Choosing the right camera can often feel like navigating a maze with countless options and considerations. In “What Camera To Buy ?! 3 PRO Photographers Answer Honestly,” you’ll get an insider perspective as Pierre T. Lambert, Jerome, and Alex share their professional insights. They weigh in on what makes each camera worth considering, with detailed breakdowns of their go-to gear and lenses, and recommendations tailored for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.
From Jerome’s trusted Sony A7IV and dynamic range praise to Alex’s Canon 1DX Mark II and nostalgic nod to simpler cameras like the Canon PowerShot, you’ll find a range of expert opinions to help guide your decision. The discussion also highlights the growing trend of using smartphones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max for social media content, along with valuable advice on selecting lenses and accessories for various travel and shooting scenarios. Dive into the advice and experiences of these pros to discover which camera might be the perfect fit for your needs and creative goals.
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Introduction and Key Question
Overview of the question, “What camera to buy in 2022?”
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in 2022. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer looking to capture stunning landscapes or a social media enthusiast aiming for crisp, vivid content, the choices can seem endless. This article aims to provide you with insights and recommendations by delving into the gear and preferences of three professional photographers: Pierre T. Lambert, Jerome, and Alex. Let’s explore what these experts have to say about finding the perfect camera for various needs.
Discussion with three professional photographers: Pierre T. Lambert, Jerome, and Alex
During a lively discussion, Pierre, Jerome, and Alex shared their experiences and preferences when it comes to photography gear. They discussed their main cameras, favorite lenses, and recommendations for both beginners and seasoned photographers. By tapping into their expertise, you’ll gain a better understanding of what camera might suit your specific needs in 2022.
Photographers’ Gear and Preferences
Jerome
Main professional camera: Sony A7IV
Jerome relies on the Sony A7IV for his professional shoots. Known for its impressive dynamic range and reliability, the Sony A7IV is his go-to camera for high-quality, cinematic photography. The robust feature set and excellent low-light performance make it a favorite among many professionals.
Frequently used camera for social content: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Interestingly, Jerome often turns to his iPhone 13 Pro Max for creating social content. The convenience and impressive camera capabilities of modern smartphones allow him to capture quick, engaging content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s advanced camera system ensures that he doesn’t compromise on quality, even when on the go.
Go-to lens: Sony 16-35mm
Jerome’s go-to lens is the Sony 16-35mm, which offers great versatility for various shooting scenarios. Whether capturing wide landscapes or getting up close with detailed shots, this lens provides the flexibility required for diverse photographic needs.
Recommendation for beginners: Sony cameras due to their community support and dynamic range
For those just starting, Jerome highly recommends Sony cameras. The strong community support and exceptional dynamic range make Sony a solid choice for beginners, offering ample resources and potential for growth.
Past camera: Sony A7III, praised for its hybrid capabilities and dynamic range
Before upgrading to the Sony A7IV, Jerome used the Sony A7III. He praised this camera for its hybrid capabilities, excellent dynamic range, and strong performance in both video and still photography. The A7III remains a formidable option for those seeking a reliable all-rounder.
Alex
Main camera: Canon 1DX Mark II
Alex’s primary camera is the Canon 1DX Mark II, a renowned workhorse in the photography world. Known for its robust build and superior image quality, the 1DX Mark II allows Alex to capture professional-grade photos consistently.
Go-to lenses: Prefers prime lenses, especially 16-35mm
Alex prefers using prime lenses, with the 16-35mm being a particular favorite. Prime lenses typically offer superior sharpness and clarity, making them ideal for professional work. The 16-35mm range is versatile, suitable for a variety of shooting situations.
Highlights the Lumix S5 for niche use, despite autofocus issues
While Alex’s mainstay is Canon, he also recognizes the merits of the Lumix S5 for specific niches. Despite its autofocus limitations, the Lumix S5 excels in other areas, offering unique features that can be beneficial for specialized photography.
Focus on removing pressure from photography by using simpler cameras like old-school Canon PowerShot
Alex emphasizes the importance of enjoying photography without the pressure of always achieving perfection. He suggests using simpler cameras like the old-school Canon PowerShot for fun and casual shooting. This approach helps keep the joy in photography, making it a relaxed and rewarding experience.
General Observations and Recommendations
Importance of purpose and budget when choosing a camera
When deciding which camera to buy, it’s essential to consider your specific purpose and budget. Are you a hobbyist, professional, or a social media enthusiast? Your needs will differ based on your goals, and your budget will influence your options. Identifying these factors will help narrow down your choices.
The shift to using smartphones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max for social media content
Smartphones, particularly models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, have become increasingly popular for creating social media content. Their advanced camera systems, convenience, and ease of use make them a practical choice for quick and dynamic content creation.
Highlighting the fun and less pressured aspect of using easier, more nostalgic cameras for hobby photography
For hobby photography, sometimes the best camera is the one that brings the most enjoyment. Using simpler, nostalgic cameras like older Canon PowerShots can rekindle the love for photography without the stress of achieving technical perfection.
Beginners should consider Sony due to its strong overall performance and community support
For beginners, Sony cameras are highly recommended due to their excellent performance, dynamic range, and active user community. The support and resources available can be invaluable as you learn and grow in your photographic journey.
Lens Recommendations for Travel and Versatility
Jerome
Ideal travel lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8
For travel photography, Jerome recommends the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8. This lens covers a wide focal range, making it perfect for capturing everything from landscapes to portraits without needing to switch lenses frequently.
Preferred prime lens for travel: 14mm f/1.8 for its versatility and cropping ability
When it comes to prime lenses for travel, Jerome prefers the 14mm f/1.8. This lens offers incredible sharpness and a wide field of view, and its high aperture allows for great performance in low light. The ability to crop images without losing much detail adds to its versatility.
