Always Carry a Camera: 10 Reasons Why Dedicated Cameras Matter To Me
Yes, yes, I know my iPhone is an awesome camera, but...
Hi, and welcome to my little Substack corner. I write about photography, art, design, and the craft of living creatively. I am glad you are here. Consider subscribing to keep up with what I am doing. I promise not to bore you. If you would like to support my efforts, that would be amazing and so appreciated. Either way, I am super happy you are here.
I just may be that guy you see on morning walks. The one with a small camera dangling from my wrist, or around my neck.
While others power through their cardio with earbuds in, I'm stopping every few minutes, crouching low to capture how the morning light hits a Saguaro cactus just right. Or maybe that reflection in the puddle from last evening’s thunderstorm.
My neighbors probably think I'm documenting evidence for some bizarre desert plant conspiracy. Actually, that’s not a bad idea.
But the truth is, carrying a dedicated camera—not just my iPhone—transforms how I see the world around me. And I don’t mind carrying my 6D, or my Nikon Df as I cross the rock surface of Utah’s slick rock.
Now, if I am out on a photo shoot, I probably carry too much gear. OK, I lied; I definitely carry too much stuff. Five lenses, two DSLR bodies, a film body, a tripod, lights, stands, modifiers, and meters. Lots.
Yes, even if I am on a road trip, I usually am geared up for nearly any image I may want to make.
In this article, I am speaking about those times when I am just running to the store, or hitting the road with my wife for a weekend getaway.
On those occasions, I carry a small camera with a zoom lens. A P&S tool that allows me to make an image with deliberation, through a viewfinder, on a bit larger sensor.
And of course, it dovetails nicely with my iPhone. And yes, I carry an iPhone with me consistently as well.
But for all but the occasional run to the store, carwash (we live in the desert; there’s a lot of time devoted to carwashing), or mailbox trek, I carry a small camera.
My choice is a Lumix DC ZS80, with a long tele that is image stabilized, and a ton of in-camera stuff like stitching and focus stacking. And it fits in my pocket. (The camera is no longer made, but you can find them on EBay.) The other camera that gets some rotation is my old Canon G12; stunning image quality and still pocketable.
My Nikon Df is in between. With a 35mm f2 lens it is a very small footprint, although not pocket-sized. The 24-120MM zoom makes it a larger tool.
But carry them I do.
On walks, motorcycle trips, hiking, and nearly every other experience.
I believe every serious photographer should make this a daily habit:
1. The Camera Look vs. The Phone Look
Even the best smartphone cameras produce images with a certain "phone look." My Lumix (like small Fujis, Sonys, and Canons) delivers files with a character and depth that's immediately recognizable as coming from a "real" camera. The larger sensor captures light…, well, differently, creating that camera, or filmic quality I chase.
2. Physical Connection Matters
There's something about holding a dedicated camera—feeling its weight, adjusting physical dials, hearing the shutter—that changes your relationship with the act of making the image. I'm not just reacting to scenes like I do with my phone; I'm responding to them, creating a more intimate connection with what I'm photographing.
3. Creative Freedom Through Optical Zoom
On my daily walks around the desert neighborhood, I can zoom in on a distant rock formations or compress perspective in ways simply impossible with a smartphone lens. This flexibility lets me explore composition options that would otherwise remain undiscovered.
4. Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Carrying my camera on daily walks has revealed incredible light patterns and perspectives in places I've passed hundreds of times. There's that one Saguaro I've photographed at least fifty different ways—each time discovering something new about how light interacts with its spines and crevasses.
5. Intentional Photography
When I pull out my dedicated camera, my mindset shifts. I'm not just documenting—I'm creating. This intentionality shows in the final images. My phone captures what happened; my camera captures what I felt about what happened. As I say, phone cameras are great for reacting, cameras are what I choose for responding. And there is a difference.
6. Commitment to the Craft
I use my iPhone as an exploratory tool—quick, reactive, always available. But my camera represents a commitment to an image. The physical approach—removing the lens cap, framing, adjusting settings—helps direct the making of the image rather than simply taking it. And I know how good the phone cameras are, I take thousands of images on them. But I will still back up the shoot with my camera.
7. Always Ready for the Unexpected
That unusual cloud formation, the perfect light streaming through trees, a spontaneous portrait opportunity—these fleeting moments deserve better than what a phone can deliver. A dedicated camera ensures you're prepared when photographic serendipity strikes. Being stuck with the crunchy phone shots is not always acceptable for me.
8. Better in Challenging Conditions
When the light gets tricky—harsh midday sun or those magical but dim moments around sunset—my small camera handles these challenges with considerably more grace than any smartphone. They allow me to direct the image through a viewfinder—and I find that comforting.
9. Photography Becomes Part of Your Identity
Carrying a camera regularly transforms photography from something you do into something you are. The camera becomes less of a tool and more of an extension of how you experience the world. My wife will occasionally remark that my cameras are like an extension of my right hand, one that she is used to seeing.
10. Each Shot Becomes More Meaningful
There's a subtle psychological difference when using a dedicated device made solely for photography. Each frame feels more intentional, more considered—giving the resulting images greater personal significance. This may be all in my head, but maybe it is. But deep in my head is where I make my magic, so I am going to keep it flowing any way I can.
Yes, it's another thing to carry. But we're talking about small, capable cameras that fit in a jacket pocket or small bag.
I think the slight inconvenience is negligible compared to the creative possibilities that open up.
So next time you head out, grab that Lumix, Fuji, Sony, or whatever your weapon of choice might be.
Your everyday world is filled with extraordinary photographic opportunities—all you need is the right tool to capture them.
(All photographs by the author, made on a Lumix DC ZS80.)
If you have a favorite EDC, Every Day Carry, camera, let me know in the comments.
See y’all next time.
I do coaching for serious photographers.
When you are ready, here’s how I can help you succeed.
Group Mentorship: a small group of photographers who meet to show images, work on their portfolio, and build their businesses with help from a wonderful group. Lifetime membership for one fee.
One-on-one Mentorship: You and me - working together in an intense 6-month push to get you on the way to over $30K in additional revenue. The work we lay down will help you increase and scale your business for years ahead.
Coming in 2025, a One-on-One, 6-week plan to get your marketing system in place. You will see results immediately, and by results, I mean assigned work that pays you. More coming.
Right on. I wonder, are there situations where you actively choose the phone even though you are carrying a separate camera?
Numbers 2, 5 and 7 are my favorites. I've been carrying around my Canon M6 mk ii lately when just going for walks. Time to carry it all the time. Thanks for the reminder, Don.