This comment right here is the truth! I've had so many friends buy the newest cameras only to sell it a few months later cause they couldn't stick with photography and would rather use their iPhones to take shots.
Compared to 10 years ago, there are now many great camera options available. However, nitpicking spec sheets can be overwhelming and often leads to wasted time and headaches when trying to choose the perfect "first" camera. As someone who has used Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fuji, I recommend picking a camera that is great or good enough, using it for a while, and then considering other options to find the camera that is near-perfect for you. Nearly seven years have passed since I picked up my very first camera, yet I still continue the journey of discovering my ideal setup with my budget, and the style of photography or video that I want to focus on. Great vid, Pat!
This is the comment that I was looking for. Thank you. I wanted to get a camera I like the look of for shooting family trips and filming mostly still videos for projects. I got stuck in analysis paralysis, but I honestly think i'm just going to get the Olympus EM-10 mk IV.
i know this video is a bit old, but i'm just getting into photography now and acting on my lifetime dream of making this a living, and your videos have made that SO easy. thank you for these videos!!!
Have to say I love how you approach topics. Helping people choose cameras is always stressful! It's hard because there is no such thing as a perfect camera, and pretty much every beginner will just list everything as something they want to shoot. They want a camera that has the best image quality, that gives shallow DOF, that is small, light, flexible, comfortable to grip, with fast autofocus, 4K video with no focus breathing, lots of dynamic range and all for under $800. Basically unrealistic. When helping people choose a camera I help them understand that everything in photography is a compromise, so I give them categories where they have to force rank options. Based on those I will give them 2 or 3 camera choices, and tell them the pros and cons of each. From there we start talking other brand alternatives. One thing to note though is that most the time beginners are very focused on budget (I think because they underestimate just how expensive a hobby it is)... and in my experience their initial budget is usually smaller that it should be. I think a lot of beginners underinvest, don't connect with the gear, and are unhappy with the results. At least with giving options with pros and cons... You can help them make the best decision that they can and get them a camera they love and actually want to carry with them.
Great mix of clear, camera specs/facts and opinion Pat. As they say the best camera is the one you have. Having gone down the rabbit hole of what to buy recently myself I tried to factor in all of the accessories I felt were needed; such as lenses, tripod, monopod, filters, extra batteries, editing software, training/tutorials, travel, printing, etc.. Until I created a minimum list of gear and accessories setting a budget was kind of meaningless to me. This helped inform my decision making. Great stuff Pat. Thanks, signed, the one-handed southpaw.
Thank you for making and sharing this video for free! Buying secondhand is starting to sound like a good idea, now that I've watched your video. I wanted to buy a dedicated camera/tool for photos and videos for an everyday memory log, but the prices (even for fixed lenses cameras) just break the bank.
This was very helpful, I’ve felt lost in the overwhelming amount of options and this definitely gave me some great information on how to narrow it down! Excited to watch more of your videos and learn once I choose my first camera!
Bought a second-hand Sony A7s II this week for my studies abroad in Taiwan, after using my Canon D1200 for the past 6 years. Now I’m looking into lenses and got myself the 40mm G from Sony as a start for Street and Landscape photography. Can’t wait to learn more about the advanced stuff that the camera offers 🎉
A really fun camera that one! You'll enjoy it alot. Such a fantastic sensor. The 40mm G is also a fantastic choice of lens! Great little setup you've got there!
@@patkay I was quite unsure about the lens, because I actually wanted the 35mm, but it’s way to expensive for me to justify buying it, yet. Now, 40mm sits right between 35 and the nifty fifty, definitely not the regular lens, but let’s see what it can do 😬
It's such a breath of fresh air to know you shoot with a 1 inch sensor too. I've been using my 1inch for 7 years! I love it so much coz it's so compact. It shoots great daylight photos and amazing night shots(tripod is a must).
