Overview
I am a travel photographer, videographer and drone pilot (FPV included). In addition to that I shoot events such as cosplay festivals. I have started with Sony interchangeable lens system, but right now I am using Fujifilm x100vi.
Background
I started my journey in 2023 and since then I changed a lot of cameras, lenses, bags and backpacks. But first things first. In 2022 I accidentally found forgotten Panasonic HC-V770 (camcorder from 2015). Who knew that this seven year old camcorder would change my life completely. First, I filmed anything that looked interesting. As I remember I just turned on it and hit the record button without thinking: what is my exposure triangle? what is my frame rate? and so on. After a year I thought: “Why my footage looks so poorly compared to others?”, and I answered myself: “My camera is bad”.
I decided to buy Dji Action 2 because someone from YouTube said it was the best action camera ever (which it isn’t). He also said that cage, ND filters and Smallrig Magic Arm were “must have items” so I bought them as well. This purchase was one of my mistakes, because image quality of Action 2 was very poor compared to some other cameras.
I would probably continue to shoot videos in auto mode forever, if not for the second life-changing thing. I saw same majestic photos online and thought: “I want to try too”. I started my month-long research. I looked at all photo cameras out there and chose Sony a7iii in the end, mostly because of this:
- Two SD card slots. This helps when you forget one SD card.
- Full-frame. I heard that “bigger sensor = better quality”.
- Fast Sony autofocus.
- Reasonable price. At that time it was 1500 USD, cheaper that others.
It took me a week more to find Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 – the best value for my money (900 USD).
And then I started to shoot thousands of photos.
I changed several lenses and cameras along the way:
- Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG DN OS
- Sony 24mm F2.8 G
- Sony FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS
- Olympus TG-6
- OM-System TG-7
My Current Camera
I am currently using Fujifilm x100vi and it is the best one I found.
- A 35mm fixed lens.
- IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization). The one second shutterspeed handheld shots I took looked crystal clear.
- Compact size.
This is my only camera and it is great for everything: EDC (Every Day Carry), events, travel and videos.
To summarize, always do your research before buying, this will save you a lot of money. Or ask for recommendations from professionals.