How I approach Buying Cameras (avoiding the gear traps) 

you’ve obviously got a great point about gear not making you a better photographer (and sometimes making you worse), but caring about ergonomics isn’t shallow. some people can live without caring and that’s great! those of us who need good ergonomics aren’t shallow tho, it’s no different than some people needing color and art in their life and others not really caring about their interiors and being comfortable everywhere. neither one is superior. i can’t work under fluorescent lights. good lighting makes me want to work more. that doesn’t mean i’m leaving my motivation to lighting. bad ergonomics make everything a struggle. struggling with a tool isn’t noble and it doesn’t make my photographs better. and if you study art history… great painters are often inspired by materials. they’re often inspired by asking “what if…?” and “what can i do?” saying that is a negative thing is like saying photographers can’t be inspired by light. it’s a medium. of course it can be inspiring. also, i buy gear for the fun of using it and the images it gives me that i can’t get anywhere else. therefore the only thing i can’t get enough of is quirky old lenses but luckily they’re cheap.

Hey Sean. You raised some great points and your videos are my absolute faves - It’s so refreshing to subscribe to a photographer who focusses their work towards developing themselves, rather than the latest and greatest gear / web tool / etc. Years back I was a sports photographer, and the required tools were simple: Speed, battery life, reach & reliability. End result, 2x 1D4’s, 400mm f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and a 24-70 f2.8. Now as tiles has moved on and I’ve got older, I shoot weddings and have with me a whole bunch of stuff: 2x 5D4’s, 70-200 / 24-70 / 16-35 / 135 / 85 / 35 / 24. My point is that I have all this ‘gear’ but they are just tools. They get used, abused, I can work them with my eyes shut, but when the day is done, they’re packed away and forgotten about until the next gig. I’m not saying I have no love for camera gear. For me it’s like a carpenters chisel; they know exactly how it works and what it can and can’t do, but it’s a tool. They control it. It doesn’t control them. On a side note - My personal stuff is shot on a 5Dmk1 or 1DS mk1 and a 35. Solid tools that I don’t worry about, meaning I can focus my energy in creating. If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Thanks for all that you do Sean. 👍

Great video! I myself started with Canon DSLR’s and found them capable cameras but felt they lacked the ergonomics and feel of older SLR’s when I began shooting more film. Fujifilm filled that need for me. At the end of the day the photos are really what is most important and finding the box that does that works for you is an amazing feeling.

I love the guitar players statement near the end... I just decided they were the tool for me. There's something about owning limited gear and just maxing out what you can do with it. You also spend less time stressing about what to shoot with and you just go shoot.

"Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?" pleaded Janis Joplin in the 60s. Now that I've dated myself I have to explain that I am a rangefinder addict. Been through most types of cameras from large format view, TLR and SLR, but when I stumbled on the Fuji X-Pro 2, I had to have it. That led to an X-E3 for a back-up body, then an X-100V for daily carry. But, I always fancied a Leica, so I fell for a Q2 Monochrome and eventually an M-10R. I got my "Mercedes Benz" and use it alternately with all the others, enjoying each immensely and producing images that satisfy me. Moral of the story: Life is fragile and brief-do that which makes you happy.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I do agree with most of your points. I do however, prefer to at least see and handle the camera bodies before buying. I don’t care much about how they look, but i like to see the materials used in detail (mostly make sure there’s nothing too flimsy or might cause annoyance) I’ve whittled down my lens line-up to 4 lenses now, 2 of which i bought used. I have a wide angle f2.8 zoom, a standard f2.8 zoom, a compact prime for portraits, and a compact telephoto. I

Love this. I still shoot with a Nikon D750 and i often get asked when i am going to upgrade to mirrorless. The D750 was launched in 2014 but still does everything i need. Sure, there are some nice to have features on mirrorless cameras like eye AF but that doesn't improve me or my technique. In fact you could argue Eye AF and other AI features of modern mirrorless cameras detract from the photographer and can slow down your progress if you allow the camera to make too many of your decisions.

I've never had anyone tell me 'you used this model camera and lens to make that photo' Photography is part of my skillset, I shoot portraits, weddings, events etc. for friends because I want to. Not a pro by choice, I consciously only have one camera and one lens and only change when there is a big leap in performance. Its about IQ and AF. Don't care too much about size with one camera/lens. And inspired by Sean in an older vid, I do all editing in my phone. I'm mobile and I don't ever have to think what to bring. Shot 10 years with 35mm FL only, a great limitation teaching composition, now got a zoom as they are so good nowadays. And I never talk about gear on forums, but interesting to read when researching gear ;)

I waste so much time watching camera gear reviews but Whenever I want to see a photographer talking about the art of photography, I come to Sean ❤

MPB is the new Squarespace. It's the third "photo-oriented influencer" today (in a row !) that is sponsored by MPB. And all 3 have a new camera 🤔 I absolutely get it that everyone as to make a living, but that MPB campaign is a little too obvious. Like we say here in Belgium. : "trop is teveel".

