What Camera should you buy? (Patreon)

One of the most difficult and often asked questions is this. 

So instead of telling you which camera, I will tell you about mine. 

I have the following cameras:

Fuji X100S

Nikon D800 - 24mm ais, 28mm afd, and 50mm 1.8 lenses. Only really want one more lens, and 35mm. 

Canon AE1 program

Rolleicord 6x6

Kiev 6

Fuji Instax Wide

Argus C3

-------------------------------------------------

The past 3.5 years I have primarily been using the Fuji X100/X100s. 

What I love about it is the simplicity. Simple Shutter/Aperture controls and in eye shot review. Files are large enough for a 2 page print spread. It is very small and can fit in a pocket, which has been proven to be helpful in many a situation while shooting in public. 

Recently I picked up a used Nikon D800. Prior to the Fuji, I had a Canon 60D which was great, but I hate crop sensor bodies. Prior to that I have a Canon 5D MK2, which was an amazing camera. But I also spent a year with a Nikon D700.  The D700 earned itself as being one of my all time Favorite cameras. The D800 thus far, is vastly superior, and the main reason I went this direction was to do more film work with it. My last video camera was a Canon t2i, which did a great job, esp. at its price point. 

And this leads me to what you should buy.

It all depends on where you are coming from and want to do. The best years of learning for me was back in the 2000's. I bought all the bells and whistles but got to a point where I felt like I wasn't learning. I got the idea of simplifying things. I was shooting with a Canon 5D, and decided to shoot with one lens primarily for a year. It was a standard lens. 

Shooting the same lens on the same body over time makes you learn everything what is great without being consumed by gear. You will improve your compositions. You will spend more time learning light. You will spend more time conveying what you want from your subjects. 

Over time you will have the desire to add some things = maybe a wide angle. maybe a longer lens.

But all you really need is  basic camera ( preferrably full frame ), a standard lens, and an open mind to challenge and grow. 

Next weeks discussion will be about - Black and White