Why I switched from the Fuji X100 to the Fuji X-T20... and why it really doesn't matter.

[@Kit2Canada]

April 2022: this is just as relevant today as it was then. Nicely said.

[@flexman22]

After viewing 10,000 youtube videos about photography I finally found a great one. Thanks! :D

[@dunnadidit]

Wow, I really needed this video. Thank you so much Sean. This is something I have to convince myself of all the time. As I primarily shoot video I'm always thinking about 4k and super slow motion and all the newest, fanciest gear that you can buy. But when it really comes down to it, for my own personal projects and what I shoot, the gear that I have will serve me just fine for now. Its up to me to stop procrastinating and shoot.

[@SixtySecondSnapshots]

I'm in the same boat. I take great trips abroad and I need one small camera and two lenses. I have to keep my backpack at 10kg or under. Can't wait to try this out...though I'll be shooting lots of video too.

[@ogonzilla]

Welcome to the X-T20 club! Good choice. ;) I actually bought the X-T20 to get away from all the clutter, gear, and weight I've amassed in my professional work. My little Fuji X-T20 has brought a lot of joy back into shooting for me! Cheers.

[@supertotoro]

Omar Gonzalez Photography I think you upgraded for the right reason. I think this is why fujifilm is so popular among professional photographers, it really brings the joy back in to photography and that will make you take better pictures.

[@ogonzilla]

true dat.

[@IwanBronkhorst]

Same here 👍🏻

[@Thetravelingchefsudeep]

Omar Gonzalez Photography i watch ur almost all videos mr omarrrrr...

[@SimonCartwright]

Ditto for me. I don't foresee a time when I will stop using my Canon DSLR's for my commercial/event work, but for every-day walkaround or family stuff you really can't beat it.

[@JJSogaard]

I have a Nikon D3300. It’s cheap, but it does the job and I love it... because it’s my camera and I have had really good experiences with it.

[@dazives8340]

Absolutely the best gear vid on KZbin right now. Thank you

[@TravelingDorks]

I've gone through at least 6 different camera systems and brands, I totally agree with your statements. I look back at all of the photographs I've taken and the only thing that has improved my photographs the most is my thinking before I press the shutter, and not the camera that I'm using at the time to take that photo.

[@stevenwallacebell]

Not a rant - Rather Wisdom (i.e.knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action). Thank you Sean!

[@eveanddell]

This is by far one of the most important pieces of content any beginner photographer/hobbyist needs to hear. cheers.

[@AnandaGarden]

This was wonderful. I'm still pressing myself to learn this essential lesson, at 75. When I'm on the job, it all comes together in the right way, but that's only because I've worked on it for 50 years. It's when I'm sitting around idly thinking that the devil lends a hand. Cartier-Bresson, mentioned in your video, was severely handicapped by his tool, a rangefinder film Leica. Have you shot with one of those? Wow, what torture. But he had tremendous imagination, which he developed over time. I find the best preparation for shooting is to get myself organized. Fifty years of daily meditation has helped - seriously, if I can get my heart calm and my mind pinned to the right focus on what I'm about, and kick the brawling little ego aside, things tend to go rather better than otherwise. Thanks for the reminders, Sean - we can never hear it enough.

[@raehadley7553]

Great reminder. A rant is the negative description of impassioned, which is why I always look out for your videos and watch them over and over. Thanks for sharing yourself as you do.

[@corbinatack8407]

Easily my favorite youtuber atm, videos are so insightful and helpful

[@OzzyMoto.]

One of the best youtube videos about the person and not the gear, for making good to great photos. Loved It ! ! ! !

[@SuperQBAH]

I watched a lot of videos from different photographers and I subscribed to a few of them. I hear and learn things from you that I do get not from anyone else. You are one of a kind. Thank you.

[@craftycub]

I enjoy watching you tackle all the critics because it's one of the reasons I don't post more things out there for the public to see. I have had to really work on creating with what I have and be ok with that. Thanks for the constant reminders to just create what makes you happy. We will never please everyone and that is not what being an artist is about. It's about self expression. Getting our own thoughts and emotions out there into something tangible. A reminder of what that moment felt like or showing a feeling or belief that we have. Not everyone is going get our experience through life and that's ok. Thanks again

[@thedudedylan]

You have the most polite and encouraging "rants" i have ever heard. wish all rants were like this. thank you.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

BOLLOX!!! I love a good rant and I couldn't agree more with this :-) My camera body cost £1250 but many people assume I'm using a model that costs twice as much. I've seen my images against £14k worth of Leica and the difference isn't anywhere near £12k worth. Would I like an upgrade? Yes. Do I 'need' it? No.

