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Which camera should you choose if money is no object

Monday 22 November 2021, 15:15 by Nando Harmsen | 12,380 views | 41 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

If you have plenty of money, you don't need to worry about a thousand euros or more. Why go for a simple Canon, Nikon or Fujifilm when you can choose a real camera? This article shows you what you can choose from when money grows on trees. Written with tongue firmly in cheek.

The not-so-interesting cameras

These are cameras that cost at least 7,000 euros. It sounds like a lot of money, but if money is no object, buying one of these cameras is no problem at all.

The only problem is that many professional photographers shoot with them all the time. In other words, you don't want to be associated with them. You're better than that.

Still, I want to mention them, because it does feel as though you can only buy these when you don't need to worry about a thousand euros or more. Perhaps they are cameras you give to your son on his fifteenth birthday.

Sony A1

Well, a camera from a brand that wants to compete with the big boys, but only produces small bodies in the meantime. Packed with tricks and gimmicks that you have no chance of finding again in the menu, it is a decent camera for puzzle lovers.

You don't really want to be seen with it. So don't let it become your My First Sony. Let the ordinary photographer shoot with it. You know better, don't you?

Price: 7,299 euros

Canon EOS 1Dx mark III

The Canon version of the Nikon D6. Everything the Nikon has, dressed in a Canon outfit, with the sharp edges removed, but with a slightly higher price. A camera like a brick, which can be used to hammer a nail into wood. Indestructible, and built to last.

You see every sports photographer or wildlife photographer walking around with this camera. But this is not a particularly stylish camera. Why not look for something that is more than a simple workhorse? One with more pedigree, so to speak.

Price: 7,419 euros

Fujifilm GFX100

The expensive toy of the not-so-wealthy photographer. A huge camera without much finesse. Perhaps it is even based on the Canon mentioned earlier. But with somewhat lower build quality, especially when it comes to the buttons and dials.

Fuijfilm gfx 100

Fortunately, the good photographer doesn't need all those dials and buttons of questionable quality. So leave the camera to someone who has to save up for it for a while. Let's keep looking.

Price: 9,999 euros

The more interesting cameras

Now things get serious. Cameras that make a statement, which you can be seen with without being immediately compared to the masses. They are in a price range beyond everyone else's reach, and that's what you want.

Money is no object, so perhaps it makes sense to choose a few instead of just one. A camera for every occasion. Why not? After all, you don't drive the same sports car to your business every day.

The following cameras are for the serious enthusiast who doesn't need to worry about a thousand euros or more. Or ten thousand, for that matter.

Leica M10 Monochrom

This brand has status. It is the icon that serves as the shining example for many other brands. They are copied, but nothing beats this Leica M10.

Choose a beautiful lens to go with it, and get started. Bear in mind that it is always manual focus.

This camera also has a special feature. It only shoots in black and white. There is also a colour version available, should you still want to work in colour. So perhaps it would be interesting to have one of both models?

Price: 8,350 euros

Leica S3

Full frame is for the masses. Of course, you won't settle for anything less than a medium-format sensor. The Leica S3 is a statement. It is beautiful in its ugliness.

Perhaps the camera doesn't produce as good an image as, for example, the Fujifilm GFX 100. But then again, this is Leica and it costs twice as much. So the camera is twice as good, right? Besides, the buttons are better here, should you decide to use them.

As far as I have been able to see, the camera is no longer available in the Netherlands. That is of course no problem. You can simply take your private jet to any place on Earth where there is still one. Then you can get away for a bit at the same time.

Price: approximately 18,000 euros

Hasselblad H6D-400c MS

The real work starts with Hasselblad. Not the consumer version, but the 400-megapixel H6D. It has a genuinely large sensor, which can only be a good thing. When you have the H6D-400c MS in your hand, you are not only noticed, but taken seriously too.

With the H6D, you belong. It allows you to take photos that no other camera can. It can even make an ugly model look beautiful. What more could you want?