I'm considering another attempt at learning photography/videography, and I've been doing some camera research over the past couple of weeks. In the past I have had a couple of Canon Rebels, as well as an Olympus OM-D E-M10 (sold them all). I have a few cameras in mind, including the Fuji X-S20, the Sony A6700, as well as some second-hand cameras such as the Fuji X-T4, and maybe even the Sony A7iii. I don't have a specific type of content in mind, other than simply documenting my life through vlogging, taking photos around my neighborhood, and taking photos when traveling. The thing about buying a camera is that you are also buying into the lens ecosystem. Right now, I'm thinking of a camera and a single lens that will do the most for me, so that I don't invest too much in a system that I might soon opt to move on from. Sorry, that's long-winded and probably nobody cares, but I thought I'd chime in. Thanks for the video!
@@BaiL781 Did you buy the A73 when it first came out, or did you pick it up later? I'm definitely not opposed to buying used, but one thing I'm seeing is that camera bodies seem to hold their value. A73s are going for about $1200 USD on MPB right now.
Solid video. I am a phone shooter and dislike that I can't get a good shot of the moon, or the Milky Way at night or a good closeup of a bird or rabbit. I am in the market to upgrade. Thank you for the tips.
I know what you mean in terms of second hand being a good start for beginners, however the benefit of buying something new does mean that you know pretty much everything that has happened to the device or machine. There is a learning curve, yes, but at least you're more likely to understand the context of why something might be happening when things go wrong i.e. knowing if it was accidentally dropped or scuffed and so on. And there are outlets that still sell essentially brand new models that are actually at least a few years old, and they will often be cheaper than the latest and greatest. It's up to personal preference, but pros aren't above human error either and that can lead to wear and tear on devices no matter how new they are, so I wouldn't be too deterred from buying a fresh device as long as it's reasonably within a realistic budget for your situation. It really does ultimately come down to budget and your comfort level.
I just got back into photography after a 35 year break and went with a used Pentax K-3 mark 1. I realize it’s 10 years old but I got it, a couple of lenses and a bunch of other accessories for $325 US
Great video and advice Pat! I jumped in about 2yrs ago with the 6400 and tossing up to see if i should save for the 6700 or save even more and go FF. Will you do a video on lenses for 2023?
One important point on pixel count: higher "megapixels" doesn't always mean better pictures. For the same sensor size, if you increase the number of pixels, the physical size of the individual pixel reduces. This in turn means less photons hitting the pixel. A simplified model of the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) at low photon count can be calculated as N/√N=√N. This means that the lower the amount of photons that hit your pixel, the noisier the colours become. Conclusion: higher megapixels (MP) mean better spatial resolution, at the cost of higher noise per pixel.
Did you mean to use the same variable 3 times in that equation? Math class was a long time ago but I don’t get it. Did you mean to use one for pixel count one for photon count and one for signal?
Cuz that equation basically says a number divided by its square root equals the square root of said number which is kinda obvious no? Is it meant to illustrate something or be utilized to find a value?
@@cranberrycanvas I can go through it in more details. The signal is the number of photons, that's intuitive I would say. The more photons hit your pixel, the more information you get. The noise can be modelled with different mechanisms, each of them with its own mathematical formulation that can be more or less complex. In engineering we try to simplify mathematical expressions as much as possible to have simple tools at hand. At low photon count, the simplest model for the noise is √N. Of course this is not exact, but it allows for easy calculations. The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) tells you how strong the signal is with respect to the noise. In our case: SNR = signal/noise = N/√N = √N This tells you that the higher the photon count on a pixel, the better you can resolve the signal from the noise. But if you reduce the size of the pixel to increase your picture resolution, you will pay in terms of SNR. It's a trade off.
@@cranberrycanvas You can look up pixel binning as a technique to improve the SNR at the expense of a lower resolution as an application of the above concepts.
I bought a second hand Sony a7 III for a steal of 900€ with only 10k shutter count and without any signs of use. Paired with a used Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 for 500€ i couldn't be more happy. Buying second hand can save you literally thousands of dollars. I spend 1400€ on a 2900€ setup. The a7iii gives me everything i could need for the next 5-10 years without sacrificing on either photography or videography. E-mount also enables 3rd party lens manufacturers like Tamron whom I am looking to buy a 70-180mm f/2.8 next. For someone not knowing that much of photography or what they want to shoot the a6400 is probably the eay to go.
