Deciding whether to upgrade your camera equipment can be challenging. Seeing a side-by-side comparison of an older DSLR and a high-end mirrorless camera can provide valuable insights.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video explores a comparison between a very old professional DSLR and a high-end mirrorless camera. Choucino tests the Canon 5D Mark II against the Fuji GFX 100S. Both are set to their base ISOs of 100 and similar apertures. Choucino points out the significant price gap between the two setups, noting that the Canon costs around £400 while the Fuji setup is closer to £7,000. Despite the price difference, the core question remains: does the more expensive camera produce noticeably better results?
Choucino shows you the images side-by-side, allowing a direct comparison. He discusses the differences in color and detail, noting that the Fuji produces richer and more vibrant colors, while the Canon has a slightly thinner color profile. The Fuji’s higher resolution also captures more detail, particularly in areas like the seeds on a burger. However, both images are acceptable for professional use. This segment highlights the importance of understanding what you need from your gear versus what is simply nice to have.
Another key point is the technical capabilities of the cameras. Choucino demonstrates how these features can be used to adjust the angle and composition, something the Canon cannot do as effectively. However, he emphasizes that these advanced features, while beneficial, are not essential for producing high-quality work. The Canon, despite its age and limitations, is still capable of producing images that would satisfy professional standards.
The video also addresses the practical aspects of owning expensive gear. Choucino advises against rushing into buying high-end equipment unless it is financially justifiable. He suggests starting with more affordable gear and renting more expensive cameras for specific projects. This approach allows you to grow your skills and business without the pressure of heavy financial investment upfront. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
I totally agree with this, but I'm always a little hesitant to recommend rentals for anything except the most obscure gear. For example, a Canon R5 is $2,200 used, and you'd probably be able to resell it for $1,700-$2,000, including any seller fees. To rent a Canon R5 for one week, with insurance and shipping, is $225. So even if you might need an R5 a couple of times in a year, you're probably financially better off buying used and reselling it if you're not cash-strapped.
I completely agree, Tony.
Renting cameras and lenses is preposterously expensive. And personally, using a camera body for one week is nowhere near long enough to figure out how useful it will be - that takes 4 to 6 weeks to know if a body is "right" for me and what I shoot. Hence, doing as you suggest and buying it used, trying it out for a few months, and then selling it or keeping it, is way way way more sensible than renting.
Wise words Tony and Tom! Getting to know a new (rental) camera is not an instant thing - it takes a bit of time. I can rent an expensive lens and use it properly straight away, but a new camera body takes a while to get used to.
wild, I completely preferred the image of the canon 5d. The specular highlights and detail on the burger is better. The color tones are better. As a campaign image it would be more attractive I think
Customer: "Why are your burgers so expensive?"
Employee: "Because the photo was taken with an expensive camera, sir"
Customer: "Oh, that seems reasonable, I'll take one, but hold the frequency separation"
I agree that buying good enough is good enough. Another important point is that when just starting out you're going to need money to buy backup equipment for almost everything, camera, sensor, strobe/lights, cords, cords, cords etc. When you're working on location or have a studio full of clients you can't say "sorry, my strobe just broke" or "my sync cord isn't working." Been there, done that.