We Asked 8 Photographers About the Cameras They Swear By—Here’s What They Said

If you’ve ever been stuck deciding what camera to buy, you’re not alone. Choosing the right camera can feel like a never-ending debate: Canon vs. Sony, DSLR vs. mirrorless, budget vs. breaking the bank.So, instead of giving you another generic list of “best cameras,” we went straight to the people who use them daily: photographers. We asked them about the cameras they started with, what they use now, and whether upgrading actually made a difference. Their responses are refreshingly honest and insightful. If you are a beginner or looking to break into photography, this will definitely be useful and beneficial. Let’s dive in. Who Are These Photographers? Most (80%) are between 25 and 34 years old, but we included a few younger ones between the ages of 18 and 24.75% have been in the photography game for 5–10 years, while a few are just getting started.They’re mostly based in Nigeria (70%), and they capture everything from portraits (which all of them do) to still photography, street photography, architecture, and abstract shots.Basically, we’re talking to people who know their way around a camera. Their First Cameras—Where It All Began We spoke to 8 photographers about their “first camera”, and every single one of them started with Canon. Whether they chose it carefully or simply picked up what was available, Canon was there from the beginning, helping shape their passion and craft.Canon Mark 4Canon 7D DSLRCanon APS-C MirrorlessCanon R50Canon 6DCanon 1100D DSLRCanon 700D This Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera with 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 6 Image Processor, 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor, DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab costs Price: ₦5,910,000 on Camera Trader. If your photography goals go beyond the basics, the Canon EOS 7D (body only) is that solid, no-nonsense first camera that can grow with you. With an 18MP APS-C sensor, dual DIGIC 4 processors, and the ability to shoot eight frames per second, it’s perfect for capturing sharp, high-quality shots in fast-paced settings. You get full HD video, advanced autofocus, and a viewfinder showing everything. It’s rugged, weather-sealed, and made to keep up. Price: ₦660,000. Shop Camera Trader And why did they go for these cameras? Not because of deep technical research. Budget played a huge role, as did accessibility. Some got theirs as gifts, while others chose based on features like autofocus or focus tracking. But at the end of the day, most just needed something to get started.Of course, entry-level cameras have limitations. Crop sensors, lower-quality images, and limited features were common frustrations that these photographers pointed out. But surprisingly, some photographers had no complaints, as one said: “Nothing, actually. It could do the job.” The moral of the story is that your first camera isn’t supposed to be perfect; it just needs to get you started. READ ALSO: The 10 Best Camera Phones You Can Buy Right Now The Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make When Choosing a Camera We asked these photographers for their brutally honest advice on what beginners often get wrong when picking their first camera. Here’s what they had to say:Not Considering the Type of Photography: Too often, beginners pick a camera without thinking about the specific photography style they want to pursue. Whether it’s portraits, landscapes, or action shots, the camera should suit your goals.Going for the Cheapest Option and Getting Stuck: “Gear matters,” one photographer said. Skimping on your first camera can mean you need an upgrade too soon, which can feel frustrating.Thinking the Camera Does the Work: “Most beginners want cool, sharp photos and end up shooting terrible compositions.” It’s not about the camera, it’s about understanding how to compose, light, and capture moments.Buying Gear You Don’t Need: The hype around accessories is real, but not every lens, tripod, or filter is necessary for your photography journey. Focus on the essentials before splurging.Obsession Over Gear Instead of Fundamentals – “Focusing too much on the type of camera instead of just learning with whatever you can afford at that time.” The key to great photos isn’t the gear; it’s your understanding of light, angles, and composition. The Cameras They Swear By Now—and Why After years of experience, most of these photographers have upgraded their gear. Here’s what they use now:Sony A7IVCanon R6 Mark IICanon & Nikon comboCanon R50Canon 5D Mark IIFujifilm XT-100Canon 80D Price: ₦990,000  Where To Buy: Shop Camera TraderFor photographers who want style and substance, the Fujifilm X-T100 hits that sweet spot. It pairs a high-res 24.2MP sensor with Fujifilm’s iconic color science to deliver vibrant, true-to-life images straight out of the camera. The flip-out screen is perfect for selfies and vlogging. Add fast autofocus, wireless sharing, and a lightweight build, and you’ve got a camera made for creators on the move. So why did they switch? The main reasons included needing better image quality, autofocus, and low-light performance. Some respondents wanted to pivot into videography and needed a more versatile camera.Another felt like their previous cameras felt too heavy, so they chose something lighter and more portable. Simply put, it was time to level up. What They Love About Their Current Cameras Did Upgrading Their Camera Actually Make a Difference? How Much They Spent on Their Cameras Their Dream Cameras (If Money Wasn’t a Problem) Their Advice for Beginners