I’ve wanted a camera for years. I am a lousy shot, but I really enjoy taking pictures.
Specifically, I like taking pictures of pets, flowers, and bugs. Sometimes landscapes.
So I watched a class on artistic, painting-like photography, and I really liked it. The instructor was using something called Lensbaby, which is a type of lens that makes a blur and lets you zoom in on specific parts of the image. She also used a 180 mm lens, which seems hideously expensive.
The process seems to produce extreme flower closeups, similar to George O’Keeffe’s work. I would really like to try it. I’ve given up on trying to paint what I want, so instead maybe I could photograph it.
I would need a real camera for both. Amount I know about cameras: 0.
Gordon suggested a generous budget for this craziness. He’s actually been suggesting I buy a camera for years, but I keep talking myself out of the purchase, because money. Also, I don’t know if this is going to be something I really enjoy or if I play with it for a month and be like, “Nope, not for me.”
I don’t want to waste the money, since I am going to count this as my silver anniversary present. So if you are familiar with that type of photography, can you suggest a camera for me? Or should I upgrade my iPhone and buy an OlloClip instead?
Pick a manufacturer (I prefer Canon, but Nikon is good too) and get a USED DSLR body. One good Wide Angle lens and play.
I still love my Canon 20D (which is ANCIENT now). More recent DSLR and a decent lens will give you amazing photos without even trying.
Heck, even $200 Point & Shoot cameras give you CRAZY good pictures nowadays – so you could try that route first. They’re awesome to just keep with you in case of emergency cuteness that must be captured – but you want something more versatile than what is on your phone (not that today’s phone cameras aren’t 100X better than digital cameras 10 years ago)….
I tend to recommend the phone or a simple point and shoot for beginners – in your case anything with a macro setting would work. If you want to get fancier, one of the Canon Rebels are good entry-level DSLR cameras with good auto settings. And definitely take a class – there are online ones from companies such as CreativeLive.
And later if you want to branch out, Canon and Nikons are also usually easier to find used lenses for than say, Olympus. That was my mistake with my first camera… I bought an Olympus that was great, but it was hard to find discounted used lenses for it.
if you want a good bokeh, get a lens that can have a large aperture. (which means look for one with a small number- the smaller the opening the bigger the number gets.) the newer cellphones have good lenses, but nothing beats a real camera with with a real lens. that being said, they are heavy. you need a steady hand or a good grip and brace pose.
i am partial to zeiss lenses many of the high end sony cameras have them on them without breaking the bank. i have an old sony rx10 i bought years ago for $650 that is still going strong through 3 cellphones. (and i change my phones every 3-4 years.)
i think the rx 100 is a good choice and the rx 1 is affordable used. never been a canon fan.
good luck!
It depends on how much you want to learn about photography. With that said I Have a photography degree also own a Canon 7D Mark 2 with interchangeable lens’. I use that camera when I take portraits, sports photos or want to photoshop something. I have different lenses and each have different capabilities. When I first bought it, I was going to school for photography. I would take it everywhere with the different lenses. They are heavy, bulky and I would recommended learning how to shoot in manual, what kind of lens you want for landscape or portraits and such. If you don’t want to go that much but still have a decent camera, I like the canon sx530. It’s light and small you can shoot in manual or use the scenes. On the other side of that, I have a new iPhone 11 pro max and I love the camera on it. My husband and I traveled in Europe in December and I used that for the majority of my pictures and my husband used his google note10+ and our photos turned out excellent. I don’t know if this helps or not but I hope it does. Enjoy camera shopping !
if you want a good bokeh, get a lens that can have a large aperture. (which means look for one with a small number- the smaller the opening the bigger the number gets.) the newer cellphones have good lenses, but nothing beats a real camera with with a real lens. that being said, they are heavy. you need a steady hand or a good grip and brace pose. the smaller the camera, the smaller the lens and the less bokeh effect you will get but your pictures will be steady.
i am partial to zeiss lenses many of the high end sony cameras have them on them without breaking the bank. i have an old sony rx10 i bought years ago for $650 that is still going strong through 3 cellphones. (and i change my phones every 3-4 years.) it is good because the lens is super high quality, does everything, but is not interchangeable. that means it is lighter.
i think the rx 100 is a good choice and the rx 1 is affordable used. never been a canon or nikon fan.
good luck!
