My problem with Sony Cameras…

A big thank you to Synology for sponsoring this video. If you're new to the idea of NAS, start here: www.synology.c....
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The Workshop: bit.ly/jpopsys
The video I spoke about: • Cameras Used To Be Cool
This week I'm talking about my first year with Sony, as well as showing some footage and photos from an afternoon at the Botallack mines in Cornwall with Nigel Danson and Mads Peter Iversen.
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[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

The Workshop: bit.ly/jpopsys

[@izmargad]

@@serz1885 It would be an idle chatter. Any ILC from the last decade is easily better than the newest smartphone. Even if one only takes pictures of his cat.

[@fellowcitizen]

You need an S5IIx to go with your GR IIIx. There is no need for Sony anymore😸

[@chrisburnard5157]

Whatever you shoot with James matters not to me personally. You deliver consistently high quality content with great humour, thank you.

[@Travelagent]

I nearly totally lost the joy of photography while I used the Sony system! That is why I switched to Pentax! I am now a proud owner of the Pentax K3 Mk. III and "regained" the absolut joy and fun of taking pictures 🙂! What a fantastic and reliable camera(system)!

[@vich2580]

Glad that you bought new Fuji. I am really expecting your next videos, Mr James. Thank you so much for inspiring me on taking photos, I learned a lot from you, I love your style. I use Lumix too, and I felt good when my favourite photographer - it's you - using same brand. But recently I am interested in Fuji - it brings me joy when using it, I thought "no no James I will use different camera with you", but now you said you just bought new Fuji, hahhaaa you dont know how excited I am, my favorite photographer again has same feeling and thoughts with me 😂😂

[@mdw1927]

I have been using Sony since the Nex 6 came out years ago. Stayed with Sony because of the small form factor and because I was pleased with the images I got. I now use the A7iv. Great camera, great sensor and the Sony system has a brilliant lens choice for all budgets but I understand what James means. This may sound strange but most of the new cameras are amazing photographic machines and if you take/make a bad photo don't blame the camera, however in making them so good the soul has disappeared. I still use and enjoy my Sony gear but about 2 years ago I invested in 2 cameras that give me back the pleasure in the process of taking a photo again. The Lumix LX 100ii (used) and my mate the Fujifilm X100V.

[@AndrewBerube41]

I've been Watching a lot of channels about photography and how to make a youtube channel from it. I always end up coming back to your channel to binge-watch cause you're content is amazing!

[@AlbertPalmer]

I’ve been using Sony for four years now and I’m pretty happy. Looking forward to the A9iii coming out. Yup, for me too it’s definitely a tool, for a job. But then I think it was the same before that with Canon - if there was any emotion it was more frustration that so many shots weren’t in focus 😆

[@-grey]

This part of the reason why fujifilm shooters are tired of the direction the company has been going recently. They shoot vibes more than clinical accuracy and Fujifilm has been delivering hulking optically competitive lenses and pro sports bodies no pro will touch, because nobody wants gimmicky nostlagic colours and tones in pro work. I shoot fujifilm for their compact quality to value ratio. Tanky gear high spec gear is of no interest to me, and they haven't released an update to their pancake 18mm f2 in over a decade.

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

4 years here too. I also look at my Sony like a tool and have no emotional attachment yet. I also had constant frustration with my Cannon stuff and switched for the autofocus. I look back longingly at some of the shots that I took with an old 5D Mark 1, T21 and 70D and just love those images... But when I started working Sony's do the job much better. I think I would pony up to the new Canon gear if they would possibly work well with third party lens manufacturers... Let not being the case I'll probably stick with Sony for a bit longer... I'm super Fujifilm curious though for fun work

[@ziggy149]

@@-grey You’re speaking for yourself

[@JKPhotoNZ]

@@GABRIEL_CRAFT I spent so long shooting Canon and getting frustrated with their incremental updates. I've been Sony for 3 years now and would never go back (even though Canon does feel better in the hand) - I'd be scared of them returning to their old ways.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

I switched from canon t5i to a Sony a7iv and dayum, loll

[@tjsinva]

Variety is the spice of life. A lot of folks seem to use the Fujis for fun. Best example is Omar Gonzales who uses Sony and sometimes Nikon for his event work but shoots most of his personal work on a variety of Fuji cameras. You're never boring, James. Cheers! 👍🥂 Also, whoever gave the Cartier-Bresson book will surely be pleased that you're putting it to good use. 😉

[@zinkpot2]

Skip to 8:48 if you want to get to the point

[@ChuckleDrums]

I love my Sony A6400. Been a great first camera. Thank you for all your videos. They’ve been a great help as a beginner.