I get the reasoning behind the third trap, and this is coming from someone who has recently made the same exact choice as you, buying the a7c because it was the right tool that I needed, but I honestly have to say that there is something to be said about the importance of a good user experience when it comes to these devices, and how that can make tools stand in the way when you do have the motivation to shoot. I love the results coming out of the a7c, but I often find myself joking that the a7c is a camera that hates its user. Everything from button placement to the software design seems to be made with complete disregard for the user, so learning to use this tool (even though I am an experienced photographer, just never shot on a Sony before) has become an extra hurdle on the way to creating images, the path from intent to execution becomes longer, until I get to a point where I feel that I’ve learnt the camera enough that is. So in a way sure, don’t let the camera be the one in the driver seat of your motivation, but there’s definitely something to be said about cameras that kind of pump on the breaks… or maybe it’s just me.

When I want to photograph people, their first instinct is to look at the camera and lens to see if they are "nice" which helps them decide whether or not I am going to take a good photo. It distracts from why I wanted to take their photo and suddenly makes me the subject instead of them. It even makes me feel self conscious and perhaps more likely to mess up what I am trying to accomplish in photographing them. I admire that you choose the workman quality of a smaller kit that does what you need. Not only is it portable, it doesn't turn the eye of your subjects to you; especially when you want the focus to be on them.

Sean, I couldn't agree with you MORE! I've done this since I picked up my first 'pro' camera. Moreover, I've made it a rule -- being that I shoot photography and videography for my full-time income -- that I never buy new equipment that I didn't earn the money for with my current gear. It's far too easy to get into a cycle of buying whatever new toy is hot at the moment, under the premise that I 'need it' to progress professionally, then end up being in debt and stressed, taking any low-ball job that comes my way. This way, I also never upgrade til I'm certain I've wrung every last ounce of potential out of my old kit, and can be confident WHAT I want to be able to accomplish, and how THIS specific purchase will get me there, AND that what I want to do has value to my CLIENTS, not just me as an artist. I'm not opposed to making purchases for artistic purposes, but I separate those from business ones (and use different funds!).

Spot on with your thought on this video…. Superb as always…. Hope this finds u well…. Until the next one…. Be well and press on!!

Lovely video. I found myself in that scenario where I was scared to use my gear for fear of damaging it. I am now happily using a 15 yo Canon 5d mk ii and similar aged L lenses. Yes it's heavy and the auto focus is naff but I love the handling and results.

100% accurate Sean. Love your videos. I completely relate to everything you said. I can feel the vulnerability and transparency you bring to your videos. 🙏🏻

Very good video & in my opinion spot on. I started with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 when I moved to Uruguay quite a few years ago. I had been shooting with Canon digital but the lenses were quite large & I wanted to travel light. I have travel quite a bit since then & have not switched systems, although I have upgraded to to the OM1 2. I have found the OM1 2 does everything I want it to do , the lenses are excellent, & my results have been all I need. I also feel the cameras do feel wonderful in hand!

Beautiful opening man! Wow

Thanks so much for all your work, I appreciate your teaching and sharing a lot!

I bought a cheap drone and it sat on a shelf for fear of crashing it. I know exactly what you're talking about. Thanks for discussing these, Sean.

Cameras I’ve gone through, Panasonic GH3, Fuji Xpro1, Canon 1DX, Sony A73, Fuji XT30, Sony A7C, Fuji X100V, Fuji Xe4, and now my favourite to date, Sony A7S3….just imagine all the lenses too…..daft.

This really spoke to me. Thank you for taking the time to put this into words.

It’s such an easy trap to fall into. I have two systems, one is an Olympus PENF with a few primes and zoom, i use that for travelling or where I can’t take a lot of kit and need it to be light, with my main kit being a canon 6D2 with lots of red ring primes. I bought the penf because it was beautiful, I can’t deny but it’s not until you print out you realise it’s very very difficult to tell what was used. Some of my best images were taken with an old canon 450d and plastic fantastic 50mm or 24mm. There is something to be said about having tools for the job though, if you’re a working professional then having tools that make your process easier or more consistent you can justify but collecting cameras is a dangerously expensive hobby. Sometimes you just need that pointed out.

