Refreshing to hear it said. I totally agree. Sick of all these “pros” saying it’s not about the gear… while at the same time every single one of them shoots the best gear money can buy. We all know a creative mind, vision, knowledge, time, effort, etc can separate the best photographers but when they make the general statement “it’s not the gear, it’s the photographer”… that’s BS.
I think it's a very easy (and potentially damaging) thing to say from a high place... totally agree with what you say. I think when that statement is presented, they forget that it's the gear that got them to the place where they can potentially shoot with anything. Thanks for watching
Love the haunting woods, spectacular area. The silence in the fog is what gets to me. I agree with the thesis: Gear matters. It is not the same as when I hear it compared to an author being told they must have a good typewriter when they write a best seller. Speed. Ergonomics. Dynamic range. Fast focusing. Weather sealing. Sharp lenses. Image stabilization. All the best gear does not make a photographer, but it makes a less frustrated, happier, and more prolific photographer, IMO. Well presented.
Thanks Brian, I think that's what made it so eerie - no noise whatsoever. Completely agree with what you say, the gear helps but photography requires much more than fancy equipment!
How may times have we all heard - “you take amazing images, you must have a great camera” Rather than take offense, I always reply that yes, I have great equipment - it is essential to have great gear coupled with the knowledge of how to use it most effectively. Another great video with sound advice and opinion. Keep up the great work…
Nonsense. People were taking superb images way before all these fancy nancy super megapixel cameras and without Photoshop. They were actually great photographers. And if you need a good gear to take a good picture, then you are just another random photographer out there in the world where everyone is an artist just because they have good gear.
Couldn’t agree more Rick, we just put out a podcast episode talking about this exact topic. We’ve seen so many people talk about how it doesn’t matter, when it’s so much more complicated than that single blanket statement. All depends on what you’re trying to do with your photography. Great video!
Some pretty good points here Rick. Bit of a different ethos to my channel, but I like the point about gear not making up for your skills and what you've learned 👍
I just discovered you. This video "Why Camera Gear Matters" is my first video of yours that I watched. I enjoyed it. I will check out your other videos. I've been watching Nigel Danson for close to a year. He's amazing. I will jump over to your web page now to look at some of your images. Thanks!
It all depends on what level a person is at with their photography. Of course gear matters if you're already pretty competent in the field but if you're a beginner, so cannot consistently put together a decent composition or still trying to discern between ok light and great light, gear does not matter much. I recently upgraded my camera to a Nikon D800. I realize that is an old outdated camera now but considering my previous outfit was a D3100, this is a pretty massive upgrade. The new camera is nice but I still have to take the photo. It won't leave my camera bag by itself and click its own shutter.
D800 is old but not outdated. If your interest is landscape, still life or portrait, there is nothing that D800 can't do. If you are into sports or fast moving wildlife, then there are better but much more expensive options around. I think the gentleman who is presenting this video, thinks having the latest all singing dancing full of unnecessary gizmo camera, equates to being a better photographer. I disagree whole heartedly.
It does, but I believe that, a beginner will have more confidence with better gear, which will in theory accelerate their learning and mean they get enjoyment from it.
@lensman57 I didn't say having the best gear equated to being a better photographer, I don't believe that at all. I said it will massively help you on the journey to becoming a better photographer.
Everyone gets sucked in by gear but it does matter because when the camera in your hand suits your needs it makes taking photos so much more enjoyable, but i do believe less is more im down to one camera and one lens after years of having a heavy backpack with stuff i didnt use 👍
I must admit after 6:45 I forgot what this video was about, just mesmerizing! And re: gear - absolutely it's important. Slightly disappointed this had to end though, Rick - I could watch another 15 minutes. Beautiful work 🙂
If camera gear (bodies and lenses, in particular) didn't matter, then we would not have the choices among APS-C, Full Frame, micro four thirds; DSLR, Mirrorless; and "slow/fast" lenses. While I can get away with photographing landscapes/cityscapes with a cropped sensor setup, I would not be using it to complete a wedding photo assignment! So I agree with you, Rick, 100%!! Like many of who have commented below, I, too, am tired of hearing that nonsense; camera gear DOES MATTER! 🤜
Hi Rick, great video. Would love to see how you met up with Nigel. Sorry you broke your lens but agree with everything you say. My Fuji fell out of my camera bag and bounced over rocks before landing on the beach. It survived with only a scratch. Came to your channel from Nigel. So glad I did. Love your style and humor. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
If you want it easier then just use an I phone, I've taught students and they are still using film cameras and Dslrs because they are interested in learning the craft. Mirrorless cameras are indeed easier, but the final image produced is no better than an image produced with a 5Div or Nikon D850 or even a D810 etc. Even mirrorless if you are shooting video professionally you should use a gimbal, in many cases the ibis can be juttery or cause warping. Ibis in photography is not essential either, I would say to a beginner to get themselves a pro level dslr and a couple of lenses for a bargain,they will learn so much more about photography and not break the bank.