[@garymanning4578]

Hi James, this desire to not only love photography but also get great joy out of the equipment you use is not new. I have been a photographer from before SLRs came into existence. I have used primarily Pentax, Olympus, Nikon in the film days, DSLR bodies Nikon, Canon, Fuji,Fuji, Fuji ad infinitum, used and tried virtually all the models to date as I ran a second hand camera shop for quite a few years. The only real joy to prompt me to get the greatest pleasure out of the process I had was using a Pentax KM, Nikkormat FN, (10/10) Nikon FM, Nikon D300(10/10), Nikon D7000, Fuji XT1/2, Fuji X-Pro2,(10/10), and now the camera with the specifications and design I always wanted Fuji X-T5. What a joy to use but I won’t grade it till I have used it for a few years currently my opinion is 11/10. Is it perfect, no. Does it take brilliant pictures yes but they all do now. Does it give me the most pleasure and prompt me to pick it up and get out? Absolutely. Was I tempted to buy the brilliant Sony? Yes. Picked it up and tried it and put it back on the shelf as you said ‘Sterile’ but a still a superb camera.

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

I've been around the block with cameras until I landed on the Leica M and manual lenses. Yes, horribly expensive and I bought into it when I still had a "good" job. I've owned it now for several years and still love it and look forward to going out looking for photos. I love looking at it, holding it, shooting it, and the quality of the photos. It's certainly not a "do everything" type of camera which sometimes forces more creativity and more thought. It's just a joy to use and has solved my gear lust.

[@weissachpassion]

Same here. I used the Sony with a loxia lense before switching to Leica. The loxia gave me a bit of the feeling I was looking for, but since I switched to a M, making photos got so much more fun!

[@Jotdotcom]

That is why I ended up with Leica M. It took me back to my first love of photography and I love the quality of the old lenses.

[@absonus]

Shot M (film ) for 25 years went over to Canon and then Sony .Returned to Leica with the SL2S and little CL .Still have my two film M`s. Not perfect by any means but what a joy to use.

[@poelogan]

I sadly must second this. And it’s only sadly because my wallet hates me.

[@mathish1477]

Add a lumix gx9, it does everything the M cameras won't.

[@Emerald_City_]

Writing this as of January 2nd, 2024. Happy New Year, James and you fellow visitors! Always a nice opportunity to stop and look back, even if this is my first stop at Popsys channel comments. You have made a lot of progress in 2023. I remember struggling with watching your videos and sometimes leaving them half the way, sharing our love for hiking and photography was not enough. Not any more! I enjoyed relaxed every second of the last two uploads of yours. Keep a good work, your account on G9 mk2 for one has some subtle findings which I understand and appreciate. The same goes for this one. That's when you employ your personal added value. Your trade mark! Cheers... 🥂 One reason they're making the MFT-cameras needlessly larger nowadays is to appeal to our vanity. By appearing so much bigger than the cameraphones, and as big as the FF, we and people around us take their MFT "pro" value for granted. I on the other hand long for the days of my GH2 fascination. I'm sure they are able to make a camera like G9 as big now as the GH2 used to be, they are just afraid we won't perceive their value fully and be prone to pay as much. Look at the car industry. The same with the cars. Who needs those huge machines with so scarce space for luggage and stuff? It's as if half of the car owners in GB and Benelux goes to safari twice a year. No, they don't. Even if they did they would need more space for the baggage. But big cars with small trunks impress the neighbours & bystanders and boost the owner's ego.

[@OliverGodby]

Good video James; I think you have hit the nail on the head as to why I love my M10 so much compared to my 5D MkIII, and that is the process.

[@kevingreiner5772]

I absolutely love my Fujifilm XT5. Such a joy to shoot with!

[@desmond259]

I never comment on videos but I had a very wet trip to the Brecons between xmas and my Sony had a melt down because of the (constant) rain! now I know its the hot shoe that causes that very constant Bain in my life message! Cheers James!

[@NicolasMarti-me1xp]

In my mind he said “Thanks to Scientology for sponsoring this video.” Lmao

[@Barry-Sweaty]

😂

[@intotheskyaviation]

I've had cameras from almost every manufacturer; DSLRs, Mirrorless, Compacts etc, shot loads of film and still own cabinets full of film cameras too even though they're too expensive to use nowadays. I currently shoot with a Sony A6400 but have been feeling increasingly the same as you James. I began the search for a camera that has more of that 'connection' to shooting and landed on an old Canon 5D Mark II and 50mm and it has been so wonderful. The image quality, colours, shooting experience, OVF and that distinctive shutter slap just have something that mirrorless cameras seem to lack nowadays. I'm now finding more and more that simplicity is key, not having millions of features & settings to mess with allows me to focus more on what I'm shooting rather than being on location trawling through pages and pages of menus looking for something so simple! I find it works better with me but understand still that technology needs to evolve, but for me at least; it can evolve a bit too much sometimes.

[@aerisurvey4934]

A simple content, but very enjoyable, as you touched (in your way) in one of the "dilema" of some photographers, and you resume it so well.. STERILE.. that´s the word I was missing to explain what I have been feeling in the last 5 to 6 years trying different systems. I end up buying and staying with the Leica M in the last 3 years.. and that´s it, I´m done, and it´s just a relief. I found again the joy and the passion for taking photos. The process is really important, and that´s what sets apart of taking photos.. because at the end is just an image that can be taken with trillions of cameras. Of course, the print is a must to close the process. Thanks for bringing this subject. Well done.

