Equipment That Every Photographer Needs

Trained your eyes, learned the rules of composition, started looking at the world artistically and creatively. Now is the time to go technical and let your vision represent you. Your smartphone will help you sharpen your skills, and now you have to upgrade to a camera and some related camera gear. To create a visually stunning photograph, you need to have certain pieces of equipment. In this blog, we will talk about some necessary camera gear you might need to begin your career as a photographer. We will also talk about some cameras you could invest in depending upon your expertise level.

Having a camera will do most of the job, but added accessories will give you more creative flexibility. For instance, an artificial light source positioned strategically can create drama in your image that can be mesmerizing to watch. Let’s talk about some of the accessories that you will need.

Must-Have Accessories for a Beginner Photographer

Most of these things will be needed throughout your career as a photographer. As a beginner, they are equally important.

Camera

It is one of the most important things. Without it, I wonder how will you click a photo. A camera will make you push your creative limits and give you full flexibility to experiment and learn. A good camera is like a part of your body. You will have it with you all the time to click images on the go or as planned. A camera that you choose for yourself should be easy to operate. Best cameras for beginners and experts are explained later in this blog to help you choose the best one for you.

Lens

Lenses are more important than the camera. You can’t keep on upgrading your camera, but you can keep upgrading your lens. The lens is what allows the light to fall on the sensor and form the image. The lenses can be switched on the camera body for desired effect or focal length. These lenses are called ‘interchangeable lenses.’ Before you invest in a camera, make sure it is compatible with different lenses. That will save you money in the long run. Lenses are differentiated based on their focal length. Being a beginner photographer, you should be sure about the image you want to shoot before choosing the lens. If you are shooting landscape, you might want to go for a wide-angle lens with a smaller focal length. If you are into wildlife photography, you will need a telephoto lens. Your niche will decide your lens collection, and your lens will decide your photographs. Most of the photographers stick to the kit lens for a very long time. A kit lens is a lens that comes along with the camera body. It can be a great lens, to begin with, because of its variable focal length. The kit lens can be a great companion lens for an enthusiast. The second lens, which most of the photographers go for, and you should too, is a 50mm F/1.8 lens. It is a prime lens and is super cheap and amazing. The bokeh effect it creates will surely make you step out and click. You cannot alter the focal length in primes like a kit or zoom lens. This lens will allow you to move physically, and you will see a change in your perspective towards your subjects and capture stunning images.

Camera Bag

You got your camera and lenses and are ready to shoot and sharpen your skills, but how will you carry them all at once? Lenses are heavier than they look and fragile as well. You won’t dare to damage your new arsenal by carrying and tossing it around. Camera bags are the ones you go for to safeguard your camera equipment. Different photographers need different types of bags for their cameras. A landscape photographer will choose a hiking backpack for keeping his camera and lenses. He will be into the wild and might have a rough hike to find the perfect spot. Similarly, wedding photographers have a trolly suitcase and a backpack to carry every essential equipment they might need at the venue. Different photographers have different bags, and it is up to you what you want to own. Candid Photographer or street photographers carry small bags to stay unnoticed and attract less attention. Be sure to have a bag that can keep your camera safe.

Memory cards

You have everything ready to shoot your first photo on a camera, but suddenly you notice that something is missing in your camera. What is missing? It is a memory card that stores the captured image. Make sure you have a high-speed memory card that can save you time. High-speed memory cards help you in capturing and transferring images to a computer at a faster speed. A 16GB memory card is a must-have card, but the higher, the better. You can go a 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB memory card. Be sure you have multiple cards so that you never run out of space and worry about transferring the data to a laptop every time you are on the shoot.

Tripod

Just like a camera is the most important thing for a photographer, a tripod holds equal importance as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re are a beginner or an expert in your respective field a tripod will always boost your creativity and expand your artistic zone. One of the most famous tripod companies is Manfrotto. You can get the best tripod from them based on your need. For landscape photographers, a tripod is the extension of their camera.  A tripod helps them in capturing long exposure images of a scenic place, making it an even more beautiful image. Before you buy any tripod, make sure to know about the payload it can handle. Nowadays, high carbon fiber tripods are available that can carry heavy payloads. Choose the right one and add an extension to your photography.

