Avoid a huge reason photographers fail professionally
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 бер 2024
- Photographers, beware of this common trap when buying new cameras. We'll tell you why buying second hand cameras is a better idea and can save you money while still providing high quality equipment.
Don't let the allure of new camera equipment fool you. In this video, we'll explain the benefits of buying second hand cameras and how you can still get the same quality at a lower cost. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, this is a tip you won't want to miss!
You can find me on;
Instagram / scottchoucino
Facebook Group / 18930. .
Tin House Website and WORKSHOPS www.tinhouse-studio.com/
My Commercial Workscottchoucino.com/ - Навчання та стиль
for a more behind the curtain look at pro photography - head here www.patreon.com/tinhouse
So just another angle on this. I'm a woodworker and I have tools that do not make me more money but I love owning them and using them. I have Clifton hand planes (made in the UK) that take longer to use than a machine but I just love them and they bring me joy. So I guess they are a reward for the work I do and yes, I do at times convince myself that it is reinvesting into the business but on that level you are right - they are not. But surely at the end of the day it is not all about money. However, if you were to tell me you get the same pleasure out of a second hand one than you would a new one then buying new would make no difference. I love the advice you give I adopt a lot of it to my business even though it's not photography! Keep the video coming!!!
Alternate point: i totally agree with you about cars, but at the same time, I don't drive for a living. As someone who shoots professionally, I appreciate the peace of mind, warranties, and services that come with buying a new camera. Not that I'm buying Phase Ones (not many do). Camera bodies in the $3-6k range are usually found in good used condition for only 20-30% discount, and if they are being sold for way less than half the price as you're suggesting then I would imagine it's not going to last or work well enough. A camera is an advanced piece of electronic equipment, with a great number of things that could go wrong. If it was just for personal use, I wouldn't care as much, but as a pro, having recourse when things go wrong instead of taking a chance on something someone else wanted to get rid of makes a lot of sense, business-wise. Lights are relatively basic, so less concerns there. Best example: I bought a dji drone brand new with the inexpensive insurance/replacement policy, crashed it badly, twice, and got a new drone delivered each time. (I'm better at flying them now btw). Maybe if you are talking about dealership refurbished guaranteed good used cameras, but then you are still often only saving one or two hundred on a several thousand dollar purchase, about the same as any major sale, Black Friday, etc.
Yes for one off purchases it feels silly. But this year for example buy buying used I saved around 40k in spending. Somethings it was a couple of hundred, sometimes thousands, but it’s the sum at the end of the year that matters
As a counter point... i have a Leica M4 that never broke... i shot with it in Yoguslavia and Afghanistan (first and second war)... i have a 5D III that survived multiple expeditions to the Arctic circle... never breaking... the M4 i got for free from my uncle in the 70s and the 5D III i got for like 1200€ back in the day... still shoots perfectly fine... the Image Quality hasn't improved on 35mm sensors... i have the piece of mind that those cameras lasts forever and even if something should break.... repair shops have 20 years of experience fixing them and they're easily fixed... i can drop it off in the morning and in the evening it's fixed.. the more electronics... the more functions... introduced with new cameras the more can go wrong... that's the reason for lights you go with Broncolor for example... shit lasts forever... and even if it breaks... a toddler with a screwdriver can fix them
@@TinHouseStudioUK Both points got supported with this comment.
Always look around for what's used and what's new.
Quick search brings up used or refurbished R5C for $3,100-$3,200.
But also new R5C paired with SmallRig cage or paired with other things for $3,600.
Or Abe's of Maine (never used them) has one for $2,769 that is supposedly ending in 11 hours for that price.
Edit-And after doing some more looking, you might want to stay away from Abe's of Maine.
I primerily buy used equipment. Temptation is real, but so is money in the bank.
I've been a photographer for 52 years. I have VERY seldom bought a new camera or lenses. I will gladly buy someone's 5-6 year old DSLR that was used in a commercial studio for pennies on the dollar. I'm on my 7th Canon DSLR and they all have worked flawlessly and none of my architectural clients have ever asked me how many megapixels in my camera! Listen to this guy, he is wise and experienced. You don't need the latest and the greatest......this is all marketing hype. Buy high quality and well taken care of used camera equipment. My next camera is a used Canon 5Dsr (50 Mp) with less than 15k shutter releases. How much? $850.00
I've recently bought the canon 90d apsc 33mp however I'm in need of some sharp glass to go with it... i want an equivalent minimum16mm+ I have the sigma 17-50 and the canon 10-22.... I'm looking for a suggestion about a really sharp lens that will do 16mm apsc equivalent. any info will be great does a wide angle canon L lens exist at such a wide angle? basically I'm shooting landscape and I need to experience true quality.