[@scottwanstall3449]

When I first started, I was very worried about noise. I went into my local Calumet (Glasgow) and the clerk showed me professional prints taken with 10k worth of equipment - my images had less noise. Now I'm faced with others telling me I need a full-frame (which I can appreciate) but in my opinion it's about the framing & the composition within that frame :) Love your videos Simon, do you plan to release something soon?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for the compliment! Yes, hopefully not too long until my next upload as we move into the better seasons :)

[@scottwanstall3449]

Yes! I was actually in North Yorkshire last Thursday (picking up a van). Was hoping to grab some pictures on my way back home, but the wind and the rain was horrendous!

[@HDvids101]

Light and content. Those two things if you have good knowledge how to use and find are all you need. As long as the camera works you're good :-)

[@Lainer1]

I've taken shots with everything under the sun. I had Leica gear for years and the only thing I loved were the Film cameras and lenses. I hated the digital bodies. Overpriced bricks. I also loved Nikon film cameras with good lenses. If I were to print shots from either film camera, no one on this earth would be able to tell the difference. The Leica look is bollox.

[@DuckyOpus]

Hey Sean. I'm one of those "stars in the eyes early on" ones who spent a lot on a great system and have been preaching this message ever since. Having dealt with it first hand, I appreciate hearing it from influencers like you as well. I'm trying to sell off the unnecessary equipment now so I'm down to just my A7Rii and 3 lenses tops (ideally two, but still planning this out) and your work has been inspiring. Even put the product series to good use recently! Thank you for presenting this material in a new and different way than most of the rest of KZbin. For those of us who hear the other creator's words on this platform and don't QUITE get it, you've done an excellent job of helping shift the direction we come at the material to make it clearer.

[@LeitmotifGallery]

I agree. I use an Olympus O-MD10 Mk3. I'm not aware of many others who use Olympus. But since I only know how to shoot manually having the 2 dials on my index finger and thumb to change iris and shutter speed just makes life easier than I think any other camera could for me. Also it has some exceptional stabilisation. Since I'm moving towards blurring my subjects these days, wanting to shoot at around 1/30th in daylight. It just does its job well. As long as you can use your camera blindfolded and it takes photos that don't look like potatos then I think that's the main thing.

[@tonypc84]

I sold my x100 original for a xt10 last year, and have been trying out some glass. I miss the simplicity of the OG x100; I never had to think about what lens to use! But so grateful for the evolution within the fuji system, as it does fuel part of my creativity; especially with the wide angle lenses!

[@tombradshaw9383]

perfectly phrased and one of the only videos on this topic that has undisputed comments down here. you put this beautifully

[@tylermiles5063]

I can't express enough how much the photography community needs and appreciates these videos. Thank you!

[@Ivonysierra]

Watching this video clarified so much of how I truly see what is actually doing all the creativity. You have definitely inspired me and recently I have been figuring out what camera to purchase I went in to see the Fujifilm x-t20 and I loved it. Not just because you have it that I will for sure buy but for the same reasons you gave in looking for a camera that meets the tools, features, and intimate work. Thank you for your genuine thoughts and I truly can't wait to watch more of your content that builds from your mind :)

[@dean878]

That is a great rant Sean, had a smile on my old face the whole time. As a younger man I was guilty of thinking along those lines. In the past I have sold a number of fine cameras and lenses that did what I required of them. Only to regret it. I admire your insight. Personally, I find your videos very inspirational.

[@daltman112]

I love the wisdom that you show as a person! I was one that bought new equipment. The truth is, we are usually limited by what's in our mind, not what's in our camera.

[@lukewarwick4814]

Sean, I know this video was done 2 or 3 years ago but it is still so current and accurate. I always love the ever repeating quotes from people at weddings; “You must get some lovely photos with that camera”. Only recently become aware of you Sean, but I find you very inspiring to watch and listen to!

[@stuartackerman4594]

Thanks Sean... I could not have more vehement that what you have said! I use a D40 and the kit 18 to 55 a lot these days, just because.... the benefit is that most folk ignore me when I am walking the streets.

