How many of you are asked regularly what camera you use? Because just anyone can buy a Canon 5D Mark IV from B&H Photo and shoot “professional” photos, right?

The guys from Mango Street Lab made the above video to prove the point. They brought their friend Justin, who’s not a pro photographer, in to use their Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon L lens to shoot a model in a studio setting. They shot the same model in the same space with a Canon Rebel T3i and a 18-55mm kit lens and the $200 40mm f/2.8 lens.

Justin did good but, as we saw, the basics in composition and perspective left a lot to be desired when you view his images next to the pro photographers’ shots. The pro shooters also did Justin a huge favor by providing him with great lighting, which is already setting up anyone with a “good” shot. I think if they put him outdoors in a more challenging lighting situation, we’d see even a bigger difference.

The point of the video is well taken though. Focus on your craft and then you will know what you really “need” to buy next.