photography 101 – the gear (updated)
Update: I added the last two sections below(adam and patrick) and added some great gear to the Serious Student discussion
- – - – - – -
I am getting an increasing amount of emails asking for recommendations for camera gear. So for the first installment of my Photography 101, I’m going to discuss gear; what you need for whatever level of photography you are at (or want to be at). I want to make it clear that the only reason this is first is because I have been getting so many questions about this and I’d like to get it out of the way. I do not think that equipment makes a photographer, nor to I think that a camera makes an image.
Having said that, I do want to mention what I have used. Two years ago, I left the hospital the day that Olivia was born to buy my first digital SLR at 6th ave Electronics (they used to match prices I’d find online) and I was back to the hospital within the hour. I spent literally hundreds of hours reading reviews on all the major brands and visiting stores to get a feel for each of the options. I got a Pentax K100d and I’ve been thrilled with my decision ever since. I was definitely a Serious Student. One year later, I found myself booking events and wanting to have more manual functions available with buttons (rather than scrolling through menus), so I upgraded to the Pentax K10d. Today I’m well set in the advanced Amateur (Semi-Pro) range as I book multiple paid gigs each month. Having built up some cash from that, I upgraded again to the Pentax K20d, of which I am thrilled.
Nearly all of us take pictures at some point during the year – this is not just for people who take it as seriously as I do. There are of a few of us who snap only a couple shots at family holiday parties, but most of us use these photographic tools a bit more frequently. I made 6 profiles of fictional photographers and I am going to give you my thoughts on gear for each category. Skip to the image below that most fits where you are now, or perhaps where you want to be. Otherwise, just click through to read them all.
And please remember, these are just my opinions. You will likely disagree with something (or everything) that I write. I’m just giving you my thoughts. And if you are moving to a DSLR, remember to get your hands on the actual camera before you buy it. Specs and Features are nice, but if it doesn’t feel good in your hands you won’t enjoy using it…and if you don’t enjoy using it, you will leave it at home…and if you will leave it at home, you might as well not buy it :)
Click the pictures below to go to each section:
That’s all for now. The coming installments will have some practical tips on how to get great pictures regardless of your equipment and even how to make your 6 month old smile better for your pictures (a problem I have with a client right now).
Remember, it’s foolish to discount your own abilities because you don’t have the best gear. If you love to shoot, get off ebay and take the camera you have outside. But if you are in the spot where you have a desire to move into a new area in the art form, I hope this post can help you with the often intimidating decision making process.
14 Comments so far
Leave a reply
Thanks so much for this post Darren. It will help so much with everything that I am trying to sort out with this new major :)
Hope I can do another event with you soon. YOU ROCK!!!
Um you KNOW how excited Im am! This is great Darren!
What is the best just regular digital camara I can get- doesn’t have to be anything real fancy just a nice camara. I do love taking pics all the time maybe I will try to get into it more!
how’s the weight on the pentax?
i have a Cannon EOS 40D, and my ONLY complaint is that it gets a pretty heavy to lug around if i have anything other than a basic lens on it.
Amy,
check DPReview.com for info on all the cameras. There will be weight info there.
Kat,
Check back in a day or two. I’m updating with more “extra geat” and you will find good info for where you are at.
Emilie,
Click on the link to view the “Compact Carry Chris” section. That’s my recommendation for best basic family camera. Truth is though, if you aren’t too picky, you will be happy with most new models. I’d personally go for something with a 28mm wide, but its hardly a requirement (my own P&S, the Canon SD1000, doesn’t have that…but it fits in my pocket nicely!)
I have asked for a camera for my 30th birthday. Thanks for all of the GREAT info!
This is great!! Thanks so much for sharing all the info! (well, for me, we just got our camera, so I’ll be looking forward to your next installment!). April sounds good to me! It probably will be the soonest we can all get together!! :) just keep me (or Tim) posted!! glad you were able to hold off going back out to AZ a little longer too! Talk to you soon!
this is actually really handy because i’m taking a digital photo class now and i’m going to take an advanced class next semester and i’ve been borrowing a DSLR lately and really like it.
thanks
ps- love the names for each section…ur such a dork!
Very cool Darren … by the way, “tag .. you’re it!” Check out the rules on http://www.jesusfilledhope.blogspot.com/ and I hope you play along! We would love to learn 7 random things about you!
As an advanced amateur photographer looking to take the ‘leap’ into doing more paid gigs (weddings, etc), this post was SO helpful! I’ve been shooting under my dad’s company and thus using his equipment. I can’t wait to use your helpful hints when I go to buy my own stuff!
Thanks again!
Discovered your blog today. God bless you as you continue on, and keep believing in and trusting Him. May He bring healing, comfort and peace to you today.
Oh, and on the photography subject….looks interesting. I may visit again as I have a photo snapping daughter and a wanna be videographer husband(with an expensive camera – yikes! Hope it turns into his next career.)
I am soooo thrilled you formatted this in this way. I would love a new camera, but have a hard time describing my needs. Great summary, friend!
Hopefully, the Suzie in me can soon be unleashed.
Darlene
I am about to buy my first SLR and will be taking photography classes while I’m in college. Just wanted your take. As of right now i am deciding between a Nikon D40, Canon EOS Rebel XTi, or a Canon EOS Rebel XS. Which would you go with? I would consider Canon’s newest Rebel but money is an issue and thats slightly more than i wanted to spend. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this post. The advice is incredibly clear and helpful! After months of research and debate, I just bought my first dSLR and went with a Pentax because your advice was so clear and excellent. I LOVE this camera; Pentax should pay you commission! Thanks again!