Alex
Ideal all-around travel lens: 24-70mm
Alex suggests the 24-70mm lens as a versatile choice for travel. This lens provides a good balance between wide-angle and telephoto, making it suitable for a variety of scenes, from landscapes to close-up portraits.
Past setup included a mix of zoom and prime lenses for quality photography: 16-35mm, 70-200mm, 50mm, and 24mm
In the past, Alex used a combination of zoom and prime lenses to cover different aspects of photography. His setup included a 16-35mm for wide shots, a 70-200mm for telephoto needs, a 50mm for standard prime shots, and a 24mm for slightly wider perspectives. This combination allowed him to tackle a broad range of photographic situations with optimal quality.
Accessories and Tips
Importance of camera accessories for enhancing photography
Accessories can play a crucial role in enhancing your photography experience. Items like tripods, filters, and external flashes can significantly improve your shooting capabilities and the overall quality of your photos.
Tips on taking better photos with existing gear
Even with existing gear, there are ways to improve your photography. Here are some tips:
- Learn Composition: Understanding composition rules like the rule of thirds can make a big difference in your photos.
- Use Good Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Try shooting during the golden hour for softer, more flattering light.
- Stabilize Your Camera: Using a tripod or stabilizing your camera against a solid surface can help avoid blurry images.
- Edit Thoughtfully: Post-processing can enhance your photos. Learn basic editing skills to bring out the best in your images.
Additional Information
Links to photographers’ social media and affiliate links
The photographers often share their work and tips on their social media channels. By following Jerome, Alex, and Pierre, you can gain additional insights and stay updated on the latest photography trends. While this article doesn’t include direct links, you can easily find them on popular platforms like Instagram.
Acknowledgments on the support received through the affiliate links
These professionals appreciate the support they receive through affiliate links. When you purchase recommended gear through these links, it doesn’t cost you extra, but it helps them continue producing valuable content and sharing their expertise.
Lenses and Cameras
Favorite lens: 50mm, closely mirrors human eye perception
Many photographers consider the 50mm lens a favorite because its field of view closely mirrors what the human eye naturally sees. This makes it a versatile and intuitive choice for various types of photography.
Setup in Utah includes various lenses: 7200, 50mm 1.2, 14mm 1.8, 24mm 1.4, and 16-35
In Utah, a varied setup of lenses was used, including a 7200, 50mm 1.2, 14mm 1.8, 24mm 1.4, and a 16-35. This range covers a wide spectrum of focal lengths and apertures, providing flexibility and precision in capturing different scenes.
Recommend the 24-70mm f2.8 for its versatility and lightweight; good for travel
The 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is highly recommended for travel due to its versatility and relatively lightweight design. It covers a useful range for most travel scenarios and offers a sufficiently wide aperture for low-light conditions.
For astrophotography, suggest 14mm or 21.8; for tight portraits, 85mm; for more, 50mm f1.2
For specialized photography:
- Astrophotography: The 14mm or a 21.8 lens allows for capturing expansive night skies with impressive clarity.
- Tight Portraits: The 85mm lens is ideal for tight, intimate portraits, offering beautiful bokeh and sharpness.
- General Photography: The 50mm f/1.2 lens is great for a variety of uses, providing superb sharpness and excellent low-light performance.
Gear Performance
Example scenario: cave shooting with light rays, switched between 24mm, 14mm, and 50mm
Imagine a scenario where you’re shooting in a cave with light rays filtering in. Switching between a 24mm, a 14mm, and a 50mm can help capture different aspects of this unique setting. The 14mm would be great for wide, atmospheric shots; the 24mm for capturing more of the scene with still a wide perspective; and the 50mm for focusing on specific details with more depth.
Bonus: Two important gear pieces outside of camera and lens
In addition to cameras and lenses, two important pieces of gear that can enhance your photography are:
- L-Bracket: Provides ease of use and stability, especially helpful in windy conditions.
- Promist Filter (Quarter): Enhances highlights and gives a nice glow to landscapes, adding a professional touch to your photos.
Key Gear Recommendations
L-Bracket
An L-Bracket is an invaluable accessory for photographers. It allows for quick switching between landscape and portrait orientations without moving your tripod, providing stability and ease of use, especially in challenging conditions like wind.
Promist Filter (Quarter)
The Promist Filter (Quarter) is a fantastic tool for achieving soft, glowing highlights in your photos. It can enhance landscapes and other scenes by adding a dreamy, cinematic quality.
Mobile Gimbal (DJI OM5)
A mobile gimbal such as the DJI OM5 is perfect for storytelling and creating smooth visuals. It pairs excellently with smartphones like the iPhone, ensuring stable and fluid footage for videos and vlogs.
360 Camera
A 360 camera offers unique perspectives that standard cameras can’t achieve, such as the tiny planet effect or simulated drone shots. This can add a creative twist to your photography arsenal.
Filters and Clips
- CPL Filter: For enhancing skies and water by providing deeper blues and reducing reflections.
- Peak Design Clip: This accessory allows for easy and quick access to your camera, encouraging more frequent shooting and ensuring you never miss a moment.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Remember, gear is important but skills matter equally
While having the right gear is crucial, honing your photography skills and creativity is equally important. Building a solid foundation in photographic techniques will ensure you can make the most of whatever equipment you have.
Upcoming photography session, encouraging experimentation and creativity
As you embark on your next photography session, remember to experiment and let your creativity flow. Whether you’re using a high-end DSLR, a smartphone, or a nostalgic point-and-shoot, the joy of capturing beautiful images lies in the process and freedom to explore new ideas. So grab your camera, head out, and start clicking!