I'm sure someone here might know the answer
Wise words!! Very few people will ever consider your advice.
I believe that a car brake mechanic may be able to get by with open-ended hand wrenches and avoid using the more advanced ratchet-styled pneumatic wrenches to save money. But, in doing so, will they end up sacrificing productivity? They will be able to service more cars per day without changing the fee for labor, thus increasing their revenues.
In photography, the equipment needed depends on the genre. Studio portrait photographers can work with older DSLR cameras without worrying about high ISO and speedy shutters. The subjects are still, and studio lighting keeps camera settings constant, depending on the lens type.
On the other hand, engaging in action sports requires the ability to capture constant movement and the precise decisive moments. This requires fast shutter speeds, buzzing frames per second, snappier focus, tolerances for high ISO settings to lower noise ratios in low field or gym lighting. Here, modern mirrorless cameras become an essential tool for image quality and productivity in sports and fast-paced events.
Personally, I prefer to buy new cameras without the fear of purchasing someone else's problems and worn conditions. Heaven forbid a used camera fail in the middle of a crucial event.
I completely agree, I'm no pro photographer, just a keen amature. I originally purchased a "starter kit" with various lenses and basic camera, all new. Had I have known what I know now I would have just got second hand gear. Much better spec and considerably cheaper like my 1DS mk 2, I paid £200 fir body and two batteries, new I think they were around £6000-£8000 and it still works as good as the day it was new. Add a 24-105 L lens and it can hold its own with anything new even though it's nearly 18 years old. Get the job done and keep the money in the bank, what a result.
Love the videos and your honesty attitude to life and business.😊
Excellent advice Scott. Refreshing as always, thank you
I cheer when enthusiasts buy new kit, especially the type that must have the latest and greatest.
I am with you on this. While I do buy occasionally buy new, I love the blunt edge of technology for value for money. If it's 80% as good for 40% of the cost of new, (and it does the job), then why not?
Your approach is bang on and I share it with lots of things, cars, cameras, bikes etc. Comes down to experience, and goals. What do you want and how do you want to get there. Choice, hopefully informed by experience knowledge and good counsel.
I don’t do food, Studio shots or products. My customers are construction companies, real estate office buildings, Industrial, . These jobs I need to do photos and video. CanonR5 is perfect for that reliable auto focus and great even at high iso. Older cameras can’t do that. Fact. So that’s why I use a newer camera. It makes my job easier and faster in post work.
Depends on the niche .
I've sold off more kit than I have bought this year, and I intend to keep it that way. I've ended up with far simpler kit in the process. My lighting kit is still incomplete because I am waiting for one more used/open light to become available. Its a 30-45% discount over new. Well worth the wait.
Logical, takes real discipline. And a timely reminder, because I was just looking at buying my first light and they're too expensive. So I'll look at used.
I really appreciate this lesson. I’ve thought about getting a newer body, just for the upgrade in autofocus. I’ll keep the 5Dii for when I travel.
Absolutely agree. I own 150+ cameras. One was purchased brand new.Vast majority are film cameras but 9 are digital. Purchased a Nikon D 90 new all other Nikon digitals were purchased second hand. Never had a problem. Never had an issue with any of the 150+ lenses I own either. I also will not purchase new vehicles or computers either. Saves so much money.
Great points. Only thing i bought new was my 2019 toyota carolla... reason was i needed a car and i could afford it. Paid off now and yup not valued as much as it was new. But i saved also by this point in gas and maintinence as i would have used. And thanks for reminding me that despite being new i dont have to try to buy the latest and greatest gear. I did practice today with my k50 with a lense from the 80's as well. And yup... getting better. Im doing the challenge of taking pictures for 1 year every day. Keep up the great videos.
Dido Scott. I buy more good used and it has worked for me very well. Most of my medium kit was used, but for my RB and Bronica SQA. My Mamiya twin and 645 was used. I still use two old Multiblitz monos from the 80s. I use my old AI lens for my Nikons as well. Gets the job done.
