You DON'T need that new shiny camera. I promise.

[@MicroFourNerds]

What are your thoughts on the good old "does gear matter?" debate?

[@wido123123]

Gear definetly matter, but not in the sense most people usually debates around it. You _need_ a camera to take photos. You _need_ a zoom to take bird pictures. You _need_ waterproof for submarine pics. You _need_ gear... It just doesn't has to be the latest, shiniest, "more better number" all the time. And that's ok

[@dasaen]

I think the need is real. There is not enough budget alternatives to really say that it can be done at any budget. It can be done for cheaper than expected, but if you look at good vintage glass and cameras, things are still around 350-500usd. Some ideas you can’t really achieve with budget gear, moreso with specialist tools like you said, even old good super telephotos are very expensive.

[@OttosTheName]

I completely agree. I always say in some nieches you might need some specific gear, but most people don't need anything fancy. I still shoot with my ixus 125hs quite regularly even though I have an X-T3. I know the X-T3 is better, but sharpness is overrated and for most photography it doesn't matter all that much. As long as the composition is good nobody cares what it's shot on. We still look at photo's from the 50's taken on old gear right? The cheapest compacts are probably better than fancy camera's from that era.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

When I started in the mid 70's, I idolised Pete Turner. His Polaroid SX-70 pictures are still being sold by art houses and / or at auction. Of course he shot with "better gear" when needed, but the lesson of making the most of the equipment at hand has stood me well. Some of the improvisations I implemented to achieve the results I sought would make Rube Goldberg go nuts! It's like sex: the most important organ is between the ears, not the thighs... ;-)>

[@zenlife1200]

I'm still using my EM5 mk 1 that I bought in 2014. I've bought and sold different lenses for it as I've tried different things and my subjects have changed, but the body itself does everything I need it to.

[@CMDILL86]

Griffin Hammond (OG M43rd-er) gave some of the best gear advice back when he was Podcasting. He said (paraphrase) "Don't upgrade a camera until your current one cannot do what you want to do creatively." That means you (your ideas) have to outpace your gear, before you get new gear. Same concept, different way of putting it.

[@bbartlomiej]

I can't stress enough how important this video is. It is crazy out there with any of recent camera premieres. Suddenly nobody neither knows how nor can take any pictures unless they have the latest model. Then you see their "portfolio" and you realize they're tech geeks, not photographers.

[@JimIBobIJones]

But to suggest all you need is a 1" compact camera (which seems to be the implied takeaway of the video) it is the other extreme. Its pretty ridiculous to argue that you can achieve the same kind of results when your depth of field and dynamic range are limited to that critical degree. There are some shots you just can't achieve unless you have gear that is capable of achieving it. Yes skill, experience and composition matters a lot, and no gear isn't everything - but what your gear also sets the boundaries of what is possible. It isn't always about how new the technology is (most of the time its about sensor size and the lens you have) but often it can be. For example, if you are a sports or wildlife photographers you can't achieve with an older camera what you can with the 10+ FPS shooting speed of newer cameras, and Sony's new global shutter on the A9 III (a piece of new and expensive tech) increases the boundaries of what is possible in those fields. Another example would be buying a larger sensor camera with top of the line lens - you physically can't replicate the depth of field/bokeh of a f1.2 or below lens on a full frame sensor with smaller 1" of M4/3 camera. Does this mean that you need more expensive and new tech, not necessarily - but you also have to acknowledge and work with the limitations of your gear.

[@hibbs1712]

@@JimIBobIJonesjust say you enjoy the confidence you get from shelling out money for gear and move on. It hurts to realize that all cameras are cameras. Picture detail is a spectrum and still only a fraction of the entire “good picture” equation. Understand that arguing over features does not get you good pictures and it never has. People are realizing that, and that is why regular people are flooding back to compacts. We’ll all be enjoying taking pictures with our accessible cameras while yall are trying to sell off photos to pay your camera debt.

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@hibbs1712 that is a facile response. Equipment doesn't just facilitate picture quality, it also determines what is feasible like I said.... It's a valid argument to argue many photographers don't need or want to go that far, but it is idiotic to argue gear doesn't matter. At the end of the day, it's a balance between gear, skill/experience and composition.

[@hibbs1712]

@@JimIBobIJones at the start of the day, recognizing that we are in an age where any camera you find is good enough to get pictures is where you need to be. Stop getting sold on the rat race if you’d like to think of yourself intellectually.

