If you’re just starting out in photography, it can be tough to know what equipment you need. After all, there are so many products on the market, and it can be hard to figure out what’s important and what’s not. In this article, we’ll break down the essential pieces of camera equipment that every beginner should have.
Table of Contents
Camera Body
The first and most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a camera body. This is the foundation of your setup, and it’s what everything else will revolve around. When choosing a camera body, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to decide between a DSLR or mirrorless camera. DSLRs have been around for much longer, and they’re typically more affordable. Mirrorless cameras are newer on the market, and they offer some advantages in terms of size and weight. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
There are also a few different sensor sizes to choose from. The most common is APS-C, which is what you’ll find in most entry-level DSLRs. Full-frame sensors are larger and offer better image quality, but they’re also more expensive. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
Camera Lens
Once you’ve decided on a camera body, it’s time to choose a lens. This is where things can get really confusing, because there are so many different options. The good news is that most camera manufacturers offer a few different “kits” that include a basic lens along with the body. These are usually a great option for beginners, because they offer everything you need to get started without breaking the bank.
If you’re buying separate lenses, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide what focal length you want. This is measured in millimeters, and it dictates how much of the scene will be captured in your photo. A shorter focal length (like 18mm) will capture a wider area, while a longer focal length (like 200mm) will allow you to zoom in on your subject. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference.
You’ll also want to consider the aperture. This is the opening in the lens that allows light to pass through, and it’s measured in f-stops. A lower f-stop (like f/16) will result in a smaller aperture, which means less light will be able to pass through. This can be good for situations where you need a lot of depth of field, like landscape photography. A higher f-stop (like f/0.95) will result in a larger aperture, which means more light can pass through. This is good for low-light situations or when you want a shallow depth of field.
Once again, there are a lot of different options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. The best advice is to start with a basic kit lens and then upgrade as you get more comfortable with photography.
Camera Bag
Now that you have a camera and lens, you’ll need somewhere to put them! A camera bag is an essential piece of equipment for any photographer. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — just something to protect your gear from the elements and keep it organized.
There are a few different things to consider when choosing a camera bag. First, you’ll need to decide how big you want it to be. This will depend on the size of your camera and the number of lenses you have. You can usually find bags that range from small (able to hold one body and one lens) to large (able to hold multiple bodies and several lenses).
You’ll also want to consider the material. Camera bags are usually made from either nylon or leather. Nylon is more affordable and typically lighter, while leather offers a more stylish look. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Tripod
A tripod is another essential piece of equipment for any photographer. It’s especially important for landscape and astrophotography, but it can be useful in other situations as well. A tripod will help keep your camera steady and prevent blurry photos.
When choosing a tripod, you’ll need to consider a few things. First, you’ll need to decide how tall you want it to be. The height will depend on the type of photography you’re doing and the size of your camera. You can usually find tripods that range from small (able to hold a compact camera) to large (able to hold a professional DSLR).
You’ll also want to consider the material. Tripods are usually made from either aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is more affordable and typically lighter, while carbon fiber offers a more sturdy and durable option. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Memory Card
Memory cards come in different sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that is large enough to hold all the photos you want to take. You can usually find memory cards that range from 16GB to 64GB. You’ll typically want a memory card that’s larger in size, as well as a fast read / write speed so when you shoot photos, there isn’t any delay when your camera captures the shot.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a great way to back up your photos and keep them safe. This is especially important if you’re a professional photographer, as you don’t want to lose any of your work. External hard drives come in different sizes, so you’ll need to choose one that is large enough to hold all the photos you have. You can usually find external hard drives that range from 500GB to 12TB.
When choosing an external hard drive, you’ll want to consider the size, as well as the read / write speed. You’ll also want to make sure it’s compatible with your computer.
There is also the option of selecting an external HDD or SSD drive. While HDD drives are generally cheaper, they are significantly slower than a SSD drive, which can be a hassle when downloading or uploading photos to edit. We recommend purchasing a 500GB SSD external drive to start, and upgrading to a larger option as you shoot more photos if necessary.
Batteries
You’ll need batteries for your camera, as well as any other electronics you’re using. For example, if you’re using a flash, you’ll need batteries for that as well. It’s important to have extra batteries on hand so you don’t run out of power in the middle of a shoot.
You’ll also want to consider the type of battery you want. Lithium ion batteries are typically more expensive, but they last longer and can be charged more times than alkaline batteries. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference. Just be sure to grab an extra rechargeable battery as a spare for your camera body so you don’t run out of charge in the middle of a shoot.
Flash
A flash is a great way to add light to your photos, especially if you’re shooting in low light conditions. It can also be used to create interesting effects, like adding a shadow or highlighting a subject.
When choosing a flash, you’ll want to consider the power, as well as the angle of the light. You’ll also want to make sure it’s compatible with your camera.
Filters
Filters can be used to change the look of your photos, or to protect your camera lens. For example, a polarizing filter can remove glare from water or glass, while a UV filter can protect your lens from scratches.
When choosing filters, you’ll want to consider the size and type of filter you need. You’ll also want to make sure it’s compatible with your camera lens.
Editing Software
Editing software is a great way to improve your photos, or to change the look of them entirely. There are a variety of editing programs available, from simple and free options like GIMP or Adobe Photoshop Express, to more complex and expensive programs like Adobe Photoshop CC.
When choosing editing software, you’ll want to consider what type of editing you want to do. If you’re just looking to make basic edits, like cropping or adjusting the color, a program like Adobe Lightroom or Skylum Luminar are great options. However, if you’re looking to do more complex editing, you’ll need a more powerful program like Adobe Photoshop CC.
Cleaning Kit
A cleaning kit is a must-have for any photographer. This includes items like lens cloths, air blowers, and brushes. A good cleaning kit will help you keep your camera and lenses clean, so you can avoid scratches or smudges on your photos.
When choosing a cleaning kit, you’ll want to make sure it includes all the essentials, like a lens cloth, air blower, and brushes. You’ll also want to make sure it’s compatible with your camera and lenses.
Color Checker
A color checker is a tool that helps you ensure the colors in your photos are accurate. This is especially important if you’re shooting products or food, as you’ll want to make sure the colors are represented accurately in your photos.
Conclusion
There is a lot of camera equipment out there, and it can be overwhelming to try and figure out what you need. Hopefully this article has helped you understand the most essential pieces of equipment for photography, and has given you some great recommendations. Now get out there and start shooting!
