How I approach Buying Cameras (avoiding the gear traps)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ม.ค. 2023
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In this video I share some thoughts on buying cameras and lenses, and how to avoid 3 particular traps as photographers where we begin to make the gear more important that the photography itself.
Share it on if you found it helpful.
#photography #cameras #thegeartraps - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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 ❤
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.
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.
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.
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
150k in which currency?
@@debadri us
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 😊
I agree with one exception, the autofocus system. I have only an XT3. I am thinking of investing in the XH2S as I have mised too many oportunities. Luckily nowadays almost all brands seem to have reached a point where autofocus is good enough.
I use an X-T3 professionally and it works perfectly.
@@Magneira The work he does may be very different from yours and could be much more demanding in regards to auto-focus. You know your work and he knows his, bud.
Thank you for this video. I really enjoy your channel!
having a coffee in the morning before my day starts and watching/listening to ur videos is kinda therapeutic
Same here
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.
💯 bang on here. What do you shoot with your vintage lenses?
Still one of my favorite people on TH-cam - 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.
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!
Love this
Can confirm. I am a photographer, visual artist, musician (what my channel is for) and filmmaker. Many of the the lessons I learn in one field transfer to the other, especially the visual mediums.
It's so good to hear this. I'm so tired of camera reviews where they go on and on about the grip and how it feels and how it looks. I'm with you, I need this to make great photos with and I don't care about the grip or what color it is! Right on.
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. 👍
"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.
always grateful having Sean bring us back down to earth.
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.
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 full agree, Lenny! Greets
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.
Take your point but some cameras can leave you feeling 'meh' because the images are disappointing compared to what you thought you saw with your eye. Whereas some surpass your expectation - or maybe it's the difference between cropped and full frame sensors.
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.
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. 🙏🏻
Thank you Sean. Very simple yet beautifully true things you point out.
What an inspiring video! While many would see some of my gear lagging behind the times (Canon M5 and R), and while they are not a source of my photo motivation, I am glad when I reach for them because they are a fun part of making a much greater whole possible.
This video, and your words are the slap up the side of my head that I needed to hear. Thank you!
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…
Insightful as always. You always make complete sense.
Thank you Sean for another great video. And sharing the images.
I would like to add that there’s a third group of photographers. Those of us who are hobby photographers. I have been tempted to fall into these traps. Thankfully, I’ve been able to keep myself from falling into them. I do feel the same, the point of this is to capture images that inspire and tell a story. But I have come to enjoy the process through the use of tools that feel good to use. Which isn’t always the most expensive gear but the gear that gets out of your way. I liken it to the difference between a poorly designed hand plane that has never been sharpened and one that has been designed to last lifetime of use and is well maintained and sharpened. The feeling you get while the blade shears off a slice of wood fibers can’t fully be describe, it must be felt.
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!
Keep shooting!!!
Wow! This cuts deep. I’ve been guilty of all three points. Thanks you for the clarity
Bang on. Same advice I have been giving my students for two decades.
This was definitely needed to be said. I've caught my self on a number of occasions trying to use the camera I have as motivation. I even caught myself "thinking" I need this or that camera because it would motivate me again. But it never works that way and like you said the shine always, ALWAYS, wears off. It's easy to think you need a new camera when you're always bombarded with new cameras on the Internet.
Thanks for this video Sean. It's giving me something to think about because let's face it...any camera in the last 5 years will take amazing pictures. It's just up to us to take them, not the camera.
Thank you for this Sean. It really challenged me. I like your pragmatic approach and that you are totally invested in the art of photography and not the tools of the trade so to speak.
I was a collector of cameras which sat in a glass case and rarely got used. After years of buying the latest/greatest/gotta have, I realized I was still using the 2 bodies I bought early on in my practice to become a better photographer. I thought the latest and greatest would give me the best images available. I learned the best images come from the body I'm most familiar with, the body I have a relationship with and know it's limits, it's strength and it's weaknesses, and can with confidence create the image I'm seeking. I sold a lot of "like new" gear rather than keep it in my "worship" case and put the money to good use in things I'll actually use, actually take out of the house. Thanks for this video and validation!
