Is It Worth It? Buying a New Camera (or Just Using the One You Have)
You have seen them all over your feed: the Canon G7X, the Fujifilm T100, film cameras galore. And every time, it is tempting to add yet another one to your wish list. But is it really worth buying a brand new camera... or could the one you already own do the job?
We are all about reframing at the moment, and instead of rushing out to buy the latest “it” camera, we are challenging ourselves to use what we have. Because sometimes, it is not about having the fanciest gear, it is about actually getting out there and capturing the moment.
I tested this out myself on a recent trip to Singapore. I took along a camera I was not sure I loved, and by the end of the trip (and hundreds of cute photos later), I was obsessed. Turns out, sometimes you just need to use it to appreciate it.
So, we asked the She’s on the Money team: what cameras do you use, how much did they cost, and most importantly... would you recommend them? If you are camera shopping (or wondering if you really need to), here is what we found.
Brooke's Pick: Sony ZV-1
How long have you had it?
About 3 years
How much did it cost?
$800 (gifted, but that is the retail price)
What do you use it for?
Travel!
How often do you use it?
Every holiday, because the photos transfer so easily to my phone.
Favourite part?
It comes with two batteries that charge via USB, so I never have to worry about whether it is charged. Plus, the photos are so crisp and barely need editing.
Least favourite part?
No flash, but I bought a little external flash so that solved it.
Would you recommend it?
Yes! It is so good.
Zara's Pick: Kodak Flash Disposable Camera
How long have you had it?
I buy a new one every 3 to 4 months.
How much does it cost?
Around $25 for the camera, plus $15 to develop.
What do you use it for?
Everyday life and pics of my friends.
How often do you use it?
Weekly!
Favourite part?
You only get one shot at capturing something, so it makes me feel more present in the moment.
Least favourite part?
Having to physically go and get it developed each time.
Would you recommend it?
100%. The photos always turn out great, and by the time I get them developed, I have forgotten what is on the roll, so it is fun to look back on.
Georgia's Pick: Fujifilm X-T30 II + 27mm Pancake Lens
How long have you had it?
About 1.5 years.
How much did it cost?
Around $1,800 with the lens.
What do you use it for?
Travel, family pics, and work content shoots.
How often do you use it?
Honestly, not as often as I should.
Favourite part?
I bought it for the film recipes and lemme tell you, they deliver. The photos are soo good - you don’t need to edit anything. Its so easy to add your own recipes (or find cool ones on tikok) and switch through them all as you’re taking pics to suit different scenes/lighting etc. You also can get the raw if you ever want a picture you took without the film recipe added
Least favourite part?
I also have a g7xII from yearrrsss ago (before they became so popular and increased in price so much!!) which is so much smaller and easier to fit in pockets etc. the fujifim xt30 is a bit larger and kind of annoying - but you can switch lenses which makes it more versatile
Would you recommend it?
Depends. It is not a cheap investment, if you wanted a film look you could find an app with a film filter (I would argue not as nice - but still works as a cost-effective option)
I’ve used photos I’ve taken as prints in my house and for content you’ve seen on SOTM so for me personally it’s worth it. Also because I love film photos but it’s so expensive to buy the film and get it developed- with this one you can take as many pics as you want.
I would watch heaps of reviews before you buy to make sure you think exactly what you want
Jess's Pick: Canon Prima Zoom 85N (Film Camera)
How long have you had it?
About a year.
How much did it cost?
About $120 second-hand, including international postage.
What do you use it for?
Capturing fun, special events and moments.
How often do you use it?
Not as often as I would like, I honestly forget I have it sometimes!
Favourite part?
Since it is film, I am not focused on getting the perfect shot. I am also less critical of the photos because I know they were captured in a single moment.
Least favourite part?
The battery is a bit unreliable, and finding a good film developer can be annoying.
Would you recommend it?
Definitely, if you are looking to try film for the first time!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best camera is the one you actually use. Whether it is a fancy mirrorless camera, an old film camera, or even a disposable, it is all about capturing memories that matter to you.
And if you are in your “reframe and love what you own” era like us, maybe give the camera already sitting in your drawer a second chance before dropping big bucks on a new one. You might just fall in love with it.