Best Camera Equipment for Beginning Photography.
Includes Canon and Sony product.
February 17, 2023
Cameras
Canon Rebel T8I
This camera is a DSLR, which means it uses mirrors to capture the image which in most cases lowers quality. This camera is recommended for beginners because of its reasonable price, image quality, and variety. On average, this camera costs $750-$900, which might seem pricey, but everything with photography is! It is worth it because it is compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for travel. It can also automatically focus on moving objects if you tap on the object with the LCD screen. Speaking of which, this camera has a high quality LCD screen that can be adjusted to almost any position you want. This camera has 24.1 megapixels (the amount of detail that is captured) which is comparable to some semi professional cameras. This camera can use EF or EF-S lenses. You can still use other lens types, such as RF, but you need a converter.
https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/eos-rebel-t8i-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm-kit?color=Black&type=New
Sony A6100
This camera is not a DSLR, which means it is fully electronic/mirrorless, meaning it boosts the image quality. It’s recommended for its reasonable price, image quality, and variety. The average price for this camera is usually around $750-$800, which is cheap compared to most cameras. This is a lightweight, compact camera that is also good for travel. This camera can focus on subjects as they move by detecting the subject’s eye if it is something like wildlife or if it’s just a person. It can also focus on objects that don’t have eyes. This camera has a high quality LCD screen that has slightly less options for adjustments, as it can only be moved to a face up position. This camera has 24.2 megapixels (the amount of detail that is captured) which is comparable to more expensive cameras. This camera uses E-mount lenses, but can use other mounts with a converter.
https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/aps-c/p/ilce6100-b
Camera Lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
This lens can cost anywhere from $70-$250. Any that cost $180 or below is probably used or refurbished. This lens has a 225mm range, which is good to carry around and take photos of almost anything. This lens is cheap. which means it’s build and picture quality is lower than other lenses twice the price. Although geared toward beginners, this is a good lens to have. It is compatible with all cameras that have an EF mount, or with other cameras as long as you have a converter. People who enjoy shooting nature photography or portrait photography will love this lens.
Sony FE 50mm F/1.8
This lens costs around $250. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any range and it’s strictly 50mm. People who would want to buy this lens are beginners who take portrait or landscape shots. This lens can be paired with any Sony FE mount or other mounts with a converter. It has a low focal length, which allows more exposure to light. More exposure to light allows you to lower your ISO and raise your shutter speed, which, in turn, allows higher quality images. This lens is small and light which is good for travel.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1242613-REG/sony_sel50f18f_fe_50mm_f_1_8_lens.html
Tripod & Monopod
Tripods and monopods are one of the most important things to have, as almost every kind of photography uses them in some way. A tripod has 3 legs that are usually extendable and the top of the tripod holds the camera in place. All of them are relatively the same build. Some have a ball-head, which allows you to face the camera any direction you want while it is on the tripod. A Monopod is a tripod that only has one leg. This is used for sports photography because there are certain restrictions on the size of equipment you can bring. This is also used just for an easier- to- carry around tripod. (Usually $45 or less and all major brands use universal tripod screws).
Camera Accessories
Lens Hoods
Lens hoods are good to have as they protect the glass lens from being scratched. They are especially helpful in nature because the lens hood will push the branches out of the way of the glass to avoid scratching and cracking.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Lens-Hoods/ci/2226/N/4077634523
Hand Straps
Hand straps are used if you don’t want to wear your camera around your neck. It’s just a strap that attaches to your hand which connects to the camera, this is better for lightweight setups.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=Hand%20straps&sts=ma
