Why Your Camera Stopped Taking Good Photos 

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Love the comparison of car mileage to camera shutter count. As well as not baby-ing our cameras. I've always been scared to bring out my camera for fear of getting damaged or robbed. Now that I've sold my older camera, I have only 1 left and have no choice but to use it! Thanks for the reminders in this video, George.

Love the video! I feel like 95% of photography/videography/cinema RU-vid revolves around praising the releases of new gear and why you need it. I honestly wish more people just would just stick with a certain piece of kit for a long time and push it to its limits. It’s so much more inspiring for creation!!

I currently shoot MFT, which I got into because I needed Olympus' IBIS to fight a tremor in my hands. That being said, before the tremor developed, one of the best, most artistic, and most meaningful (to me) photos I ever took was with a Cannon PowerShot G2 (4 megapixel). It printed out on 8" x 10" matte finish paper with a beautiful soft filmic look. And I can't even take full credit for wonderful photographer's skills. I was just in the right place at the right time and recognized a wonderful photo right in front of me. The moral: always have a camera, any camera, with you. You never know when a special photo possibility will walk right up to you and shout, "Click the shutter! Now!"

Thank you George! You just simultaneously saved me $1000 from buying another camera, and lit a fire under me to go out and shoot with the camera I already have! (Though I don't appreciate the Fujifilm digs..lol) Seriously though, thank you for taking the time and energy in making this video and putting it out there. You are doing a lot of good and helping the community. My hat's off to you!

MFT format is perfect for street photography. The Leica in a larger format may give you some advantage in fine art photography, such as light, shadow, dynamic range for your B&W images. For the easy carry, get the story, perfect handling, my Lumix GX-9 never seems to fail. I may fail, but not the camera. That is in most cases, though one can hit limits if wanting zero grain. For getting the shot, fast focus, and the whole of the story, front to back, you get it with MFT. This format is very forgiving. The cameras can be small and light. Is this not what Leica set-out to achieve? - Loren

"your camera stopped taking good photos because YOU stopped taking photos, good or bad" honestly great advice, i need to get myself outside far more than i have been lately

While I currently have a couple of older interchangeable lens cameras, I personally learned the most about photography on a consumer-grade superzoom (Panasonic FZ50) as a teenager. While it only had a 1/1.8" sensor and a fixed lens, most of the controls were in the "right" place, and you could set everything manually. While I'm not a manual elitist, learning all the manual controls helped me understand the technical parts of photography, and now I can just focus on taking good photos.

I am rocking Fuji X-E3 + 35 f1.4 for the past six years. One camera, one lens only and I did shocking amount of images with it from landscape, travel, street to portraits. I didn't take as much images with my previous cameras all combined (D90, D600, A7) as just didn't take them with me every time due to size. For photos GR III is tempting as I would have camera with me all the time but I started to do some video so I am looking at A7C II as well. Apart from that there is nothing wrong with my camera and I wouldn't change it at all. Well maybe apart from rubber grip that is coming off for the 5th time and I can't find replacement anymore from Amazon. Nowadays I would need to send to Fuji and be without a camera for weeks. Ah and fun fact is that lately I tested A7C + 50 f1.2 GM (so almost newest and greatest). Not much in it to be honest...big, expensive, too sharp images and more editing required compared to Fuji. Know your gear and have fun. Great video George !

Personally I've been on a mission to find a camera system(s) that is as simple to use as possible. As a graphic designer, I work with computers everyday. I want my camera to be a camera and not a computer, a lot of cameras now have bloatware with things I simply don't want or need. My first body that did this was the Fuji X-Pro1, which is a great set it and forget street/event camera. I then got the Leica M9, and that has been by far the best camera purchase I've made. Easy to use and hold with a wonderful and very capable sensor that renders beautifully. But by far the biggest surprise recently was bagging the original Canon 5D Classic for one hundred quid! Now, I never thought for a million years I would own a DSLR, let alone Canon, they were never a system I considered a good fit for me. But boy was I wrong! Sure, it's heavier than what I'm used too, but it does everything I've wanted in a camera for a long time. A good fit between a film shooting experience with added digital convenience. No EVF, no chimping, you can easily adapt old vintage lenses for dirt cheap, a battery that lasts for days, and a sensor that is outstandingly good for an 18 year old camera with a great filmic render. I personally believe camera manufacture and design reach a flatline sometime ago, and we're only really seeing small incremental improvements, that may or may not justify the cost. Going backwards (so to speak) with using older gear has been a very valuable lesson, teaching me the difference between what I actually need, versus what I want. Recently I shot Elvana (Elvis fronted Nirvana tribute band) at King Georges Hall in Blackburn with the Canon 5D Classic, and it delivered in spades. This is in part because I was free to just be in the moment with no menu diving, no silly buttons to press. That makes all the difference. Shoot what makes you happy.