[@eruizmiro]

I share your feeling about looking for cameras to enjoy the process. In my case I discovered the joy of the challenge produced by old cameras.

[@-grey]

As a Fujifilm shooter, you will love the lens value, and the experience, but you might hate the colours and tones. I spend a lot of time fighting the colours, and muddy tonality, because you don't always want gimmicky photos with quirky hue shifts and pulled highlight curves. I find most people that get into Fujifilm are looking to lose some weight in their gear or try a constraint challenge like jpeg only, living with compact f2.8 primes only, or dials only manual shooting. Once they feel successful, they largely bring what they've learned back to normal systems. So enjoy the journey, mate. I'm ready for the inevitable video in six months time for why you sold the X-Pro. If I hadn't invested so much into Fujifilm, I think I would have gone for the R6II and a Ricoh GRIII. As it stands, I'm 2 bodies and 5 lenses deep already. I have some regrets. 😂

[@NicSkerten]

With reference to the location you were shooting at rather than Sony gear. The engine houses are called Crowns, part of the Botallack mine, and form part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The engine houses themselves were restored in the 1980s (if I remember correctly by the Carn Brea Mining Society). Back in the 60s and 70s (when I was a teenager down there) they were gradually falling down thanks to the storms and high seas in that location. I have images from the 70s (on film obviously) from within the engine houses (not sure if it's possible to get inside them now and it was a bit sketchy, to say the least!). Botallack and the other well-known mines in the area, Levant and Geevor, have a wealth of history and stories attached to them - not least the mining disasters involving the deaths of many miners. The St Just and Pendeen area was heavily mined for both copper and tin and is one of the most historic parts of the West Penwith peninsula. The workings from the Crowns engine houses extended out under the sea by some distance. Back in the 70s and 80s you could see the red iron ore stain in the sea during rough weather from the breached workings but this doesn't seem to be visible any more. As you are interested in the impact man has had on the landscape, that area is full of photographic opportunities.

[@jonstout7635]

You surprised me! I’m not a Sony user (except for a card reader), but general points you shared were thoughtful, helpful and interesting.

[@1bozina]

57 Year old Nikon shooter here. 1st camera I ever had was an old Brownie that shot 120 medium format film. 1st 35mm was a Nikon FG20. 1st DSLR Nikon D50. I own a variety of cameras and have used many brands and formats. Professionally I shoot real estate, events and portraits with Nikon Z mount cameras/lenses. I bought used Fuji X-T3 and a handful of X mount lenses late last year. So far, it's been a lot of fun. I can relate to you and the need to enjoy using a camera...

[@adventure_photo]

I’ve used just about every camera brand since the film days and I love my Sonys. They do everything I ask of them and produce amazing image quality results. 100% happy.

[@DoaK_PT]

3:42 Sony didnt talk about it because there's no IP rating for sony mirrorless...so in theory, you're not suposed to use them in the rain.

[@paulreese8696]

I received his book a few days ago, & although I think it crossed the Atlantic on a rowboat, it was worth the wait. Great pictures & the narrative enhances the experience. Great book!

[@Alexrocks1253]

3:28 You're the only person I have seen that has brought this up! It's actually part of the reason I sold my Sony stuff because that message was actually making me miss good moments. They should have implemented a firmware update or something to solve it, but with my A7RIV, they seemed to like never updating it...

[@capturedstates]

Just when I thought your videos couldn't get any better you bring out the late great Maurice White. "Do you remember" yes EWF, I do

[@zenlife1200]

I think with digital, once you get to a certain competency level you're pretty much guaranteed that the images that come out of your camera will be as expected. Whereas with film there was always that chance of something unexpected so there was an excitement when you first looked through your images. I know that's not really anything to do with the enjoyment of using your camera, as you were talking about, but it's another way that the fun of photography has changed over time. I don't feel any great rush to look at my images when I get home these days. There's a kind of weird separation going on between taking a photo and then developing it. Weird because now I don't have to wait a few days for a film to go off for developing before I can see it and yet I seem more disconnected from it now. 🤷‍♀

[@borgdylan]

One year on, still in love with my EOS M50. Having said that, I have great respect for Sony and the big lens lineup they have, also the built-in IBIS on all cameras.

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

I'm glad Mads and Nigel introduced me to your videos. In the few weeks that I have been watching, you view photography from a different angle. Thank you for reminding me not to be stuffy about photography. just have fun and follow your curiosity.

[@pat10mcgill]

I 100% agree with you, i love using both my Z6 & Z7 for the past 3 years. they have been a joy since moving from the D850. like you i hate tripods and shoot 90% of the time handheld.

[@RazeTheWeak]

Completely sympathize with this video. I have a Fuji XH2. The new sensor is incredible, but it is also very sterile. Literally bought the exact same camera you just held up in front of the screen last week and I love it. It’s been a blast shooting with it over the past few days. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[@michaelneumann1865]

is that camera you bought (he bought) a FUJI X100V ?? thanks!

