Fuji X-E3 with 27mm lens plus 18mm lens


Fuji X-T3 with 16-80mm zoom lens

Ever since I picked up a camera I have enjoyed taking photographs. I think that holding a well designed camera firmly in both hands and viewing the scene through a digital viewfinder that completely fills the eye with an image, then gently pressing the shutter release, is a very satisfying way to take a photograph.

I have had many different cameras over the years but I have now settled on using Fujifilm X series mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital cameras.

When I want to travel light or want to keep the weight down on a long walk, I use a Fuji X-E3 camera fitted with a 27mm f2.8 pancake lens. This compact combination can easily fit it into a jacket pocket or rucksack side pocket and so is always ready for use. I often take another small lens as well, such as a Fuji 18mm f2 wide angle lens.

I sometimes use a Fuji X-T3 camera fitted with a Fuji 16-80mm f4 zoom lens for walking. This combination will cover more situations but it needs to be carried in a bag or rucksack as it is larger and heavier.

These two cameras have traditional dial controls on the top plate for shutter-speed and exposure-compensation. I also use lenses that have an aperture control ring. These controls are placed so that they can be operated by touch while looking through the viewfinder. Having such controls means that I can quickly make adjustments in order to get the picture that I want. The X-T3 also has a sensitivity dial (ISO) on its top plate for even more finger-tip control. I prefer using a viewfinder because it gives a large, bright, clear view and also it is unaffected by bright light or reflections the way that a rear screen often is when outdoors.

You don't need a super-duper camera and a lot of lenses to take good photographs, but you do need a good eye. A bit of photography knowledge helps too. Not just knowledge of how to use a camera but knowledge of how to compose a picture. If you have ever wondered why your shots are never as good as someone else, it is probably because they know some things that you don't, not because they have a better camera.