I feel like I’ve found the best photography channel just going on your ‘moving to Japan’ short video. I’m thinking of getting a Sony ZV E10 in white. Sony is the best but I don’t know if I should really get a white body 🤷♀️
Eventhough I wouldn't consider myself a "bloody" beginner, I have very limited knowledge about cameras. But you, my guy have not lost me for one single second over the whole 25 minutes. I never knew "tech-talk" can do more than putting me to sleep lol. Thanks for the great Video!
Love taking pictures with my phone (s23 fe) the photos come out crisp ans clean . I want to expandd this and going to get a sony bridge camera to practice with . If after a year i atill want to do more i think ill go after an a6000 series . Great video
I’m a big advocate of buying “last gen” flagship cameras over newly released entry level gear. Bought an a7riii and I honestly don’t think it’s possible for me to grow out of it for photography only. There are a lot of great lenses for sony e mount already but the body and it’s capabilities are all I need. Also if you are just a hobbyist photographer, I’d be willing to say that full frame isn’t necessary. But it’s nice to have
I am a beginner photographer. However I have past this stage, so I will throw in my thoughts. It is all about skills (as mentioned). So start by researching some education. If you find something or someone that attracts you, you might just ask them what they recommend for their course; problem solved. If you spend less on the equipment, you can spend more on education, and that is the way to go. In regards to the camera itself, you will find that no matter what you buy, or how much you spend or how good the camera is, you will always be interested in the other brands. Many people have many camera systems, so when it comes to you first camera, you don't have to worry too much. When deciding on a camera, you have the choice of photo only or photo and video in one unit. If you want to take video, then you will want the latest and greatest releases; which have the latest technology. Just pick whatever fits your budget. Make sure you know what lens you need, check that the brand you are looking at has it. Add the price of the body, the lens, the memory cards, the battery. Understand you will need a fast computer and additional storage, the software program to process the video plus of course education for how to use the software . If you only want to take photos, you need to decide on what you want to photograph. That is, is the subject close or distant, is the subject fast or stationary. Fast moving subjects require a camera that can take many photos per second but also, the camera needs the ability to have each of those photos in focus. Sneaky manufacturers advertise many photos per second but the focus accuracy might mean only some of those photos are in focus. Modern developments have led to big jumps in this area, so again you will want the latest releases. Check that brand has the lens you want and check the price. Mirrorless lenses are more more expensive and longer lenses are much more expensive again. If you want to take photos only of near stationary objects or people, then that is the lowest tech requirement. I went with an old professional second hand dslr. I have a Nikon D700 which is from 2008, and it is beautiful.
Hey Pat.... I bought a FUJIFILM XT30 II with XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens for Streetphotography and daily shooting purpose. 😊... it's my FIRST CAMERA 😎
Pat - this was super helpful! I made a note that you had some specific settings in then VZ-1F that you like (i.e. cinematic). Could you share them with me please? I purchased a used VZ-1F...thanks!
My opinion is that a micro four thirds LUMIX camera such as the GX80/85 depending on where you live. They are mirrorless, a nice compact form factor, lenses are very cheap and small. In body image stabilisation is great and the exposure is guided on the screen. It helps as a beginner by showing you a range of where the shutter count and aperture should be. The Lumix app is great for remote viewing and shutter button, as well as sharing jpegs straight out of the camera. Awesome compact camera which is super cheap on marketplace. Got mine for $450 aud so $200 usd
LUMIX is so underrated, especially for Budget and beginner photographers. It has high end features at a very low price(especially used). Only downside is the bad autofocus but beginners probably should learn manual focus pulling anyways. For spending sub $1000 for a camera, lumix is probably the best for specs and features
Yeah like I mentioned, all brands have good and bad things about them. In this instance, I would prefer great autofocus in a Sony body than great IBIS in a LUMIX body, for example. Different strokes for different folks! Thanks for your suggestion! I'm sure it'll help someone here!