[@JimIBobIJones]

@@essa.321 You say a SLR or MILC is not suited to video recording, but that's exactly what's been driving "prosumer" sales for a lot of cameras. This is one of the things driving the regular upgrade cycles of otherwise perfectly good cameras. The A7S is a video first device, and anything from the a6400 onwards has been "hybrid" devices which put video on par with stills for prioritisation. Hell, the trend has gotten so far that many consumer video cameras (e.g. the Sony ZV-E1 and the Canon EOS C70 cameras) have abandoned the camcorder format for the "stills camera" body shape. This is one of the big things driving the regular upgrade cycle for cameras - whilst the technology moves slowly for stills, the digital video space is still pretty dynamic and fast evolving.

[@nomansarker5556]

Thank you. Seriously. I just emptied my MPB cart and I'm looking into booking a trip to a distant land. You're absolutely correct, capturing cool moments are much more rewarding than gear. Thanks again for being the voice of reason.

[@darrenbrown7037]

Because of you I bought em EM5 for $100 and I love it so much. You’re making the world a better place! Thank you.

[@ThePipton]

That is a steal! I just got one for 175 euros (with extra grip). What lens did you get?

[@darrenbrown7037]

@@ThePipton Oohh nice! Yeah I want to get that extra grip sometime. I have pretty small hands so I don’t mind the small body, but the grip would be awesome. I already had an M. Zuiko 17mm 2.8, which is a pretty old lens, it does the trick but I’ve been researching a lot trying to decide what I want to get next. I sort of want a zoom lens, but I also wouldn’t mind a prime with lower aperture. Sounds like you got a great deal too! The grip and body and lens! What did you get for a lens on yours?

[@arsenal_84]

Bought a second hand Sony RX100 ii as an upgrade to Panasonic LX7.

[@photographer8486]

Thanks for sharing! I wanted to learn photography. So I got a used Sony A7s2. Then lens I got with it was damaged. I thought buying a zoom lens would help me practice diversely with different focal lengths. The thing is I don't keep my camera with me. I should have got a fixed focal length lens (which would have also been smaller) and a smaller camera so that I can keep this handy with me always. I need to practice more and more. The setup I have currently I just don't carry with me. Keeping in mind I want to click pictures in low light during evening and night after office, please share some suggestions for a body and lens to have with me everyday.

[@NerderousRage]

Thanks to folks like you and a few others here I’ve fallen in love with my “old” gear again.

[@ro3843]

I just want to quickly point out that used DSLR's off of ebay(just read the ad carefully) can give you amazing value. A 5D mark ii is $200USD and a 7D is around $150. Both can absolutely take 100% pro-level shots. Theyre amazing cameras to learn on as well, if you want interchangeable lenses. P.S. this video is great and i really appreciate the extremely important points you're making

[@MicroFourNerds]

So true. There are so many bargains to be had! Imagine if someone had a budget of £1000, and they bought a used DSLR and lens of ebay for £200, and then bought a full day workshop and learned/experienced something cool, and then probably had change left over for a local photography weekend away... I bet they'd improve so much more than spending the whole thing on a camera and staying home!

[@benfromatlantis]

Yeah. Just bought the 5Dm2 and a D40x and my heart is jumping. I gave my Sony a6xxx away.

[@busydadscooking001]

Agree. Read up carefully to make sure you get what you want tho. I bought a 40D on a whim last year, wasn't happy about the aged control setup - I should have paid that little bit extra and maybe ended up impressed by something just a year or two newer. It's OK, it was very cheap and I gave it away. And think about it: a 40D was $1500 new, now

[@crampersad]

@@benfromatlantis interesting, I get started on a D40x; I saw one used this week in-store for very cheap and almost bought it out of nostalgia

[@pspr33]

Picked up a D700 with 50mm 1.8 for £180 with warranty just a few months ago!

[@PaulGavinger]

This is great, and I love the blue chair. For me, the thing that kicked photography into full gear was a small, light, weather-sealed camera, and never, ever putting it in a bag. I wear it around my neck, like a tourist, all the time, and I've just learned not to care that I look a tourist in my own city. Having that camera ready all the time makes all the difference on the street.

[@silveralpaca5789]

May i know what is this, weather sealed small camera that you tlk about?

[@ccw5886]

Im now 62 and have come back to photography. I missed the digital revolution and was a film geek in my 20's and 30's. I purchased a 16 year old M8 and a 35mm Voightlander lens. (46mm with the crop). I don't view the back, You cant really on an M8 and just refreshed my knowledge of aperture, speed ISO. (I used to call it ASA) etc. With 10megapixels in DNG/Raw...God Im getting geeky already! Save me! it acts like a never ending roll of film. Its just so basic and as an oldie returning to a much loved pass time/hobby I have found it to be the perfect reintroduction. Photography is in your head. I love the tactile M8, its a lovely old object. (the camera that is) and I absolutely agree with you that a camera is essentially a dark box with a hole in it. The most essential thing in photography is to go out and click. Thats the beginning. The rest will come with some staying power and a desire to get to where you want to be. Love your channel.

