Should you UPGRADE Your Camera Gear?

[@learningcameras]

So what new camera or gear do you want to buy this year and why? Our Photography gear: geni.us/myphotokit Our Video gear: geni.us/myfilmkit

[@1inkedchick]

Hi Dan. I'm currently shooting with a Nikon D5300 and am really looking to go full frame. Really looking to move to the Nikon Z6. The D5300 is a good camera and is my first dslr (which I've had since 2015) but I really am interested in all the things going on in the mirrorless world. Also want something that is weather sealed. I've been afraid of making a lateral move when looking at some of the older dslr's like the D750 but the Z6 looks to have a little bit more to offer. I'm kind of an all around shooter, really looking to up my portrait work and nature scenes. The Z7 and Sony A7R III are out my my price range.

[@josecolon8143]

Dan Watson well I shoot Canon (since 1968) and Fuji (since 2015), but I’ve been looking at the Sony a7iii with the 90mm f2.8 macro so that I get into Sony (a 90mm macro will serve a dual purpose). However, I’ve also been looking at the Fuji 80mm macro. So I’m in between the Fuji macro or the a7iii with macro. Funny thing is I own the canon 100mm f2.8 L macro. The reason I’m looking into the Sony is because, well I’m old, my back and combat injuries are starting to ring my bells, so I’m trying to stay light. If I go Sony I’ll stay wide and no longer than that macro, Fuji I have no problem (16-1.4, 56-1.2, 23-1.4) on the Xpro2. So should I get the Sony or just get the Fuji macro.

[@learningcameras]

@stacey The Nikon Z6 would be a great upgrade from the D5300. Keep in mind that you will need all new lenses as well probably since you are going full frame. That or the A7III would be the best options. The D750 while still awesome is due for an upgrade and I'm not sure that you want to be investing in F mount lenses when Nikon's future is Z mount. It's absolutely a move worth considering

[@learningcameras]

@Julio Honestly I prefer shooting macro with smaller sensor cameras so I wouldn't upgrade to full frame for that. You typically need more depth of field so I'd be leaning towards the Fuji. Fuji is doing some great things right now and I have high hopes for them in the future so I probably wouldn't be jumping ship just yet if you are happy with the system

[@josecolon8143]

Dan Watson 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 As always thank you for your prompt reply!

[@mariomarez2223]

I love this topic! Couldn't agree with more. As a photographer starting out in landscape several years ago, I started out with my crop sensor Canon 7D with a 17-40mm lens. I upgraded to 6D, 7DII, switched to Sony A7RII, SII, A7III now and transitioned into mostly video now. But some of the best photos I have ever taken was with that first camera 7D, because I was trying so hard and going out there and getting disappointed trying and trying. It's not the gear it's the knowledge and skill you get from working hard.

[@gonzaloguana5752]

Very thankful for the advice, I will follow. Currently reviewing my own gear.

[@6gwilliams]

Thanks Dan. For my work, image quality and dynamic range ARE very important, and I do push my shadows often. That is one of the reasons I left Canon (after 40 years) and moved to Sony and couldn't be happier I switched. . Cheers

[@Eddie87Grant]

Gerald I'm glad that I finally made the move to Sony (A7III & 24-70 GM) for Canon last week. I took it to a performance a few days ago and I was impressed with the eye focus and the overall focus ability even in low light. Goodbye chimping and recomposing.

[@GarCorStudio]

You hit the nail on the head with this video. Thanks for this honest sharing, it has really brought me back to earth.

[@GarCorStudio]

@@TaipeiGeek True, but it can be looked at from another perspective that because he has so much gear is why he can share this point. Me personally, I tend to look at the actual advice or message being passed on and determine if it registers with me, whether the messenger is 'honest' or not, rather than focusing on the messenger. But that is just me.

[@learningcameras]

@@TaipeiGeek Seriously...watch the video. I don't own most of this gear. All that gear is what inspired me to make the video! I have a $10,000 drone at my disposal and yet 99% of the time CHOSE to bring the Mavic Pro with me. That's the entire point...don't buy all this gear when you only use 25% of it for 95% of shoots

[@paulasimson4939]

Really good advice. Especially for me, renting for those couple of times a year you may need something better. I shoot maybe 4 events a year that are low light situations and was thinking of upgrading to a FF camera to support this. But I don't need FF on a daily basis. I love my Fuji XT2 for putting in my purse and carrying everywhere with me and my Canon 80D is still a solid camera, with all of my high quality lenses. Thanks for making me stop and think about this in a different and more logical way.