The used market is great, so many gems. I'm now the proud owner of a Hasselblad X1D and a couple of lenses, incredible quality, design and a joy to use. And the whole lot less than buying a flagship by any of the major brands. I don't shoot sports,or wildlife, I shoot portraits part time and travel stuff just for joy. Stunning colours straight out of the camera. Bargain.
Absolutely factual. I have 3 cameras, two are for shooting, one is my video camera. Sony A7III is my main camera. Sony A7II is my backup. 6500 is my video camera, the battery on the 6500 is trash, but I can do HD and 4K if I need to. I just do 1080p for my videos on here - it gets the job done. I purchased these between 2018-2020. I have no reason to buy another camera body until further notice.
6500 is a very bad video camera tough. By todays standards it has ugly picture and it does not meet the minimum requirements for professional video work like 4k60 and 10 bit. Video cameras became good just a few years ago its not the same as with photography. You dont see less quality in your pictures with a canon 5d in pictures but you certainly do if you compare modern Video cameras with a 6500
have shot 3 documentaries... sold them all to major networks in the last 5 years... nobody has ever asked for 10bit... which is pointless since nobody has a 10bit screen and unless you run a hollywood studio you do not have a colorist with a 10bit screen that could take advantage of it... nor 60hz since no network and no platform that is relevant will let you watch anything in 60hz.... you are the people this video is directed at... and you clearly missed the point@@castielvargastv7931 the minimum requirement for professional video work is knowing how to make good videos... you're one of those people always trying to buy the newest camera because everything you shoot looks like poop and you blame the camera instead of just learning how to shoot aren't you?
I'm watching this from a "new" MacBook Pro M3 16 inch. My hand was forced to get a new one, since I ran the previous MacBook into the ground. But I went for the open-box from Best Buy, and got a 2900 dollar laptop for 2300 - cheers, mate.
Love it!
I agree that if your subject is sitting absolutely still in a studio environment a new camera won’t help. But for more or less anything else they’ve come along leaps and bounds…
Great video! I've been using the same Sony A7R III body, professionally, since 2019. Sure I've been tempted to upgrade each time a new one came out, but I know a new body won't increase my profits. Also, if/when it fails I'll try and get another A7R III as I know exactly how it works which makes my work much more efficient. Having money in the bank makes me feel relaxed, free and have more fun working. Which is much more important to me than a new piece of gear.
I have Phase One XF / IQ3-100, Sony A7r4, Leica D-Lux 6, lots of lenses, and Profoto lights. Only the D-Lux 6 was bought new - $750.
Great advice again. Better having money sitting in the bank than have over spec'd kit sitting on a shelf gathering dust when not being used, really is a rule of being in business. So many fail due to cash flow after the jobs slow up for a bit. I've got some great kit and lenses second hand for bargain prices.
Exactly!
I recently bough a new Sony a6700 last year simply because of the limitations my a6400 had, though most of those were video related. In terms of photography the improved autofocus in challenging conditions was nice, and the ibis was as well, but i could easily manage without those. For video however the ibis and improved rolling shutter meant I could shoot handheld like I prefer, and even get some money back by selling my gimbal, which I only bought to compensate for the a6400s weaknesses. It also helps being able to match up footage with newer Sony cameras which seems to be what I mostly encounter when working with other videographers. Financially Id say it made sense since it only cost me a bit over $1000 CAD to make the upgrade, but will now allow me to take on video work I wouldn't have in the past.
Speaking of black magic, I'd say some of their cheaper cameras make great sense to buy brand new if you are also looking to get the studio version of Davinci Resolve as they give you a free copy.
Totally agree Scott, 90% of my studio equipment was purchased second hand. My Foba salon stand new would be £10K plus, cost me £500 second hand and works exactly like a new one. Same with the Bron packs, keep them serviced and then and they will last for decades. Paying over £20k for a new Satos pack isn't going to give you better results just put a big whole in your profits.If you need it hire it!
Used salon stands are one of the biggest savings you can make
It's a big assumption that old technology, which is available used, will accomplish the same tasks just as well. Like video.
You have great advice. Well worth listening to and taking seriously. I have purchased both new and used equipment. I buy Demo or Excellent condition equipment. I have also purchased new equipment. I do a lot of research and find the best deals. I don't worry about depreciation because I keep my equipment for so long that it's not worth anything when I'm done with it. It's worth the price for as long as I have it. I have recently purchased some used Broncolor lights. They are many years old. They still work and will do the job for me and I saved a lot of money. In my case I could afford used, but not new. It's a matter of getting something used and older or NOT buying something new. Having something used that works well is a benefit that helps you do the job well. For me, I enjoy the equipment and having what I need when I need it. My work is my life and having good equipment is what makes me happy. That's what I spend my earned money on. I'm purchasing it for me - that's my holiday. I have worked for so long for others that provided poor equipment and didn't get me what I needed to do the job that now I want the good stuff for me - new or used. Top of the line used is better than new cheap stuff. Thanks for letting me share.