[@michaelneumann1865]

oops wrong lens I think. a FUJI X-E4???

[@michaelneumann1865]

ohhhhh the X-pro 3 in dura black CONGRATS!!

[@headphoneboy]

Curious to hear about your experience with the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 in the next video!

[@justinwehland]

I recently upgraded to the Panasonic s5 and will pick up the new s5ii just for AF but I still find myself shooting with the gx7 just because it has that something. The shutter sound in itself just brings joy. May pick up a gx8 just for fun. Btw if you wanted to come back to Lumix we would welcome you 😉!

[@__Mr.White__]

Lol. How did you manage to use „upgrade“ and „Panasonic“ in one sentence?

[@justinwehland]

@@__Mr.White__ as a photog Panasonic offers some things that Sony just didn't. Live composite is awesome and pretty time consuming to do it in post. Time lapse feature in Panasonic camera is straightforward. High resolution 96mp stills with pixel shift great for product photography. In my opinion Panasonic takes less post processing and the highlight transitions are better. I did a lot of research when moving away from m43 as a straight photographer Sony was not even in my top 3 choices at the time.

[@__Mr.White__]

@@justinwehland LIVE-BULB sounds awesome

[@justinwehland]

@@__Mr.White__ honestly the live composite is one of my favorite features on Lumix cameras. Star trails, lightning, mountain shots with light trails from the autos, fun light painting all in camera.

[@josesanabria3819]

Hey James, I can't wait to see your video about the Fuji you bought. I'm pretty sure that Fuji camera has returned the process enjoyment you said you were missing with your current system. I really love Fuji cameras (and the resulting photos).

[@airdailyx]

I fall into category 2. I have the A7R4 and A7R5 and they serve their purpose. But also as someone who shoots film and desires the interactions with the camera, I also have a Fuji and the Nikon Zfc. I wish Sony would put more into their designs but I don't mind owning multiple camera types as well.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I recently bought the 24-70 GM II because it seemed to have the sharpness and ultra-low flare of the prime lenses that I lugged around. Tony Northrup's extensive testing of this lens showed clearly how well the lens handled backlit scenes with big contrasts between light and dark. It's still not as good as the Sony GM 50 or 135, but it's almost as good. It's a LOT lighter than carrying both of those lenses, one on your camera and one in your pack. I don't get any particular thrill out of simply using expensive tools, like a camera. I get a thrill when the tool allows me to turn a vision into a reality. Each to his or her own, I guess. If camera manufacturers want to take some risks to improve the usability of new cameras, there's a lot that they could do to improve the EVF. Bigger, brighter images. Perhaps a modular system where different people could choose different plug-in EVFs. This could even create a new market for accessories. To do that, they would have to solve the problem of reliable data connections in a wet and dirty environment. That would also solve the problems of having USB-C and HDMI sockets covered with flimsy rubber flaps.

[@swissjim4633]

Glad to see you dipping your toes into the Fuji world. Fully agree about the film faff (and developing is expensive here in Switzerland) but Fuji is a great compromise for those of us old enough to have grown up with dials and aperture rings. For a non-pro, the pleasure of use is super important and if it encourages us to go out more with a camera the chance of getting a great shot is much improved. Tbh, even MFT is good enough for A3 prints so Fuji’s 26MP APS-c is certainly ok.

[@toke7560]

A3. i have 40x30 INCH, taken with Fuji X-T1 and olympus OMD- 1 and 10. Fantastic pictures.

[@NvidiaShield-gl2gu]

My A7RV has three dials all customisable and all my lenses have aperture rings, what are you talking about?

[@andrewinglis45]

Enjoy your videos James. I have just inherited a Sony A7iii, enjoying using it so far, love the images from it.

[@theprettydamned]

You found snappiness! Love his channel. I am in complete agreement - I love using sub-par cameras and getting nice results. Film cameras are fun as well. I really like using my olympus m43 kit, but I also have some old digital kit I use a fair bit because they're fun.

[@EmilWall]

Looking forward to learn more about your new Fuji toy :)

[@chasspiros5624]

Great video. Your sentiment about Sony (toward the end) is the exact reason why I switched to the Leica SL2-S. Images were great from the Sony (no complaints), but the joy factor wasn't there. For all it lacks compared to Sony and Canon from a technical perspective, the SL2-S has been a boat load of fun. Expensive, yes, but fun.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

The 90mm macro lens has been some of the most fun I have with my cameras... It is a bit heavy though

[@NvidiaShield-gl2gu]

And what is different about shooting with the leica vs the sonys? It's the same exact thing, you just feel different about it because it's got a leica badge on it.

[@dalkapur]

Bang on, James. If I was a working professional I would shoot Sony, or Canon or Nikon. But I am not, so I shoot Fuji and film. I've even gone so retro, that I have stopped shooting RAW on my X100F (shock, horror). Just use the Fuji film simulations and a few film recipes to suit the occasion. So liberating.