[@toncruise1008]

This is so true. A very enlightening message to everyone who loves photography, be it professional, newbie or aspiring hobbyist-photographer. 👏🏼

[@samwebb585]

I’ve been researching cameras after a hiatus and I’m SO GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO! I studied design for two years and got so sick of ‘need-new-gear-itus’. Also, the visual style of this video is great. In fact, I think I’ll have a monochrome month to teach myself about light and contrast again (using either the iPhone or the Fuji). Thanks, man 👊🏻

[@nikonman48]

I totally agree with you sir. Been a photographer for nearly 40 years, and have always recommended that a person use whatever they want to take photos. It’s all about you the individual and what you choose to shoot. Well said sir.

[@naturephotography8837]

There are two kinds of people who look at your photos and praise your camera: a) Those who are genuinely ignorant about photography b) Those who have knowledge of photography but are jealous of your work. So they give you a back handed compliment by praising your camera/lenses instead of you.

[@natbrownizzle3815]

I just started photographing with a Panasonic G70, I love it. I find comments where people praise the "talent" of photographers funny, since it reminds me of something supposedly Magic Johnson's father said, when an interviewer asked him about his sons talent, which was something like "It's not talent, it's hard work"

[@detectivejonesw]

I will praise someone's camera and I'm neither of those people. I'm genuinely interested in and excited by the technology used to make photos, as well as photography itself. And I'm sure plenty of other people are like me

[@truthseeker3536]

@@natbrownizzle3815 If you are going to use basketball as a comparison, it would be like praising magics shoes for his success on the court.

[@nicocastillo2099]

Every time I hit a creative block, I just watch your videos and then I feel better. Thank you for this another inspiring video, Sean. You just helped a guy here. :)

[@boohaka]

Brilliant! At last a photographer who speaks sense! I had given up looking at most photographers videos because so many are not photographers but equipment owner/collectors. Seems I've found someone to subscribe to! Thank you!

[@emilhenrik-pedersen6487]

I watch this regularly to remind myself and try to talk with other people who think that buying a high end camera will automatically mean that their images are going to be pro straight from the box, Thank You!!!

[@footfeathers]

I'd rather have 1/10 of your talent than have 100% of the best equipment. If I reach the capabilities of my (new and first dslr) little D5600, I'll be pretty pumped. Great point of view and advice.

[@PrettyLittleDitty2089]

I'm in between Xt20 or Nikon D5600. What can u suggest?

[@johnnyerasmus1921]

Great video and I couldn't agree more. I remember 6 months after getting my entry level DSLR that I had the urge to get a Canon 7D. After some serious thinking I decided to buy it. After shooting with it for some months I realized that none of my pictures looked better than before. Due to some financial setbacks I ended up selling the 7D and decided to buy an X-A2 for 499 Euro. At that point I realized that the smaller camera allowed me to take it with me everywhere and I started shooting more than all that fancy Canon gear. I realized that the more pictures I took the better I got at understanding lighting and composition. Even during post processing I was making mental notes to what could have made that shot better and try to apply it next time. For the time being the X-A2 will be the camera I will have with me everywhere I go. Would I like to upgrade to an X-T20? Of course I would, but I can't afford that right now, besides the satisfaction of seeing my pictures improve over the course of time trumps the need of a more expensive camera.

[@seantuck]

Good for you mate.

[@TonyNeat]

After spending 3 days trawling KZbin for reviews on the XT20 I came across yours. It may well be a rant but it’s just what I needed to hear. Not because you made me realise I don’t need it but because you made realise I do. More importantly, I realise why I do. My current setup with its weight hinderance and inconvenience is slowing down my ‘first 10,000 worst shots’ target. Great vlog Sean, as always

[@todd92371]

Your advice and wisdom are as timeless as the shots you take. Keep it up and follow the heart.

[@lazyboy6053]

Just bought my first camera last year and Just barely started photography after watching my friend take a course in college and yeah. Those words motivated me to keep pushing into this unknown world I've jumped into. Thanks alot for this rant

[@jbguzman79]

Great rant! I sold my Canon 6d and kit and downsized to the Fuji X100T over a year ago and I have not regretted it one bit. Less is more and developing the photographers mind is more important than any gear you can buy. Some of my best photos came from low end gear from years ago. Now I just struggle to get out and shoot but you've given me some inspiration to do so.