Nikon d3400(or whatever its equivalent is these days) and the canon equivalent are good starter dslrs. I got mine about three-four years back. I could probably up my game with better lenses but for casual photography the kit lenses aren’t terrible. Just don’t have the stabilization the same lenses have when brought seperately. That and it comes in red which is pretty
Apparently, the Sony a6000 is still available and would be an inexpensive entry point. Can’t go wrong for $650 with two lenses (definitely get both lenses). I have also included a recent review.
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/sony-a6000-review
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-16-50mm-55-210mm/dp/B00NO1T55I
Buy an older DSLR with an older 50mm lens that has good light adjustments.
The 50mm will teach you and let let you make blurry fotos if you want to.
It is no witch work (german expression, probably doesn’t translate good into English ????)
And congrats to your new homepage ????
Ilona, I became a professional photographer a few years ago — and I know the effect (blur) you’re taking about… you don’t have to have a fancy lens for that since you already have some photoshop skills. (I can point you to some *phenomenal* short, free, tutorials on any subject in PS. I know three teachers who absolutely rock.)
Regarding cameras, you always want to buy something with the best light sensor you can find.
If you have a choice between a camera with a higher mega-pixel vs. one with a better light sensor, go with the better light sensor. You will save yourself a lot of bad shots.
Higher megapixels are good, but I’m still using my Canon Mark III, (I think they’re up to Mark IV now), and it’s excellent.
You ALWAYS want to buy a good lens; you probably know a lot of this already, but the kit lenses are kinda awful. Invest in a good lens.
My go-to favorite lens is the 24-70mm. My 50mm is my second favorite and I can get pretty close-up.
On the mirror-less vs. mirror cameras — the mirrorless is taking over the market for good reason — less weight. I have a Sony r7 and it takes excellent shots. I need a better lens-if I had more lenses, it would be my go-to camera.
IMPORTANT SUGGESTION: you can rent a camera and lens to try it out from a couple of national places. I tried out a couple of zoom lenses before making a decision and it was well worth it; I would have overspent without getting enough for it for the lens I was originally thinking of.
Also, you can buy from them (they refurbish and give warranties). Might be worth it for a starter camera.
I am putting up my website so you can see the photos I do.
Please feel free to email me any time to talk camera.
Well, after all that, I forgot the website: http://www.tonimcgeecausey.com
Your pictures are amazing. 🙂
So the kind of blur I saw produced with lensbaby would be difficult to produce in Photoshop. It’s a multidirectional blur with subject distortion. When she takes a picture of a flower, it stretches the petals in the background. I could probably do it by processing it for a couple of hours, but that would take the joy out of it.
Thank you so much for the camera suggestions.
🙂 Thank you! And yes, that wouldn’t be as much fun in PS.
Hi
I am an enthusiastic amateur and use a camera I bought years ago. I use a cannon eons d350 with the standard 18-135 lens also got a 70-300 I think which I got as it was on offer when I bought the camera. I only use this one for long distance cos it is heavy. I find the general lens sufficient.
Most DSLR have an auto setting (point and shoot) a manual setting (do everything yourself) But the also have in between settings including a close up setting for flowers etc. These give you the option for making some changes without going full on.
You can get a good second hand dslr body on eBay or somewhere Nikon and Canon are the top brands, for a fraction of the price which would allow you to experiment until you knew whether or not is was for you. I would start with two basic lens one standard and one wide angle then just enjoy.
If you’re willing to spend the money, you’ll get the best macro images with a good SLR camera with a fixed focal length (not zoom) macro lens with the widest aperture you can afford. You’ll also need a good tripod.
Fixed focal length lenses give crisper images than zooms in almost all cases. A wide-open aperture lets you take pictures at higher shutter speeds (crisper pictures, can capture movement of flying bugs/etc.) and reduces your depth of field to minimize distractions from the background.
Adorama or BH Photo and Video are my go-to sources for new or used equipment. You can get a hobbyist level SLR macro setup (say, a Canon Rebel SL3 body and 50 mm f/1.8 macro lens) for about $600. A good tripod (preferably a ball head with a quick release) will add another $80 to $120. FWIW, I’d suggest buying the DSLR body only, then picking the lenses you want on the side; the kit lenses usually aren’t the best quality.
I don’t know a thing about photography, but manias… My husband is all about his manias. Some, like woodworking, last for years (20+). Others, like collecting and playing various instruments (flute to tenor saxophone) only lasted a few years, and then he sold all the accoutrements and moved on the the next one. So, if you find you don’t enjoy photography as much as hoped, sell the camera and stuff and move on to the next project. ????????♀️????