[@MuchAdoAboutADD]

Thanks so much for the video. I've been shooting on a super old Nikon D90 for the past five years to teach myself how to shoot in manual mode with cheap gear to capture light. I've been capturing photos that I absolutely love, but I've been frustrated constantly by its poor low light performance during charity events I shoot on a regular basis. For that reason, I rented a Sony A7III this weekend to test out at a photoshoot and at a low-light dynamic event, and it's doing everything I struggled so hard to do with my D90. Naturally, since it is a significant technological upgrade. I still love my D90 and plan to keep it as a separate kit for certain portrait situations, but I think of all the places I can take the Sony now for the next few years where I may have been worried about the capabilities to even capture the shot, and it makes the decision to upgrade my gear all the easier. Your video certainly helped me finalize my logical thought process on it, too!

[@learningcameras]

Awesome!!!

[@matdemaz]

Honestly, I feel like the a7SII is still the ultimate video camera for me. Everything seems to check out. Can't wait to finally grab one. They are slowly dropping in price, heading towards 2200 bucks used. If it gets to 1800-2000, I'm grabbing it. I really wanna get into serious filming. It's a waay overdue upgrade. Great video as always, cheers. 🍺

[@udax72]

I also thought so but when I used it, there were so many small limitations like crop in slow motion, overheating, bad menu,so I went ahead and invested in a gh5 with 18-35mm setup

[@matdemaz]

@@udax72 I'm actually a HD guy for now, so that stuff won't matter, but I see what you mean. I mainly do bands and KZbin, and I don't have much storage for 4K yet. The Black Magic stuff is also pretty good. I heard good things about that new 4K camera. Might be worth having a look at later... Panasonic are good, though. I liked some footage my friend shot on his GH4 a while ago. Looked impressive, and the 5 is a huge step up from that.

[@AcidicDelusion]

@@matdemaz sony 1080p is rubbish

[@dicapriowevin1120]

Dan has made me change my mind, i never really imagined me being a photographer but now i really want to be a photographer and a videographer tho i haven't start yet but i have a friend with sony SLT a58 am always improving, and i want to get canon 90D maybe in september......thanks Dan

[@rodrigo4379]

i have my sl2 for about 5 months with a 10-18mm and 50mm 1.8 and i love it :D i only shoot houses and street photos

[@Keylightdigital]

Thanks for the video. Good advice on learning to work within your gear's limitations, although you kind of unintentionally contradict yourself after that advice, suggesting that one should maybe change gear if the gear you've got doesn't work for you (too heavy, too expensive, too afraid to use...). I partially agree with getting new gear when the gear you've got can't get you the shot, but feel that *most* people don't actually know when it is they can't get the shot because they don't really know their gear well enough (or the basics of photography for that matter). So they get new gear thinking that'll help them. The two things that would probably help most people follow your advice on making the gear they've got work for them, is to take a REAL photo class with a good instructor, and go out on some photo walks with other people and learn by watching, talking, doing. Oh, and pulling out a new gimbal (for inspiration!) isn't a good way to reinforce your advice. Unless the Crane 2 you got a year ago is broken, is there some shot that you can't get with it that the Moza Air 2 will get you? Are you sure you can't make the Crane 2 work for you? 8-P Again thanks for the video!

[@phildoodler2199]

Couldn't agree more. We tend to get seduced by the advertisements, but I've made the conscious decision not to upgrade my gear until my shutter button has no-more activations left.

[@CJamesPhoto]

Thanks for the thoughtful insight, trying to work out myself what is more important to have.

[@MattHalpain]

in an artistic hobby relation to this video I bought a 2018 iPad for my digital art as I never really did digital art before and having used the iPad with Apple pencil to draw has opened more possibilities to my hobby of drawing and tracing. I own a Canon 5D Mark II. With the release of the full frame EOS RP I think for me it is getting closer to the time for me to upgrade my camera in a few years. And I enjoy that I can use my EF lens I already own on the EOS RP with an adapter.

