What if you were swimming in gold and could buy any camera that you wanted? Chris and Jordan sat down to talk about what cameras they would buy if money was no object. Some special guests chime-in to share what they'd pick, as well.
What's your dream camera? Tell us in the comments below.
Entertaining, funny and still useful, very nice video. I liked the guests, too. Just in case you collect ideas for future episodes, my proposal: What would I do if I had unlimited talent? I mean not you, Chris and Jordan, no doubt on your talent, but maybe you can check with some DPR users and guests ;)
My dream "money is no object" camera kit is a bunch of Leica junk that I can resell to fund travel photo opportunities.
If that's not an option, than replacing my A7R3 with an R5, 100-500mm, 100mm macro, 14-35mm, and 24-105mm. Or maybe replace the 24-105mm with a prototype Tamron 28-200mm for RF mount.
My dream camera would have a lens that does not exist jet. I would like to have a 200-800 f 5.6 with built in 1,4 TC. And since this is my dream, not heavier than 6 LB ;-)
I would just get the mirrorless version of what I have today, a D850 and D500 with the best Nikon primes up to the 105 F2.8 and the 24-70 f4 for travel. For wildlife I would add the 400 F2.8 with the 1.4 and 2X convertors as well as the 200-500! With that kit, I can do anything, including shoot good video. Now, if the Z8 and Z9 don't have as good an AF as the R5, I would go with Canon gear, based on the R5. I'd never go with Sony, my hands are too big and I hate the cheap feel of those cameras.
I have lens for both systems already so just needed the bodies.
I am a hobbyist and I wanted to try the Nikons. Already have a Canon 5DRS but still want to try the Canon mirrorless. So if I have a ton of spare cash I will head out to buy a Z5, D780 and a R5, and a bunch of lenses for all three systems. Would also like to try the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. Also please get me one each of S1, S1R, S1H and a few sigma lenses for the L mount. OK the shopping list is getting a bit long...
I found my dream kit years ago when I switched to Fuji. I was a FF or die type of person who found something in Fuji that no other manufacturer offered: “a return to the art of photography”. From beautiful crafted bodies that offer the full manual experience, to elegant compact primes which render like classic Leica lenses and film simulations that to this day still make my jaw drop when I open an image for review on my laptop - no one system (and I have had them all, just ask my wife how much I lost lol) has given me this much pleasure.
I re-discovered that feeling FF again with my Panasonic S5 plus Sigma 35/2.0. All metal (even lens hood), aperture ring, robust and handling like my Pentax LX with SMC lenses in the old days.
If it's a dream why stick to one camera. I have several dream cameras and I would get all of them. The only limitation being the size and weight I would be willing to heft around. Get all the lenses too. I once made a list and came up with 15 cameras and around 150 lenses off the top of my head. The problem is every few weeks DPR announces some new gear that I want to add to the list and it expands like the universe. I have a list for cars too. Computers. Places to visit.
I am fortunate enough to be already in posession of most of my dream kit. I am a landscape/nightscape/wildlife/astrophotography imager. In the astrophotography realm I could definitely upgrade my dedicated cooled astro camera and telescope but that is out of the scope of this article. So in the realm of terrestrial photography, I happily use an R5 with the RF24-105 and the RF100-500 and then the hopefully soon to be released and delivered RF 14-35 to replace my EF 16-35 used with the converter. These lenses give me continuous 14-500 coverage in 3 lenses, to cover all landscape and a reasonable amount of wildlife scenarios. If money were no object I would add the RF 800 f/11 and then maybe an EF 200-400 and certainly the RF 600 f/4, with appropriate extenders.
In real life I am deciding between the RF 1.4x extender and the RF 800...
One interesting point that Chris made: if money is no object, then the joy of using the camera gear becomes even more important.
Hence we see some insight into why Leica sells so well for its price. Those who can afford Leica are looking for the experience of using a camera, as well as the results.
It's the same with other luxury items, like luxury cars...it's the experience and pride of ownership that matter.