I’m not a great photographer, but I do shots for my business, closeups of jewelry.
If you’re not sure you’re going to really get into photography, an expensive hobby, I would suggest trying a point and shoot first, much better than a cell-phone camera. (I’m a Nikon fan, having used Canon and Olympus before.)
Then, I would get a good photo editing software package to “correct” your photos.
Try the middle ground first, then move up as your needs become more defined.
DSLR’s are all well and good if you take the time and classes to learn them, but then you need all those lenses. My dad bought one when we went on safari, and took 5 years of classes. He’s really good with them, but just got a Coolpix for his retirement and he’s positively giddy – it’s way more automatic and user friendly and intuitive, and his insta is being flooded with close up bug shots that are stunning. I would go with a coolpix…
There are places you can rent camera’s to see what kind you like if you’re going to make a investment in it.
I got a Nikon D90 about 10 years ago, and I love it and still use it. I would say spend the money on a good camera with changeable lenses. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars unless you’re trying to make a career of it, but if you’re interested in learning more about photography, a decent DSLR is worth it. Cell phone cameras are nice, and a good camera doesn’t make a good photographer, but a good camera does make it easier to take good photos.
It’s nice to be able to learn about and play with the settings on a good camera, and there are some things that are just easier to do with an actual camera. If you mostly want to be able to take good, quick snapshots, then get a phone with a good camera. But if you’re wanting to get into more artistic photography, or print out photos at a larger size, an actual camera is going to serve you well. (And most phone cameras are good enough for quick snapshots now anyway, without the extra money on one that has a super fancy camera.)
You can spend a lot of money on lenses, but if you start with a basic lens, you can figure out from there what other lenses you might want based off of the quality of photos you got with the basic one.
My son likes Cannon but lenses and classes can get expensive both in time and money.
I have Nikon 3500 bought at Costco 499$ very user friendly as in it tells you on the camera how to take a specific type of shot.love it. Also have iPhone 11 Pro. Takes insanely amazing shots. I am not photo or tech savvy .I would upload sample shots but don’t know how on blog.
I wouldn’t say you are a lousy shot. I love the cat picture. If you like taking pictures of bugs, you should look into macro photography. It can be really beautiful.
Go for a camera. If you make prints, a camera is set to the correct matrix and the pixel saturation so all the cool photo software that is out there will give you amazing results. A phone camera is easier for lugging around but if you truly want to play with depth of field and lighting a camera is the way to go. Sad part is developing from film is becoming a lost art and I loved the darkroom part of the process. It’s all about light andshadows
I love hobbies, I would suggest using a phone camera until it will not do several things that you want to do. Become familiar with it’s shortcomings. Then google a camera that will do those things. This is not about money saving, today’s phone cameras are just that good, and the attachments, extensions, and filters you can get for a phone are infinite. If nothing else after a short time you will know what direction you want to go with a cameras. Many pro creative camera people are using phone cameras (google it ‘Pros and cameras’), not because they are a challenge, because they are handy, mobile and versatile.
I forgot to mention, my credentials. Back in the stone age, late 60s, early 70s, I had a Cannon, a Nikon. And, my own very complete dark room. Loved photography but like many other the 70s were way to distracting for hobbies.
You need to narrow it down a bit. Do you want something small and compact but good quality with some flexibility on settings? Sony and Cannon are excellent point and shoot with great panoramic, landscape and closeup (flower) modes.
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSCHX80-Point-Shoot-Camera/dp/B01CQEN2U2/ref=sxin_7_ac_d_pm?ac_md=6-0-VW5kZXIgJDQwMA%3D%3D-ac_d_pm&crid=QUYP2QO4KQIW&cv_ct_cx=sony%2Bcamera&dchild=1&keywords=sony%2Bcamera&pd_rd_i=B01CQEN2U2&pd_rd_r=514cb478-e284-40f4-9e46-adbe767e0257&pd_rd_w=Kkk1r&pd_rd_wg=UspiN&pf_rd_p=4ad7736a-c9f7-4bcd-8a16-bd943c26821c&pf_rd_r=67G851E2NDGKDRXAA43G&qid=1592082515&sprefix=Sony%2Caps%2C191&sr=1-1-22d05c05-1231-4126-b7c4-3e7a9c0027d0&th=1
If you want the next step I love my LUMIX Dlsr camera. My model is a few years old but something like this and gives you the option of changing lenses
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Mirrorless-Digital-14-42mm-45-150mm/dp/B07887SCFK/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=LUMIX&qid=1592082029&s=photo&sr=1-6
The next step you would be getting into high quality, very expensive body and lenses and would suggest you are sure you enjoy it before investing too much
Phones are great for sharing but if you want to print and frame nothing beats an actual camera
Have fun!
