What Camera Gear do they use?

  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...

  The Best Ricoh GR Photographers Few cameras have achieved cult status among street photographers quite like the Ricoh GR series . Compact, discreet, and capable of producing beautifully sharp images, the GR has become an icon of minimalism — a camera that strips photography back to its purest form: composition, timing, and light. Across the world, some of the most respected photographers have adopted the Ricoh GR as their weapon of choice. On whatcameragear.com , several of them stand out as true masters of the GR aesthetic — proof that sometimes, less really is more. Why Photographers Love the Ricoh GR The Ricoh GR series — from the classic GR Digital models to the latest GR IV (see our Complete Review ),  GR III and GR IIIx — combines a large APS-C sensor , a fixed prime lens (28mm or 40mm equivalent) , and a pocketable body . Its quick startup, intuitive controls, and stealthy design make it ideal for street photography. The GR’s rendering — high micro-contrast, cri...

  The Best Photographers Using the Leica Q Series Few digital cameras have captured the imagination of photographers quite like the Leica Q series . From the original Leica Q (Typ 116) to the Q2 and the latest Leica Q3 , this line has become synonymous with elegance, simplicity, and pure photographic intent. With its full-frame sensor , fixed 28 mm f/1.7 Summilux lens , and beautifully minimalist interface, the Q series distills the Leica philosophy into a form that’s fast, quiet, and ready for the decisive moment. Across the world, some of today’s most admired photographers have adopted the Leica Q as their daily companion — proof that great storytelling often needs only one lens and an honest eye. Why Photographers Love the Leica Q The Q is designed for immediacy. It powers up almost instantly, its autofocus locks in a fraction of a second, and the tactile controls feel like a classic Leica M distilled for the digital age. The 28 mm focal length — with in-camera crop options ...

The Best Gear for Documentary Photography and Photojournalism According to the World’s Most Respected Documentary Photographers Documentary photography and photojournalism demand more from camera gear than almost any other genre. These photographers work in unpredictable, often difficult conditions, with no control over light, timing, or environment. The gear they choose must be reliable, fast, discreet, and capable of delivering uncompromising image quality under pressure. By analyzing the equipment used by the world’s leading documentary photographers and photojournalists featured on WhatCameraGear.com — from long-term social projects to frontline reportage — clear patterns emerge. This article distills those patterns to identify the best gear for documentary photography and photojournalism , based on what the professionals actually use in the field. What Documentary and Photojournalism Gear Must Do Before looking at specific cameras and lenses, it’s important to understand t...