2 года назад+2
Thank you Rick for this wonderful forest footage! And yes gear matters TOO. May I add you should buy gear that fit your needs and upgrade your gear only if you are too often limited by the one you already have. And by gear I'd include any piece of equipment: from clothes to apps, software and even education.
Hi Rick thank you for your video, yes it is important to have good gear, since a bought a7iii with great sigma lenses you see the quality of your pictures improve and it is encouraging to get even better, so if your base is right you can invest in the improvement by trying and learning, great video and yes show how you came to work with Nigel ( his Masterclasses are a must do) 😊
Adding a lens hood to your video kit may be in order, eh? 🙄 Interesting discussion about gear. There are many opinions. Use what you have and get out and shoot. If the gear is holding you back, time to upgrade. Let us know how you connected with Nigel. 👍🥂
Yeah, I just saw your title and watched, not realizing you are the "Rick" Nigel has been working with. Wow. That means you stand on your own for me, never mind any endorsement. You do excellent video for Nigel, by the way. What a good day this is. Thank you, Rick. Oh, and, those images at 13:48 and on till you we see you again, are just fantastic. I could not help but subscribe to your channel. Have a fine holiday season, Rick.
I read this when I first woke up this morning, and honestly Jim, you completely made my day! Thanks you so much, I'm really grateful. Have a good one 😁
Hi Rick, I totally agree with you that gear matters. In my opinion gear should meet your need and knowledge of your technical interest of the concerning options. I believe that a photographer is “in balance” if you have clear your mind to be creative and find the best compositions despite the gear you have/ can effort. Thanks for this inspiring video and fantastic images👌 Have a great day!
Thanks for the video which turned out being 2-3 videos in one. Sometimes there is a fine line between wanting and needing new gear and we fool ourselves into thinking that a want is a need. Difficult. I would like to add to the growing request to hear about how you and Nigel met up.
I agree... to a point, and I think the point is reached far sooner than we think. We want the tech but we don't need it. Firstly, the majority of the world's great photography has been done on 'sub optimal' gear. Go figure. Maybe it came down to photographers skill and timing/opportunity. There's wildlife photographers who have built careers/channels requiring little more than patience, a fast drive and long lenses. Please... Secondly, younger photographers have been bought up to rely and value tech, way more than necessary. This is the world we live in, because it sells. Art requires skill and effort, tech just requires money.
All the gear and no idea, the downfall of many, be it Fishing, Golf, photography and worse still on the Mountains, which have a way of dealing with the inept. Good fun playing catch up with your vlogs though Rick, crack on.
So you've listed around £16k of kit on your page so I can see why gear would matter to you. I follow a few togs on here still using Canon 5d mkii and turning out stunning looking landscapes images. Most modern day cameras are far too over engineered with bells and whistles to get you to part with more and more cash.
It's kit I've needed and used over the years to fulfil a number of creative briefs for my work. Yes, some of it might be overkill, but it did exactly what I explained and freed me to produce as I envisaged. Maybe modern cameras are too engineered for people have been shooting for a long time, but to relative newcomers who expect a lot from their tech, their additional features may be just what they need. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
If it’s easier to use and instills confidence, then why not? I wish I had the focussing and image stabilising capabilities that modern cameras have when I was a beginner….
If it’s easier to use and instills confidence, then why not? I wish I had the focussing and image stabilising capabilities that modern cameras have when I was a beginner….