Excellent video, Sean. I am guilty of those mistakes; was guilty. Maybe now after watching this video, I will count myself as one who is not afflicted by them any longer. Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge.

I do admit fancy cameras like the X100 has a gimmick to it, but really it's the same thing in the end. I use a Canon RP, and a 2005 5D interchangeably; one to give me ease of use, and another to keep me humble and slow down some. If I do my job well, I can't tell the difference between images from the two when put on the web. I did fall into a trap of gear before, and I've a Nikon d610 and lenses I don't need, and a 5D2, which is just the same thing but a little different. I plan to gift one and sell the other. I also bought into a sigma art 35mm 1.4, when I had a 40mm 2.8 I already loved - and assumed this new one must be even better. Maybe, but it's bigger, heavier, and I rarely want that large format look of wide angle thin depth of field to begin with. I might keep it around, but its a reminder that despite it being more money, it doesnt make it better for YOU. I've got a 90mm 2.8 macro from the 90's, it cost me 30 dollars. It's good enough. I think a good prime is still worth having over the similarly priced zooms, once you know what focsl lengths you like most.

This is interesting. Like you I see cameras as tools to be used. They don't take photographs on the shelf, usually. If they get scuffed up in the field, so be it. However I rank ergonomics rather high when looking at new cameras.

You are absolutely correct.. I see life in images.. My mother bought a camera for me when I was ten.. a kodak box brownie.. Most "photographers" have no talent.. So.. they buy equipment and books.. the best camera?.. My Canon 5D mk2.. The colour-science Canon uses?.. Kodak.. I always shoot in raw.. I develop in Light room 5 and 6..my inspiration?.. LIFE

For a while I wanted the a7C for my needs, I think it’s the best bang for buck. Unfortunately there weren’t any available during Covid and ended up buying a Zcam for video while keeping my Fuji for stills.

You helped me! Thanks for sharing

I noticed the A7C tag on your recent photos from London on Instagram and was wondering whether you were going to talk about it in a video soon, thinking that you probably wouldn’t since you don’t do gear reviews. I’m somehow glad you do address it, but in the way that you do. Regarding seeing cameras as tools: I saw a video the other day from Jamie Windsor talking about this and the way I understand it, he comes at it from a different angle. He suggests that cameras are "merely" tools to a certain degree (e.g. as a wedding photographer, having dual card slots is pretty much a must), but other than that, it can be important to have an emotional connection to gear. I tend to agree after wanting to not see it that way, but I personally find myself very much influenced by whether I like the object itself. Not that I’m suuuper particular about it. But I do pay attention to how the surface of a camera feels, how the buttons sound, ... that sort of thing. Oh, yeah. And shutter sound. Vital. 😎 Shooting with my 35mm film camera is by far the most satisfying shooting experience for me. Nothing comes close. Does that translate to the best photos? I wouldn’t say that. But I do enjoy it a LOT more than shooting digital. VERY interesting you mention that interview with the guitarist. I play guitar and I can watch hours of reviews and demos without having a clue whether an instrument is "right" for me. The last two times I bought guitars, I knew within seconds after picking them up that I wanted to buy them. After that though, I’ve definitely had them sit in my room and stare at me, asking me what I was going to do with them. I do feel more pragmatic about cameras than about guitars however and I think you raise some good points here. Btw. I got an A7C a couple of weeks ago too. 😀

Totally agree. Literally an A7iii can be someones last camera they ever bought. What else do people need? Unless you are an Olympic/pro athlete/wildlife photographer- you don’t need better specs or more frames per second etc… nice video man. I have two Sony a9 cameras for a couple years now. It is more than I need to get fantastic images.

Thanks Sean, it is always very interesting to listen to you. I totally agree with you that the gear are just tools and the tools you use is irrelevant as long as they help you create what you want. Only half joking I sometimes say that you don't need a camera to photograph, you only need the camera if you want to save the image. That said I don't agree at all with that ergonomics is secondary, for me that is the most important aspect of any tool. The camera has to be out of my way when I'm photographing or I will lose focus on what is important, the image, and spend it on the mechanical task of setting up the camera for the shot. If I have to fiddle with the buttons the image is probably long gone before I'm ready and if that happens the tool is worthless.

