recently came upon a post titled “What Camera Feature Is Most Important to You?” which described the author’s personal needs and priorities for his camera(s) and asked that same question of his photographer audience. Of course, the post began with an author’s disclaimer:
“Before I get into my most important feature, I should mention that of course, what’s most important to me may not be all that important to you. Next, I spent a lot of time thinking about what “important” really means. I finally decided that the term meant the thing that which, if taken away, would most hinder or fundamentally change my workflow and output for the worse, not necessarily the thing that gets me the most excited.”
Answering this question for myself was an interesting mental exercise. As a general hobbyist photographer, I photograph a wide variety of subjects which can have a wide variety of challenges for one camera to fully satisfy, especially if it’s going to overcome my own photographic skill shortcomings. Background info; I’d been a Nikon Digital SRL user for many years but then about five years ago I made a major switch to a smaller and lighter Olympic 4/3s system.
For my own disclaimer, I’ve assumed any camera considered would have sufficient dynamic range, ISO performance and image quality to satisfy my needs. Considering this, here is a short list of my most important camera features:
- Size and weight – a camera and it’s associated lens will be of no use to me if they are so heavy and cumbersome that I seldom bring them with me or carry them on my person. I now use my cell phone camera more than ever before for this very reason…I take it almost everywhere and it can be carried all day.
- Quick startup & quick and accurate autofocus – sometimes without foreknowledge I’ll be at just the right place at the right time and if I’m waiting for the camera to boot and then hunt for focus I’ve missed it. I do like to plan photos but that isn’t always possible. So without a quick camera, you’ll find yourself like a wild west gunfighter which hits a target every time but is mighty slow initially drawing his gun from its holster…dead.
- Ergonomics and easy to use controls and menus – having used the Nikon system for so long I feel I gave up functionality in this area with my current 4/3 camera. It doesn’t fit my hands as well and the menu system isn’t intuitive.
- Build, dependability and durability – as you’ve probably noticed sometimes it rains, other times it can be dusty and there will be some “banging around.” I need a camera that can survive these day-to-day happenings.
Not surprisingly it all comes down to convenience factors for me. I would have chosen differently when younger, but my photography is now about fun and if the camera interjects itself into the process in a way to make it less fun…well, it’s probably going to get put in a drawer or traded away.
So, what camera feature is most important to you?
I have also picked up a 4/3 Oly camera and now prefer using it to the Nikon 610. I like the lightweight but solid feel of the camera but sometimes the controls are a little baffling. I haven’t made any poster size enlargements but I doubt if others could tell the difference from the Nikon on a web size photo. The most important thing to me, the price being no object and everything else being equal would be convenience and confidence in my equipment. Excellent shot, btw.
I didn’t mention or consider price for this mental exercise but of course in the scheme of things it always plays a large part in the final decision, doesn’t it? I agree the Oly 4/3 controls are ‘a little baffling” (that’s being kind) and I do still struggle with them at times. Thanks on the photo (Spain, Northern Coast) and for your comment here. Have a great weekend, Ken!
I’d say your list is my list Earl. I still use Nikon but have also used my Fuji XT2 and X100 cameras for a few years now. I have always preferred Nikon’s menus and controls. Fuji comes close, and I certainly appreciate the way Fuji is always adding additional functionality long after the camera release. And for the size, weight, and the flip out/tilt screen – I prefer using my Fuji. I never really considered a flip-out/tilt screen to be a must-have feature as my Nikons never had them. But once I started using it on the Fuji, even if it is only for those rare occasions, it becomes really useful. It will be a key consideration for any purchase in the future, but right now nothing tempts me. I can say I am content with what I have, even if it is all “obsolete.”
I go out with fewer lenses and a lot less in my pack now than I used to. A function of an aging back and just wanting to simplify all the “gear.” Can’t agree more with the camera not getting in the way.
Mark, my first “serious” film camera was an Olympus OM-1 which was a good experience. So when looking for a smaller but capable camera to migrate to from my Nikon, an Olympus 4/3s seemed a natural choice…probably a subconscious effort to return to what had been remembered as pleasant. Stating I’d like to see improvements or changes to my current Oly isn’t a sign of dissatisfied on my part or that the Oly is less than capable. Hell, I was complaining about my Nikon when I had it and I’ll find something to complain about on any camera I’ll own. :-)
I’ve never photographed with a recent Fuji, or Sony for that matter, but my readings on both brands have been positive overall so naturally, I’m curious. I’ve thought about renting both brands to sample them but I don’t want to spark a fire I’m not ready to tend. As far as “obsolete” goes…current camera capability far outreaches most of our needs and requirements and has so for a number of years. Probably the smartest buy now and for the future is picking up a good used late model camera/lens from someone who takes care of their gear but is caught up in chasing the latest-and-greatest. But for the time being, I share your thinking…”I am content with what I have.”
Have a good weekend and thanks.
My initial smart-alec knee-jerk comment was going to be that a camera just needs to take pictures. But a better answer is that a camera has to have what I’ll call “carryability” for lack of a better word. If a camera is too big, heavy or bulky it will too often be left behind. All cameras these days have pluses and minuses, but sufficient time to learn the nuances of features and menus should result in just about any camera being capable of producing good results. Then what would we have to talk about? ;)
I guess it’s in the nature of photographers (people in general) to pursue that ever better gadget…at least the manufacturers and marketers certainly hope they will. In marketers, I include those photographers who blog/write about new gear in most cases are sponsored directly or indirectly by the manufacturers. Now, given that some highly technical or top photographs can benefit or have a genuine need for the latest. I’ll read some of the reviews with interest but the days of my participation in a never-ending chase of the next-best-thing is certainly over. Call it outgrowing it, maturity or just not having unlimited disposable income with retirement. But it doesn’t hurt to talk about it. Thanks
I agree with your list but include the cost factor. Their are some nice Leicas out there that fulfills our list but the price cost factor excludes it. In looking at your list I’m not sure I could just select just one feature. However, the size, weight and cuteness (rangefinder style) were the big draw for me to switch to the Fujifilm X-E1 over five years ago. I was so enthralled with the quality and the enjoyment it brought back into my photography it was very easy to add the X-T10 to the stable then sell all of my Nikon gear. Now that Nikon and Canon are bringing out the 4/3 cameras I really have no GAS for them. I’m satisfied with what I have now. My disclaimer is that what I profess now could go out the window in a heartbeat.
Love that image by the way!
Monte, I believe it would be pretty difficult for me to be relaxed if I was photographing with and carrying around an $8-15k camera/lens kit. 😱 I’ve never had money to burn so the cost factor definitely is there in any of my decisions. Certain cameras with the right individual provide enjoyment beyond function…such as you mention with your Fuji X-E1. It’s kinda like cars…yes, any car can provide point-to-point transportation but there are certain cars which provide enjoyment beyond that…and it’s not always the most expensive, depending upon the individual. Hey, thanks for stopping by and commenting and thank-you on the image!