I couldn't agree more on the weather sealing. I've lost one camera to the ocean (probably deadly with or without sealing) and now live in fear of properly using my replacement camera. It's quite frustrating to come up against the limitations of my bridge camera basically every time I use it. Mostly it just makes the game a little harder/slower, but the are many things I just can't do and the resolution and lens sharpness are never going to produce a large print. Still, it produces some stunning images at times. I should've just spent a little more.
You can always spend 'just a little more', it's knowing when to stop that's important!! I think what you've said is a perfect example of gear potentially limiting what you do - hopefully you can find a way to upgrade soon, but keep shooting nonetheless 👍🏻 Thanks for watching!
I only partly agree with you. I honestly find it a little funny that some of your examples you use don't apply to Sony ion so many area's. Ergonomics are horrible. The location of the lens release button it terrible. Weather sealing? Every Sony user I know does NOT trust their camera out in the elements, and a lot of the lenses your average person can afford are either not weather sealed at all or not nearly as good as the BEST available. For hiking and shooting like you were in this video. FF is the last system I would want to carry around the so called BEST gear. I'd need a wagon to pull those enormous lenses. The fact is the best camera is the one you have with you. If I'm out hiking lugging around shooting nature, the Sony 200-600 is not my idea of a great tool to have with me @ 4.63lbs I think it is. As far as dynamic range and IQ and the other things you listed. Cell phones are killing the camera industry. CELL PHONES and sadly people are happy with the IQ they get from them and they keep getting better. Also, depending on what type of photography you are talking about. All I see these days are photographers doing portraits in studio or on location and dumbing down the color and the image quality or making them into composites and these new AI cartoons. You don't need the best gear for any of this. The majority of photographers don't. But thanks to the marketing push of so many self proclaimed photography experts shoving full frame down our throats. People are convinced that's the only option, No thanks.
Thanks for your comment Jay. I find Sony's ergonomics so much better than they were, I guess it's personal preference. Lens release I've never had an issue with, but hand me a Nikon and I absolutely hate what they've done with it. Not saying Sony is perfect but it woks for me. Weather seeing too, I've had my kit out in some awful weather and never had an issue (except for unavoidable lens fogging). Kit wise, it depends on the user. I'm lucky to not really have an issue with carrying my kit - keeps me a bit fitter (ish!). I can see again how it would be a problem for some though - as before it's down to personal preference. As for cell phones, I really don't like the images or video that come out of them, but they are killing it due to mass market and nothing more. I don't think many great photographers use them exclusively but I might be wrong.
@@RickBebbington I'm not saying great photographers use their phones. Camera makers bread and butter was not always their high end products like it is now. I've tried a Sony with the 200-600 and there i not place for my fingers when wearing gloves. The other thing is where they put the eye for the lens strap to connect. Right on the side? Not a fan. As sensor technology has gotten better, I know a lot of people downsizing to smaller sensor systems.
Great video - I would love to see a video about how you came to work with him 😜
It's quite the story.....! Thanks!
Refreshing to hear it said. I totally agree. Sick of all these “pros” saying it’s not about the gear… while at the same time every single one of them shoots the best gear money can buy. We all know a creative mind, vision, knowledge, time, effort, etc can separate the best photographers but when they make the general statement “it’s not the gear, it’s the photographer”… that’s BS.
I think it's a very easy (and potentially damaging) thing to say from a high place... totally agree with what you say. I think when that statement is presented, they forget that it's the gear that got them to the place where they can potentially shoot with anything. Thanks for watching
Love the haunting woods, spectacular area. The silence in the fog is what gets to me. I agree with the thesis: Gear matters. It is not the same as when I hear it compared to an author being told they must have a good typewriter when they write a best seller. Speed. Ergonomics. Dynamic range. Fast focusing. Weather sealing. Sharp lenses. Image stabilization. All the best gear does not make a photographer, but it makes a less frustrated, happier, and more prolific photographer, IMO. Well presented.
Thanks Brian, I think that's what made it so eerie - no noise whatsoever. Completely agree with what you say, the gear helps but photography requires much more than fancy equipment!