[@pieterdewit5335]

This is exactly what I did. When I bought my Canon M3 two years ago, I knew the auto-focus wasn’t great, but I wasn’t really looking for that in particular. But when I was using it I noticed I enjoyed trying to take pictures of birds and those don’t always sit still, so it started to change from “a fun challenge” to “disappointing” for me. The M6 (with way better and faster auto focus) would be the perfect answer as I could use the batteries and lenses I already owned, but I thought it was to expensive for just upgrading autofocus, for an otherwise fine camera for me (since I still didn’t actually need it). But also seeing all these mirrorless full frame violence started to make me think I need that, even though it’s the small size and light weight, that made me love my M3 in the first place... So I checked used M6’s, but they were not yet getting cheaper and started being indecisive to save up money for a way more expensive full frame camera (and off course lenses...). So when I was on vacation in Japan, just looking around a camera store and seeing a used M6 for 50% the price of a new one (and about 2/3 the price of a used one here in the Netherlands), all rational and emotional thinking together gave me no other choice: I just had to do it ! 😅

[@lifesbeautiful3024]

Fantastic job, Dan.. awesome points you make!

[@TexpatOTG]

I love the "upgrade cycle". It makes the used gear less expensive and budget-friendly for me. My stuff is a couple of years old and works great for me. Good show, thanks.

[@LEXPIX]

Great topic. Know your gear is great advice.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I kept my GH2 for 6 years and hacked it with flowmotion hack 2. I shoot mainly video. I have still got my GH2 and get great results with it in video. I purchased it for video and not stills and get ok results with stills. I recently purchased the GH5s early this year and am highly impressed with it. It's expensive but fairly priced considering what the camera give you. My best work is with my GH2 LOL

[@learningcameras]

Exactly! Awesome job for maxing out that GH2 for so long

[@kimbourk]

GREAT GREAT GREAT ADVICE ✨ Thank you so much It puts things back into perspective

[@amitabhasarkar1360]

Eye-opener. Thanks a lot.

[@takeyourchits]

Really great wake-up call Dan. Thank you!

[@BuffFam]

Thanks for this video! Septs me from going crazy!

[@TechLeatherCraft]

Great video man, totally agree.

[@rinaldy86]

I've worked for wedding and corporate documentation with 1100d and D90 for years, then a year with D7100, then 2 years with a6000, and the last 1,5 years with D750, all I need is the reliable focusing accuracy, I love my D750 but I hate the weight, I love the a6000 but I hate the lens and the battery, friends of mine suggest me to try fuji, but the colour is not objective to me, it's confusing when I already tried but always find the weakness that I can't tolerate with.

[@NelsonMichael]

Up until 2 months ago I've been using the Sony A99 version 1 (bought it since it first came out in 2012). So yeah, I think is it a good time to upgrade haha. I own an A7iii now, superb beast.

[@learningcameras]

Nice!!! Yep, that was a perfect time to upgrade and the A7III is definitely a beast

[@CanadianArchivist]

I have a Nikon D3400 which was a gift. It doesn’t have wifi or a mic jack. So hardware would be one thing or go up to a full frame because of the dynamic range. That being said, my camera has the same sensor as a higher end aps-c. One you tube channel says that the difference in image quality of apsc and full frame is negligible. I’ve seen others discuss sports and how you need a 2.8 zoom lens where’re it’s 70-200 or more with that capability of that aperture throughout that focal length. I am getting amazing images by pushing the limits of the camera and tweaking adjustments with exposure value shooting minor hockey in poor lighting with a 70-300 f:4.5-6,3. I have a Nikon f 1.8g 50mm and the 18-55 kit lens. The lenses are the most important because the better glass etc will complement the use of the sensor. I also have 2 Yongnuo speedlites and umbrellas. All to get me going. Good set up. The 50mm is an FX full frame. So if I chine. Bodies I already have the lenses. If I spent the same money on an expensive body and one lens I wouldn’t have all the things I do now. I’d do less with less equipment and learn less. I watch about 31 KZbin channels on photography. I’ve learned a lot in a small amount of time. You can have a 5,000 dollar camera or a 500 dollar camera and still take bad images. Learn with what you have If the final decision to upgrade came up, I’d be after a d850

[@skanjilal2608]

I am also presently shooting with my Nikon D3200 + 50mm f1.8g & Kit 55-200 mm purchased in 2014 and earlier had D3100 for almost 4-5 years, prior to that I had a Kodak DX in 2000 and Yashica Electro 35D in 1985; but now I am seriously looking for an upgrade to a full frame either D750 or a recently launched Nikon mirrorless Z6 to take my skill to a professional level but I am really confused as to which way to go either D750 or Z6 to cover customer events & outdoor portrait work, please help which one to choose.