You made a good point, about the camera your most fulmar with, making the best photos I have 2 glasses case full with 5 systems now,
This really spoke to me. Thank you for taking the time to put this into words.
Oh my gosh. It's like you were inside my head and took notes. Thanks for validating my thoughts, Sean. Lots to think about here.
Couldn’t agree more. I’m a working photographer still using an X-t2 and just two primes.
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 👍
I see often in photography groups people showing pictures of their cameras but only a few show the pictures they’ve been taking with their cameras. You said right at 10:05
“A painter who doesn’t really paint that much but worship his brushes” 🤯
so refreshing & honest... thank you
Totally agree Sean. Thanks for this video.
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.
Very helpful video. You put concise and insightful words to vague feelings I hadn’t yet examined. Thank you!
For sharing your experience and knowledge, thank you! Since I started in photography the cameras I chose were the ones in the middle not expensive and good quality for stils and videos.
You are such a wonderful speaker Sean. You speak, people listen. You either have that ability or you dont.
I had come across you/rchannel about three years ago. Watched a lot of your videos mainly cause of your soulful deliberations. I am now looking to buy a camera to direct my feature in India and came across your video. More than the information you shared, I wanted to share that it felt like I had come across an old friend again and sat down for a drink. It is a special quality that you have, much needed. Thank you for what you do.
Great video. Great insights. Totally agree - it's not the camera, it's the person looking through the lens that matters most.
This is an excellent and very important video, thank you!
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.
I absolutely agree with you. It took me almost 15 years to find my perfect match. It wasn't easy and I needed the money I didn't have. Now I'm very happy with my gear, as I feel it perfectly matches my needs and skills.I still have my "dream camera", but that doesn't stop me from throwing my gear in my backpack or pocket and go out to shoot what I like to shoot.
It’s so satisfying to see still camera video shots… thank you for this intro!
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.
youre one amazing granpa Rob , and i hope you a very long years of health and joy to make lots of these memories
How strange. I was just thinking earlier that it feels like a while since we had a video from Sean. I rewatched some older videos and then boom - new upload!
Great video. I've never been one for the latest and greatest (mainly due to funds), but that hasn't stopped me from falling victim to all of these traps. I've made a concerted effort to get out in bad weather or riskier situations and use it for the last 6 months, and it's been great!
I've been eyeing up a Sony setup for a while, but it would add size and weight compared to my Fuji setup. Honestly I'm more than happy with my gear, I just hear a very small whisper in my ear tempting me to try full frame... Maybe if/when this one breaks...
You hit the spot and i feel I have fallen into all these traps! I was just in the process of asking myself the same questions, and selling of the gear. But i strugled with being in love with the gear. Some of my best images where made using a Lumix LX3 and 12MB. I miss that camera, because it wasn't precious. Sean, you are to the point as ever!
Bang on point! Thanks Sean!
Love the last photo there. You are an awesome individual.
Fantastic discussion, as always. Thank you!
Sean - thank you...I needed to hear this!
You always maintain the level of content. Keep it up.
Totally agree. You have much wisdom...
Might be a year ago, but I agree 100% with you. I was a tech chaser for years thinking that´s what makes photography, you Sean have prove me wrong since I follow you many years ago. Great video. Still great in 2024!!!
This is a mantra for all craftsman, they all hunker after gear to avoid facing their truth and few get down and do the work. Because if you apply yourself and do the work you’ll get mastery(even if you are “dumb”)it’s as simple as that. Soul/feeling is more important than clever. Simple… but simple is hard, be still, breathe, no fluff… put your heart into it! ❤
The pathway lies in the feeling
Suspend your emotions and thinking. Done
Now you are feeling.
Use wisely 🙂
I can relate to all 3 points. Trying different camera systems is part of the photographers evolution.
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.
What CAN motivate to shoot, if you already have adequate camera and lenses, rather than new gear, is a trip ! Now that the pandemic is kinda in our rearview mirror, and every country is slowly starting to open their borders, it might be a good idea to spend the money you were otherwise gonna spend on a camera on another country
Great video Sean!