One point for all camera companies to consider as the camera market as a whole moves more upscale: the consumers with the money to spend and inclined to do so, who want more than a smartphone, want not just better results but a great experience. This will only intensify as time goes by.
So all camera companies should invest in good designers and UX experts.
I totally agree that the joy of using is as important as the technical aspects of the gear irself.
an example in firearm parlance: I had been using a Winchester rifle happily for some years and using it successfully. My wife then presented me with a Rigby Highland Stalker as a replacement. The Rigby, compared to the Winchester is in a league of its own. It is no more accurate than the Winchester and does nothing the Winchester cannot do, but the sheer joy of using this magnificent engineering masterpiece makes me leave the old Winchester at home now.
Yes, and one message that came through for me was simpler is better. Leica's have relatively few controls and are relatively simple to operate, and that seems to add to one's enjoyment. If even guys like Chris and Jordan, who are seriously skilled and understand all the myriad functions available on today's cameras, still prefer simpler, then that is a powerful message to camera manufacturers, methinks. I've been thinking for quite some time that the mantra, prevalent with many enthusiasts, that if one prefers a simpler camera, just don't use the features, I think misses this insight. All the best.
In all honesty, that's why I got a Fuji X100V. I have my Sony system for paid work, but for everyday carry, I just wanted something silent, discreet, and able to play with all the film simulations. The experience is why I bought it.
If money was no objection I would buy Sony or Canon or Fuji and let them build my dream camera and lens setup! My wish would be a rangefinder style full frame with...
* the Sony A1 inside (50MP stacked sensor with AI AF) * color since of Fujifilm * wide Z-Mount * IBIS of Canon R5 * able to use Sony FE 24mm F1.4, FE 35mm F1.4, FE 50mm F1.2, FE 35mm F2.8, FE 85mm F1.8 etc
If you ask why this would be my dream camera. I enjoy prime lenses most. I like small camera lens combinations best. Since I take a lot of photos indoor I use primes with large aperture most of the time (no flash). The A1 sensor is able to shoot stabilized images silently. So taking photos is more discrete and with no broken bokeh (EFCS). I think rangefinder styled cameras look better and my nose is not smashing the LCD screen all the time. Can't understand the obsession with SLR styled bodies. There are some small issues with Sony cameras (bad HD Video, color science). But if I own Sony things will improve. ;-)
Even though its a little older, the nikon d4 with the 80-200 2.8d and a zf.2 zeiss had always been my dream setup. I also really wanted a d5 and 300 2.8 vr, hopefully someday i can get the ladder
Nex7user - Happiness does not come out of the gear. Happiness actually comes out of the achievement.
So to get more enjoyment out of your photo's you need to become better first.
What you are and what this video shows is that too many people are obsessed over gear. Yet they wil or don't understand that to get to that state of happiness gear does not matter much at all.
More money will not make you a more happy person. It will make life easier in a financial way, but it doesn't get you more happy. I can tell you that out of personal experience. It was all due to the achievement and hard work.
@Samuel Lucifer, The point of the video was that it doesn't matter if it makes you a better photographer. The point was does it make you happy when you are taking your pictures.
The vast majority of photographers take crap photos. The vast majority of photographers think they are awesome photographers that take great photos. People gravitate to a camera that they have fun using.
Buying yourself the gear is only for that very short period enjoyment. However Being good at something and achieving your goals gives you a much better feeling overall and over a much longer period - Let's say a lifetime.
I think it is more an American thing to long after possessions than to search for what actually makes you happy.
There's an basic assumption that everyone HERE already want's to become an better photographer regardless of what skill level they current have. Pro or otherwise. So to state the Camera won't make you an better photographer is not only pointless, but not in the spirit of this Video. IMO
@Kona Mike Even skilled people take a whole lot of crap between the good shots, but they usually wont show them but just the good ones but it also depends on the subject. I guess sports and animal photographers produce the largest amount of "eh could be better".