My go to workhorse is my R5 with a Minolta Rokkor film lens. Every single one of my favorite images have been captured with that lens, across multiple different bodies.
Totally agree!
Love your work and your channel! ❤
It comes down to personal choices in life. I think about it like this:
Buying used camera vs new gear is not going to save me enough money to go on vacation with my wife and 2 kids. Then why do it? Isn’t there a greater chance that a used camera will break at some point and ruin your work or delay it? Why risk it? I’d buy new and then sell it a couple of years later, then add some more money and buy something newer. I can keep going on like that and have new cameras every few years while I’m still working. The initial investment is big, but it’s worth it.
Buying used cars is ok if the mileage isn’t too bad, over 100000 miles. Otherwise you’ll spend twice the amount you invested after you go into repairs.
I’ve been thinking about this more. If you are a studio photographer working in a slow controlled environment then you don’t need the latest gear. But if you are a sports and events photographer then there is some justification to using the latest and greatest gear. If I am shooting the Olympics then I want a Nikon Z9, Canon R3, Sony A1. If you miss a shot you will lose out to someone else that got it.
i got 2 nikon D700 bodies and 11 Nikon lenses and i paid for all of that less for what i would have paid for a new bodyor at least equal amount of money.i've done 2 shootings and i already got back the money i've spent for my equipment.buying new equipment if it is not absolutely necessary is an loss of money for no reason .i totally agree with your points
I have never bought a new camera or lens. I don’t get the temptation because I’m not focused on gear. Also, when things are brand new they are untested. The early adopter thing is often more about ego than anything else.
Hopefully I can still say that after the photography show this weekend 🤞🏼
I needed to hear this ….
I adapted a canon 16-35mm 2.8 iii to my Fuji 100s GFX … and kept thinking , should I, should I not get the 20-35mm when this one covers that range without vignette from 19-20- 35mm and is a spectacular lens …
My camera is a Canon R10 and my lens is the EF 24-70 F4 L macro. I make good money and could easily buy the R6 MKii but I don’t need that camera because photography is a hobby for me (I could rent it if need be) and the camera I currently use does everything I want it to do
It is ultimately a trade off between how much you spend and how often you “need” to spend it because the item has gone beyond economic repair . Few years ago I dabbled with Yonguo flash guns as an alternative to canon 580ex ‘s. The lifespan of the yongnuo’s in heavy professional use was about 9 months give or take. Second hand canon 580ex 2’s by comparison go on for several years. It worked out in the long run that the cheaper flashes would cost more over the length of time that it would take for a 580ex to become uneconomical to repair. The strategy I tend to go for is good condition second hand (provided the price is low enough) and make it last. Cars can be risky to buy at low price high mileage though as that is when you tend to get the very expensive repair bills that can make the vehicle uneconomical to repair.
We both have a very similar mindset. Unfortunately, most people don't understand me and think that I don't know how to reward myself and spend money.
These days I have a complete camera system and a portable studio system. I did buy New cameras a few years The Nikon D5 (Film Camera) and later the Nikon D2x. The main reason I needed the specific features that were coming out to be competitive. But today most of my gear is used so if something goes wrong I can replace it instead of repair it. I also have a backup on all my critical lenses, and cameras and can set up a second shooter. Well, here is my simple opinion. For me, mirrorless is still in its infancy. The Z9 is a good camera but it doesn't have the ISO range and the flash sync speed of my D5. If I did more video maybe there would be more of a reason to buy it. Did the introduction mean the DSLR cameras stopped working no. Would I gain anything right now by switching to mirrorless right now? No. The expense of buying mirrorless is extremely expensive. I have no issue buying used gear so I hope more people sell off their DSLR gear. Will I buy Mirrorless maybe in a few years when it makes sense and there is a reason for it? Right now it makes no economic sense to me.
