The one you have with you
My first camera was a Canon AE‑1 35mm film camera. ‘Full frame’ is the most familiar to me. I shot on a second-hand DSLR (a Canon 5D Mark II) for 5 years until I went mirrorless in 2022. The Sony A7 IV is a marvel of technology, full stop. Yet the thought that’s most present when I’m using it is: no matter how advanced or expensive, the tool doesn’t make the photograph - your vision does. The camera or lens can add to it or even take away from it, but it will never be the most important thing.
If my backpack or carry-on can fit it, I’m bringing this.
Baby’s first high-end prime. My eyes see in 50mm. Smaller than the f/1.2 GM, this was made for me.
I’ve always preferred longer focal lengths. I like details, I like focus. Tele but small and light, with a killer minimum focus distance.
No matter how I square it, cameras are big. (This is of course subjective.) Full frame lenses are massive, heavy, and sometimes tough to travel with. Interestingly, in contrast, modern technology prides itself on being so small you can put it in your pocket or wear it on your wrist.
While maintaining respect for their design language, I always seek out cameras that are the most compact and lightweight, but performant. The Fujifilm X-S20 is outstanding in all of these categories - extraordinarily capable, and supremely compact. Hard to make an excuse not to take it everywhere. (And don’t let the haters say otherwise: we love a built-in flash.)
Basically a 50mm. Fast as hell, and tiny. A perfect travel companion.
I have a lot to learn about wide angle. When I want to get up close in personal (usually with a flash), I can’t think of a better choice.
Lil baby telephoto. Fast aperture. My hiking go-to.
The ultimate point-and-shoot pocket camera. No question, no contest.
The first camera I ever bought was the APS-C Nikon D5000 in 2009. An incredible piece of technology for its time - but, much like me in middle school, he was a chunky boy. Fast forward to 2015, I picked up a Fujifilm X100S, also APS-C, but nice and compact. Tiny has the same sensor size, but is significantly more competent while being a fraction of the size. From me to you: toss it in your jacket pocket with a tiny flash and you’ll capture some really special moments that you’d never consider bringing a camera to.
Released in 1980, and designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro who also designed Alfa Romeos, Porsches, and the DeLorean. Built, handles, and performs like a sports car.
Sometimes I still feel like wide-eyed high school kid shooting this thing.
Did you expect anything other than a 50mm f/1.4 lens on my film camera?