I get lots of photography questions, and I’m going to try to answer them as I have the time. I hope it’s helpful!
By far, the most common question I’m asked is what camera I use – or what camera you should get.
Answer: I shoot with a Canon 5D, and what you should get depends on a few things.
I’m stepping onto my soapbox for a sec – bear with me.
The most important thing to understand is that a camera is simply a tool. You could put the cheapest point-and-shoot (or POS) in a fantastic photographer’s hands – and they’ll still create art with it. Likewise, you could put the most expensive camera on the market in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to use it and…well…there might not be art. LOL If you have a tool that is overwhelming to you, it does you no good. So don’t buy more camera than you need.
I honestly don’t think there’s a camera on the market today that doesn’t do a fantastic job. The technology is just that advanced, truly. There are no bad cameras.
But if you want to take better images – learn your tool. Learn it’s ins and outs. And I’ll post some tips here as we go along.
As for me, I shot exclusively Minolta film for years. When I went digital, I went with Nikon. And shot Nikon from 2003-2007. Mid-2007, I decided my tool wasn’t doing the best job I needed it to, as I wanted better high-ISO capability in low light situations. So I made a complete kit change over to Canon.
Late last year, Nikon upped the ante with new models (d300 and d3) that also handle high ISOs, but I’ve already made the switch and feel no need to go back. My current equipment is doing the job, so there’s no need to change. My tool is working for me.
Do you need a Canon 5D? Probably not. I shoot an average of 1000 frames a week. So I need a workhorse camera that can handle lots of clicks. And it’s a camera meant to be shot manually. It’s a tool I’ve “become one” with, and I’m very happy.
So what camera should you get, if you’re looking to move into the digital slr world? My advice is to go to Best Buy or Costco or your favorite camera shop and hold all the models. What one feels GOOD to you? Again – a camera is only a tool. And if you pick up a tool and it doesn’t feel right? It’s not the right one. You also need to consider your photography level. Do you like to shoot automatic? Then find a camera that has some preset modes (sports, portrait, etc.) – those will set your aperture and shutter speed for you. If you shoot manual, definitely just go with the one that feels best.
And don’t buy more camera than you NEED. With the more expensive cameras, you’re paying for bells and whistles that you might not ever use. And that’s just a waste of money. Get one that will do what you need it to do. And when you’ve “become one” with it, you can upgrade – there’s always an upgraded model (or 5) coming out!
Any questions?
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