What a perfect timing! I'm planning to upgrade my camera soon, because I feel limited by the ISO and AF performance of my current one. However I do feel that it's really easy to fall in these traps you mention. Also, I find really interesting your perspective on ergonomics and such: while I think it's important to get a notion of how the equipment is going to feel in your hands, as far as I can recall, I haven't really "tested" any camera I've owned before buying it. Perhaps my way of thinking was influenced by forums. Great video as always!

Thank you, Sean. Really.

What you are saying here is a key element of the advertising power of RU-vid. Cool people doing cool things in cool places with cool gear. If you get that gear, then you, too could be a cool person doing cool things in cool places. Haul out that credit card and buy that thing and you are halfway there. Oh! But wait. There is another cool person video and you realize you need that thing too.

funny I just did it the other way around... started as a canon shooter, then I went to fuji, then I went to Sony (A7IV) and now I sold all my sony stuff and got back to where I felt most inspired to go shoot ... A fuji X-PRO3 ... :)

The same fear of breaking my stuff resulted in my even selling my first camera because I ended up never taking pictures of it. It was a D3300 and 18-105mm which may isn't high end but still expensive for me as a student back then. And I had so much fear of breaking it somehow, that I never took it with me and then thought that I don't take pictures so I can sell it anyway... Now I'm running with a used D7000 and soon a Sigma 70-200/2.8 and I couldn't be happier and mostly don't even think about upgrading. Because if I do and because I still don't have a lot of money, I may end up in the same loop as before.

Thanks Sean, great video. I did however just buy a new camera, but… I am selling my old one. 😂

I thoroughly enjoy working with most any camera. I have a selection myself I have built. I don’t however see it as chasing the ability to get better. I make money with my entry level canon camera from 2018. And when you share or print images it’s no longer what it was taken on that matters but rather how good is your image. I have goals of a better camera. I work at camera store and it’s tempting to not buy them all. I want a specific combination of camera to replace my entry level and so far each brand isn’t there yet.

I kind of get this. Just bought into the Fujifilm system (XT4) as a christmas gift to myself (usually i'm on full frame canon dslrs). Bought some lenses like the 23f2 and the sigma 56 1.4 I am kind of disappointed. It's not very ergonomic and I'm not impressed with the image quality. The IBIS is nice, it can recover a lot of shadow details, but the raw files look worse in lightroom than capture one, which I don't want to use or buy because it's too expensive. The film recipes / simulations are very disappointing to me, but I bought into the hype because of all the preachers. The 23f2 is honestly a complete piece of shit. The only good thing is that it's small. I will keep using it for some months. I keep telling myself that I don't like APS C because I like to hide behind full frame bokeh and dynamic ranges, and I can't think up a shot well enough to get it right as a jpg directly. But i'm honestly underwhelmed by almost everything about the camera. I get better looking shots from a 14 year old canon 5d mark II

very well said .. thx

I'm still using my a7rii and whenever I see new gear im always tempted but at the end I didn't find the changes a necessary upgrade for my personal use although I have been looking for a small camera for travel and street since my a7 and various lenses gets heavy

Thanks Sean

I think that in a way these 3 traps are ever present, consciuosly or unconsciously. The important thing is to be aware of them and manage them properly and, perhaps, also have some fun with them

I love the last point about motivation. My other hobbies (guitar in particular) is REALLY bad about these things. If I hear something is worth it “Because it will be an heirloom” again, I’m gonna puke.

Amen!

I am one of the sad ones... entrapped by gear, looking for another toy to play with (but not having the money to execute my move)... I own a 5Dii and I am drooling over a 1DX Classic, hoping this will kick me in the backside to shoot more once I have it.... if I ever get my hands on one LOL I KNOW the 5Dii is capable to generate wonders, but I simply lack the drive to play with it....

Excellent points, Sean! I’m in this very predicament currently to transition from heavy DSLRs and lenses to lighter weight, smaller, manageable gear… even to transition photography genres. Thank you!

Always interesting

Hi Sean, it has taken me about 45 years to arrive at the points you raised. Thanks for summarizing this points. Since concentrating on creating compelling images with what gear I have with me, I am a less frustrated photographer 😊

Well, you've hit me with points 2 and 3 :))) I've sold my fancy Canon gear (nothing to complain about them, they were nice jewelry) and got myself and XT-3 and 35mm because I was thinking of smth light and sticking to only one lens. It changed everything, so dear people: Sean has really valid points.

Started with a Sony crop sensor and moved to a Sony full-frame a couple of years later. (Yes, it highlighted how much I had to grow.) The best decision I made after purchasing the full-frame and three lenses was stop watching YT videos on camera gear. I stopped reading reviews and purposely ignored all new releases for more than a year. Once there was two or three new cameras/lenses past what I already had, the fear of missing out and the need to have "better" equipment... just disappeared. It made me happy and I appreciated the camera in my hands much more. Still, I do baby my equipment so gotta work on that. Thanks for another great video, Sean.