I’m a lazy photographer, have used a Panasonic Lumix point- and- shoot Z series for years, upgrading every 5-or-so years. Very nice photos with minimal fuss. Lots of zoom. (Seriously near-sighted, and have missed too many shots trying to focus my old 35mm.)
Probably less than you’re looking for, but lots of fun for a reasonable price.
Food for thought. Are you planning to go on photo shoot walks or expeditions? Many moons ago, I purchased an expensive camera which I still have today. It takes beautiful photographs..but it is heavy and considered valuable so I do not schlep it with me everywhere. I have missed many amazing pictures due to this limitation or perceived limitation. I later purchased a small digital camera which also took gorgeous pictures (not as good as the pro camera but very good in general)…it was inexpensive and I took it everywhere and got some amazing shots. It eventually died due to the abuse of being carried in my bag…. and due to budgetary limitations I never replaced it. I hope to one day. I suggest you investigate the tool that is so interesting to you and find out if there are inexpensive, portable options that would work for you. You may get more enjoyment out of the process if it is more or less worry free. Also, the photography class is a great idea. There are also some amazing adobe filters which will allow you to change a photo to appear as a painting. Editing and filters are an art themselves…at least I think so … Good luck and I hope you really enjoy yourself!
I’m not all that great with cameras either but have a digital Nikon Cool Pix S5 which I’ve had for years. What I like about it, it’s small – fits in my pocket – takes great photos, I can check the photo right away to see if it’s right, if not delete it, then later I download to my computer and send or print. I’ve known people with these big, bulky expensive cameras but I myself don’t want to be dragging one around and like my computer, I’m just not that tech savvy so this small one works for me.
I heard an interview with Julian Lennon recently who said some of the best pictures he’s taken have been with his camera phone because he had it right then and there to capture a moment. But that the quality wasn’t just there yet compared to a good camera (he’s a professional photographer). So perhaps starting with an upgraded phone and lenses and take it from there might be the way to go especially if you want to play with artistic software. Then buy a good SLR if you find you enjoy it. You’ll still always have the phone with you when a surprise opportunity presents itself.
My sister’s a pro photog and recommends Nikon cameras and lenses, but… You might want to try renting a camera to try it out before you buy—we do it all the time. Rates are usually reasonable and it’s a good way to make sure you’re getting what you want before you spend the big bucks.
I used to have a simple camera and always used it on manual. Them got a DSLR that came with a 125 pg manual. I hardly use it because it is just too much. I have to look at the manual to remember how to delete photos. Oy. I do like the lenses. Someone suggested holding various cameras- that can make a lot of difference in choices. Interfacing and weight makes a lot of difference. I know that Nikons used to be a preferred camera for press photographers because you could hit someone in the head and odds were good it would still work. Helpful when things get ugly.
I like doing candid shots, so I like a lens I can use from further away, but I also like closeups and macros. The lens that came with the camera is sorta useless for me.
Try to play with a couple cameras and lenses, and spend a little more if you have to to get the setup that you are happiest with. The wrong gear will just piss you off and leave you frustrated. Like me trying to make dinner with a dull knife. I am old and miss developing my photos. Too much of a Luddite to figure out all the new digital stuff. For you it should be a piece of cake. Enjoy. Happy Anniversary!
Amateur photographer. I like taking pictures of birds, landscapes and occasional portraits for friends.
I use a Canon 5D Mark IV as my primary camera paired with my 24-105mm F4 lens. It’s the best combo for my purposes. I usually bring back up lenses 35mm and 85mm for landscapes and good portrait photography. The problem with this combo is the weight.
As a backup camera, I have a Canon RP which is a mirror less. I also have a 24-105mm R lens which has proven to have even crisper photos than my original combo. The problem with this combo is the reaction time.
Sony mirrorless is also a recommendable option. Of all the mirrorless, Sony’s Alpha series is mature and has many lenses. It’s a great balance of weight and photo quality.
