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Gear Lust

The best camera (and how I found it)

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You’ve probably all heard the saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” And while that holds some truth there are good reasons why this sentiment is debatable. (“A camera” is better than no camera, but it definitely does not make it the best for you). Let me elaborate on that. But first, I’d like to lay out my own photographic journey. I feel like it is crucial for the point I’m trying to make with this essay.

I have enjoyed taking pictures for as long as I can remember. It was probably my grandma who instilled a fascination for it in me, she always carried a camera and documented our adventures. But it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that I began to develop a more-than-casual interest in photography.

OK, Ok, you got me. The title here makes a bold claim. It would have probably been more accurate to say The best camera for me, but hey, I wanted you to read this.

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Don’t believe the hype – camera companies aren’t telling you the whole truth

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This was a curious video to see pop up on my feed last night from Mike Smith. In it, he talks about the marketing hype surrounding most new camera releases and what the camera companies aren’t telling you – basically, that the gear you already own is probably already more than good enough or at least 90% of you. And, well, I think he’s right. I’ve thought it for a while.

Every time a new camera is announced, there’s a massive marketing campaign, with countless YouTubers and yes, websites like this one extolling its virtues and talking about how awesome this or that new feature is (or potentially is). But the truth is, you have to consider context and you can’t rely on just one source of information for whether or not you should buy that shiny new piece of kit.

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Stop lusting after new gear – Your camera is probably better than you are

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You’ll have to forgive this post coming just a couple of hours before Panasonic is set to announce the shiny new GH6 but with the gear lust I’ve seen in Micro Four Thirds groups lately, it actually seems like some pretty fortuitous timing. Photographer Mitchell Kanashkevich just posted a video about gear and how it doesn’t matter. And, yes, we’ve all heard that before, “the best camera is the one that’s with you”, etc. But this one actually comes with some pretty compelling backup.

I’ve had people over the years swearing to me that they could tell the difference between images shot on APS-C cameras vs full-frame cameras for years. Usually, I challenge them by throwing down a stack of 18×12 prints and make them pick which is which. They always get it wrong. This video kind of aims to do the same thing but with a bit more of an explanation than I usually have the patience to give.

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Stop constantly upgrading your gear, it’s making you miserable

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There are times when your gear absolutely needs an upgrade. But there are those other times when you think upgrading will make you a better photographer or a happier person – but it won’t. In this video, Rafael Ludwig discusses why we should “get off the hedonic treadmill” and stop upgrading our gear all the time, and how new gear won’t make us any happier or any better at photography.

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Stop buying stuff! Having the latest gear won’t make you a better photographer

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We can argue forever if gear matters or not, and we won’t get anywhere. Sure, in some cases it does, but you don’t need the latest gear to take some epic photos. If you’re feeling frustrated because you can’t afford to upgrade, this video from Taylor Jackson could boost your confidence and inspire you to go out and shoot regardless of the gear that you have.

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Take a peek inside a wedding photojournalist camera bag

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Hello! My name is Ben Kelmer and I am a wedding photojournalist. I’m based in Tel Aviv (well, Givatayim actually, which no one can ever find), and I love to travel (but only for short trips if it’s without my wife and kids).

I’ve been a photographer from a very young age. I started photographing when I was 14 after being accepted to our local art school’s film department.

Professionally, however, I started almost 10 years ago as a photojournalist for major Israeli news outlets. When I was 14, the first camera I got was a Ricoh. I later moved on to Nikon and have been with them ever since.

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It doesn’t matter why this photographer switched from the Fuji X100 to the X-T20

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We often hear stories from both sides of the fence on how much gear really matters. And there are many arguments both for and against Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). We all go through the feelings of it at some point. I know I have. Whether or not we act on it is another matter entirely.

Photographer Sean Tucker decided that he was going to switch out his Fuji X100, a camera which he loves and often raves about, for an X-T20. So, he did exactly that. He picked up an X-T20 along with used 23mm and 35mm lenses. When he posted a photo of it to Instagram, he was hit with wildly varying comments, and lots of them. In this video, he talks about them, offers his response.

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Photography, one of the most expensive and addictive drugs there is

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Photography is dangerous. Just editing a photo and getting ok results is enough to get you hooked.

Then you get an entry-level DSLR. And a cheap 50mm lens and play with depth of field. And you need a tripod. And an extra battery. And memory cards. And a zoom lens. And a remote. And a flash.

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Stop with the gear lust already – Technology isn’t going to fix your problems

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We all have problems in life. Some of us are overweight, depressed, or tired all the time. Some of us lack creative inspiration, skills, or outlets for our work. Some of us lack motivation, willpower, and strength to take action in our lives.

Many of us feel that technology is the savior. If we only had that one kitchen appliance, we can finally become a great cook. If we only had that one camera, we could fully realize our potential in photography. If we only had that one lens, we would be more creative with our photography. If we only had that one GoreTex jacket, we could be a more adventurous backpacker. If we only had that one smartphone, laptop, or tool— we could be more productive, happy, and optimized.

I’m totally guilty of this myself. I always blame my tools and technology – never myself.

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