Why Your Gear Doesn't Matter

You've heard it before and you probably have an opinion about it, but we believe gear is not the most important element with regards to photography and filmmaking. We always want to encourage people to create with whatever they have available to them. Of course, if you're being limited by your gear and have the means to upgrade, we're all for it!
At the end of the day, you do you. We're not your mom.
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#photography

[@MangoStreet]

like this if you’re going to make your thing anyway-even if you don’t own the latest trending camera 🤝

[@semperfi-1918]

I just got a k50. And using older gear for lenses. And it makes great photos. So while gear isnt important it is to an extent. There is a minimum for pixels as well as diminishing return on investment. And i believe imperfection can be perfection.

[@princeude4101]

A friend once said good camera gear only makes your workflow faster and not necessarily an amazing photographer, thanks for featuring me.🙏🏾

[@thebsap]

That Matt D’Avella overlay when you said “minimalist” made me spit out my drink in laughter.

[@franconavarrogonzalez8875]

same

[@VisualsbyBruno]

This video was articulated very well. I once heard an LA-based KZbin couple say "fall in love with lenses; camera bodies come and go." This might very well have been the greatest advice ever given to photographers and filmmakers.

[@Brunoxid0]

I never got how this is even an argument. "Gear doesn't matter" means "hey, you beginner/hobbyist. You don't need 5k in gear to do cool stuff". I doesn't mean you can shoot a wedding or a concert professionally with an iPhone. I'm shooting on a D3100, with a cheap 50mm. I won't allow that to discourage me for pursuing my passion.

[@andrewfoster2296]

I had the D3100 from when it came out in 2010 and finally upgraded last year. Was happy with the images it took. I ain't got nothing bad to say about that camera.

[@EbukaMordi]

Creativity provoked through restrictions 🤌🏿 that’s the salt.

[@MangoStreet]

☝️☝️☝️

[@sasss7060]

Truest of words

[@BillyDhillon]

I think alot of art forms share this argument. You don't need expensive brushes to make a painting. You don't need a music studio to choregraph a dance. You don't need expensive material to make art. Yes, expensive brushes, dance studio and high end camera will make things easier, but artistic value will always prevail beyond gear.

[@MangoStreet]

yes! i was just listening to brian cranston on a podcast talk about how this applies to acting. he said if the writing isn’t good, even the best actor will look bad performing it. if it’s a C script, even meryl streep is only going to bring it up to a B.

[@shaneikiyasteel7073]

You couldn't have said it better!!

[@vickianderson2123]

Of all the gear doesn't matter videos this one just makes the most sense and definitely struck a nerve! Thanks for the inspiration on a Monday afternoon when I definitely needed it!

[@ZainRiza]

I love how open-ended and open-minded you guys approach this question. Anyone who rejects a differing opinion on this and believes their way is the only way probably spends too much time leaving nasty comments and not enough creating meaningful work.

[@devynwilley5418]

not me shedding a tear or two bc i’m just so grateful to have absorbed all of your super powers!!! I simply would not be the photographer I am today without you guys so thank you always for pushing emotion and art first and simply sharing your knowledge!!! 3 years deep and still rocking my D3400 and my own adaptations of you guys’ presets :’)

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

every Leica owner: gear doesn't matter 😂

[@taytumwymer770]

Yeah there is definitely a range on this issue, like the gear makes it easier but gear can’t make up for good creative photography. And this definitely was inspiring, I shoot on an entry level camera and I always like hearing things like this!

[@danperez_1011]

Honestly loved how you guys broke this down. I always feel self conscious shooting with my gear because it’s not “professional” level.

[@christian-owens]

STORY > GEAR Love the message!

[@coreyoconnell8956]

Y'all are spot on, some people are savage. I opened up a stock trading platform this week doesn’t mean I’m now good at trading stocks.....One of the many reasons I need Daniel to keep making videos on his channel. I see so many people buy the gear and sit in debt while waiting for Nike to call them up for a campaign shoot. I have yet to work with a client who cares about my gear more than my ability to tell the story and represent them. I can go on and on but i don't need to because you made a 8:11 min video about it that was spot on! Big fans of you over here!