Filters

What are filters? Good question! They are the glass pieces that are used to modify the light entering the camera. These filters fit in front of the lens and can change the amount of light that enters the lens and ultimately falls on the camera sensor. There are various types of filters, and each one has different functions. Filters are very important when you want to apply some artistic angle to your frame. You don’t need filters in abundance, but carrying one, two, and a set can be more than enough for you. There are:

1. ND (Neutral Density) filters.
2. Polarizing filters.
3. Clear filters.
4. ND Graduated Filters.

Flash

In candid photography, flash is not used at all due to the nature of photography. You cannot go on, setting off flashes on the faces and hoping to get natural emotions. A flash, however, is an essential part of some photography niches. In studios, flash acts as recognition equipment that you have entered a studio. Flashes are commonly used in studios, portrait photography, product photography, and many niches that have still subjects or planned photoshoots. When the frame is dark, you can light it up with the help of a flash. It can give you amazing photographs. Every camera now has inbuilt flash housing that can be used to illuminate the scene. You can also spend a few bucks and buy a separate flash that can be placed anywhere to give you good lighting for your photoshoots.

Batteries, extra batteries

As a photographer, you never know when you might run out. When you buy a camera kit, you get a battery in that kit. That single battery won’t help you if you have long shoots. To avoid the time lost during charging, keep extra batteries with you so that you can carry on with your work smoothly. Make sure you buy the correct battery as per your model and from a genuine seller. A third-party battery will damage your camera, so it’s better to buy a genuine battery from an authorized store. So, whenever you go on treks for wildlife or landscape photography, carry extra batteries so that you never miss a shot while charging a battery.

Best cameras for people with different levels of expertise

Everyone was a beginner at some point, and it is crucial to have the right gadget with you to begin your journey. Now I am going to list you some of the best cameras that you can go for based on your experience level.

Beginner level camera

• Nikon D5300

Let’s Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Mount Type: - Nikon F (DX)

Screen Specs: - 3 inch with 921,000 dots

Burst Speed: - 5fps

Video resolution: - Full HD 1080p

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Olympus E-M10 Mk IV

Let’s Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has a Micro Four Thirds sensor

Megapixels: - 20.3 MP

Mount Type: - MFT

Screen Specs: - 3inch with 1,037k dots, 180° tilt touchscreen

Viewfinder: - 2,360k dots and EVF

Burst Speed: - 8.7fps

Video resolution: - 4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Canon EOS 200D Mk II/Rebel SL3/250D

Let’s Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.1 MP

Mount Type: - EF-S

Screen Specs: - 3 inch with 1,040,000 dots

Burst Speed: - 5fps

Video resolution: -4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Fujifilm X-T200

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Mount Type: - Fujifilm X

Screen Specs: - 3 inch with 2,760k dots

Burst Speed: - 8fps

Video resolution: - 4K

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Sony ZV- E10

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Mount Type: - E Mount

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst Speed: - 11fps

Video resolution: - 4K 30p

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Lumix G100

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has a Micro Four Thirds sensor

Megapixels: - 20.3 MP

Mount Type: - MFT

Screen Specs: - 3inch with1,840k dots

Burst Speed: - 10fps

Video resolution: - 4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Nikon Z fc

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C CMOS sensor

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Screen Specs: - 3 inches with 1.04m dots

Burst Speed: - 11fps

Video resolution: - 4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Canon EOS M50 Mk II

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.1 MP

Mount Type: - EF-M

Screen Specs: - 3-inch with1,040k dots

Burst Speed: - 10fps

Video resolution: - 4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Nikon Z 50

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C CMOS sensor

Megapixels: - 20.9 MP

Screen Specs: - 3 inches with 1.04m dots

Burst Speed: - 11fps

Video resolution: - 4K UHD

Best suited for: - Beginners

• Sony A6000

Let's Talk about some specifications.