[@learningcameras]

Personally I like the Z6 more than the D750 especially since you need to buy new lenses anyway. I would probably invest in the Z6 which is almost certainly the future for Nikon. There are a few weaknesses on the Z6 especially for sports/wildlife but I do think this will just get better over time

[@bromey2644]

SONY A7Ill vs A7RIII, Which one should i buy? Which one has a good level of image. Which is a good choice for me If i want to buy, which one?

[@learningcameras]

I would get the A7III unless you are always printing large format 20x30 or larger. Use the extra savings on lenses. Here are my recommended A7III lenses: geni.us/A7IIIgear

[@omardelgado9337]

2 lenses are on the let me do my homework sony 16-35 f4 or the 2.8 and then the sigma 60-600 need that reach for my kids games.

[@DonSaeKang]

Excellent point Dan!!! I was doing so good this past year containing my GAS. But I Fuji got the best of me last month...

[@learningcameras]

Haha...no judgment from me!

[@Olympiacosgus]

Thinking of purchasing Sony 16-35 F2.8 GM lens for my first lens purchase. Should I pull the trigger on it?

[@learningcameras]

I love that lens but I usually don't recommend it as a first lens purchase. What's your camera, what lens do you own, and what do you like to shoot

[@coskunozan]

Dear Dan, thank you for your great advise. it was just the words I needed. I was considering buying a gimbal and standing between Ronin S (wich is very reliable) or the new Zhiyun Weebill Lab (for size and Usability). I can't decide. Would love you to try the Weebill wirh the tamron 28-75 Thanks again for your Content

[@Mr_Andreson]

I had a buddy who tried the Zhiyun first and was impressed, but then tried the Ronin and ended up buying it. Although the Zhiyun is a great value for the money, the Ronin is just that much better. But you should try them both and decide for yourself and what your needs are.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! I only tried the weebill for 10 minutes but I didn't love it. But check out the FeiyuTech ak2000 or Moza Air 2 instead of the Ronin-S

[@coskunozan]

I will definitely check those out thanks a lot

[@coskunozan]

You where right about the Weebil! 🙂do you have a Moza air 2 Video coming sometime soon :) ?

[@learningcameras]

Ozan Coskun Yep, been shooting with the Air 2 for about 3 weeks and should have the video shortly once I get some time to edit. A little preview though 😀, I really like it! My only issues is that yes, it's heavy (although lighter than the Ronin S) and I need the dual handle which I don't have yet and is implemented a bit different. But other than that, it is 1000% my favorite so far. But I have not used the AK2000 yet and it does look very similar

[@ActualCounterfactual]

Put some perspective to upgrades, remember that Professionals used EOS-D1 for their corporate work "back in the days" and shot fantastic images. The list-price on release was a massive 6500 Eur and the resolution was a meagre 4 MegaPixel only but still fantastic photos. Then also consider ... some of the best + most historical images we seen (pre-digital) was taken using a camera that literally was a box with a piece of glass in the front and no technology at all. Still they are fantastic photos lasting up to today. Now we have people buying gear that is more powerful than the computer that took humanity to the moon... AND it also cost as much as a second-hand car. Still we often see generic photos that could have been taken with any consumer camera. We don't need better gear, we need better photographers.

[@bobk4438]

Too large? Too heavy? I carry an E-M10 with a 20mm pancake. Small, light and sharp. As a casual shooter it's the kit for me.

[@anthonyc1883]

"Switching" systems seems to be almost constantly mentioned by youtubers and consumers these days...As a staff news photographer, I lived through the Canon EOS revolution of the late '80s-early '90s. Guys dumped Nikon gear by the boatload and it was extremely expensive (and expensive now, too) to "switch." And that was when there was only one major choice to switch to! There wasn't yet another switch coming after that. Of course, most of us carried two pro bodies and at least a couple pro zooms. A couple guys even had their own 300 2.8s. But man...!

