I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT LIMITATIONS.

Because of modernity’s constant progression and the world’s adoration for tradition, we photographers are subjected to a variety of cameras. But what exactly is the right one when we have so many options like DSLRs, mirrorless, film with its various formats (35mm, medium, large), compact cameras, and even…cell phones?

Freckles, 2023

Well, my opinion is that it doesn’t matter. Cameras are just tools.

It’s the photographer's job to choose the right one for taking their ideal photograph. The right one that conveys their message, emotion, or thoughts to the viewer by capturing a single moment. The right one that satisfies that insufferable itch we get from sitting idle with thousands of ideas floating in our heads. 

Yet, getting to that ideal photograph takes time. And the only way to do so is if the photographer studies consistently, experiments with camera basics, and most importantly takes note of their camera’s limitations.

Here’s how I reached that point consistently:

It was post Covid 2021 and I found myself perusing the East Bank Regional Library’s photobook shelves until stumbling upon a tiny book titled How I Take Photographs by Daido Moriyama.

Puddle Selfie, 2023

I hadn’t used my Nikon D3500 in two years, and all it took was this one book to change my world.

Inside were these off-kilter, highly contrasted black and white (and color) street photographs of Japan’s major city streets, its people, and Western influenced society. Every seemingly random image was collected by Daido’s obsession to roam the streets like a stray dog hunting for his next morsel. I was also astonished when I learned that some of these photographs were captured without using the viewfinder…this was the first time I witnessed the power of photographic impulsivity. It had felt like finding scarce, valuable information.

How was this avant-garde artist producing such powerful work from a compact camera? How could I be like him? How could I reach enjoyment, mastery, and the thrill of becoming one with my camera? How hadn’t anyone around me tried this way of shooting?

Selfie in the Quarter, 2023

A compact camera had to be in my hands as soon as possible. I just had to find my own.

Before diving head first into purchasing an expensive one, I headed to my local Walmart to get a $50 Polaroid digital compact for kids. That way if it was just a phase, I wouldn’t be wasting a few hundred dollars.

When I finally got home and opened the box it shouldn’t have been a surprise, but the small blue device looked like a toy. Already I was beginning to have doubts.

Who the hell did I think I was shooting with such a laughable thing?

But the camera was already out on the table…so I popped the batteries in and ran outside to at least give it a go.

I shot whatever I could in color. In black and white. Then reviewed the image previews on its micro 1.5x2 inch LCD screen. It didn’t matter that I knew they weren’t true to the image’s quality. I still judged them poor. And I noticed the Polaroid’s batteries were already dying after about thirty minutes of shooting. Was it all a silly mistake?

My doubts changed once I uploaded the shots to my computer.

I began editing like a madman, taking in the satisfaction I had felt from seeing impressive photographs shot with a device the size of a credit card. The black and white captures were reminiscent of the grunginess I had observed in Daido’s oeuvre. And the colored photographs were punchy like that of Greg Girard, my second inspiration whose work I also began emulating weeks after discovering Daido.

It was time to get a more expensive compact. Preferably…

NIKON

NIKON

I had remembered seeing compact Nikon’s at a Best Buy some time ago so I did a quick Google search and what popped up were these rectangular survival cameras called Nikon COOLPIX W300 which came in multiple colors: Red-orange, black, camo green, and yellow.

I clicked the first NikonUSA ad I’d seen and purchased the yellow version without a second thought. It reminded me of those classic Kodak disposables from the 80s except this camera was digital.

Once delivered, I opened the box and fell in love instantly. It was everything I had hoped for. Tiny. Yellow. And it even came with a neck strap so it could be worn like a necklace.

Despite my satisfaction with the W300’s looks, I still had to give it a test run. And because of my willingness to not do any research, I encountered a lot of “disappointments”. 

More specifically, disappointments with the f-stop and shutter speed not being changeable.

It was like the camera had a mind of its own. But I wasn't going to be discouraged. I believed in what Daido Moriyama taught me. I decided to ask myself, “What can this camera do?”

Well, it can:

*if using desktop site, hover over the images below for more info; if using mobile, tap the images below for more info

SAMPLE SHADOW & LIGHT

Golden Orange Shorts, 2023

One of the first quirks I noticed about the W300 was that it could essentially take a sample of any shadow or light I aimed at. Depending on whatever was read, it would then change its f-stop and shutter speed to match the sample. For example, whenever aiming at shadows the camera will automatically widen its aperture and slow its shutter speed. Thereby, producing a brighter photograph. This same process happens when sampling light except the aperture would close further and the shutter speeds would ramp up. Resulting in darker shadows and less intense highlights.

ZOOM

Biking in the Quarter, 2023

A basic manipulation, but something quite special for a compact camera. Most cameras in this category have fixed lenses so when I realized that I could zoom in on subjects from afar, the photographic potential exploded. I used to worry that I wouldn’t be able to photograph subjects like I was able to with my previous camera, the Nikon D3500.

Change Exposure

Hustler Club Poster, 2023

I’d say this is what I manipulate the most when using the W300. After shooting with this camera for quite some time, I’ve learned to compensate for certain conditions by lowering or raising the exposure.

e.g. The daylight can be too bright or like when it’s night, any surrounding artificial lighting can be blown out.

GO MACRO

Orange Reflections, 2023

This is a setting that I pretty much keep on at all times, unless I want to see past the condensation on my car’s windshield. Because of the W300’s small size I'm able to get right up on subjects and record their minute details while blurring the surrounding scenery.

CHANGE WHITE BALANCE

Elevator Stop, 2023

Changing this is extremely important for color correction, however, being that I’m a person who loves experimenting and pushing past the norm, I like to treat white balances as if they were film stocks. Why limit myself to what’s “right”? Shooting cloudy for warmer tones is one of my go-to’s. 

Use Flash, slow, and Flashlight

The W300 has two flash types and a built-in flashlight.

Flash - The regular flash setting is perfect for capturing overshadowed subjects and those which move a little too fast. Its default shutter speed is at 1/30th.

Slow - This has its uses as well. I’d say it’s great for capturing subjects without brightening them too much. The shutter speed varies and is usually on the slower end. Like 1/10th.

Flashlight - I didn’t know the W300 was a survival camera until I started playing around with it. Not only was it waterproof and able to take damage from the rigors of daily handling and extreme weather, but it was also equipped with a flashlight. I love using it to focus on my subject of choice at night.

…

By making it a habit to wear my Nikon COOLPIX W300 like an accessory, I was more inclined to use it in public spaces and in everyday life. I forced myself to accept its limitations and make do with its unique renders. Eventually, passersby took notice and would ask if it was a Kodak. Likely due to its nostalgic yellow finish which reminded them of an era when they used disposables frequently. And I tell them the same thing every time…

No, it’s digital.