[@artoriaslee]

could you cover the hot shoe contact with some sort of tape? perhaps electrical tape then put the hot shoe cover back on? 3:50

[@dutchbeef8920]

15/20 years ago takes you back to ccd days 😊 highly recommend picking up an old dslr

[@Pieter2360]

Still loving my D850 and set of Otus primes.

[@ssthapit]

Thanks for the plug of the Snappiness channel. He does some interesting stuff.

[@randomoneforstuff3696]

Now that Panasonic has released a phase-detect autofocus system that is on-par with Sony's for video, would you consider trying the Lumix S5ii?

[@dogsgowoofwoof23]

I got my A7 in November 2013 and it's still working although there are some bubbles in the plastic covering and there's a speck in the evf. At first I thought the camera looked like it'd been designed and made in a garden shed by someone who just didn't care about styling but it's grown on me and now I actually quite like its squared off modernist and even minimalist design. I've had no issues with the hotshoe cover message.

[@McSpark86]

As a Sony user for 14 years since the cyber shot days and now using Alpha cameras for my career, never in my mind I thought they're boring. When I work for a client I focus on giving them a photo to remember with high quality. I get your point James, some may get fatigued with today's cameras and technology getting too involved.

[@petersmitham8273]

I use Olympus cameras first and foremost because of their relatively small lenses and the retro appearance…..I’ve also got an Fujifilm x-pro 2 and xt-5 principally to take advantage of a larger sensor with more megapixels, but i enjoy using these because of the handling features and dedicated knobs and switches…..🎉❤

[@p.io7]

I feel that more megapixels would be a burden for me, I've got an used EM5.2 which is a 16mp camera. The jpeg images that come out of it are so beautiful that I don't even think about megapixels. And if I'm to capture a masterpiece then the megapixels won't be my headache. The publisher will find ways to enlarge the photo if need be.

[@alchemist_x79]

I personally have a ton of fun and enjoyment shooting with my Sony gear. I do find adapting vintage manual lenses to my Sony cameras definitely adds to that, especially when I am able to slow down to focus, but overall I have a good time shooing on my RIV and RIII. My gripe with Sony is the rarity of firmware updates, especially on the RIV. I feel like there could've been that one game-changing update like when they added animal eye AF to the gen III bodies, but... nothing. Just released an "A" model with a better screen. Firmware updates is one reason I'm super-jealous of Fuji. TBH if Fuji ever released a FF camera with AF in the ballpark of Sony's, I'd consider switching.

[@punn1692]

If only Fuji did that lately, theyve been stopping the firmware updates as well. At least the game changing ones like bringing new af algorithms down to other cameras

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

Pretty much the same boat as yourself. I fantasize about Fuji releasing a full frame camera too...

[@hachewie]

I bought a Nikon D700 a few years ago and I love using it. I also enjoy the small file sizes. Fun camera.

[@ColleenVR]

Thanks for the interesting content you produce. I'm a relative noob, compared to most of your subs. I use two film cameras (a Pentax KM and Trip35) and an A6400. I really only started enjoying the Sony after I bought some manual lenses from 7Artisans. I use the camera in manual mode, with preview disabled and viewer info limited to the bare basics of exposure, with mid level peaking enabled. I don't chimp and almost treat the process like using my film camera. It certainly dials up the fun factor.

[@londonsurrealist]

Have you thought of investing in a couple of old manual lenses and adapters? Something like a Micro-Nikkor would give you loads of quality and fun. I use so-called 'heritage lenses' and adapters, including a Leica-R Summicron, which can do amazing things.

[@TomPhotoix]

I have a Sony a9 and a7iii. They are tools for a job,I don’t particularly enjoy using them, but they deliver the goods. I also have a Leica M10, fujifilm x-pro2, Mamiya 645, Leica dlux109, Nikon FM2n, voigtlander bessa r2… those are very much for fun, and I love using each one.. just picking up the x-pro2 puts a smile on my face.

[@arize84]

If you want to add some emotional spice to shooting Sony, I highly recommend getting voigtlander lenses made for Sony FE mount. You are basically shooting a more advanced form of Leica lenses that provide complete exif info. The greatest emotional connection I have had to any lens is the voigtlander 40mm 1.2 FE lens. The 135mm 1.8 Zeiss made for some Sony A mount is also right up there (which can now autofocus on newer Sony bodies). Both those lenses are very imperfect, but are full of character and have a lushness to the out of focus areas that are unmatched in my experience.

[@HenrikoMagnifico]

The Sony A7Cii is fantastic, the best camera I've ever used.

[@tarekith]

As someone who's been on the fence and off the fence about that 24-70 GMII I would have loved to hear your thoughts on it in more details. Doh.

[@zenic12345]

tameron 18-300mm and my either a6400 or honestly my fav so for is the sony zv-10. not having a place to see the depth other than the screen a hood and a either fire tab 10 or the hd8 and camera+ or what ever using customs luts on that I can switch through is so so nice.