'Avoiding the gear traps' "This video is sponsored by MPB." I couldn't help but have a little chuckle.

Thank you for this video. I really enjoy your channel!

I needed this I have bought over 150k in gear, now I have so much it’s overwhelming that I am stuck, I now have 5 full systems, and I don’t even have a photograph business yet, I will say my wife is so understanding with me, I love her so much

MPB is great for buying gear, but not so great for selling. I honestly don't know who sells on mbp, they severely undercut the real value

I came to photography after 25 years of fine art background. One thing that always stood out, was how blown away most other photographers here were to find out I had only been shooting a couple of years when I first started. The reason was my understanding of lighting, composition, and emotion from that art background. My approach to gear has been heavily shaped by this: If you believe the gear will make you a photographer, then you'll be replaced when that gear becomes obsolete. But if you are the artist that creates, and the camera is just the tool, then no new gear can replace you. People have never asked what camera those photos were shot with when they see my work....they ask who the photographer was. For that reason. Create, and always grow. You'll be irreplaceable.

I like gear/new stuff and I've probably switched around too much, searching for the right combo that made me as happy as my old D700 DSLR did, but I think I'm to the point where I'm very happy with what I have and don't truly need anything else. I admit I do have two different systems (Nikon and Fuji) and 3 camera total, but it's just a hobby for me and something I enjoy, so I don't mind having two different systems. I have minimal lenses though because I just don't need too many lenses. There's a comfort in getting to the point where you are definitely happy of content with what you have. I think the biggest trap people need to be careful with is not worrying about what the OTHER person has. If it's what you need and want, OK...but you don't need it just because someone else makes nice photos with it or they tell you THIS brand or that is the right one for you. Nonsense. What's right for you is what's right for you...and don't worry about what anyone else thinks, if you know you can use that camera to make the images you want or need.

The camera and lenses are just tools, and are worthless unless they work for your purpose. I typically go for gear that’s a couple generations old so that I can afford the features that are important to my work, which is durability and weather sealing. I work with various militaries and once you’re in the field, what you have, it has to work, and I can’t have a bunch of spares or backups. So for me it’s worth it to sacrifice a few features and megapixels to know that my camera will keep firing when I’m out in the field in the pouring rain, crawling through mud, and occasionally slamming it in to things as we’re sprinting for cover. On the flip side, when I did marketing photos for apartment buildings, I carried a little Sony RX100 which was quick, light, unobtrusive and easy to operate. I’d never take it out in the rain though or subject it to the rigors of military life. Know your purpose and only get gear that supports it.

After I got the Ricoh GR II and GR IIIx, which I used to see as boring cameras, but now they have completely changed my perception of cameras, as they just make me concentrate much more on the subject, and I don't care about they don't look as professional as my Sony equipment. Don't get me wrong, I'm still happy with my Sony equipment, but it's like I work in a different way with the small cameras that I enjoy a bit more, so now I'm also more motivated to photograph more 👍

Love this … I bought an XT2 some years ago now. It does everything I want (and more, I’m still learning). I’ve had a long slump, but am going out with a friend today to see if I can remember what to do!

I've gone regressionary. These days I prefer to shoot with MF lenses. So I don't need and definitely don't want to pay for some of the more recent camera tech advancements. I still love using my XT-2 that I bought years ago. If I needed to replace it, I'd try to buy another XT-2 and I think I'd be happy to buy an XT-1 at a good price. The one thing I want from the newer Fujifilms are the film simulations. But those alone aren't worth paying extra. IMO, for stills, the great part about "camera romance" these days is that for most types of pictures, you can buy the romantic cameras for like $500

The cameras I use has to matter to me personally, and I only use 2 at the minute. My main camera for everyday is the GRII and for landscape I use a sigma dp0 Quattro. The latter is not an easy camera to use but I just have a love for them. I don't really have any interest in the latest and greatest camera on the market, I get more of a kick in trawling eBay for the old and unloved cameras that are now just an unwanted toy. I suppose I'm a bit addicted to the collecting side but when I see an Olympus e-300, with such a beautiful CCD sensor for less than £100, for example, I can't say no, that's why I've got nearly their whole line of Evolts lol. My advice to anyone who wants a camera more for the image it produces is to try an old CCD sensor camera. Their a difficult beast to master which in turn will make you a better photographer but they are so cheap it's unreal. Nothing worth doing should be easy.