@@patkay no way I didn’t ever expect you to reply! You’re one of the reasons I decided to take up photography and your beginner series has helped me so much. I’m just starting out so awesome autofocus isn’t super important as my budget was really small. I had my eyes on a Sony a6400 but couldn’t afford it so Lumix was a great alternative
@@patkay The interesting thing is that AF tech has improved so much - my 2008 Pentax K100D DSLR has awful slow noisy bare-bones autofocus, and my Lumix G95 blows it out of the water in so many ways. Some of the current lenses focus essentially instantly and punch-in lets me actually manually focus. And yet I'm positive that a Sony would blow my G95 out of the water for subject tracking and such.
as far as brand goes, I prefer sony simply because E mount everything, cannon has like 3 different mounts and you need adaptors and they only make OEM lenses which costs a lot more money while Sony allows 3rd party lenses that are a good chunk of change cheaper without losing any quality all with the same mount without needing any kind of adaptor (Nikon isn't a big thing where I live so everything about them is hard to find)
Lens system is very important. Of course now I guess if you want to get adapters you can mix and match. I like to use Canon EF mount lenses. My 2 main cameras are the Canon SL2 and the Canon M6 mark II. I have a speed booster for the M6 II. I think these cameras are good for beginners and they don't lose much over time.
Hey Pat, New subscriber here. Love your videos. I'm new to Photography/Videography and want to know your take in the Sony ZV -E10? I'm going to be really focused on videography and hopefully be shooting realestate with it. Is this a good choice or is there better options?
The way I got into photography was by gaming like GTA 5 with their camera mode where I can get clips and edits those clips into subsections, change the exposure, saturation, vibrance, etc. I did that for like 2-3 years until I moved to doing photography on my iPhone, taking on the spot street photography as a hobby. After that I heard about the part 107 drone license and got that and recently got my mini 3 pro and 🤌🤌🤌, camera is golden even though it’s a used drone. Like you said, people get into photography in many ways, for me, my entry was through gaming
This video is most definitely geared towards someone like me. I have a gopro hero 4 silver that i bought back in 2016 to do video for my wedding. But now that i have 2 kids and I'm going to Portugal in 2024, i would like to have a good camera to capture those moments and memories with my family. Photos and video. I also play guitar and would like to record myself with a decent camera. Everything is so overwhelming, i don't know anything about lenses. But i was looking at the Sony zv e10, but I'm worried about taking pictures in sunlight due to the lack of eye piece. So i was also looking into the canon r50. Just don't know what would be the best bang for my buck to last me the next 10-15 years. Again tho, i want a camera that is going to produce video as good as photos
I'm looking for a compact camera (the size of a phone roughly) that's relatively cheap new or second hand ($150 ~ $200) and produces good quality pictures. Any suggestions?
In my opinion a good suggestion for a beginner who is looking for a camera and is interested in interchangeable lenses system is to inform himself well not only on the camera body but also on the lenses available for that camera body and brand, the price they have and also if there is the possibility of third-party lenses eventually. In my opinion it's very important to find out about the range of lenses available for that brand/camera.
Exactly. Especially given the fact that 'some' types lenses aren't compatible with some cameras. For example, without an adaptor most if not all lenses made for full-frame cameras aren't compatible with APS-C. That's just fact.
Honestly, i'm glad I didn't have a lot of money when i started out. I wanted an A7 IV because it a great hybrid camera and exactly what i want. (I do roughly 60-70% photography and the rest is videography). I bought an Sony A7 Gen 1 with the kit lens and cheap bipod for 450$. Yes, it's not the highest specced cam, and it's old. But for me as a total noob? It taught me the basics of photography. I made mistakes and learned a lot without spending a lot of money, and honestly, my images wouldn't have been any better with a camera that's more then 5x more expensive. My advice would be to get a couple lenses with that extra money which you can use with newer cameras (I went with Sony, so i bought Sony FE Mount lenses)
I am getting a course, that says" we only have equipments for canon cameras 🤓🤓" so buy only canon camera, i think canon sponsored them They are recommending to buy eos rp with W/RF 24-105mm IS STM Lens Any better alternative?
There certainly are a lot of cameras out there! Sometimes if you've been sitting on it for too long, it might help to just pick one, learn, and move on!