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Type of sensor: - It has an APS-C sensor

Megapixels: - 24.3 MP

Mount Type: - E mount

Screen Specs: - 3 inch with 921,000 dots

Burst Speed: - 11fps

Video resolution: - Full HD 1080p

Best suited for: - Beginners

Mid-level camera

• Canon 4000D

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Megapixels: - 18 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 3 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Nikon D3300

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 5 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Canon Rebel T7

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Megapixels: - 24 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 3 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Nikon D5100

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Megapixels: - 16 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 4 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Pentax K-70

Type of Camera: - It’s a DSLR

Megapixels: - 24 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 6 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Sony a68

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Megapixels: - 24 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 8 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Lumix G85

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Megapixels: - 16 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 30 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Olympus M10 Mk II

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Megapixels: - 16 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 8.5 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Sony A6100

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Megapixels: - 24 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 11 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

• Canon M100

Type of Camera: - It’s a Mirrorless

Megapixels: - 24 MP

Screen Specs: - LCD

Burst speed: - 6 fps

Best suited for: - Intermediates

Professional-level camera

• Canon R5

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 45 MP

Mount Type: - Canon RF

Screen Specs: - 3.15-inch touchscreen with 21,000k dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF(OLED), 100% coverage

Burst speed: - 12 fps mechanical and 20 fps electronic

Video Resolution: - 8K

Best suited for - Professional

• Canon R3

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 24.1 MP

Mount Type: - Canon RF

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 4.15 million dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF(OLED), 100% coverage, 120Hz

Burst speed: - 7 fps

Video Resolution: - 6K 60p

Best suited for - Professional

• Canon 5D Mk IV

Type of Camera: -DSLR

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 30.4 MP

Mount Type: - Canon EF

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1.62 million dots

Viewfinder Type: - Optical

Burst speed: - 7 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Sony A1

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 50.1 MP

Mount Type: - E Mount

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen with 1.44 million dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF with 9.44 million dots

Burst speed: - 10 fps mechanical and 50 fps electronic

Video Resolution: - 8K

Best suited for - Professional

• Sony A9 Mk II

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 24.2 MP

Mount Type: - E Mount

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen with 1.44 million dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF

Burst speed: - 10 fps mechanical and 20 fps electronic

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Sony A7R Mk IV

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 61 MP

Mount Type: - Canon RF

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen with 1.44 million dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF with 5.76m dots

Burst speed: - 10 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Nikon Z9

Type of Camera: - DSLR

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 45.7 MP

Mount Type: - Nikon Z

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen with 1.04m dots

Burst speed: - 20 fps

Video Resolution: - 8K

Best suited for - Professional

• Nikon D850

Type of Camera: - DSLR

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 45.7 MP

Mount Type: - Nikon F

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.3m dots

Viewfinder Type: - Optical

Burst speed: - 7 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Nikon Z7 Mk II

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame CMOS

Megapixels: - 45.7 MP

Mount Type: - Mount Z

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 21,000k dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF, 100% coverage

Burst speed: - 10 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Fuji X-T4

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - APS-C

Megapixels: - 26.1 MP

Mount Type: - Fujifilm X

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen

Viewfinder Type: - EVF with 3.69m dots

Burst speed: - 15 fps mechanical and 30 fps electronic

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Fuji GFX 100S

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Medium Format

Megapixels: - 102 MP

Mount Type: - Fujifilm G

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.36m dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF with 5.76m dots

Burst speed: - 5 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Lumix SR1

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Full-frame

Megapixels: - 47.3 MP

Mount Type: - L Mount

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2.1m dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF

Burst speed: - 9 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Lumix GH5

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Micro four thirds

Megapixels: - 20.3 MP

Mount Type: - MFT Mount

Screen Specs: - 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1.62m dots

Viewfinder Type: - EVF

Burst speed: - 12 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Olympus E-M1X

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: - 20.4 MP

Mount Type: - MFT

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen

Viewfinder Type: - EVF

Burst speed: - 15 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K

Best suited for - Professional

• Olympus E-M1 Mk III

Type of Camera: - Mirrorless

Sensor Type: - Micro Four Thirds

Megapixels: - 20.4 MP

Mount Type: - MFT

Screen Specs: - 3-inch touchscreen

Viewfinder Type: - EVF

Burst speed: - 15 fps

Video Resolution: - 4K/4k(cropped)

Best suited for – Professional

Conclusion

With all the cameras listed above, you can go for any of these based on your level. Remember, a device doesn’t make you great, but it helps in your journey towards greatness. In the end, your skills and passion will be the only things that will matter. This article is all about the gadgets you might want to invest in before choosing photography as a career. These gadgets will help you go a long way if used properly. With all that being told, we wish you the best of luck for future endeavors in photography. Till then, keep clicking.

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