[@EddyTheChump]

Great video. I have an a7s3 and a7iv for video and photos, it's my job. They are joyless, the results aren't. I get great joy from the invoices they let me charge lol. But they are no fun to use whatsoever. Call me cliche, but i think looking through actual glass or a mirror is so much more involving and joyful than looking at what is essentially a very small high performance monitor. I used to think that kind of opinion was nonsense. Why on earth would that matter, especially when viewfinders went high refresh rate. But then i use my german rangefinder film camera on the street...or I look through the groundglass of my F3, 503CW or RB67...and i remember, cameras used to not only be cool...but joyful. I think actually seeing the worlds light when we're doing our thing makes a huge unconscious difference. Imagine playing an instrument but never hearing it's actual sound...just it's playback. Not for me. There's a reason you can't buy a Fuji x100v for love or money at the moment. This might be the most pretentious comment i've ever left, but i still think it's true 😂

[@Juventinos]

to the OVF point, HELL YES! you'd be surprised I think by how many people love a OVF over an EVF.

[@zampination]

That's why i bought a used 5D classic 5 years back. it can't get more barebones than that and god it is an absolute joy shooting with that camera. Just finished shooting some candid shots on my mechanic's shop that i was servicing my car. sure i'll always bring my Sony for serious work but this 5D is my day to day shooting camera just for the joy it offers to me, and it's pretty capable too, it can do 90% of what my Sony A7iii does even though it now is an 18 years old camera. Love the colors better than any camera i've used in my life. Jpegs straight out of it are just magical to say the least

[@MicroFourNerds]

Personality. That’s the magic thing isn’t it! I’m definitely in the “camera must be enjoyable to use” camp

[@TheDrExaviouse]

I have essentially done the same thing. I shoot Sony at work and Canon at home, but i just got a small Panasonic which i use my vintage lenses with. Its a lot of fun and more compact so i take it with me more often.

[@mikemorgan7009]

My photographic skills are far less than yours, but we share one common thing. Using a camera should make us smile, judged not so much by the specs involved, but more by the enjoyment one gets holding it, and over time developing a comfortable and fun relationship. Thanks so much for your videos. No other photographer inspires me as much as you do.

[@Bernard-ux2eb]

Had all manner of cameras, presently using an A7RIII. For sheer joy of photography, the Pentax K-1 can't be beaten in my opinion. I had the K-5, K-5IIs, K-3 and K-1. Sold off all the Pentax gear last year and only got the A7RIII as something with focus and exposure peaking to stick my Carl Zeiss Classic set (2.8/21, 2/35, 1.4/85) on, the only lenses I wanted to keep.

[@pizzasaurolophus]

I got my hands on an Olympus 8-25mm (16 to 50mm in full frame equivalent) and since I shoot landscapes it has almost never come off my camera. All that lens swapping I used to do, or worrying I don't have the right focal length to capture something I see...I don't know if I'll ever be able to go out with another lens.

[@jwzerbe]

I use Qnap NAS. Rather than setting up daily backup, I have mine set up to sync with my main pc for photo editing for all "photos". I also have it set up to sync from my laptop but only copies files to the laptop that I actually open while connected or put onto the laptop while traveling. (I'm a computer programmer who has photography as a hobby rather than the other way around)

[@scottwinton-py9nd]

I love watching your videos, i wish i had more beautiful places to take pictures, i live in florida, nothing to take pictures of, other than sunrise and sunsets

[@Stefan.Chirila]

I used a Nikon D700 since 2009. LOVE that camera. The mirror is sticking and refuses to lower most of the time these days. I refused to pay for repairs and purchased a Sony a7ii in 2019 on Black Friday on sale. I love it in most ways. Most of my lenses are now old film lenses with adapters. I do miss the Nikon camera feel. You're right, it's more exciting to use than the Sony, but I try to concentrate on what matters and make the best of it. Sony is at the end of the day a game changer. At a fraction of what Nikon charges for full frame mirrorless, Sony offers a more boring but capable camera and I think that is fantastic for low budget photographers. I gladly will take my low budget fake Leica out for a street session. :) Thanks again for your videos, I shall be watching :)

[@NathanLewisVideos]

have you considered trying out the APS-C lineup from sony like the a6400 or a6600?

[@SteveChick02]

I still shoot with a D750 and to be honest i can't really afford to upgrade to mirrorless at the moment. However, I am a bit concerned that getting too much technology may be less fun. I also have a Fujifilm X100S as my everyday carry and that really forces me to slow down and think more which I enjoy.

[@nbain66]

I just picked up a D750 to replace my D5500. Perfect pairing to my AE1 Program

[@Juventinos]

why would you switch? look I dropped my d800e for the millionth time, and it finally broke, though it still takes pictures lol at a 550k shutter, so I got the z6ii, trust me you aren't missing anything. ibis si nice to have, so is focus peaking for manual focus lenses, and you don't think so much about autofocus, but that's it. the image is the same, mirrorless don't take better quality photos they make the same image in the end.