[@wafaajahroo]

inspired me to take more photos with my old 550D camera🥺

[@petrakakytch4809]

I still use mine as main!

[@garra7472]

So am I only mine is Nikon D3200 📷

[@rishikapaul4740]

Since I don't hv any DSLR or SLR camera, I use my mobile phone to click photos.🙃🙃

[@Tristannetto]

I still use that! And a kit lense!! Super challenging but planning to begin a youtube channel with it soon

[@casualportraits]

I love that camera!

[@YorickHaan]

Thanks for the reassurance! Another helpful thing I was told by an imho very good photographer is that "more expensive equipment doesn't make you a better photographer"

[@dakotaj.potter2649]

I really relate to Daniel’s undying love of Bleachers

[@ariwojciech350]

Needed this. Thank you

[@EricFloberg]

A masterpiece.

[@michaelbennettphoto]

I read the title and thought “oh no, not another one of these videos”. But, this by far has been the best one I’ve seen. So much thought and insight when into it and I appreciate the transparency on your side.💛

[@jimboshizz]

I think the really important part is getting to know your gear. Like Adams had an amazing eye, but also a DEEP understanding of what tools he was using. But you can do great art with whatever you have at your finger tips, it's about getting to know it. And limitations can force you to think differently too.

[@HarriRomppainen]

Thank you! I have learned that the most difficult thing in filmmaking is making films. Really, creating complete videos or films that people want to watch from the beginning to the end. It is very easy to buy the latest and greatest camera and shoot a single technically perfect clip, but it is very hard to create a film. I need to improve my skills before I need to buy a new camera.

[@brandonreis5301]

Really glad you guys covered this, especially with the amount of eyes on this channel! I've shot almost exclusively on a Canon 60D (2011) with a $150 50mm f/1.8 for YEARS. Since the day I snagged it, I've watched just about every tutorial on KZbin and know that thing like the back of my hand, so I'm able to push it to the max and I end up using and selling my photos professionally. The images are incredible! Of course more expensive/high-end gear makes creating higher quality content easier, but that doesn't mean the same quality can't be produced with cheap gear. Don't ever let gear get in the way of your creativity - just create dope stuff you care about and you will be blown away by how little any of that matters!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Fundamentals > Gear, Fundamentals translate to any gear, Gear does not compensate for no fundamentals. Understanding Lighting and Composition are better than any camera and lens combo you can imagine. And for Video - Story, Good Audio, Understanding Lighting and Composition, and Editing are all higher on the list than the camera. You guys are right, good gear makes the process easier, but because you understand the process and what you are trying to achieve gear helps. Thanks for your thoughts on this!

[@nirvickpatnaik]

I have added and removed this camera I wanted, so many times from my cart. Really needed this video to understand the true value of my gear and my skills. One of the best videos I have seen on this topic, and believe me I have seen almost all the videos on this topic 🍀📷

[@ruthiembayabu2392]

So serious this is the best video you guys have ever made (and you two have made incredible vids before) not because the others were lacking but by the level of inspiration. So many other creatives are talking about this with extreme bias but this speaks plain truth looking at both sides. I'm starting my portrait business this year and I got a little worried about my gear. This video has totally washed away any anxiety and intimidation about everyone else's better camera. Crafting the story should be all that matters. Thanks for everything Mango Street 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾♥️☺️👍🏾

[@dna8269]

Definitely don't need much for quality portraits. I think gear is more of a discussion for video work because of varying conditions and requirements, but even then you can get by with less most of the time.

[@michaeljerome6591]

the happiness from the two of you is radiant

[@jaycarter-coles2900]

I work in TV as an AC and have used Red, Arri and Canon Cine cameras. You guys are totally right about the expensive gear, it just makes things easier. In my downtime, I shoot short "arty" videos with my canon 70D because I enjoy the challenge of working with a terrible dynamic range and minimal tech to support me! It makes me think outside the box when trying to get the shots that I want - thus improving my skillset as a filmmaker and making me a better AC on location. Love the video guys, keep up the good work!

