Photography Gear – At What Point Does it Matter?

by Gordon Kamitomo

Capturing the Moment

I read a fair number of articles about when to get gear, and arguments for and against gear. Let’s look at how gear matters in different scenarios.

To me, photography is about capturing the moment. You have a camera or perhaps decide to get a new one and the initial intent of course, is to take photos. If you follow ads, that latest and greatest camera will get you better photos right? Well, it depends. Knowing the basic rules of photography and perhaps reaching a point where your existing camera simply doesn’t work to how you want it to, you then become more serious. You may trade or buy your dream camera and what do you end up with? Perhaps one camera, a backup and related accessory? More important – do you have your camera with you at all times? You may have a DSLR or perhaps a mirrorless simply your phone camera. The camera is the tool and shouldn’t matter for the most part, of course depending on where you are on the totem pole.

Gear Then and Now

As a serious photographer with over 15 years in 35mm film and now in the digital space for quite a few years, I do know the basics and have developed some personal mandates. When starting in the digital space and acquiring cameras, the intent was to have one on hand at all times. One thing I didn’t rid of are the unused cameras – 15+ at last count!

My gear used to be based on what I was doing at the time. As my direction changed, the gear changed accordingly. Everything I do to this day is based on mobility – having the least amount of equipment to get the job done. My photography fits into two basic categories: the casual stuff and the serious stuff. Casual stuff is the snapshot area. Serious stuff is for the public to see and DSLRs are my primary use cameras.

DSLRs

Why DSLRs?  I have a Micro Four Thirds unit – a Panasonic GX1 with a couple of lenses as well as a Fuji X10, which is another great unit, but DSLRs get me into the game. I went into DSLRs for two primary reasons. Firstly, for the image quality where the larger sensor would become a factor. As good as Micro Four Thirds is, I do like what the larger sensor returns. My Nikon’s are APS-C and not full frame, but all things considered, my preference is still with Nikon’s. The Panasonic and Fuji’s render every so slightly warmer in some situations. Secondly, the battery power was a key factor and even today there are times when the extra battery power of my Nikon’s reigns supreme. Does the extra weight get in the way? Yes. And then there are accessories. Micro Four Thirds, to my knowledge, have only recently been in the high speed sync space.

Mirrorless hits a point where the flexibility is there, but not in all cases. DSLRs have had that flexibility for accessories for a lot longer. For instance, if I need to use radio triggers for a studio setup, there is no concern about spending a lot of money. I have several sets of radio triggers depending on the scenario and recently bought a bare bulb flash unit for some very specific work. Getting one for Nikon was easy. If using a Panasonic GH4 – not a hope.  Try to get a radio trigger or remote release for something other than Canon or Nikon and it’s not that simple.

In conclusion, is there a point where gear matters? To me, yes. It’s also a judgement call. You envision a specific type of photo and your current stuff doesn’t quite fit the bill. Will getting new gear or extra gear make you a better photographer? No, but it will get you the shot.