I did something similar when I bought my very first camera, an OM-5. I did my research online and learned that it was compact, lightweight and that it had very good image stabilisation. The camera specs are modest...but I am a beginner! I never touched the camera until I held it the store; but I had already decided to buy it. Since that day, I have loved this camera and loved the images it helps me make. I could afford to buy the OM-1 but, with my skill level, there was just no point. Maybe in 10 years time. Thanks Sean. Love your work. Cheers.
You are always my great inspiration ❤
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.
Fascinating first point you make there. I know exactly the feeling of just knowing that something thing is right, yet for different reasons to what you gave. It’s funny that it’s such a individual decision to shift systems. Yet I completely agree with the rest of the video here, with it being great all round advice (at least it all seems to make sense to me)
Thanks so much for all your work, I appreciate your teaching and sharing a lot!
Thanks for the support. I appreciate it
Thanks for the trap listing and for providing your perspective on them. I find that ergonomics is important to me. Having a deep grip means I can feel in control if I have to use a heavy lens one handed. It isn’t everyone’s need, but it comes in handy at some of the protests I have attended. Be well and thanks for sharing.
Gracias Sean.
I love all the gear. Don't stop getting all the new stuff people. New always means better !
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.
Great video Sean, I’ve fallen into the trap of buying nice gear only to then buy cheaper more ‘disposable’ versions through fear of the nice stuff getting damaged. The thing I’ve learnt recently is the importance of setting a goal in photography, what are you actually doing with the final image and how big are you going to print it. Also as a landscape photographer need to think about weight and ease of use, not worth buying anything you can’t carry with to a great location.
Had my A7C 2 years since launch, it is legit an A7III with a flip screen and better AF. My go-to for street photography and now a video B-Cam to my main camera - great video, I'm always buying and selling on MPB it's like eBay but regulated 🤣
Thank you for the video. I currently use my two APS-C cameras for street, family, macro photography and some video. One I bought new, the other used with just 2 lenses. I find myself always behind the camera which reminds me that a flip out screen is not needed for me at this point. In the case of lenses I havent reached the point yet to need more. What I feel is that I need to organize my time better to take more pictures, which is relaxing and inspiring 📷☺️
I totally get taking a cheaper camera when traveling. The newer camera I rely on to shoot a wedding is not the camera I take hiking in the mountains. Also, each piece of my gear takes on a personality to me, so I use different cameras and lenses for different situations (weird, maybe, but it works for me!) But I am finding these days I am looking for a "swiss army knife" in my approach to gear.....the less I have to tote around, the easier it is to shoot and be creative. Thanks for posting!
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.
You helped me! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video! My reasoning is very similar. Plus, when people ask me which camera to buy I usually tell them to go for a cheaper option until they really understand if, and why they need the more fancy one.
Regarding the "feel" though... I like my cameras, and I got used to them! I'd need a big motivator to move to another system.
For those curious: I'm on Fujifilm, I find these cameras and lenses quite unique and the quality they give is often more than enough for what I do.
Very good photography philosophy! In the day of digital, I still mostly use 30 40 and 50 year old equipment. A no name 4x5 field camera, a Bronica SQ-a, a few Spotmatics, a Minolta, and a Yashica TLR. I did finally pick up a Fuji X-T3 recently, and I am getting used to it too. I am not good with digital, but I am working on it, so it is just a matter of putting in the time with it. Thanks for the video!!
Best advice I’ve heard. I hate the culture big TH-camrs create of always updating for every new item. It’s so unrealistic and unhealthy. If they just abandoned the gear content they’d hardly have anything left, because they love gear more than the craft in what they show their audience.
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!
Ironically this video almost led me straight into another gear trap thinking of trading in the A7iii for all the A7C for all the wrong reasons. The fact that it's sponsored by a gear company made me chuckle too. I know what you're saying - buy and think more sustainably in a purpose driven manner. I did catch myself in time! Thanks Sean
Thank you Sean. This video is an affirmation of my approach. To me a camera is a tool, nothing more. There are certain specifications I require, much the same as anyone else. On top of that I am a one-handed southpaw. I do see that gear matters, technically, but how it fits in my hand is an issue not addressed by any camera company. All my gear fits in or on one medium-small camera bag. What I am able to accomplish, with what I have, is most important. Love your work & channel.
