A Way Out Of Consumerism For Photographers
Ditch looking at spec sheets
All the fuss about camera gear can get frustrating and overwhelming very rapidly. Media and influencers constantly bombard us with the newest and “hottest” gear available. This can create a lot of FOMO (fear of missing out) in us, as well as confusion about what to buy and use. Gear should not solely be about specs and prices. As an artist, you should be able to feel great using your gear.
That being said, we want to compare two very contrasting camera systems and show you through that, that the gear by spec doesn’t matter. The feelings and emotions that you subjectively feel while using truly matter.
Leica SL2 Vs. Fuji X-T5: Our Gear
This seems to be a hot topic. So we’ll quickly delve into it to provide you with the best possible answer. Technically it’s easy to conclude which camera or lens is better. In reality, which camera is better, depends on you.
The Leica is as big as modern medium format cameras and as expensive. The Fuji is small, nostalgic, and compact. The X-T5 also comes with a range of small Fuji lenses available. So if you prefer lightweight gear the Fuji is the winner. Build quality, legendary Leica glass, and simplicity scream for the SL2. Sure the Fuji X-T5 comes with built-in film simulations, but are you going to use them, do you like them? The “Leica-Colors” aren’t as real or important as everybody claims them to be. RAW files of any camera open up almost infinite editing possibilities. This could go on and on… To save your time:
Leica SL2: You admire the brand, have the financial resources, want one of the best digital viewfinders, want simplicity, and want to invest in Leica glass (which is what really creates the “Leica look”), don’t mind slow-ish autofocus, don’t mind the heavyweight.
Fujifilm X-T5: You love the retro feel and look of film cameras, but want a digital, fast, and modern solution. You want a small kit with vast possibilities, and great in-camera colors that don’t require much post-processing to achieve. The APS-C vs. Fullframe debacle doesn’t really matter as much.
As you see the answer isn’t easy. If you feel an itch towards Fuji, go for it. If you really want to spend money, the Leica will do fine. For us, the Fuji system has more of a USP than the Leica SL System.
Leica SL2
Fuji X-T5
A philosophical approach
As much as you use a car to get from A to B, it’s not much different with a camera.
The A point is the moment before you press the shutter and the B point is after. Is it that simple? Yes and no.
Especially, in today’s world the specs and technical details of cameras simply don’t matter. Of course, there are some niche users, like astrophotographers, who will have a closer look at those. For you and me comparing 30MP with 45MP or Fullframe vs. APS-C is irrelevant. This rat race will never end.
As cheesy as it might sound the only way to figure out what will work for you is to try it out. When buying a car you probably will do a test drive. Watching all the YouTube videos and reading all the reviews can only provide you with theoretical knowledge. For you, the real-life experience matters most. Holding the camera, feeling the dials and buttons, hearing the shutter sound, using the menus, and even the look matters. So go ahead and try it out. Life has got many streams available for every one of us. We can choose.
Leica SL2
Think about the lens, feel about the camera
Try using a $50k camera body without a lens. It’s like a car without an engine in it.
”Cheap” or bad-quality lenses will ruin any quality of camera. You can make a “cheap” camera way better with a great lens than the other way around.
This is why we say: “Think about the lens and feel about the camera.”
Critically analyze which lenses are available for the system you want to invest in. Down the line, this will save you from having to switch camera systems all over again. The camera body can be exchanged easily but the lenses should be seen like the foundation of a house.
Fuji X-T5
Don’t forget about…
Finally having found the right camera system can be freeing and fulfilling. To further master the art of photography and reach your goals you might also consider upgrading your own lenses. Your eyes.
Your eyes are responsible for finding compositions, imagining the space surrounding you, feeling and seeing different focal lengths while shooting, seeing light, etc…
Leveling up your own lenses is something no piece of equipment can replace. How can it be done?
1. Gathering experience by actually showing up frequently
2. Looking at other photographers that truly inspire you
3. Looking at how painters painted light, composition, and perspective (e.g. Rembrandt, Monet, …)
4. Collecting photo books from your favorite artists
5. Failing and trying
You might have figured out that the most required recourse for the points listed is time. So don’t stress yourself. Step by step you’ll improve. Daily improvements can’t be seen as easily as looking back a year or two. You’ll realize that you improved. Passion helps tremendously with staying consistent. So you can do it!
Fuji X-T5
Leica SL2
Actual useful times to switch / buy new gear
As mentioned above gear compared by specs doesn’t matter. It matters to your specific needs and emotions.
So here are a few excuses or reasonable cases to buy new gear:
something broke or got stolen
when you start hitting limitations
your use case changed
gifting your family or friends
our YouTube video about this topic
