Leica or Fujifilm: Choosing Your First Camera as a Beginner Photographer

Starting out in Photography

When I first considered stepping behind the lens instead of in front of it, my decision felt straightforward— after all, I’m married to a seasoned photographer who is a devoted Leica enthusiast. He doesn’t just own a Leica; he breathes Leica. So naturally, my mind went straight to, ‘‘Well, my first camera will be a Leica too’’.

At that moment, he was preparing to sell his Leica Q2 in order to upgrade to his dream camera— the M11 Monochrome. My immediate thought? Perfect. I’ll buy it from him.

But when I mentioned the idea, he gently advised against it. Not because he didn’t want me to have one, but because he understood something I hadn’t yet grasped: Leica cameras, while exceptional, are not necessarily the easiest entry point for someone just staring out. They demand patience, manual skill, and a level of creative maturity that is often best developed over time.

Still I couldn’t shake the idea. I had a set budget for my first camera and lens, but buying it from him would mean paying less than the market value— leaving him short of the full amount he would get from a reseller. And knowing my husband, if I’d pressed even slightly, he would have simply gifted it to me and delayed his own upgrade.

Here’s the thing though— knowing myself, I realised that starting with such a high-end, iconic camera might actually cheat me out of the journey. There’s a kind of magic in working your way up to your dream tool. You earn it. You appreciate it more deeply. And you understand exactly why it suits you when the time comes.

But when you are starting out, the question always comes up: ‘‘Which camera should I get?’’

Important Lesson When Choosing A Camera

Understanding who you are and your needs:

When choosing my first camera, I had clear specific requirements— I didn’t just want any camera, I wanted an intuitive camera, one I could grow with as a photographer, lightweight and travel-friendly, with vintage aesthetic. This helped narrow down the available choices to Fujifilm X-T5

So, I made the choice to buy a different, more beginner-friendly camera that fit my budget. And in doing so, I learned one of the most important lessons for anyone starting out in photography:

Your First Camera Should Fit Your Budget, Not Strain It.

Choose something that lets you learn without the financial pressure to monetise immediately.

Give yourself space to explore and fall in love with the process before worrying about justifying the investment.

Photography sure does have a way of quietly pulling you in. At first, you’re experimenting, trying to understand light, shadow, and composition. Then you learn to see things differently: the way a shadow falls on a building, the expressions in a passing crowd, or the symmetry of a street corner.

The Difference Between Fujifilm & Leica

When I first picked up a camera, I wasn’t chasing megapixels or fast autofocus speeds. I was chasing a feeling - the joy of freezing a beautiful moment in time.

Leica: The Art of Slowing Down

Leica is the kind of brand that whispers luxury. It’s a tool and a treasure at the same time. Clean design, minimal controls, and craftsmanship that feels like it belongs in a museum.

My earlier experience as a beginner photographer with the Leica Q3 was like trying to mix oil and water. Every click felt like a disconnect, every frame carried a sense of uncertainty. The process felt forced and very slow.

The Q3 is not the kind of camera that bends to your rhythm. Instead, it demands that you bend to its. It slows you down — sometimes frustratingly so — and forces you to think about every shot before you take it, resulting in you missing out on some key spontaneous moments.

It is certainly a camera that teaches patience, discipline, and respect for the craft. What I did love about the camera was its sleek, elegant design, soft touch buttons, smooth shutter sound and great image quality.

But then, as a beginner, I realised:

‘‘connection is more important.’’

Fujifilm: The Creative Companion

Then I picked up the Fujifilm X-T5. And something clicked - not just mechanically, but emotionally.

The Fujifilm stood out more to me instantly. It’s analog-style dials felt like a nod to the golden age of photography, while its intelligently placed joystick gave me precise, intuitive control over my focus. Every button seemed exactly where it should be — thoughtfully positioned fro ease and fluidity.

The autofocus? Faster, sharper, and far more responsive than what I had experienced with the Leica. With this camera, every click felt effortless — a seamless extension of my vision. I wasn’t chasing perfection; I was immersed in the moment, enjoying the process, and allowing the story to unfold naturally through the lens.

It was photography without resistance.

So Which Is Better for Beginners?

If Leica is the Hermès of cameras, Fujifilm is the Aesop - still thoughtfully crafted, but with a focus on soul and substance.

Feauture - Leica - Fujifilm

Design - Timeless & Minimal - Vintage-inspired, tactile

Ease of Use - Demands experience - Beginner-friendly

Colour Science - Natural & Clean. - Filmic & Creative

Price - High luxury - Premium, but attainable

Emotional Feel - Legacy, prestige - Art, experimentation

My Takeaway:

You don’t need the most expensive gear to start.

What you need is something that feels like you.

Something that makes you want to go out and shoot again and again.

For me, that was the Fujifilm XT5. It became my creative partner. But I also admire the poetry of Leica — and who knows? Maybe one day we’ll meet again.

Beginner Tips for Your Starter Pack

1. Start small — Learn with what you have

2. Focus on Storytelling — It’s not just a photo, it’s a moment

3. Choose gear that inspires you — Not just the one with the highest specs

4. Break the rules sometimes — Creativity lives there

5. Most importantly, shoot often — Consistency > better results

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re shooting with a Leica, Fujifilm, or even your phone—the most important thing is that you’re seeing, you’re slowing down to observe. You’re noticing light. You’re finding beauty in the everyday.

And that, truly, is the best place to start.

So tell me— What was your first camera experience like? Have you tried Leica of Fujifilm? Share your beginner journey in the comments below—or tag me in your shots (@byfaithmueller on IG), I’d love to connect with fellow photography lovers.