[@JeffCreates]

About 5 years ago I upgraded from a Canon 600D to my current camera, which is great and I love it. I found out not long after that the photographer whose work I most admired at the time was (and i believe still is) using a Canon 450D. The term "all the gear and no idea" has never been more accurate than the modern world of photography on social media.

[@skantzose-class7160]

Who is the photographer?

[@DeDeexit]

The LX10 is my one and only camera since 2021 (except for my phone, of course). It's brilliant. The sharp and bright lens, the "big" sensor with its surprisingly good dynamic range, the small size, the intuitive controls and of course the great image quality (especially in RAW). 🤗

[@chhhmaris]

What a refreshing opinion ! I feel like this is taking weight off my shoulders. I feel like nowadays most content is aiming at promoting a product, hence why a lot of photographers on social media are more behaving like sales rep than like photographers. I am nostalgic of the time when social media was a mess, and it was all about dreaming, experimenting, trying new things, sharing experiences…. With no financial end goal. I aim at recreating that for myself.

[@Jackofafewtrades]

The painting on the wall in that hotel is epic. Video and camera are epic, too, but I dig the painting.

[@AndrewRix]

This has got to be the best and most important photography video on KZbin! Thank you Emily.

[@gldnrtrvr1]

Yes!

[@aouie1246]

Great final message. Really becoming a fan of your way of talking in your couple of videos I’ve marathoned 😊

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thank you I really appreciate that 😊

[@photographer8486]

Thanks for sharing! I wanted to learn photography. So I got a used Sony A7s2. Then lens I got with it was damaged. I thought buying a zoom lens would help me practice diversely with different focal lengths. The thing is I don't keep my camera with me. I should have got a fixed focal length lens (which would have also been smaller) and a smaller camera so that I can keep this handy with me always. I need to practice more and more. The setup I have currently I just don't carry with me. Keeping in mind I want to click pictures in low light during evening and night after office, please share some suggestions for a body and lens to have with me everyday.

[@juliette-mansour]

I love this video so much!! The diagram was fantastic! Your videos are something I look forward to, Emily. Cheers!

[@di_tattoolover]

Some great points made. I've been taking photos for over 45 years now..as a hobby, I have a good eye and can spot a good photo where others struggle. The equipment as you say is just there to help. You can get 4 people with identical gear all standing side by side looking at the same view and you will get 4 totally different pictures.

[@photographer8486]

Thanks for sharing! I wanted to learn photography. So I got a used Sony A7s2. Then lens I got with it was damaged. I thought buying a zoom lens would help me practice diversely with different focal lengths. The thing is I don't keep my camera with me. I should have got a fixed focal length lens (which would have also been smaller) and a smaller camera so that I can keep this handy with me always. I need to practice more and more. The setup I have currently I just don't carry with me. Keeping in mind I want to click pictures in low light during evening and night after office, please share some suggestions for a body and lens to have with me everyday.

[@Elifarnhill]

Fantastic video as always Emily! That masking tape on the flash is a great idea that I'll have to try on my little GF3

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Never been one to concern myself with having the newest or best camera gear, my wallet does that for me. I agree that there is a uneasy feeling about gear in respect to the best equipment balancing act. As a Pentaxian, I know what it feels like when your cameras are looked down at, just because they are different and perhaps not as cutting edge tech. The joy I found is using much older cameras to their limits. Finding out that all the pixels in the world does not matter as much as the subject and composition! Great channel and enjoy your positivity! Give me an old CCD sensor camera any day! Thanks for sharing!

[@hoorayforpentax3801]

Fellow Pentaxian here. If you have an *istD or *istDS, you have full TTL flash protocol metering without the camera needing to talk to the lens. If you can find a functioning TTL-compatible flash, you have full flash control with any lens you can put on the camera, even with M42 screw-mount lenses and adapters. Not even the K-1 will do that, and it's a crime that Pentax dropped the capability from subsequent cameras. And if you can find a TTL ring flash, you can do the most amazing things with extension tubes, even without a macro lens. Give a CCD sensor enough light, even a 6MP one, and the detail is amazing.

[@williamgoss4691]

A fantastically important vid for every photographer, remember that the pictures are in your head, not created by yr very expensive camera. Your imagination makes the shot, not your gear. A particularly important message these days prhps. Thanks Emily !!

