So I had no idea that CAMRA was a campaign for real ale. This is amazing. I’m all in.

My man travels all the way to new york just to shoot containers and trashyards. Keep it up mate ❤️

The couple standing towards the sun might be my fave photo you've shared. You should explore images with people in them more often!

I split my photography into 2 parts. Love for tech & Love for photography. Both equally validating 😊

"Gear matters until it doesn't." is the way I phrase it, and you nailed the main reason I say it. It matters when it's holding you back or getting in the way, whether it's technical or ergonomic reasons. Then it stops mattering so much once you _can_ get the shots you want. At that point, it's up to you to actually get them, and nitpicking with wants rather than complaining about needs is one of the main ways I think you can tell that the gear isn't the problem.

Some lovely colors in todays video James. Those crisp and airy photos just rustles my creativity.

100% agree on this! How much you like your camera is so important.

I agree. Enjoying your camera is very important especially if you're an artist and not just doing it to make a living.

Yup, I completely agree with you on the gear front James. Bit of a twist though, as I've mentioned before, I'm an outlier, in that I am a one-handed southpaw. No camera company makes gear with me in mind. Shooting 'hand held' has always been a major frustration. Now with a Canon APS-C camera and a Smallrig cage I can lift the camera's viewfinder to my eye and operate the shutter. A complete game changer for me. Absolutely love my gear, for the first time ever! Great photos too by the way; thanks for sharing. Loyal fan here.

I think I've said this on previous comments I've made on your videos, but I think you nail the 'joy of use' point here. I had been a long time Fuji shooter, and whilst I enjoyed the tactility of the dials, I'm not sure it ever fully clicked for me. So when I tried the Ricoh GRIIIx, it was a revelation for me, and it has led me to now where I shoot with it and a Pentax. Despite their limitations, particularly my Pentax K3iii, the button layout, menu interface, and optical viewfinder has really brought a level of comfort and joy back into shooting. Helps as well that the myriad of vintage glass, and cheap modern lenses that are in the system as well.

Your high-key style really suits the cold / bleak weather you had in NYC. Bus shot is really cool 👍 and the "framed" shots from the ferry.

I love how you turn the mundane into something interesting and arty. 👌🏼 great video as always!

What's great is that I remember James saying he doesn't specialize in street photography quite a many videos ago and I feel completely confident in saying that hey may be one of the best today. He's incorporated his earlier landscape style into documenting society and humanity incorporating itself into the environment and with his use of color, he's accomplished a refreshing take on the genre. I was never a fan of Eggleston, and James has, in essence, captured a similar look that I quite enjoy, He's provided, for me, what Eggleston couldn't and that's no short feat. James is one of the best today, and Im happy I've been able to enjoy his work for the past couple years since his video on going back to a crop sensor camera. What a long and enjoyable process it's been to watch.

Jesus he makes it look so easy... love these photos and aspire to take one as good as any in this video... wow.

I had three criteria which lead me to a Fuji X-S10 1. IBIS gives me a much better in-focus rate especially with vintage glass 2. Fuji jpegs because I aint got time and inclination to do post 3. Light and affordable so I want to take it with everywhere

My grandparents lived on Staten Island where my father grew up, so I’ve ridden the Staten Island ferry a lot. It’s always a fun memory whenever I go back and ride it. That was nice to see in your video. 😊

CAMRA = Campaign for Real Ale 🍺 nice 👌

I’ve just got a Canon 6D with two primes (50mm f1.8 & 40mm f2.8). I don’t want zooms as it will be for street and portrait photography. Instantly feels great to hold and the combination of those little lenses and smaller full frame DSLR is very satisfying.

