survey Picture versus Video Reviews

[Hive]

Well, I don't want to repeat what others have already said many times... so I'll just say: pictures, all the way!

[DarthBrickus]

I definitely prefer picture reviews, since they tend to be more detailed and focused on the interesting bits.

Besides Eurobricks reviews (obviously), the ones made by the Brickset-crew are usually really good, and some of the bloggers like Gimme Lego are also definitely worth reading.

As others said, the problem with video reviews is that they're mostly 360s of the model with no more information than "I really (don't) like this model because it's (not) cool)".

The only video reviews i watch and actually consider 'reviews' are the ones by Jangbricks, but i also tend to watch the Brickshow videos, mostly for sentimental value because these guys got me back into Lego years ago.

Edit: Forgot to mention: Artifex Creations on youtube has stop motion "builds" that give a really good feeling for a model (and no voice over).

Edited August 15, 2014 by DarthBrickus

[JasperL]

It takes a lot of effort and a lot of time to create interesting video's. I think Jangbricks does this really well. His video's really show functionality and you get the look and feel from all angles. More than any picture review could ever do.

Madaboutlego uses a different approach with timelapse builds and short clips. I like these too, but they don't count as reviews.

But most video reviewers fail miserably. And that's why I think EB should stick with picture reviews.

[rollermonkey]

Both have their place. I think the best is a picture review with a short video that quickly demonstrates any functions.

[Sir Walter Maugham]

I generally prefer picture reviews.

That said, ARTIFEX makes wonderful video reviews that I find far more informative than even the best pictorial review. Sometimes I have questions about a set that are best answered by seeing it built piece by piece.

Edited August 15, 2014 by Sir Walter Maugham

[CptPJs]

Picture reviews let me go through at my own pace and listen to my own music! I'd not complain about a couple of short clips spaced out in a picture review to show off play features or suchlike, but on the whole I'd probably skip a video review entirely.

[kinggregus]

I joined and go frequently on Eurobricks mostly for the picture reviews. I would be quite disappointed if the format was to change.

Unfortunately, I tend to be very bored when I watch a video review. Looking at the results from the poll, it looks like I am not the only one.

[Kristel]

The poll says it all. Picture reviews please!

[Zerobricks]

Wow... I must be one of the rare ones that prefer video reviews, but that might be because I'm more of a technic fan and you cant really demosntrate functions with pictures only...

It also depends on review of course, if its done properly or not.

[Artifex]

I like the videos alright, but I feel that the pictures are easier to look at over and over again, especially when you are looking for details. Sometimes the videos are better at showing some details because they turn here and there, while pics are static. But as the reviews here are very thorough, I voted for Picture Reviews.

[rodiziorobs]

Looks like pretty much everyone here agrees on pictures because we have all seen so many terrible video reviews.

But it also looks like we would all be more on board with video reviews if they:

-were concise

-were professionally made (i.e. with good lighting, no shaky camera, etc.)

-focused on the model and not the reviewer

-included some insight beyond just showing a 3d view of the model, such as highlighting new elements, play functions, or build techniques

I'm thinking of the Designer videos that LEGO does for various models, which at times can seem a bit drawn out but for the most part hit the main points above. Romance14's pirate review linked to in the original post is a very good example of these attributes, but it is also of a very simple set.

Granted, this all takes a lot more time and effort and talent than simply posting a few well-lit photos with a thoughtful description, which is probably why there are so few good video reviews out there.

Edited August 15, 2014 by rodiziorobs

[Commissioner Gordon]

I like both, on youtube i will watch almost exclusively The Brick Show and Jangbricks they both have professional looking reviews. i haven't found a better place for picture reviews than eurobricks.

[seba123]

I much prefer picture reviews - it is so much more convienient for future reference...

[legomuppet9]

Picture reviews... more detail and you can read them at your own pace, and often video reviews are pretty naff (although the example shown is a good one, as are sariel's)

[Darth Nader]

I'm with the majority on this one. Picture reviews tend to be very informative with very nice views of the set, and not like video reviews. Were they tend to be filmed from a few feet away and only zoom in on some parts with mediocre definition. Also they go on for such a long time giving redundant info and lacking enough depth on the set itself. With a picture review you can conveniently look and read at your own pace, whereas with a video review you have to jump back and forth and youtube has to rebuffer the video. (Just why exactly)

This one goes for more than specifically lego reviews, but does they tend to have some extremely loud intro that obligates me to turn down my speakers, then I have to turn them up again to actually hear the quiet reviewer.

[jodawill]

Looks like pretty much everyone here agrees on pictures because we have all seen so many terrible video reviews.

But it also looks like we would all be more on board with video reviews if they:

-were concise

-were professionally made (i.e. with good lighting, no shaky camera, etc.)

-focused on the model and not the reviewer

-included some insight beyond just showing a 3d view of the model, such as highlighting new elements, play functions, or build techniques

I'm thinking of the Designer videos that LEGO does for various models, which at times can seem a bit drawn out but for the most part hit the main points above. Romance14's pirate review linked to in the original post is a very good example of these attributes, but it is also of a very simple set.

Granted, this all takes a lot more time and effort and talent than simply posting a few well-lit photos with a thoughtful description, which is probably why there are so few good video reviews out there.

I think there are other factors. I like to look at good photos of sets I don't have so I can look for extra details, and pictures are better suited for discussion.

I love The Brick Show's reviews, but they serve a completely different purpose than Eurobrick's reviews.

[Galaktek]

With all due respect to the fine people who put so much effort into video reviews like the one shown here, I still vastly prefer photos and text. Listening to someone talk always takes longer that reading, and photos are easier to view than trying to pause a video to see something. Also, there's no practical way to "skim" a video review if I'm in a hurry.

[Redhead1982]

I prefer picture reviews. I hardly ever take time to watch video reviews (apart from Lego announcements of newly released sets). I watched this pirate review, and it's nice, short and informative. However, I can't imagine a video review of a larger set - it would take much longer. My preference for picture reviews is also based on a fact that I prefer to read than watch, as I often ''loose'' or simply don't remember everything heard in the videos.

[LegoFjotten]

Pictures, I never watch video reviews. I've tried to watch a few, and hated it.

The short pirates review is well done though. If someone were to do a 2 minute video review of something like Benny's Spaceship or similar sized set I would give the format a chance.

[slugdude]

Video reviews have too muching vlogging, they drag on (20 minutes for $13 sets), they usually pander to kids, and they have too much personal opinion. Pictoral reviews are quick and concise and have a small rating at the end.

[Lynx]

I like picture reviews that are accompanied by a nicely written text outlining the author's opinion.

[Kai NRG]

I prefer picture reviews mainly because it allows me to focus on the parts I find interesting, and to read or reread or not read the reviewer's comments and text as I like. Plus I don't have to worry about bugging anyone else with noise, or wearing headphones, etc.

[skateboard34]

While videos can be an interesting way to see the full build, I, like almost everyone else, prefer picture reviews because I can choose what part of the build I want to look at and I can quickly see the final result of the review.

[Brickmamba]

To me it's circumstantial, in general a well done picture review is better overall, most video reviews are too slow to watch though for bigger more complicated sets I prefer video

[KringlesBricks]

+1 with Picture Reviews.

I am mostly interested in the pieces. I also like to see the set(s) built with close-up shots