My Photography Kit 2023

My Photography Kit 2023

As is tradition on this blog, I wanted to share what gear I’ll be using this year for street, travel, and everyday photography, as well as for my YouTube channel and content creation for work. Check out the video below for a breakdown of this year’s gear:

The Main Camera

I loved my Fuji X-Pro2, but the lack of grip and weight of the body made it uncomfortable for me after a few months of daily use. I also had some issues with the X-Pro freezing up, and my fingers nudging the controls to the point where I began missing photos. I decided to trade the X-Pro2 for a camera that I have always admired, the Fujifilm X-H1. I instantly realized the improved ergonomics and other features such as IBIS made it possible for me to take photos I never could on my X-Pro2. For example, my beloved Olympus Zuiko lenses which were too big for my X-Pro2 are a joy to use on the X-H1. The IBIS is incredibly helpful for using older manual focus telephoto lenses like my Olympus 75-150mm f/4 or my Pentax 135mm f/2.8. It also makes filming video content for work much easier, the flip-up screen is ideal for filming Instagram Reels, with the battery grip only making it even easier.

When I want to be small, I can put a smaller lens like the TTartisans 28mm f/5.6 on and fit the camera under a jacket or even around my neck without getting too many looks. It’s nice having access to all the same film simulations as on my X-Pro2, as I have become quite fond of these looks and like the consistency.

The Fun Camera

I had always had the ambition of dropping my kit down to one camera that I could use for work, for street, on a daily basis, and one that would be capable but still feel like an analog and unique experience. The X-Pro2 came close, but I always thought in the long run it would a Leica. Once I developed my issues with my hand and needed a bigger grip, it became obvious to me that a Leica M would not be the solution. I found myself craving something with an optical viewfinder, mirrorless cameras with EVFs always felt too much like a computer, disconnecting me from the world around me. Ultimately, I found myself being drawn to the Nikon Df, a camera that both had the physical dials and nice look of a Fuji, the beautiful full-frame sensor, nice build quality, and wide selection of lenses of a Leica, and the low-light capabilities of a newer mirrorless camera. Unfortunately unlike most DSLRs, prices for the Nikon Df haven’t dropped quite so low. I would have had to sell my newly acquired X-H1, and I just couldn’t bring myself to do that, especially for a camera I couldn’t use for work.

Ultimately, I realized I was being a fool. I had a perfectly good Nikon Full-Frame DSLR sitting right next to me: the Nikon D600. I bought this in 2017, and it was my first full-frame camera. I stopped using it when I upgraded to mirrorless, as I was more focused on videography at the time. In an ironic twist of fate - years down the line I realized that many of the reasons I stopped using this camera are non-issues for me anymore. I have another camera for video or low-light photography, and while I was never happy with the autofocus of this camera, I ditched autofocus lenses last year and haven’t looked back. All in all, I was excited to try shooting this camera in a new way, and I have been so happy with the results.

The Everyday Camera

This year I traded the Lumix LX5 with the Ricoh GRD III. This thing is tiny but packs a huge punch. It is an upgrade over the Lumix in practically every single way - size, image quality, sharpness, snap focus, and burst rate. The photos look great and it’s easier to carry around with me, which is all I can really ask of an EDC camera. I’m perfectly comfortable on a 28mm, so I don’t really mind the missing zoom range. Ok maybe I miss it a little, but I’m making do.

The Film Camera

In 2021 this was the film camera on my wish list, and in 2022 I made it a reality. Well in 2023, I feel very much the same way about this camera: there simply is nothing better for my needs. That is, of course, the Olympus XA2. My film needs are limited - travel, intimate family moments, and the very, very occasional street shoot.

The Video Camera(s)

This has been a tricky one for me for years. The Nikon Z6 was too big, the Go-Pro was too wide, the DJI Osmo Pocket 2 was awkward and unnatural to carry around. I realized convenience really is the key for me, and I have finally settled on what is truly the most convenient camera for vlog style videos - my phone the Google Pixel 4. For Talking head videos, I still use the Osmo as it has a built-in screen for framing and pretty good autofocus so I don’t have to worry while recording.

The Extras

I’m really not interested in camera bags these days, I prefer to just throw my camera on a strap and hit the streets! I will still bring my Peak Design Everyday Sling for work shoots. I also have a crossbody bag that looks good, but fits extra lenses, batteries, etc. That’s really all I need.