[@dougmckillop9352]

Would be interested to hear your further thoughts on the Ricoh GR iiix in that context. How are you enjoying it and when do you find yourself using it. Oh yes, I do have one.

[@kennethhughes8392]

I'll be interested to see how you get on with the Fuji system. I've been using Fuji since I started, and not only do I like the output, but the process of using the camera is relatively close to film. I didn't quite like the X-H1 that I had, but have enjoyed my X100V (recently sold), and am loving the X-T3 I am currently using. I've toyed with the idea of switching to a full frame system in the past, but I do just enjoy the Fuji's too much. Honestly, if I go for a bigger sensor, I would probably opt to try and pickup one of the GFX's.

[@stanleystevens6278]

James, you could try the Sigma fp. I have one and I love taking photos with it. I bring it with me everywhere, even to the office.

[@RichardBO9]

Thanks for articulating an unspoken frustration. I very much want to enjoy the process of taking a photo as much as the results. My Sony A7IV is rather boring in that regard. I have a Nikon Df I use as a therapy camera. Thanks for the video.

[@danielfletcher4515]

Sooooooo.....When are you flogging it all and getting an S5ii/S5iix?? We all love a lumix underdog 😂 I got about half way through this though, and wondered if you may look in to Fuji, satisfyingly quirky, yet, functional.

[@charleshodge1223]

Very interesting that you said last time photgraphy is all about observation, and now about enjoying the process of using a camera. I suggest you ask MPB to lend you a used FUJI XT3 to have a try with / review. I'd never heard of them until they sponsored your videos and now i've bought 2 cameras and 2 lenses from them! So yeah "oi MPB lend James an old XT3 as you've loads of them to shift" We use SYNOLOGY stuff for work and its good kit for anyone looking for home/work data storage.

[@simplyawesomephoto]

I loved my Nikon dF and hope that Sony makes a retro more tactile camera in the future.

[@TomRyanElliott]

Well done for finally getting yourself a NAS, they are incredible aren't they!!!

[@CurtGodwin]

James - I'll be making a trip to the UK this spring. Would love to know where you'd recommend taking a photo-centric day trip from London (predominately by rail, if possible). Thanks!

[@captain_barnacles]

The manufactures have moved heavily into digital mirrorless which has its pros and cons, perhaps increasing detachment from their use when more understanding was required rather than rely on automation. Even something as simple as DSLR to mirrorless introduces a level of detachment removing the optical for electronic viewfinder...

[@andyvalentine9791]

If you're worried about your hdd-s dying on you, there's a little program called HD Sentinel, itt tells you all about your hard drives, and SSD-s too, also, it's really easy to understand.

[@thegrotto666]

Love the way you're talking about Sony, and your camera still has the Leica sticker on it 🤣

[@_rhapsodist]

I shoot Sony since 6 years and I have the same feelings about it. They are brilliant workhorses but that's all. Same as you I have been researching the Fuji X system (among all the others..) because I really want a camera which could bring back the joy of photography, which doesn't give me the feeling that I am working when I pick it up and as a huge bonus its without any hassle of post-processing as I find their film simulations (and the added possibilities by FujiX weekly's recipes) for jpeg shooting truly brilliant. So I decided on getting an X-E4 as an EDC first with the 27mm kit, I just wish they were in stock..

[@robhunt2216]

That location was stunning, James and I loved the photos. I really enjoy using my G80 but I can understand what you mean about some cameras perhaps feeling a little sterile when compared to others. Leica cameras for example look so much fun to use (particularly the M’s - which I’m still trying to decide whether to purchase or not or get a Q 🤔). I’ve really liked the look of the X-Pro 3 as well so I’m looking forward to seeing what you capture with that. I’m guessing that’s what you’re using in London.

[@no1nobhead]

I felt this way about canon. I've moved to the Olympus om-d em1 mark ii I love the looks and feel I want to pick it up.

[@daniel635biturbo]

James, it´s time for a Vintage manual lens, start with a m42 adapter and a Pentacon 50mm f1,8. (probably can get this for 50-70£) I have a pretty good Tamron 28-75 VXDXI ZZR IPA DDH but seldom use it. Only on occasions when I need to be ready for fast action, I started with said Pentacon, and have grown in to a Konica hoarder now. The lesser coatings gives you flares, that you can use or need to work around, and the all manual control gets you thinking.

[@MortAllachie]

Looking forward for some X-Pro photography 😊

[@frankvehafric5062]

I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, so of course, different needs/desires. For me, bridge cameras like the Sony RX 100 and RX 10 IV have kept me from slinking off into cell phone hell. I hike, fish camp, travel and secondarily to that, want to take nice photos of the places I find myself. To me the "process" of getting a photo I love includes doing what it takes to get to the places I want to get photos of. I still have a (admittedly outdated) Sony DSLR system which I keep around around for the times when I just want to primarily take photos and not as an adjunct to some other activity. The night before I go out I figure out what lenses I want to take, what filters, which tripod etc, then I pack my bag. When morning comes I look at the bag, and then at the RX 100 and grab the RX 100. What can I say? Weight, portability and convenience...

