Hey Reader,
Let’s talk about gear.
I’ve been using Fujifilm and Sony cameras my whole career.
They’ve served me well. Everything still works fine.
But lately, I’ve felt a shift.
Like I’m standing at a bit of a crossroads.
You might’ve been here before too.
Your gear’s solid, but something feels off.
You start wondering… is it time for something new?
New gear can definitely spark creativity.
Sometimes a fresh camera or lens gives you that push to get out and shoot again.
But as exciting as that is, it’s not always a sustainable solution.
Sometimes a walk or a good conversation does just as much.
Right now, I’m noticing some friction.
Little things in my workflow that aren’t clicking.
Some images I’m producing don’t feel quite right.
And as someone who creates professionally, that’s not a great space to be in.
This is the paradox we all run into.
We say gear doesn’t matter.
Until it kind of does.
Sometimes it is a Need, Not Just a Want
Every time I hit this point, I try to be honest with myself.
Am I just craving something new?
Or is my current gear actually holding me back?
A lot of us talk ourselves out of upgrading.
We tell ourselves we’re just being practical.
We say, “I can make great work with what I’ve got.”
And that’s often true.
But not always.
We’re creative people.
And our tools matter.
They help us bring ideas to life.
They can inspire, push us forward, and open up new ways of seeing.
If your gear isn’t doing that, if it’s not supporting your direction, then it’s not just a want anymore.
It becomes a need.
Sometimes growth does require a change in tools.
And resisting that just slows things down.
There’s nuance to it, though.
Right now, I’d love to get my hands on a Leica.
Or even a Fuji GFX medium format setup.
But does my workflow or client work justify that right now?
Probably not.
What would make more sense is something that helps me bridge the gap between my commercial projects and the travel-style content I’m known for.
That feels aligned.
When Upgrading Actually Makes Sense
Upgrading isn’t the enemy.
It just has to make sense.
Maybe you’ve outgrown your current setup.
That’s where I’m at.
I still love my X-E4.
It’s compact, stylish, and I’ve made a lot of great work with it.
But technically, it’s starting to fall short.
No IBIS. No 40MP sensor. Not great for pro-level video either.
And while I still love how it feels, it’s starting to create more friction than freedom.
If your gear is slowing you down or limiting your creative direction, it might be time to rethink it.
We change.
Our gear can too.
Upgrading Intentionally
If you’re going to make a change, do it with purpose.
Pick something that fits your current needs, but also gives you space to grow.
A camera shouldn’t just be exciting on day one, it should still make sense six months from now.
There’s nothing wrong with reselling or adjusting your kit as you evolve.
But it’s worth asking: Is this upgrade aligned with the season I’m in?
That’s something we often miss.
It’s not just what you upgrade to.
It’s when you do it.
Right now, things are quieter for me.
Less client work.
More breathing room to think.
Not necessarily by choice, but it’s created space to reflect on where I’m headed, and what tools will help me get there.
If this were mid-season, I wouldn’t be thinking about any of this.
When you’re busy with back-to-back jobs, you’re not rethinking systems.
You’re just keeping up.
Sometimes the quiet creates clarity.
And that’s when better decisions happen.
If you’re in a slower season too, maybe that’s the signal.
To realign. To upgrade.
Or just reassess what matters.
My Plan Moving Forward
So here’s where I’m at.
I’ll be making some gear changes soon.
Still figuring out the exact setup...but I know the direction.
I want one system that supports both my commercial and travel-style work.
Something that simplifies things, not splits me across two kits.
That probably means staying in the Fujifilm ecosystem.
And maybe eventually stepping into medium format for commercial work.
But I’m not rushing anything.
I just want gear that supports where I’m going—not gear that holds me back.
Would love to hear where you’re at with this too.
Are you considering an upgrade?
Or trying to make the most of what you already have?
Hit reply if this hit home or if you have any recommendations for me!
I’m always down to chat gear, direction, or creative blocks.
Matty
