My Favorite Camera and Why I Use It

People ask me now and then what the best camera is. I always give the same answer—the best camera is the one you have with you.

That’s really why my favorite camera is the one I’m using at the moment.

I’m not chasing the latest model or the most expensive gear. What matters to me is having a camera close by and being willing to use it. Over the years, I’ve learned that good photos usually come from paying attention, not from having the fanciest equipment.

Most of my photos are taken with an entry-level Nikon D3500. It’s simple, dependable, and comfortable to use. I don’t have to fight with it or think too hard about settings. I can just take the picture and enjoy the moment, and that goes a long way for me.

I also use a Nikon D3300 that I inherited. That camera means something special to me. Every time I pick it up, I’m reminded that tools can carry memories with them. It still works just fine, and it still takes good photos. There’s something reassuring about that.

Between those two cameras, I’ve learned that photography doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable. Some days I’m taking pictures in the garage, other days it’s a cookout or something simple outside that catches my eye. As long as I have a camera nearby, I’m content.

And for me, that’s what makes it my favorite. What camera do you find yourself reaching for most, and why?