I sometimes catch myself taking series of photos which would never end up even in consideration to edit them but just out of curiosity looking at the details later. Frozen movement, close ups where you shouldn't get yourself close etc.
Put it this way? Does a Porsche or Ferrari or a Mini Cooper make you a better driver? Mostly not but you might enjoy driving more than before.
A better camera or lens might improve your photos. I struggle with the AF of my camera. There are missed photos because the AF decides to focus on the wrong subject or background. It happens that fast that sometimes I'm not even noticing it and see the error on the big screen later for the first time. I could increase my keeper rate by manual focus, by foresee the movement of subjects better or by buying a more expensive camera body...
A Porsche or Ferrari will Stop and Start an handle, way better than an VW Beetle. That's almost regardless of your level of driving skills. So this notion that an better Camera isn't significant is just another Myth. No, it won't help anyone with their Compositions, but that really has nothing to do with the type of camera one has. You can get an great Composition with an Polaroid. But the reality is, what's an great Composition is so subjective.
"Buying yourself the gear is only for that very short period enjoyment. However Being good at something and achieving your goals gives you a much better feeling overall and over a much longer period - Let's say a lifetime."
This kind of thinking drives one towards another dissatisfied situation via a process called "involution".
BackToNature1 - So you do actually think a more expensive camera will make you a better photographer.
I would suggest you rent your 'dream' gear and see how much of an improvement you will see in your photos....
As for your information I drive a new BMW iX xDrive 50 Signature sport, but love to drive as much in my wifes Mini. So your assumption that a more expensive car gives more enjoyment to drive in is just plain wrong. As with cameras it really doesn't matter much. Cars tell more about succes than about pleasure driving them.
BacktoNature - Jealousy is mans biggest problem and you know what I am talking about. I fully understand that its a bitter pill to swallow that you failed in life or didn't succeed in going after your dreams. Except it. Get your act together and try again. There must be other things you are good at.
You have no idea what's important in life and owning material things are just not it. It is sad I have to say that to somebody who calls himself 'back to nature'. You should have known better, but clearly haven't found your inner self.
You cast a lot of judgement about people’s “spiritual enlightenment” based upon your personal standards and very little information. Perhaps it’s you who should look inward?
I agree that better tools don’t inherently improve the end product. They can, however, add pleasure to the process and influence the outcome.
There’s nothing wrong with having a dream. There’s nothing wrong with working to make the dream a reality. I happen to agree that, in general, “less is more” but there are also objects in my life that I appreciate and enjoy. Who are you to judge what makes the rest of us happy?
I want a digital back to go with a camera I loved working with for decades. It must have the same aspect ratio, so that the lenses remain the same focal length in use .... and though a live view screen on the back with all the obvious folding ability, I would enjoy focusing with the good old rack and pinion system and judging it manually on the ground glass screen. Ahhhhh the pleasure of the Mamiya RB 67. The total package could be no more than 100 mp , and offer pixels playing in low density arrays with a perfect low ISO quality.
Since there really seems to be no real rules concerning how many Cameras, I would set an rule of no more than one Lens per Camera. Then this would be my Camera Kit.
FUJIFILM GFX 100S with the FUJIFILM GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR Lens
Nikon Z 7II with the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
Sony Alpha a7R IIIA with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens
Canon EOS R3 with the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens
Panasonic Lumix GH6 with the Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S. Lens
Great series and I'd love to see more with specific focus. My personal wish, what system for backpacking in the mountains, a compromise between weight, focal range and quality.
I find at my age a hike of 8 miles and 3000 vertical feet can make a camera extremely heavy...same with mountain biking. Every gram feels like an ounce. I have the Canon M6II but sometimes carry the 5DsR and usually regret it. Anyway the point of my original post was to suggest the DPReview guys look at lightweight systems.
My dream setup is a Pentax K-1-3 (the one with 42MP and K-3-3 AF) and then I'd pay a lot to get my collection of early, silver MIJ FA Limiteds back. (Never should've sold those!)
Or just a Fuji GFX100S , some big lenses, and a golden parachute retirement so I can enjoy it all!