If I was a working pro I would absolutely follow this strategy. I only have cameras pre 2010 because that is what I could afford. That said; if you don’t have something memorable in front of the lens it doesn’t matter if the camera was $60 or $6000 it won’t make any difference
yup
I would say as someone who is new in the hobby, buying used is really scary to me, and for the lower end stuff I really struggle to find a second hand deal that's worth the increased risk.
For instance, my camera is a canon RP, I knew I wanted RF mount (as future lenses will be RF native), but getting a canon R or RP wouldn't have saved me that much money.
I did however, I did buy second hand glass, though I kinda got burned with the ef 24-70 f/2.8 mkI. I had to get it sent in to get the focus adjusted and still it's such a bad performer vs my 70-200 mkII.
I think, once you know a bit more and you buy equipment that holds significant value, then second hand would be a great option, but I don't see how saving 100-200 on entry level kit is worth the risks. I might very well be going for second hand once I opt for RF glass, for now I still want to figure out what I like doing and what works for me so I can gauge what kit might be worth while getting.
The only new camera I've got was for school and it was part of my tuition. It's the sony Fx6 and it's still my main video camera. Stills I shoot tye canon 5Ds and zeiss glass.
NOOO!!! you hit the spot!!! Last Sunday my bike failed 40km away from the city, it was hell getting back - walking with bike clips(5km), waiting for the train(YES it was a train station there), from the train station to home. When they saw my bike at service, guy you need a new bike and here they are from 2k-4k bike, i was like HOLY cow! Saw a second-hand one for around 700 euros, or repair my good old bike!
I’m with you on gear. Everything I use is second hand. My workhorse body, from 2018, has recently not been up to snuff to what I expect. I purchased a used, year old body. The updates to the body are noticeable and appreciated. None of my lenses were purchased new either. That’s where your stability lies. A purchase of a used lens 5 years ago, is worth nearly the same value now. Allow someone else to take the loss. As long as the equipment is in good condition and fits your needs, the age doesn’t matter much.
If you’re looking to purchase something, look for the abilities that will increase efficiency and quality to improve profitability.
i mean i have this zeiss 100mm f2 from 1980 sitting on my desk mounted on a nikon d850 , solid bit of kit, still performs better compared to most new toys as well
Only once and I have a good reason!
my current camera, released in 2018, discontinued in 2019 and it drop from 2100-2500 mark, to 1100, and buying used was actually more expensive.
Scott has made a little intro!
You are so right about this @tinhousestudiouk. Photographing is just a hobby for me. But I take my camera with me underwater.. and i tend to try and have 7 (diving) holidays a year as well. The thing is, I see my fellow divers driving with the latest and greatest all the time. Last year I finally decided to get a better camera.. and I bought a second hand 5Div with two lenses. Now instead the still similar new kit being available.. this set me back about 5000 Euro (second hand Seacam housings are expensive too, and you want a good one) but the price of a new set would be over 25000.
Feels like having my cake and eating it...😊
There are two factors to consider in whether to buy new or used. First, is the used equipment in good condition and what is the potential cost of repairs. If the possible repair is more than the gear is worth, you've got the wrong item. Second and related to this is the warranty. Is the warranty worth the extra money to buy new? Or, can you get a supplemental warranty that covers enough to make it worth while? No easy answers here - but Scott you are bang on when you say used is cheaper and makes more business sense.
I'm a hobbyist. All my "serious SLR" gear was second-hand. This year I'm going to break my rule for half-frame Pentax ☺
(Well, that one is neither going to be "serious" nor "SLR" either... so maybe I"m not even going to break anything... 😆)
You learned to drive a few, years back?, I thought I was late, but, it was only after I had to learn to drive.
I bought my first 2 DLSRs new in 2007 and 2012, a Canon 30D and Nikon D700, respectively. After those I got a Fuji X100 used for crazy cheap, another D700 used (which I ended up selligng for more than I paid for it) a D800, and D810... all used.. 4 of my 5 strobes, I bought used for cheap.. it was only in Dec of 2023 did I buy a new Nikon Z6II.. the D800 was sold years ago to fund the 810 which is my backup camera now..
How true
Olympus M1x is the camera I use now as a primary one. Costed 3000 pounds when new. Later was sold for 1800-1900 pounds. Found out new one for 900 pounds... the catch the seller failed to tell me that the camera was bricked.
So I took the guides how to fix other Olympus cameras, fiddled around with mine and the same day it arrived I figured it out and flashed it with functional firmware. After that I found out it had 250 "clicks" so basically brand new. For the future I plan to get another M1x, from a less perilous source and with about 4-6000 "clicks" - because its still new considering the expected camera life.
