Choosing your camera! Why it doesn't really matter!

I mean, the less time you have sitting around looking and poundering what gear to use means you will ultimately be able to spend more time outside (or inside) creating, telling stories the way you best know how, and to experiment so that you can put your creative prowess to use!

Not sure how many people can relate, but I admit that I’m one of those people that would spend hours if not days on the Internet researching, watching YouTube reviews, procrastinate over and over before deciding on my photography gear purchase. Let’s be honest, gears are not cheap!! Every purchase is a BIG DEAL! and no one likes to make a decision that we will regret down the road right!? Hence we force ourselves into the corner, spending hours upon hours sitting in front of our desk researching, and effectively taking out the fun and enjoyment of our creative process.

So let’s just get something out of the way first… there’s no perfect camera out there. Seriously!

It is important to remember that your camera is just the tool that will help you CREATE. Let it be photography or motion pictures, the gears that we use are just tools that will help us capture the story that we want to tell our audiences. Thus, there is no perfect camera, you just have to pick the right camera that best fits your style. Thus, gears really does not matter, it is you, as content creators that really matters.

The great thing about the advancements in DSLRs, Mirrorless, and even mobile devices nowadays have surely enabled creators to focus on what they do best, which is to simply create their contents, enabling them to tell their stories effectively and efficiently through their devices. But for someone perhaps a bit old-fashioned like me, to be able to enjoy all these technological advancements but still have all the controls in your hand is such a blessing!

I think of it as kind of like driving a sports car. We all want a fast and sophisticated sports car with all the technological advancements, but enthusiast would not want to purchase a fully automatic transmission because they like to have the control. Surely you can still have all that control with the Canons or the Nikons, or with the smaller form cameras like the Panasonics or the Sonys, but none of them have it as right as Fujifilm.

Now I know I’ve previously said that you gears doesn’t really matter, and it is the content that you create matters. But here is why it really does matter, and why I’m so excited to finally getting my hands on the Fujifilm X-T2.

1. control, control, control

Fujifilm have done a really nice job in terms of giving back photographers all the controls on cameras, where they are easily accessible when you need it. You want to adjust the ISO on the fly, there’s a dial for it; adjust the shutter, yup, dial for it; adjust the aperture, check, dial for that as well! Everything is made so simple, and really gives content creators back the simplicity of being able to control your shots literally right at your fingertips.

2. size matters

One of the biggest challenge when using a DSLR is the size of your gear. I can’t remember the number of times I’ve brought my 5D mkIII out on a day trip but ended up not using it because I did not want to carry it around my neck or in my knapsack. Which is really the main reason why more and more people nowadays are looking at mirrorless systems, because at almost half the size as a DSLR camera, they’ve made it so simple to carry with you almost everywhere you go.

3. usability

Your camera is ultimately only useable if you are willing to keep it beside you and use it when you needs it. Perhaps this has a big part to do with the size of your gear, but I also think that by having a smaller form body like the X-T2, it is a little less intimidating when I reach for it vs reaching for the hulking Canon 5D mkIII. Especially for myself, I enjoy taking photography that captures the essence of the moments, let it be a birthday party or just a family gathering. But as soon as you bring out the DSLR and raises to your face, people notices and started to pose and ask for photos to be taken. Not saying there is anything wrong with this, but you do miss out quite often on some of those precious candid moments that happens when no cameras are around.

And that’s why I really enjoy the Fujifilm X-T2. It is small enough that I feel comfortable carrying it with me everywhere I go; when I use it in different situations, it does not intimidate the subjects I’m shooting, and best of all it delivers image qualities that is very comparable to my full-frame 5D mkIII.

4. Oh the look! (yes it matters!)

This one is a bit of a personal preference thing, but I absolutely loves the look of the X-T2. Its vintage look is simply my cup of tea. It is reminiscent of the Olympus OM-1 that my sister got for me when she spotted it at a garage sale. I think Cat and I must be born in the wrong years, because we are simply a big sucker for anything vintage…. I mean, just look at it! How is this not a sexy camera?

So why does your camera matters when we’ve said all along that you gear does not matter? I believe by having the right camera that fits your shooting style, it pushes you to go out more often to create contents that you love. I mean, the less time you have sitting around looking and poundering what gear to use means you will ultimately be able to spend more time outside (or inside) creating, telling stories the way you best know how, and to experiment so that you can put your creative prowess to use! That creative juice is within you, everyone of us, when God created men (and women of course)! So go and let’s get creative!

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical when first introduced of the Fuji X-Series cameras. However, any doubt was quickly squashed when I was able to take advantage of the fabulous “X-Series try & buy” program that Fujifilm have put out as part of their promotional campaign. It gives users such as I the ability to have a full hands on experience to try their camera systems without having to first purchase or even rent it. I mean, they are THAT confident in the ability of their product that they are letting you try the cameras for free, believing that anyone who as much as dare to touch or pick up the camera will instantly fall in-love with their camera. Well, good job Fujifilm, you’ve got me.

Okay, picture time! Sadly, I caught the flu not log after I picked up my X-T2 so I have not had too much time to play with it. Only yesterday had I been able to craw out of my bed and move about the house. Below are a few sample shots I took of Olivia using the XF 18-55mm kit lens that came with the X-T2. Take a look, and you be the judge if you dig the image quality that came out from the X-T2.