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What is the best camera to buy for a beginner photographer?

Cory Ryan
Professional Wedding Photographer
Cory Ryan is a Professional Wedding Photographer who runs Cory Ryan Photography based in Austin, Texas. She has over 15 years of photography experience and specializes in weddings and events. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and Junebug Weddings. She received a BA in Media Production and Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

Cory Ryan

Professional Wedding Photographer

Expert Answer

I suggest buying a mirrorless camera. They're smaller and lighter than a DSLR, so they won't weigh you down if you're shooting for a long time, and since they don't have a shutter that opens and closes, you have the option to shoot silently, if you choose.

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What camera would you recommend for someone who is a rookie in photography?

Community Answer

Definitely the Samsung wb200f. It was my first camera and lets you play around with manual mode, has great zoom, is really compact and easy to use.

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Question

I want to be able to take a picture of the hummingbirds at our feeders from 300 feet away and blow it up to an 8 X10. What camera and lense do I need?

ConnorFisher

Community Answer

Any brand of high-quality DSLR or SLR should work well. As far as the lens goes, you'll need a telephoto or super telephoto.

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Question

What camera can be recommended for a movie shooting?

ConnorFisher

Community Answer

If you'd like high-quality photos that can be used in a film, opt for a DSLR.

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What is the difference in image sharpness between 20 mp and 36 mp?

Community Answer

The difference would be evident if you try to use it in large prints (banners, billboard etc.) or when you're inspecting it pixel by pixel. However, for just casual viewing of photos, there won't be much of a difference.

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What camera is good for someone who wants to start practicing photography?

Community Answer

Use the FujiFilm Instax Mini 8. It was my first camera, and they come in many simple and cute colors. It’s really easy to use, and it’s portable.

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I'm starting out on filmmaking and have heard a lot of good things about the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 (DSLR). It cost ‪1526,54‬ USD and I'm not sure I should buy it?

Bryce Carithers Photography

Community Answer

Look at buying a Sony A6000 or a used Canon Eos 80D or a Rebel Sl3/Eos 250D. The Sony A6000 has one of the best crop sensors on earth (24.2 mp Exmor R) paired with the BIONZ X processor. The Canons both have 24mp sensors with different variations of the Digic processor. The only camera that shoots 4k is the Sl3. All three have the necessary inputs for video. All three also have low pass filters (good for video not for photo). Buy one of these, then get the 16-50 for the Sony paired with the 55-250 kit lens. For both Canons, buy the 18-135 kit lens. That leaves you with some money left over to get Adobe Premier, a good computer and a Rode Videmic Go.

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I’m only 16 but I want to start taking pictures for my Insta account and eventually do photo shoots. I have a lot of experience with b+w photography and developing. Should I get a DSLR?

Bryce Carithers Photography

Community Answer

The best thing to do would be to get a Nikon D3500 or a D5600. They come with very good kit lenses and have great image quality and a great feature set. They also have guide modes to help you learn. Also look at getting a good cheap laptop and a 35mm 1.8g fx Nikkor, 18-55 afp, 70-300vr 4.5-5.6, a tripod, a Nikkor 50mm 1,8g fx and a Nikkor 85mm 1.8g fx. Always shoot RAW and learn how to use Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.

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Which camera is good for someone who likes traveling, trekking and hiking a lot?

Bryce Carithers Photography

Community Answer

Nikon D3500 or Canon Rebel Sl3/Eos 250d. Two of the smallest DSLRs on earth and you will have lots of room to grow in the brand's ecosystem. Lean towards the D3500 for photo and the Sl3 for video. The D3500 has a 24.2mp Sony Exmor R Cmos sensor (one of the best crop sensors on Earth) paired with the Expeed 4 image processor from the professional $6500 D4S. The only downside to it is that it doesn't have that many features such as WiFi or a mic input. If you want this, look at the D5600. The sl3 has a 24mp sensor (though not as good as the D3500), has dual pixel AF for smooth and accurate live view AF, has a mic input, and a tilt/swivel touchscreen.

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Question

Which type of 3100 digital camera should I choose? What battery does it take?

Amanda Cousins

Community Answer

A point-and-shoot 3100 model works well and takes AA batteries. You can buy it online or in person.

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