How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.

Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this thoughtful video explores the idea of choosing an everyday camera and what factors to consider. First, size matters. If you’re going to carry a camera with you all the time, it needs to be portable. Bebbington uses the Fujifilm X100V, which is small but not exactly pocketable, especially with a lens hood attached. He suggests finding something light and easy to access—having to dig a camera out of a bag means you might miss those spontaneous moments. Ideally, your camera should be comfortable to carry on your shoulder or around your neck, ready when you need it.

Technical specifications are important but subjective. You might want excellent autofocus, great low-light performance, or a lens that can shoot wide open, like the X100V’s f/2. Bebbington addresses one of the most common questions: why not just use your phone? While smartphones are convenient, the tactile experience of using a dedicated camera, with real buttons and a viewfinder, can make a huge difference. A camera designed for photography connects you to your creative process in ways that a phone often can’t.

Flexibility is another factor worth considering. Do you need interchangeable lenses, or is a fixed lens good enough? The Fujifilm X100V has a 23mm lens (equivalent to 35mm on full-frame), which works for most situations, but the lack of zoom might be a limitation. On the flip side, using a camera with interchangeable lenses increases versatility but decreases portability. If flexibility is key, Bebbington suggests considering smaller interchangeable lens cameras. Think about how much gear you’re willing to carry—adding extra lenses starts to take away from the convenience of an everyday camera.

Lastly, durability plays a big role. If your camera is going everywhere with you, it needs to withstand bumps, scrapes, and weather. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100V are built to last, but even then, Bebbington points out the importance of having weather-sealing, especially if you plan to shoot in less-than-ideal conditions. Cameras are meant to be used, not kept pristine on a shelf, so invest in one that can handle some wear and tear. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.