This post contains Amazon affiliate links, to help you find the gear that I love. I make a small commission if you order through my links, however it doesn’t cost you a penny more. Thanks if you do!
I’ve been asked a few times now, what cameras I’m currently using.
If you’ve followed along for awhile now, you know I am a bit of a photo fanatic.
Doesn’t matter if I’m on a bike ride, shopping, decorating, or even on some fabulous vacation… I am attached at the hip to a camera at all times.
But I’ve quickly learned that not all cameras are all great in all locations. So it’s for this reason that I have a few, and GOOD ones at that.
I tend to spend high because this is my life’s work, and I want my photos to be to the best to my (current) abilities.
So these selections may be a little high end for most desires. But know, for each camera, there are always other price points to work with under the same or similar brand names.
How I like to camera shop
While online pricing can be VERY enticing, I like to start in a place that stocks cameras first. I frequent London Drugs in Canada. They always have experts behind the counter that never lead me wrong. You tell them what you want to do, and they will offer you the best options.
I also like to pick up cameras and feel them in my hands. When I upgraded to a DSLR, I went in thinking I was coming home with a Canon, but left with a Nikon instead. They are BOTH good! But the Nikon just fit my hands better, and felt like a well made glove. You just never know until you try one out for yourself.
But if you prefer to order online working, along someone else’s sound recommendations, glad to help! 🙂
Favourite cameras, and where they do best, with must have gear
iPhone 6+ with 128 G
A cell phone is so much more than a phone when you are a blogger, or you invest time in any kind of online or social media trade. This is my little mini computer that I can quickly check email, answer questions, message friends, etc while on the run.
For this reason, when my smaller iPhone bit the dust, I went BIG. I never used my phone for much when I had a small one, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. Squinting just got old. Since getting the big guy, I’ve never looked back.
As for the camera, it’s really good for well lit daylight shots. But it’s really REALLY good for sunset pictures when using apps to tweak the photos.
Camera apps I use – Camera + to take, and Afterlight to edit.
New York shoot
Sunset Maui shots on Instagram
I use it for:
Sunset shots
Quick step by steps
Instagram Stories (the movie part)
Interior shopping shots with iffy lighting
Travel while on the run
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Must get gear:
LONG charging cord. I like the 6′ ones.
Plugs for house and car.
This is a MUSSSSSSSST! It’s a thin sheet of real glass that is stuck to the face of the phone. It never bubbles, puckers nor clouds up like a plastic film will.
I use the tempered glass because my wallet case flips open.
Warning… it can crack if dropped. But I’d rather that broke than the phone glass! (I’ve replaced one due to dropping.. the phone was fine!)
p.s. I buy this at my local Best Buy (Canada) for around $45ish, and have them install it for around $10.
Because the phone is big, I tend to carry it on its own, inside a wallet case. Tuck in your drivers licence and credit card, and you’re off to the local coffee shop!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Tech 21 wallet case. The quality rubber ridges rise above the phone, offering great cushion should it drop. I have yet to find a better wallet case yet. But these are hard to find. I can only now find them on Amazon.
Canon G5X high quality point and shoot
The last time I travelled with a DSLR, I knew it was the last. There had to be a better option than getting sand in fancy schmancy lenses, and lugging all that weight around.
That’s when I discovered the greatness of a quality point and shoot.
I lost my first one, a Canon G7X on our last Hawaiian trip… along with all the best photos on the card. #ouch.
Because that last Canon was so fabulous. I’ve recently replaced it with a Canon G5X. I chose it because it was recommended for taking super high quality photos.
Ask what each camera does BEST, because that is what you will be paying for.
I like these cameras, because not only do they take amazing shots, they feel good in your hands. Some point and shoots are super compact, that feel like you’re holding a little square smooth box that you’re about to drop. These cameras have something to grip.
Disney photoshoot with a Canon G7x
Maui shots with Canon G7x
Bike ride adventure shots with Canon G5X
I use it for:
On the run photography, such as nature shots during a bike ride.
