The cameras that shaped my photography
By Christian Jensen - 18.01.2026
For most of my life, cameras have been tools rather than objects to collect. Each one I’ve owned has reflected a specific need, a technical curiosity, or a shift in how I wanted to capture the world. When I look back, the progression shows a clear pattern: increasing resolution, better performance, more creative control, and eventually the realization that none of it matters if the camera stays at home.
My first digital camera was the Canon IXUS v. It was small, simple and easy to carry, and it documented the early days of my adventures without demanding any planning or preparation. When I moved to the Canon EOS 350D, a new world opened up. Interchangeable lenses, manual control and real optical performance gave me the freedom to shape the image rather than just capture it.
As my interest in photography grew, so did my interest in landscape photography. I spent more time outdoors, both on the bike and on foot, and I wanted a camera that could handle the variety of environments I moved through. That curiosity pushed me further into the technical side of photography. The Canon 7D was a solid step, but it was the Canon 5D Mark III that truly changed things. The full‑frame sensor gave me the dynamic range and depth I needed for landscapes, especially in the shifting light you find in mountains, forests and coastal terrain.
The Canon 5DS took that even further. The resolution was remarkable, and the files had a level of detail that rewarded careful composition. The challenge was that the camera demanded stability. With a 24–70 mm lens and a tripod, the setup weighed more than four kilos and took up a significant amount of space. On longer rides and multi‑day hikes, the system often stayed at home simply because it was too heavy and too bulky. The image quality was exceptional, but the practicality was limited.
To regain some mobility, I added a Canon M100 to the kit. It reminded me of the freedom I had with the IXUS in the early days. Still, the real turning point came when I prepared for a trip to Greenland. Bringing a full‑frame body, heavy lenses and a tripod into that environment didn’t make sense. The 5DS stayed at home, and I travelled with a compact Sony setup instead. That decision changed how I thought about photography in the outdoors.
Not long after, I sold my entire Canon system and moved to the Fujifilm X‑T4. The APS‑C sensor, the compact lenses and the significantly reduced weight made the camera feel like a natural part of my gear again. A comparable setup that once weighed more than four kilos was now just over one. With in‑body image stabilization and stabilized lenses, I no longer needed a tripod for most situations. The number of usable images increased dramatically simply because the camera was easier to bring, easier to handle and easier to shoot with in real‑world conditions.
This journey has taught me something important:
The best camera is the one you choose to bring with you.
Whether it is a full‑frame system, a compact mirrorless camera or the phone in your pocket, the camera that comes along will always outperform the one that stays behind.
Photography is not defined by sensor size or megapixels. It is defined by presence, readiness and the ability to carry a tool that supports the adventure instead of limiting it.