Below is a list of options for beginner photographers. This is the gear that I personally used for the first year or so, while I was still learning about photography.
CAMERA BODIES + Kits / Beginner Level /
CANON Rebel // Comes with Kit Lens
Price : Around $500 for Camera + includes a kit lens
- The Canon Rebel series usually come with what’s called a kit lens / or a zoom lens. This will not give you that blurred out background (Called Bokeh) effect. However they are great for learning the ropes of photography. Once you’ve learned how to shoot in manual, and have decided you want to continue to pursue this hobby or side hustle, that’s when I recommend bumping up to a Full Frame Camera Body or Mirrorless so that you can get higher quality photos
- But why would I not start off with a full frame camera?
- Because of the price difference! Full frame cameras/ or Mirrorless cameras are more expensive. The camera body alone can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000+ depending on what you get. Then you also have to buy lenses for them, which again can start anywhere from $600-$2000+.
- Cameras also hold a lot of their value. So you easily sell your equipment as you’re ready to upgrade!
CANON 6D // A Full Frame Camera // More Expensive but better quality
Price : Around $400 for the Camera Body
- This one is higher quality and full frame, but more pricey. It’s more of a professional camera vs hobby like the Rebel.
- Also note, that you are only purchasing the Camera Body typically, and will need to purchase the lenses separately.
BEGINNER LENS : Would Also Recommend pairing either bodies with this Lens
- Either body you decide on, I would also pair it with the lens above. It’s an inexpensive 50MM lens which will give you a Bokeh effect (which just means it blurs the background out). 50MM is a very versatile lens, and it’s great for portraits! Then once you get a feel for that, you can branch out into other lenses!
BUYING + SELLING GEAR :
- I don’t usually buy brand new gear. I use a website called MPB.com and have never had any issues with the gear I’ve purchased from there. They are also very detailed about what type of condition of the gear you are purchasing
- I don’t buy gear off of Ebay because I have heard horror stories.
- I also buy my smaller gear off of Amazon (Such as Memory cards, prisms, batteries, etc.)
