A few months ago, I decided to update my older RX100II and bought the newer RX100VA. I love the form factor and the high quality images this camera makes.

The video coming out of the RX100VA is nothing short of incredible, and I've been using it intensively for my YouTube channel since I got it on my hands.

Within the last three months, it's been through a lot - and it shows. It's got multiple scars from different trips and adventures:

1. The rubbery part where you rest your thumb has been falling apart since the camera got really hot in the deserts of Arizona.
2. The screen protector is shattered (and I'm hoping it's just the protector). It happened when I dropped the camera while taking pictures under Corona Arch in Utah.
3. Sometimes I still find sand from the Grand Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Or maybe it's from when I dropped it in the white sand of southern New Mexico (I also lost my ND filter there).
4. This gap next to the viewfinder is the newest addition. It happened when I, once again, dropped the camera. This time in Detroit, Michigan.

One could say the camera is falling apart. I say, those are scars to be proud of. A camera is meant to be used, not to be left on a shelf.

If you think this is a lot of damage after just three months, you don't want to know about the beating my previous RX100II got. And it stills works (mostly)!

I've used the RX100VA every single day, it's been to many places and I've made images I'm very proud of with it. And a lot of videos.

The condition of a camera can tell you a lot about the photographer. Get yours out as much as you can and make those images!