In the early 2000s, it was important for camera manufacturers to make you want to have as many megapixels as possible in their cameras. Today, it’s artificial intelligence that’s the marketing thing. Unfortunately, neither megapixels nor AI make you a better photographer. There’s something else that’s more important today: what the cameras make you feel.

All cameras are basically the same

The sensors in today’s cameras are so good that there is hardly any difference between them anymore. It’s hard to sell a camera just because of the sensor – even between full frame and APS-C.

So what do manufacturers do? Well, they jump on the next big buzzword or hype. Now it is all about artificial intelligence. Suddenly your camera can recognise cats, birds, wolves, llamas, banana peels or common European adders and then decide which type of autofocus is best.

But is that really what makes you a good photographer?

The most important thing is to want to take pictures

For me, photography is about capturing moments, about seeing the world in a new way. It’s about expressing yourself through images. And to do that, you don’t need the latest and most expensive camera on the market.

The best camera is the one you actually have with you. Yes, I know it is a cliché. But, it is true. It’s the camera that inspires you to take pictures that is the most important thing.

Photographer Mike Chudley has a great expression for this: pickupability. It’s about how easy it is to pick up the camera and start shooting. «Wanting to take pictures matters the most», as Mike writes.

For me, the Fuji X-Pro2 has the best pickupability. It feels good in the hand and it has an analogue feel that I really like. But most importantly, it inspires me to take photos.

So, what’s my point?

Don’t buy the latest camera just because it has AI autofocus, a full-frame sensor, a built in barbecue or whatever. Buy a camera that you enjoy using, a camera that inspires you.

Save yourself a bit of money and go against the hype: buy a second-hand camera. Having the latest equipment won’t make you a better photographer. Having a camera that you want to shoot with, will.