What Kind of Camera I Should Buy? [For Beginners]

Photography Tips

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is, “What kind of camera should I buy?”  I get it, camera equipment can be a big investment and with so many choices, you could easily end up with something that is not a good fit.

Most consumer level cameras are sold as a kit.  Which means that you get the camera body plus a lens.  Typically this a zoom lens with the widest aperture value of f/5.6 (translation: this lens won’t work well in low light situations).  What most people don’t realize is that the lens that comes in the kit deals is not really that great of a lens.  As you become more familiar with your camera and start learning how to take better pictures, you will quickly realize you want a lens with a wider aperture (lower number) to let in more light to your camera and as a bonus create more background blur.

My go-to equipment formula for a beginner photographer is an affordable camera body +50 mm 1.8 lens.

So what camera body do I recommend? Yes, nicer, more expensive cameras will have better quality, but in my opinion, the biggest difference between camera bodies, is just the bells and whistles. I encourage you to look at your budget and decide how much you want to spend.

The real secret weapon is your lens! As far a lenses, I recommend a 50mm fixed lens with max aperture of f/1.8.  This lens will give you the most bang for your buck (around $200) and is a great addition to any photographers collection. A fixed or prime lens does not zoom.  It is set to one focal length and if want to zoom, you have to physically move forward or backwards. Zoom lenses with an aperture wider than f/5.6 can be very pricey!

 

Photography Lens Recommendations

Visit The Shop to check out my picks on camera bodies, lenses and accessories!  Also, get a peek of whats in my camera bag!  As always, check compatibility of the lens with your camera before purchasing!

To learn more about your camera and start taking better pictures, check out the Beginners Photography Class.  This video based online class is focused on teaching you how to take control of your camera.
If you're interested in learning more, check out my FREE dslr JUMPSTART video series!

5 Responses

  1. […] help figuring out what kind of camera to get (or give)?  Check out this post with my go to recommendations on camera equipment for beginners as well as what’s in my […]

  2. […] Yes! This class will teach you how to take better pictures regardless of the camera you are using. However, focus will be on DSLRs, so they are recommended for maximum class impact. Not sure what kind of camera or lens to get?  Check out my go-to equipment formula for a beginner photographer here.  […]

  3. […] Yes! This class will teach you how to take better pictures regardless of the camera you are using. However, focus will be on DSLRs, so they are recommended for maximum class impact. Not sure what kind of camera or lens to get?  Check out my go-to equipment formula for a beginner photographer here.  […]

  4. […] Yes! This class will teach you how to take better pictures regardless of the camera you are using. However, focus will be on DSLRs, so they are recommended for maximum class impact. Not sure what kind of camera or lens to get?  Check out my go-to equipment formula for a beginner photographer here.  […]

  5. […] 5. Open Wide Indoor lighting is often dark and as you become more familiar with your camera and start shooting in manual mode, you will quickly realize you want a lens with a wider aperture (lower number) to let more light into your camera and as a bonus create more background blur. Most consumer level cameras are sold as a kit, which means that you get the camera body plus a lens. Typically this is a zoom lens with the widest aperture value of f/5.6 (translation: this lens won’t work well in low light situations). Learn what lens does work well in low light, and won’t break the bank. […]

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