Photography 101: What Camera System Is Best

Stephen F. Dennstedt

I’ve written on this topic many, many times in this blog. Simple answer: There is no best. Camera decisions should always be purpose driven and not emotional need driven. In other words pragmatism over emotionalism. But—

Always that ever-present but (but not butt). New gear is exciting, fun and emotionally charged—you’re preaching to the choir. I am not completely immune to this emotional driver of gear acquisition (and the manufacturers count on it).

It’s important to understand that new kit doesn’t make you a better photographer—cameras and lenses have reached the point of almost technical perfection (even entry-level kit). They all have enough megapixels, dynamic range and high ISO performance. Today buying a new camera body is more about buying features than incremental technical improvement. Features can make your photography easier but not better—good photography is more about aesthetic (artistic) improvement than technical performance. Invest in…