Agree with every point you make! Technical image quality is no longer a concern with modern cameras - they all deliver excellent results. But not every camera body is made for your hands and your way of shooting. I also have a long odyssey through several systems and models behind my since the digital age began: Nikon DSLR, Nikon DSLM, Sony A7***, Panasonic Lumix GH and G, Olympus/OM System ... In conclusion I settled on the Canon R- System, which meets best my demands and the way I operate a camera. The Canon R6 MkII maybe not the very best in every discipline, but is has no weaknesses. It fits ergonomically in my hands, and my fingers can operate intuitively the four essential functions: Shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and, of course, the shutter button. It's autofocus system ist outstanding too. I am very productive with this gem of a camera 🤩, and all the time I look forward to take it in my hands and take photographs.

I recently used mpb for the first time because you just won’t shut up about it, and I have to say, my experience was great. Thanks

What you said in this video is why I long for a Pentax again. Menu systems and shooting options that make essentially PERFECT sense. For me there is also nostalgia, which inspires me to go and shoot. Thanks James.

I’m fairly new to photography. I’ve really enjoyed your videos, which are a refreshing change from the standard outdoor photography videos focused on achieving the one perfect image.

love your work James!

Beautiful video. love your photos.thank you for continuing your good work!

long time listener, first time caller. nice to see you in my back yard, hope you enjoyed the trip. the photos look great. i actually play on that field you photographed though not usually in the snow.

I love what you've done with the tone curve

I adore the way you say 'photo'.

Great insights, great pictures !

Some of my favourite photos of you are in this video - the compositions and colours are just on point.

Loved the images.

James everyone knocks you for shooting the things none of us will shoot, i appreciate it, good on you

All cameras are great today. It's no longer a race to win when it comes to performance unless you're doing some specialized shooting. It absolutely comes down to your comfort level with the tool that's in your hand. If you don't love it, you won't use it. Great video, James.

needed this fr

Some really nice shots! Love NY in the snow, Looks like a really cosy jumper too!

Love this ! I’ll be traveling to NYC this summer. I’m looking forward to seeing what inspires me.

Great photos of New York! Thanks for your adventure there and the thoughts on cameras.

This absolutely brilliant logic.

Glad you’ve made this, I’ve had a conversation a few times when people state “gear doesn’t matter” and I agree to a point but personally I started to get frustrated with the limitations my old camera out on me with ergonomics and ease of use features (mostly IBIS). I went from an OG a7 to an A7IV. I completely fell in love again with photography because the camera was a joy to use and enabled me to do more things I enjoyed. So yes, gear does matter.

Love the the theme of the New York photos, my kind of images, searching out something different and no better than including the mundane with the iconic backdrop

Loving the image at 3.15 and also the school buses 👌. Nice to see a different take on NYC

Totally agree, I tend to choose a camera by how I feel about it and how easy it is to use, even at the expense of specs.

Love the New York images 👌

I really love this. Also your Picture. But that you Said, About the time before you press the shutter....I am so agree with that. Thanks.

Such a helpful discussion about gear and how you feel using it. I especially liked your reference to many of the famous photographs that we admire, we’re not taken on modern clinically sharp gear. That’s really something to think about.

I just received your hand signed books yesterday ! There are Lovely mate ! Thanks a lot 😊

So cool to see you in nyc!

Agreed. That is all. Over and out.

I love that first scene... I take that back, there's a lot of great shots. It's really fun to see how you interpret NYC. Nice work!

Fairly recently discovered this channel, which is great! Even after seeing just a few photos, why am I not surprised to see a book by Egglestone featured as an example for some of the greatest photography? The inspiration is definitely visible! Well done!

youre right in my neighborhood! didnt expect to see this, i am at that park almost everyday!

The thumbnail photo was amazingly good, one of my favorite photos of yours so far 🥰 Great job there!

Gotta say I did not think I would enjoy this video as much as I did, ;). Thanks

JP: Agree with everything you've said. Through 40+ years and several brands of cameras/lenses I currently am shooting with Leica equipment. I get gut wrenching joy when I am taking pictures with these cameras. The logic & simplicity of the menus & continuity across the cameras appeals to me as a scientist. Downsides - cost & weight.