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

Such an important point you are making! It should be shared far and wide. Most of us as photography hobbyists have some level of FOMO when it comes to photo tech and new cameras. I, for one, want ALL the cameras, but I know I already have more than I need.

[@benfromatlantis]

Glad you made this video finally. It was necessary to point out again what was the origin of your love for photography. As you said: people believe they need the most expensive or newest gear instead of developing in photography.

[@d_mosimann]

Very well roared, Lioness, thank you. It's not the gear that defines a photographer's quality, it's his/her pictures, the stories behind it and if those can touch other people.

[@glx3846]

Hi, great to see you back! I enjoyed your vlog! I learn something new from each of your vlogs

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thank you! ☺️

[@allenoakley1799]

Well done Emily. I have 2 G Daddy's that I use for sports and Wildlife but I will always keep my GX85 as my "travel" camera. It's the camera I toss in the truck whenever I go places. I think one of the issues of needing the bright shiny newest is with so many Photography KZbin channels they seem to promote the "you need to upgrade" mentality vs how to improve your photography. Proud to be one of your Nerds. Keep up the great content.

[@gbocsardi]

I don't often leave comments, but this hit home so hard, loved it!

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

2016 i had the opportunity of visiting UK and Paris from Australia. I work as a commercial photographer in my normal life. While planning what to take on the trip, I decided to take a Lumix TZ110. I could have taken my high end Canon 1DX series gear along with the L glass but I opted to go with a little TZ-110. All I can say is, what a relief I made the decision. I made hundreds of photos on the trip, shot in RAW. The camera lived in my pocket the whole time and performed perfectly. Had I taken my larger cameras I honestly believe the trip would have not been as enjoyable, lugging around the gear. Each morning the TZ-110 would pop into my jacket pocket away I went.

[@radpixels5580]

This is EXACTLY what I'm thinking for my upcoming trip to southeast Asia. Instead of lugging around my heavy backpack full of expensive photography gear, I want to be able to move around freely and easily, with what will probably be an Olympus Tough TG-7 in my pocket!

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

@@radpixels5580 do not fear the small cameras. I was insanely satisfied with the quality the little LUMIX produced. I still take it away with me.

[@nix123ism]

​@@radpixels5580I did a trip to Vietnam, Thailand , Indonesia and was going to take a DSLR with me, in the end I didn't have enough room in my luggage as I did motorcycle touring and had to minimise volume , weight. I ended up shooting pics with a google pixel 3 and was really impressed with every pic it took, it was super light, I always had it with me, I didn't have to worry about charging more than 1 device and it always took pics that were fine where my DLSR was hit and miss as to whether the pics turned out ok, planning another trip and I was recently looking around for a good, light, not super expensive camera but I have come to the conclusion that it's not worth it. You need a device you can pull out of your pocket and shoot a good pic, that's all, and the pixel phones fit that bill, may upgrade to a newer model but not taking a dedicated camera with me.....

[@SkylerKing]

That 30 seconds, from 1:42 to 2:12 - Talk about relatable... Then another 30 seconds, from 2:24 to 2:54 - You absolutely nailed it. You somehow managed to say, in 30 seconds, what I have been trying to say (via 30 or 45 or 60 minute videos) for years... I need to take notes. In fact, this whole video is just 10 solid minutes of me nodding, saying "yep" and "exactly".

[@thetoyota86perspective54]

Great video. For this very reason I bought the OM System Tough TG-7 - was on sale in Australia for $638 so I snapped one up. I've taken it literally everywhere with me and used it shoot street photography between jobs and meetings, my kids sports, macro and even my kids at the local swimming pools using the underwater feature. Its been so robust. The fact its waterproof, shockproof (tested this when I dropped it only solid concrete and barely got a mark) and dustproof means its the only camera I use in pretty much any condition and its always with me

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Prices of S/H camera gear can be seriously infuriating in Australia 🤑

[@MortAllachie]

Gear matter. Sometimes a smaller cheaper one is better for the situation than a huge expensive one. I’m not a professional, and my most expensive camera (Fujifilm X-T3) is actually not the most used. It’s probably one of my X-E bodies, but now a days I love bringing out the Olympus E-PL7.

[@planet__ben]

For a while now I've been searching for a camera that I can just throw in my bag for kind of on the go sort of thing, mostly for vlogging. This video has made me rethink as to what I'm after. In others words thanks for an awesome video!!

[@Bkoded]

theres a certain look you can achieve with compact cameras and the sheer convenience of them too makes them hidden gems, i quite enjoy the character they bring

[@rkgaustin]

I have $4000 in full frame cameras and lenses. My wife has a $400 Panasonic ZS200. She takes way better photos than me all the time. Drives me crazy.

