Is My Camera Good?

“Is my camera good”? That is the question that I’ve read or heard the most in the last few weeks. That got me thinking, are there any bad cameras? Keep reading to find out.

If you’re like me, you’re probably a part of a photography community online. It could be a Facebook Group, a website forum, etc. In two of the largest groups I’m in, I constantly read the question “I’m thinking of getting this or that camera, is it any good”? The short answer probably is: Yes! It’s great!

Quality

Let me explain. The major camera manufacturers today (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus) have developed their technology over decades. They even share their discoveries, patents or pieces with other manufacturers.

Canon EOS Rebel SL2

All this effort and cooperation has produced so much progress in the industry that, nowadays, it’s rare to have a “bad” interchangeable lens camera (ILC). You may find a defective unit or, there may be quality assurance issues in specific models (I’m looking at you, Nikon D600). In general terms, all modern ILCs are capable of producing great images, as long as you know what you’re doing.

Limitations

Of course, you probably noticed a few limitations here and there in my statements. One is “most modern cameras”, which I refer to cameras made in the last 8 to 10 years. A digital camera that was made 15 years ago may not be great. That’s because back then most manufacturers were still refining their “new” offering: digital cameras.

Another limitation that I made is “major camera manufacturers today”. If you try today one of Yi’s cameras, which are compatible with the Micro 4/3 system, you may still find serious inconsistencies in quality. Are they bad? Not quite, but they still don’t provide consistent results or are missing some features. They are getting better, but still have a way to go.

Please notice I also skipped compact cameras, which are pretty much dead. I also didn’t mention smartphone cameras because they are improving constantly. There is such a wide variety of quality in cameras and sensors in this category, that you can’t just say all cameras are great.

Fujifilm X-A3

In short, any interchangeable lens camera, made by a reputable manufacturer in the last 8 years is great. What’s best for you? It depends on your experience, the kind of photography you want to make, your budget and, your fit with the camera.

I hope I helped you answer the question “Is my camera any good”? If you think I missed something, please leave a comment below.

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