[@Holl.Mvrk.]

James you made a smart choice picking up the xpro 3 and especially the dura black ! Such a beautiful camera and a joy to use. I had the same issue shooting sony I felt nothing when out shooting and it felt like a tool more than a camera. I definitely fall in that second category of needing to connect to my camera. You should look into the xt5 if you ever get curious of a Fuji camera to take out next to the Sony on those cliffs and mountains 😉

[@CassidyHansen]

Omg that incompatible accessory message! I was considering returning my "defective" camera still within the return window!

[@JLStreetDoc]

It’s a box that captures light. Not sure what you’re looking for. I’ve had an x100f, xpro2, xpro3 and a xt3. All supposedly “fun” cameras to use. But all the physical dials, look good, but really just slow you down. And there is really no big payoff in the end. Rather have a boring camera that produces stunning results than a fun camera that delivers sub par results. IMO

[@willyonamountain]

I'll second this. What makes a camera "fun" to me is the image that comes out the other end. If you want a toy, buy a toy.

[@glassworksrc]

I would agree with that, been using Sony for a long time now. Great cameras but they've got no soul. I also have a Leica Q2 and that's a joy to use.

[@Falcrist]

I was given a Nikon F2 in good working order (aside from the light meter). This is the most enjoyable camera I've ever used. I can't be asked pulling out my phone every 3rd picture, so I got myself a very late model Minolta SLR (an Alpha 9 with SSM upgrade). The Minolta isn't as fun to manipulate, but it has metering and autofocus... so the results are frankly MUCH better.

[@ray_wilton]

Love the video James and I really get your point about new cameras being boring, they all do the same thing. To illustrate, I just bought a Yashica Electro X film camera in an auction and it just blows away all the other M42 cameras for character and advancement (of its age), and that's coming from a Pentax fan - love my Spotmatics right through to my K3. My old Prakticas are good too. Keep entertaining us, I would love to see you do film even if we have to lend you a camera!

[@scrptwic]

Love my Pentax cameras my *istDL, K100D, K70, K3-11 and K3-III and my great Takumar, Pentax glass

[@Sk8Wine]

TIME FOR PANASONIC S5 II CONTENT JAMES!!!

[@MarkRosengarten]

Been shooting Fuji for 7 years now, exclusively. I love the results and the handling of the X-T series is nothing short of an absolute joy. It both gets out of the way of getting the image you want but is also a delight to use.

[@robert_may]

Man I'm there with you on wanting to enjoy the camera itself. I'm finding myself in a similar situation where my most practical camera (the OM-1) is nowhere near as enjoyable to use as my S5, with its wonky autofocus and slow speed. I use the OM-1 for the performance but I don't love using it (and if the screen turns off automatically when trying to touch the menu button much more it's getting hoiked off a cliff). I'm seriously considering a probably ill-advised swap entirely to Panasonic (and the S5II) for all my photography and video just because I get so much more out of the experience itself. And when you _want_ to use a camera, miraculously you find yourself out taking photos more 😁

[@NeonShores]

I think the release of the S5II and Panasonic's excitement and promises of building out the full frame ecosystem mean your decision would probably be well advised, not ill. I held onto my S1R in hopes that Panny would do exactly what they're now doing and now I can go full steam ahead in fully investing in L Mount glass.

[@robert_may]

@@NeonShores Yeah it's a very exciting time! I _really_ like using the S5. The thing that held me back before is that my main usage is wildlife photography, and the lack of good continuous AF, high burst speeds, and long glass meant I never really considered Panasonic for that purpose before. I've booked to borrow a Sigma 150-600 to try on my S5 to see how the combo works for low light (Wales innit) as I used to own that lens in EF mount and know how it performs, and if that works out well enough I'll likely be targeting an S5II & rumoured Sigma 60-600mm combo. And _then_ hopefully we'll see a stonking S1 upgrade sometime at the end of 2023 🤓

[@NeonShores]

@@robert_may yeah that 60-600 sounds interesting and we'll find out in a couple days what it's like. If it's not a massive improvement on the 150-600mm but is more expensive I'll probably pick up the 150-600 and an S5II and look at upgrading my S1R this time next year.

[@robert_may]

@@NeonShores The one thing it could definitely improve on over the 150-600 Sport is to move the weight distribution further towards the camera body - the 150-600 is quite end-heavy when extended, which was my only real complaint about that lens. I'm kinda expecting it to be the same price new, but you can grab the 150-600 for a decent discount secondhand, which makes the decision more difficult 🤔 There's something tempting about an all-in-one long-landscape/wildlife lens though, with that 60mm minimum 😁

[@NeonShores]

@@robert_may well that 60-600mm is $500 more but it's stabilized and has a new linear focus motor. 5.5lbs though is a heavy beast. Tempting for sure.