It's been said many times but Chris and Jordan regularly put out some of the most entertaining, informative and well balanced videos on camera gear around.
Kudos to them for working hard to come up with these great ideas for videos at a time when new releases are slow due to the obvious reasons.
I have my dream kit, which I define as a series of tools that are best for each occasion and get the job done. Excluding lenses, my kit includes an A7RIV for 61mp resolution/good AF-C, an XT4 for weight considerations/joy of use, an RX10IV as a "swiss army knife" 24-600mm (FF equiv) walk about and an RX100 and Samsung S21 ultra for my pockets. Like TheRealYeats says, "don't want more gear, just want more new opportunities"..
I'd say my dream kit is the kit I have today... I mean this partially as a snarky comment, but also seriously too. It's not top of the line, but it's also not the bottom of the barrel either. I think it's important to keep some things in mind: there will always be something better/newer, and once you ween yourself from being obsessed about gear you'll enjoy photography more because you're not focused on gear, but rather on shooting. This is kind of the approach I've taken... now that I've built my kit, I'm not so worried about gear because I have the lenses I need to shoot the stuff I like to shoot and I've redirected my energy (and money) towards things like travel and experiences, and to so much gear. I'm not saying you can't dream about gear but for me personally, I don't really think much about the "dream" camera system. (But this is just my take on this topic and those "Best Camera/Lens" debates.)
(In some cases, you don't have a choice in terms of buying the high-end though. For example, with the Nikon Z if you wanted a native 70-200 you only have one option, and thats a $2700 lens. Had Nikon released a cheaper f/4 version, I probably would have gone for that -- so there are some exceptions, and I'm not saying that I always buy the mid-range. It depends on what the piece of gear is and my needs/wants for the pat piece of gear... such as the 24-70 2.8. I wanted the faster lens for low-light shooting). But take the 50 1.8 S for example, I can't justify a 1.2 for my personal needs.
One feature I wish all camera companies would include is embed GpS in cameras or at least all "premium" cameras. They've sort of steered away from this over the years and you either have to use a smartphone app or an external unit, so that would be one "dream" feature I would like to see standard in cameras in general. Granted not everyone will use it, but for those that do it would be nice.
A Phase One back, a high res Sony body, every good lens available for both systems, an assistant to help me carry them around and a house extension with a safe to store it all when I'm not shooting.
Ah and I guess I'll need to stop work to have time to make full use of said assistant/kit.
Not to crush the party here, but...Sally, as wedding & portrait photographer, one would need 45 or 60 MP...uhum...yes, to see every pore into the human face...every eyelash, spot, every imperfection into the face....seriously, these high MP DSLMs are much better for cropping, being used with preservation, architecture, landscape photography, but YMMV...
It's very simple, if money would being no object, speaking digital, a M10-D, since i dislike LCDs and all the xyz features not being needed onto a digital Camera, with a handful of Lenses, Summilux 21/1.4, 24/1.4, 35/1.4 and 50/1.4 Summilux Lenses alltogether. And for my Film Experience a Leica M2/M4/M6 Series on top of that. Simplicity is king. i'm distracted with features galore, and tons of (sub)menues. And video - i'd never need or want, because i do shoot stills.
/edit But for real life, i am settled and okay with the old gear, which i do shoot, fine with that. No need to exchange, upgrade right now.
"“If you start cutting or cropping a good photograph, it means death to the geometrically correct interplay of proportions.
Besides, it very rarely happens that a photograph which was feebly composed can be saved by reconstruction of its composition under the darkroom’s enlarger; the integrity of vision is no longer there. "
~Henri-Cartier Bresson
And i hold to that way. I rarely crop. If the composition needs much crop(ping), than it wasn't good composed right into 1st place.
It's all the cameras that have marked the history of digital My collection of DSLR / ML: https://www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157644364384041 I love being able to use old digital cameras, and to be able to compare them in my own way, to the cameras that will see the light of day in the next few years.
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