[@alunfinnigan8937]

This is so true Sean and a great reminder to all photographers that it's practice, practice, practice that improves your photography and not the newest expensive kit. The best camera is the one you always have to hand and I'd bet for most that it's their phone (this applies to me) and not the newest dslr. Love your vlogs and content.

[@adamthompson504]

I completely agree. Gear is 1% of the equation really, but we all seem to obsess over it. I have seen absolutely amazing photos taken with all sorts of cameras. If you are not out taking photos, but researching gear instead, something is wrong. Anyway, I really appreciate your down to earth perspective. You are doing an awesome job!

[@krzysztofmmichaluk]

You are a photography truth teller. Huge respect for what you do.

[@TheDjcrux]

You're always the best at wording things. I really appreciate all of your content. Very inspiring.

[@dionoliveira4058]

great perspective thank you for sharing this Sean Tucker, I have been shooting professionally for almost 2 years now with my trusted X30 and still love what i do! My grandfather once told me photography is more about you, than all the gear. Now some 40 years later and I get it even more.

[@richardbishop9001]

Finally, an honest evaluation. We all have GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Thanks you for your honesty.

[@JarmalWilcox]

This video has spoken to me on many different levels. I've have battled with these decisions in my head for some time now. Thank you for your amazing content and wisdom.

[@wildpendulum]

Thank you for such videos. You have no idea how great it is to hear the answers to questions that bother you as a beginner photographer.

[@IanKnight40]

Sean, you talk so much sense!. There is more pleasure getting out and taking photos than obsessing about all the things that you have just mentioned. It can be crippling and yet all a camera need boil down to is a tool that does very similar things. The luxury these days compared to film is that even the humble (?...actually my Huwaei P10 is a lovely camera) camera phone will usually nail the exposure ......the rest is up to us!. Cheers Ian.

[@JayDonatoMusic]

THANK YOU so much for saying everything you did in this video. These things have to be said constantly, and it was well worth the rant! I also play music, and the mentality in regards to music gear really parallels the photography scene. Having a fancy expensive guitar and/or effects pedals does not make you a better musician. It's all in your playing ability, technique, and how much you practice. Anyway, thank you so much Sean for doing what you do and keeping me inspired. Don't stop the good work!

[@thewhiskychef_nl]

I love this video.. it's that voice in your head when you struggle and it tells you, just keep struggling until you own your images.

[@ScottWilliamsPhotography]

Absolutely right Sean. I have been using an a6000 for over a year and I know I haven't fully explored what I can do with it. And most of the images that people seem to like have been taken with the kit lens. If I feel I need to get something else when I have a job, or want to explore something that the a6000 can't cope with then I will get a new tool. Loving you stuff.

[@JamesBowman3]

Best. Rant. Ever. How is it you so often say the things so needed to be heard in such consistently eloquent ways? Well done.

[@menopause9484]

Superb. I stumbled into a video you did yesterday and have consumed 10 hours of your content so far. Photography, philosophy and content are all very much appreciated. Thank you.

[@stukelful]

You sir. Speak truth. Wonderful. Been guilty of wasting way too much money on gear which I never needed. Settled now very comfortably with tools that work just fine and experience to make them shine. Thanks! Great channel

[@robertoalfalla256]

Thank you for your Work and Instruction. Just picked up the FujiFilm X-E2S with the 18-55mm Kit. My last camera of note was the Canon Eos1n (film). I've been using Phone to document my food. Your point here is so true!... I'm excited to explore this camera and see where it takes me and I take it. The best Gear is between your shoulders! Well done!

[@tomgsgc]

Bravo, Sean!!! I did not consider this a rant video. It is exactly the message that is stated in any photography course worth its weight and one of the most important pieces of advice that aspiring photographers need to know.

[@AndrewSmith-ff2pu]

Totally agree! I take my GoPro Session with me everywhere rather than my DSLR and work with what I have with me.

[@twinkletoesshrek]

Well said Sean. I'm using the X-T1 for my landscape work, and people keep asking me why I haven't upgraded to the X-T2. While I'd love to upgrade, it really won't make a huge difference to my work. And instead of spending all the money on a body I can invest in lenses that allow me to capture different perspectives.

