I'm still in search of the perfect camera
I've been searching for the perfect camera for years. Here's what I know for sure. The perfect camera is the one that you'll use and carry with you. It's one that motivates you to be creative.
Here's an example of what I mean by this. I was on vacation. We were eating dinner at a restaurant in Darby, Montana. A guy at a table next to us was excitedly describing the camera he had with him to his friends. It was a Leica Q3 Monochrom.
I asked him what made him so excited about the camera. Yes, it was a Leica. That helps. But, what really struck me is that he said it just made him want to take photos and to be creative. That being reduced to only black and white images caused him to look at photography in a different light.
The camera was beautiful to hold. It was beautiful to look at. Everything about the Leica said "when you use me you aren't snapping photos, you are creating beautiful images." Unfortunately, to experience this you'll pay the Leica tax. In this case, a mere $7950.
My point is this. While the cost is crazy expensive, the guy's excitement was infectious. It made me want to own one, although the look I got from my wife when he quoted the price told me that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
Some will say that a late model iPhone is all you need for everyday photography. Personally, there is nothing about my phone that makes me think it's a real photographic tool. I'm not saying I never take pictures with my iPhone, but it's more about convenience than creativity.
For now, I'm leaning towards a Fujifilm X100VI. While it might not be a Leica, it's exactly the form factor I want. I can shoot it as a fully manual camera and easily bracket my exposures. It's small. It's a camera I'll want to carry. There is something oddly attractive of having a fixed focal length lens as well. And it has a viewfinder.
Is the Fujifilm X100VI enough to get me to ditch my full frame Nikon system? Time will tell. I never look forward to lugging that camera around with me, hence it spends more time in the cabinet than it should. How does that make much sense? Maybe I've already made my decision.