I've Tried Every Camera Brand So You Don't Have To: My Recommendations
Hey everyone, I'm Wesley, and today I'm sharing my experiences with every major camera brand after a year of hands-on testing. Consider this your ultimate guide to avoiding GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and choosing the right camera brand for you. Yes, you heard that right. I went full-on GAS mode, trying out everything so you don't have to. Hopefully, my journey will save you some money (and headaches!).
Canon:
I've used the R8, the R6ii (at a few weddings), and even edited RAW files from a 5D Mark IV used to shoot my own wedding. The files are great, and the editing workflow is manageable (though I did have some white balance issues). However, Canon's menus, button placement, and ergonomics just don't click with me. These are personal preferences, so definitely spend some time with a Canon body in a store to see if it feels right. Canon's autofocus is excellent, rivaling Nikon and just behind Sony. Before the Z8/Z9/Zf, Canon was a strong second place contender. I find Canon files a little too yellow for my taste.
If you need top-tier autofocus for sports and Sony's ergonomics aren't your thing, Canon is a great choice. Many sports photographers and even YouTubers like Peter McKinnon and Jared Polin use Canon. From weddings to general photography, Canon is versatile. However, for nature or landscapes, I'd look elsewhere.
Canon 5D iv
Sony:
Sony was my starting point with the a7rii. I used it for paid shoots with the 85mm 1.8 and 24mm 1.8 lenses. More recently, I shot my Portugal trip with the a7IV and the 50mm f2.5 G lens – the photos are fantastic! Canon and Sony might lack "soul," but their autofocus is next level. The files can be a bit more challenging to edit, but with proper color grading, you can achieve any look. That said, Sony files aren't the easiest for my preferred aesthetic. The images are clinically sharp, often more so than other brands, but they sometimes lack character straight out of camera so if you plan to shoot JPG, Sony may not be for you. Most recently I started using the a7rv and while I absolutely love that camera, the images still take a bit of editing to achieve my look.
For sports or anything where autofocus is paramount, I'd choose Sony. For commercial work where nailing focus is crucial, a Sony would be in my bag. I recommend Sony for weddings, sports, hybrid photo/video, basically everything except wildlife and landscape, as they lack the long prime lenses that Nikon excels at.
Sony a7rii
LUMIX:
On paper, LUMIX offers the best video specs for the price. However, during my review, the body felt cheap (even though I was later told it's magnesium alloy). The menus weren't intuitive, and the log mode placement was odd. While I eventually figured it out, it wasn't ideal. The log footage, while good, wasn't as easy to grade as Nikon's N-Log or Fuji's F-Log 2. I noticed pink skin tones, which were a pain to correct. The colors are rich, but not to my taste. I'd recommend the S5ii for video-focused creators, but I'd caution them about the pink skin tones. If the colors work for you, it's a great video camera. I didn’t use it to shoot photo as it was primarily a studio camera as personally, I prefer other brands.
Nikon:
Ah, Nikon! I love an underdog, and Nikon certainly is one. When I got into weddings, I switched to Nikon (leaving Fuji behind – more on that later). The Z6ii, Z5, Z8, and Zf were all fantastic. I took the Z8 to Ireland, and it was perfect for the landscapes. Nikon's autofocus has improved dramatically, rivaling Canon and Sony. The RED acquisition is interesting. Nikon's ergonomics are my favorite so far. The files edit beautifully, though they tend to be a little warm.
For landscapes or weddings, Nikon is my go-to, specifically the Z6iii for weddings and the Z8 for landscapes. The warm color tint is perfect for those scenarios. Nikon glass is also excellent, and the 24-120mm f/4 is one of the best all-around zooms I've ever used. For wildlife, Nikon's telephoto primes are among the best, if not the best.
Nikon Z6ii
Leica Q Series:
I've owned the Q2 and now the Q3. (Watch my Youtube video on their flaws first!) The autofocus is just okay; in AF-C and tracking, the EVF struggles. Stick to AF-S or manual focus. But the image quality? Wow. I recently got prints from my Amsterdam trip with the Q3, and they're stunning. I can't imagine needing another point-and-shoot.
Leicas are luxury items. I wouldn't use them professionally, but they're perfect for travel and street photography where size matters. Simple menus, amazing image quality, compact and weather-sealed – simply amazing, despite the flaws. It's my travel companion 9 times out of 10.
Leica Q3
Fujifilm:
Fujifilm is the brand I've bought and sold the most. Every time I got into paid gigs, I left Fuji for Sony or Nikon (I didn't want APS-C to be an "excuse," even though that was silly). Every time I stopped those gigs, I went back to Fuji. Why? Because it inspires me. I love the colors. APS-C sacrifices some depth of field, and the autofocus isn't as good as Nikon or Sony, but I love using them, especially the X-T5 and X-Pro series. Fuji, please make an X-Pro5! The X-H2 has produced my favorite-looking video footage on this channel.
If you're not shooting professionally, Fuji is the perfect blend of fun and performance. (Though you can shoot professionally with Fuji – many do!) As of writing this however, their autofocus is a complete mess. Firmware updates have only served to make it worse. I love using them, and they inspire my work, but I need them to get this fixed before I feel like I can recommend one to most consumers.
Fuji X-T5
Final Thoughts:
I hope this helps you decide what works best for you. It's about what feels right in your hands, what menus are intuitive, and what you plan to shoot. Canon and Sony for sports and situations where autofocus is king. Nikon for wildlife, landscapes, and weddings (warm files, great autofocus, excellent glass for wildlife and landscapes). LUMIX has good video specs, but it wasn't for me. Fuji for fun, color science, and great video once they fix their autofocus issues. Leica only if you understand its quirks and can stomach the price.
What camera do you use and why? Let me know in the comments!