AMAZING for travel.
I have used it for some project shots, but I don’t like how the wide angle lens distorts things, so it’s by far not my first go to for that.
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Must get gear:
Purchase an extra battery. Always.
Stock up on fast 32 GB cards, especially if you video.
Get a GOOD camera case you can double as a wallet. Then leave your wallets or purses behind when you travel. So much lighter! I like my Think Tank (affiliate link) because I can also jam my monster phone in it with the camera.
But do remove the card from your camera and keep it on you when you travel. In case you (cough) leave your camera somewhere…
DSLR Nikon D800 Full frame (affiliate link)
There are two main levels of DSLRS. One is a standard SLR and one is full frame. With a big price jump.
I am not a photographer pro, so it’s best to google what the main differences are. But the reason I did this major to me upgrade is for enhanced lighting conditions indoors.
A full frame allows much more light in, and the quality can be impeccable if you kinda sorda know what you’re doing. I will never outgrow this camera.
There are NO auto settings on a full frame, so you have to be ok shooting on manual, where you adjust all your own settings.
A full frame is HEAVY, so you’ll need to ramp up your tripod too.
For Nikons, you can use non full frame lenses which are cheaper, but you won’t be gaining all the advantages of a true full frame camera. At the very least, pick up a 50mm (tight shots) and 28mm (wider shots) meant for full frame, and you’ll have it made.
I always shoot in raw, on aperture, at 100 iso, on a tripod, using a super slow shutter speed to capture the best quality possible.
And photo edit in Lightroom.
I use it for:
Project shots, indoors and out.
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Must have gear:
Lens filters. (glass covers to protect lenses)
50mm fixed lens (closer shots with no distortion)
28mm fixed lens (wider shots with no distortion)
Camera case.
Heavy duty tripod – mine is a Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and Manfrotto joystick head 324RC2
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It’s my hope that by sharing what I use for what I do, this will help guide you to be matched with the right camera for you!
All that’s left to do now is write Santa that note…
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What are your current fav cameras? What do you like using them for best?
How did you learn photography Donna? Did you take a class or classes. The Nikon would be intimidating for me. You take beautiful photos.
Hi Carla!
Photography and camera skills imo are two different things. I’ve always taken pictures with the sense that, if you would hang up that picture on the wall, the set up is good. I feel you build an eye for it over time.
Learning upscale camera equipment is a whole other ball game! I had a friend approach me, noting I was struggling with fancy camera settings. He tried to explain stuff but he lost me in the technical speak. So I started asking him simple questions myself. Moments later, I was landing the pictures I wanted. If you can find someone that will work with you like that, you’ll gain a much better understanding.
From there, it’s practice. Lots and LOTS of practice, which is easy to do with digital.
I have a friend that took wonderful wildlife photography. I asked him how many pictures it took to get those money shots. His reply… “500.” Just goes to show, very seldom is the best shot the first. I take quite a few to land a good one too, trying different settings.
But the most important part to heed is, tripod, and natural lighting.
Thank you, Donna! 🙂 Now to go hold some cameras. . .
Good information! I need to get new SD cards and maybe a new point and shoot. Have to stick with the DSLR I have now. Too expensive!! Happy Thanksgiving Donna.
WOW?..what a great post. Need to get my point and shoot camera out and start using it. My iPhone is so handy I use it most of the time, Thank you Donna.
thank you for your photo tips! I was wondering what kind of camera gear you use. You always have beautiful bright photos!
Dear Santa…
I’ve always loved your photos. They all look so professional and create such a lovely atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your gear Donna, I think a tripod is now officially on my Christmas list and a lot of hours of practice.
I don’t know much about Nikon other than they are a good camera. In the olden days I knew Minolta. These days I only use Canon. Canon full frame line does have fully auto mode, even their latest and greatest 4D Mark lV that retails for $4500 has full auto.