[@ahmonon4352]

Great video Dan, I'm inspired

[@emmanuelmorales4121]

Insightful and helpful video. Then boom unboxing! Lol

[@emmanuelmorales4121]

@@TaipeiGeekthat was not the point I was trying to make!

[@learningcameras]

@@TaipeiGeek Most of those are not mine...I have a lot of loaner gear given that much of what I do involves testing cameras/lenses

[@timothylinn]

Nicely done!

[@josecolon8143]

Eye opening!!!

[@ethanmay1767]

Today my D850 arrives in the mail- upgrade from D610. I leave for 3 months in Italy in 2 weeks. :)

[@learningcameras]

Awesome!!! Perfect timing. And congrats on actually finding one in stock lol

[@jozosaravanja1626]

Using d610 and d7200 (planing get d750 or d810 if i can get it for similar price instead of d7200) I'm constantly working in dark and iso is rarely below iso 2000. d7200 is cracking there. Also debating should i get 35mm and 85mm along my 50mm or just get 24-70mm which is more usable. 😝

[@learningcameras]

Maybe wait. The D750 and D810 would not be big upgrades from the D610 at this point. I think you should wait for 1 more generation on the cameras and instead focus on the lenses.

[@joshuamallett3424]

A nikon D7500 because i really need an upgrade. But i don’t know where to get it from, any suggestions from where to get it?

[@learningcameras]

Yep! B&H has a great sale on them right now tax free if you live outside of NY. Also, they have the option to buy one refurbished for under $900!!! bhpho.to/2wtSdDy Also, check out my favorite lenses and accessories for the D7500: kit.com/learningcameras/nikon-d7500-favorite-gear

[@drizzypuffs523]

If you want to go professional or have a career in creating video, it helps having good equipment.

[@learningcameras]

True. But there are tons of ways to make something like a Panasonic G7 and a few cheap primes look pretty damn good

[@drizzypuffs523]

@@learningcameras I agree with that also. But I hate having to jump through a few hoops to show a client, "hey, this is a small cheap set up but it can look professional!". Also don't take this as me looking down on people who do have less expensive set ups.

[@90boiler]

And here i am still using a 5D from 2005 with maximum iso 3200, no video, 3fps, 9 focus points

[@TheTishaTube]

What about moza air 2 ?

[@learningcameras]

Just shot my first wedding with it Saturday! Really like it so far

[@TheTishaTube]

u will make review ?

[@learningcameras]

Yep, sure will

[@karn3094]

What an awesome KZbin post.

[@yulifreed4988]

I'm still shooting on a 2007 Nikon d300 ( I think its time to move on 😂)

[@fangli]

I thank God, i still using d90 and d7000 for wedding

[@wanneske1969]

Invest in lenses , not in cameras

[@rohanes]

4:42 ...but the T7i DOES HAVE better IQ than the 6D Mark II...

[@learningcameras]

Image Quality

[@kalisti2323]

it doesn't...

[@rohanes]

kalisti2323 The T7i has the 80D's 24mp sensor, which actually beats the 6D Mark II's sensor in DR and noise when pushed (at a surprisingly ~1EV difference).

[@kalisti2323]

@@rohanes up to ISO 400 the 80D has more DR but the 6Dii is better past that, has better SNR through the range, better colour sensitivity through the range, better tonal range through the range. DR is not equal to IQ, www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Canon-EOS-6D-Mark-II-versus-Canon-EOS-80D___1170_1076 , if you would like to see what I mean. The 6Dii is not what everyone hoped for, but its also not nearly as bad as people say. The 6Dii also has the advantage of native excellent glass, thats not nearly as good (read sharp) when you mount it on aps-c. The 80D is the better choice for video for the most part of course though XD

[@kalisti2323]

in the link the measurements tab, meant to link to it directly :S

[@BurstBrigade]

Soooooo, can I have your EOS R :)

[@learningcameras]

Lol, I'm still using it so definitely not. Just brought it with me to Iceland

[@ayayoutuber]

spend your money on lenses.