Fantastic video and great advice, I tend to sometimes get into a mindset that I just *need* a new lens or piece of camera equipment and have to remind myself that I probably need to actually go out and shoot more instead! Thankfully going out and shooting more helps me break out of that mindset, when I realize that what I have is actually so damn capable!

I’m someone that knows all of these cameras you mentioned very well. They are all from an era (1980’s) when I dreamt every day about owning the very best (Nikon F3, Olympus OM4) However I quickly realised many years later as you mentioned you have to max out the capabilities of what you have.

This is true, I'm using a Canon 5D classic from 2005. Such a beast. Truley need no more than that.

Photography is like every asset driven hobby. The companies keep coming up with fancier and fancier gear - reviewers, influencers, blogs, youtubers all come out with posts about how this new thing makes the old thing obsolete (rinse repeat every few months), people who aren't focusing on obtaining the basic foundational skills will seek to buy said new gear thinking skill will come with it but it won't. A pro can take amazing photos with the worst camera imaginable because of experience gained, an amateur with a pro camera will still take amateur photos due to lack of said experience. So everyone in this hobby really just needs to take a break from the internet and continue learning with what they got and in time they will produce some amazing photos as well. (This applies to every gear/asset driven hobby.)

For a long time I steered clear of little digicams, but then I ran into a box of them at a thrift shop and took home a bunch. They're the excuse to always bring a camera and have fun. Not that I don't have fun with my other cameras. I've built up a pretty decent toolbox of different things for different situations. But mostly to satisfy my need to fill almost every niche up to 6x9.

I use my Nikon D700 with a 50mm F1.8 lens and I love it. The best camera I have ever bought and serves its purpose brilliantly. But when I go travelling I take my Nikon D50 with me and honestly I have had so much fun with it. Never realised a small, cheap DSLR would be so much fun. I got it for free from my school which makes it even better. It’s suffered through drops, the bottom of my bag, car keys, rain and heat and still goes strong to this day. I love shooting with old cameras it’s fun as

My best suggestion is HOLD YOUR CAMERA WHEN WATCHING NETFLIX/STREAMING. I find its one of the best ways to get to know your camera, to get used to it, to do sample shots you will delete, etc. Its especially good for getting used to vintage lenses.

For a couple years now I have been using my phone as the primary camera take photos on, and it has really changed the way I take photos. I use an app that allows raw photos on my iPhone, and the quality in the right lighting can be incredible. Being able to edit immediately on the device also means I don’t have to worry about managing files like I would with a normal digital camera. Getting to know any camera well allows you to get the most out of it and being able to capture any moment at any time allows for experimentation and growth anywhere. In short, make the most of whatever camera you have with you.

This is pure gold! Thank you, George!🙏🙏🙏

The most fun I have ever had shooting street photos was with a 2010 kodak easyshare digicam, with those cheap tiny cameras you barely put attention to the settings, just focus in the light, composition and color. And no one cares you shooting photos, people just think you are a tourist. And some of the results were surprisingly good.

I love your little jokes sprinkled in

Best video so far, not that others videos are not good, but this one is just brilinat! Thanks!

I sold my full frame when i got frustrated with myself now i am buying a much cheaper camera, second hand, until i really start shooting something and i plan to carry it with me 24/7. I totally agree, you need to take photos to improve yourself

Well needed video! Thank you!

Thank you for this, I am starting out (erm slighty later in life) and your mix of common sense and humour is top notch!

Well...I started with a bridge camera which was just appealing because of the huge zoom. Returned it within a month for a cheap entry level DSLR. Only 9 Focus points and quite sluggish focus speed became a limiter though because I enjoyed bird photography. Bought a D500 and that is what I am still using. There is still nothing I would "upgrade" to. At most it would feel like a sidegrade and just me dumping money for it just being my hobby.

And this is why I'm still happy with my oh so old, first series sony a7 and my 1990 VW golf.

This camera video is the best. Love it!

Painful truth delivered in a light and funny way. Liked and subscribed!

Thank you for this

Sage advice

Thank you, I needed this therapy session ❤️

As a beginner photographer in 2003, I was very conscious of carrying a large camera for street photography. After 2 decades, in the era of smartphones, I still feel out of place carrying a dslr in public spaces. While the professionals can go about their work unhesitatingly, hobbyists like me feel awkward so much so that I am considering giving up dslr photography and explore phone. The only issue that is precluding me is the pleasure of manual controls.

What a brilliant and truthful video. I wholeheartedly agree. I still spend a fortune on camera's lenses and assorted camera paraphernalia though (sigh)

This was really important for me to view and hear. Many thx. Subscribed.

I always buy the best camera and gear precisely because that way I know for a fact that I'm the limiting factor and I can't blame my tools.

Dude your videos are funny AF! But also serious. That's as good as it gets. How are you so sensible? Born that way? Never mind, don't want to pry. Thanks!