[@seantuck]

Good for you:)

[@aden1337]

So true. I remember being in college and studying photography and we had our photos framed and entered in our local museum. My picture sold for £100 and guess what the camera was worth no more than £150! It was one of those dslr looking cameras with a fixed non removable lens, but felt like a £1000 camera to me at the time. Just shows you it's all in the head (psychological).

[@iqueque]

How refreshing to hear a stellar photographer talking such sense. The majority of KZbin reviewers have all the equipment and none of the art.

[@piyushmishra7791]

Thank you Sean for another motivating video. I am a student and all I can afford now is my cellphone camera. And I take pictures everywhere and I have received credit for that. Some of my friends really back me up for trying street photography on my cellphone. I do perform that exercise too, to recognise good moments and lights to click even when I am not actually clicking. To all buddies out there, just shoot with whatever you have. I am not a great or even average photographer perhaps, but what I have seen is improvement just by clicking more photos and keeping my editing subtle.

[@seantuck]

Good for you mate. Keep it up:)

[@bensonstein3993]

Nice video mate. The first real camera I bought was an X100T within the first few weeks after release. A few years later I added an X-T20, which is an epically overlooked and under-rated camera. And recently I've also added an X-T2. (Weather sealing for me is often essential) Fortunately my budget allowed me to keep all of them. Out of those three, my favorite is still the X100T. All of them are excellent street cameras in any case.

[@BCapen]

Years ago when I was an aspiring competitive pistol shooter, I was lamenting to a wiley old veteran that I needed a new , and expensive, target barrel for my pistol. With my permission, he took the pistol down range and proceeded to shoot a very impressive series. Upon return he told me two things that I will never forget. 1. There is nothing wrong with the one that you have and 2. You aren't good enough to know the difference. I have since carried that lesson through several hobbies, including photography.

[@seantuck]

+B. Capen amazing story! Thanks for sharing:)

[@andrewmaltzoff6439]

You're spot on. My profession is also photography. I bought a medium format camera and it was beautiful to hold and use and it made me think harder. I also felt like that when I bought a new lens or a new body. Soon after I just felt I needed another gear fix. The medium camera is gone as it wasn't making money to justify keeping it. If there was a perfect moment unraveling in front of you to take a picture and you had enough time to set yourself up with that one moment and you took it. Fantastic, you got it, you post it and you get the feedback you deserve. Where in this scenario did the camera, make, model lens, additional gear play into it? None! Thank you for reminding me what matters. I think your videos are sincere, honest and encouraging. please carry on.

[@seantuck]

Thanks Andrew:)

[@danielcockram4201]

Well said Sean. This is something I preach to many people. I have recently won 5 awards for my photography, 3 were taken with my Nikon D7200 and the other 2 with my iPhone SE. Proof that camera gear is the 'tool' and the images produced are the 'creative vision' of your brain. Luckily I already have the same view but it is staggering how many don't. I'll certainly be pointing other photographers to this video as you explain it so much better than I do!

[@rjphotos]

Hit the nail on the head there. Shooting a roll of film on any old film SLR will show you what you need to learn to improve your photography. It's something I use to keep those basic skills in check.

[@garypentecost833]

Bravo!!!! I was out recently on the coast there were 2 other photographers at the same spot and they basically had an argument over who's was the best camera they had Nikon & Canon respectively,I got so annoyed I packed up and went home I'm glad I didn't know them ,it's great to have a rant occasionally.

[@youngkimin7443]

You have a right mind behind the camera. Thanks again for your honesty and inspiration.

[@BenLundsten]

Exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you. Seriously this came at the perfect time. I have the X100t right now, but portrait work keeps making its way to my table and I need to find a system that works a little better for that, but can still work as a street camera. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@qnetx]

Bravo! Over the last 40 years, I've collected over forty different cameras and I still try to use each of them when I can. Some are better suited for a specific task than others but they all can capture images that I thoroughly enjoy. I collect cameras because I enjoy the process of using interesting tools. Some mechanics have a lot of different wrenches and screwdrivers, I have a lot of cameras and lenses. I haven't found a friend or family member that can distinguish which camera shot a specific image.

[@nakleh]

I absolutely love your perspective on photography and life itself. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- I love this channel.

Couldn't avoid laughing at your camera/oven comparison. So true! I totally agree with you. People tend to believe that the tools will compensate what they lack on creativity/skills/ knowledge / experience /etc.