The only thing I would;do add to your budget comments is for beginners to understand that interchangeable lens cameras will cost you more in lenses than the camera itself. Only spend half your budget on the camera body
For photography: Honestly, get yourself a good old dslr, a decent used lens, a tripod and some lightning. Learn the craft and enjoy your phantastic images.
Thinking of upgrading to full frame...coming from Canon...I'm thinking of getting the A7RII to be used mostly for stills (landacape, astro, macro)...the battery life is the only thing holding me back...is it still worth it to get for 2023? Originally eyeing A7III or RIII...but still out of my budfet
In the past, i tried to help friends buy a camera. People know what they want. They just don’t ask the right questions. They usually asked « what’s the best camera? ». Told them about a 5k€ body only. Of course they said « oh, no, under that budget ». I then picked the biggest dslr there was. Their answer « but it needs to fit into my pocket ». I ended telling them to stick to their phone and use apps to use manual settings like the Lightroom app. 🤷♂️😅
So you gave them an expesnive camera, then when they asked for one thats lower price you then gave them another expensive camera, then told them to use a phone, how useless are you?
I've been looking around and trying to look for a good hybrid camera. The zve 10 and the a6100 look great but i dont know what i should go for, this is mainly cause of the video features in the zve 10, is it worth it over the a6100 or should i use 100 bucks into the budget of my lens tripod ect?
Hey just trying pick someones brain for good info. Context: my wife wants to start getting into photography but mostly for memories sake. We have little one and she wants to be able to capture Moments quickly and not have to do too much setup. But also would like to dabble into photography a little. I think she will dive fully in once she starts. What camera should I get her that will cover her needs from beginner to hobbyist??
im not a pro or that rich to test big, professional cameras. plus, im also a hobbyist and love to learn and improve my skills in photography for fun. for your wife, im also a woman so for me personally, i took the camera that is light and easy to operate. I tried sony a6400 due to its articulating screen and how the camera is so good for long run in many aspects. but, upon arrival the camera is so heavy for me and i became overwhelmed with the settings of the camera. Immediately i swapped with another brand, which is Fuji X-E2s. Yeah, it is weird because it is a downgrade, BUT now im happier due to how easy for me to bring this camera everywhere (i can lift and operate it with only one hand + i use the XC kit lens which also light). I also love how fuji cameras have the manual dial. I didnt do editing much for the photos so i can easily export the photos out - I love the colour from fuji cams!
so tldr: 1) easy - can just shoot immediately 2) light and small - you can bring the camera everywhere 3) pick a brand and go! (start with understanding what each brand offers) 4) under the brand, pick one within ur budget + the best it can offer for your hobby
i stopped doing photography around 2011 when I lost my (Nikon 450D) and just had the interest back a week ago. I bought a Fujifilm x-a1 for 50$ and been very happy about it. I would love to experience using Sony but this are too expensive even for a newbie.
hey, just wondering where you brought your camera second hand, i’m looking to buy a camera too but i can’t find any super affordable second hand cameras anywhere
@@moonstar4365 howdy! from which country you from? FB marketplace, craigslist or ebay is your best bet. i got mine from a photography group near my place. :)
Great advice Pat bruh, I am wasting time choosing up to 500 bucks cam when I am barely use my phone to take photos. Now I am going to take 100 bucks cam and try to enjoy it. Thanks.
I’ve been getting into photography in the last year after my sister gave me my first camera because she doesn’t use it. After almost a year, I’ve found things I want to improve but I just want to get a new lenses to allow myself to take wider shots along with maybe a cleaner look in camera
3:46 Been struggling with choosing a camera to start with. The fact that you started with the motivation behind the purchase, earned my immediate trust in the remaining content. You walked subscribers through the selection and buying process like a true mentor. My anxiety, racing thoughts, disappeared with each chapter of the videos. You gave so much food for thought, and exceptional instruction that was encouraging, whilst providing a gentle reality check. Thank you so much for your insight, guidance, and patience🙏🏾💜.