Price: 48,395 euros

Phase One XT IQ4

Wait a minute, have you ever heard of Phase One? Take the 150-megapixel IQ4 digital back and combine it with a body from the XT series. You may not have as many pixels as the Hasselblad, but megapixels aren't everything, are they?

Although the camera looks a little strange, this is the best you can get. With it, you can leave all your rich friends behind. The photos from this camera are fantastic. You don't even need to know how to take photographs.

Price: 57,000 euros (with 150-megapixel achromatic sensor)

Why stop when you can go even further?

Do you really want to stand out? I think there must be a manufacturer willing to build your dream camera. Gold-plated, if necessary. And as for the cost, it doesn't matter that much. After all, who worries about a thousand euros or more? Or ten thousand, if necessary.

Oh yes, before I forget. For the prices mentioned, you only get the camera body. You still need to look for a suitable lens. Fortunately, we don't need to worry about the cost.

As mentioned earlier, this was written with tongue firmly in cheek. Don't take it too seriously.

Which camera would you buy if money were no object? One of the cameras from this article, or perhaps simply the camera you have now? Let us know in a comment below this post.

This article was inspired by The Best Cameras To Buy if You're Super Rich: 2022 edition by Usman Dawood on Fstoppers.

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About the author

Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.

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41 comments

Donald Willemsen wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 10:49 | reply
In the analog era, I once got to take photographs with a Hasselblad. The body is not the only thing that counts. Above all, the glassware (the quality of the lens) determines the quality of the photo.
I am no 'big shot' and for me a Canon EOS R3 or R5 would therefore be more than sufficient if money were no object. But as always, wishful thinking is one thing and reality dictates that I look at what I can afford, and then I don't get any further than a reasonably priced mid-range model.
Translated from Dutch.

aart wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 10:52 | reply
phase one, they say it produces a nicer image than hasselblad, by the way it also looks very technical.
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Cees Kamminga wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:10 | reply
Cool Nando. Your wink is fully in view and sharp. But if I may say so, I’ll happily continue working with my Sony RX10 IV. Ideal camera for travelling and all other activities. Fixed lens with a range of 24 - 600 mm and still delivering great shots. The one-kilo camera for the better throwing and tossing work. (and besides that, the Sony A7 for the delicate work)
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Cees wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:13 | reply
It's something different for a change, and also nice to read what the more expensive segments can do and, above all, what they cost. It also shows what you can buy when you win a lottery. On top of that, the lenses you'd want to go with it would cost you an extra lottery ticket. All in all, a very nice article with lots of interesting facts, which also gives a bit of a dose of reality. I'm still very satisfied with my Canon D5 mark 3. Thanks Nando.
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PixelDude Raoul wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:14 | reply
... uh ... a picture is worth more than 1000 words.
But even with the most expensive camera you can only take a photo. You can't, for example, accelerate to 100 km/h in 3 seconds with it. Haha ... good article.
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Gijs wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:22 | reply
I’m sticking with my Fujifilm X-H1.
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ronald maas wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:23 | reply
A good and enjoyable article that pokes fun at the pixel race and camera features in an engaging way.

