Meet the Experts: How PhotoCo Staff Help You Make Better Choices

Choosing the right camera gear can feel like navigating a minefield. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, lenses, tripods, filters – the options are endless, and the technical jargon can be overwhelming. That’s where the expertise of the PhotoCo staff comes in. They’re not just salespeople; they’re passionate photographers and knowledgeable professionals dedicated to helping you make informed decisions.

Beyond the Sales Pitch: A Passion for Photography

PhotoCo is staffed by individuals who live and breathe photography. They’re enthusiasts who understand the nuances of different camera systems, the strengths and weaknesses of various lenses, and the importance of matching equipment to your specific needs and goals. This passion translates into a genuine desire to help you find the perfect gear, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your photographic journey.

Camera store front displaying cameras, video equipment, and branded shirts under signage that reads "camera house digital camera centre."

PhotoCo Camera House

Meet our staff! A few questions answered by our staff members

Paul:

Favourite camera you have ever used?

Hassleblad Xpan with 30mm

Total cameras currently owned?

Have owned probably about 400 over the years but currently only own what I use which is 2. One for each hand 🙂 Rollei 35 S & Ricoh GR III Diary Ed.

Favourite Film to shoot?

Sorry, I can’t name just one. My landscapes with Portra 160, Ektar 100 or Pro image 100 and fun party shots with either Ilford Xp2, Ilford Delta 3200, Cinestill or Amber 800

Why did you start taking photos?

Short answer: I was interested in the mystique of the technology.

Long answer: I had a camera instead of a teddy bear growing up. Always was surrounded by cameras. With PhotoCo being my grandparents and parents store, as a child I was interested in playing with the gear I saw the people I looked up to using. Many memorable moments. I can remember when I was 7 years old and got to hold my dad’s Leica R6 which was just launched globally which he brought back from a visit to the Leica factory. I can also remember turning 10 being gifted my very first SLR. The Minolta SRT 101.

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

I wish camera companies would continue to reduce the size of travel digital cameras but continue to increase sensor size and make more weather proof. I do however love shooting with a Pentax 67 but it was a workout carrying it up Kings Canyon with my manfrotto 😉

Skeat:

Favorite camera you have ever used?
I have got several different cameras and I like all of them. Different one have its own strengths in different way,

Total cameras currently owned?

56+

Favourite Film to shoot?

Colorplus 200

Why did you start taking photos?

Keep the good memories, leave some of my observations and witness evidence

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

Foveon X3 in full frame size and curved cmos 🙂 that would be revolutionary technology

Ark:

Favourite Camera

The camera I liked the most is actually one that I sold— the Canon EOS-1V. As a film camera, it had excellent automatic features, similar to Canon’s modern 1-series digital cameras. It was with me for three years, accompanying me on my travels through breathtaking landscapes. I shot nearly 500 rolls of film with it and truly enjoyed the experience. However, as film photography declined around 2017, I traded it in for a digital camera—a decision I regret to this day.

Total camera correctly owned

Favorite film to shot

Kodak e100(vs)

Why did you start taking photos?

I remember shooting my first roll of film on August 15, 2003. It was simply to document my first solo trip. From that moment on, I developed the habit of capturing fragments of life with a camera. To me, film is essentially a slice of time, a pause button for life, and an external memory device. I hope film can stay with me for a long time, allowing me to witness the weight of my existence as just a speck of dust in the grand flow of time.

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

I wish a manufacturer would truly focus on making a camera purely designed for STILL photography. Nowadays, too many companies assume that users primarily need video features, but this excess emphasis on video often compromises the quality of still images. As a result, many mirrorless cameras haven’t significantly surpassed the image quality of DSLRs from over a decade ago—in some cases, they have even regressed.

For example, in Fujifilm’s medium format lineup (44×33mm), the best 50MP image quality is still found in the GFX 50S. This makes one wonder if camera technology is really advancing in the right direction.

Luke:

Favourite camera you have ever used?

My Nikon F3 with Nikkor 28mm f3.5 AIS

Total cameras currently owned?

Favourite Film to shoot?

A tie between Cinestill 800t, and Kodak Ultramax.
800T is less diverse than most film stocks, but gives such a distinct and unique look with its tungsten balance, red halation and fine grain at high speed.

Ultramax on the other hand is a great all-rounder. It’s budget friendly, has nice warm saturated colours and the 400 speed offers so much diversity. It’s reliability at its finest.

Why did you start taking photos?

I grew up skateboarding, and it was a natural progression to want to capture my friends throwing themselves down stairs. I later went on to study film and television production and found photography to be a great way for me to scratch my creative itch on a more regular basis between film projects.

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

I’d love to see camera designs get a little more creative, and for brands to offer more of an identity. Cameras are tools, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. Form factor, materials, ergonomics, intuitive design language, tactile controls, these are all functional choices, but they can be aesthetic ones too. I think manufacturers found a sweet spot with black, plastic SLR’s in the late 1990s, and haven’t strayed far off that design language in the past 30 years. I respect a small brand like Lomography, who experiment and try fun and exciting new things with their cameras – both in their form and function and would love to see bigger brands take some similar risks (like making more film cameras).

John:

Favourite camera you have ever used?

Sentimentally it’s my Nikon FM2 w/ MD12 bought brand new from Photo Continental in Queen St Brisbane 1985 was my 16th birthday present from my parents after owning a Minolta XG-M.

Total cameras currently owned?

I did have 24 cameras in December 2024, until after accessing security footage, it was seen that 2x theives snuck in and stole 4 pelican cases filled with an incredible range of gear. No insurance as we were only covered for the apartment as per insurance policy and not the ‘common area’ storage. They were never retrieved so will start again (slowly this time) and today my current collection is 1x Pen F Digital.

Favourite Film to shoot?

Pan F or Tech Pan 2615 in my Mamiya 7, 645’s or 500CM’s.

Why did you start taking photos?

My first camera was a Minolta 110 in 1978 aged 9, I used the whole roll in 1 day and it took 1 week to wait for dev and printing, as it was cheaper on B/W paper.

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

More Digital Rangefinder options, like the soon to be newly released Fuji RF and a Canon or Sony FF sensor Compact with fixed lens.

Paddy:

Favourite camera you have ever used?

Olympus OM-4 for film, Sony A7 IV for Digital

Total cameras currently owned?

Favourite Film to shoot?

Kodak Portra 400

Why did you start taking photos?

Had a camera in my hands since I was 5 years old, my dad was a event photographer and passed the habit/obsession down to me

What do you wish that camera companies would add to new cameras/change about current cameras?

Fast internal storage for new digital cameras, would also love a few new compact cameras on the market with sharp lenses

Supporting Local Business: Investing in the Community

By choosing to shop at PhotoCo, you’re not only getting expert advice and support, but you’re also investing in the local community. This business is run by passionate individuals who are committed to serving the needs of photographers in Adelaide.

The Human Touch: Why Expertise Matters

In the age of online shopping, it’s tempting to buy camera gear from the cheapest source. However, the value of expert advice and personalised service cannot be overstated. PhotoCo offers a level of knowledge and support that you simply can’t find online. They’re there to answer your questions, offer guidance, and help you make informed decisions, ensuring you invest in the right gear for your needs and budget.

Next time you’re in the market for camera equipment, don’t hesitate to visit PhotoCo. You’ll be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about photography and dedicated to helping you make better choices.

Meet the Experts: How PhotoCo Staff Help You Make Better Choices