If you were 100% honest with yourself…
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- If you were 100% honest with yourself, what would be the perfect camera system for you? Not the one you desire, but the one that would fit your shooting style, your needs and get the job done.
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Back in February 2024, I came up with my solution. I reduced my full frame gear by over 70% and now have only what I know I use on a regular basis. It was my "fun" factor kit that made me realize that I no longer needed all that full frame gear. That kit is micro four thirds. The ergo design of the cameras, the quality of the lenses and computational photography capabilities just make the system so much fun for me.
Fun makes work enjoyable
Honestly I need more things to photograph instead of getting another camera to photograph with.
Good question. For me, a hasselblad, 3 lenses, loads of FP4+ and of course a darkroom.
Fantastic video! I use Fuji x and Fuji medium format but recently bought into the canon full frame system and realised that canons gear is heavier than my Fuji medium format lenses 😀 so really all I needed was Fuji x system which can be used for pro work as their new 1.4 lenses and viltrox pro lenses are incredible and less than half the price of all full frame lenses and the Fuji medium format lenses arnt heavier than full frame lenses but that medium format sensor just blows away full frame sensors for image quality
The perfect systems for me are:
1. Nikon F2 SLR with 24x36mm sensor in digital back
2. Mamiya RB67 SLR with 6x7cm medium format sensor in digital back
3. 4x5 inch large format sensor in Graflex digital back
After much research in 2017 I gave up my Nikon DSLR (D7200/D800E) for I needed to go lighter due to age and arthritis issues. I went with the Fuji XT series and happy I did even though I loved my Nikons. It took me 2 years to decide to sell all my Nikon gear … I was emotionally involved … go figure 😅 Now I probably have too much Fuji related gear but I am not giving any of it up … that will be my family job after I am history. 🤓
I think most people’s needs (myself included) can be met with micro four thirds.
For moderate prints they are more than enough and such a great variety of compact lenses. The deeper DoF they provide is no hindrance to me as I’m not a bokeh hunter Iike context in my shots.
Saying that I also adore monochrome photography and the original Leica M Monochrom fills that beautifully (as well as the size of the system) However, I can say it was definitely a want rather than a need as I could get away with converting from colour.
Just 3 weeks ago, you made a video about the Zf, entitled: Nikon Zf Camera Update. In that video you said:
“I’m 100 percent all in with this camera - It’s just a beautiful system.” Also:
“I do love this systems’ lenses. I have the 28 plastic lens, the 40 plastic lens and I have the 50 1.8 S and the 85 1.8 S. I think that’s my whole kit that I’m gonna stay with the system because it covers everything I need.”
And yet…today (just 3 weeks later) you announced you are selling the Zf because you need auto focus (despite the Zf having excellent state-of-the-art auto focus, plus focus assist eye detect for manual lenses & IBS), and because the lenses are now too big.
So I ask: Did you forget the Zf has excellent auto focus? Or, did you simply fall out of “all in” love with the Zf being a “beautiful system” to which, 3 weeks earlier, you had so earnestly pledged your troth?
I have done photography for 45 years both as a professional and for hobby, I have used Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Leica, Hasselblad, Sinar and many more brands, today the "perfect" camera system for ME are Sony !
They are amazing. I think they have perfected the color as well.
Not sure how many 70-200 2.8's that'll be a smaller / lighter carry for you, in any brand. Actually Nikon's 70-180 2.8 (non-S line) would save some significant weight and still produce amazing results. But yes Nikon unapologetically prioritizes image quality over size & weight, as in their current 1.2's. I prefer that approach. I will add, the 135 1.8 Plena might be worth a look (understatement 🙂).
For me, if I had to choose a "perfect" body - closest out there is the Z8, which I have. But as far as "need" - I'd love a Z8 BUT with a 24mp sensor. Or, an easy enough feature to implement - let us choose our RAW image size in the Z8 (you can only do this with JPG / HEIF currently in Expeed7 bodies).
Fujifilm GFX 50R and Mitakon 65mm for fun and portraits. Fujifilm XT5 and XF33mm for most of the work.
