You’ve made the decision that you want to become a professional photographer but you don’t have a camera yet. The first thought that comes to your mind is, “I know this photographer in my area, maybe I’ll ask her which one she recommends.” As soon as she responds your question isn’t quite answered. 

She says words like, “It’s a preference,” and “It depends on your budget.” This is frustrating, right? You just want someone to tell you which one to get so you can begin your journey. 

The fact of the matter is, that purchasing a camera, especially when just starting, is subjective. It matters the type of content you’re looking to photograph. Whether it’s weddings, families, and landscapes or interiors, sports, and products. It matters what cosmetic design you prefer and how much you want to spend.

Today, I want to address a few steps in how you can find the right camera for you as a beginner.

#1 – Purchase a DSLR camera.

You might be familiar with the lightweight cameras that use one single button to zoom in and zoom out. Those are called point-and-shoot cameras. Those cameras work fine for traveling or documenting your family, but not for professional imagery. 

Simply put, DSLR cameras are cameras that have detachable lenses. One main benefit to being able to exchange lenses on your camera body is to have the option for different focal lengths. You could have a fisheye lens, wide angle, macro lens, portrait lens, etc.

The different focal lengths allow for more high-quality, professional-grade images. Which as a result will further your photography career. Photographing with a DSLR as opposed to a point-and-shoot camera will instantly upgrade your images to the next level. 

#2 – Decide what you want to photograph.

Are you interested in sports photography? Weddings? Portraits? Real Estate? This matters when determining the lens you want to purchase first. 

For example, if you want to be a portrait photographer, I’d recommend purchasing a 50mm lens. This lens is closest to the distance in which the natural human eye can see. 

If real estate is your goal, consider a 24mm lens. This is considered a wide-angle lens to allow you to photograph entire spaces in condensed areas.

Maybe sports photography is your cup of tea. Research lenses that have a quick shutter and larger focal length for close captures. 

Keep in mind, that lenses are costly, so finding a lens that might work in many different scenarios initially might be in your best interest before you can afford to purchase others. Lens prices also increase based on their glass quality. Therefore, you may find two 50mm lenses but one is a few hundred dollars more. You’re paying for the quality and clarity of the lens.

#3 – Explore different brands.

One of the questions I get asked often is, “Should I buy a Canon, Nikon, or Sony to start out with?” My answer is simple, it’s a personal preference. 

When I began my photography journey, I photographed with a Canon Powershot point-and-shoot. When I upgraded, I purchased a Nikon D3100 DSLR. After photographing with the Nikon for years, I made the switch to Canon products once again.

Different camera brands come with different mechanical and color differences. Some photographers say that Nikon’s images tend to run more on the magenta side and that Canon’s images have a greener tone. 

Likewise, the placement of the buttons and the face of the camera are very different. Some may prefer the wheel toggle on the Canon while others prefer the button toggle.

I’d highly recommend going to a local camera store and testing out the different brands for yourself. Deciding if you like the sound of one over the other may sound silly, but it’ll help you to make your decision. 

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. Just as there are different brands of shoes, you find ones that you like and you make it work. 

#4 – Do your research.

Grab a pen and paper and search for reviews and videos online of different cameras. Write out the pros and cons of each. Not only will this help you to find the brand you like but you will likely find other photographers that you’d like to keep following for more information. 

The internet is a great resource for free educational information and for “try before you buy” reviews without spending money. 

#5 – Buy your camera from a trusted camera shop.

I love using B&H Photo for all of my photography gear. They are a professional business that takes great pride in selling consumers quality products. In addition, their customer service is exquisite. I know that if I get a product from their website and there is something wrong with it, I can reach out to them for help. 

Purchasing photography gear from places like eBay or Amazon does not directly guarantee that you won’t receive a damaged product. 

Many retailers on Amazon might say that they cannot do anything about broken or damaged items because they are simply just selling the product. Be smart with your money. 

After all, you’re not spending $20 on a new pair of socks. You’re purchasing equipment well over $1,000 that is going to be used for professional services. Invest it in the right place.

While I’m sure you’ve come here looking for a definitive answer on which camera you should begin your photography journey with, I’m sorry to disappoint you. But I do hope that these five steps listed above will help you to figure out the best camera for your needs.

In a way, it should be relieving to know that there isn’t just one, right? It means you simply can’t go wrong. 

Want more content like this one? Be sure to follow along on all social platforms to be updated when new posts land here. 

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If you have a specific question in regards to purchasing a beginner camera, I’d be more than happy to answer to the best of my ability here.

Xx,

Alyson