Which DSLR Should I Purchase to Start to Learn Photography?
Elise Campbell Photography
I get this question all the time!
First, decide if you want a "good camera" that you're going to use on auto mode, or if you really want to use your camera to take photos that a machine alone can't create. If you're planning to leave your camera on auto, I recommend using a good cell phone. Their cameras are just about as good as a dslr on auto mode - sometimes better. A DSLR without an enthusiastic and competent human is pretty useless.
If you or your child is just starting out, but committed to learning photography, here's what I recommend, and why.
Most people want to capture clear sharp subjects with a blurry background and foreground (bokeh).
I RECOMMEND...
Camera Body with Kit Lens
Canon Rebel T7 with Kit Lens
This Camera is a slight step up from the T6, with a 24MP sensor instead of the T6's 18 MP sensor. This means you can print slightly higher quality images, and can safely crop in on your images without making your files too small.
The ISO range ranges from 100-6400 (and you can push it to 12,800), which means you can photograph in somewhat low light without needing the harsh flash.
Highly Recommended Camera Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
If you're learning how to get distinctly blurry background and forground, and want to see immediate results as you learn to shoot in manual mode (I teach this!), I cannot more highly recommend adding this lens to your bag IMMEDIATELY. This may not make sense yet, but instead of the kit lens's starting aperture of 3.5, this lens can open up to f/1.8. This lens can help you produce clearer subjects with blurrier backgrounds than the kit lens. This is called a "sneaker zoom" lens, because it's a fixed zoom length, so you have to use your sneakers to move closer to and further from the subject. This lens was what really helped me nail down my photography when I was learning.
Can you stretch your budget? If so, grab the https://amzn.to/3Ym0N1z instead. That 1.4 makes even more of a difference.
You'll Also Need
- A few memory cards - Sandisk Extreme Pro cards are quite reliable.
- A memory card reader to get your photos off of the card and onto your computer
- A spare battery - I like to stick to the Canon brand's LP-E10 for this.
- A camera bag to keep all of your gear safe and in one spot! This bag has a rain cover, a little room to grow, and lots of great color options.
- Here's a small option if you'd prefer a compact camera bag.
GUESS WHAT! If you click these yellow-highlighted links and purchase any of these items directly through me, you're helping my small business, so THANK YOU! :)
LESSONS
I offer one-on-one introduction to your new camera lessons in my studio, plus group classes for kids, tweens and teens, and even one-on-one lessons.
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