[@turo9992000]

You need an $8,000 camera.

[@Seanonyoutube]

@@turo9992000hahaha

[@Seanonyoutube]

Examine her shots, and pay attention to what makes them great. Learn from her!

[@emxry6905]

you suck

[@davexmit]

I know how you feel. My girlfriend has an enviable ability to compose the best shots on a pocket canon while I'm farting around with my big boy camera, telling myself I'm the real photographer 😂

[@TheLarkymarky]

Hi lovely x That is so refreshing to hear. I do have a lot of cameras (too many tbh, compacts, 4/3rds, DSLRs cropped and full frame) but I always tend to take a small compact with me most of the time, an Olympus XZ-1 for pictures, not video. Though, as a micro 4/3rds nerd too, I love my Olympus E-M10 MK 5 with the fixed 14mm 😊 Keep up the great work, you make it all fun and interesting.

[@florastaedtler2702]

Love this video! I just inherited my grandfather´s Leica M3 from 1963. I’ve been on a few Leica forums and let me tell you, if you want to get depressed about tech and photography, hop on those. 😱

[@jnicholls8146]

Some of the worst photos you will ever see are on (digital) Leica and Sony A9 forums..

[@florastaedtler2702]

It was all men talking about math and what is superior to what. It's quite something. @@jnicholls8146

[@eleanor-reads]

Thank you for suggesting the MagFilter! I have a Sony RX100 V that I use when I don't want to carry my "big" camera, and I didn't realise there was a way I could use my filters with it! I'm excited about all the new possibilities for that camera now. I also really enjoyed this video. My main camera is a Sony a6300, and even though it's 8 years old, it's still an excellent camera for what I like to shoot. It works just fine and does everything I need it to do. ☺

[@filip-pi9hy]

i have ex100m3 and i hate how images looks on lcd, but on pc is totally different story

[@Eti1968]

Well spoken and good approach, maybe the last bit was very interesting, a camera (or gear in general) has to give you a good feeling. I love my Pen-f for street and although I may have better camera’ s I enjoy using the Pen-f and joy is what I’m looking for.

[@alangauld6079]

All good advice. I use the similar Lumix TZ100 when I go backpacking and am amazed how good the images are. But... no filters. Until now - I've already ordered that magnetic filter adapter! Thanks for that. I also use a Lumix GX80 MFT "rangefinder" for street work and day hikes and the menus are virtually identical with my TZ100, another bonus. I have an Olympus EM1 from 2019 that is my "serious" photography camera, but the GX80 and especially the TZ100 are better when I want something quick, light and convenient. I also have a vintage TLR film camera that I use for home-processed B&W film work. But the bottom line is they all take photos and the rules of exposure and composition don't change with the camera. I love using them all because they are all capable of good images.

[@dmichaelbailey2082]

Gosh! This was exactly what I needed. Thanks so very much!

[@Centauri27]

This is really wise advise Emily! It is so easy to fall into the G.A.S. trap (especially with the myriad of well-priced used gear, tempting you to pick up yesterday's flagship models). I'm now using the tiny GX850 as my "everyday carry" camera, but you've given me incentive to perhaps dust off my old RX100 M1 and give it another go. (I became disillusioned when the RX100 couldn't keep up with even a Samsung Galaxy S6 8 years ago...perhaps my technique wasn't good enough.)

[@pzkw10]

I've got both, S6 and RX100. S6 creates great pics, indeed. But RX100 is far better. Just give it another try...😉

[@johnyutzey6504]

My highest priority for gear is ergonomics. The cameras I shoot the most are from 2013-2016. I love shooting with them: the size and weight, how they feel in the hand, easily accessible, intuitive controls for the limited number of settings I change while shooting (after I set them up the way I want them). I am quite happy with the quality of the images I get; I want/need nothing "better". To me, it's about the joy of getting out and shooting. Other photographers may second guess or even judge my gear choices. I pay them no mind; not trying to impress anyone with my gear. It's all about the images. I'm my own best (worst?) critic. The only standards I have to meet are my own.

[@yaupie]

Thanks for introducing the MagFilter. It's an interesting and useful accessory for small compact cameras.

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

I haven't had the urge to get the latest camera out there because I found lenses I both love and can use in any weather. All of it used and hundreds less than new. I went out in the rain with my 12-40 2.8 for street and later took my 200 2.8 and 40-150 2.8 for birds and deer. Can't wait for rain macro with the 60 macro. All that with a $300 EM-1 Mark II.