For cameras my strategy has always been to buy new, but not top of the range. For lighting, tripods etc again buy new, but cheaper brands like Neewer. Secondhand is fine and makes sense, but personally I like to know the history.
Good advise up to the point you allude to buying a used luxury vehicle with 70k depreciation.
There is a difference between buying something as a personal luxury and buying something as for business.
As a hobbyist I made that mistake. I bought a new Nikon F100 and a couple of lens new thinking I was going to use it for years and years. I used it off and on for a couple of years then it got mothballed. Some of the reason was I wasn’t able to go into music performances without getting stopped by security. Prior to that I took my father’s old Pentax with manual lens and no one battered an eye lid. Only 12 months ago I bought a used D810 to make use of the old lens again. I had been waiting for Nikon to bring out a hybrid camera like a Canon 5D iii but that only happened with the D780. Too little too late.
Used equipment sure, but like all things there is balance here to be found, and in that middle is the best answer. For example sure, you could shoot a movie on a Black Magic camera, but it would A) look worse in ways a huge swath of the audience would actually notice, things like rough highlight roll-off just make things look cheap and video-ish B) Require much more careful lighting than a better camera (recent Red, Arri, Sony) that has more dynamic range and more latitude in post. In the end, that "cheap" camera would cost more money, because crew, actors, locations... More hours of all those cost way more than just using a better camera.
Phew.... I'm not the only one who bought a 5Ds 😉
My fifteen year old BMW is paid for and costs me $100 a month to maintain and do mild mods, it's a blast to drive and is in great condition. You can try to have the latest and greatest or you can have peace of mind and enjoy life without the stress of making a car payment.
I haven’t bought a new camera- ANY format, digital or film, since college. 51 years ago. Seriously. I always buy used, low use, from amateurs….90%+ of the market. I always seek DEALS, saving$….and I’m deliberately behind the tech curve, yet it doesn’t matter. For me.
My second car I bought new and kept it for around 20 years, and if I had kept it for another 20, I could have sold it for about 20 times it value when brand new, but since then I always buy used, with camera kit, used or bargain specials, my first film camera's were duty free or tax free.
How about the grey import market Scott? I have been wanting to upgrade to higher resolution for 4 years now. Do I buy a grey import R4 for 2200 or an old 5DSR in good nick for 1100. I like low light capability of the R5 as I have been shooting with the R6 for over 3 years now. I do own some 5D's, the newest one being the MK3 and the images they produce are at least as good as the R6 but and its a big but, the R6 is a whole lot easier to use.
I haven't bought a "new" lens in almost a decade. I buy either used or refurbished and have never had an issue.
I've recently bought the canon 90d apsc 33mp however I'm in need of some sharp glass to go with it... i want an equivalent minimum16mm+ I have the sigma 17-50 and the canon 10-22.... I'm looking for a suggestion about a really sharp lens that will do 16mm apsc equivalent. any info will be great does a wide angle canon L lens exist at such a wide angle? basically I'm shooting landscape and I need to experience true quality.
I'm sure someone here might know the answer
With the car thingy am not sure. Your depreciated old 70k car will cost still have the running cost and very expensive repair costs matching the original value -not the current one. Nothing more expensive to own than a cheap luxury car. For cameras though, I totally get your point.
The last three L lenses I bought were used and well under retail price. It's really hard to justify paying $2k+ for something brand new, when you can get it for less than $1k with very little physical wear and tear.
I bought one new camera 8 years ago..i own 5 cameras since and all 5 are second hand. Never buying new again. The new camera I bought, sold it paid off what I owed and bought the first two of the 5 with the rest. The other 3 picked up on jobs i did for customers and made money on those jobs plus bought the 3 cameras for a song.
reminder before buying anything, most of bought goods are depreciating assets.
I only buy if I have no expectations of returns from it and I would be fine with it.
Absolutely right. I almost never buy cameras new. KEH "Bargain" category is my best friend. Extreme example: As a young lad, I lusted after the Mamiya 645 Super, but I couldn't afford $4k for the basic outfit by a long margin. About 15 years ago, film was falling out of favor, and I realized I could buy that same kit for $400! Bought it, love it, use it all the time. Cars...well, I tend to own cars for a long time, and I baby them. I have bought used cars, and it never works out for me. Even after getting a mechanic to check them over, they always have some obscure, hidden issue that wasn't disclosed and the mechanic missed. My current car is 7 years old, and I've put all the miles on it, so I know that no previous owner drove the life out of it. That means something to me!
