What camera do you use?

Here is a response image to a question I've often been asked in the past: what camera do you use or which is the best camera for taking pictures?

All my camera equipment is second hand and totals to around R20,000 - including a R1500 11-18mm wide angle not shown here - all purchased over 5 years.

On all accounts, I am a "weekend warrior" and try to stay invisible while out and about but individuals find me and approach me quite often asking the aforementioned question.

The lengthier answer is: the DSLR camera body has little to do with the images and the quality of image is more dependent on opportunity (and how you make use of it), light conditions and, to a degree, the quality of the glass on the end on the body which help realize a decent image.

For instance: the lens seen on the body in the picture above is a lens that is older than me. It is a Nikon 400 mm f/5.6 IF-ED MF and purchased for R4000 or $500 in 2013. This lightweight manual focusing lens delivers sharp images, but it does take practice considering its a manual focus lens. The image below was captured in 2013 at a national surfing competition here in South Africa and printed in the national papers. This is not bad considering a modern 400mm lens with stabilization will cost between R150-200K (~$12000). What this all means is that using old cheap equipment, hand me down lenses and a very old prosumer camera body, I've been able to take images that are decent. It is years of enjoyment, experience and with an intention to improve that have helped produce better images.



So, assuming the real question underneath the the original question is : how do I take better pictures?

The answer is: Immerse yourself in what you do for long enough to create a critical mass of experience to build upon. Part of learning is taking terrible shots, so take 10,000 terrible shots sooner rather than later. Reading helps too so google up or buy some books. If you're serious, follow a photographer online or listen to podcasts like Gavin Seim of Seim Studios. Read up on Ansel Adams and other famous photographers. Social media helps you find your style or niche so join an online group.