How may times have we all heard - “you take amazing images, you must have a great camera” Rather than take offense, I always reply that yes, I have great equipment - it is essential to have great gear coupled with the knowledge of how to use it most effectively. Another great video with sound advice and opinion. Keep up the great work…
Absolutely agree. Thanks Kyle, appreciated as ever!
Nonsense. People were taking superb images way before all these fancy nancy super megapixel cameras and without Photoshop. They were actually great photographers. And if you need a good gear to take a good picture, then you are just another random photographer out there in the world where everyone is an artist just because they have good gear.
Love how chill you are about damaging your lens
I would be having a meltdown 😂
Haha!! Yeah, there's worse things that happen in life! Unfortunately though, I've now smashed one of my cameras too 😬
I'm only 30 seconds into your video and I absolutely agree. Gear matters.
Thanks Roger, appreciate it
Couldn’t agree more Rick, we just put out a podcast episode talking about this exact topic. We’ve seen so many people talk about how it doesn’t matter, when it’s so much more complicated than that single blanket statement. All depends on what you’re trying to do with your photography. Great video!
Cheers - I'll have a listen!! And thanks for your comments, really appreciate you watching 🙏🏻
Some pretty good points here Rick. Bit of a different ethos to my channel, but I like the point about gear not making up for your skills and what you've learned 👍
Thanks Joshua!! I'll be sure to check your channel out 👍🏻
I just discovered you. This video "Why Camera Gear Matters" is my first video of yours that I watched. I enjoyed it. I will check out your other videos. I've been watching Nigel Danson for close to a year. He's amazing. I will jump over to your web page now to look at some of your images. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! Always appreciate people viewing and making the effort to connect :)
great video, yes a video about you and Nigel would be really interesting. All the best.
Coming soon! Thanks!
It all depends on what level a person is at with their photography. Of course gear matters if you're already pretty competent in the field but if you're a beginner, so cannot consistently put together a decent composition or still trying to discern between ok light and great light, gear does not matter much.
I recently upgraded my camera to a Nikon D800. I realize that is an old outdated camera now but considering my previous outfit was a D3100, this is a pretty massive upgrade. The new camera is nice but I still have to take the photo. It won't leave my camera bag by itself and click its own shutter.
D800 is old but not outdated. If your interest is landscape, still life or portrait, there is nothing that D800 can't do. If you are into sports or fast moving wildlife, then there are better but much more expensive options around. I think the gentleman who is presenting this video, thinks having the latest all singing dancing full of unnecessary gizmo camera, equates to being a better photographer. I disagree whole heartedly.
It does, but I believe that, a beginner will have more confidence with better gear, which will in theory accelerate their learning and mean they get enjoyment from it.
@lensman57 I didn't say having the best gear equated to being a better photographer, I don't believe that at all. I said it will massively help you on the journey to becoming a better photographer.
How refreshing! It's almost like if you say you use old stuff, it's somehow morally superior. Thank you!
That 'morally superior' comment has triggered another video idea.... thanks!!
Everyone gets sucked in by gear but it does matter because when the camera in your hand suits your needs it makes taking photos so much more enjoyable, but i do believe less is more im down to one camera and one lens after years of having a heavy backpack with stuff i didnt use 👍
That's really important actually, the enjoyment factor. Thanks for watching and commenting Craig!
Hi Rick. I would love a video where you talk about how you ended up working with Nigel.
Thanks Anna-Karin - it's in the works 😃
I must admit after 6:45 I forgot what this video was about, just mesmerizing! And re: gear - absolutely it's important. Slightly disappointed this had to end though, Rick - I could watch another 15 minutes. Beautiful work 🙂
Thanks Stephen - I was recording it and forgot as well!! Glad you enjoyed it :)
If camera gear (bodies and lenses, in particular) didn't matter, then we would not have the choices among APS-C, Full Frame, micro four thirds; DSLR, Mirrorless; and "slow/fast" lenses. While I can get away with photographing landscapes/cityscapes with a cropped sensor setup, I would not be using it to complete a wedding photo assignment! So I agree with you, Rick, 100%!! Like many of who have commented below, I, too, am tired of hearing that nonsense; camera gear DOES MATTER! 🤜
Thanks Gene, appreciate it
Great vid mate!
