If you have ever thought one of the following statements, this post is for you!
- I want to start taking better photos or become a hobby photographer. What camera should I buy?
- I want to create my own photography content for my small business. What camera should I buy?
- I want to document my family and have more creative control than my iPhone. What camera should I buy?
- Any other statement you can think of followed by. What camera should I buy?
I am going to write this as I tell everyone who asks me this question (and if you ask this question, you will be sent here now–ha)!. I will include the camera I started out with and give advice based on what my experience was. If you are interested in what gear I currently have, check out this blog post. This post contains Amazon affiliate links because I am an amazon affiliate (see disclosure at end of blog post). Definitely also check camera stores like B&H Photo, especially if you are a student or educator. They have a great student discount on some products, but it requires a valid education email address or other proof to get an EDU account. Anyways, check out my answers the questions below!
What interests you about photography?
The first question I would ask yourself is what interests you about owning a “real” camera? I photograph because I enjoy documenting and making. Do you want a camera to document everyday life, document products, or something else? Decide what your purpose is before you invest. Then think about if you will want to grow and continue to buy gear.
Point and Shoot, Mirrorless, Action, or DSLR camera?
Another thing to consider is: do you want a small compact camera or a larger body (DSLR, digital single lens reflex) that has interchangeable lenses? Would your iPhone work for your purpose if you learned how to use it? I would have to say that point and shoot cameras are generally a thing of the past. iPhone and android devices are equipped with great cameras for everyday documenting.
If you are going to invest in a camera, I would advise you to buy one that can grow with you. Are you really going to whip out a small point and shoot camera when you can just use your phone that is already handy? Conversely, are you really going to lug a DSLR around when your iPhone fits in your pocket? Would you rather have something in between? There are mirrorless cameras now available that are smaller, lighter, and still have the ability to swap lenses. If you are interested in having your camera with you while you skydive or something, you may want a go-pro or other action camera.
What is the difference between a DSLR and Mirrorless?
A DSLR camera is your traditional “professional” camera. This is what I currently photograph with. Mirrorless cameras are a relatively new technology that does not use a mirror with the sensor, making your camera much lighter. Most companies are no longer putting money into DSLR technology. They still sell them, and they are still going to be relevant for many years to come, but the money is being put into developing better mirrorless systems.
I want a DSLR. What camera body do I need?
My favorite starter camera–and what I started out with in high school–is the trusty Canon Rebel. When people ask me where to start out if they are convinced they want a DSLR, I suggest a rebel. Not everyone likes Canon, but I love them. When I bought my first rebel in 2008 it was an XSi version (😱). They now have way more features than when I bought mine! You can expect to spend around $300-700 depending on the model you get and where you get it from. Taking a quick glance at the current options available now on Amazon the Rebel SL3 seems to be the most up-to-date!
I recommend just buying the body. Even though it looks like it will save you a ton to get a big bundle with kit lens, the kit lens is is not necessarily the best option (see below). Think about what you need this for in the future! My sister is now using my old rebel. 14 YEARS LATER it is still kicking’ so definitely consider this an investment!
There are also what canon considers “intermediate” cameras that are not that much more expensive than the beginner rebels. If you are getting anything besides a beginner camera, look for a full-frame sensor. Otherwise in my opinion it is not worth the price difference. The best starter full frame for canon is the 6D Mark II. This is something you would probably never need to upgrade if you just get it from the get-go. If you photography practice grows, you will eventually outgrow a rebel. I went from a rebel to a 5D Mark II, and now I use a 5D Mark IV.
What lenses do you need?
The first piece of advice I have is to not buy the kit lens. That is the 18-55mm lens. It will allow you to zoom in and out a little, but my advice is to skip it and get a lens that is better quality and better suited to what you are planning to photograph. The reason being that this lens is slow. It cannot open up to a wide enough aperture to give you flexibility with your light. The lens you do buy depends on your budget and purpose. Make a list of what you want to use your camera to photograph, and then view my advice in a comprehensive post here.
The Nifty Fifty (MAYBE)
Ultimately, if you just want an inexpensive, catch-all lens, you can grab yourself a “nifty fifty.” You can purchase this Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens for $125! If your budget is a little bigger, this one has a slightly wider aperture capability (f/1.4) and a ring not made of plastic (it is a little sturdier)! I exclusively used the mid-grade 50mm f/1.4 for about 8 years. Pretty much any photography sessions on my blog before 2017 were done with the 50mm f/1.4 and a camera body with a full-frame (not a rebel, that is a cropped sensor). This is why I say MAYBE. On a cropped sensor, the lens could look anywhere closer to a 85mm lens, and you will have to stand far away from your subject, making it less all-purpose. A better recommendation for a cropped sensor may be a 35mm lens.
Please also know this lens does not zoom. It is a “prime” lens meaning it has a fixed focal length. It will teach you to move your body, allow you to take great portraits, and utilize a wide aperture of up to f/1.4 (think creamy blurred backgrounds). To compare, the Canon kit lens of 18-55mm only opens to f/4.
What mirrorless camera should I get?
This depends almost entirely on your budget and goals but you are looking to spend a bit more here. I am a Canon girl but do not currently own any mirrorless cameras. If I was starting out in photography today (knowing I own a photography business), I would probably save for something full-frame like the Canon RP which is still technically under $1,000. It is the least expensive full-frame sensor Canon offers. This is the nifty 50mm you would buy with this since it is a full-frame camera, bringing your total to around $1,150. Mirrorless and DSLR cameras utilize different lens mounting systems so you cannot use the other lenses mentioned above with a mirrorless body unless you buy an adaptor. If this bundle was out of the budget you can get a very slightly cheaper R10 with a cropped sensor but to me, the difference in price is so small I would wait for the RP. Otherwise you are looking at the EOS M50 which again has a different lens mounting system and not as many lenses to chose from.
More Advice
Check out my post here for my free advice on what lens to buy next! If you want my complete camera lens guide, you can check that out here! It has EVERYTHING you need to know about lenses and includes links to my recommended Canon, Nikon, and Sony lenses for moms.
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