The 50mp sensor in that camera is amazing!
For me as an enthusiast, the only reason I do photography is for fun. If I'm 100% honest, I could have somehow taken 90% of my pictures with a 24-70 f2.8, but that would be pretty boring and I would have missed out on 400% fun over the last forty years.
So a super wide angle for churches, castles and great modern architecture is a must. And you need a fast fifty and eighty-five for portraits with available light anyway. It was great, at least in theory, when autofocus came along in the eighties, so bring on the modern stuff! And because I love photographing people, I've built up a well-equipped photo studio over the years. Experimenting with three or four strobes and a load of light shapers is also great. And developing black and white film and making prints myself was also a lot of fun. Ansel Adam's books were a great inspiration. - And now I bought the Zf a few months ago and it's all starting over again with the good old MF lenses, which fortunately I never sold. It's not easy being an enthusiast either! Equipment here and there and everywhere. But in my experience, that's no reason to get upset. Just buy a bigger shelf! :-))
A bigger shelf. 😂😂🤣 thanks for that!
This is funny timing since I recently ditched all of my Fuji APS-C gear and moved completely over to the Nikon Z system. I really loved the form factor of my Fuji setup but at the end of the day I was always way more happy with the photos I got out of my Z f than anything out of my X-T5. I also realized I'm more than happy sacrificing some of the weight and form factor in order to be happier when I'm back at the desk going through Lightroom (although it probably also helps that I'm still in my mid-30s and trying to lug gear like I'm in my 20s 😂)
For me these days the top 2 factors I balance in gear are the results I get from the camera and how much the camera inspires me to shoot. So far this year I've narrowed it down to my Leicas for everyday carry and Nikon for outdoors (as well as probably "too many" various 120 and 135 film cameras 😂). But you're absolutely right that every photographer has to really ask themselves a lot of questions about what they need and/or enjoy from photography in order to nail down the right setup - and also hopefully curb on the GAS!
I have to say, you’re absolutely right about being satisfied at the computer after all’s said and done. I think that’s the hard part in all of this.
I tried x system several time, 4 different cameras, and never fell in love with them. GFX, on the other hand is an absolute overkill for my work, but I just love to work with it. I am currently switching to Z8 to potentially replace all my needs from Olympus OM1 and Fujifilm X system. At least, for as long as I can carry big heavy cameras. Also, never had Nikon before, it sounds like it is going to be an interesting experience.
@@realniteart I think you will absolutely love the Nikon system if you don’t mind the lens sizes. I do love their color science and almost every case except for some Studio strobe quirks. In rare occasions,, I have a problem, correcting color when using studio strobe.
Maybe try Olympus or now called OM System or Panasonic. I have the Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 that's the 70-200mm f2.8 in the M43 line up and its the size of a beer can.
Love that size factor. And honestly I think the file size would be just fine for my use case
OM1 is a perfect camera for almost anything. Love it. Too bad I am spoiled with GFX system, and I use OM1 only for special projects (it started other way around), when I need macro or telephoto distances. :)
Writing out what I need for me is pretty easy. Sharp 28mm lens of some moderate aperture. Fast 50mm. Small enough to carry with me as I do other stuff (because photography isnt the point for me it's a thing I'll do while doing life stuff). Tough enough not to have to worry about in normal use. Currently produced so I can replace if necessary. Re the ZF, if Nikon doesnt make some lenses that better balance size/performance in the next 12 months I'll be kinda sad. I guess I will keep it around to use the 105 macro though.
I think you will choose the Fuji X system, compact bodies and lenses, AF, and good colors.
Another great video. Since I started to shoot with my two Leica cameras (Q2M and M11P) it became so difficult to go and hold bigger cameras (with the exception of the Z9 which is a killer in my opinion). Owning many camera systems already such as canon DSLRs (1DX Mark III, 5DSR, 5D Mark III which i exchanged recently and paid the difference to purchase the Z9.), Canon R5 Nikon Zf and Z9 and the 2 leicas mentioned above, in addition to FujiFilm GFX 100S, X-T5 and X-T4.
