Why I still shoot DSLR.

I love my Canon 5D mkIII. This camera has had my back through thick and thin — always reliable, always capturing the light I chase. But this camera also came out the year after I graduated high school. Is it time to upgrade? This photographer says hell no. Here’s why, and it’s not because of money, lol. →

⛽️ Avoiding GAS:
Camera technology in 2025 is insane to say the least. No matter what brand you choose, you’re almost guaranteed tack sharp photos, video resolutions of 4k and above, ridiculous shutter speeds, in-body image stabilization, and much more.

I’m not gonna lie. I’ve had my eye on the Canon R6 mark II for my business for awhile. However, is all of this worth dropping $2000 right now? After all, my 5D takes amazing photos on it’s own.

I could use a buff in the video department, but I don’t get enough of that type of work yet to justify upgrading. My trusty M50 paired with a couple modified profiles gets the job done and pleases my clients just fine.

Yes I know this article is mainly about the 5D, but the M50 is no slouch for an entry level mirrorless. Highly recommend.

Glass:
My camera pairing puts me in the category of EF and M-Mount Lenses. When it comes to glass, I have my pick of the litter, and at a fraction of the cost of the RF mount lenses. Some of my favorites are:

The advice I was given when I started photography was to invest in great glass before upgrading your camera body. These lenses look incredible and deliver fantastic images.

Ergonomics + Durability:

Mirrorless cameras allow for the bodies to be smaller than their older, DSLR siblings. However, this is actually a disadvantage for me.

I’m a big dude, and I have “big, meaty claws”.

Kudos to you if you got the reference 😂

The Canon 5D is a chonky boi, perfect for my hands. When I’m using it on a shoot, I feel confident getting the shot, instead of worrying about it slipping out of my hand. This camera is built like a tank, completely weather sealed, and ready to tackle the most battle-tested shoots (great for hardcore shows).

What I love most about the Canon 5D mark III is the colors. Even when shooting in RAW, the images come out stunning. Here are some of my favorites that I’ve shot with it:

I feel like this camera makes me a better photographer.

By not having all of the latest and greatest features, this camera makes me be more intentional about what I’m shooting. I can’t just be trigger happy — shutter isn’t fast enough for that. Slowing down a bit and composing a shot that makes the viewer feel something is more important to me than simply getting the sharpest photo possible. And personally, I think some of the “imperfections” in the photos that the 5D takes give it a unique character in comparison to it’s mirrorless counterparts.

Simply put, the Canon 5D just works.

This camera is a joy to use. Yes, I make sacrifices like low light performance, less autofocus points, slower autofocus, to name a few. But what this camera has to me is character, and I think that is valuable to any photographer trying to establish their own style.

I’m sure another body will join my kit in the future, but I believe this one will always be one that I reach for.

I started a photography instagram

If you’d like to see more of my work and support what I do follow me @shawnpapsmedia

Shawn Paps Media

I’ve decided to move forward with the Shawn Paps Media brand. My studio specializes in helping studios, music artists, and creative service brands grow not only with stunning visuals, but also with tech.

Story Starter Kit

I am opening up something special for the Riffs Code Community.

👉 For the first 5 people to claim it, I’m offering The Story Starter Kit— a mini photoshoot + a custom landing page website — for just $399.

This is perfect if you’re:

⚡️ Only 5 spots available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Available for local clients in the Tampa Bay area. If you’re outside the area, no worries — we can chat about travel options.

Simply reply ‘Starter’ to this email, or comment ‘Starter’ if you’re reading this on the website.