Welcome back!
Today I'll be talking about picking photography gear, and how to decide what to get if you're new to photography.
Picking gear can be a daunting task for new photographers. So, where to start? Research! Always research whenever it comes to your equipment, whether it be buying a camera, lenses, or even tripods. But where do you start your research when you have no experience with camera equipment?
My advice is to start with the top brands that dominate the space. Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Panasonic (my brand, by the way), to name a few. See what type of cameras they offer (point and shoots, DSLRs or mirrorless), their prices, sensor types (ASPC, full-frame, or micro four-thirds), and so on. You've probably heard of these brands, and you may be biased in favor of one. Regardless: research, research, research. Look at the pros and cons of different brands. See what checks your boxes.
For example, I started with a chunky Kodak point-and-shoot that I thought was professional. I was wrong. But I loved that camera. It had a 30X optical zoom, which meant I could take photos of varying focal lengths. I'm pretty sure it was anything from 18mm to 300mm, which is very versatile. Then I switched to a beginner-level Canon DSLR years down the road, the Canon T7. It was an okay camera, but after using it for a few years, I realized it checked none of my boxes as a photographer. It was sparse in features, and its sensor always got dirty, no matter how careful I was when switching lenses. Then a friend got me a deal on a used professional-level Nikon camera ( I had to trade in all of my Canon gear for it). I liked it for a time, but after about six months of shooting with it, I still wasn't happy. I found that this camera gave me grainy images, which drove me up the wall. (I'm going to tell a story about that, as the focus of a later blog, because it needs a full blog to be appreciated). This led me to my Panasonic Lumix G85.
Out of those four cameras, I only researched one of them, and that was the Panasonic. Sometimes it works out like in the case of my chunky Kodak point-and-shoot, but usually, it turns out like with my Canon T7. So when I got my Panasonic, I researched the crap out of it. I compared its specs to other cameras, lens variety, sensor capabilities, and so forth. I had another Canon in the running and a Pentax as well. But, at the end of the day, the Panasonic Lumix won out, and I couldn't be happier.
When it comes to price, one thing I've learned is to buy the camera you can afford. Don't buy the one that is cheaper for the sake of it. Try to tune out your parents' voices, ringing in your head, saying, "That's too much money!". If all you can afford is a $500 camera, buy it. If you have to buy a secondhand camera, buy it. If the camera you want is $1000, and you have the money, then buy it. Because if you go for the cheaper camera, you are most likely going to regret it. The cheaper camera isn't going to have most of the features that drew you to the $1000 camera. So, buy the brand you want and the model you want!
Picking a lens is a lot easier, in my opinion. What type of photography are you going to pursue? That's really the question you have to ask yourself. For example, I like to do macro photography (mainly flowers), landscapes, street photography, and product photography. So choosing lenses was pretty easy. I have three lenses in my arsenal: a 30mm macro lens for macro photography and products because that lens captures the most detail, a 20mm prime lens for street photography and low light situations, then my 12 - 60mm midrange telephoto lens for landscapes. That's all I need to get the job done. So, if you want to do wildlife photos, get yourself a telephoto lens. If you want to do portraits, get a 35mm prime lens or a 50mm prime lens. If you're into landscapes, get a wide-angle lens. Once you have that lens that gets you the photos you're mainly after, then build your arsenal of lenses from there.
Now tripods! Full disclosure: I hate tripods. They are just such a hassle to carry around and set up. I cannot stand them! In my opinion, they aren't as important as others make them out to be. If you are a wedding photographer, you will probably need one, or if you are trying to get nighttime landscapes where you can see the stars. Even though I'm not a fan, I still have one. You never know when you will need it. Especially if you are doing a gig. Research the tripod you're going to buy. Because they also have different features and uses. For example, mine is also a filming tripod. It has features that get you smooth, stable-looking videos. Something that a photo-only tripod won't get you. Funny enough, the guy at the store up-sold me on this tripod, and I didn't even do video back then. I bought it because I figured, why not? If I ever do film, I am set. Fast forward to right now, and I am working on adding video as a service provided by Bad Dog Photography! It's funny how things work out.
Other than those three things, there isn't really anything else you need. Everything else is an add-on that increases your ability to do your job or pushes you forward as an artist. External flashes are handy but rarely necessary. Filters (Polarizing filters and ND filters) are a style choice. Remotes are another choice. You only really need one if you need it, but they aren't necessary.
And there you have it! Some guidelines on how to best pick your photography gear. Whether you're a beginner, or just looking to upgrade, I hope you found this helpful and engaging! Let me know in the comments what gear you use to get the job done.
Thanks for reading, and till next time get out there and get those bangers!
Chris Mayer
Bad Dog Photography
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