I started with the A73, added the A7s3, then picked up the RX100m7 and that was when I realized I absolutely hated carrying the A73/S3 with all their stuff. I 'm no expert so your milage may vary but I have a small NiteIze water proof cube bag that holds rx100, 2 tentacle track E, 2-4 sync E's, a cube light, 1 GoPro and 1 360 camera, battery bank, zoom F1 with mic capsule(nature sounds) and still plenty of room for batteries or what ever. It's such a compact neat small kit and I never mind carrying it in a pack or the kayak. Wish I had of bought the RX100 first because I wouldn't have bothered with the bigger ones.....Live and learn.
Thanks for a thoughtful video, John. I've gone through this same process for myself and the results for me... nothing makes sense between Micro Four Thirds and Leica. I shoot the Panasonic G9 with premium MFT lenses from Panasonic and Olympus when I'm getting paid and I shoot the Leica M10-P (along with two vintage M3s and a Barnack Leica iii) for myself.
Interesting thoughts and totally agree between dreams and needs :). We are now impatient of knowing your target system, even if of course it won’t be mine as we have far different needs as I am not a pro. On my side following one of your video I just ordered the voigtlander 40mm f1.2 to go with my Zf. It seems perfectly adapted to it and will complement my Leica Q. If you have time to test le new voigtlander 75mm f1.5 in Z mount… it could be a good short portrait lens. With the age (and the age of my back) I no more use zooms ( too heavy) and go back -with pleasure - to primes :).
Love your videos! I recently went through this exercise. I just sold my ZF for the reasons you stated...lenses were too big and I found myself always trying to work around it. I'm an amateur photographer and my m11 covers 90% of my needs. Sometimes I just need autofocus I need something small(er). My ZF is gone...I don't have an immediate need for an AF camera, but when it arises I think it will be a Fuji XT-5 with their new kit lens. Heck I may even go micro 4/3s...!
It’s a fun and at times frustrating journey- but we have to enjoy the journey
Get the ZF back.
Why no adapter to bring sigmas small I-series with Af to the ZF?
@@rumbolzpunktde Yep I did that. I had Sigma and Sony lenses adapted. But that was my point. I got tired of looking for workarounds. Don't get me wrong...I loved the camera! But when I went to grab a camera I always felt like I wanted something more compact.
Give m43 a go. It’s a superb system. Although plasticy, the Olympus 45mm 1.8 is a great lens and so tiny
For those who are limited in carrying heavy bodies and lenses - the lighter the gear - the better it is.
You raised a very important point here ! A few months ago, I understood I was not anymore doing photography for what I really enjoy initially about it, but I was just chasing the best image quality, the best gear and performance and I ended up disgusted about it. I was not taking pictures to create something meaningful for me, and enjoying it, but I was shooting to enjoy how much incredible was a lens, a camera or a system. Anyway, GAS is real !! And it can be dangerous and very costly 😩😱 I asked myself exactly what you mentioned, coming back to what I really like/want to do and what I really need. I sold a lot of gear but now I have one big remaining problem : the answer to that question for me was keeping my M11 with 1 or 2 voigtlander optics maximum. Why is it a problem ? Because it appears that my chosen solution is by far the most expensive one 😮 and it is complicated to be in line with the cost of this fantastic camera for a non-professional photographer. The paradox is that the simplicity I need has a (very high) cost 😂😅 But I am probably not really objective at the end ..
You put that perfectly! Chasing the perfect image quality versus chasing the perfect image are two very different things. Once you start chasing the perfect image again, it becomes fun again
Great video as usual you have a realistic perspective on gear etc. I just purchased the 135mm plena & a new Z7II. Absolutely incredible stuff. For what I do. 1 lens to rule. Maybe the 35mm 1.2 Nikon when it’s released.
Well, I am sure that is one hell of a portrait set up
@@kaskoPhoto I still enjoy/luv my XT3 & 50-140mm. Heavy stuff but I’m ok with it. I’m 55 and hit the gym all the time….