-I'm gonna have to sell my Canon R5C -But no one's gonna buy it Now THAT'S comedic gold right there

1:51 is that a PowerShot G2? I still use one occasionally!

I agree with you. High end cameras don't improof your artificial quality of your photos. You can suoit bad pictures with a 150 MP Phase One medium format. A very high amount of megapixel is inly important if you print in large formats and and watchrd low distances. But today only a small numbet of pictures are s printed do big. The majority are scaled down for the internet.

My personal "live hack" at affordable photography: Buying used gear. I got a Canon 5D Mk IV and 3 Canon L-Lenses for less than 3.500€. If I bought everything new, I think I would have spent over 10.000€.

agreed, i found the more i take the more fun i have!

Were the giraffe cameras chosen in random? Nice to see the G9ii nicking the wildlife spot anyway, haha

Like binoculars, you need several for different tasks and convince.

cool - that is pretty much "the explanation" why you shouldn't run after new gear all the time :-) thanks!

I wish I could hit like many many times. Thank you!!

'Why Your Bucket Stopped Carrying Clean Water.'

The writer: Gosh, you must have a fantastic camera that can take such incredible photos! The photographer: And you must have an amazing typewriter that can write such thrilling novels! I think I am using my mirrorless Canon (M50) for documentation of my electronics projects, my food and drinks and only when I am serious, I fit an odd lens and go out to do some “artistic shooting”. However I occasionally stuff a film in any of my film cameras (135 film or 120 film) and also go out, actively looking for scenes I want to capture of the same “artistic” reason.

Im pretty sure the camera is just broken. Photos just arent as sharp as it was 10 years ago.

My camera is the fourth most expensive thing that I've purchased, after my house, my car, and my telescope.

a very good manual lens is more important to me as the camera brand 😇

This is why I still shoot with my d700.

There are 2 types of photography YT channels : type 1 : "You won’t believe this ULTIMATE trick that will make you a great photographer" type 2 : "Man, you just suck"

😂great video

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” - Ansel Adams

I remember when Virgin group bought Leica. And then they hired Madonna as the spokesmodel.

For real, the best camera you will have is the best camera you have now

it's how you think and not the gear

Where can I find micro 43s turds? Also looking for the perfect street photography camera. I am in the M43 and Fuji worlds. Will probably never purchase a Leica. The cold hard truth is the price has exceeded my cost ceiling. Built like a tank. They tend to be technologically challenged. Crop sensor camera’s don’t scare me. There is no perfect camera. I will continue my quest for the best street photography camera. Eventually I will come to the conclusion that good enough is good enough. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

I have come to the same conclusion. Most often it’s not about the camera, it’s about yourself. Am I the only one that’s not aming for a Leica? I’m a Fujiguy forever. Not because it’s the best. I’ve got feelings for my X-E3.

Another industar 61 user in this town...??? I guess i can subscribe.

Proving once again that the best camera is the one you have with you....

make sure you write on the back of the image what camera took the image or your client might hate your image if they find out you can take great images on almost any camera ha ha

Can you snatch the pebble?

you are not a photographer you are just taking pictures. stop talking about a topic you have obviously no idea about

how DARE you tell us truths man

Cameras don't take bad photos.....people do.

Love the video! I keep my love for photography as my own little hobby since collecting cameras and shooting film has been a lot of fun. Thankfully I'll be able to keep my costs down since I do all my own film rolling, developing and scanning. I look forward to your next video and hopefully some more M43!

This was funny and right on point! I think sometimes we get stuck in the gear grind because it's a fun distraction, looking for the newest or the oldest camera to add to our collection. Collector and photographer can be the same, but not always. I also think while a prime lens is great for street photography, if you only have your kit lens, it will work. :) You make great videos, and it's fun to see what you're making! Thank you!!

Love it 😂 profound and entertaining, the perfect mix

Babying my tools is something i have really been working on this summer and fall. I was bringing my cheaper point and shoots before my mirrorless up until probably July. I'm going on a not photo work trip tomorrow and am forcing myself to bring my best camera with the smallest lens.

I kinda got into the hype of consumerism and collected to find the “perfect” camera when I snapped back into my senses and re-realized that my favourite pictures i’ve taken have nothing to do with the camera I used but rather the specific moment or scene I captured. So I’ve started selling and giving away most and only keeping my favourite few. although I do admit since I stopped taking pictures on my phone and almost exclusively using cameras (film, point and shoot, mirrorless, etc.) i’ve enjoyed photography more like I used to

It's not about the camera, but the lens.... That damn lens...

