As professional photographer I often get asked about which camera people should buy and what my advice is. Usually via Whatsapp and then it’s quite a task for me to write out the same thing over and over again and ask questions… I don’t mind the question, but I always end up with the same camera. I thought I’d write it out completely.
And to put it succinctly, whatever budget you have, whatever you want to do with it … I keep recommending the same device every time. And for a couple of good reasons.
First, in my spare time I use it continuously myself, so I am biased and an expert by experience. In my career, I have tested 10 dozen devices that would be ideal for private, travel, snapshot purposes. Most of my travel photos have been taken with there as well. And it is the only device that has survived the test of time and the ravages of use!
Secondly and that’s a slightly longer explanation:
Many people dream of big professional cameras, with a couple of sturdy lenses and all the trimmings. Because taking good pictures is what you do with an ultra pro camera … but I know from experience that this is not always the best choice. People quickly get tired of fiddling with settings and are even faster tired of lugging around kilos of bags with lenses and bodies. You do that for a while, just after the purchase and after a month you are so tired of that lugging.
“The best camera is the one you have with you” said Chase Jarvis ever! And that is effectively the whole point of the story. People who just want to grab some photos as reminders I even just recommend buying a good smartphone. We always have those with us!
For people who then want to do just a little bit more with photography, really throw themselves into it a bit there I recommend the Sony RX100 VII to, and here’s why:
Real pocket size
Who feels like constantly lugging around a heavy body and a bunch of lenses? The Sony RX100 VII solves that problem all at once. This little camera is so small you can easily slip it into your pocket, Really! No more hassle with camera bags or backpacks full of gear. Just put it in your pocket and go!
And that says it all, because it is so compact and light that it will never bother you if it is in your vest, shirt or pocket. And if you want to document something decently, you have everything you need to do that at a very decent level!
Versatile
But! Don’t let the size fool you, this little camera is packed with features:
But look, you are already turning your eyes and yawning with dullness. Exactly!
That device can do more than you are probably ever going to get out of it.
Benefits at a glance
- Fits in your pocket (yes, really!)
- High image quality thanks to 20.1 megapixels
- Versatile zoom lens for all situations (!)
- Lightning-fast autofocus
- 4K video with all sorts of bells and whistles
- Tilting screen for selfies and vlogging
(!) I actually never or not much zoom with cameras, I find that anti-photography, photography is actively interacting with your subject…. Depends on your type of photography of course. If you want to spot birds this one can handle it perfectly with its 200mm zoom!
Also, and this is an important one, if you don’t zoom you preserve the 2.8 aperture which gives a nice blur depth to your images! And das kei pro, almost as pro as uwen expensive big camera with your 30 heavy lenses.
Sooooo…
As a professional photographer, I know that many amateurs want big expensive cameras but often do not use or master them to their full potential. Moreover, they quickly get tired of lugging heavy bags with camera and lenses or undergoing a steep learning curve to master everything…. That’s why I always recommend the RX100 VII. Perfectly versatile entry-level camera that never disappoints!
The result? Everyone I’ve introduced this camera to is incredibly pleased with it!
Samples
Ik heb daar ook eens lang geleden een filmpje over gemaakt, onder andere.