My Long-Term Photography Gear Setup

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my photography gear and how I can create a setup that lasts me a long time. You know, something that won’t have me constantly upgrading or second-guessing my choices. For me, photography is about capturing memories and documenting life—not chasing the latest tech. So today, I want to share my thoughts on building a long-term photography kit and what that looks like for me.

What Does “Long-Term” Mean to Me?
When I think about “long-term” in terms of camera gear, I’m looking at something that can last 7 to 10 years—or longer. Most cameras these days are built to endure, and I’ve seen firsthand how a decade-old camera like my Sony a7 II still holds its ground. It’s not perfect and definitely showing its age, but it’s been a solid companion.

That said, what’s “long-term” for me might be different for you. Maybe your sweet spot is 3 to 5 years or even 12 years—it really depends on how you use your gear and how often you like to upgrade. I treat my cameras the way I treat my cars: I keep them for a long time and don’t upgrade often.

What Are My Photography Needs?
To build a setup that works for the long haul, I had to think about what I need right now and what I might need in the future.

Right now, my photography is all about my family and daily life. I document things like my son’s baseball games, hikes with my wife, and my dog, Pixel, on our daily walks. It’s nothing fancy—just the everyday moments that matter to me.

Looking ahead, I don’t see my style changing drastically. In a few years, when we’re empty nesters, I might take more solo camping trips or dive into bird photography. But I’m not going to be climbing mountains or shooting extreme sports. I also know I’ll stick to still photography. Video just isn’t my thing—I’ll leave that to my phone or action cameras.

For me, portability is huge. I don’t want a ton of bulky gear. My dream is to fit everything into a small camera bag, maybe a six-liter one, and be ready to go.

My Long-Term Photography Kit
Once I figured out my needs, I started putting together a kit that could work for me both now and in the future. Here’s what I’ve got:

1. Ricoh GR IIIx – Everyday Compact Camera

This little guy is perfect for my day-to-day shooting. The 40mm lens is just the right focal length for the kind of photos I love taking, and it’s small enough to fit in my pocket. With its APS-C sensor, image stabilization, and f/2 lens, it punches way above its weight class. I take it everywhere—it’s my go-to for casual walks, family outings, and spontaneous moments.

2. Fujifilm X-T5 – Creative Powerhouse

This camera has been a breath of fresh air. The film simulations on the X-T5 mean I don’t have to spend hours editing anymore—most of my photos come straight out of the camera exactly how I want them. It’s weather-resistant, has dual card slots, and feels solid in my hands. Plus, the Fujifilm community is incredible, and their love for older models like the X-T2 and X-Pro 1 gives me confidence that this camera will stick with me for years.

3. Sony a7C R – High-Resolution Workhorse

My Sony cameras (the a7 II and a6100) have served me well, but they’re starting to show their age. The a7C R is my way of upgrading while sticking to what I love about Sony: incredible image quality in a compact package. The 61MP sensor is a beast, and I love that I can switch to APS-C mode and still get 28MP images. It’s small, lightweight, and feels like the perfect bridge between my current needs and future aspirations.

The Long-Term Mindset
What I’ve realized is that creating a long-term photography kit isn’t just about the gear—it’s about simplifying my life. It’s about focusing on what matters: the photos and the memories. Sure, I’ll still nerd out about cameras and lenses, but at the end of the day, I don’t want to be distracted by constantly upgrading.

My Wishlist: Built-In Storage
One feature I’d love to see in future cameras is built-in storage. Leica and DJI are already doing it, and I think it’s a game-changer. Imagine having 64GB or even 1TB of storage built into your camera! It’s perfect for those times you forget your memory card, and it would just make life easier. Fingers crossed that brands like Sony and Fujifilm catch on.

Wrapping It Up
So that’s where I’m at with my photography kit. I feel like I’ve built a setup that can last me 7 to 10 years, and it feels good knowing I won’t need to upgrade anytime soon.

What about you? Do you think about creating a long-term photography kit, or do you prefer upgrading more often? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment below and let’s chat!

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next post!