[@MangoStreet]

amazing 🙏

[@Kevinmadefilms]

Love this! Wish more film/photography influencers pushed this. Gear only matters in the sense that you need certain tools to get a job done. Much like good writing, if a piece of gear doesn't contribute to the story in a meaningful way, then it's not necessary and only detracts. A good storyteller doesn't just create, but also knows when to remove elements.

[@martydenson_mfm]

Nicely explained. Most of us should know why & when gear doesn't matter and also why & when gear does matter. To simply create and tell a good story- gear clearly doesn't matter and will never matter in this case. Gear can/does matter in very specific cases such as what you have explained in this video. For me, gear matters when it comes to better reliability/durability. I break cheap gear because I'm hard on equipment many times. That's my specific reason for why gear does matter. Everyone will have their own specific reason.

[@jeffriegonzalez9938]

I remember seeing a similar video on your channel before about how gear shouldn’t hold you back. I know you two were very adamant about bringing the artistry first, and other things will fall into place. I took that advice last year & shot on a $500 beginner DSLR & my iPhone. Since then, I got an agent, was asked to shoot weddings & engagements & gained a following just from working with what I have. I recently bought a new more expensive camera but only to continue developing my skill, not because I think it was necessary. Thank you for being artists first. Love you both & love this message!

[@albertrecio1567]

I love how you guys inspire creatives to go and work with what they have. You guys are the best

[@onlyhumans8]

You guys have said it beautifuly! Art is deep and folks don't really realize it, as if they ain't chasing art, they chasing 'comfort'.

[@thesongwritingstudio5783]

love this, thanks for sharing!

[@phortheone]

Now my main goal is to work on the storytelling aspect in photography 😌 so inspired to be more consistent in creating things with my Canon rebel

[@studiovega5052]

i still have my canon rebel and used it professionally a couple of times lol!

[@jaycasejaycase]

This is why I love you guys. Honest bare bones of it all. Appreciate you!

[@mynameisant]

Love this. Really inspiring. You can buy the newest camera today and it will be replaced tomorrow. This helps me and I hope it helps a lot of creators out there!

[@michelleumunna7775]

Ebuka Mordi .. love his work so much.

[@marliesethomas]

Thanks so much for saying this! I was shopping for a mirrorless camera and angsting over full frame vs cropped frame. Then a photographer friend whose work I really admire told me that he had never had a full frame camera. So there!

[@rammanagi4867]

You guys are honestly the best :) I'm so thankful to have found this channel! ❤❤

[@TheRealTomNadey]

Love this. I bought my first camera ( canon t6i) a couple years back and struggled with the thought that I needed to upgrade to create better photos. I took the time to learn how to work with what I’ve got and it’s really paid off!

[@amarandrapathak6273]

My friend just lend me his Nikon D3400 last week and I was underwhelmed by it's entry level performance.. But now I feel motivated to experiment with it a little more..

[@iWicky]

I started with this same camera for photo and video. I made enough money to then upgrade to my dream camera. Keep it up and work on story/craft. Someone with an old smartphone can do better than a noob with high-end gear.

[@LashanR]

If you can't make good work with an entry level DSLR then you won't be able to do any better with a more expensive full frame. I started with an entry level Canon 700D and stuck with it for _7 years_. I only upgraded a few months ago. I pride myself on being able to do a lot with very cheap equipment. It's all about learning and grasping the fundamentals of photography (technical side, what all the settings do in real life, then the artistic basic guidelines), and then growing from there.

[@edmundwongg]

I started out with a D3300 which was simply for a module in school, it became my workhorse for 2-3 years before upgrading. Don't sleep on that beast!!

[@rajpassy4154]

This topic is rarely discussed so delicately! Thank you - very inspiring!

[@sennosc]

of course it matters. as a person who is constantly struggling with old version of my camera I see that some things are just impossible to make with my gear or cheaper lenses i have, these are some technical issues you just won't skip. it doesn't mean that concepts and your personal touch, artsy feeling doesn't matter - they do, idea is the most important for me, but without decent equipment sometimes it is just lost.

[@MangoStreet]

yuh gotta watch the full video 🤝

[@pretubeloso]

I needed this vid! Got caught up in the hype and you guys were that hand that helps getting out of that whole. Thanks!