I don't want to choose between being a photographer and a gear collector. For me, 50% of the fun in photography is falling in love with gear, lusting for it, acquiring it, having fun playing with it, and then either keeping it or selling it because it did not live up to my hopes. The other 50% is taking beautiful photos.

You're definitely on point about the fetishization of commodities like the camera, I just don't know if I'd say ergonomics and UIs are connected to that consumerist tendency. A good camera won't motivate you to use it more, but an uncomfortable/ annoying camera will definitely motivate you to use it less.

Brother Sean, usually I'm a bit philosophical regarding your videos because I seek to encourage you. But not this time. Thankfully I don't wrestle with GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) largely because camera gear has become so expensive for a hobbyist like me. So, I use my old gear while honing my skills. But, I keep coming back to this video for the B-roll. The scenes and locations really have character (i.e., not the oft-times sterility of modern photog and videography). Something about this particular B-roll touches me inside. Continue on your journey, my Brother. Peace.

An old wedding photographer once told me: you are not going to arrive at the event with a small camera 😭

My Fuji is really fun to use, I love turning and seeing my settings on the dials. If it’s fun I will take more pictures. I also took some great shots with Sony cameras and my Canons are so wonderfully intuitive and easy to use but I keep choosing the Fuji to take with me.

Good video, I must be a bit of an oddball too. The first time I held the Pentax K-1 was when the mailman handed it over. Fortunately Pentax are renown for super ergonomics so it immediately felt right at home, everything laid out perfectly with menus that made complete sense. Later came the XT4, and again the first experience holding it came after the Amazon delivery. I hated how it felt at first (Pentax spoiled me), but being pragmatic like yourself I knew this was the right tool for the work I was going to do moving forward and was wise enough to know that things like ergonomics and menus are just learning curves you need to go through. Eventually that new awkward thing that causes finger strain and headaches no longer plagues you, you have bonded with the camera both physically and mentally. In fact I make a point about this with other togs, the opposite can be very harmful (being unable to let go and pass through the other side of learning something new both physically and mentally). It is nice to feel a pull to picking up a certain camera, I think we have all been there but you're spot on about being cautious where you put your motivation. I do find it interesting however, that many people won't batter an eyelid when upgrading camera bodies (and losing thousands in the process), however to buy a new lens they will scrutinize over incessantly. I recently purchased the Kipon/IBELUX 40mm f0.85 and adore the way it renders, this was not a cheap lens but its style and what it achieves is very unique. You won't really be able to tell a difference between an image shot on my $1k XT30II vs the latest $3k XH2S, however taking an image with the IBELUX 40mm vs another fast aperture lens will render quite differently. If we're talking gear that actually results in different images then lenses typically will do that more than camera bodies, but somehow we are harder to separate our funds with glass than bodies (despite glass holding its value better and for longer). Good message Sean.

One of the best videos I have seen in the subject. I'm one of those people who bought a lot of expensive stuff and found myself learning a lot from that journey. The conclusion was exactly the one you brought up: I have nothing but me to blame my shortcomings in photography. My tale on it is, that if you're not able to produce fantastic images with gears from 2013, no gear in the world will help you. While I still use all of my lenses, even 70 y o ones(!), I don't recommend walking the path I did. After 20 years of shooting, I'm still curious and trying to improve myself. But that I didn't know when I spent A Lot of money on gears. Most people loose their interest in hobbies quickly. My standard advice is have fun, explore, try everything, and if you still like it after five years - shoot!

I'm Indonesian and I like how you explain things Thx

Eventually, you realise that your art is what matters, not the specific brush you used to create it. I love these discussions. I was having one with a friend last night comparing analogies of being a photographer versus a musician. There are so many transferable lessons between creative fields. Nice work as always, Sean!

Couldn’t agree more. I’m a working photographer still using an X-t2 and just two primes.

I just really value your videos. I have a Fujifilm X-E4 & have recently bought a Leica Q (116) not the new one. My problem is that if I have not been able to set it up as "in my my mind" as "perfect" then I can't seem to use it. Holding the cameras & feeling their dials is important to me. Am I making sense?