Refreshing thoughts put across well as always. Currently researching for NY trip & loved the originality of your shots. The buses one is a classic. Scope to subtly slip in beer related terms now you’re on the CAMRA wagon so to speak.

I just bought a digital camera after the film days in the 80s and so excited to have bought a Pentax k5 iis and so loving it don't need more

Loved these photos on your Instagram and am excited to see you out shooting them.

100% right James, everything else with the camera is it. I love my cameras particularly my old 7D mk2, it comes to work so I can take photos on my lunch break, etc, its with me all the time. I have dropped it on rocks, it would have a very high shutter count but I'll get that sorted when it happens. I take everything from fireworks, planes, ships, seascapes, animals, landscapes, people, jetties, anything and it does a wonderful job for me. Its a real workhorse. I have a 5DMK4 as well which I use every morning to photograph birds in my local park as I leave the 150-600 Sigma on it most of the time. Love them both to bits. Great images of New York. Keep up the good work. Cheers from sunny Australia.

Thanks, James. That was well thought out and made me realize why I love my set up even more than I realized. Possibly one thing to add might be when selecting a camera body, what lenses can you use. I realize there are adapters for most situations, however I prefer to use native glass. Again, most companies have access to wonderful lenses, but some prefer other lens manufactures, as I would guess most "Camra" users would say as to why they are loyal to that brand over others. I'm a Nikon guy but love Voigtlander lenses on my camera bodies. Thanks again for all the effort you put into your videos and work.

Depends. If I'm just gonna share on Instagram? Nobody would know the difference between my iPhone and GFX if I didn't tell them. Printing 30x40" or zooming in at 800% in Lightroom? Yeah it matters.

It's always the guys with the best gear who say gear does not matter 😅

Loved those photos, lovely stuff. Also agree with the other Camra stuff 👍

Nice lights, nice cold colors...well done.

Was thinking about this exact topic and looking at an MPB article about travel cameras. Immediately, one of their sample images caught my eye and I thought, "I recognize this style!" Look down, and I saw your tag. Thought you would find that neat.

James I love your work. You’re amazing. I love how authentic and spontaneous your videos are, but it takes you ages to get to the point.

I couldn't agree more with your sentiments. I used a Sony a7rii for years and just felt like using it was a chore and, while the image quality was quite good, I never connected with it and was always uninspired - it just felt clinical. I recently decided to try out a Fuji X-H2 and I can honestly say I feel so much more inspired to use it and the workflow of "everything else" before the shutter press is so much more natural and intuitive. It's like going back to my early days with a Nikon D80. All the buttons are in the right place, all the settings are logically laid out, and the menu system is worlds better than the old Sony. All of those things indeed do matter so much more than what has the better sensor or autofocus or more megapixels.

I miss my hometown. Thanks for capturing it so nicely. Similar to you I've gone on a journey on finding the camera that works for me. I have the Sony A7RV but feel that the size of the body has played a roll in it. I recently picked up the Sony A7cii and the size and compactness plus all of the Sony technology perks have been very fleshing and a joy to use.

Using something that gives you some kind of pleasure to use is always better. Camra is a very good name :)

I dreamed of getting a 5D ever since it came out but could never afford it. Finally, after 15 years, I picked up a super cheap mark 3 from mpb and it's such a gorgeous camera, it's old and beaten up but the colours and the quality of the image is unreal.

Can't believe you went back there without me, that light 🔥 Also, what's updog?

Absolutely agree. That is why I still love to use my Canon 7D Mk II. Yes, low light photography is better on mirrorless or full frame. But for what I do the camera is still my passion. Sorry ... of course, I meant: the camra.

MPB, love that, got my "nue" D7200 there and it was a great deal.

I absolutely love those colours, both photo and video. Future video of how you get the colours to pop?

That intro was like the late, great Alan Rickman as a KZfaq photographer. Brilliant.