Nikon tend to be preferred by professionals. It’s a consensus that Nikon pictures produces more vivid photos. Canon is more user friendly.
Go to Best Buy, and pickup each of the cameras and try them out, pick them up and try the weight. If the camera you choose end up being too heavy and bulky, you will end up just leaving it at home. Defeating the purpose of getting a good camera.
Choose the brand carefully. Make sure the lenses can be used across the models. The lenses for the cameras is a huge investment. The body is important, but it needs to be upgraded and updated as time goes by, but the lenses, if cared for carefully, will last you a lifetime.
Canon EOS 80D recommended by a friend who does close ups of birds and scenery. She went with telephoto and wide angle lenses.
One thing we learned in planning our trip to Alaska several years ago is that there are camera shops that will tent camera bodies and lens. San Marcos May not be big enough for a camera shop that rents but, I would bet that San Antonio or Houston, maybe Austin, does.
Hmmm. The new iPhones do an excellent job with photos, plus you can read your email.. But for sheer flexibility, a digital camera with interchangeable lenses cannot be beat.. be aware, that like TV’s and computers, whatever DSLR you get will be obsolete in a year.. but still quite usable. I take pictures for social media with my iPhone and iPad.. for other stuff a Pentax DSLR…
There are a few great places out there that rent photography equipment (lensrental.com,etc) if you want to use something for a week and get a feel for it before committing. I’m a Nikon girl myself, but I started 20 years ago with an Olympus 35mm film camera, and nothing compares to holding the camera in your hands and using it.
Shoot, I really wish I had some sage advice for you, because I swear on this topic, we are sisters in desire. I’ve always wanted to be MORE creative, clever, artistic, MORE. So, as for the camera, go on the internet, ask one of your girls to ride with you for 2nd opinions, and see what pops up. I think, showing what you’ve already shot, Fabulous picture of Tuna, and Texas, you Have IT< and I would tell you to pursue your heart. Love your books, warm hugs in thanks.
Have you considered renting various cameras to try and then buying the one you like best?
I agree a mirrorless digital camera with a few lenses would be ideal in that they are much less bulk and weight and take fantastic images. But I found for 99% of the time I just use the camera I always have with me, the latest version of the iPhone.
I would just upgrade your mobile phone to the latest Apple, Google, or Samsung one. And it is fun to get one of those clip-on lens systems (like Olloclip) or go fancy with the Moment phone case lens system.
I prefer the immediate reward of cropping adjusting and posting with a mobile phone. Plus you can use a ton of apps to modify your image to taste. And no gear to fumble with (well a little fumbling if you go with the lens attachments you might need to dig into your backpack or purse for the small pouch of clip on lenses).
(long time reader first time poster)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtXs2Ivl_bD/?igshid=unbrgku97xdb
+1 the iPhone !2s are going to be amazing for blurring, macro, zoom. stabilization,
you name it.
I am a hobbist and on my second DSLR. As others have said, take your time choosing your main body, because you’ll be stuck with it. 🙂
I am a Canon person, but I have friends who are Nikon people. It’s really a matter of personal preference IMO (kinda like Mac or PC; one will probably feel more natural for you.)
Regardless of what kind of camera you get, take the time to learn how to use it–and I say that as someone who still uses only a tiny portion of my camera’s settings. Also learn how to take good pictures, because that will carry across whether you are using a DSLR or a cell phone. (Number one rule: stabilize the camera.)
You should also consider weight. (Immediately get rid of the camera strap that comes with your camera and get a wider and more padded strap.) I carry my camera with me when I hike, so when I upgraded it added more weight to my backpack. It was worth it to me, but it’s something to keep in mind. A camera around your neck can get heavy quickly. Carrying it in a backpack or bag means you have to stop to get it out when you want to take a picture.
And as others have mentioned, the lenses are going to often be more important than the body. Send the money on good glass. And get a tripod (or at least a monopod). That stability is going to make a huge difference in your pictures.
I have a fujifilm because the quality of their cameras is very good even in the medium price ranges. And they have many different types of lenses. But lenses are very expensive by the unit so I advise you to take a box with a camera and 2-3 lenses from the start, which will come back cheaper in the end.
Mine is a Fujifilm XT-100.
As you can see from the different, excellent, 100% spot on, conflicting advice, you do not need a camera, you need a Sensei to guide you in that choice, and further growth.
Hahaha!
