My name is Adam Smith. Photography has been part of my life, as it has been for many others growing up. Film cameras came everywhere with us on family outings in our home state of Michigan and other states around the Great Lakes. At this point, photography was a means of keeping a record of memories—not an art form. I became seriously interested in photography in 2009 when I was gifted a Nikon P-90 for Christmas by my wife and mother-in-law. It replaced my Nikon L-4 (I purchased from my older brother) and transformed my view of what is possible with a camera. The Nikon L-4 was limiting. I took the Nikon P-90 everywhere with me. To the store, on walks and hikes, and to the skate park where I enjoyed afternoons on my BMX bike. I took so many pictures with it. The camera inspired confidence. It told my story. But my favorite camera is the Panasonic FZ-20.

I received many compliments on my work, at one point even selling prints. I was able to share my love of the outdoors and adventure.

I was hooked.

Since 2009, I have cultivated my current creative vision through many years of experimenting and finding my style. I have done weddings, senior portraits, and other paid work. However, most of my work has been dedicated to the out-of-doors and its spectacular beauty. Northern Michigan is rich in natural areas and preserves and is where I spend a great deal of time. Though I am by no means the first, my current creative vision is fueled by my desire to share the beauty in what may seem ‘everyday’ or ‘mundane.’ Every living being on this planet is important. Humans are not on a pedestal. We are part of—not apart from—the rest of the planet’s inhabitants.

I find inspiration in the countless individuals around the world that share my love of the outdoors, in those who are true to themselves as photographers (such as Thomas Heaton), and to those photographers who came before us. I am inspired by my belief that compact digital cameras are not outdated and incapable of photographic tools. While I can certainly see the value in modern gear, I feel that older gear still has a place in 2021. New is not always better. I want to show the photographic world that a digital relic can produce results.

Image quality is not everything (as seems to be the popular notion within the industry). I have placed a greater focus on what I refer to as ‘memory quality.’ After all, is that not an important aspect of the photographic process? Memory quality is the ability of a camera to match the vision within the mind’s eye. It’s a bit spiritual. Qualitative over quantitative. Compact cameras can deliver this quality.

Above all, I am inspired by my wife. She is always encouraging me to pursue my passion for photography and self-expression. I cannot thank her enough.

My favorite camera is currently the Panasonic Lumix FZ-20. It has many of the features that deliver the memory quality I seek. These features include a constant f2.8 aperture Leica 12X lens (with a manual focus ring on the lens barrel), a metal tripod socket, a factory adapter tube and lens hood, and an intuitive menu system. The camera also has ergonomics that fit my hands perfectly–an important consideration in sharp images when a tripod is not always convenient. I also find that the left-side EVF is ingenious. As a bonus, the camera has a classic look.

The camera produces images at 5 megapixels. Yes, it is 2021. Five megapixels is so 2004…right? However, I don’t require a ton of pixels for the work I produce. I don’t crop (hardly ever) and never print anything larger than a small poster. So why bother with extra pixels that will just take up space on my computer? I love the way the camera renders images. So beautiful. Five megapixels are plenty.

Most importantly, the camera inspires me. Why use a camera that does not inspire?

I came across this camera while looking through an online auction site. I had recalled the praise other Lumix cameras received from family members over the years and became ...