Photography is not something that has to pay my rent, nor do I have to get every single shot to please fickle clients, nor do I have to be remembered as the greatest photographic artist on earth. So, given that I want to be able to enjoy both the process of photography and get great image quality, why wouldn't I stick with my Pentax DSLR system? BTW, the shine of a camera, lenses, and system you truly love needn't wear off as soon as you seem to assume. My K-3 picked up in 2014 and my DA glass acquired over the years, along with the wondrous world around me, still inspires me to take them out and shoot them to the best possible effect. Does that mean that I wouldn't appreciate being able to upgrade to the amazing K-3 III or add some DA* glass to my kit? Why not do both, protect your dreams and do the best photography you can? That said, Sean, don't get me wrong: I do respect and love your courage and eloquence in expressing your opinion. If it works for you, then take that pragmatic approach, by all means.

As a person with limited funds, gear collecting isn't a big issue for me. Except for trying to buy cheap lenses through goodwill, and then finding there's something wrong with them.

Great video, although I always think a camera is like clothing: it needs to fit you. With the wrong camera, all of my photos are wonky, as it is not balanced correctly. But you are so right, it is not about the gear it is about the images.

Still one of my favorite people on RU-vid - LOVE the philosophy. I'm a hobbyist - and new to it all - so for me - bargain shopping for vintage lenses is part of the hobby - then figuring out if I like and when I like a lens. On the flip side - in the world of vintage - the ergos and functions (for focusing and framing) do count - but the vintage world is a niche. Noted in similar fashion - I still have and use a Sony R1 (slowest of the slow) - and get a huge kick out of using it to create something special. The camera might just be a tool - but for those who have ever freehanded a dove tail or planed manually - having the RIGHT tool does make a difference. Shaun is a PRO - he sets a threshold based on performance and specs - then selects. I'm a hack - thereby certain items make a huge difference (In time savings and often in functionality) - tomorrow if someone took the Alpha 1 EVF, chunked it on a good sensor (Sony 24), ELIMINATED AF and the rear screen (CEPA rating of what - 3000), and gave dual display (Fuji) - and then the same dials/nobs for the triangle - I'd be in line because I'll get to shoot more because the tool FITS. He never used the word FITS nor ADAPT - but I think those are two items that are critical and SUPPORT his point.

Decide what you need/want to do the kind of photography you are interested in. Think about how to accomplish any given image with minimal gear/investment. Once you have made your choices, don't look back. There will always be new cameras coming out and camera companies will always try to convince you that you need the latest models to capture great images. If you are seeking great images of still subjects, you may even want to consider cameras that are not the most technically advanced as maybe the features that the most current cameras are of little benefit to YOU! Practice "seeing" even when you are not making images. Do SOMETHING. By starting with an image, even not with such a good subject, the process may take you to an interesting place just for having begun.

I'm not sure why people get so fixated on gear. The main way to become a better photographer is focus, time, and practice.

For me the spec is only this first step, as unless the camera feels right and controls are well-placed then it’s a no-no. In no other field can I imagine that a craftsman would use a tool that doesn’t fit well in his hands. For my first DSLR I went into a camera shop to by a Nikon but it felt so insubstantial I walked out with Pentax; similarly when wanting a lightweight setup I picked up a Fuji but put it back down and bought an Olympus. Nothing beats handling a camera and lens combination to see if it works for me; there is Japanese phrase which escapes me but is used for promoting the Mazda MX5, effectively man and machine working together as one.

I stopped myself from getting the 7C as there's a pretty big chance a mk2 of it is coming this year, that's basically Sony's bastion on converting APSC shooter into Full frame thus its very likely to get updated periodically. Am staying out with my RX1R for now with its even smaller body.

to be fair, my gfx50r brings me more joy to shoot than my r5. there's something about the slowness and clunkiness, that heavy shutter slap that you can clearly feel, that makes me motivated to shoot differently with it.

I'm totally suffer from G.A.S (gear acquisition syndrome) but I see that as a separate hobby which I enjoy, as long as I don't see it as validation of being a photographer...

that's why I love my 2nd hand bought Sony ZV-e10 my first camera that I actually enjoy using, with the price performance ratio, zv-e10 is the best auto focus I can on that price range.. Don't judge me guys, I have really bad eyesight, I can't trust my eyes to hit a critical focus.. I have a canon 60D before, and my god I can't produce a good photo on that camera, the focus of that camera just doesn't work on me and the viewfinder is useless because I always wear eyeglasses...

I felt that way as well I started in the fujifilm system with the the fuji xt10 after that camera broke down on me I purchased the fuji xm1 but it lacked features so I purchased the fujifilm XT4 and I found my sweet spot which I found myself going out shooting daily. Sometimes I think about gear than I understand it’s the desire of being a gear addict . I work off of what I have.