[@ericbatson280]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I started my photography with some very cheap cameras and honestly love the challenge of taking better pictures than people with much more expensive kit. I have nice cameras as well, but tend to gravitate back towards the little guys. It is more the photographer than the camera.

[@alex-reay]

Great content yet again. I shoot professionally with the E-M1 II (yes still not felt the need to upgrade) but my EDC is the little Canon G9X II which slips into a jeans pocket, nice and discreet for going to gigs and on days out with my wife, it’s loaded with 3 really nice custom film sims courtesy of Thomas Fransson which makes for wonderful JPGs. If I want something for a jacket pocket I can go larger to the RX100 III or GM5 and if I’m out hiking I’ll go larger again and take the E-M5 II with 14-150mm II. One of my all time favourite pics was a right time right place moment caught with the little Olympus XZ-1 a couple of years ago. As you say, different cameras for different scenarios.

[@mongoose9594]

What an extremely insightful vlog! You’re so right Emily, idea first, camera second. And it’s great to see you back too 👍

[@daviddunmore7076]

I'm completely with you. I love my Sony RX100 IV and can see any reason to 'upgrade'

[@danieljm8211]

Greetings from Costa Rica! I hope you enjoyed your stay 🇨🇷

[@SuperRaven79]

Great video and message, thank you! What i really love about the "little" Panasonic cameras is the "macro"-bubble (to stay in your picture ;)). I think every fixed-lens camera from Panasonic have this option. So with this cameras i REALLY can put my ideas into a picture everytime and everywhere .. From landscape to insects. The LX15 is one of the best "multi purpose tools" i ever owned. But you can also take a look at the generation before. I still use the LX7 and the LF1. Espacially the LF1 is an interesting choice because of its size and "unusual" lens.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Feels much more fun to me using an old camera chucking it in a bag and going out experiencing the world taking pictures of it 📸🌎

[@NatalieRosellaBoonzaier]

I love the overall message for this Video, Emily.

[@Saleem-Bhimji]

I think many people watch the "famous KZbinrs" and their reviews of new gear and expensive cameras and think that they need that same setup to take the best photographs - even though many people may not do anything with their photos other than watching them on a small screen and will never print them as a billboard sized photo. Although I love my Panasonic S5 IIX, but I find myself going to my phone for photos more often than not and still love my old Sony simple pocket cameras to be able to take photos and not stand out in crowd! Keep up making your great content - I love your videos.

[@Centauri27]

Many "non photographers" (aka tourists) with money buy expensive full frame gear, then set it to full point-and-shoot mode. But yeah, the whole industry revolves around tempting you into the latest and greatest. And the plethora of good quality, affordable used gear exacerbates things!

[@gilean6179]

watch Matias Burling.

[@lumixographer2185]

BRILLIANT ❣️👍 After today's shipment to MPB, the only m4/3 gear left in my closet will be my G1 & GF3 cameras and a set of primes (3.5, 7.5, 14, 20, 42.5). Have I lost my mind? No, found my way! My brand newest camera from MPB is the like new Lumix LX7 (predecessor to the LX10). It's just pure fun without the burdensome weight. For our next trip through southeast Asia, my kit will include the Sony ZV-1 from MPB (think of it as a compact camera with phase detect and a lens faster than the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8), a Lumix ZS200 for long zoom/4k video, and Gopro for weather proof. Three tiny cameras for different purposes that will fit in a small waist pack! Love your presentation and honesty!👍🙂

[@starscream25]

Costa Rica, PURA VIDA! Beautiful video❤ I also believe that the camera is just a tool to project your mind and emotions. 😊

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

On one hand I agree with this, you don't need the latest and greatest to amazing things and I'm a fan of looking for things on the used market to save yourself some $$. But on the other hand, sometimes getting the new kit or lens, ends up motivating you, and gets the creative juices flowing again. So I say ... both are correct!

[@EricMoore790]

Very true! Good lighting I think matters more than the camera.

[@photobyTaps]

I love this! You have wisdom beyond your years and you're a fabulous teacher. The World is better with YOU in it

[@rofferdal]

Just got a Panasonic Lumix GX7. Very excited about it. Size always mattered to me when it comes to cameras, but these days the mobile phone fills the basic everyday camera role. Where it does lack is in the lens department, and then my APS-C (my first digital system camera was a Nikon D50, which still work)and now recently the MFT GX7 fills the need for small travel, while a Nikon Z30 with FTZ adapter is a more costly solution, but it neatly replaces my D50 and lets me reuse the lenses, although it is not so small anymore. As a side note, my D50 is only 5MP APS-C, but it filled the need when I was a freelance journalist, and a couple of times pictures from that camera filled a full glossy magazine page. So much for that megapixel race. Anyway: Great video, and keep your inspirational posts coming.