[@shaneikiyasteel7073]

I couldn't agree with you guys more! Thank you for shouting out and using other photographers as an example. Now, I have other artists to look up too. While I do admire the technical side of...well almost anything tech savvy. I can say I'm more story driven than I am technical when it comes down to photography (and it probably doesn't help that I'm a writer). As a beginner, yes, it's important to look into the specs of what you want from a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera and make a decision that best suits your preference but I'm pretty sure the $1,000 iPhone or Galaxy phone in your hand will work just as well until you can snag a loaded camera. And even when your go to purchase one you shouldn't break buying a camera starting out, take it easy and focus on your craft. P.S. I love how you guys added the tid-bid--it looks like a lot of people forget--that even though you're not shooting with entry level gear it's NOT b/c it's not good (I believe y'all could produce the same work regardless), but using high end gear makes it easier for you all and your team because it's your full time job! And it gives you less of a headache and makes it easier to slip into auto-piolet so you can do what you do best.

[@chrisortiz7290]

Great video! Exactly what my self and so many other creatives need to hear

[@tatumelisabeth5748]

Speaking truth! Thanks Mango Street!

[@majabramm]

These are some great points. When I started doing photography, I used an old Nikon for maybe 5-6 years. It pushed me to learn every aspect of my camera to the max and I got super familiar with my camera and also the more technical bits. I don't have a lot of money because I am a student, but this year I finally made it to buy a new full frame camera and I'm so happy. At one point I felt very limited with my old camera because I've worked so much in depth with it. Now I have much more space for exploring and create new pictures. I would never have been without my old camera though. It gave me the basics, the consistent quality and the challenges that made me the photographer I am today. :)

[@xxxxtokishonexxxx]

I've seen first hand that gear doesn't really matter. Went to a wedding, the photographer was a family friend of sorts who was bragging about renting an INSANELY expensive camera. The photos were actually pretty bad.

[@cono_paello]

One of the most inspiring videos from you, guys! Love it!

[@HeberVegaImages]

What a great video! This issue is very complicated to put it into words and you’ve done like no one else have. Love it !

[@svenstylesz]

From the time I stopped looking at my gear and focused on the project and the outcome, my photos got a lot better and I'm much happier with the process. Some of my best work was even made with a smartphone, an old film camera or an old 20D. That confirmed me very much.

[@iza595]

loveee this! very inspiring. Thank you

[@heymadame3404]

You don’t know just how much i needed to hear this 💕 thank you!!!

[@ImoodyI]

Story and emotion, absolutely the most important thing, period. Indeed.

[@jesus.ramirez]

Ebuka was great. Thanks for the reminder to go follow him.

[@Fighting4theFaith]

Thank you!

[@LanceLozano]

thank you guys, i needed this.

[@fatinhusin]

The best explanation on why gear doesn’t matter 🙌🏻

[@laviraitei]

Freaking loved this video

[@littlemusic4x]

This really inspires me to get my old Olympus out and take some pictures. It doesn’t even have a video mode 💁‍♀️ but I really want to get a better camera soon, it’s just more fun.

[@diosmerodriguez9395]

Needed to hear this!!!!! Thank you!

[@solstreetphoto]

I love you guys! Thanks for another great video!

[@mdotwendy]

I love it. Real talk.

[@Tukey]

I feel very encouraged! Thank you :)

[@andrel634]

Great jobs folks, awesome content. I can relate to both parties. I believe what better define this is, learning to drive on a manual shifting, auto-brake on hills, very old car vs learning on a new one which will facilitate the process. If you do learn with the worst conditions in mind, you will be better prepared to face challenges in the long run. Also true, if you start on high-end camera gear, nothing says you will NEED to face those challenges. (eg. film photography struggles might be irrelevant nowadays). Some people will be put out just because it is easier for them to blame the gear they don't have than to blame themselves for not doing it. Just like the fallacy of "with that same camera you have I would be taking great pictures myself" (shifting responsibilities is the easier path). To sum up, and as you've put it, the minds that think creatively will always try to come up with something, something they can do rather than what they can't.

