This is probably one of the healthier takes I've seen on why gear can matter. It is interesting though, the more gear I've had and the better it is, the more I've realised that you often don't need the best of the best to be able to achieve what you want. And camera bodies and lenses aren't as important as a lot of other things like planning, direction, lighting, composition, and just general understanding and skill. That said, there are certain situations (like the Olympics for example) where the best gear and extremely expensive lenses can be what is needed to get the best shots.
I feel like it is definitely a case by case type of thing. I think experience is good in all cases tho, experience with high-end gear and low-end gear… you can learn from both ☺️👌🏽
@@AngelaZuniga For sure I agree, and I think sometimes like you said, often you need to use better gear or different gear to learn new things and improve your skills 😄
It depends what the photograph is for. For me, when I look at a photo, I’m more interested in the meaning and emotion it evokes over sharpness, correct exposure etc. Someone can own all the gear in the world and still make meaningless images albeit pretty. If you’re doing something commercial then gear obviously matters but when it comes to documentary, artistic, conceptual I say it actually doesn’t matter. Just my opinion though. ❤
Hmmmm I feel like it also depends on the look that you’re going for… cause your artistic vision could include a sharp image. Personally my canon m50 was not giving me the quality I desired to give off a cinematic look and feel to my work 🤔
I have had this discussion with myself a few times. I found that I needed to determine what direction that I wanted and set the purchase goals. Now it is just a piece at a time.
Of course, gear matters. Don't be fooled by the dozens and dozens of UA-camrs insisting that it doesn't matter (Thanks Chase Jarvis for your "best camera is the one you have with you" and now the legions of people who now believe an iphone will let them make masterpieces). That said - new gear will NOT make you a better photographer (or videographer). Learning how to use the new gear properly and investing in your own knowledge and skills WILL make you a better photographer. And I do believe learning your craft with lowly equipment, upgrading as you go does help to make better photographers, as opposed to people who are lucky enough to start out with the best and most expensive equipment.
Undoubtably, but a phone camera will never ever stand up to a 'real' camera in terms of image quality and asthetics, because physics. If it could, do you believe we'd all be lugging around our DSLR's and film cameras like cave men when it's possible to make teensy tiny cameras such that we find on phones? Ever wondered why crop camera shooters crave 'full frame' or why people spend so much on medium format cameras, or even go back to film just so they can shoot in large format? And that's regardless of whatever marketing nonsense Apple or any other manufacturer spouts. So as I said, gear does matter, but gear cannot precede skill and knowledge. The problem is UA-cam has become just another form of advertising for the manufacturers with far too many creator photographers taking the shill pill and hawking their stuff. My advice has always been to buy what you can afford, take the time to learn how to use it properly and creatively, and above all learn what makes a good or great photograph (or film) and don't fall into the "my gear is inadequate, I need to buy the latest and greatest before I can ever be any good" mindset that UA-cam (for one) often propagates.
@@ste76539 image quality and control, for sure. Aesthetics, I don’t know. I suppose it depends on your taste and what you plan to do with the image (print,web etc). I too am sick of gear heads on YT making it seem as though someone with an old cheap camera cannot produce anything worth value. That’s simply not the case. The guardian runs a “best of iPhone photography,” which I think it’s pretty cool. It’s great that more people have access to tech that can produce beautiful photographs. It’s about the image not how someone got there (for me anyway). That said, I just did a big upgrade, and because I know how to use a camera- it’s made a world of a difference for me personally but am I a better photographer because I have a “better” camera, no. I just have a new tool to make different work.
Gear does matter, especially is your main camera is your smartphone or a cheap camera with bad glass. And if you plan on shooting a lot of video, you need a hybrid camera with plenty of video features. But you still go a long way with learning more about your current cameras settings and features, and working on improving your camera skills. Thanks for sharing.
sooo glad this wasn't another "gear doesn't matter" video. proper gear is absolutely the best way to give you the creative control you want/need.
