Does the Camera you use really matter? Something that has come up quite a bit recently is camera gear. Technology is constantly changing in our every day lives and camera gear is no different. As humans, it is only natural for us to want to keep up with the times and have the latest phone or laptop or camera for example, its in our blood.
The problem that we all suffer from is the fact that, that is the wrong mentality to have. We all think that if we buy the most expensive gear its going to make us a better photography. True? no it's false.
In this blog I am going to share some images that I have taken over the years with a variety of different gear and you can see for yourself if there is any noticeable difference.
Obviously new equipment has its place and definitely plays a role in a certain degree of quality to an image, this is much more noticeable in low light.
When I first started my photographic journey, I didn't have anything close to the top of the range equipment, but that wasn't important to me, what was important was understanding the camera i was holding in my hands and being able to manipulate it as best I could to get the shots I was after. Knowledge is power and when it comes to understanding your camera, that is far more important than holding a top of the range camera body and lens with no idea how to use it.
A camera is like anything we use, the more you know, the more power you have and the greater results you will achieve.
Im not saying don't upgrade your gear by any means, we all do it, all I'm saying is make sure you learn that camera inside and out before taking it out in to the field and using it. By understanding your camera, its limitations and how to get the best out of your equipment, half the battle is already won. Just by understanding your camera in different situations takes seconds off of a crucial moment that otherwise could be missed.
With all that said, how do you get a better understanding of your equipment? Let me tell you how my journey started...
I saved up for the most expensive camera and lens I could buy, on the day of its arrival I was full of excitement until I opened the box and had absolutely no idea how any of it worked. My excitement dwindled and I began to regret using all my money.
Something changed in my mind, I knew I loved photography so I would do anything in my power to make sure I gave this my best shot.
I started watching youtube tutorials, I sat in my garden for hours on end taking photos of anything and everything(people must have thought I was crazy), but it worked.
Learning what your gear is capable of is absolutely vital and my suggestion is to do so in a controlled relaxed environment such as your garden or on a walk. knowing what your camera likes and doesn't like goes a long way in understanding real life subjects and the unpredictability of the bush.
There are so many elements that are out of our control, but one of those isn't our cameras, we have completely control on how well or badly it performs, the important thing to remember is that knowledge really is power and before you think your gear isn't good enough, take a step back and take the time and the effort to understand your cameras capabilities and go from there.
I hope you found this helpful and remember the best camera you have is the one you have on you, that includes your cellphone.
Until next time,
Trevor
Can you see a difference in quality in those images? If so they may be minor, BUT it goes to show how important it is to understand your gear.
So get out there, start practising and have fun!
Until next time,
Trevor
