through in the videos and through his gentle, articulate voice and easygoing, respectful manner was, here's a friend we can trust.

We hardly knew ye, as the song said, but God Bless you all the same, David—you're one of the very best.

Mike

UPDATE: There's a nice bio page here. Thanks to Trevor Johnson for suggesting this.

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Steve Rosenblum: "I loved David's voice and the quality of his videos. I generally avoid YouTube camera gear reviews because they are frequently done by inexperienced photographers who have used the gear for a few hours only and really have nothing to offer in my opinion. David brought a very long and deep experience to his reviews which I really appreciated. And maybe I'm just an American who is too much of a sucker for a beautiful British accent, but I find his voice a pleasure to listen to. I am deeply saddened by whatever health crisis he now faces and wish him a compassionate journey."

Paul B: "As a Micro 4/3 user, I have found David’s videos to be an invaluable resource. If you use this format you will be well served to view them. I appreciate his style—calm, honest evaluation, and no hyperbole. As a proponent and champion of our format, and as just a fine person, he will be greatly missed if this is indeed the end. My prayers are for a full recovery! Best wishes, David, and a warm-hearted thanks!"

Comments

[Michael Matthews]

David Thorpe’s goodbye message is touching and typical of the man’s approach to Youtube. A simple, short explanation delivered over an equally simple line of type.

His Kindle guidebooks explaining the settings and menu complexities of many cameras will remain of value, particularly to those buying used cameras and feeling bewildered by the lack of a manual. His Youtube camera reviews will be helpful as well.

[David Dyer-Bennet]

Because of my strenuous avoidance of video for most things I look for on the web, I've missed him so far. His video on "natural portraiture" is quite good. That final audio is quite affecting. Perhaps it's possible for things to go better than he expects; I hope so.

[Richard Parkin]

I agree with your view, David Thorpe is one of the best YouTube equipment reviewers.I always thought it was partly down to his scripting the talks, though I have no evidence for that and they sound entirely natural, so maybe ‘rehearsing’ would be a better guess.

[Trevor Johnson]

What an interesting life and person.

https://m43blog.dthorpe.net/about-me/

[Mark Kinsman]

He will be missed. Always enjoyed his voice of reason for m43 videos.

[Dave Millier]

David's occasional written blog posts are good value as well.

[Hélcio J. Tagliolatto]

And he plays an ukulelê! Only good people play that instrument!

[Rfeg]

Mike,
It was you that directed me to David’s YouTube channel.
I immediately subscribed and was always eager to see the next video, they were not frequent but each was top quality and trustable. He is also one of the few that thinks MFT size is more than good enough, can be really the right side (you are another).
His calm voice and pace on his videos is a really good and positive balance when compared to high pace and flashy reviewers. Really good to listen and learn.
When I saw his last video hours after being posted and made me sad.
I hope everything turns to the better.
He really is one of the best.
rfeg

[Alan]

I'll miss him.

Thanks and goodbye David.

[Andrew J.]

To those who don't like video on the web, you know that David also had a blog. The posts were very far and between (2 or 3 a... year!). Nevertheless really very very enjoyable to read.
The link: http://m43blog.dthorpe.net/