Very accurate observation and amusing presentation ( a camera with a remote wifi app for self portrait is a plus for me ). The sublime goes for the Leica with fixed lens... But given our level you and I will never understand... :-)

Excellent and informative as usual. I've shot some of my best street photography over the years using a Canon M50 with a 7 Artisans UFO bodycap lens. There's no Leica lust over here!… 🙅🏿‍♂

I do shoot a lot, that`s a fact. And 99% of the time is street, demmonstration or action photography. With a K5 pentax. Being a born in film person, I do get attached to my gear and feel that as time passes not only it is not getting older rather than I had time to get used to it and for it getthing used to me. It does need some upgrade-replacement and I am looking for one. I try to go by one rule, not to buy any equipment I cant afford to loose and replace. Having that in mind I know I can take the most out of it with no regrets.

I loved the video and how you talked about the problem that all artists have. Believing that our tool is the problem is more a symptom that we are not satisfied with our growth than anything else. I highly recommend the work of NatGeo photographer Robert Clark. It uses the best cameras on the planet, but it worked wonders with the camera of a 2004 Sony Ericsson. The photos are posted on their page and in the book area

you are so right, popular belief among so many photographer that you need the best/newest camera to make great shot. But then you realize the best photo have been captured with random/or old camera. I love my OM EM1 II even if so many people are judging my choice of MFT sensor haha. but my most used camera finally is the one I always have with me, the Xf10, not the "best" but always ready :) . thanks for your video

I've always believed the only thing that determines a good photo from a bad one is the person pressing the shutter.

- "gibson or fender for guitarists, or a .." - Steinway for pianists! - "... yamaha for pianists .." 😥

Yeaaa I agree. Even the wildlife photography now is pretty cheap with old lenses and cameras options. I can say what I see what modern cameras is really much better at catching moments, but I can’t afford this rn. So even if I can’t catch some moments because of my camera or lens, I’m happy running in the field with cheap zooms and old primes. For another types of photography cheap kit zoom or any smartphone is ok. Don’t need mega big print quality

Babying your camera? You brought a camera to take pictures, right? Not let it sit on some shelf... Unless you are a collector, but that is a different hobby.

Local old guy can slap the crappy guitar and make crazy music while many of Fender buyers shackles their guitar on the wall.

Gibson or Fender is best equipment for guitarists 🤣🤣🤣They are nothing more than mainstream good instruments, the best ones are boutique custom shop guitars and basses.

Everything you say about needing new gear is 100% true but I will 100% "forget" every word of it when i decide i need a new camera.

My proses I find as beginner right now is .is it better than my phone .can it take photos .does it fit in my bag...

Please stop making videos about cameras then.

My newest camera is 10 years old. I take about 30000 images a year. I do not keep that many.

Never met a person moaning about other people wanting gear that didn’t have too of it themselves

Thank you for the captions

Love the pics of Downtown Austin

I think one of the things that are holding us back is the sheer quantity of options in modern cameras. I used to own a badly handled second-hand classic 5D and shot around the same amount of images I shoot today, but I got to know that camera from the back of my mind in less than a few weeks. Its menus were like a dozen items long. I've been using a Fuji X-T4 for the last 3 years and I still can't find the stuff I'm looking for in the menus: there are 400000 options hidden in obscure submenus and behind incomprehensible name. I love this fuji and its ability to shoot almost perfect out-of-camera jpegs (so good that I've actually stopped editing on pc), but the fact of still being unable to properly control it makes me mad every time I pick it up. Old cameras were like prime lenses: they had clear limitations you could build upon on. Current cameras are super powerful but also extremely technical and complex, and this is very distracting in my opinion.

Sensor size does a lot to change the feeling of convergent rays-how much bigger or smaller than your retina is the sensor forming the image? This changes a lot about how the light rays look forming the image. That’s why phone photos look so meh-the rectangle has pixels, but it’s smaller than your own retina and it takes on a. Pinhole quality to the light. M43 is the minimum size to start looking and feeling like “photography,” the medium of bigger rectangles sensor. Also physics places limits on lens quality the smaller you go

Still buying an fp

These are tools. Like cars…Get that mileage up! There is a difference between gear and photography, love this video 👍. I sometimes use my mothers old 2006 point and click. Why not.

I often feel very alone when the local street photographers head out for a day together. It's basically Leicas of Fujis whereever you look, and I'm there with my Nikon zfc and either the small 16-50 kit-zoom or a 23mm. It's not a super small camera, and it's not dirt cheap, but it's the camera that I love using and therefore gives me photos without having to think or fiddle with settings. I've averaged 60+ shots per day the past year (about 2/5 of that is other kinds of photos), but compared to the 1000 photos/year I produced with my LX100 since 2016 it's a massive difference.. and I'm getting better by taking more photos!

Thank you

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” ― Ansel Adams Gear doesn't get bad, but many so called photographers are getting lazy over the ages. And we're being bored, shooting the ordinary.

Great video! Its Steinway for pianists :)

Great video. I heartily agree with the sentiment.