Image composition/lighting for emotional impact is foremost. No matter what equipment is being used. Focus on this. And how to use the computer to fix minor issues.
Way too much attention is given equipment. 99% of pictures shot on tour will never see a print larger than 4x6. Just about any cam, from phone to Hasselblad, can do an adequate job for that. If composed nicely.
I use my phone cam for the throw away stuff. A Nikon Coolpix or Canon Powershot for scenes I think I might want to hang on the wall or enter in a contest.