Thank you, you just saved me from spending £3999 on a Nikon Z8. My Panasonic GH5 does the job well enough.

Totally understand the logic behind the a7c. It's a beast of a camera in such a small body. That said, I just sold mine, just because the viewfinder is like trying to stare through the eye of a needle (particularly bad in the sun with no eye cover) - and the flippy viewfinder is really at odds with my preferred style. I seem to recall you shoot largely using a screen, so it makes sense the EVF wouldn't be a hinderance to you. I respect your viewpoint, but, for me, the tool in question *needs* to feel good enough to make me want to pick it up and use it. . Menu system challenges can be overcome, looks don't matter, but ergonomics and build quality are vital. During the pandemic I made some real errors by buying cameras without getting a feel for them first. 90% of my photography is for my own pleasure, and I *need* to feel that joy when shooting - something that poor ergonomics can crush very easy.

Hi Sean, found your channel after a mention by Alex from The Photographic Eye. “Less reverence to to tools” is going to be my mantra going forward. Subscribed and working my way through your back catalogue with a mug of tea on a cold, windy and rainy morning. Had to stop when I watched the video about your grandmother as there was something in my eyes!!! As a grandfather myself I have a special bond with my 3 year old granddaughter and am building an archive of photos documenting her childhood. It may sound vain but it would be nice to think that after my days she looks back on our relationship with the same fondness you had for your grandmother.

Your book is very well written

Restrictions are the mother of creativity. Being a photographer is being a problem solver, getting creative to overcome limitations of hardware. To me having the perfect camera is recipe to losing creativity. Choosing gear is looking at the output which is closest to the look I want for my style in terms of colour, contrast, tonality & sharpness. The gear that gets me as close to that in camera. That leaves me more time in the field to create a compelling image - composition, perspective and structure. Affordability is important as it’s a hobby and there will be no ROI, it’s just art for arts sake…You have skills and talent and have put in the blood sweat and tears to be able to leverage high end equipment…

Hey Sean! Just subscribed - seriously inspiring work. Funny enough, I went through a similar lens-selling spree a few years back with my Sony A7III. That camera and I just never clicked. Ergonomics felt janky, the menus were a labyrinth, and the colors just didn't sing to me. Luckily, I hadn't parted ways with all my Canon gear yet. Ever since then, I've embraced this weird (but oddly satisfying) habit of swapping out my entire lens kit every few years. It's like a fresh perspective shake-up! Went from an EF 24-70 f/2.8, EF 35mm f/1.4 II, and EF 85mm f/1.2 to an RF 15-35 f/2.8, EF 24mm f/1.4 II, and RF 50mm f/1.2. Next chapter? Ditching the 24mm and 50mm for the brand new RF 35mm f/1.2 and grabbing an RF 100-500mm. It's all about pushing my boundaries and finding new ways to see the world through the lens, you know? Keeps me learning, keeps me interested. Excited to see what you cook up next - keep the fire burning!

I have a very similar setup. A7Cii, Sigma I-Series primes 20mm f2, 35mm f2, 65mm f2. Think I might add the Sony 70-200mm f4 macro when I save up for it. After trying many different lenses and cameras, this just feels right. Definitely experiencing the "what are you going to do with us" right now.

I hope you don't mind if I chose to create some videos about ideas I've heard from your. No worries, I'll always quote you and share your links. Is just that you are one of the photographers that have influenced my photography in such a way that I just feel the need to share it with the world. And I've been shooting for over 40 years. James Popsys and you are my mentors. Roman Fox is a close 3rd.

Great points, and those are really barriers that prevent people from reaching the next level. Especially #3: if you're asking the camera to motivate yourself to take photos, then you clearly have no real interest in photography, it has never been about the camera.

I saw your recent video where you were using the 85mm 1.8 lens. Did you switch from the Zeiss 55? I remember watching your older videos where you mentioned moving from telephoto lenses to standard lenses. What made you switch back? Thank you for this lovely video!

having a coffee in the morning before my day starts and watching/listening to ur videos is kinda therapeutic

Excellent video!

Hi, some great points in this video. Well, I shoot on vintage Digital and film SLRs, some of my best images are shot on my Sony Cybershot DSC R1, Olympus C8080 and a Minolta Dimage 7i and a Konica Minolta A2. For film I use a Canon 55e, or my Canon 300X. I don't use any expensive editing photo software either. My current DSLR is the Canon 200D. Regards Rob.

This was the video I needed to see right now as I have been contemplating buying a new camera to help motivate me to shoot. Maybe its not the gear I need, but a change in perspective and new subjects.