This video is too good
Thank You 🙏
Beautiful opening man! Wow
I enjoyed reading and greatly benefited from Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. She understood well how emotions play into our relationships to things, and it was funny to recognize how much they were operative in my life. People who have a very instrumental approach are at times critical of those who are emotional about their decision-making and thus of the Kondo method which seems to centralize the emotional response. However she says that the things that sustain us - lowly things like toothbrushes or undershirts or a box of nails - often do, and at any rate surely should, “spark joy” as we think about what they mean to us. So with cameras, you may not romanticize it, but you appreciate it for what it can do and how it can serve you in whatever moment.
Sean, So appreciate your approach to gear! I actually arrived at the same place but from a different path. For 25 years my only camera was the Nikon Fe2 and three lenses. I used this lens for everything and by today's reality, shockingly I never once thought of upgrading! Then the digital scene hit and I fell prey to the next i-shiny gotta have it thing until I woke up to what I was doing. So I sold all of my gear and purchased a Fujifilm X-T3 with four lenses and that's all I need. Cheers!
Just rewatched, loved it Thank You. I hope Im right about the last picture,nice touch, Godspeed.
People who keep buying cameras are just chasing the photographers dream. They want to be a superstar photographer but never will because they believe it's the camera that is holding them back from making great images, when really it's their lack of talent. They keep buying into expensive camera systems thinking it will make their images better. It's marketing BS. So many people fall for it. I even have fallen into this trap, but I learned from it and now stick it out with the first camera I ever bonded with, the D800. Even today I love shooting with it and the results are amazing because after all these years I can now actually take a decent photo.
Couldn't agree more Sean, my motivation is the next picture I'll take.
Very enlighting. Thank you
Thanks Sean, enjoyed this video👍
A typically thoughtful video delivered with passion, Sean. Thanks. I was a Nikon D750 shooter, decided the stuff as too heavy and went over to Fuji. Great. And then i thought that the Fuji gear was too heavy and decided I had it all wrong. The mirrorless APS-C bodies are light but what about the lenses? I checked out what i needed - wide angle and standard zooms, plus something long for landscape and occasional wildlife. Found the Sony 16-55, 70-350 and the Tamron 11-20. Brilliant. Then I had an epiphany which is a little in opposition to what you experienced. I had an A6600 which I didn’t like to shoot with. Sorry - for me photography is process and result. So i sold it and got the best camera for my APS-C lenses:Sony A7R V. People tell me I’m not getting the best out of my camera - but I am getting the best out of my lenses 😢 Thanks for your work and clinical analyses.
Thanks for the video again Sean. I've always been a fan of tech, but sometimes you can be more in love with the idea of something than the actual activity (if that makes sense). I find being obsessed with getting new gear can be a bit of an excuse for not getting out there and actually doing it. Love the photos at the end btw👍
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.
I stopped watching photo videos for uite a while, but Sean really has some amazing talent and eye and now I have been sitting here for two hours watching his channel and going through all of my junk photo gear to donate to Good Will. So long Gorilla Pods and about nine hundred filters I don't even know what they do.
I totally agree with this. I look at cameras like guitars. I don't really care how it feels in my hands at first, I just know that if I have it long enough, it will feel perfect because what really matters is what I create with it. I recently bought the Panasonic S5, the original one, simply because it had the ability to shoot anamorphic in-camera. And inexpensively. And I knew it could do everything else that I needed, so I pulled the trigger. And I have been extremely happy with that decision. And I'm somebody who's been shooting with a Sony camera for the past couple of years. Thanks so much for sharing, great video as always.
Hey Sean, I've not been around much lately so I thought I'd pop by to see you on here, I'm glad I did. As always what you have to say makes a lot of sense my friend. Thank mate. Regards, Tony
Great talk Sean! Been there and got trapped with those 3 "excuses". Escaped the traps and now, most of the time, I shoot with my phone.