Scott I Stijl do head shots on a Canon 5Dii, why spend more money on a camera which shoots files plenty big enough for head shots on websites?
Deja vu - didnt you already post this video or am I living in the multiverse over here? Still good, just confused
Of all your content what do you find the most rewarding?
The adults have finally started posting on UA-cam. Thank god.
I'm with you not buying too much gear but that isn't at all the reason why photographers fail. It's because there isn't enough paid work available, regardless of location/experience, to support everyone who wants to do photography for money.
Clients aren't hiring Scott with the PhaseOne, they are hiring Scott cause they can't find Scott anywhere else. If Scott had to "shoot" in Blender 3D, they'd hire Scott to shoot in Blender, albeit Scott might create the shot in studio and then pay a 3D artist to create it in Blender.
My father never ever bought a new car, he only buy car that are 2 years or older.
i am a pro of buying used. i always find the deal i want, just have to be a bit patient and look at marketplace often
Mostly all of my stuff is used except my lighting.
There are people who have more fun with a new camera than a vacation.
The main reason for buying a new car is the 5 year, X mileage warranty, which is around the average amount of time most cars are owned. This is why buying a used luxury car with no warranty, from a make that has an established record of high repair/maintenance costs is not a bargain. Not saving money if actually being daily driven. On the other hand, if one is mechanically inclined and can do basic maintenance and repairs on their car(s), and can keep them running 10, even 20 years, other than the cost of parts depending upon the make/model, it's far less of an issue. How much is their time worth with regards to doing auto maintenance and repairs? And if just buying basic transportation or utility (van or truck for equipment), buying used is even less of an issue.
With regards to camera gear, specifically bodies and lenses, most of professional work is covered just by what is required to do the job. - Captain Obvious. Doesn't have to be the bare minimum, but if running a business that intends to make more profits than tax write offs, light and nimble (less) is more. Used, proven, familiar gear goes a very long way. Use it until it's dead, which should be long after it's paid for itself.
I can afford any of the new Canon bodies, but i don't need any of that technology. 120fps? No! So I chose the 5D MKII. More than adequate, even at 4fps. For example, I wanted to shoot a drop of water the micro second before it went into free fall. Used 70-200 2.8, , manually pre-focused and got the perfect shot. Took 15 attempts. Sure I could have got it at 120fps, but that isn't the point.
It is good for the environment and the wallet to buy used gear, but if we extend this to everbody, would we even have digital cameras?
Depreciation not devaluation.
Good video. Too bad you didn't throw the J & J photo up as an example. This is my rule of thumb. If it is critical I buy new and use until it's scrap. But if it isn't critical I buy use and run to scrap. For example I bought a 1947 Farmall 'A' tractor with blade and deck mower for $1,500. It does 90% of what I need it for. The 10% I hire it done. My big camera is actuallly a 15 year old video camera (bought new) that shoots 1080 video and 4K photos @ 8 mp. I'm looking for a new camera and have it picked out. It will shoot four times better video and four times better photos and is a combo camera that is based upon a still shot design. If I buy a second camera of similar design, it will be the same brand, but used. A professional video camera I would have no problem buying used. Think of the new camera as a learning curve for this style of camera that will cost me only $400 over the same thing used. Sometimes new is better, especially if you use it until there is no or little value left in it. Your way is good, too. Be safe.
So you are saying that your middle name is Ebinizer
i have never bought a new camera
I think people are majorly mislead by marketing... Sony probably being the worst offender there... other than AF getting a tiny bit faster... since the Canon 5D III nothing has changed in cameras... the Image Quality is the same.... if you're shooting Wildlife/Sports i can see some justification for a newer camera... but other than that... It just really doesn't matter... the Canon EF or Nikon F Mount is probably the best to invest in right now... SSOOOOOO much good glass for such a little price... and if you buy a 5D III or Nikon 800D you're getting them for next to nothing and they do everything a modern camera can... and often they do it better... i went back to shooting on Film... but a DSLR battery lasts you a full day and a half of shooting... a mirrorless lasts you an hour
You're buying at the price it should have been in the first place, that's how I see it, just make sure its in good condition.
Yes, I never buy new anything & and laugh all the way to the bank 😅
Someone have not spoken enough to their accountant. Seven holidays and not one of them was deductible?
