But selling your real camera feels like a huge mistake later on.

Elliot mentioned social media makes things look nicer, and that's true, but it's also a good thing. Polished sketchbook tours show the care someone puts into their work, and that can be really inspiring to watch. It doesn't take away from the creative process, it just shows the end result people are proud to share. Calling it fake misses how much effort goes into making art look presentable. Everyone shares their work differently, and a tidy book is just as valid as a messy one.