The right camera is the camera you have with you. Not the camera you let at home because it was too big. My Panasonic GX7 m2 (in the US it’s the GX85) isn’t really that big. It fits in a large coat pocket, but I would need to limit myself to a pancake lens. Hong Kong is warm or hot most of the year so wearing a coat isn’t really a possibility for me. As an alternative, I tried using a fanny pack. The fanny pack allows me to take the camera with a lens hiking or anywhere else. Still there are times that the cameras size and weight can be a little bit annoying. I put up with the inconvenience of a fanny pack for between 6 months and a year.
Choosing a New Camera
In choosing a new camera it’s important to evaluate our needs and our budget. We live in an instant gratification society. Lots of us are used to getting what we want when they want it, especially when we can afford it. Marketing campaigns tell us that we need the newest features from the latest models. But if we will take the time to delay, research, evaluate our needs, and budget we will be more likely to get what we really need and stay within our budget. Delay can keep us from getting carried away by our passions and it can also help us save money for other important things. If we practice delay we are more likely to not regret our purchase.
I Choose an Older Sony
Both my older Panasonic and my Sony take really good pictures. But I bought the Sony because of it’s size. The Sony does not have a touch screen. It takes me longer to thumb through menu options to focus, change modes, or other settings. Admittedly, it is a little inconvenient at times, but it is still a very capable camera. Apparently, the public also saw it as inconvenient. How do I know this? By the way the camera was priced. It cost significantly less than the next version up camera which had both 4K and a touch screen. But remember, I was in the market for a small camera that took good pictures. My top priorities were not having touch screen or 4K. I will continue to use those features on my Panasonic for video, telephoto pictures and more.
Why Not a Smartphone
Okay back to our question which one is the right camera? A lot of you are probably saying my smart phone is the right camera. Smart phones are good, but as smart phone addition increases, I prefer to use other devices when possible. Plus I don’t want to spend the money for the latest phone when it will be outdated in a year or two. My used Sony RX100iii cost me1500 HKD and it was in excellent condition. It has a 1 inch sensor combined with a fast lens, so it offer nice results. Also I will continue to use it long after I replace my current phone.
What About You
Maybe your like me and the right camera depends on what you are doing. There will always be a better camera. For me taking photos is mostly a hobby. If it were a business, or if I were generating income from it, or if I really needed those features, I would need to reevaluate. What about you? Do you have the right camera? Do you use more that one camera? Do they meet your needs well?