[@thehimeshbehera]

Absolutely needed to see this right NOW!!!

[@williammathew9066]

This is exactly what i needed to hear right now ❤️, thank you!

[@hedyaditia]

So inspiring, i always wanted to have better gears, but i now. I will maximalize my gear. Thanks dude.

[@PartingXwords]

THAAAAANK YOOOOU. Wow. Can't tell how much I needed - and love - this!

[@JuanOzuna]

Thank you for the kick in the butt I needed this morning. I have a camera I want sitting in a shopping cart right now, but I think it needs to stay there.

[@NicoAndreiStaAna]

i really hope this boost the confidence of those people who are using budget dslr or phone. great video guys!

[@morgannelson884]

I really enjoy all of the content you both produce!

[@williambrownlee9684]

Loved everything about this. 👏👏👏

[@MrSheepmaster]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@higracehi]

Can’t stop but keep nodding while watching the vid, can’t agree more! Keep up the good work!

[@arturo.molina]

This makes me feel better about my Rebel T3 😁

[@navaneethp8476]

That explains well 🙌

[@_sumairainayat]

Love this !!

[@billjohnstonjr.1037]

Though you allude to this in passing, I'd put more weight on the issue of confidence. My sense is that the equipment matters to the extent it enhances your sense of confidence in whatever situation you face. You can't be worrying about your camera, only about the composition, etc. If you are utterly convinced that your equipment can handle whatever you throw at it, you will likely succeed in handling whatever you throw at it.

[@akshayprasadjain7315]

great! this makes me feel good

[@petrakakytch4809]

I love this video and everything about it!

[@LashanR]

Back at uni my architecture professor encouraged me to meet this architectural photographer to get mentorship from, I didn't think his work was that striking but we met up for coffee. After chatting for a bit I asked for some advice and the only things he could say were "Buy a full frame camera, buy another lens". I stopped listening to him very quickly after that.

[@JustinEspejo]

this was a very well articulated video! great job guys! 😁👍

[@wallemmedia]

I can get behind it! Any gear you have you can turn into your distinct look, no matter how limited the package is. Like I do when shooting 20mbps video on my Nikon D610 with 2 primes and having those huge square pixels when trying to turn blues into aquas.

[@overdose314ap2]

Great message!👍🏾

[@kenegrete]

I definitely agree that the more expensive gear simply makes the job easier. I look at photography with a more artistic/fun approach. Photography is more of a hobby for me, so when I shoot it's either by myself or with one friend, and I don't think having a big team to worry about all the specifics would make me a more skilled/talented photographer. It definitely would make being creative a lot easier though. Then I wouldn't have to worry about lighting, makeup etc. It could just be me, the model, and my creativity, and I would absolutely love that!

[@FGRPhoto]

I needed to hear this. Thank you Mango Street! 🙂

[@matthewshanks3684]

I think you get to a stage where you know how to make an image look amazing, creatively and technically. Knowing that you can go back and use your old equipment and achieve so much. I had this experience where I took my first camera, and filmed an interview on it, knowing that I could make a really clean image, with lighting and framing it’s a fun challenge if you want to really put your skills to the test. From a technical standpoint you can take a lot away from what you know about everything around the sensor, I think that’s a true test to see how good you really are.

[@darkreen]

Thank You!

[@danielremian]

This left me satisfied and smiling.

[@Jo3sho]

Perfectly put

[@laurkr]

Thank you for this video!!! I usually feel shy to take my camera and shoot photos because I don't have the most expensive model. I love the different points in this video, makes me feel that my photos are worth taking with my entry level camera!

[@AmendMD]

Coming from the music world, more expensive guitars or mics didn't make me any better, but I sure as hell preferred the better gear. Same with my Canon R5. It doesn't make me a better photographer, but when I do nail a great image im much happier playing around with all that dynamic range in a RAW file versus being limited by a jpeg from my iPhone.

[@georgelsla7421]

Congrats on 1M ❤️

[@savageflacka]

This is what everyone needed to hear 💓

[@razone5947]

Really needed this video. No shame in balling on a budget!!

[@bharatdora4046]

Loved the video and i needed this video to come out.