I went to a camera store (yes in person) and they let me try a camera for a couple of days (I was buying a good, but used camera) they did this 3 times before I bought one…..I did not damage any, and they were already used…..you might look into this
I have a few really good cameras but end up using my iPhone most of the time. I found a few YouTube videos that have really helped me take really good photos with my iPhone and have helped me sharpen or soften my photos after I take them. I always have my phone on me for a quick photo.
Check out the Fuji mirrorless system. I’m an amateur photographer and was a die hard Nikon user for years. I switched to the Fuji mirrorless system 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. The cameras are lighter and smaller so more likely I’ll carry them around. The lenses are great and I love the Fuji Colors straight out of camera photos.
Check out Keh.com for vetted used camera options. I’ve found some great deals on camera bodies and lenses.
And finally I would highly recommend taking an intro online photo course with Click Photo School. http://Www.clickphotoschool.com The courses are typically 4 weeks long with an instructor that helps guide your learning. Lots of videos and material. It’s the fastest way to really learn how to use a DSLR.
Have fun on your photography journey.
Thank you!
When I bought my good camera, I found there was only one I could use. The issue was my glasses. With one camera I could see through the lens with the glasses on. With the others, my glasses wrecked the clarity. You really need to try before you buy.
Unless you really enjoy learning new technology, and use it frequently enough to retain what you have learned, a fancy camera is going to leave you more frustrated than fulfilled.
My husband is a technophile, but my observation is that as the expense and complexity of our gear has gone up, the relative number of good photos has gone down. Too much fussing, setting, checking, instead of clicking, and the subject has left, turned away, the moment is lost. I use the gear infrequently, so can’t remember how to use it properly, which is frustrating and makes me less likely to use it.
I love my phone camera. It takes awesome picture, it’s always with me, and I don’t have to carry a separate piece of gear, there are external telescope, macro lens, and microscope accessories available, and I am much less likely to get frustrated with it.
My advice is to rent the equipment before buying. As with anything, I’ve found a great site and several so-so sites to do that. I’ve been an amateur photographer for 30+ years. The best investments I have made were After trying a lense or a camera body. I am a Nikon fan but Cannon is great too.
depending on how big a camera you want to deal with, you might consider the micro four thirds system (panasonic/olympus). the 180 mm lens you mentioned is a 90 mm lens in that system and correspondingly tiny.
there’s a fairly large variety of camera bodies (all the way from tiny to full blown professional grade)
the micro four thirds 45mm lens baby is mere 200$ and super tiny.
Given how much of an investment a camera is, I suggest renting a couple options through lens rentals or borrow lenses. You can test whether you want a dslr or mirrorless and what lenses make sense. I usually rent a camera and lens when I (used to) go on vacation since that’s when I need a camera and I didn’t want to upgrade every couple years.
If you are considering any DLSR camera, I’d recommend renting one first. They are relatively inexpensive to rent and it will give you the reality of carrying one around. I’ve had one, but it wasn’t worth the bother of toting it and I always have my phone.
I used to have a Fuji point and shoot. 18 time optical zoom. I’ve got a panorama shot of one arm of the Fraser River where a bridge is about 4 miles away. You can see the shape of cars on the bridge. Also did great macro shots. You can always go to a loacal camera shop and tell them what you want to use it for. If it is a good shop they won’t just sell you the most expensive gear. The main cameras I have now are all Canons including my XF300 which does broadcast rated video before it became 4 k Read up about the camera you think you want. Lots of reviews and tutorials online
Do you want the camera or the experience?
A higher end iphone has a very good camera, but not as good as a decent dslr or mirrorless. That said, it is a very good camera. You’ll be trading weight & convenience for quality & the ability to do more kinds of art shots. (You will also be locking yourself into always needing a high end phone when doing upgrades, but eh, whatever.)
What a lot of us crave, when we talk about cameras, is the experience of being the photographer. Of being the artist. The tactile weight of the camera, fiddling with settings, choosing a lens, framing the photo just right all add to the experience of taking the shot. The processing side is fun for me, but it lacks the tactile element.
On a practical level, if you go the camera route, you will need to decide between DSLR & mirrorless, how important is video to you, and what lens(es) you need. I’d hit up a camera shop to see how they feel in your hands, and I’d do it now, because of Father’s Day sales. (I like mirrorless better, because small hands, but if I did more moving target photography I would want a dslr.)
In the end though, do you want the convenience of a good camera that is always with you, or do you want the experience of shooting?