Cheers Toby!
Hi Rick, great video. Would love to see how you met up with Nigel. Sorry you broke your lens but agree with everything you say. My Fuji fell out of my camera bag and bounced over rocks before landing on the beach. It survived with only a scratch. Came to your channel from Nigel. So glad I did. Love your style and humor. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Chris, that means a lot to me 😁 hopefully the lens won't cost too much to fix!! Video in the works....
If you want it easier then just use an I phone, I've taught students and they are still using film cameras and Dslrs because they are interested in learning the craft.
Mirrorless cameras are indeed easier, but the final image produced is no better than an image produced with a 5Div or Nikon D850 or even a D810 etc.
Even mirrorless if you are shooting video professionally you should use a gimbal, in many cases the ibis can be juttery or cause warping.
Ibis in photography is not essential either, I would say to a beginner to get themselves a pro level dslr and a couple of lenses for a bargain,they will learn so much more about photography and not break the bank.
Thank you Rick for this wonderful forest footage!
And yes gear matters TOO. May I add you should buy gear that fit your needs and upgrade your gear only if you are too often limited by the one you already have.
And by gear I'd include any piece of equipment: from clothes to apps, software and even education.
Completely agree, it has to fit your needs (and budget!).
Hi Rick thank you for your video, yes it is important to have good gear, since a bought a7iii with great sigma lenses you see the quality of your pictures improve and it is encouraging to get even better, so if your base is right you can invest in the improvement by trying and learning, great video and yes show how you came to work with Nigel ( his Masterclasses are a must do) 😊
Thanks Chris! It's in the works 👍🏻 glad you enjoyed Nigel's Masterclass
Adding a lens hood to your video kit may be in order, eh? 🙄 Interesting discussion about gear. There are many opinions. Use what you have and get out and shoot. If the gear is holding you back, time to upgrade. Let us know how you connected with Nigel. 👍🥂
Haha!! Not sure it'll screw on now 😬 I will do, thanks
Great video Rick, gear definitely does matter!
Cheers Adam, appreciate it.
Yeah, I just saw your title and watched, not realizing you are the "Rick" Nigel has been working with. Wow. That means you stand on your own for me, never mind any endorsement. You do excellent video for Nigel, by the way. What a good day this is. Thank you, Rick. Oh, and, those images at 13:48 and on till you we see you again, are just fantastic. I could not help but subscribe to your channel. Have a fine holiday season, Rick.
I read this when I first woke up this morning, and honestly Jim, you completely made my day! Thanks you so much, I'm really grateful. Have a good one 😁
Hi Rick, I totally agree with you that gear matters. In my opinion gear should meet your need and knowledge of your technical interest of the concerning options.
I believe that a photographer is “in balance” if you have clear your mind to be creative and find the best compositions despite the gear you have/ can effort.
Thanks for this inspiring video and fantastic images👌
Have a great day!
Thanks Jo. Love that 'in balance' belief - I'm all for maximising the things that get you into that creative zone. Glad you liked the video!
Thanks for the video which turned out being 2-3 videos in one. Sometimes there is a fine line between wanting and needing new gear and we fool ourselves into thinking that a want is a need. Difficult.
I would like to add to the growing request to hear about how you and Nigel met up.
Yeah, it went a little off kilter 🤣 there absolutely is - I've fallen into that trap before. I'mon it, thanks for watching
I agree... to a point, and I think the point is reached far sooner than we think. We want the tech but we don't need it. Firstly, the majority of the world's great photography has been done on 'sub optimal' gear. Go figure. Maybe it came down to photographers skill and timing/opportunity. There's wildlife photographers who have built careers/channels requiring little more than patience, a fast drive and long lenses. Please...
Secondly, younger photographers have been bought up to rely and value tech, way more than necessary. This is the world we live in, because it sells. Art requires skill and effort, tech just requires money.
Great video Rick! 👏🏻
Thanks John 😃
Great video! :) Glad I saw it on the slow growth community
Hey Jurgen, thanks for clicking - appreciated!
All the gear and no idea, the downfall of many, be it Fishing, Golf, photography and worse still on the Mountains, which have a way of dealing with the inept. Good fun playing catch up with your vlogs though Rick, crack on.