Imagine my surprise when I realized you walked into where I work

Really enjoyed the video. Normally a Sony shooter but just bought a used Fuji x-t5 from mpb. I’ve always had great experiences buying and selling used equipment on their website.

Absolutely this! Couldn't agree more about the gear and you put the point across well. Lovely photos too, from an old CAMRA member 🍺

Great vid and B+ for the effort James on the diagram :)

Nice shots mate!

Big fan of your spin on street photography, especially in that it's quite unique even in a location particularly known for shooting street.

Fully agree. One factor you will experience when your kid gets older is "How much does it hurt you when your gear get's damaged?" One of the reasons, I was getting into using vintage lenses was that I wanted to have something cheap where I'm not too worried if it get's damaged. When I'm out with my kids doing some activity there are always situations where I quickly have to put away the camera. No time to carefully put a lens hood on and put it into a secure camera bag. Or, you want to take a picture when your kid climbs a tree and suddenly the kid slips. In that moment, you usually don't care too much to protect your camera. With affordable gear, you are willing to take more risks in such situations where you accept that your gear might get damaged if you have bad luck. And this might give you shots that you wouldn't get otherwise.

I'm glad you made this video James, because I think it's important to like your camera! I really like mine and I won't swap it until it literally doesn't work anymore! By the way, I'm sorry it's taken me this long to watch your video.😊

I totally get the real life juxtaposed with the "hero scape" - that shot of the "soccer" pitch is right up my street 👌🏼

As you mentioned, for many photographers, especially on this platform, gear certainly does matter. Most videos feature new gear, discussions about gear, returning and buying new gear, and being sponsored by camera gear. However, for many people, myself included, gear doesn't matter one bit. I'm just as happy heading out into nature and taking photos with a 20-year-old camera, a 12-year-old camera, or some snazzy camera from the last few years. Add in diminishing returns, and it shouldn't be an issue for the average person.

I think you visited New York on one of the coldest weekends of the winter. Interesting too seeing what you photograph

The shots on the ferry were my favourite of the lot. I have fond memories of New York but have never looked at it before from this perspective. Might need to plan another trip there.

This video makes me miss my Canon R6 with original EF 24-70, something about the pictures from that combination just felt right

i love this

I was using an old second hand beat up 550D and I upgraded to a R7 and I couldn't be happier. I actually **enjoy** going out on a shoot now.

I feel this, I spent the 12 months not taking pictures because I got a new camera, it unfortunately wasn’t the one I picked out and for the price it’s the only one with the features I wanted, I don’t sit well with this and actually struggled to use it compared to more basic system beforehand, last weekend I took it camping and forced myself to take it with me and i took probably the best photo I’ve ever taken, I spent an hour learning it beforehand determined to work it out I now love it I now understand it

Seagulls by the ferry for the win ❤⛴️

i want that diagram on a tshirt please! beside your valuable thoughs i really love those images, always great to watch you stuff, keep it up james!

I hear you James. Cameras should be fun to use and make you want to go out and take photographs. Bigger sensors mean ... well bigger and generally more weight to carry for marginal image quality improvement. That slight improvement in image quality is unlikely to make or break an image. By the way, some lovely images there. I can see William Eggleston in your style.

School bus image is my favourite - love it! I bought a Z6 from MPB and I love the way it feels and works. Only 24MP but everything is sharp and I am most happy with this camera that is now regarded, I assume, as a bit old hat.

The word you were looking for at 03:59 is appricity.

The GRiiix was a game changer for me. I haven't used my full frame in weeks. Pocket-ability is clutch. Also MPB trade in offers are straight up insulting.

4:02 "Apricity" 🌞🥶

Definitely agree. I use my newest, most capable camera (Canon R7) the least. I like the feel and user experience much more of my older Sony RX10 IV and Canon 7D2 more.

Reminds me of Saul Leitner’s shots, James! Good ones!

Laika, the first dog in space, was the most updog.

Loving the images James. Not one "iconic" New York composition. So much more interesting than the ones that flood instagram.