This is probably one of the healthier takes I've seen on why gear can matter. It is interesting though, the more gear I've had and the better it is, the more I've realised that you often don't need the best of the best to be able to achieve what you want. And camera bodies and lenses aren't as important as a lot of other things like planning, direction, lighting, composition, and just general understanding and skill.
That said, there are certain situations (like the Olympics for example) where the best gear and extremely expensive lenses can be what is needed to get the best shots.
I feel like it is definitely a case by case type of thing. I think experience is good in all cases tho, experience with high-end gear and low-end gear… you can learn from both ☺️👌🏽
@@AngelaZuniga For sure I agree, and I think sometimes like you said, often you need to use better gear or different gear to learn new things and improve your skills 😄
Good advice!
Glad you think so!
It depends what the photograph is for. For me, when I look at a photo, I’m more interested in the meaning and emotion it evokes over sharpness, correct exposure etc. Someone can own all the gear in the world and still make meaningless images albeit pretty. If you’re doing something commercial then gear obviously matters but when it comes to documentary, artistic, conceptual I say it actually doesn’t matter. Just my opinion though. ❤
Hmmmm I feel like it also depends on the look that you’re going for… cause your artistic vision could include a sharp image. Personally my canon m50 was not giving me the quality I desired to give off a cinematic look and feel to my work 🤔
Great advice as always! You're videos have gotten next-level in quality over the past few years.
I have had this discussion with myself a few times. I found that I needed to determine what direction that I wanted and set the purchase goals. Now it is just a piece at a time.
Of course, gear matters. Don't be fooled by the dozens and dozens of UA-camrs insisting that it doesn't matter (Thanks Chase Jarvis for your "best camera is the one you have with you" and now the legions of people who now believe an iphone will let them make masterpieces). That said - new gear will NOT make you a better photographer (or videographer). Learning how to use the new gear properly and investing in your own knowledge and skills WILL make you a better photographer. And I do believe learning your craft with lowly equipment, upgrading as you go does help to make better photographers, as opposed to people who are lucky enough to start out with the best and most expensive equipment.
There are absolutely people who can compose better pictures on their phone than someone with the latest and greatest camera or lens.
Undoubtably, but a phone camera will never ever stand up to a 'real' camera in terms of image quality and asthetics, because physics. If it could, do you believe we'd all be lugging around our DSLR's and film cameras like cave men when it's possible to make teensy tiny cameras such that we find on phones? Ever wondered why crop camera shooters crave 'full frame' or why people spend so much on medium format cameras, or even go back to film just so they can shoot in large format? And that's regardless of whatever marketing nonsense Apple or any other manufacturer spouts. So as I said, gear does matter, but gear cannot precede skill and knowledge. The problem is UA-cam has become just another form of advertising for the manufacturers with far too many creator photographers taking the shill pill and hawking their stuff. My advice has always been to buy what you can afford, take the time to learn how to use it properly and creatively, and above all learn what makes a good or great photograph (or film) and don't fall into the "my gear is inadequate, I need to buy the latest and greatest before I can ever be any good" mindset that UA-cam (for one) often propagates.
@@ste76539 image quality and control, for sure. Aesthetics, I don’t know. I suppose it depends on your taste and what you plan to do with the image (print,web etc). I too am sick of gear heads on YT making it seem as though someone with an old cheap camera cannot produce anything worth value. That’s simply not the case. The guardian runs a “best of iPhone photography,” which I think it’s pretty cool. It’s great that more people have access to tech that can produce beautiful photographs. It’s about the image not how someone got there (for me anyway). That said, I just did a big upgrade, and because I know how to use a camera- it’s made a world of a difference for me personally but am I a better photographer because I have a “better” camera, no. I just have a new tool to make different work.
Ok… you gave me a reason to upgrade. Love the video game analogy. Makes a lot of sense. I’m investing in myself.
Glad to hear it!
Gear does matter, especially is your main camera is your smartphone or a cheap camera with bad glass. And if you plan on shooting a lot of video, you need a hybrid camera with plenty of video features. But you still go a long way with learning more about your current cameras settings and features, and working on improving your camera skills. Thanks for sharing.