Stop Chasing the Perfect Camera

Photographers like to spend a lot of time comparing gear and considering how their own work might improve if they upgraded their camera or switched to a different brand. And while there are certainly objective differences between various camera brands and models, there is no such thing as a perfect camera. This great video explores that idea and why you might want to put your gear envy to bed.

Coming to you from Michael the Maven, this helpful video explores the fact that no camera is perfect and why it might be important to remind yourself of that more often. It is certainly true that every camera has pros and cons, and without a doubt, there are certain features and capabilities that can make your life easier. There is even the occasional situation in which a certain camera or lens might enable you to get a shot you couldn't take otherwise. That being said, we are often far too quick to blame our gear when we can't get the shot we want, and this can lead to dropping thousands of dollars in unnecessary money when we might be better off simply working on our technique or creative ideas.  Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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8 Comments

I stopped. I already have an iPhone.

Eos r. Can't beat it

I am thinking about getting one.

It is not the gear that makes the shot. You do. Doesn't matter if you are using a Phase One, or a Speed Graphic Press. It is your vision.

I had barely read the title of this article before this song started playing in my head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZThaOS5yH8

While I'm sure the advice given here makes perfect sense: I'll never stop watching Camera Conspiracies quest to find the perfect camera. Because "PanasonicOlympiNotisaCanikon".

One of my favorite channels!

I found the "perfect" camera many years ago and sold my car to get it. Then a more perfect camera came out and then another and then another. Mine didn't change - and neither did the capability of the camera or quality of the images. What changed is the expectations of the camera consumer which is driven by marketing. But the real question is whether or not my clients and I are happy with the images and the answer is yes. Sure, a 1DX Mark II is a much better camera than my trusty old 1D Mark III in many ways. But like my 1DIV, it too will be outdated when something new and shiny comes along.