I sold my Nikon D810 recently and kept my trusty D750 with a shelf of glas. But my edc is a Leica Q3 and i'm getting better and better doing all kinds of photography with that 28mm lens. With it's 60Mp it's a very versatile camera. I only use the Nikon set if I must. May be I'll switch to the Z system later but the Q3 will be the way to go for now.
Hi we're at the same situation right now, I have sony a7 series and sony a9, it's small compact mirrorless camera but when I get my leica M11, I don't use it that much unless in job photography, but I will sell both of them, I will focus more on leica M11 because I love the process and using it. Maybe I will take a look for another system for Autofocus cameras, but not sony, I don't like it now, maybe panasonic affordable and lighter than any other mirrorless camera with nice screen resolution, and decent enough EVF. But like you've said earlier in thos video, if you go for compact and light setup lens for work, it will be third party lens like Tamron or sigma F2.8 lenses 28-75mm F2.8 of Tamron with nikon ZF or sony mirrorless camera, or sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN with leica SL series or Panasonic or sigma FP-L ( but no EVF, only screen) or sony mirrorless camera. Because right now there's no other japan camera manufacturers that with light lens than this two that are affordable, I don't know the sony 20-40mm F2.8 or F2.8, if it is lighter but still expensive, rather than Tamron and sigma. If work your only choice lighter primes F1.8 or zoom lens with F2.8 on sigma or Tamron. No other choices out there, if you nees F2.8, or big aperture lenses. Or maybe kit lens variable F stops. 😅 🤔
What's funny to me is I don't even know what I want, but I do know what I need. I shoot nikon because among other reasons, it happens to be a great price/performance ratio and the z6ii uses cfexpress type b which I need for the speed and the other brands don't have that speed for the same price. I've looked a lot at other brands and I'm relatively new to photo/videography but for now I get by with nikon while I try to develop my style and figure out what exactly I want. I hear about lenses being "clinical" or having "character" and sensors having "magic"(lol) but I'm not really sure what that means, like do you really need certain lenses and sensors to be able to get images that look a certain way or can you edit images shot with "clinical" lenses to look basically the same?
Would you consider hassblad a good camera system with tiny lenses never really seen or felt them before
I love the 1DX II with their little 45mm lens it’s an amazing system. I usually rent medium format when required. Autofocus is slow but it works perfectly for the intended use.
The thing of it is, every full frame AF system dictates larger, heavier lenses, especially if the glass is fast. No way around that, I'm afraid. I went from Nikon F to Fujifilm X and then back to Nikon Z (mostly) because for my work Nikon Z files just give me that extra flexibility at the margins (and I have to shoot at the margins quite often). But setting that aside, Fujifilm is a great solution here, IMHO, if you don't mind a bit of a penalty in DR and high ISO performance.
Hmmm. Until recently my main interest lay in landscape and travel photography. For this I need a small, lightweight camera. Weather sealing and IBIS are both nice to have but not essential. f2.8 is probably too much and f4 better suited to my needs. A zoom lens is preferable but a couple of small primes would do the job. Full frame is not necessary and neither are super high quality lenses as I’m a hobbyist not a pro. A travel zoom from the likes of Panasonic, Sony or the new Leica D-Lux 8 will do 90% of the job 90% of the time. A m4/3 would do the job 99% of the time given the excellent IBIS and range of small lenses. Ease of use and good haptics are things I've persuaded myself are essential, which I used as an excuse to buy a Leica Q2 and then a M11.
Interestingly, the Leicas have shifted my photography to encompass street photography because they are so well suited to it. The awful haptics on my Oly m4/3 makes it less suited for street - remembering which way to twist a dial to change the aperture is a nightmare! So the answer is probably a Fuji XT series camera system with small zoom. If I didn’t want to spend any more money, I’d just sell everything and keep the Q2 as it does 95% of the job 95% of the time.