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4BYE wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:39 | reply
Indeed, it reeks of cynicism. Everyone has their own budget and their own reasons for buying something. In the end, it's about what you do with it. And that's where you run into the problem: for some "fields of photography" you simply need different cameras.
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Harry Cooijmans wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:46 | reply
I used to have a camera that the astronauts took photos on the moon with. Unfortunately, someone dropped it and the rest is easy to guess.Since then I have had a Nikkon D90. And I do everything with it. Took the same photos as my friend with a Hasselblad. Wouldn't want anything else. Am very satisfied. I did buy a telephoto lens and macro lens over time. I wonder if a wide-angle lens gives better images. Otherwise I'll leave it as it is.
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guest wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 11:48 | reply
why isn't the Nikon Z9 in the list. I only hear very nice stories
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wim wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:01 | reply
And then of course I have to think of that one sheikh who bought a little telephoto lens for 1.6 million, with a matching Land Rover to be able to transport the thing.
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Nando wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:20 | reply
@guest: The Nikon Z 9 is far too cheap for this list. Only cameras that are above 7000 euros qualify.
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Bernard wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:23 | reply
A fine article from the series: "It can always get crazier". The only serious camera I can see for myself here is the Hasselblad HD6 with 400Mpix. I can imagine this being useful in technical or reproduction work. But with a price tag of 50K euros (body only?) it is firstly outside my budget and secondly far outside my bucket list. I am actually quite satisfied with my Canon EOS 5D mark IV and a couple of fantastic L-series lenses and do feel spoiled with them. The word "satisfied" is unfortunately no longer so fashionable
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Jan Jeanine Glas wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:30 | reply
Oh, it’s just how you look at it and which photos you take and especially where.
My Hasselblad H6D-400c MS is great but actually very unsuitable for walking around with at an event but for my studio fashion work simply the best.
Furthermore, I have 4 Sony cameras for everything else, the 7, 9, 1 and RX10 IV.