What a fantastic video I am about to purchase my first hybrid camera. My camera would be used for great family and landscape photography, filming cars and run and gun stuff like sports etc. I am looking for a Sony APSC sensor. Video must have atleast 4K 60 and I won't mind at least 24 megapixels photos. Can you recommend a camera from sony?? Price range can be 1500- 2000 for the body. Thank you this video. I also will like a good zoom lens I can use for night video and photos.
After years of photography and also watching lots of lots of videos about photography I have to say this is the best video I have ever see. Everything is absolutely correct and clever. Thank you and much respect!
I'm looking for a camera i haven't bought one before. I want one with good quality and that is great for street and landscape photography but I'm on a bought. I want a cheap or affordable camera. I have seen the canon gFx Mark 2 or the Sony Alpha A6400 but that one is a little too expensive for me. I don't know a lot of cameras or beginner-friendly ones. I have only used my phone for photography. which camera would you recommend?
hi! for street and landscape, it's generally a good idea to aim for a smaller form factor which will be lighter for long days walking around and shooting. this usually means going for a smaller sensor; usually APS-C or smaller, which will also come in a little cheaper. consider what kind of pictures you're interested in taking-- do you want to do nighttime or daytime street photography? do you plan on shooting starry skies, or daytime landscapes? modern cameras are getting better and better at handling low light scenarios, but if you're thinking of going for an older model and/or a second-hand camera, then that becomes a bigger consideration. consider also what kind of investment you're willing to make. do you want a camera that you can grow into? if yes, consider models with interchangeable lenses. are you interested in video, or just photography? etc.! You can use these criteria as a way to search and compare cameras to eventually plan your purchase.
I need help! My channel just passed 1000 (yay) and I’m looking to improve my video skills. All of my videos are done at my desk, top down, no vlogging or filming outside or anything. What camera should I get? Looking to spend no more than $1000 if possible! Sony zv e10 maybe?
Pat I'm looking to get into photography and have made the decision not to go the DSLR, mirrorless route. For ease of use and traveling and for the fact I don't want multiple lenses, I'm opting for a quality bridge camera with a zoom range of 24 to 400/600 and a one inch sensor. It will be used for travel, safari (animals and birds) and general family outings/ parties. What should I be considering as options in your opinion? Possibly even a quality point and shoot with a decent lens length? Much appreciated.
You have so many camera... can you donate one for me.... peace. Dont have penny to buy one but im good in filming ... if i can impress you with my video can i have one. Hehehehe
I'm trying to get into photography but there are so many cameras that sometimes I get overwhelmed haha. Does anyone have recommendations of cameras for biginners? I'm looking for a camera that is small or medium size and good for portraits and landscape. PS: The video is awesome 😎🙌🏾
My friends keep telling me to get a Sony a6000 if I can find it for a decent price but I'm hesitant to buy a used piece of camera gear, I'm thinking about getting a ZV-1F after seeing this video, it's better at video than photo from what I've researched.
i suggest looking at lenses you want to use or get a second hand camera and leave the search for later. my dad picked a nikon d90 because it came with 18-105mm zoom lens that he couldn't find on other systems and it almost never left the camera. he upgraded to a z50 because he could adapt his old f mount glass and get an e mount adapter to use a tamron 17-70 f/2.8. i was lucky enough to start with his old powershot g6 which i could learn a lot from, when the d90 broke and was only usable with manual lenses, i switched to that and learned how to use it completely manually. after that i spent months looking for the camera i want to buy and settled with the fujifilm x-s20. to me its a dream camera with all the features i could want and a good selection of x mount lenses, including the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens that is most likely going to stay in my collection as long as i have the camera.
For those of you who like to carry a smaller camera so as to be inconspicuous, and in applications which are non-demanding, ie decent available light photography I highly recommend the Sony RX100-5a or RX100-7. Top most ISO on these cameras is 12,500. If you need higher ISOs, then you need a more capable camera. For you video people, they can do HD
Thanks for these videos. I have had several cameras for years and have always loved taking shots. However, I realized I am still not great at photography and have a long way to go. My two areas of focus are landscape and action sports. So, listening to your channel has been great so far.