But what the clients value and what aspiring photographers fantasize will get them gear, is not on the same planet. Perhaps because most channels and life is about selling the new stuff so the assumption becomes that.
Who did not know this
AMEN to buying gear used. I'm retired with nothing better to do than play with my cameras, lenses and lights. The down side to buying used for me is that I can't pass up a good deal and therefore wound up with too much stuff. But hey, he who dies with the most gear wins. In my old age I have learned not to distain those who must have the newest gear, but to be grateful that they are the fools who sold off all there kit to me. Doing rough calculations I pay 10 cents on the dollar for my gear Now don't talk about this too much as it my cause the value of used gear to go up. So no more on this subject please.
Is it just me or have i seen this video before
If you spent £1,000 on new lighting, made thousands more using those lights and then sold them for £700, you didn't lose a thing. Having those lights were part of the normal necessary operating cost of your business. Selling them with only a 30% loss is a big deal.
Scott said sold for £70 not £700 big difference
@@pete292 Sorry. I got it wrong. I still believe those lights more than paid for themselves.
@Just-a-Guy1 I totally agree. I recently paid £300 for virtually unused bowens, 500r's with stands, triggers, softboxes etc. Which I thought was a steel
This video contains incorrect business investment advice.
If you buy a new $5000 camera for your business, you can claim the 20% VAT back so it costs $4000.
According to you do about 4 $100000 plus jobs a year, this puts you in the top tax bracket of 40%. So if you don’t spend the money you’ll be giving 40% to the UK tax office $1600.
So effectively you are paying $2400 out of pocket for a $5000 camera.
If you keep the camera for a typical 3 year life span, and then sell it you should get $3000 back assuming the camera retains 60% of its original value and you didn’t trash it. You have to pay tax on that so you get $1800.
Total cost of ownership over 3 years is $2400-$1800=$600, or $200 per year or 54c per day.
If you buy a $2000 second hand, no VAT, -40% tax rate = $1200. Sell 3 years later for $1200 pay tax $480 = $720. $1200 - $720 = $480 total cost of ownership. The second hand camera cost saves you only $120 over 3 years or $40 per year, but there’s more risk since an older second hand camera has a higher chance of failure that would result in $1200 cost of ownership, or double the cost of buying the new camera.
It’s always best to be sceptical of business investment advice from a UA-camr. Especially one who starts the video by saying to ignore the business expenses and taxation implications of the asset purchases.
This isn’t financial advice and you should talk to your accountant who will assess your individual business situation.
Yes deffo need to get financial advice from someone for all of your personal decisions in your business. I just go over mine here in the hope it helps someone make better decisions and avoid the mistakes I’ve made.
Also worth noting that you only pay tax at a certain rate on profits and the tax brackets you are talking about are personal earning taxes and not corporation taxes that are at a very different level in the U.K. to personal tax structure. So the above maths might be right, but the event doesn’t occur in a company like that in the U.K.
@@TinHouseStudioUK Yeah, but most photographers are sole traders so they’re paying personal income tax rates.
My point was more you can’t look at ticket prices on items and think this camera is $5000 and this second hand one is $2000 so therefore I’m saving a lot of money $3000. You’re not “spending more money” you’re making a larger business investment. Depreciating assets, are still assets that the business owns and can divest. In reality you might only be saving $120 over 3 years buying a second hand camera, it’s not hard to argue that a new camera is going to save you $120 worth of time over 3 years.
You’d be better off skipping a coffee once a week, that’d save you much more money, $5 x 52 = $260, or $780 over 3 years that’s more than the cost of ownership of a new camera over 3 years and definitely way more than the difference between buying a new camera and a second hand one.
Obviously a UA-cam video called “Avoid a huge reason photographers fail professionally “ saying buying second hand cameras will save you tons of money, is going to get more clicks than a video called “buy second hand and you can save $40 per year, but only if it old camera doesn’t break”
I love 80% of your videos because they nail the reality of being a professional photographer, but some of them, like this one, are just pure clickbait rubbish that misleads your audience.
PLEASE DON'T SAVE MONEY. Invest it. Your money is losing value every single day. IF you're going to buy camera gear, buy lenses. Old rare ones, look after them and they will hold value if not increase. But most photogs only want the latest and greatest. Already new Fuji lenses have lost value. Whereas the old Trioplans or Zeiss etc have done nothing but grow in price.