I am not really a big gearhead. I am very old school in this regard. I do not like to buy new expensive gear every year or obsess over new releases every month. I like to prioritize the skill and imagination of an artist rather than the device. That does not mean that I shy away from upgradation when it is absolutely necessary.
The first camera I ever owned was a Sony A6000, an APS-C Mirrorless camera. It was a perfect device for me to learn, practice, and hone my craft as a photographer. I had this camera for around 8 years. It was perfectly functional and delivered what was asked of it, even though I pushed it to its limit innumerable times.
With time I started printing my photographs in bigger sizes. Then came the issue of Megapixel. Sony A6000 had 24 MP, which was completely fine with smaller prints and for viewing on digital screens. However, a slight loss of optical quality was visible when I wanted to print bigger than the size A3. After 7 years, for the first time, I upgraded to Sony A7R III. Full Frame camera, much higher Megapixels, somewhat weather resistant, lightweight, touch screen, and a bit retro looking with all the dials on the top. I got the chance to use this newer model on my trip to Jaipur last year. Since then it has served its purpose beautifully. No complaints at all.
Recently, I have been working a lot in low-light situations, most of them requiring quick reactions. This is where my Sony A7R III has failed me repeatedly. Make no mistake, this camera has incredible dynamic range (at least I contend with it) and fantastic noise management even in the higher ISO range. However, it falters badly while Auto Focusing in low-light conditions. With a bit of research, I found that this camera can perform an auto-focusing function till the exposure value EV-3 (which is a pretty low-light situation, but not low enough!) Yes, I can obviously manage with manual focusing, but that is not always possible or efficient enough. While working in the streets, I can let go of some moments, as they can repeat themselves in the future, but while working for a client on an event, a few moments like people receiving awards, become crucial to be captured and not missed.
Thus, it became necessary to have a device that can auto-focus in extreme low-light situations. My research led me to Nikon Z6 III. There are many upgraded and advanced models than this, but the fact that it can auto-focus till the exposure value EV-10 and it is available at a somewhat affordable price (in comparison to the higher models) made it the obvious choice. It is a bit bulkier than my Sony A7R III, but it is sturdier, weather-sealed, feels premium, and has a flip screen. It has a much lower Megapixel than my Sony, but that doesn’t bother me at all, because it does the job I bought it for. I have used this camera for 5 continuous days, and not once it has faltered in a low-light situation. There are several options on its menu, but I am a simple man. I don’t need so many options, I am happy with simple exposure control and low-light auto-focusing. Nikon Z6 III is much faster, smoother, and more reactive than my Sony. As you can see, the odds are balanced. (Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by either of the companies. So, my requirement, experience, and feedback are completely unbiased).
The regretful partition with my first Sony camera now leaves me with two devices system – Sony A7R III with 35 mm and Nikon Z6 III with 50 mm (the perfect focal length duo in the history of documentary photography).
But that is not all. I have another system, newly acquired, that goes perfectly hand-in-hand with still photography: Audio Recording System.
The combination of stills, copy, and audio has always fascinated me, even more than motion pictures. There is an immersive effect of this combination which forces our mind to concentrate. I am just a beginner in this audio recording field, but like everything else, I have a big hunger to learn something new, something creative.
This landed me with a shotgun mic (Rode Videomic), a headphone (Audio-Technica ATH-M20x), and a field recorder with 32-bits float (Zoom F3). ’32-bits float’ means the recorder will have a wonderful dynamic range of audio and thus it will allow me to balance out high-volume and very low-volume sounds in post-production without much noise. For the post-processing of recorded audio, I will mainly use the free version of the software Da Vince Resolve 19.
Two more new additions to my setup include a 24-inch BenQ photo monitor (BenQ SW240) and a monitor calibration device (Datacolor Spyder X Pro). I have always believed that a photography project, how major or minor it may be, should have a printed format as its end result. That can be a book, zine, notebook, or just prints to be stacked at home or framed and hung on the wall. To do this with serious intention and get high-quality results, colour accuracy, colour gamut, and colour calibration – these three play a great role (‘colour gamut’ is the range of colours that a monitor can produce or record). The combination of a new photo monitor and a colour calibration device will allow me to maintain the consistency of colour across digital screens and printed formats.
As I said in the beginning, I don’t like buying new gear just for the sake of buying and without a proper reason. However, I don’t compromise either with the elements needed to tell a story. Story for me is the king. My job as a photographer should be to give equal attention to all the details that are necessary for constructing a narrative, conveying the message, and allowing my viewers to properly experience the story, all presented in a professional and responsible manner.
In the end, I have to remind you that photography is not about the latest camera or lens. Photography is about light, composition, timing, moments, emotion and intention. None of which comes with the latest gear, but rather with continuous practice, study, and a zeal for creative improvement. So, take whatever camera you have, go out and shoot. Practice day in and day out. Perfect your skills. Train your eye. Calm your mind. Experience life around you.
I am leaving you with a quote from the master photographer Dorothea Lange, “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
