What kind of camera do I need to attempt to become a photographer?

November 28th, 2009 | by admin |

I’ve always liked taking pictures but I’ve never really had a real camera just mainly point and shoot kind of cameras, what kind of camera do I need to start out taking real pictures? I’ve heard of digital SLR’s but I’m not sure if that’s what I need or what. Any help would be greatly appreciated…I’m open to specific camera suggestions as well…although right now I can’t go over 8-9 hundred bucks right now.

there is the nikon d40 for around 400-500 it come with a 18-55 kit lens
witch is good for most people
this is a great camera to learn from(i did)
it is very affordable and consumer friendly

if you want to extend the range you can add the 55-200 vr for under 200 bucks more
and for a nice fixed portrait lens there is the new nikon 55mm af-s f1.4 for about 300 or so….this lens will give that nice blur background that most people seek…and unlike the older version of this lens …it will auto focus on the nikon d40
you can get all this camera gear new or used off of ebay…but look at there ratings before you buy(yes i have bought camera stuff off of ebay with no problem)

  1. 12 Responses to “What kind of camera do I need to attempt to become a photographer?”

  2. By Saice on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    I have a "Canon – EOS Digital Rebel XSi 12.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera with Lens" its pretty good and its not that expensive. Unlike other SLR camera it records video.
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  3. By Kris on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    digital SRL camera. My friend got one and I took pictures at her sisters wedding and the pictures were great.
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  4. By FashionDs on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    I have a Samsung Sl202 and it works fine for pictures. Actually the best i had ever had. NO KODAK. Or like my uncle use one of those 1000 dollar cameras. But if you want mine its 150-200. Pick out features you like
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  5. By tlworkroom on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    The main point you should have is that your camera is an SLR—single lens reflex. Because you can change lenses, which help to give your photos different kinds of perspective over the usual ‘normal’ lens. Telephoto or wide angle lenses make a big difference in photos, to be different and challenging.

    Since it’s a digital SLR is only because of modern technology. It’s soooo much easier to use digital because you can view the photos immediately and get prints done in mere minutes, rather than days or weeks. Also, you can easily dismiss or edit the bad photos out much quicker. Plus you don’t pay for film.
    Digital is also great because on your computer, you can alter the photos for special effects. Hey, that’s why god made PhotoShop.

    You don’t have to buy brand new, always seek used equipment. Locate a nearby local photography shop and see if they have any used equipment. That will save you hundreds of $$ off retail brand new prices.

    Depending upon what you want to photograph will determine what type of lenses you’ll want to have. Wildlife and nature shots will demand a super wide angle (24-28mm) and super-telephoto (300mm and above, up to 1000mm sometimes). If you enjoy people photography, then your choices are more towards the normal sizes of 35mm up to 200 mm. That doesn’t mean you won’t use other sizes of lenses, but those are the normal ranges for such types of photography.
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  6. By Daveeee on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    Get yourself a Pentax K2000. It’s one of the best starter DSLR’s right now.
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  7. By Indiana on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    It really depends on what kind of photography you are going to do and how serious you are. If you are going to get into landscape photography you will want a camera with a big sensor that can record detail very well. If you plan on mostly sports photography you will want a fast camera. Or, you many just want a high end rangefinder like the Canon G10 that takes great photos and is fairly small, but doesn’t have interchangeable lenses. The best thing to do is go to a camera shop and ask the proprietor what would work for what you want to do. I personally shoot Canon cameras and find them to be reliable and accurate when it comes to color and exposure. I write a blog for amateur photographers that links to tons of sites that provide help on questions about photography, photoshop, cameras, etc. Check us out at http://www.dodgeandburnblog.com. And good luck with your search!
    References :
    http://www.dodgeandburnblog.com

  8. By ipods5 on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    A large fast camera
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    eme

  9. By byedavidml on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    there is the nikon d40 for around 400-500 it come with a 18-55 kit lens
    witch is good for most people
    this is a great camera to learn from(i did)
    it is very affordable and consumer friendly

    if you want to extend the range you can add the 55-200 vr for under 200 bucks more
    and for a nice fixed portrait lens there is the new nikon 55mm af-s f1.4 for about 300 or so….this lens will give that nice blur background that most people seek…and unlike the older version of this lens …it will auto focus on the nikon d40
    you can get all this camera gear new or used off of ebay…but look at there ratings before you buy(yes i have bought camera stuff off of ebay with no problem)
    References :
    owner of
    nikon d40 with 18-55mm and 55-200 vr lenses
    as my back up….but it will be up for sell

    nikon d300 with 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8
    my main camera

    and my nikon 55mm af-d f1.8 that will be up for sell soon to help fund my 85mm f1.4

  10. By Plays with Squirrels on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    Yes another vote here for the Nikon D40…

    There’s a professional photographer (Ken Rockwell), who gives this camera high praise for it’s picture quality and value (see link below).

    With your budget, you can afford to buy the camera and a second lens.
    http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/d40-recommendations.htm

    Hope this helps, good luck.
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  11. By James W on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    You could argue it’s not the camera but rather the photographer behind it that creates good photos:
    http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

    Still if you’re looking for a good camera to start with I’d recommend a Nikon D40. Use one myself, it’s a great camera.
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  12. By (: on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    nikon D40.
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  13. By Konn on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

    D90 should be good.
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