The ocean of equipment and information out there can make choosing your first camera difficult and daunting. In this video, one professional photographer gives you a number of different options for all budgets.
The first camera you buy as somebody interested in picking up the hobby is an exciting acquisition. I bought a knackered old entry-level DSLR with its kit lens for a couple of hundred dollars off of eBay and got to work. I fell in love instantly and here we are, well over a decade later. Back then, I felt I had no real choice but to buy a DSLR, and other than a film camera, you might argue my options were a little limited. Today, however, they are wide open and all budgets are catered for.
I have discussed the power of smartphones for a long time now, with their specs and software improving to the point where they can compete with dedicated cameras in many different fields. That said, I'd rather highlight another point Pat Kay makes: compact cameras. Compact cameras or point-and-shoots are wildly undervalued in today's photography world. Their slight form and lightweight mean that they can go with you everywhere, which means more practice. They are also one of the most cost-effective options and modern sensors are strong enough that you are not sacrificing too much. A friend of mine is an award-winning and published landscape photographer who has seen great success over a career spanning multiple decades. For around the last 15 years, he has had a Canon compact camera in his pocket where ever he goes and some of his portfolio images were captured with it. They are not to be underestimated!
How did you choose your first camera setup?