Awesome 😀
Thanks Cindy!
Brilliant in the fog 😮👍👌 Subbed. Cheers from Norway 👍
Thanks Stig, appreciate the sub 👍🏻
So you've listed around £16k of kit on your page so I can see why gear would matter to you. I follow a few togs on here still using Canon 5d mkii and turning out stunning looking landscapes images. Most modern day cameras are far too over engineered with bells and whistles to get you to part with more and more cash.
It's kit I've needed and used over the years to fulfil a number of creative briefs for my work. Yes, some of it might be overkill, but it did exactly what I explained and freed me to produce as I envisaged.
Maybe modern cameras are too engineered for people have been shooting for a long time, but to relative newcomers who expect a lot from their tech, their additional features may be just what they need. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Gear doesn’t matter for beginners
If it’s easier to use and instills confidence, then why not? I wish I had the focussing and image stabilising capabilities that modern cameras have when I was a beginner….
If it’s easier to use and instills confidence, then why not? I wish I had the focussing and image stabilising capabilities that modern cameras have when I was a beginner….
@@RickBebbington i agree 👍🏼
My first camera was the Canon 450D then got the 7D then made a big jump to the R5 😁
First!
I couldn't agree more on the weather sealing. I've lost one camera to the ocean (probably deadly with or without sealing) and now live in fear of properly using my replacement camera.
It's quite frustrating to come up against the limitations of my bridge camera basically every time I use it. Mostly it just makes the game a little harder/slower, but the are many things I just can't do and the resolution and lens sharpness are never going to produce a large print. Still, it produces some stunning images at times.
I should've just spent a little more.
You can always spend 'just a little more', it's knowing when to stop that's important!! I think what you've said is a perfect example of gear potentially limiting what you do - hopefully you can find a way to upgrade soon, but keep shooting nonetheless 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
I only partly agree with you. I honestly find it a little funny that some of your examples you use don't apply to Sony ion so many area's. Ergonomics are horrible. The location of the lens release button it terrible. Weather sealing? Every Sony user I know does NOT trust their camera out in the elements, and a lot of the lenses your average person can afford are either not weather sealed at all or not nearly as good as the BEST available. For hiking and shooting like you were in this video. FF is the last system I would want to carry around the so called BEST gear. I'd need a wagon to pull those enormous lenses. The fact is the best camera is the one you have with you. If I'm out hiking lugging around shooting nature, the Sony 200-600 is not my idea of a great tool to have with me @ 4.63lbs I think it is. As far as dynamic range and IQ and the other things you listed. Cell phones are killing the camera industry. CELL PHONES and sadly people are happy with the IQ they get from them and they keep getting better. Also, depending on what type of photography you are talking about. All I see these days are photographers doing portraits in studio or on location and dumbing down the color and the image quality or making them into composites and these new AI cartoons. You don't need the best gear for any of this. The majority of photographers don't. But thanks to the marketing push of so many self proclaimed photography experts shoving full frame down our throats. People are convinced that's the only option, No thanks.
Thanks for your comment Jay. I find Sony's ergonomics so much better than they were, I guess it's personal preference. Lens release I've never had an issue with, but hand me a Nikon and I absolutely hate what they've done with it. Not saying Sony is perfect but it woks for me. Weather seeing too, I've had my kit out in some awful weather and never had an issue (except for unavoidable lens fogging). Kit wise, it depends on the user. I'm lucky to not really have an issue with carrying my kit - keeps me a bit fitter (ish!). I can see again how it would be a problem for some though - as before it's down to personal preference. As for cell phones, I really don't like the images or video that come out of them, but they are killing it due to mass market and nothing more. I don't think many great photographers use them exclusively but I might be wrong.
@@RickBebbington I'm not saying great photographers use their phones. Camera makers bread and butter was not always their high end products like it is now. I've tried a Sony with the 200-600 and there i not place for my fingers when wearing gloves. The other thing is where they put the eye for the lens strap to connect. Right on the side? Not a fan. As sensor technology has gotten better, I know a lot of people downsizing to smaller sensor systems.
Gears matter but skills matter more