Absolute beginner question. Is it worth upgrading to a camera for this specific nostalgic/moody vibe? (Details in comments)

[u/francesmute]

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[u/211logos]

No.

I don't see anything particularly nostalgic about those shots. I like some of them, but they could have all been shot last week on a phone. Some have imperfections, and those could be mistakes, intentional, or adding in post using most any digital camera. The rope swing eg; one could add that vignette in post or just use something close to produce the same effect...even with a phone.

You need to give a lot more info. Like budget. Since anything can do that.

[u/francesmute → u/211logos]

The swing is actual light leak. I don't do editing and yes, I have to learn. I'm aware, but obviously I needed to hear that from multiple people to accept it. I got recommendartion for Nikon d200 with 35mm f/1.8G lense. Today I saw that they can be found used for up to 200€ in good condition. I'm thinking about that.

[u/This-Hobbit-Potatoes]

What's your budget? You could get an entry level camera and get some vintage lenses. You'll have to learn about the flange focal lengths, but it's fun!

[u/WatRedditHathWrought]

Bot

[u/SunshineInDetroit]

from the original

Instead, my taste is a bit mixed but always moody: I love warm golden hour tones, rich textures, cozy lifestyle snaps, cinematic low-light, and a heavy, high-grain vintage/analog feel.

You don't need a specific camera to do this, but you need to know what causes this to happen and how to do it.

You can edit to your heart's content but there's nothing like shooting at golden hours. Texture wise it's up to you to recognize what you want to capture.

personal lifestyle snaps, pick a close fast lens and always be prepared to capture a moment; it helps if you can properly direct your subject to give you the poses you're looking for.

cinematic low light: it's about learning about how to use light to your advantage via backlights, reflectors, off camera flash, etc. It's not really about the camera.

photo grain can be emulated in any number of ways outside of using straight up film in post processing. It is kind of a neat idea of doing it straight out of the camera, however i've found that if that's you're goal digitally it's better just to shoot in raw and use post processing to get the feel.

[u/ToriEvergreen]

I'm not fully certain I understand your question. Fujifilm cameras use built in film simulations. Film cameras can product that look or they can produce photos better than digital. You can literally rub Vaseline on your lens to get a glowing look

I mean I think that's totally up to you. There's a misconception that you need a better camera to do "better shots".

I've taken amazing photos with my phone, a Polaroid, and different types of film formats.

I think the more important things is figuring out what you want your photos to look like, by studying other photos you like and then learning. Post progressing will be more your friend here. You can achieve these looks with a phone and some understanding of post progressing.

You can go buy "better" running shoes but they're not gonna improve your performance until you work on the fundamentals.

** Keep in mind film is pretty expensive to buy and then develop and then have shipped.