Search results for: photography buying guide best beginner dslr cameras
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by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
There is nothing that can replace the extreme close-up view of a rare bird in the wild. Binoculars can get you close but, if you want to look the bird in the eye or confirm that identification for your life list, you need a spotting scope. Spotting scopes pack incredible magnification in a generally simple and lightweight package that is
by Luke Rollins · Posted
An open secret for photographers in 2025 is the robustness of the used market. With manufacturers pivoting to different production and distribution strategies in response to various geopolitical upheavals, finding popular, coveted, unique, competent, and flagship equipment second-hand has moved from viable to (sometimes) necessary. Flagship models turn over and older high-end gear depreciates, creating deals for savvy buyers. Earlier
by John-Paul Pale… · Posted
The new school year is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start stocking up on necessary gear and school supplies. For film and photo majors, that means finding the camera that’s right for you. To help you get the perfect shot, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cameras, including options for beginning photographers, prosumers, and professionals.
Medium Format
The
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
As a student, much of your life is about making choices and sacrifices. “Should I skip this class and sleep in?” or “Should I go to class even though I’m too tired to pay attention?” There are a lot of hard decisions to make as a student, especially if you’re a burgeoning photographer looking to attain professional status.
But, as a student, means are often limited and you need to be more conscious about what gear to add to your kit. What gear is critical and worth the investment versus what are some of the things you can ignore for now and
by Luke Rollins · Posted
In a stunning reversal of fortune, point-and-shoot cameras—which have long been dismissed as defunct—are currently experiencing a major resurgence. In both new and used markets, sales of point and shoots are way, fueled in part by nostalgia and the perceived shortcomings of smartphone cameras. With expanded feature sets, manual exposure controls, built-in and/or external flash support, and optical
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
Canon is a brand that has always drawn attention, interest, and intrigue with its new releases, and, in 2023, the company didn’t disappoint—especially on the lens front. With an admirable range and number of new products this past year, it seems that Canon is building up to something big and bold in the future. The cameras were mainly focused on creating a solid foundation for entry-level and mid-level shooters, and the lenses span the gamut between compact kit lenses and fully fledged professional super-telephotos. Let’s take a closer look at
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
When it comes to bird and wildlife photography, the one word you need to know is: telephoto! If you've ever tried to approach birds or wild animals (not too close, please!) you've likely noticed they usually don't take kindly to humans and fly or scamper off before you get close enough for a photograph. The magic of the telephoto lens allows you to get "up close" without getting… up close.
For birding and wildlife, getting closer usually means using lenses with a minimum 300mm focal length. We've all seen spectacular wildlife images by top
by Rachel Leathe · Posted
Nothing kills creativity faster than an aching back. For all the benefits of full-frame cameras, telephoto lenses, and dedicated flashes, there’s something to be said for the freedom that comes with a lightweight setup. If you’ve been hunting for a simple camera to stick in your bag on your way out the door, a traveling companion, or something discreet when photographing on the streets, then you’ve come to the right place.
Test Photographs © Rachael Leathe
The heavy-hitting cameras on this list tend to box above their weight class. They
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
What is the best camera for beginners? While this seems like a straightforward question, and many websites will just throw a list of camera options at you, the answer can be more complex than one specific camera recommended for every newbie photographer. Giving this question some thought and considering a few options may pay future dividends as a novice photographer evolves into a photographic artist. One certainty is that an entry-level camera should be easy to use, convenient to carry and employ, as well as being intuitive, while also
by John Harris · Posted
There is still one basic truth about photographing sports—access is everything. If you are not near the action, you will not get a photograph. Does this mean you need a sideline pass at the Super Bowl or a family member in the NBA? No. Those are good to have, and media credentials for a Super Bowl is a professional feather in your cap, but “access” can be found in many places and many ways. A good sports photo does not even have to be on-field action, so do not let a lack of access intimidate you, but understand that to join the upper echelons
by Jason T · Posted
If you’ve just ordered your first camera system, now you may be wondering what else you need to get started. Deciding which accessories to buy when you’re first beginning in photography can be a bit of a challenge to the uninitiated. Some accessories, like lens wipes for instance, are universal, but other types of accessories to consider may vary quite a bit depending on the kinds of photos you’re interested in making, and where you plan on shooting
by Jill Waterman · Posted
For photography enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons from pictures made with a mobile phone or a point-and-shoot, the major benefit in of upgrading to a DSLR or mirrorless camera system is the ability to swap out different lenses to fit your specific needs. Prime lenses are available in all lengths and varieties and offer numerous advantages in performance when compared to their zoom-lens brethren. Also, the particular choices associated with sticking to a specific focal length can help improve your photographic technique, as well as
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
It’s gift-giving season again! While many of us will be excited for any potential gifts that will be received, the idea of tracking down gifts for some of our more difficult friends makes many dread holiday shopping. I can’t help you with most of your friends but, if you have a photographer in the bunch, I think I can make some recommendations that will make life easier. All the items below won’t be limited to a specific camera brand or shooting style, so you don’t have to worry about finding out specifics or learning all that much to pick up
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted
If you ask anyone who the top camera manufacturers are today, I can guarantee Canon will be near or at the top of the list. The company’s products weren’t always top-of-the-line, but over the past decades Canon has built an impressive range of cameras that satisfy beginners and professionals alike. The sheer number of cameras and lines can be dizzying, though, so here is a helpful guide to help you figure out exactly which model is best for your needs.
The Professional’s Choices
When you want the best features, the most durable build quality,
by Peter Ward_1 · Posted
What are they and who uses them? Some call them drones, some apply the label “quadcopters” as a blanket term—though they can have any number of rotors or even be planes—the FAA calls them “unmanned aerial systems” (UAS). I prefer to call them “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAVs), a neutral term broad enough to safely include pretty much the whole gamut, from Hubsan nano drones up to commercial and military aircraft weighing hundreds of pounds and basically the size of small manned planes.