What Camera Gear do they use?

  The Definitive Guide to the Cameras That Come Closest The Question That Would Not Die For three decades, the debate between large format film and digital photography has been one of the most technically charged arguments in the medium. For most of that time, large format film won, at least on the criteria that mattered most to the photographers who used it: raw resolution, tonal gradation, dynamic range, and the ability to make enormous prints that hold their detail at close inspection.  Today that calculus has fundamentally shifted — but not equally across all formats. A drum-scanned 4×5 sheet of film still produces a file that no production digital camera can match in a single exposure. The 6×7 medium format negative, however, has effectively been surpassed. And the gap between digital and every film format is closing fast. This article is a rigorous, technical examination of exactly where digital stands today relative to large and medium format film, and which specific c...

  Susan Meiselas: The Witness Who Stays Introduction Susan Meiselas (b. 1948, Baltimore) is one of the most significant and morally rigorous documentary photographers of the last half-century. A member of  Magnum Photos  since 1976 — and President of the  Magnum Foundation  since its founding in 2007 — she first came to prominence with  Carnival Strippers  (1976), a groundbreaking multi-year project photographing women performing in travelling strip shows across New England. That work established the hallmarks that would define her entire career: long-term immersion, ethical commitment to her subjects, and a documentary practice that goes far beyond the single image. She is best known internationally for her coverage of the Sandinista insurrection in Nicaragua (1978–1979), producing some of the most iconic images in the history of conflict photography — most notably  Molotov Man  (1979), named by  Time  magazine as one of the 100 mo...

  David "Chim" Seymour: The Concerned Eye Introduction David Seymour (1911–1956), affectionately known as "Chim," was a founding father of modern photojournalism and a co-founder of Magnum Photos alongside Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa. Born in Warsaw, Chim was the intellectual heart of the group, known for his compassionate and deeply humanistic approach to photography.  His work is most famous for documenting the devastating effects of the Spanish Civil War and the plight of "Children of Europe" following World War II. Chim’s photography was never about the spectacle of violence; instead, it focused on the quiet resilience of those left in its wake. A master of the "concerned photograph," he used his lens to advocate for social justice and humanitarian aid until his untimely death while covering the Suez Crisis. Camera Gear Used by David Seymour Cameras Leica III series – Like his Magnum peers, Chim was a devotee of the Leica rangefind...

  Marc Riboud: The Geometry of Peace Introduction Marc Riboud (1923–2016) was a titan of French photojournalism and a central figure in the Magnum Photos agency. Born in Lyon, Riboud’s vision was shaped by a quiet, observant nature—a "taciturn" quality that allowed him to blend into the background of history. He is best known for his extensive coverage of the East, particularly China and Vietnam, during periods of immense political upheaval. Riboud’s work is characterized by a rare combination of rigorous geometric composition and profound empathy. He didn’t just document conflict; he sought the "grace" within it, famously capturing a young woman offering a flower to bayonet-wielding soldiers in 1967. His photography remains a testament to the idea that a camera can show a world in flux without losing sight of the individual human spirit. Camera Gear Used by Marc Riboud Cameras Leica M3 – Riboud’s definitive tool. Given to him by his father, this camera traveled wi...

Gueorgui Pinkhassov: The Master of Light and Color Introduction Gueorgui Pinkhassov, born in 1952 in Moscow, is a Russian photographer renowned for his vibrant, poetic, and often surreal use of color and light. As a member of Magnum Photos since 1988, Pinkhassov’s work captures the essence of human experience through a lens of dreamlike beauty and emotional depth.  His images are celebrated for their rich colors, dynamic compositions, and ability to transform everyday moments into extraordinary visual narratives. Pinkhassov’s photography transcends traditional documentary boundaries, blending fine art with a deep sense of humanity and wonder. Camera Gear Used by Gueorgui Pinkhassov Cameras Sony A7R series – Pinkhassov has been formally observed in recent workshops (such as in Rio) using the Sony A7R series. He favors these for their high resolution and color rendering, often pairing them with unexpected lenses. Sony A7R check price on Amazon Sony RX1 – A significant shift in his ...

 Mobile photography has evolved dramatically over the last decade. No longer just a convenience, smartphones are now serious creative tools used by some of the most respected photographers in the world. On whatcameragear.com , we've profiled artists who use everything from Leica rangefinders to large format film — but many have also embraced mobile phones for their immediacy, stealth, and image quality. This article brings together insights from those photographers, along with key recent releases such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra , iPhone 16 Pro Max , and Google Pixel 8 Pro , to help answer the question: What are the best phones for mobile photography today? Why Top Photographers Use Smartphones Before diving into models, here’s why mobile photography appeals even to seasoned professionals: Discreetness – Phones draw less attention than DSLRs or even mirrorless cameras. Always with you – You never miss a moment. Post-processing on the go – Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, and VS...