[@daledude78]

If you went to MPB, that LX10 could have been mine! Really liked it, also used it in lowlight and it handled itself really well in the city lights, but had the GX800 at the time too, so sacrificed this and other lenses ultimately for a PL50-200mm, and I love that lens. Glad you are making good use of that, I do miss having something that small and easy to manage sometimes.

[@kevinl1492]

I just got an OM Systems TG-7 and I am taking it with me on walks, trying it out. So far, so good. I have no plans to go rafting, but rain, snow and accidental drops are absolutely no problem. It is going to be a lot of fun.

[@JackFlanders]

Costa Rica. I visited there as my second overseas trip wayback in the mid 80s. In those days you could change your Travelers Checks on the street (black market) for a better than bank rates. Great holiday!

[@davebarclay4429]

Great video. After years of DSLRs I have sold off most of my gear and now my main camera is a Canon G7X Mk2. I love it to bits, it does everything I need or want from a camera, it goes in my pocket and above all it doesn't weigh a couple of tons.

[@amcorke]

So true. The latest technology does not make a better photographer. But like so many things in life these days, the powers that be insist we must have the latest gear - in order to line their pockets! You're so right that the money is better spent learning more rather than buying more. Thank you.

[@elaynedix]

thanks so much. A good lesson ...well put w your smile. Interested in what more you offer

[@weekendwanderer5514]

Good video. It's too bad that both OM System and Panasonic seem to have given up on making this type of camera. In the U.S. a used copy of the LX10 listed on B&H or MPB goes for nearly twice what you paid for it. Prices are going up and they're getting harder to find.

[@pembridgehouse]

Great video. I love your bubble illustration.

[@WiseGuy02]

Enjoyed this video. I recently bought a Sony W55 for fun. I was surprised how good it was at night. The night setting works quite well, and black and white photos at night are even better.

[@chrisrumm73]

I agree with you, I've got a Panasonic LX10 as well and love it! Was thinking of taking that instead of my Sony A7R III for this trip because I'm just going to see family so don't need anything big and bulky. Great video.

[@Cubeforc3]

This is still my wife's camera and I've used it a ton as well. It's so easy to take in a purse or bag and it gets great shots. Kinda going against the spirit of the video but I would love a new version with all the advancements in processing power and autofocus that a 2024 LX15 type camera could bring. There's probably more of a chance of Sony doing this with another version of their RX100 but I've always preferred Panasonic's handling and menus.

[@johnwilson6721]

There's a lot of sense in what you say. I bought my first SLR in 1959 but now have TZ 100 because i have sailed for many years and a camera needs to be compact but usable in sunlight, needing an eye-level finder. I carry it in a pocket every time I go out, which I certainly didn't with an SLR. It doesn't do quite all I need with wildlife, but has given me much pleasure, especially with the touch-screen ability to place my focusing point.

[@daviddunmore7076]

I completely agree, My main camera is a Sony RX100 IV and my other camera is a Fuji S9400W bridge camera. The only exrtras are some ND and colour filters, a Macro/0.25X ultra wide adapter lens and a couple of slave flashes.

[@jamieelwell9406]

Thanks for this fellow northerner! As someone just casually looking into starting this hobby, I am sure you have already saved me many an hour wasted looking at 'all the gear' Thank you for pointing out that as with most hobbies, its about having fun and developing the skill rather than buying all the gear.

[@pitstop_calvin]

Of course I needed the new OM 1 Mark 2. I needed it because I didn't have a camera! The OM 1 ii is my first "real" camera. Of course there's a huge learning curve but I love it! 😊

[@aleoli.photography]

Great video update! Reminded me of Kai's old series "Pro Photographer, Cheap Camera" - you know and all pros know that the vision and the idea are more important than the kit. Well, we know it in hearts but it is good to be reminded that we need to know it in our heads too! As an aside, I hear too often from wedding photographers that their pitches are turned down because"Uncle so and so has an expensive camera so he's offered instead." Oh dear, not always but too often, it ends in an unhappy place.

[@haroldgraham4441]

Fantastic story and observations

[@schoi604]

Thank you for your kind words to us beginners in photography with limited budget.

[@abchappell01]

This was an absolutely wonderful video presentation, and one that I think that we all needed to hear. Your viewpoint is right on point 😊

[@PapaBruno]

2:23 Totally! I just bought a used ZS40 and have been amazed by the pictures I've taken with it thus far. I only wish it had a flip up screen. I might have to upgrade to this for thr QoL upgrades like the pop-up flash and dedicated aperture ring. Great video. 😊

[@waynealejo]

I couldn't believe I wasn't subscribed! I've been watching you for months 😭

[@HoLeeChit11]

So much common sense from one so young. You’re brilliant.