As a hobby photographer, I don't strictly have any needs, but I do have strong preferences. Of course the gear that I want matches those preferences. One body and three primes (two of which are quite small) are all I want. Admittedly, it's expensive stuff.
But I suppose it'd be possible for someone to want a particular camera or lens without realizing it doesn't match their needs or preferences. That might be very disappointing. Imagine getting some really expensive gear and then realizing it can't do what you want it to do...
21 years as a full time photographer and I have a very small kit
2 x SL2-S
35,85,21 and a godox flash
That’s it
The kit I would like to use is another matter
Same lenses just different bodies
Love that for you!!
Leica SL3
Thank you! I did your exercise. Multiple times - not the least because my needs changed over time, and I'm not doing photography as a business now. I love my Nikon DSLR setups, and I will keep them. But - too heavy by now, will be used occasionally only. I'd love a Leica M system. But (not taking the €€€ into account) - I need AF occasionally. So, for quite some time now, I'm "stuck" with a Fuji X-Pro camera, #3 in my case, with small primes which best fits my use case needs these days, even with some limitations in specs (need no race to more pixel, e.g.) and is fun to use on top. Still love my Nikon, still yearn for the Leica. But that's what my list says. Other people's list may and will vary, of course.
All I have to say, is you could do a lot worse than the Fuji X-Pro! I love that thing even with its 26mp sensor. Or maybe I should say, because of its 26 megapixel sensor. The F2 Fujicrons and that camera are pure gold for so many use cases!
I'm curious, what are the type of jobs that require you to have AF? I'm a student shooting an M trying to do more photo gigs. Thanks, love the content!
Loads.
Usually some select events that are a bit higher paced than say a dinner with dancing after. Also if I’m shooting higher end social media events for brands.
I once had somewhat heated conversation online with some dude who only shot manual focus/leica etc and was bashing af for no good reason. I went to look at his pictures, and they all were long exposure colorful out of focus shapeless objects! :) In his use case, manual focus totally makes sense. Now imagine you have 2 minutes to get 3 distinct different portraits of dancers in their poses, and this is 4 days, at least half day per day gig. After about an hour all you want is to point camera into a good composition and press the button. Camera should do the rest. Jobs are all different.
I normally shoot with a Leica m10-d and a 28mm lens ,but every now and then I wish it had a screen or autofocus
I tend to shoot street photography from the hip
So now I can have the screen and autofocus when I want it
Or turn the back screen off and zone focus if I want that experience
Great video as always
I forgot to mention I bought the Q2 😂
If I am honest to myself, I could do 80% of my photography with my iPhone :) yet sometimes I have paid jobs or just want the details in the image, so I have the A7CR. The rest, like the ZF and what have you on my shelf is just for playing around.
Good god, no. Not for me anyhow. I hate the feel of a phone in my hand taking pictures. I need the feel and texture of a camera body. To each their own I suppose.
@@jasonbodden8816 hehe me too. But for the IQ needed for social media, phone will do most of the time. But I am old school too, so a camera it is
Buy only what you are able AND willing to carry!
Exactly
I like medium format but its just darn heavy :(. I like manual focus but I am a old school film shooter so I like doing things slower and setting up the shot slower ... I shot with a crop sensor for a while and it was not my thing.. Just felt funny with its greatly different focal ranges... I am pretty sure I could get away with a full frame sensor .. I do like dials so the Nikon is a great choice much like my fuji system but full frame instead of medium format so would be smaller.. I would probably adapt vintage lenses as I love using those ... The big problem I have had when using vintage lenses is having to crank up the brightness of the view finders screen to see to focus OR have to open the lens up to focus and then stop it back down for the shot lol. Its a pain .. Honestly I just want my SLR back and a auto lens lol. Ill manual focus and be happy if the lens stops down for each shot auto and then opens back up after so I can focus.. The old days like my Exakta Film cameras ... The shutter button closes up the lens automatic just before the shutter releases and then opens back up after .. Everything just got too complex in these new cameras and most of the newer lenses do not even have aperture rings anymore on them :(.