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Wil van Elk wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:39 | reply
I feel free and happy with my Canon R6. I don't want to make too big a deal of it!
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Nelleke wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:52 | reply
I would still go for the Sony A7IV. I'm already used to the menu by now. I have the A6500 now and take nice photos with it too. I would like to see the difference compared to other equivalent cameras.
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Jan Willem wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:52 | reply
If money played no role at all, I would choose the Canon R5, obviously with the corresponding RF lens set.
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Paul wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 12:57 | reply
Nice piece again, Nando.
It doesn't grow on my back either. When I was still shooting film, I always dreamed of being able to use a Mamya 6x7 or a Pentax 6x7', seemed like the ultimate.....
Now I'm very happy with my D500, I even had some money left over for lenses...
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René Koster wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:00 | reply
I am very happy with my Nikon 610 (2 bodies, that is!) and I am just a well-intentioned amateur; with the better Nikon lenses, that is!😊
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Jet wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:00 | reply
I can already feel it itching on my back...the money grows.
Still the cheapest one on the list for me, well, I'm used to that puzzle.
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Marcel wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:05 | reply
It would be a Canon R3 with the necessary RF (super-telephoto) lenses and, when it is available, the R1...
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Marcel wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:09 | reply
How can you judge that the Canon 1DX Mk III is "less stylish" ?? It is still a beautifully shaped top camera designed by Colani, with everything in the right place!
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Hans Smits wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:13 | reply
Nice article. A nice wink too. Despite the menu, I am super happy with my Sony RX10-IV and RX100-VI. After lugging around various Nikon SLR cameras for years, it is a party every time now to go out photographing relaxed with 1.5kg.
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André wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:45 | reply
A technical camera for portraits; with a gradually shifting plane of focus and little depth of field you get very special effects. I worked with a Linhof for a while in the past, you shouldn't want to walk around with it and you shouldn't want to put lively children on the plate, but for striking portraits I'd still like to have one. So if anyone has a winning lottery ticket for me, then I know a good cause for it. I'll make a free portrait of that generous giver....
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Robert wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:46 | reply
Me....you've lost me for a moment now Nando.
Photo-taking regards Robert
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guest wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 13:50 | reply
Nice to read, Nando!
Last year I bought a Canon 90D after having enjoyed photographing with a 500D for many years and gradually saving up for a new camera. I am very happy with this camera, especially now that I bought an 18-135 mm lens for it this spring. As an amateur photographer, this gives me more than enough possibilities.
I am happy to leave the expensive toys to those who don't know what to do with their money, although I could also think of a more useful destination for it. Or, of course, to professionals who need to do heavier work.
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bart wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:10 | reply
A Leica M10. With Summicrons.
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Wendy wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:11 | reply
I have just started with photography. My dream is to become a good photographer in a few years.
I have always and still photographed with a Canon. These cameras mentioned here. They are all of course fantastic, honestly I never knew that there were such expensive ones among them I still have too little experience and knowledge of the cameras.. So I cannot choose any one from this series of exclusive cameras. Personally I would go for one of the Canon R series.
But one may always dream. 😀📷
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Ton Sieben wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:12 | reply
My No1 camera is the Nikon Z9.
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A H M Kerkhoff wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:42 | reply
ha ha, had another good laugh. many thanks Nando!
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Jannes wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:45 | reply
I’m sticking with my Leica M
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roland wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 14:54 | reply
the more expensive, the crazier, they must be top cameras but can you still safely take them out on the street ?
I’m still happy with my Canon 6D m2.
cheers Roland
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Gina Heynze wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 15:49 | reply
Since I chose Sony and it suits me well, I would go for the A1, but I think I would rather invest in a nice lens because I think you get more benefit from that.
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Patrick wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 16:54 | reply
The GFX, the most affordable medium-format camera, even one for 6000 euros, hats off Fuji, hats off
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Richard wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 17:14 | reply
Even though it is of course a piece with little substance and mainly meant cynically, I would still like to point out that in principle it makes absolutely no difference what a camera costs, what is much more important is what you earn with it, right? The Leica and Hasselblad ladies and gentlemen are mostly well-paid Studio & Fashion photographers, simply because the quality they deliver with them is so much better.
Additionally, I would like to point out that the 1DxMkIII does not cost 7000 either.
The Canon R3 doesn't either, but even if they only cost 2,000, if they are not available... (2 ordered and the waiting time is now half a year and still no positive outlook) they are no use to you.
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AJ wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 19:38 | reply
I also take fantastic photos with my Canon 6D, you know. Even the Joint Strike Fighter won't fly straight without a good pilot.
Although.........I'd also like to find that R5 in my shoe.
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Stêr wrote on Tuesday 23 November 2021 at 21:13 | reply
Dear Nando, great article! I would like to know more about the technology of the last-mentioned cameras. I am very curious about the Phase One XT IQ4. Is it comparable to those old analog technical cameras or is it different? My first camera was a ZENIT and Nikon 810, but I continue to work with cyanotype. But if I suddenly had a lot of money, I would want the last three Thank you very much!
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Nando wrote on Wednesday 24 November 2021 at 09:29 | reply
@Stêr: The technique is basically the same as with all other cameras. A (large) sensor that captures light, and a body onto which the rear panel with sensor is clicked.
More info can of course be found on the internet and on the Phase One website: https://photography.phaseone.com/xt-camera-2/features-and-specifications/
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guest wrote on Wednesday 24 November 2021 at 10:34 | reply
Piet VdEynde, a few years ago: don't buy a Leica Monochrom, because then you have no influence over converting different colors into desired shades of gray in LR or PS. 😉. And he's right.
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Karel wrote on Friday 26 November 2021 at 06:00 | reply
Well with all those Canon and Nikon cameras, my Sony 7 iii still works like a charm too!! And the lenses are very important, especially portraits and macro, that Sony 2.8-90 mm macro professional quality! Happy with it.
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K.P. wrote on Tuesday 24 May 2022 at 19:45 | reply
I remain friendly but I want to report this: I am certainly satisfied with Canon. With my 5D markIV.
I saw some time ago that they came out with the EOS R, a nice camera with which you can photograph silently, I thought... and bought one. The problem, however, is that banding occurs when photographing quiet music (jazz, classical) in sparsely artificially lit spaces, in silent mode that is. Very annoying and then you have to go back to click mode. What a shame. I hope the R5 doesn't have that but I think it does. As little attention as possible is paid to it. The EOS R with silent mode is simply a shame. You buy such a device to do what it's good at, right?
I keep waiting for a global shutter (then you no longer have banding).
Translated from Dutch.

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