[@dfgsdfhgdhggdffgfhds]

I just bought myself an xt20 about 6 months ago. I've been making the mistake of pixelpeeping other gear while I should be out shooting. I really needed to see this video, and I'm glad it came out when it did. Thanks Sean!

[@juanquispe3494]

Times have changed. Years ago most people saw your stuff on their pc monitor, now most people see it on their tiny smartphone where it doesn't matter if your camera had 16mp or 50mp. Years ago you could have had the best setup with some 12mp digital camera with and the sharpest af lens of that time and people would be like "wow, those pics are really sharp!". Nowadays it doesn't matter (for the pixelpeeper) because the big companies give the prosumer cameras with way more mp and sharper lenses. Just think about this: 20 years from now nobody cares if you had some Nikon D810, Canon 5D IV or Sony A7R II in the year 2017. Your "old level" of sharpness is irrelevant. They look at your old photos and if they feel some emotion caused by the skill inside your head they look a little bit longer. If they don't feel any emotion they click away, swipe to the left or move their eyes to something else. Btw.: there is nothing wrong with being tempted by new technologies seen at other camera companies but sooner or later every camera gets that stuff. Some later. Yes, I'm looking at you, Canon!

[@rvolvox]

Do things that you love with the tools you have at hand, don't love the tools. Thanks Sean, you truly inspire me!

[@DenisThibeault_inci]

I cannot afford a DSLR or mirrorless camera at the moment but I do go out there and push myself to understand and explore what I can do in photography with my camera phone (started with a Samsung Note4 and have upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy S8plus). I recognize that I do have limitations with what I can do but I still have a lot to explore also. Thank you for reinforcing the fact that a camera is only a tool.

[@tw9535]

Great video! The bigger difference for me isn't an examination of the final images taken by different bodies, which are very similar, but whether or not the camera/tool I had in my hands helped me to capture a particular moment in the first place. By simple personal choice I shoot full manual (exposure, often white balance) and really, really enjoy photography having customizable, physical buttons that allow me to move immediately between things like matrix and spot metering, single and group auto-focus areas for fast moving subjects, etc. Also, physical buttons to instantly change ISO and shutter speed. And to quickly sample/record a white balance on the occasions when I do that. Customizable physical buttons in support of a personal shooting style are why I like some bodies over others. If I shot an auto pilot mode (exposure, white balance, subject tracking) then there would be many fewer differences between bodies for me. There are SO MANY good cameras out there from the different brands. Different people have different personal styles a luckily there are cameras out there for all of them.

[@lichtspiel4544]

Thanks for your honest words and curage. Please keep trying to be always yourselve.

[@willprice7475]

This is something I keep trying to remind myself lately when I see others getting more expensive full frames and I'm still using and aging MFT. Great video!

[@adamthebrave]

My first digital camera - Fuji S3 pro. I have had an X-a1, X-m1, Sigma Dp Merrill 1 + 2, Nikon D90 and D7000, Fuji S5 Pro and X-T10 since then. Used and sold them all. Now back to the S3. It really is, for the quality of image and experience the best. And it only cost me £90. You are right. Photography is a dangerous game to get into....it's all about finding a cam' that suits and sticking with it.

[@billyosb]

can hear the frustration in your voice, but imo totally justified. great video as always

[@thomaspettit1834]

I did the same thing; I sold my X100T and got the X-T20 with 35-50mm lens kit and the F2 23mm prime lens too. I also bought a Canon G9X ii at the same time for true 'pocket' photography. After a week spent in Lisbon and Madrid, I can say I had and have much more fun taking shots with the Fuji as often you can love a camera and not just it's images. However, some of my best and favourite shots came from the Canon, and in many shots you cannot tell which took what.

[@raulsandoval7259]

WOW!!!! Love the honesty and the way you tell it like it is. Been watching your Vlogs for some time now and must humbly say, "thank you, Sean, for all your words of wisdom", I have learned so much from your teaching, that I am encouraged to go out and photograph anything after viewing your Vlogs. Keep up the good work sir, your teaching style is impeccable, and I am enjoying it very much!!!

[@GarnettLeary]

Thanks Sean. Even in your rants one finds encouragement and direction.

[@anthonyhedger4301]

You rant away Sean I love your work buddy. A great video and so true. I personally use a Nikon D5200 and before that a Nikon D60. They may not be great cameras but they have helped me to learn my craft with little payout and that's all that matters. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford an upgrade but as you say, they are just tools to help me so I'm not bothered either way. Thank you my friend. Tony

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

Right on. I have an XT20 and use it with the 23F2 and the 18-55 kit lens...more than good enough for me right now as a work on the basics: composition, lighting, framing.

