Camera purchasing advice
I shoot Nikon.
North Beach, San Francisco, California
Leica M8, Cosina-Voightlander Nokton 35mm/1.2
1/22sec @ f/2, iso 160, 35mm (47mm)
That doesn’t mean you should shoot it also.
After remembering how camera brand religious wars are waged, I am reminded of this outdated article I wrote—not really that outdated.
Basically in it I point out that, yes, there are differences in camera brands. They’re differences, not “betters.” Or…
“Photons don’t care what logo is on the front of your camera.”
A camera purchase is ultimately a personal decision. The best camera to buy is the camera that speaks to you, not someone else:
“Who is behind the lens? The shutter button only accepts one finger at a time.”
They’re not taking the photo, you are. Grow a pair; make a choice—it’s your choice, not theirs.
And remember, no matter what camera you chose, a camera you’d carry is its most important feature. My favorite saying:
“The best camera to have is the one you have on you.”
…and that advice never will be outdated.
Geez, all these aphorisms make me feel like the Poor Richard of photography. 
Gallery Lounge, South of Market, San Francisco, California
Leica M8, Cosina-Voightlander Nokton 35mm/1.2
1/10sec, iso 640, 35mm (47mm)
At a party recenty, someone said, “You’re that guy with the expensive camera.” So I guess I put the “poor” in “Poor Richard.”
January 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
“The best camera to have is the one you have on you.” is the best piece of advice I’ve ever received about photography and is why my camera lives in my rucksack (or rolling around in the passenger footwell) rather than a special photography bag at home.
Oh… and I’ve now got a 50mm 1.8
I really must get a good backpack that’ll take the camera, laptop, and all my paraphernalia one day as I now I don’t like having lenses rolling around my footwell…
Rob…
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Andrei says we need a Nikon D3 gang sign.
March 1st, 2008 at 11:14 pm
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