Thanks for sharing. It’s these types of comments that actually help others work out their own needs.
If you’re having a fire sale, I’ll take your M11 and Leica + Voigtländer lenses. 😊
No way one system can cover all the different types of photography I like to do which include studio, portrait, street, landscape, travel, and wildlife. I am also very size, weight, performance oriented. Fortunately, I am not so worried about costs, so I just optimize based on my other priorities. Being honest with myself, the systems I desire, and the systems I have are the same for now. I am grateful and blessed for that.
My favorite is my M11 and mix of Leica and Voigtlander lenses. This is my everyday carry kit. The M11 sensor is at the top of its class, and the lenses are the smallest, fastest, highest optically quality in their class.
My AF kit consists of the Sony A1, and an efficient collection of Sony GM lenses. The A1 is the smallest, lighteast, fastest performing camera at its resolution available in the industry today. In many cases the GM lenses are the smallest lightest, fastests, highest optically performing lenses in their class. They have aperture rings on the lenses as well as good control features and options. Between the two system there is nothing I can't photograph.
I was a long time Nikon shooter back in the DSLR days. But Nikon fell way behind in mirrorless technology and I switched to Sony. Nikon now makes great mirrorless cameras and lenses. But both the bodies and lenses tend to the largest, and heaviest in the industry eliminating them from my consideration.
That is an amazing system, but I don’t need that kind of powerhouse in my autofocus kit. And I’m trying to stay on the practice side 😂 But def an amazing system for you.
I fully understand what you are saying. We all know that in the end it is the lenses that will make the kit. From what I have seen from your videos lenses are super important for you. I think at this stage there are a number of systems that offer acceptable AF. So, it makes sense to go with the largest lens ecosystem available. Fortunately, that is also the smallest, lightest, fastest, and most 3rd party supported system in the industry. Pretty much every lens being produced by 3rd party makers is available first in the Sony system. However, if your needs are more narrow and a system provides what you need, then I guess that there is no need to have the extra choices. You should be able to build a perfect kit for your needs easily.
90% hobbyist ZF works perfectly for me with a few lenses in my bag. I own over 10 lens and a Z8 which is a testament of what GAS will do to you, but for occasional professional work that for acquaintants I am prepared i guess. ZF has been the most joy i have had with a camera since my first DSLR and will remain primary system of choice for personal use.
Now where is that voigtlander 75mm 1.5 review? 😅
Personally, I absolutely love the ZF but professionally I need something a little different. And yes, I will be shooting that 75 review today. Let’s not call it a review, you’ve seen my videos. 😂😂
Damn, sadly no delivery to Germany, otherwise the nikon godox x3 would have been mine 🙃
Sorry, it’s just not cost effective for the buyer to ship overseas in most cases
I probably only need 2% of the gear that I have… 😢 😅
Also if you go with a smaller sensor like Fuji or Micro Four Thirds DXO PureRaw is the best noise reduction and it does restore loss colors due to high ISO.
It’s that M4/3 sensor that always held me back! Unfounded - probably. We all get in our on heads on that.
@@kaskoPhoto I sent you a email to check out my wedding photography that's all M43 and my engagement photos. Also there is a very well know Russian photographer that switched from Canon to M43 I sent a website with some of his work. He does not shoot weddings anymore that guy.
SL3 coming? 🎉
L-mount lenses are just as big as any other full frame system
Indeed. 50/35 summicron SL are a bit more manageable than the APO’s though.
That is no small kit 😂. I’m sure it’s amazing but not for me.
A7CII, best of all worlds. With Tamron 70-180 2.8 light amazing action. With G or GM... OR with CV 28/2.8 the absolute lightest and coolest looking FF combo and mini Leica. Fight me (read: politely disagree please haha)
I have no doubts that it is amazing camera, but the duel slot is a must for me.
@@kaskoPhoto Fair point, only as my hobby and still hope it doesn't fail one day
none the less this is GAS by another Name
Let me guess: Fuji coming in
I’m not giving any hints 😂😂