- Consider the actual use case
- Smaller is better until quality suffers.
- One tool per job
- Buy once, cry once
- Prioritize longevity over convenience
- Once a system is built, stop trying to optimize the system with better tools, and optimize the system for making the tool maximally useful
This list may change but for now here’s my POV.
If this system is designed to be portable or stationary then you will have different philosophies. However smaller systems are inherently easier to organize.
A medium format digital camera or a full on mechanics toolset is great, but if you’re wanting the ability to take photos on the go or want to be able to fix almost anything on the fly, then a smaller camera or a well equipped multitool is going to be better. The reason being that you can actually carry it with you.
A while ago I wanted a handgun for edc. I bought two, but guess what? I just carry one of them 90% of the time. The reason why is because it is small and fits in a pocket, and I forget it’s on while carrying it. For months after buying it I shopped for a revolver – cuz they’re so cooool, but how many guns can a person edc? For 98% of people, just one.
When building a system, we choose a tool and build around it. Once that system is built we can fall into GAS or gear acquisition syndrome.
For example, I have tons of cameras. I have pocket cameras, APs-c, and full frame. The one I carry most is a point and shoot or my phone camera, and the reason is because I have it in my pocket all the time. That’s why I bought an action cam for home movies and daily carry. It’s indestructible and fits in my pocket.
Buy once cry once means that if you are selecting gear, get the one you want and that does the thing you need rather than thinking you’ll get a starter and see how it goes, upgrade later etc. the cost to acquire a second item later is expensive but not just in money, also in switching costs, learning a new system, buying accessories etc. Buy the expensive model that does everything and master it.
When I buy an item that requires batteries, the number one thing that prompts my decision is – are the batteries user replaceable? Most batteries will last 3-5 years. If you cannot replace the battery yourself, then the item is essentially disposable.
I ran into this issue recently when shopping for a camera. I really wanted one of those 1″ sensor gimble cams like the DJI Osmo Pocket 4p. These cameras are $700-$1000 and have a built in battery that cannot be replaced. Instead, I went with a DJI Osmo Action 5 which takes batteries you can swap yourself. I have cameras that are 20 years old that still have batteries available on the market that I can buy to make my camera essentially new again.
Once the system is built, we are free to stop thinking about it, but We develop a case of the “yabuts”. I.e. “you already have a camera.”, “yeah but”. We may believe we need one multitool for the car and one for the house and one for our pocket, but the reality is if you have three, two will sit and not be used. Buy the one you will carry at all times and you don’t need multiple items.
With my handgun situation, I realized my system is optimized, I don’t need anything more than I have and the idea of buying another handgun was consuming mental energy that could be diverted to other systems.