The Good vs. Bad Camera Debate
Photo with a “bad” camera. Covid Pandemic.
Older Lumix.
Camera Philosophy
Instinct tells use there are no bad cameras, only bad photographers. On reflection there are a bad cameras. However, a skilled creative photographer can make something good with harsh limitations. Much like a good cook can sometimes make spoiled food into something good — grapes into wine. However, rarely do they produce something better than they could have with good materials going in.
I have used a 200 mm lens for portraits because that’s what I had at the time. Sure, it can work out and it might be even better than what you had originally conceived of, but you give up on more than you gain overall. Given a “bad” camera and a good one sure, you now have more options, and more choice. Then a good camera only. Last, the bad camera with the least number of options. A great photography does not need artificial limits to make great work — they can apply the limits when needed.