[@artyshefartsy]

I love this, you're such a good teacher! I love learning these life lessons from you and it inspires me to just get out there and shoot

[@FrancoisMcinnes]

Agree, my problem with older cheaper gear for street photography, is the autofocus. I sold my beautiful Pen-F and my M5 because of that. Same as my fuji100F. I shoot mostly at night, from the hip, scene with people walking, bikes, etc. I would typically get 20-40% out of focus pix. Now carry a bigger (kinda) E-M1, which is more reliable, but still not as accurate as my sony A7r3. The other issue with the more compact camera is their electronic zoom lens. It’s typically not quick enough to power on and zoom in or out accurately when u see a moment which sometimes last 3-4 sec. do u have a fixed lens 50mm compact but with amazing AF to suggest. Damn, I wish they would do my Olympus SP a digital version. Love your content. Tks for your videos.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Agreed. I’ve been recently carrying much smaller and lighter not caring that other’s may not view me as professional

[@ruralan]

What a beautiful topic. So so good as usual!

[@corykphotography]

I agree with this so much! I have an Olympus E-M1X for extreme weathersealing and for birding and other wild life qnd and hiking. Then I have the Nikon Z5 for full frame paid client portrait shoots. I'm currently working on getting either a Lumix LX100 or Canon G5X for edc and as a fan at concerts.

[@pdtech4524]

Agreed, a lot of photographers focus (pardon the pun) on having the latest, must have gear costing thousands, rather than concentrating on the actual 'photography'.😊

[@low-res-nic]

i had a Sony Alpha 6000 for a longer time, started with an ancient Canon 600D! i took some amazing photos with them, now i own a 6400 series Alpha and the A7 iii, still take great pictures and stuff… so for me its the not the age of the equipment, its the use for it! its what you want to do with it, how you can hold it, how it feels for you! all these things are WAYYYYYY more important than age

[@alancuthbert2446]

I've had mine for 3 years and its a great camera. Some of my best photos have been with it, and it's great for hiking. I've got a Sony a6400 and a7c and only have 4 lenses, so I really cut back on weight and equipment. Great video 👍

[@VGMO17]

So spot on. Love your take on it. It's wild when you consider the legends of photography made history with basic and rudimentary gear that would fall short in all aspects compared to modern gear. As you said, 🧠👈

[@0Rocha0]

I never comment on videos, but this was genuinely fantastic, necessary and timely! thank you so much!

[@loushared6602]

One of your best Emily! I really enjoyed that x

[@smart770]

My first watch of you. Well done. Insightful comments and inspirational. Thank you. I've subscribed.

[@hundsboog]

Its the idea - not the gear. Brilliant!

[@Landmeinz]

I’m going to pick up a used GX85 here soon to get back into photography 😊

[@GarrettXPrime]

excellent, sound, grounded in reality, advice in this video. subscribed

[@BellaKar]

I think people forget that people have been shooting with cameras for years and years and prior to current technology they were still getting incredible images! Advancement is brilliant but it can blinker us to functionality and creativity. This is a brilliant video for bringing this to light and a lot of beginners do need to hear this so that they can just get their hands on any camera and just start snapping to get a feel for it and all the elements involved in photography rather than just gear. 🎉😊

[@DanniPortillo]

Still loving my Panasonic LUMIX GX85 with my Leica 25mm F1.4

[@vermis8344]

Just bought a 14mm lens for mine. 🤜🤛

[@DanniPortillo]

@@vermis8344 the smallest lens with AF by Lumix. Oh boy I remember that lens gave me a lot of great pictures.

[@busydadscooking001]

Seconded :D I have GX85 and mostly use Lumix 20mm 1.7 (i) and Olympus 45mm ... Ironically I just learn Lumix discontinued the GX9, meaning the "worse" GX85 has now outlived both the GX8 and GX9 hehe...

[@karim2k]

Well said, it summarize the whole community spirit!

[@gblan]

I love going to gatherings (those kind in the middle of the big circle) with my teeny 7.1mp Canon ELPH SD1000. I take piles of photos, fix them up a bit in post, and send them off to friends. They're amazed at what that little camera can sill do.

[@olafweyer859]

Oh man, I'm happy for you, I had an online job for 7.5 years and moved to Costa Rica till 2023. Lost the job, couldn't find something similar and am now back in Europe, sniff. I bet you had an awesome time there.