[@SebastianoChiari]

You are right Sean, and I totally agree with you. I'm approaching to (maybe) buy a new camera and I'm exactly in the same situation you described. We spend more time thinking about our pieces of gear than go out and shoot. You are right, thanks for this video

[@JM-vk2dv]

OMG The parallel with the chef was so meaningful ! Love your work dude

[@PT-re2gi]

I really like what you said when it angers you when someone looks at your photos and says “wow, you must have a really expensive camera”. That same line has angered me a handful of times this past year when showing my photos. Part of me wanted to say here is my camera let’s see what images you can make. I am still using my Fuji xt2 and plenty happy with it, but sure I like watching what the newest cameras have. Doesn’t mean I need one of them to keep making great images. Thanks Sean

[@Heelissrogue]

Love Sean's attitude. Really enjoy watching & listening.

[@gibson4ever28]

Good thoughts. I think the main reason to get an X100 instead of an interchangeble system is that it is smaller in size and it is more simple. I got an XE2 with a few lenses and are also tempted to get the X100F because I don't want to think about what lenses I want to bring. It always gets me upset wether I wanna bring only one lens but then missing the other ones or if I want to bring a few lenses but have to carry them all.

[@HPeterJi]

Well said. No rant. It's true that those who don't understand what it takes to take good photos always blame it on the tools.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

My dad passed away suddenly in late 2018. When we started to go through his stuff, and there was sooooo much stuff, on his desk was his beloved, faithful X100 (the special edition one, in all black). My dad had many cameras, probably was more camera collector than photographer, but he managed to click off 20,000 X100 shots in his photo library, mostly of them of our family through the years. He loved the skin tones and "sensible flash control" from the X100, he felt it disarmed people and they were charmed into smiling for a "harmless film camera from yesteryear". My mom said "take your dad's old camera, he'd want you to have it." Like my dad was in life, the X100 is not the fastest nor newest kid on the block, the autofocus is slow and cranky, sometimes the camera is just fussy... but then, surely enough it comes through and is brilliant, and you remember why a lot of people held onto the OG, when there have been numerous improvements. It's not so much the camera, it's the human behind the camera... and for me, it's also about my dad - a man who had dozens of cameras and bought whichever one, he kept coming back to the original X100, it's got heart, and personality - we'll never part, long after it's totally obsolete, it's an heirloom I'll pass down to my oldest daughter when she's old enough to keep it safely.

[@paulv8453]

Awesome story 👏 I lost my father years ago & I still have the Canon AE-1 that he passed down to me when I was about 10. It was the same camera used to capture my family all throughout my childhood in the 70’s

[@paulknowles9727]

This is the 2nd vid in 10 years I've seen that relates the need for skill and drive over tech spec. Nice. Well done. I've been a Pro but re-discovering using "lesser cost' gear.

[@opwave79]

The oven analogy is perfect. On that note, I had been pondering an upgrade for my existing camera until I spent an entire day with it and just one lens, shooting at a music festival. Now I don't want to upgrade that camera. I'll shoot with it until it dies on me instead.

[@Napoleon-Blownapart]

Spot on thinking and analysis again. Some of my favourite recent shots of my own were taken on my phone. My 'big' camera was first released in 2012 and I like a lot of people have bought and sold many smaller systems looking for a replacement or just something different but I always kept the big one and probably always will as it does everything my average talent needs it to.

[@KenDay]

"Develop yourself as a person" Possibly one of the most important sentences on the video Thanks Sean.

[@hyftjnftunigi]

Love it! Great input! Got the X-T20 myself and I was thinking the exact same way that your talking about "Better gear - better photos" Will try to change my mindset to see the camera as a tool.

[@rissarants]

Oh thank you for this post! I just recently bought a xt20 and then I saw Fuji released the x100v and that made me feel bad! (And was thinking of returning my xt20 and buying the new one). But now i realize you are right. Thanks!! I really love my xt20 and will stick to it!

[@JamesStevensonPhoto]

I almost spat out my tea at "Obviously that's bollocks!!" Living in Canada and being from the UK, I don't hear that nearly enough. Another great video, good stuff Sean.