Invest in the things that make a good photo, not a camera
Wednesday 10 May 2023, 13:13 by Nando Harmsen | 4,010 views | 10 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Manufacturers launch a new camera almost every year. It promises to do more and produce better images. But is that really true? This video by Tin House Studio tells a different story and recommends spending your money on other things.
It is great to get your hands on the latest camera. I know from experience, although I have to send that new camera back every time. It has new features and new tricks. It is even faster, has even more pixels, and the dynamic range is another quarter of a stop greater.
In this video by Tin House Studio, however, you are advised to stop investing in a new camera. It is just a box containing the sensor, and that sensor changes less over the years than you might think.
So what should you invest in? Lenses, flash, light modifiers, and things like that. And he has a good point. Just watch the video below.
It is worth remembering that he is speaking from his own experience in photography. Sometimes new features really are useful for your photography. Think of a fast frame rate, eye AF and things like that. They can help you capture the moment or get the right focus more quickly and easily.
Look at it from the other side, too. You might wonder how we ever managed to take a successful photo without those latest features. Because, honestly, it worked then too, didn't it?
I am curious to hear your response to this video. And whether you think it is more important to spend your money on good lenses or on the latest camera.
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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10 comments
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Fred wrote on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 11:12 | replyIt is indeed sensible to look at the flood of new cameras with the necessary perspective. They are packed with ‘bells and whistles’, but how often do you use them and are they really necessary? Of course, sensors have improved enormously in recent years when it comes to noise, and almost everyone uses the eye autofocus system once they have it, but many of those other things are fairly relative. We often admire old photographers like Cartier Bresson and Ansel Adams, and rightly so. They were professionals and took beautiful photos with a camera that has fewer capabilities than even the simplest phone camera nowadays. Good ‘equipment’ helps, but ultimately the core remains the photographer’s skill.
Translated from Dutch. -
martinphili wrote on Friday 12 May 2023 at 15:19
| reply
Totally agree.
Translated from Dutch.
My first-generation 5D still does everything I expect from it and I’ll only start looking at something else once I’ve reached the limits of what it can do. And even then: if it gets too difficult I’ll just have to try a bit harder
I also have to laugh at that pixel race sometimes, we were already making poster-sized photos with a 10D a long time ago.
The best technique is located about eight centimeters behind the sensor. -
Stefan ALEN wrote on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 10:45
| reply
I just bought another second-hand Nikon D700 (I already had one 5 years ago). I haven't regretted it for a second because it surpasses many of today's evolved cameras in pure image quality. I can recommend it to everyone.
Translated from Dutch. -
Aart van Wijk wrote on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 11:17 | replyWe used to take perfectly good pictures with a Nikon F. No nonsense and no tricks.
Translated from Dutch.
I have nothing against modern cameras. Last year I even managed to buy a new old-fashioned D500. I think it was pretty much the last one. Fotoboek still had five when I called.
That bald man from the video has more on YouTube, which, after 60 years of taking snapshots, you find him telling meaningful little stories about.
Still, every now and then I think that the latest and greatest could be fun too. If I ever have ten grand to spare, who knows what will be bought in Urk. -
Donald Willemsen wrote on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 11:39 | replyI can get behind the story. It is true that the body is just a box with a sensor and that a good lens is more important. Now, I did buy a new box with a sensor at the end of last year. I made the switch from a DSLR to a DSLM. There was a reason behind it. The focusing aids in the DSLM help me to focus manually better. I am now better able to get sharpness in the photo where it should be. My eyes have deteriorated over the last 10-15 years and that made focusing with the SLR more difficult. Now, with the mirrorless camera and its focusing aids such as 'focus peaking', it is going better. I used my previous bodies, which I have now traded in, for over 6-7 years. Partly due to the developments in mirrorless cameras and the condition of my eyes, I felt it made sense to make the switch.
Translated from Dutch. -
Stefanie wrote on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 14:03 | replyI discovered Scott's Tin house studio videos a while ago already (there's more!) I really enjoy watching/listening to them, lovely down-to-earth info.
Translated from Dutch.
Good glass is indeed more sensible than the latest camera, a slightly older model (or second-hand) usually meets your requirements just fine, sometimes you do want some newer features or an upgrade from crop to full-frame, but of course that doesn't have to be right away when something new comes out. -
Henriëtte Körner wrote on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 16:19 | replyI bought a Nikon Z6 with a 20/70 lens and an adapter for my older lenses. I’m not happy with the thing.. and why..: it doesn’t sit comfortably in my hand. Too small or something. I prefer working with my NikonD4s. A similar larger Nikon body has now been released, but whether that will make my photos better.?? Seeing and patience, light, viewpoint make the picture and I still do the sharpness myself.
Translated from Dutch. -
Albert Wester
wrote on Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 23:18
| reply
Well, Nikon D750 here and that won't be traded in for a mirrorless camera anytime soon either. The D750 is one hell of a body, solidly built and feels great in the hand. I'd rather invest in good glass than in the body. The advantage compared to mirrorless is that it still has a mirror that protects the sensor when changing lenses and I do that quite a lot, also on the beach or in bad weather. Try doing that with a mirrorless camera!
Translated from Dutch. -
Donald Willemsen
wrote on Thursday 18 May 2023 at 14:04
| reply
@albert Wester, quote: 'The advantage compared to a system camera is that it still has a mirror in it that protects the sensor when changing lenses' end quote. The mirror is not an advantage at all compared to a system camera for protecting the sensor. The dust and sand can hide behind the mirror and when the shutter opens it can reach the sensor. If you change a lens on the system camera after turning the camera off, the sensor is behind a closed mechanical shutter. The sensor is completely hidden dust can easily be removed. While the shutter is closed. So your argument is not relevant. You should first inform yourself better about the construction of a mirrorless system camera.
Translated from Dutch.
Of course you should not replace a body for the slightest thing. I agree with you on that, but then use arguments based on facts. The mirror is not extra protection against dust and dirt. -
Donald Willemsen
wrote on Thursday 18 May 2023 at 17:38
| reply
'The sensor is completely hidden dust can easily be removed.' There is a mistake in this see. It should be: 'The sensor is completely hidden. Dust can easily be removed.'
Translated from Dutch.
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