Does gear matter?

Theres a lot about “does gear matter” its like the old question about nature over nurture that’s been explored in movies like “trading places”, but for me, taking photos is leveraging the best equipment to get the best results.

Yes, a great photographer can get great results with rudimentary gear. The pioneers of photography definitely worked with gear that would leave a modern photographer in the fetal position and crying. The fundamentals of photography haven’t changed but is it cheating to leverage modern gear and software?

I just sent my Nikon (two) Z7 and Z6 to Adorama, along with my D810. I’m buying another Nikon Z9. I think theres a lot of value in having two of the same body so my brain doesn’t have to process using two different bodies. I originally purchased the two Z7 because I needed the same body and the Z6 for the same reason (with lower resolution).

Last week at a wedding, I was struggling with the Z7. I noticed it was so much slower, missed focus on a lot of shots and I just can’t have that. Dont get me wrong… the Z7 is fantastic. It takes awesome photos, especially when paired with the new S nikkor lenses. I’ve had great results with this system, but the Z9 is just another level.

The Autofocus on the Z9 is just so much faster. I know that it’s still behind the cannon and Sony systems, but the lenses are superior. I love the quality and edge to edge focus that I get out of my nikkor glass.

I’m buying another Z9 to remain consistent because this is the best, fastest and most flexible camera on the market. It’s huge but extremely capable and durable. I’m never easy on my gear and need the best that I can have and afford. This Nikon system is the best that I know and any minor differences between Nikon, Sony and Cannon, are just nit picking like choosing between a Honda, Toyota or Nissan.